San Diego: The City on the Move

Hispanic Times Magazine, Jan, 2001 by Robert Kendall, Gloria Davis

Roger's on Fifth is a classy restaurant featuring the finest food in a delightful setting. Michelle Ranaud, marketing director, arranged for us to go there. The walls are lined with colorful photos of San Diego's famous residents, much like Sardi's in New York City, in which its walls are lined with pictures of famous show business personalities.

Chef Larry Banares, appearing on Channel 10 in San Diego (ABC) and on the Warner Cable with "Chef Larry's Cuisine" brings 24 years of experience to Roger's on Fifth diners. The restaurant is named after former Mayor of San Diego and prominent current talk show host Roger Hedgecock. A former tenant of the building where the restaurant now sits was Wyatt Earp, who moved to San Diego after the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona. Some of the famous San Diegans lining the walls are Charles Lindbergh, Dr. Seuss, Frank Zappa, Dr. Jonas Salk, and Florence Chadwick.

As for the culinary fare, the baked onion soup with tart apple was a unique taste treat. Scented with ruby port, topped with puff pastry, and glazed with bleu cheese, it was piping hot and delicious. We ordered herb crusted scallops laced with scallion white wine sauce, and pan roasted salmon with braised leeks and mushrooms. These were taste treats we thoroughly enjoyed. Our host, George Harrington III, dropped by our table to inquire if everything met with our satisfaction. We assured George that we were delighted with our wonderful dinners. George comes to Roger's on Fifth from the Atlantic City Trump Plaza, and is familiar with fine dining establishments nationally. He recognizes Roger's on Fifth as one of the nation's finest.

LEGOLAND. California situated in Carlsbad, is one of the finest family parks of its kind. By stimulating creativity and imagination through hands-on recreation, LEGOLAND, California, carries on the tradition of making children's play a learning experience. There is the Imagination Zone, Castle Hill, Fun Town, Village Green, Miniland, and the Ridge. There are 1,000 Lego models fabricated from 30 million Lego elements.

Mission San Luis Rey at 4050 Mission Avenue in Oceanside is the largest of California's 21 missions. It is a National Landmark, welcoming visitors throughout the week as well as on Sunday.