A gastronomical shopping experience awaits gourmands at Bristol Farms La Jolla, which opened its most recent locations on Genesee Avenue and in Palm Desert last year. The 15-aisle gourmet store, which originated in Los Angeles in 1982, makes its own dry-aged meats along with rotisserie ducks, French-style crepes and specialty pizzas. From the section featuring oils and vinegars from around the world, you’ll find balsamic choices aged more than 25 years – some fetching upward of $300 for 4 ounces.

Additionally, the inventory includes meat and pasta sauces from Europe, artisan cheeses, wines and, as of this month, a host of grocery products from Australia such as nuts and fruit spreads.

The atmosphere is oh-so-nice, too. Customers are greeted with ceramic-tiled floors and track lighting that shows off the Mission-style décor, not to mention hand-painted murals depicting what the surrounding area looked like at the beginning of the 19th century. And to cure those hunger pangs that typically strike while food shopping, the store embodies a full-service café staffed by 10 trained chefs!

Med Grill on University Avenue in Hillcrest recently came under new ownership and has begun serving American-style breakfasts from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon daily. Its new proprietor, Patricio Meza, vows that he’ll keep all of the Middle Eastern items on the menu established by the former owners, although he will soon be adding steaks, burgers, pasta dishes and occasional lobster specials to the dinner list. The belly dancers dressed in their traditional raiment are staying on board, offering shimmering entertainment on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

I made an accidental bakery discovery last week when poking around a strip plaza on Camino de la Reina. It’s called Kona Kakes and specializes in round and sheet “tropical cakes” made with fresh fruits and macadamia nuts imported from Hawaii. From a selection of about 15 different varieties, there are cakes made with kiwi, guava, mango and passion fruit. However, the biggest seller is the caramel macadamia cake with hazelnut cream. The cakes come in five different sizes, from 8-inch rounds to full-sheet rectangular. Some are available for walk-in purchase although most require two to three days advance ordering by calling (619) 294-6676.

Heaven Sent Desserts in North Park is offering a twist on the traditional happy hour concept with the introduction of its “Afternoon Delight,” when guests can wind down after work and indulge in some sweet deals. Each day from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m., customers can choose from one of three house-made dessert selections plus a cup of gourmet house coffee or tea for only $6. Or tow in another sweet tooth and partake in the “Double Delight” special, which features two desserts and two cups of tea or java for $10.

What has to be the most fiery hot sauce on the planet can be found at the slowly expanding Taco Del Mar, which now has six locations in San Diego County. The Seattle-based chain, known for its tasty carne asada and point-and-nod way of ordering (similar to that at Chipotle) uses fresh habanero chilies in its hottest choice of red sauce. Even if your taste buds are accustomed to five-alarm fires, it’ll take only a little dab of this stuff to set your lips ablaze.

What used to be Indulgence on Park Boulevard is now One Three Café, featuring eclectic global cuisine presented by Jason Dean and Carlos Legaspy. The café’s name is coined after Dean’s lucky number, which is 13. But he wisely avoided calling it “Café 13” because of the negative association to the figure. Menu items include mustard-rubbed grilled tri tip, rigatoni bolognese, meatloaf made with pork, veal and beef, paninis, egg dishes and more. The completely remodeled interior is accented with wall art, hand-blown glass and fresh flowers. One Three Café is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Look for a Gay & Lesbian Times review in the coming month.