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The luscious French cuisine will put you in heaven. Save with the early-bird special.

Delicious French cuisine creates the ingredients for romance (see Chez Loma).

Seniors and budget-eaters love the hearty food here. Mashed potatoes and gravy accompany tasty chicken pies.

Founded in 1947, Spanish Jai Alai players from the Palacio Frontón (see Frontón Jai Alai) appreciated the Basque culinary specialties here. Still Spanish influenced, the food is delicious and well prepared.

The excellent, authentic Mexican cooking includes mole poblano , a traditional sauce that combines chilies and chocolate served with meat dishes.

Located on the museum’s second floor, kids dress up as pharaohs and learn about ancient Egypt by building a pyramid, deciphering hieroglyphics, and listening to the god Anubis explain the mummification process. At a re-creation of an archeological dig, children dig through sand for treasure and also learn about dating artifacts (see San Diego Museum of Man).

Balboa Park launches the Christmas season by opening its doors to the community. Museums are free after 5pm, carolers sing, and special food booths are set up. The park is closed to traffic, but shuttles reach the outer parking lots. Dress warmly and expect a crowd of over 50,000 people.

The center is located in the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, one of the few salt marshes left on the Pacific Coast. Rent some binoculars and climb to an observation deck to see how many of the 200 bird species that inhabit the refuge you can spot. Or you can also take a self- or ranger-guided tour along interpretative trails. Children will enjoy petting bat rays and leopard sharks. The parking lot is located near the Baysite/E Street Trolley Station; a free shuttle will take you to the center.

Ancient recipes from the Aztecs and Mayans, as well as imaginative variations of Mexican haute cuisine are presented in elegant surroundings.

North of the Mexican border, commemorating the French defeat by Mexican troops is a serious business. Restaurants overflow, Old Town State Historic Park sponsors folkloric ballet performances and mariachi bands, and the Gaslamp Quarter hosts a musical street fair.