One of the things I like to do is dine out. In the local vernacular, dine out means not eating at home.
It’s no secret that my favorite restaurant is On The Border, a national chain. There’s nothing quite like a grande raspberry (remember to roll your R’s) swirl margarita accompanied by queso, guacamole, enchiladas, and rice, with a couple of jalapeños resting comfortably on top of the enchiladas.
Throughout the years, though, I also have learned that the local mom & pop hole-in-the-wall restaurants often are quite good. Unfortunately, some of them can also be quite bad, so it’s hit & miss when I try a new one.
In some cases, the book cover encourages me to go inside. Here’s one such book cover that I found in the Clairemont Mesa East neighborhood of San Diego:
The’s Studio Diner (says it on the sign; that’s how I know), located at 4701 Ruffin Road.
Studio Diner was built in the ’40s as a “roadside stop.” It is wrapped in chrome, lighted with lots of neon, and decorated inside with behind-the-scenes movie-making equipment. Not coincidentally I don’t imagine, it is set on the lot of a working movie and TV studio, Stu Segall Productions.
You might remember Silk Stalkings and Renegade, both filmed at Stu Segal Productions. Many TV shows and movies have been set here in San Diego, but Silk Stalkings was the first to be filmed entirely in San Diego.
I was by the diner at 7:30 a.m. heading to an 8:00 appointment so I did not get to stop to try their food. The place was quite busy, and it took me a while to get pictures without people or cars in them…. or maybe I just removed the people and cars using Photoshop…. You will never know!
Their web site says that they accept local celebrities so I know I am welcome. More importantly, though, they serve food specifically for the enjoyment of people like me. Check out their verbiage: “fun for the senses,” “serving comfort food,” and “basics like Burgers, Bacon & Eggs, grilled cheese and Reuben sandwiches, chicken pot pies.”
Ah-ha! I always have wondered what comfort food is! Now I know! It’s food that tastes really, really good…. but it is not good for you. My favorite kind of food. Maybe I will go eat there this weekend!
Need a unique gift?
Consider Photographic Art!
Visit Russel Ray Photos.
Visit Photographic Art by Russel Ray Photos at Fine Art America.
►►►►◄◄◄◄
Looking for real estate services in San Diego County?
I can highly recommend James Frimmer, Realtor, CDPE
CA BRE #01458572
►►►►◄◄◄◄
If you’re looking for a home inspector,
I recommend Russel Ray — that’s me!
What a great looking diner!
LikeLike
And it’s right here in San Diego, not in Hollywood! Makes it easier to get to, and since it serves my favorite food, I’ll probably have a food critic’s review soon!
LikeLike
With pictures of the food as well I hope? 🙂
LikeLike
Oh, yeah!
LikeLike
Nice styling on the building! I hope that when you try their food it is really good! I think if you walk in and it smells good, that should be a clue! Hugs and be well – Jane
LikeLike
It’s “comfort food.” Of course it’s going to smell good!……….LOL
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
please do try to eat their.. I used to eat at a place called the LA dinner that looked a little bit like this. I just want to see the inside and if it is a cool at the outside.
LikeLike
Maybe if I tell them I have a Southern California blog and want to feature them, they’ll let me take lots of pictures!
LikeLike
hoorah! I hope so
LikeLike
Just came home from eating there. I had a San Diegan burger. It was huge, and delicious!
LikeLike
great hope you took photos of the inside also
LikeLike
It was extremely busy so I only got to take one picture of the inside.
LikeLike
ahhh shoot was it like the outside? will you post about it?
LikeLike
Oh, yeah. Got pictures of the food the three of us had and the cool bar.
LikeLike
great old diner 😀
LikeLike
Are you talking about the building or me?…………..LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank You for liking my Paintings an my Drawings !!! 🙂 *Cynthia
LikeLike
❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
LikeLike
Why, oh why is the really good stuff always bad for you?
LikeLike
I will try to remember this next time I am in So. Cal!
LikeLike
Please try the chicken pot pie, even if it takes a few visits to get to that dish.
LikeLike
With those scrumptious-looking burgers and you want me to try a chicken pot pie? Ha! Well, maybe after a few visits, but if the burgers taste as good as they look, I’ll never get past the burgers. And, by the way, Jim and I, and my new employee, Julian, are going there tonight, in just five minutes! Pictures Monday since tomorrow is Blog Love day.
LikeLike
I love to eat.
food, glorious food.
LikeLike
I just got home from eating at Studio Diner. I had the San Diego burger, and it was huge! And good! Very good! Very, very good!
LikeLike
Can’t wait for the full report! 🙂
LikeLike
Pingback: SNIPPETS (5-17-14)—You’re ugly, dirty lyrics, wwjd, and more! | Russel Ray Photos