Sunroad Collision Center

...it stalled in the middle of the road on the way home. I restarted the car and was on my way again, but it certainly didn't make for a happy homecoming experience. When I called the shop to tell them what happened, they told me to just bring it back if it happens again. My car had been stolen and recovered, and though it seemed to have only been used to transfer stolen parts from other people's less fortunate cars, there was enough body damage to make it a relatively substantial repair. I brought it to Sunroad because it was contracted with Pacific Honda. While the lengthy repair time was understandable, the person in charge of my account was not easily accessible and had some difficulty working with my insurance company. The paint job was well matched in colour, but I could see an uneven pattern in the repaired areas. All in all, my car was creaky for a bit afterwards, but eventually things settled down without any big problems.

All American Paint & Body

I've had the misfortune of having my car stolen once and hit twice since moving to San Diego, but fortunately I've found All American Paint and Body to patch up my car. I had a bad experience with another place before following a word of mouth recommendation to this body shop. I've taken my car here twice for relatively extensive work, and each time I get my car back running as smoothly as ever and looking brand new. The mechanics are professional and quick to keep me updated on my vehicle during the repair process. Because they are contracted with 21st Century, my auto insurance company, the paperwork was minimal and any work they do for a claim has a lifetime guarantee. They also perform a test drive after repairs to check that everything is well and do a rather thorough interior and exterior detailing. Now I wouldn't take my car anywhere else!

Ucsd Medical Center la Jolla Thornton Hospital

Since my early years at UCSD, I had always heard that Thornton Hospital was a great place to be if you found yourself in need of a hospital. This I learned more personally when my friend's appendix burst during our second year of college. Thank goodness we have this hospital to make up for Student Health, because a highly reputable and skilled surgeon was able to save his life and sew him up without complications. The doctor was tough but thorough on follow up appointments. What is less important in the big picture but still struck me as impressive was the atmosphere when I went to visit him during recovery. When you walk in the front doors, it almost feels like you're entering a luxury hotel instead of a hospital. With their attention to detail and truly expert patient care, you will know you are in good hands here.

Pacific Honda

I brought my Honda with me when I moved to San Diego, but I can always rely on Pacific Honda to serve most of my automobile needs. When my old car was under its Honda warranty, they took care of the single problem I had quickly and professionally. Their Express oil change service is great! The mechanics are always friendly and ready to help, and the time saved, fluid replacement and point checks make the somewhat high price worthwhile.

However, do not bring your car here for body shop work. They contract out to a nearby shop that took forever on my car and did not do a very good job at all.

Royal India Express

The Star of India Express was a great addition to the UTC mall food court. I have been hooked on their curry chicken and mixed vegetables since the first time they lured me in with their free samples. Their combo meals are great for assembling your own mix of dishes, and I absolutely love their samosas. It's a perfect place for a quick lunch or grabbing dinner to bring back for late nights at work.

P F Chang's China Bistro

My host faculty professor took me to P.F. Chang's for lunch during graduate school interview weekend. The atmosphere was fun and festive, if a bit on the louder side. The food is certainly Asian American rather than traditional Asian, but everything we ordered was very tasty and also felt quite healthy. I highly recommend this location for professional outings.

Jake's Del Mar

Jake's has been an annual work brunch tradition for the past couple of years. It sits on the beach in Del Mar, giving a beautiful view of the ocean while you sit comfortably inside. The tasty dishes are often unique seafood combinations in everyday food concepts. And there is nothing better than a walk with the cool ocean breeze following a fulfilling meal.

The Original Pancake House

The Original Pancake House has become a favourite breakfast spot for myself, friends, and my family when they visit. Their menu includes all the traditional breakfast foods that you can order in a lot of places, but somehow they make everything taste better! They also have more fun things, like fruit or chocolate chip pancakes and dutch babies pancakes made in a special oven. Their hot chocolate comes richly decorated in whipped cream and chocolate chips. I can't wait to go back again!

PROS: Dutch oven pancakes, can't beat the taste of their food
CONS: Parking lot fills up quickly, long waits during busy hours, limited hours

Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant

I first visited this restaurant for a friend's birthday dinner celebration. This is one of the best places in San Diego for a festive family style dinner. Portions are large, delicious, and made for sharing. Large groups are best so you can order lots of dishes and try a bit of everything. My favourite dish there is the marsala chicken. In addition to great food, the atmosphere is energetic and fun. The walls are painted in bright colours, while the decorations and music make you feel like you might actually be in Italy.

Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks

Islands is one of the few off campus options for UCSD students without car transportation, and I have a lot of fond memories from freshman year there. It has many more non beef options than any other burger place I know, and everything I've tried on their menu is delicious. The prices are a bit higher than normal for burgers but worthwhile for their large size, all the fixings, and great taste. They also have my favourite version of oriental chicken salad and a great deal on a giant plate of tasty fries. The island atmosphere is also quite fun, and service has always been excellent.

PROS: Fun island atmosphere, giant delicious burgers
CONS: Be prepared for a long wait during peak hours