Urbanist Guide


Mel Lim

Designer, Mel Lim Design, mellim.com/
Live: Little Italy
Work: Little Italy
How long: 7 years
BREAKFAST:
My ideal breakfast would be dim sum on Sunday at Emerald Chinese Seafood on Convoy . My must-haves include, turnip cakes, har gow (shrimp dumpling), sticky rice, tofu fa (sweet tofu) and egg tarts. When I have "adventurous" guests with me, we would do the spareribs and stewed chicken feet. I always get jasmine tea to go with the meal.

LUNCH:
I am a big lunch eater and my favorite spot is C Level on Harbor Island Drive. I always start with the crispy calamari, and for my entrée, it's either the lobster blt sandwich or crusted ahi tuna. For dessert, I always get the incredible mud pie. C-Level has the best outdoor dining experience in San Diego, with a stunning view overlooking the bay. I love watching the sail boats while enjoying a glass of desi arnaz. I love SD because of this! All of our out-of-town guests and clients always leave this place wishing they live in SD.

DINNER:
I get lazy during dinner time, so I would walk 2 blocks over to Buon Appetito on India Street for my favorite Linguini allo Scoglio (seafood pasta) and a glass of white. If I am craving steak, Po Pazzo has the best Sicilian rib eye steak. For dessert, (if I still have room), I would grab a chocolate milkshake to-go from Burger Lounge.

BAR:
I am not a big bar type gal, but I enjoy happy hour at Sushi Nobu at the Hard Rock Hotel. I love the lychee, mango and bellini martinis. They are so delish! While I'm there, I have to get the Tasmanian Sea Trout and Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice. YUM!