Appetite of Love Editor's Picks- San Diego Restaurants    You have to eat, and why should you waste your hard-earned money on a bad meal? zRomance writers hit the streets to find a variety of places for a variety of budgets where you can bring that special person for a great meal, with a quick summary of the food and service. Bertrand at Mr. A's Hillcrest   Famed restaurateur Bertrand Hug probably has the hit of the year on his hands with the opening of Bertrand at Mister A's, his chic new eatery atop mid-town San Diego's Fifth Avenue Financial Centre. The look and service are contemporary and suave, and talented chef Todd Davies offers an "American Cuisine" menu that runs to such delights as lobster "fish and chips" and veal braised in Merlot. The place is pricey, but worth it. 2550 Fifth Ave., San Diego; 619-239-1739. Shrimplydelicious- Encinitas   A restaurant easily remembered for it's great food and unique environment. You are served your New Orleans seafood cuisine in a large metal bowl, with wooden mallets and a bib (hey… Messy Marvin was one sexy guy!). Your ice cold beer is delivered in a metal bucket to the long wooden tables that you're seated at, as some sort of indoor picnic. the choices include everything from lobster and shrimp to crayfish… pretty much anything that breathes water and depends on a shell for it's existence. Excellent food and great fun for a casual evening. Il Fornaio- Del Mar   If you've ever strolled the streets of Rome then you will recognize authenticity the moment you enter through the front door of this Italian transplant of a restaurant. If the decor and the basil and olive aromas are not enough to make you feel you're in Michelangelo's homeland then the meal will scintillate you so much you'll feel exposed like that nude David guy as you moan a little delight. Truly some of the best Italian food in Southern California. And yes, you do have to leave at the end of the night… Mortons of Chicago - Downtown San Diego call for reservations   If you're significant other is a big fan of money clips and dead presidents, this is your place. Not necessarily the most inspirational love joint, but Morton's is elite in the quality of food, and the ritual of fine dining and service. With the artistic presentation of the meals, the "know it all" servers, Mortons clearly pays attention to the minute detail to ensure you savor the taste of their selections. From appetizers to dessert, each plate is like an edible, mini Van Gogh. Go fungi-the mushrooms are incredible. Bring a date that gets hornier in direct relationship to the size of the tab, and a healthy appetite… judging by the size of the portions, there are some damn large people in Chicago. Tokyo: El Cajon   If you love those multi-colored raw fish, a bit of hot saki, and a Saporro or two but can't seem to fit it into the budget, Tokyo in El Cajon is the economist's answer. The coffee shop-type atmosphere is a family operated business and has the feel of eating in a living room in rural Okinawa. Though there's a gaggle of us regulars, the owners have no preferential treatment… anyone who walks in their door gets the same culinary curtsy. Their portions are healthy and their prices don't delete the contents of your wallet. The relaxed ambiance is made better by the fact that there's usually no wait. And for those parents, it's a pretty kid-friendly place… although… if your kid eats sushi, they have the palette of a 20-something and should be sent to culinary school right away.

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