eat
Drugstore Hamburger at A.R. Valentien
The Secret’s Out
When dining at these San Diego eateries, some of the
best dishes are reserved for those with inside information.
BY ALINA OROZCO
Secret menu items are no longer limited
to fast food chains like In-N-Out, where
in-the-know customers order “animal style”
burgers or fries, opt for a protein-style
burger wrapped in lettuce instead of buns,
or request a Neapolitan shake. In fact,
fine-dining eateries are now regularly
offering off-menu specials and classified
concoctions. Why all the secrecy? The
answer is simple: It’s fun. Uncovering these
culinary treasures is like unlocking the door
to a clandestine club. And the hidden dishes
often prove to be some of the best tasting,
as well.
To feel less like a tourist and more like a
local, try ordering off the menu—no secret
handshake required. Read on for a guide to
delectable, hush-hush dishes around town.
14
CALI TACO
PUESTO
This downtown eatery is anything but a typ-
ical taqueria: Innovative interiors and from-
scratch menu options have made Puesto a
local favorite. Some say it has even redefined
Mexican cuisine in San Diego. Look like a
regular by ordering the Cali Taco. Here, a
typical California burrito gets a gourmet twist
with filet mignon wrapped in crispy melted
cheese, topped with guacamole, fried potato
strips, red tomatillo, jalapeno and crema. (789
W. Harbor Dr.; 619-233-8880; eatpuesto.com)
PASTRAMI FRIES
RARE FORM
In East Village, at a modern delicatessen
called Rare Form, the secret pastrami fries
IN-N-HAUTE BURGER
JUNIPER & IVY
You’ll likely recognize chef Richard Blais’
name from Bravo’s “Top Chef,” but you’ll
remember Juniper & Ivy for its sleek space
and globally inspired menu. As a nod to the
West Coast’s favorite, not-so-secret menu
options at In-N-Out Burger, this hot spot
offers its own take on the fast food eatery’s
famous “animal-style” patties: meat cooked
with mustard and topped with pickles, grilled
onions and extra Thousand Island-type spread
in addition to the typical lettuce and tomato.
The In-N-Haute burger, which weighs in at 7
ounces, is made from ground short rib, brisket
and chuck mixed with dry-aged beef fat. The
patty and onions are cooked with mustard and
served with an “animal-style” sauce, as well
as bread and butter pickles on a brioche bun,
and a side of thrice-cooked fries. (2228 Ketner
Blvd.; 619-269-9036; juniperandivy.com)
Pastrami fries at Rare Form
are layered with thick-cut house-cured pas-
trami, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and topped
with a special sauce. Created by the restau-
rant’s workers for their own indulgent snack,
this insider secret was eventually shared with
special guests and passed along to other con-
noisseurs, quickly becoming a favorite among
those lucky enough to try the dish. The spe-
cial fries are sometimes highlighted on social
media, but remain off the menu. (793 J St.;
619-255-6507; godblessrareform.com)