Hamilton's Cafe's grilled cheese sandwich was reviewed in today's Union-Tribune.

The review described the sandwich as "a gift from God" because it's stuffed with "avocado, bacon, smoke ham, apple slices and such."

I haven't yet tried the grilled cheese (despite the fact I work a shift at Hamilton's), and to describe anything as a "gift from God"--especially food--makes the simple sandwich very tempting.

lei back cafe, originally uploaded by D.B. Blas.

Lei Back Cafe opened in South Park in the Summer of 2007. In a year and a half, this shoe box-sized sandwich shop made a positive difference in South Park's quality of life. I will miss one of my favorite sandwiches: the chicken pesto sandwich. Good bye good place. And good luck to Justine, Jimmy, and the boys.

Beer Crazed San Diegans
San Diego is beer obsessed, and that's probably a good thing.

Judging from the quantity and quality of comments on a recent article printed in a local newspaper, San Diegans appear to enjoy high-quality, well-crafted ales. As with 99% of online opinions, you'll have the two cents from the "haters," those who hate everything--beer included, and this article definitely brought them out.

The article, written by Peter Rowe, a feature columnist whose specialty is beer, is written like a program (the kind you get at sporting events), and discusses some of the places--good and bad--to get beer.

Download the PDF "program" here.

Family and Friends Update

San Diego Wildfires 2007
Originally uploaded by D.B. Blas.

My area of San Diego, South Park, isn't as adversely affected as northern and southeastern San Diego County. I'm seeing smoke in the skies, as the above picture suggests, and very little ash falling from the sky.

Probably the most affective aspect of the 2007 San Diego Wildfire for me is my inability to make a living as a substitute teacher because all city schools are closed for the rest of the week.

Classes have also been canceled, and that might hamper my academic progress. I'm looking forward to finishing during February 2008, but I will just have to wait and see. I'm not going to complain, either, because there are too many here who are experiencing more significant difficulties, and they're handling it like troopers.

You can follow me and receive real-time updates at Twitter.

Air Quality
The high particulate matter in the air has caused the cancellation of practice for the resurgent San Diego Chargers.

San Diego County is tracking air quality here.

It's currently sunny in South Park (92104, where I live); however, when I look north and east the sky looks very gritty.

The local NPR affiliate, KPBS News, is streaming its newscast and it's continuing wildfire coverage.

Qualcomm Stadium is now an evacuation center.

BLAS 0597
Originally uploaded by D.B. Blas.

Riddles at Hamilton's Tavern in South Park.