Two of the best dining advisors are my friends Jessica and Sara Hanson. They are sisters. They like...no... they INSIST on good food. Sara has been around these parts before, sharing her wine recommendations. If you've listened to These Days (please, just lie and say you listen all the time) you've heard Jess on Weekend Preview, talking about what's happening over the weekend in San Diego. She also writes an extremely entertaining blog.

I asked the Hanson sisters where they've been eating lately. This sparked a discussion about recent dining adventures. Thankfully, there's a little bird that transcribes everything they say. He works for breadcrumbs. Here's the report he sent me:

Sara just moved into one of the only walkable neighborhoods in San Diego. After three days of unpacking, two trips to IKEA and endless picture hanging wall banging with what might as well be a toy hammer (note: do NOT buy tools at Rite Aid), the first order of biz was to set out on foot to check out the neighborhood dining options. Exhausted and haggard from the move, they stopped approximately 50 feet past the apartment with the first smell of food. Bonus: it was a charming pizzeria complete with checkered tablecloths and a waiter straight from the old country. Double bonus: another restaurant, similar name and same owner, stood just a few feet away.

Pizzeria Arrivederci and plain old Arrivederci have been in Hillcrest for several years, garnering rave reviews and loyal diners. Somehow, these two gems never made it onto their radar - probably because they've been busy sampling all the shiny new eateries popping up in San Diego, leaving them in a grilled, braised, saut?ed, marinated and emulsified stupor.

They were so smitten, they hit both Arrivederci spots in the same week, starting with the pizzeria...

Sara: What was our waiter’s name there? Paulo?

Jess: Umm...no, that’s our cousin who lives in Italy. Not all Italian men are named that. He did, however, meet my expectation that all Italian men are charming and attentive.

Sara: True. Plus, you weren’t drinking that night and he tried to force it on you, which I really respected.

Jess: He was persistent in trying to bring me wine, you’re right. Little does he know, most nights I order a glass upon crossing the threshold. It looked like a substantive wine list. How was yours?

Sara: House Sangiovese. Tried and true. It’s a rare place that can serve wine in a small, thick goblet the size of a port glass, filled to the top, and not upset me. Somehow… it worked. I think because the whole dining experience felt so authentic.

Jess: The food definitely was. Linguini and clams with, well, lots of whole clams. Still in the shell! I was surprised to see this little neighborhood pizzeria delivering such a fresh dish. Next time let’s try the pizza - I’ve since heard it’s some of the best in town.

Sara: Do you think there’s anywhere else in the world where two restaurants with the same name and owner sit on the same street only a block apart? And do you think that’s weird? Starbucks doesn’t count.

Jess: I mean, do you think the mail goes separately to each establishment, or do you think it only goes to one place?

Sara: Well, I really like going to both places so I bet the mailman does too.

Jess: Okay we’re getting off track. Arrivederci: superior service, big portions....

Sara: Piping hot food--super hot. And it stayed hot too. Are you just saying that about the service because our waiter brought us free cheesecake?

Jess: No, but I do heart him for bringing us the cheesecake.

Sara: Well I hate him for it. And who the hell eats cheesecake in 2007 anyway?

Jess: Me, every chance I get.

Sara: Right. Pleasantly surprised to see the saut?ed calamari on the menu rather than just fried, and I’m glad we went with it.

Jess: Agreed. I could have easily eaten an appetizer for dinner. It’s amazing we were able to make a decision since the menu was so ginormous.

Sara: I know-- it was a bit much. But their propensity to please helps me forgive their propensity to overwhelm. It was a great touch when the owner, straight from Sorrento, swung by the table to check up on our full bellies.

Jess: Did you manage to steal my leftovers, by the way? Somehow I left with a doggie bag, and between your house and mine, lost it.

Sara: Yeah, your leftovers stayed at my place, and I had them for lunch. The orrichete dish you ordered was outstanding. Nice, simple, brothy tomato sauce, great spicy sausage, and the broccoli rabe were perfectly cooked.

Jess: Seemed like your cioppino had that same fresh tomato sauce. How was your special side of spinach?

Sara: I’m pretty sure they saut?ed it in grappa.

Jess: How appropriate. I think it’s time to wrap this up. Safe to say these sister restaurants meet Hanson sister approval?

Sara: Hello Arrivederci!

[chirp]