Different parts of the country approach memorial services in a myriad of ways.  Of course, in the area of the south where I grew it’s a process of “setting up” with the family, “visitation” and obviously…lots of food.  Funerals seemed to be a every week occurrence in a small town. We had “Precious Memories”, “Farther Along” and “I Won’t Have to Cross Jordan Alone” at the ready. The ingredients for Chicken and Dressing, Coconut Cake and Funeral Salad were staples at our house. Then, I worked in a church for several years and that really sealed my dislike for the entire memorial process…except for the food.  Today, if I have anything to do with remembering someone it’s by way of celebration.   For the Memorial Day weekend we’ve been visiting chosen family in San Diego so we decided to focus on the just the food part of Memorial Day and shared some precious memories about those that have gone before.

Upon arrival we were greeted by our cousins citrus trees.

  

 

Naturally, I immediately made a gathered fruit and made “citrusade”…lemons, oranges and tangerines.

I think I mentioned this before but I’m not sure why everything taste so much fresher in California.  There’s a place I was introduced to when we visited two years ago and made it a point to return this time.  The concept and design is so innovative, yet so obvious.  True Food Kitchen is so impressive…from the open air design to the beautifully articulated menu.

The fire pit table made me want to move in!!!

Sea Bass Tacos, Turkey Wrap and “Green” Salad

Again, in the genius concept and design category…Project Pizza Pie.  This is in the Hillcrest District of San Diego.  I’m not sure how they’re making money but I love the idea.  The pizza’s are 11″.  There’s a choice of seven artisan pizzas they’ve designed or you can build your own from the twenty-six toppings.  Here’s the WOW factor…every pizza is $7.50. That’s right, you can have tomato sauce and cheese pizza or pile up all twenty-six toppings and it’s still $7.50.  If that weren’t enough…after you order you pizza is ready in 90 seconds…WHAT?!?!?  We hadn’t even gotten seated when they called our name.  Truly AMAZING and delicious!!!  Sorry, so intrigued by the place I didn’t photograph the finished product.

Saturday was our day to visit Little Italy.  Those of you that know us personally know that a year ago at this time we were in “Big Italy”…the realla dealla!!! Three members of our chosen family that traveled with us live in San Diego.  Thus, it was fitting that the five of us spent the day Saturday in the district San Diegans call Little Italy.  We began at the Farmer’s Market…here’s where you can practice your surprised expression.  Surely, you didn’t think I would go to California not visit a Farmer’s Market…actually, we did the Santa Monica market but it was such a mad house I didn’t try to take photos.  However, check out this only in San Diego moment…

Fresh Sea Urchin (Uni)

Served in the shell. Of note, we think of Uni as a Japanese Sashimi delicacy…actually, most Uni is imported to Japan from the US. It’s a very delicate flavor and has the consistency of foie gras.

   

Of course, the mollusk is my weakness.  Here, they shuck them as fast as you can eat them.

The Fabulous Five at Davanti’s in Little Italy.

focaccia di Recco…ligurian style baked focaccia+ fresh soft cow cheese & honeycomb

truffle egg toast + fontina + asparagus

Make your own Charcuterie Board and Vino from Montepluciano…of course!!!

Oops, I didn’t make it to the end of the post before “a good time was had by all”!!!

We arrived at 3PM for “Lunner” and conveniently at  4PM happy hour started so we tried the Pate and the Meatballs from that menu, TOO!!!  We over indulged in every way but it was a really fun way to remember a really fun trip with really great people.

Sunday was a time for sweet recollections of a beautiful woman.  The waters off of Carlsbad Beach is a special place to remember “Aunt Mackie” and reflect on the lessons she taught so many as well as her intoxicating energy.  Her spirit is always with us but it was a beautiful day to visit her special place…for me but especially for her daughter and nephew.

Last one I promise…we watched a video that was a Christmas gift from The Kings that also went on the trip.  Here we took our picture in front of the video with a still shot of the whole group.  Great memories on Memorial Day weekend.

One more seafood shot…Point Loma is almost overwhelming.  The market has every kind of seafood you can imagine.  Walk up to the counter tell them what you want and in a matter of minutes you are engulfed in the true treasures of the sea.  Did I mention I have a mollusk fettish…not just oysters but yes, I do love them; A LOT!!!

Then, in a total surprise we drove up to Point Loma just for the view. We didn’t know that Fort Rosecrans National cemetary was on the point as well. This was actually Monday…Memorial Day.  While my loved ones are not resting there I had to remember our fathers who fought in World War II and my Uncle Candler who has a stone in France…but never came home.  Somber but Precious Memories!!!

Now,  you finally get to see the results of our visit to the Farmer’s Market…

Ricotta with Fresh Apricots and Apricot Preserves, Chorizo and Pecorino

I can’t take credit for this other than presentation.  Our cousin owns a Jazzercise studio and one of her clients is Amy Finley…winner of the third season of The Next Food Network Star.  This is Larb that she did for a nutrition class at the studio.  Thanks Amy…fresh and delicious!!!

Mixed Grill Skewers of Scottish Salmon, Alaskan Halibut, Hawaiian Tombo and Pacific Prawn with Point Loma Tartar Sauce

Roasted Japanese Eggplant and Roly Poly Zucchini with Fresh Pasta and Marinara from Assenti’s

 

Sesame Green Beans and Roasted Rainbow Carrots.

My Facebook friends have let me know they are weary from our travels.  It’s back to the real world today. However, I must say Southern California is LOVELY and a FABULOUS time was had by ALL!!!