3 Calif. Cities Named 'Delicious Destinations' In U.S.

CALIFORNIA — One of the things that makes California an appealing place to live — and visit — is the food. A group of four travel writers for Expedia recently compiled a list of their top "delicious destinations" around the country, and it appears they agree. Their 11 picks included big cities and small towns, with San Francisco, Pasadena and San Diego among those choices.

About Pasadena, travel blogger Kohleun Adamson writes, "It’s no secret that Los Angeles has amazing food, but the surrounding cities are really coming into their own, attracting new places while honoring established favorites. Perhaps most famous for hosting the Rose Bowl and the Tournament of Roses Parade, Pasadena (and surrounding towns) has so much more to explore and taste. Home to the Gamble House, Old Pasadena shopping district, Descanso Gardens, and the incomparable Huntington Library, Pasadena and the towns of the San Gabriel Valley are well worth special attention, especially of the culinary kind."

The Pasadena restaurants that impressed her fellow travel writer Lily Rogers were: Himalayan Cafe, with its delectable dumplings and curries; Lincoln's, for its scones; Lucky Boy (breakfast burritos); and Pie 'n Burger.

San Diego's unique location, Adamson writes "blends traditional Mexican and coastal flavors, which explains why it legitimately boasts the tastiest fish tacos on earth—we’re looking at you, South Beach Bar & Grille! Street food aside, America’s Finest City’s size and diverse population have enabled exotic and creative eating establishments to flourish when they might flounder in other coastal cities. And while San Diego’s laid-back vibe and beach culture make it the ultimate brunch spot, you needn’t look far to find some of the most sophisticated, complex flavors around."

The San Diego picks for her fellow travel writer Meredith Castin and include: Hillcrest's Fig Tree Cafe (fig and ricotta French toast); Brockton Villa in La Jolla (Coast Toast for brunch); and Plumeria for Thai food.

Favorite San Diego spots for Lily include: Tacos el Paisa on National Avenue and BeShock Ramen and Saki bar in East Village.

San Francisco, Adamson writes, "is full of gastronomic wonders, and we could spend our lives gorging our way through its restaurants, markets, and street food. From life-changing sandwiches at tried-and-true corner stores like Roxie Food Center to big, family-style menus like Delfina’s to California fare at places like uber-popular State Bird Provisions, there are seemingly endless ways to treat yourself to something delicious. The best way we’ve found to tackle being spoiled for choice is to focus on favorite flavors, explore variety in neighborhood and genre, and trust the locals."

Among the group's top picks in SF were: Bund Shanghai (xiao long bao); Maybeck’s (oysters, burgers, pork chops); Eats (brunch); The Buena Vista (Irish coffee, ribs); and La Taqueria (carne asada crispy burrito).

Here's the full list of the "delicious destinations" around the U.S., in no particular order.

• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
• Austin, Texas
• Pasadena, California
• Tempe, Arizona
• Brooklyn, New York
• McMinnville, Oregon
• Alexandria, Virginia
• San Diego, California
• Santa Fe, New Mexico
• San Francisco, California

See more about Expedia's "delicious destinations" here.

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