Around the World 2026

Tribute Pizza was tonight’s destination, courtesy of Ron & Cindy ... worth the trip from anywhere. Tribute Pizza in North Park is considered one of SD best pizza spots, but this was being tested on a Chicago Pizza Expert (Karen), a New York Pizza Expert (Bruce) and on BOTH of us from 20 years of living and eating in Connecticut and famous New Haven aPizza!

NOT DISAPPOINTED!, it is a “TRIBUTE” to great pizzas. It was great wood-fired pizza with just the right thickness and crispy crust. Set in a historic post office, sadly closed but now living new life in Pizza. I grew up in a Postal Worker Family, and understand the importance of the PO and its mission of bringing the world closer together and the “messenger of sympathy and love”. I respect the institution and this was a perfect way to start our trip with a Trbute to my roots. Their logo is a hand tossing dough (looks like it’s being held out to GOD for teaching him make great pizza (see photo). From what I read, Matthew Lyons, the owner and creator researched pizza and ingredients like a Phd. thesis traveling the world to learn to make the perfect pizzas (i.e, he only uses Bianco’s famed tomatoes in his pies).

What did we eat: The Silverton Chop Salad, a blend of iceberg lettuce, castelvetrano green olives, heirloom tomatoes, artichoke hearts, red onions, marinated garbanzos, pepperoncini, caciocavallo, and oregano vinaigrette. What could be bad? It was delicious. Then, “Market Wood Roasted Vegetables” fresh from the farmers market with just a little extra virgin olive oil and roasted together over burning California white oak. Then came “The Hellboy aka Bees Mode” pizza. A pizza covered in organic crushed tomatoes, mozzarella, pickled sweet peppers, ricotta, soppressata salami, mike' s Hot Honey, parmigiano Reggiano. And because we “had to get” another incredible pizza, we ordered “Matts tribute to la fachada”, the daily special pizza with charred jalapeno and parm cream, slow braised carnitas, blend of mozzarella and oaxaca cheeses, finished with a burnt tortilla black garlic puree, lime crema mexicana, and topped with fresh onions and cilantro and served with a side of green garlic + pepita + toasted sesame salsa macha and a charred lime. WHEW! Only 1502 calories/pp.

US GRANT HOTEL
On October 15, 1910, The US Grant opened its doors to commemorate the legacy of 18th President Ulysses S. Grant. With a legacy of a President, it has incredible architecture, details (i.e., door knobs) and art collections on display throughout the hotel. San Diegos first hotel was built on this land (Horton House (1870- 1905)). Many famous people including 13 US Presidents have stayed at this historic hotel.

Fannie Chaffee Grant was given the land and the hotel by her father. She and her husband, Ulysses S. Grant (son of the President) tore down the old hotel and built the US rant Hotel as a tribute to his father in 1910. President Ulysses S. Grant led the Union Army to victory in the Civil War as the commanding General and spent most of his life fighting for civil rights. He signed into law the 15th Amendment to the US Constitution that prohibits the federal government or any state from denying or abridging a citizen's right to vote "on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude”. He signed the Executive Order which established among others the Sycuan Reservation in 1875. In 2003, the hotel was purchased by the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation as a tribute to the contributions of the former US President for the Native American community during his presidency.

Speaking of tribute, the Kumeyaay people is a tribe of indigenous people with their ancestry more than 10,000 years in the San Diego area, including the spot where The US Grant Hotel now stands. Tradition, spirituality, native science, strong family ties, were all components of a full, meaningful life in tribal society. Traditional life revolved around the Clan, called Sh'mull The head of the Sh'mull was the Kwaaypaay, the clan leader. Kwaaypaay were acknowledged by the first Spanish settlers who referred to them as "Capitán." Later, American officials referred to the leaders as Chiefs or Headmen. Despite the different names, the role of representing and leading the community has continued to the present day. Kwaaypaay are called Chairmen, or Chairperson, in most of the Kumeyaay communities in present day. They obtain their office through elections and serve a fixed term. As a tribute to these leaders, there are beautiful drawings of the many leaders of the Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Nation on the walls of the hotel (I’ve included a picture of the first and the last leader drawing in 1915).

The hotel continues to honor the tradition of lighting candles and placing them throughout the lobby. Here is the interesting story (see photo to see what they look like - unlit).

"The Story of Our Lobby Turndown: The term “concierge” was first used in France around 1697 meaning doorkeeper and landlord’s representative. In medieval times, the concierge managed hundreds of workers within the castle to ensure that guests of the nobility were taken care of during their stay. In a time where candles and flame torches were the only source of light in the vast castles, the concierge became the “keeper of candles.” Our concierge team continues this historic tradition at our legendary property in our grand lobby every evening at dusk to celebrate the lighting of the candles."

How perfect, leaving office in 1877, Grant undertook a world tour, becoming the first president to circumnavigate the world. Ulysses S. Grant was the first U.S. president to circumnavigate the globe. Shortly after leaving office in 1877, Grant and his wife Julia embarked on a 2.5-year international tour, visiting Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, where he was celebrated as a global diplomat.Okumaya devam et