Walking backward while talking is useful for leading a tour, demonstrating a moonwalk, or retreating from a room full of ominously staring toddlers. See the reverse saunter put to good use with today's Groupon: for $79, you get your choice of a walking fare tour for two from A Taste of San Diego (a $150 value).
A Taste of San Diego's informed guides shepherd epicurean explorers through the city's most delectable undiscovered nosheries during walking and driving food tours. Navigate 18 blocks and five restaurants on the roughly three-hour Taste of Downtown tour, during which you'll nibble artisanal breads and cheeses along with a variety of local cuisine from the Mediterranean, Asia, and Mexico. The tour focuses on charming neighborhood diners and encourages people to wander off the wax-paper-wrapped path of the downtown draw. Those seeking architectural opulence on their gastronomical voyage can opt for the Taste of Mission Hills tour. The journey winds through a handful of restaurants in 2.5 hours, as well as stunning structures from the early 20th century, an idyllic era when all homes were fashioned from baguettes and olive oil. The Taste of East Village preps palates with fresh-made bread and spreads before whisking walkers to traditional Italian and American eateries with a twist, and the North Park jaunt, dotted with Craftsman cottages and bungalows, centers on three culinary superpowers: France, Mexico, and Italy.
Dishes from the Downtown and Mission Hills tours can be accompanied by additions of either beer and wine (Taste of Downtown; $20/person, not included in the Groupon value) or a wine-tasting pairing (Taste of Mission Hills; $25/person, not included in the Groupon value). Guests should neglect any at-home noshing prior to the tour, ensuring empty bellies ready to be cosseted by the tour's innumerable tastes, complimentary water, and dessert.
The downtown tour starts from the corner of Sixth Avenue and J Street on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the Mission Hills tour takes off from the corner of Washington and Falcon Streets on Sundays. The East Village tour begins at the corner of Eighth Avenue and J Street on Mondays and the North Park tour launches at the parking structure on 30th Street and University Avenue on Wednesdays. All tours commence at 3 p.m.
A Taste of San Diego
If you can't decide where to eat amid San Diego's wealth of top-tier restaurants, it might be time to go ahead and try them all at once. A Taste of San Diego leads culinary tours through the city's most interesting and respected foodie favorites, from the seafood of Seaport to the desserts of Eclipse Chocolate to the candy-paved sidewalk that connects the two. Other tour highlights might include gourmet olive oil from Olivetti Oil and Vinegar, the swank charm of Jsix, or Venissimo Cheese's world-renowned shrine to dairy. Tours dip into different neighborhoods depending on the theme, and the guides are always scoping out the scene to uncover hidden gems to add into the mix.