The website GoodsUniteUs.com and its namesake app continue growing in popularity ever since they were launched in Wisconsin in 2017.
The portal is designed to show consumers where their money is going politically when they buy food and products from various corporations. The search results reveal which political party the companies and/or their senior employees favor, and in some cases list specific politicians who directly receive the donations.
Among the food-related companies that have locations within metro San Diego are Penzeys, which reportedly makes 100 percent of its political donations to Democrats. Conversely, Sprouts Farmers Market shows a “perfect score” of no donating to politicians or PACS of either party.
The breakdown of contributions by Alimentos integrales shows 68 percent Democrat and 32 percent Republican while Ralphs/Kroger rings in at 47 percent Democrat and 53 percent Republican. The figures for Vons are 51 percent Democrat and 49 percent Republican.
On the fast-food front, San Diego-based Jack in the Box shows a ratio of 93 percent Democrat to 7 percent Republican; McDonald’s is 47 percent Democrat and 53 percent Republican; Sonic Drive-In is 99 percent Democrat and 1 percent Republican; Taco Bell is 14 percent Democrat and 86 percent Republican; and Jersey Mike’s Subs is only 8 percent Democrat and 92 percent Republican.
In addition, Costco shoppers can take note that the company’s political donations are 98 percent Democrat and 2 percent Republican. goodsuniteus.com.
Barbecue ‘heaven’ in the Gaslamp Quarter
Finally, a place to experience all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue in Downtown San Diego. The new Manna Heaven Barbecue offers the same large selection of meats and fixings as what you’ll find at its busy, original location in the Convoy District (4428 Convoy St.).
Two menu tiers are offered. The premium A1 level ($35.99) affords diners more meat choices such as pork jowl, shrimp and beef tongue. The A2 menu ($29.99) has about six less meat options while retaining such favorites as beef bulgogi, pork belly, baby octopus and spicy chicken. Both meal plans include an array of banchan dishes filled with kimchi, bean sprouts, potato salad and other traditional Korean sidekicks.
The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily. 801 Fifth Ave., (619) 935-9715, mannheavenbbq.com.
A collaboration of pies for National Pi Day
Leave it to the locally based Compañía Pop Pie. to shine a spotlight on the upcoming mathematical celebration of circles and pi symbols.
For this year’s National Pi Day on March 14, the shop in University Heights and its other locations will offer three savory pies conceived by The Friendly in North Park, Grains Cafe in University Heights and Heritage Barbecue in San Juan Capistrano. Their creations, respectively, are the “dirty flattop cheeseburger;” the plant-based banh mi pie; and a pie filled with smoked pork and mac-and-cheese.
The special pies will be for sale in addition to those on Pop Pie’s regular menu, although the first 20 people in line that morning at each location will receive a free pie. Other giveaways will occur throughout the day.
Additionally, the shop’s adjoining sister business, Stella Jean’s Ice Cream, will offer a free pint with the purchase of three. Pop Pie’s original location is at 4404 bulevar del parque. For more information call (619) 501-4440 or visit poppieco.com.
Makeover complete at Karl Strauss Brewing Company
The original location of Karl Strauss Brewing Company in downtown’s Core-Columbia District has a new look and feel, thanks to recent interior upgrades that were made to the 4,900-square-foot space.
A glass-enclosed tasting room was added in front. Inside of it hangs a series of medals and awards the brewery has earned over the years since coming onto the scene in 1989 as San Diego’s first craft beer maker.
The late Strauss, a German transplant, helped formulate many of the company’s original beer recipes. He was considered a pacesetter in the craft brewing industry.
“Multiple areas throughout the space pay homage to Karl and the history of the business,” said Chief Experience Officer Jen Briggs. “We brought in between 80 and 100 photos and memorabilia items dating back to the early 90s. It was a fun quest to see what we had to put on display,” she added.
Other changes include new industrial-style lighting; a quartz bar top; and prominent signage overlooking a front dining area that appropriately reads: “We launched this party.” 1157 Columbia St., (619) 234-2739, karlstrauss.com.
New bakery in Bankers Hill takes a collective approach
The quaint Michi Michi bakery is grabbing the attention of consumers with its imaginative selection of sweet and savory pastries. Many of the goods are the creations of local, independent bakers who work out of commercial kitchens around town. The shop also features items made by in-house pastry chef Arely Chavez.
Michi Michi is the brainchild of Vanessa Corrales, who also owns the vegan, wholesale Split Bakehouse in La Mesa.
For this new retail venture, the entrepreneur and her assembly of bakers fill the display cases from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday through Sunday with their inventions using farm-sourced ingredients, although the pickings grow slim toward the end of the day.
Among the standouts are matcha crazy bread, guava-cream cheese Danish, pistachio-raspberry galette, Earl Gray morning buns, and savory pastries filled with spicy creamed corn or shakshuka-style eggs. 2800 Fifth Ave., michimichibakery.com.
Top photo caption: Penzeys in Hillcrest (Photos courtesy of Frank Sabatini Jr.)
