As ethnic neighborhoods in other cities assimilate to American life, the exuberant local flavor of San Diego's Little Italy remains both culturally and culinarily distinct. Tucked between Interstate 5 and San Diego Bay southeast of San Diego International Airport, the blocks surrounding the landmark Our Lady of the Rosary Roman Catholic Church contain many of the most notable eateries and gourmet cafes in "America's Finest City." Join Maria Desiderata Montana, a daughter of that Italian heritage and one of the city's most notable food writers, on this savory tour through the zesty Italian food traditions, businesses and recipes both in Little Italy and across San Diego.
Maria Desiderata Montana is the author of several successful San Diego food books. Maria is the publisher of San Diego Food Finds, a top online food guide. She is food and wine editor of Fine Magazine and a food critic for the San Diego Union-Tribune.