Since I can’t travel, I went on a food exploration of the South Bay, San Diego and found so many choices. First stop was Star Dust Donuts in Imperial Beach which has been there since 1967. The sole owner sells inexpensive donuts and the community knows him well. A word of advice is to bring small bills because he refuses (and I do mean refuses) to take $20 bills.

Stardust donut shop eating inexpensive donut

Star Dust Donut Shop with inexpensive donuts

Next I happened to see Babycakes cupcake shop and ordered a tres leches cupcake. I’ve gone to their other San Diego locations and the cupcakes are consistently good. The problem is deciding which ones to buy!

In the Babycakes cupcake store and happy with my cupcake

Babycakes and taking my tres leches box home

When it was time for lunch, I sat outside at Sea180 restaurant. That’s the Imperial Beach pier pictured behind me at the restaurant. How scenic and relaxing is this for lunch?  I’d say so.

Holding plate of shrimp enchiladas by the beach

Lunch is shrimp enchiladas

After lunch, the route took me to National City with a big Filipino community. I kept hearing about the bakeries selling breads and Valerio’s City Bakery had the most delicious pan de sal and cheese rolls. They are freshly baked with a soft interior and one bite wins you over. People line up early for the rolls and I know why.

On the way home and a good way to end the adventure was stopping at Niederfrank’s Ice Cream.  The shop has been in this area since the 1940’s and is proud to make fresh ice cream using the best ingredients. Some of the flavors are traditional and then there’s the unexpected taste provoking flavors written on the posted board. Never a disappointment.

eating ice cream in front of Niederfranks

Always a good day for Niederfrank’s Ice cream

Now I need a nap once I get home!