All Challenges All The Time discussion

Reserved

Challenge #1247-Booktivity
see- https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

July 2025 Scavenger Hunt
Begins: 01July25 / Ends: 31July25


0 / 15 words found
0 / 5 BONUS words found
0 books read


attic
belly
deposit
final
garden
horizon
idea
killer
pregnant
questions
sofa
thread
ugly
wide
yesterday

BONUS words
cocoon
etiquette
marijuana
rhubarb
velvet

RESERVED

Challenge #1248-TCF
see-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

The Challenge Factory Scavenger Hunt LIV
Duration: July 1 - September 30, 2025

Welcome to Challenge #55!

Words 0/40
Bonus 0/10

The List
Atrium
Barge
Binoculars
Bleach
Boardwalk
Breaker
Bypass
Cascade
Celebration
Cobbler
Complex
Coupon
Cousin
Dock
Doodle
Emanate
Episode
Ferris wheel
Flatter
Fodder
Foreign
Frog
Goofy
Lighthouse
Lotion
Makeup bag
Naive
Neon
Onion
Overlap
Port
Pouch
Smudge
Stitches
Sweet tea
Tarpaulin (Tarp accepted)
Tenuous
Trellis
Tuft
Twirl

Bonus list
Botox
Commemoration
Crystal ball
Drinking game
Jubilee
Karaoke
Septic tank
Smorgasbord
Spelling bee
Xerox

RESERVED

Challenge #1249-TCF
see- https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

July/August 2025 Bonus Hunt


0/40


The list
Ammonia
Anxiety
Blast
Ceremony
Chug
Concert
Crackle
Display case
Emergency room
Extravaganza
Freedom
Gauge
Homage
Honor
Ignite
Jubilee
Kernel
Lost pet
Militia
Nostalgia
Nozzle
Passport
Pickle
Pier
Puffy
Reprimand
Rhubarb
Salve
Skim
Softball
Soot
Sprinkler
Staycation
Swirl
Tackle box
Tart
Ticket
Twinkle
Victory
Wedge

RESERVED

Challenge #1250- MW #109

ADVANCE; ATTACK; BOUT; COUPE; DUEL; EN GARDE; EPEE; FEINT; FENCE; FOIBLE; FOIL; FORTE; GLIDE; JURY; LUNGE; MATCH; OLYMPICS; PARRY; POINT; RAPIER; REPRISE; RETREAT; RIPOSTE; SCORE; TEMPO; WEAPON

Reserved

Challenge #1251-Alphabetical TV Shows Beginning Round 3
See Rounds 1 & 2 at Challenge #1038- and Rounds 3 & 4 at https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

After watching at least one episode of a TV Show or series.... use the title's first letter to help complete the alpha grid below. The letters "Q, X & Z can be satisfied if located anywhere in the title. "A", "An" and "The "may be disregarded.


ROUND #5
BEGUN 4/29/25
(last entry 8/13/25)

A- Acapulco-5/4/25
B- Boy Meets World-4/30/25
C- Classic Doctor Who-5/4/25
D- Dr. Odyssey-5/1/25
E- Evolution Earth-5/28/25
F- Fire Aid-5/1/25
G- Ghosts-5/1/25
H- Hotel Portofino-5/2/25
I- Italy Unpacked-5/12/25
J- Jeopardy-4/29/25
K- Kevin Bozeman-Clean and Unfiltered-6/29/25
L- Land Girls-5/1/25
M- Mr. Bates v. The Post Office-5/3/25
N- Nova-5/5/25
O- Outstanding- A Comedy Revolution- 5/9/25
P- Pop Culture Jeopardy-5/3/25
Q- Jim Gaffigan- Quality Time-7/1/25
R- Robson Green's Weekend Escape-5/5/25
S- St. Denis Med.-4/29/25
T- Theatre Corner 5/7/25
U- The Unbelievable-5/7/25
V
W- Watson-5/5/25
X-EXpedition Overland-5/4/25
Y- Yellowstone-5/4/25
Z- The AmaZing Race-5/7/25

Reserved

Challenge #1252-Wanderlust
see- https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Rwanda's Capital: Kigali
August 1, 2025 - August 31, 2025
0/6

1. Kigali Genocide Memorial
✱ Read a book where the MC visits a grave site or attends a memorial service (briefly share details) OR
✱ Read a book published between 1994 and 2004 (share publication date) OR
✱ Read a book whose author’s first & last initial is found in GENOCIDE MEMORIAL.

2. Kigali Art Scene
✱ Read a book where art or dance is important to the plot (briefly share how) OR
✱ Read a book with a word in the title that includes THREE DIFFERENT VOWELS
or TWO Z's (i.e. Inema or Nziza) OR
✱ Read a book whose author’s first & last initial is found in KIGALI ART SCENE.

3. Nyamirambo, the Muslim Quarter
✱ Read a book set in a small neighborhood (tell us where) OR
✱ Read a series book #2 OR
✱ Read a book whose author’s first & last initial is found in THE MUSLIM QUARTER.

4. Mt. Kigali
✱ Read a book where the MC goes hiking (briefly share details) OR
✱ Read a book that has over 1000 reviews on its GR homepage (share number) OR
✱ Read a book whose author’s first & last initial is found in MT KIGALI.


5. A Museum and Its Snakes
✱ Read a book with a reptile on the cover (post cover) OR
✱ Read a book tagged HISTORICAL on its GR homepage OR
✱ Read a book whose author’s first & last initial is found in KANDT HOUSE MUSEUM.


6. What's Cooking
✱ Read a big book (over 400 pages long; share page count) OR
✱ Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in MILK (ignore A, An or The) OR
✱ Read a book whose author’s first & last initial is found in WHAT'S COOKING

Reserved

Challenge #1253-Wanderlust
see-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Fifty Nifty US States: Massachusetts
August 1, 2026 - October 31, 2026
0/10

1. Number: 6th State to Join the Union
* Read a series book #6 OR read a book with a page count that includes a 6 (share count).

2. State Animal (Mammal): Atlantic Right Whale
* Read a book with a title that starts with the letter A, R or W (ignore A, An or The).

3. State Bird: Black-Capped Chickadee
* Read a book with an MC whose first or last name that starts with the letter B or C (share name).

4. State Flower: Mayflower
* Read a book with a predominantly WHITE, PINK, or PURPLE cover (post cover).

5. State Tree: American Elm
* Read a book by an author whose first and last initial can be found in AMERICAN ELM.

6. Official State Nickname: The Bay State
* Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in THE BAY STATE (2 Word Minimum).

7. Popular Attraction: The Freedom Trail
A 2.5-mile red-lined path that leads visitors to 16 historically significant sites.
* Read a book with a three word title (all words count) OR read a book with either of these two numbers (intact) in its page count: 25 or 16 (share page count).

8. Must Try Food: Boston Cream Pie
First served at the opening of Boston's Parker House Hotel in 1856.
* Read a book set primarily in a hotel or similar establishment (share name) OR read a book where the MC makes or eats pie or cake (share text).

9. Weird Fact: Home to the longest geographic place name in the US
Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg (known by the much easier name of Webster's Lake).
* Read a book that has two different published titles (share both) OR read a book with a title that includes a word with a double G (gg).

10. Optional Bonus Task
* Read a book that takes place in Massachusetts.

CONVOY DISTRICT/LINDA VISTA
1. El Viejon-4619 Convoy- closed Mon.
Mexican seafood
2. Wa Dining Okan- 3860 Convoy
Home-style Japanese
3. Spicy City- 4690 Convoy
large menu including many soups.
4. LanZhou Noodles-4688 Convoy
Known for their hand-pulled noodles; try the beef noodle soup
5. Chon Ju Jip- 4373 Convoy- Korean
6. Eat Crispy Burger- 4898 Convoy
Get the Original OG Crispy Burger
7. Keep Coffee-4913 Convoy- Opens at 11am
Have to try the Korean-style cream cheese bagel
8. Emerald Chinese- 3709 Convoy- S&S open at 9am; M-F at 10:30
Dim Sum- get the steamed pork dumplings
9. Avian Water and Banh Mi- 6937 Linda Vista Rd.-daily 8-7
The #1 Banh mi recommended
10. Eastern Dynasty- 4690 Convoy; Lunch 11-2:30
Beef Chow Fun & Honey Walnut Shrimp recommended
11. Kura Revolving Sushi-4609 Convoy; 11am-10
12. Koon Thai- 3860 Convoy- lunch daily 11:30-3
Lamb Mussaman Curry recommended
13. Woomiak- 3860 Convoy- 11-9 Daily- Korean

HILLCREST/BANKER'S HILL/BALBOA PARK
1. Burger Lounge-406 University
recommended- Truffle Mushroom-Swiss Burger
2. Artifact- in Mingei Museum
schedule for their monthly special dinners
3. Inside Out- 1642 University
I always get the Filet Mignon
4. Michi Michi Bakery- 2800 5th Ave- closed M.T. W- Opens at 8am
5. Tijuanazo Taqueria- 406 University Ave-Open 8am-4am!
Tacos, Mulitos, Quesadillas, Burritos, Vampiros, Sopes
maybe try the Azteca taco- where cactus replaces the tortilla
6. Prager Brothers Bakery- 1252 University
supposedly has the best baguettes in town
7. Bronx Pizza- 11 Washington St.- Closed M & T
Closest to NY pizza I've found in SD
8. Massachusetts Mikes- 435 University Ave-Closed Tues
also similar to NY pizza- great staff
9. Cluck N Sip- 120 W. Washington- 9:30-9 Daily
Not just chicken...also fried fish
10. Extraordinary Desserts- 2870 4th Ave.- Daily-10-9
Just the best desserts by far!
11. La Vecinidad Neighborhood Tacos- 3827 5th Ave.- Closed Wed; open 11-9
Many options but Taco Tuesday- 2 for $5; S & S-Pozole
12. Oscar's Mexican Seafood- 646 Univ. Ave.-daily- 8am-9pm
Fish tacos! Scallop Ceviche
13. Arrivederci- 3845 4th St.-lunch 11:30-2
Gamberi Portofino looks good.

NORTH PARK
1- Urbn-3085 University Ave. - Try the clam pizza- a CT dish
2- Dino's Perfect Bite- a Pop Up...usually at Thorn Street Brewing on Monday nights... Get the "Spedie Sandwich" -from Binghamton, NY
3176 Thorn Street
3. Si Amo Napoli- 3959 30th St.
great calamari
4. Street Side Thai Kitchen-3025 University
recommended. Crab Fried Rice & Pork Belly Pad Thai
5. The Friendly- 4592 30th St
many kudos for their burgers and pizza
get the Dirty Flat Top Cheeseburger
6. Crazee Burger- 3993 30th St.
Burgers with exotic meats options including buffalo, gator, venison, ostrich, camel, elk, duck and wild boar.
7. Between Us- 4101 30th
Breakfast and sandwiches and burgers... but try the Mushroom Chazuke- looks like a cross between a soup and a rice porridge. Also try Yuzu juice.
8. Chicken Pie Shop
now serves breakfast- chicken and waffles
9. Lefty's Chicago Pizzaria-3448 30th
This is a hole-in-the wall place... but the food was very good
not just pizza- Chicago Dogs & Polish Dogs, pasta, burgers; Italian Beef, etc
10. El Comal- Mexican- 3946 Illinois St.
opens at 9am- serves breakfast
Chicken mole; pozole
11. The City Tacos- 3028 University Ave.- 11am-10 daily
Recommended. Chile Relleno Tacos
12. Chef Buddha Blasian Soul Food- (Food Truck)- 1960 54th St.
Closed M&T, Wed-4-8pm; Th-Sun 12pm-6
13. Pete's Seafood- 3382 30th St- Daily 11-8pm
Many sandwich choices beyond seafood.... but the clam chowder is recommended.
14. Super Cocina- 3627 University Ave.- Daily @ 8:30am
Mole Poblano, Pozole, Michoacan Carnitas; Veracruz fish soup
15. El Salvador Pupuseria- 3824 University; Daily 9-9
Not just pupusas! But they are great!
16. Mabel's Gone Fishing- 3770 30th St.-Open at 4pm- Closed Sun
get the Chef's Menu!- 4 course shared meal $85 per person- (whole table must participate)

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS
1. Madison- 4622 Park Blvd.- Closed Mon; S&S- 9am; T-Fr- 4:30
Crusted pork chop recommended

SOUTH PARK/ GOLDEN HILL/CHOLLAS/VALENCIA PARK/MARKET STREET
*****1. Dunedin New Zealand Eats-3501 30th
2. Fernside-1946 Fern St.
Smash burgers & pulled pork
3. Giorgino's-1237 28th St.- Closed Mon
Philly cheesesteaks... but more importantly Taylor Ham Sandwiches on real Kaiser rolls
4. The Po'Boy Shop- 220 Euclid- Closed Sun & Mon
Louisiana cuisine.. but also dishes from Barbadoes, Trinidad, Haiti,. Try the Jollof Rice
5. The Pizza and Tamales Factory-888 S. Euclid- 6am-9 pm
The tamales highly recommended
6. Kindred- 1503 30th (Vegetarian & Pescatarian); S&S-10am;
M-F- 5pm
7. Bowlegged BBQ- 4255 Market St.-Closed Mon; T-Sun-11-7

NORMAL HEIGHTS
1. Bosforo- Turkish- 3201 Adams Ave.
Dinner only- Closed Mon
2. Haye's Burgers- 3460 Adams Ave- Closed Mon- opens at 12
Get the Cheeseburger and add chilis
3. Nood Bar- 4596 30th St.-open 11:30 weekdays and 12 weekends- Small place but the food is great!- Indonesian rice and noodle dishes

CLAIREMONT/ BALBOA
1.Na Tarte- 5252 Balboa Ave
desserts
2.*****Sufi Mediterranean Cuisine- 5915 Balboa Ave.
Get #28...perhaps my favorite dish ever- Fesenjean
then go to Balboa International Market next door- especially for the fresh hot flat breads right out of the oven... and the wide choice of bakhlavas
3. Casa Machada- 3750 John J. Montgomery Dr.
Mole Chilaquiles recommended
Daily lunch and dinner specials
4. Mr. Fish & Chips- 5647 Balboa Ave.- Closed Sun
also Shrimp, clam and scallop baskets
5. Bombay Coast- 4705 Clairemont Dr. (indian)
excellent lunch specials

COLLEGE AREA/LA MESA
1. Surf and Soul Spot- 7229 El Cajon Blvd.- Closed Sun & Thurs
opens at 11am- take out only best to get there early because a line forms
different menus for Fri and Sat
I recommend the catfish... but the pork chops were also excellent
also rice with turkey grave
2. DZ Akins
3. Smokey and the Brisket- BBQ-5465 Lake Murray Blvd.
Large Menu- BBQ. pizzas, rotisserie chicken, Tex Mex

MISSION VALLEY
1. 100s- Asian Seafood Buffet- 2828 Camino del Rio S.
Closed Tues; Sat & Sun-12-9; M,W, Th & Fr- opens at 4pm
Crab Legs, sushi, Mongolian BBQ, etc.
Thursday- Lobster Buffet-$57
2. Bully's East-2401 Camino del Rio S.
Known for it's Prime Rib... but also get the French Onion Soup

POINT LOMA/ MIDWAY
1. Farm to Smash- 3555 Rosecrans- opens at 11
(Burgers)- also Beef Tallow Fries recommended
2. Point Loma Seafood-2805 Emerson St.
3. Mitch's Seafood- 1403 Scott St.
Crabcake platter recommended
4. Chin's- 3373 Rosecrans (Chinese)
Mu Shu Pork recommended
5. Pezzo del Mio Cuore-3944 West Point Loma Boulevard
(Italian) Try the Chicken Diavolo
They have a dish with mussels and clams in marinara!
6. Liberty Market Food Hall- 2820 Historic Decatur Rd- Open 9-8
Many cuisine options
One option to try is Slurp...which has a Crab Rangoon Burrito
7. Zentral Kitchen- 2620 Truxton Rd.; M-F open at 11; S&S at 10
California-Asian Fusion
SANTEE
1. The Stand- 7864 Mission Vista Dr, San Diego, CA 92120
Burgers, Sandwiches, etc.
2. Estrada's- 8528 Magnolia
Get the California Burrito
3. Island Style Cafe- 2898 N. Magnolia- Hawaiian
also offers breakfast- fluffy pancakes
try the Puna omelette and the Knack Attack Loco Moco; Guava cake, butter mochi, Spicy Korean chicken, deep fried spam musabi
4. Phil's BBQ-9816 Mission Gorge Rd.; Opens 11am
Onion Rings a must

ALLIED GARDENS/GRANTVILLE/DEL CERRO (near my home)
1. Gaglione Bros- 10450 Friar's Road
Philly Cheesesteaks! - also Pastrami sandwiches
locations also in Pt. Loma and Mission Beach
2. Del's Hideout- 5351 Adobe Falls Rd-
I almost always get the Reuben, Ramiro gets the pulled pork. Full bar too. Good onion rings.
3. Troy's Greek-10450 Friar's Rd-Daily 9-9
Indoor and Outdoor seating

MIRA MESA
1. Chowking- 8955 Mira Mesa Blvd- Get Halo Halo- a Filipino crushed ice dessert - they also serve lunch... try the Chicken Mami
2. R& B Filipino Cuisine- 11257 CaminoRuiz- not far from Chowking above- Chicken adobo & mungo- a mung bean soup
3. Annapurna-10606 Camino Ruiz- Indian
Lunch Buffet recommended- Tue , Wed, TH, Sat & Sun at 11:30
wide choice of curries of regular menu

Challenge #1254- Booktivity
see- https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Augus 2025 Scavenger Hunt
Begins: 01Aug25 / Ends: 31Aug25

0/15 BASIC
0/5 BONUS

BASIC Scavenger List
brilliant

couple

dozen

easel

greetings

hospital

joke

lavish

mayor

open

pizza

research

sketch

unconscious

weekend

BONUS words
abrupt

futility

nachos

quail

vertebra (-ae)

August 4, 2025- Crayfish Etoufe at Bud's

Challenge #1255- Wanderlust
see-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Landmarks of the World - St. Basil's Cathedral
July 1, 2025 - September 30, 2025
0/7

1. Location:
St. Basil's Cathedral is located in Russia's capital city. Its colorful domes and towers are a major focal point of the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most recognized visual landmarks of the country and has stood watch over countless historical and political events in its history.
*Read a book set in Russia or one that features a Russian character (tell us who) OR read a book that mentions a historical or political event in history (tell us what).

2. Construction:
The cathedral is actually a politically significant structure in its own right. It was built by order of Tsar Ivan IV, the Terrible, in 1555 to commemorate his victory and capture of Kazan and Astrakhan. This opened the way for Russia to become a true empire, expanding south towards the Caspian Sea and east to Siberia. Each of its chapels was built to represent each of his victories during this conquest. Stories and myths abound of Ivan’s raging temper, one of which involves him purposefully blinding the cathedral’s architect so that its design could never be replicated. Just a sidenote: the actual architect of the the cathedral has never been confirmed.
*Read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in IVAN (share name) OR read a book where an important character's anger causes physical harm (briefly share details).

3. Name:
The cathedral was originally dedicated to the protection of the Virgin Mary and was officially known as Trinity Church, while the main sanctuary was named the Church of the Intercession. Later the cathedral was renamed after a commoner named Basil, who was later sainted because of his prophetic powers. Following his death in 1557, he was buried in the vaults of the church.
*Read a book with a title that includes a proper name OR read a book that was published under more than one title (share both title names).

4. Design:
The design was unlike any of the cathedrals built in Europe during the time. Eight independent red brick chapels were built on a single foundation of white stone around the central nave, all aligned to points on the compass. Four of the chapels are raised to designate their position between heaven and earth. The gold onion-shaped domes were a later addition, along with a ninth chapel built for the remains of St. Basil. The brilliant colors, taken from the Biblical description of the Kingdom of Heaven in the Book of Revelation, were actually added 200 years later.
*Read a series book #8, #4 or #9 OR read a book with a brilliantly colored cover (post cover).

5. Conversion:
During the Soviet era, the cathedral was confiscated from the Russian Orthodox community and no longer operated as a church. It was converted into a museum of history and architecture in 1928. Occasional church services have been held there since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1990, and every October the cathedral hosts a service in honor of the Day of Intercession.
*Read a book published in the month of OCTOBER (any year; share publication date) OR read book that features a building that was repurposed (share details telling us both original and new use of building).

6. Interior
The inside of the cathedral is extraordinary. Each spire you see from the outside belongs to its own chapel, all interconnected by a narrow labyrinth of corridors and tiny oratories. The walls are meticulously painted with intricate floral designs and spectacular murals. A secret staircase takes you to the Church of the Intercession, and the chapel dedicated to St. Basil tells the story of his spiritual path. Each of these spaces can actually only accommodate a few worshipers at a time, so services at the temple complex were often held outdoors on an adjacent part of the Red Square.
*Read a book by an author whose first and last initial can be found in SECRET STAIRCASE OR read a book with the word LABYRINTH found in its text (share text).

7. Replica:
It's interesting that a scale model replica of the cathedral was built in the city of Jalainur, situated in northeastern Inner Mongolia about 3200 miles west of Moscow and nearly 700 miles north of Beijing. It has never been used as a church; in fact, the beautiful turrets and domes are actually just a shell that houses a children’s science museum that sells fake fossils.
*Read a book with over 3200 reviews on its GR Homepage (share number) OR read a book with 7 AND 0 in its total page count (share page count).

BARRIO LOGAN/ Imperial Ave
1. Fish Guts-2222 Logan Ave.- opens at 9. closed Mon & Tue
Coconut Shrimp tacos recommended
2. Barrio Burger-1805 Newton Ave.
3. Ciccia Osteria- 2233 Logan Ave.- Closed Tues;
Lunch S&S 12-2:15; Dinner- Wed-Mon 4:30-9:15
looks pricy... but pasta dishes are all $22.80
4. Mariscos La Capital- 2249 Imperial -Daily 12-7; Wide variety
5. Fonda del Barrio- 2234 Logan Ave.- hours?
Guava Mole!; Pescado Tikin Xic - Yucatan style fresh rockfish filet baked in banana leaves
6. Caribbean Taste-6171 Imperial Ave,-Daily 10-8
primarily Haitian dishes

OLD TOWN
1. Old Town Tequila Factory- 2467 Juan St.-
W-Sat- 11:30-4pm- $15.99 All You Can Eat Tacos, Salad Bar, Beans, Rice, fresh fruit, cookies, iced tea and lemonade
2. Jack & Julio's- 2391 San Diego Ave.- Dinner only at 5-9pm
Scampi!

KENSINGTON/ TALMADGE/FAIRMONT VILLAGE
1. Burger Lounge-4116 Adams Ave
recommended- Truffle Mushroom-Swiss Burger
2. Ponce's-4050 Adams Ave. (Closed Sun
I almost always get the Ground beef taco combo
3. Hoai Hue Eatery- 4660 El Cajon Blvd.-Closed Mon
Vietnamese soups
4. Mauricio's Mexican- 3200 Adams Ave.
The Milanesa is recommended... but not on the online menu
5. Red Sea Ethiopian- 4717 University Ave.-Closed Mon; opens at noon

CITY HEIGHTS
1. Pho Ca Dao- 5223 El Cajon Blvd.-Vietnamese
in addition to pho- broken rice dishes and spring rolls recommended
2. A Chau... 4644 El Cajon Blvd-a hole in the wall place-
but supposedly authentic banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches) and the Egg Rolls and the char-broiled pork banh mi are highly recommended
3. Neighborhood Cafe-5296 University Ave
VERY reasonable prices- Roast beef sandwich recommended-combo only $8.99
4. Su Pan Bakery- 5006 El Cajon Blvd- 5am-10pm daily
Mexican Bakery... but also food (tamales recommended)

CLAIREMONT/ BALBOA
MISSION BAY
1.Rocky's Crown Pub- 3786 Ingraham St.
"unpretentious burgers"
2. 85C Bakery-5575 Balboa Ave.
Try the Mango Cake
3. Shabumi - 5667 Balboa Ave.
$28.99 AYCE Hot Pot lunch with salad bar- M-F
maybe try the Soju- a Korean vodka-type alcohol

LITTLE ITALY/MIDTOWN/DOWNTOWN
1. The Waterfront- 2044 Kettner Blvd
known for their burgers
2. El Indio-3695 India Street
My favorite is the Machaca Burrito. Home-made chips and tortillas a must. A critic recently recommended the mordiditas.
3. Shakespeare's Pub- 3701 India St.-
Fish & Chips. (Only $9.99 after 3 on Fridays; Daily Specials after 3pm; Also open for breakfast
4. Mona Lisa- 2061 India St. (Italian) Restaurant and deli
Porchetta Sandwich at the Deli is recommended

TIERRASANTA/ SERRA MESA/ KEARNEY Mesa
1. Gaetano's-10615 Tierrasanta Blvd,
They supposedly have mussels (cozze) in marinara sauce! Also pastas and pizzas.
2. Bhatti Himalayan Grill-3737 Murphy Canyon Rd
supposedly AYCE Lunch Buffet- but not mentioned on their website
3. Soup du Jour-8583 Aero Drive- Closed Sun
Soups... but also salads and entrees
4. Bud;s Louisiana Cafe-4320 Viewridge Ave-Closed Sun
open for breakfast
want to try the soft-shell crab
5. The Peruvian Spot- 7510 Mesa College Drive- Closed Mon
T-F- open 8am; S&S at 8:30
recommended- pan con chicharron; lomo saltado, tallarin saltado, ceviche, empanadas; inca fries; and for dessert- the chocolate with lucuma ice cream,
6. Cucina Basilico- 3755 Murphy Canyon Rd-Closed Mon; Lunch W&Th @11; other days at 4:30
Salmon pasta In Vodka sauce
7. Kitakata Ramen-7951 Othello St.-Daily 11-3

OCEAN BEACH/ SUNSET CLIFFS
1.Hodad's-5010 Newport Ave. (The Original restaurant)
Burgers- Open 11-9 The "Guido Burger" is recommended
2. Pomas- 1846 Bacon St.
recommended- Meatball sub and roast beef sandwich; also eggplant parm
3. Dough Boys- 4994 Newport Ave.
pizza, cheesesteaks, smash burgers
4. Kaiserhof- German- 2253 Sunset Cliffs Blvd- Closed Mon & Tues; W&TH-4-9; Fri-Sun 12-9
5. Desperado Bagels-4938 Niagara Ave,-
S.D. Magazine rated their bagels the best...
6. Chris' Liquor & Deli-2275 Sunset Cliffs Blvd.- Daily 7am
The Harpoon recommended- pastrami.

PACIFIC BEACH
1.Nico's Fish Market -745 Emerald St.
2. Sushi Kuchi-4475 Mission Blvd
Sushi and Noodle dishes +
3. The Fish Shop- 1775 Garnet Ave
Pick a fish, pick a marinade, pick a style (tacos, plate, sandwich)
4. Costa Brava- 1653 Garnet Ave.- Closed Mon & Tues, open at 11- F,S & S; 5p, on W&Th
Authentic Spanish cuisine... the paella is recommended.

MISSION BEACH
1. Sarah's Mexican Food- 2907 Mission Blvd.- opens at 9am
Taco Tuesdays are the best time to go
big menu- including breakfast plates
2. Moe's Steakhouse- 3768 Mission Blvd.
3. Sportsmen Seafood- 1617 Quivera Basin-Closed Mon; T-Sun-11-8; Fish & Chips; Seafood Platter; Clam Sandwich

POINT LOMA
1. Slaters 50/50- 2750 Dewey Road
Many options... but burgers recommended
2. Volare- 3528 Barnett Ave- Italian
People say that the ambiance is drab... but the food and prices are great. For example- meatball sandwich $6.50; Eggplant Parm dinner-served with pasta, soup and garlic bread $14.95
3. La Perla #3-1224 Rosecrans-9AM-7, Closed Sun
get the OaxacaCalifornia Burrito-
4. Caribbean Pleasure-3341 Rosecrans-11:30-6-Haitian

MORENA BLVD
1. Sardina's-1129 Morena Blvd.- Italian
2. Baci's- 1955 Morena Blvd- Closed Sun & Mon; lunch Th& Fr 11:30; Tu-Wed-Sat at 5; This is a UNIONized Restaurant!
A bit pricy.

LA JOLLA/DEL MAR/ENCINITAS
1. Regents Pizza-4150 Regents Park Row
"Soppresata" pizza recommended, they also have deep dish
2. Tamarindo- 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar
Mexican... Chicken mole enchiladas recommended
3. Destiny Coast- 8604 La Jolla Shores Drive
PRICY- but the view is apparently amazing. Breakfast and Brunch only for now
4. Din Tai Fung- 4301 La Jolla Village Dr. at UTC Mall- Daily 11-9:30
Apparently everyone's favorite and the standard to measure all other Chinese restaurants; specialty is soup dumplings
5. Ramen Nagi at UTC-4301 La Jolla Village Dr.-Daily 11-2:30, 5-9
Red King Ramen recommended

LEMON GROVE
1. Coop's West 2625 Lemon Grove Ave.
2. Chef John's- 8047 Broadway
looks like a dive... but people swear by their Fish & Chips
3. Lido's-7252 Broadway-Daily 11:30-8
Doesn't look fancy... but people swear it's authentic Italian
pastas, pizzas, salads, sandwiches- reasonable prices

EL CAJON/ LAKESIDE
1. Golden Corral- 390 W. Main St.; e.c.
opens at 9am- (Buffet)
2. Hana Sushi- 749 Jamacha Road; e.c.
good deals on rolls
3. Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse- 110 N. Magnolia Ave., e.c.
M-Th- 4-9pm; Fr, Sat & Sun lunch 12-3
All You Can Eat.... Meats, Salads, etc- $40 lunch; $55 Dinner (no meat $25 & $30
4. Ottavio's Italian - 12440 Woodside Ave.; Lakeside- Closed Mon
opens at 4pm
They have mussels in marinara! Shortribs Ravioli, Pizzas too.

SOUTH BAY
1. Tita's Kitchenette- 2720 E. Plaza Blvd. National City
Filipino- highly recommended
2. Jibaritos de la Isla- 5080 Bonita Rd
Puerto Rican food. Get the Mafongo plate
3. Beyer Deli- 3065 Beyer Blvd, San Diego (near Imperial Beach)
named #20 nationally in delis
4. Lolita's- 4516 Bonita Rd
Supposedly the origin of the California Burrito- so get that!
opens at 8 for breakfast; different daily lunch specials
5. Callos Factory- 2910 Main Street Chula Vista-Closed Tue
Mexican Seafood- might be a food truck
6. Jollibee's- 1401 E. Plaza Blvd. Nat'l City
Filipino Fast Food-
The Spicy Chicken with Dip in Gravy & mashed Potatoes- highly recommended
Other locations also in Mira Mesa and Chula Vista
7. The Galley- 550 Marina Pkwy Chula Vista (on the waterfront)
"World Famous Fish & Chip" recommended
8. Carnitas Quiroga- 2241 Highland Ave. N.C.-Michoacan cuisine
open 7-7 daily- serves breakfast- was featured in AAA Magazine
9. Mexipino Craft - 1660 Broadway, Chula Vista-Daily 8:30-3
Mexican/Filipino Fusion- Mexipinoi Hash and Ube Pancake look most tempting.
10. Italianissimo Trattoria- 323 3rd Ave. Chula Vista- opens at 11
Get the Farfalle Salmone
11. Balsalmic Italian Kitchen- 791 Palm Ave. Imperial Beach
S&S at 11; M-Fri-4p,
Linguini Scampi?
12. Aqui es Texcoco-520 Broadway, C.V.- Daily 9-9
Lamb BBQ! Also try the Mixiotes
13. The Tin Fish- on Imperial Beach pier
Get the Fish & Chips & the Cole Slaw

CORONADO
1. Garage Buona Forchetta-1000 C Ave,-Daily 8am-9pm
reasonably priced Italian dishes and pizzas.

ALPINE
1. Jay's Southern Cafe-2165 Alpine Way
BBQ and Soul Food

NORTH COUNTY
1. Come On Over Cafe-2465 Oceanside Blvd., Oceanside
named #5 nationwide in sandwich shops; closed Mon
open for breakfast at 7am
2. Lienzo Charro- 12511 Poway Rd. Poway
Full-service Mexican
3. Ju Fen Yuan- 12265 Scripps Poway Parkway- Daily 11:30-3 & 5-9pm
Highly liked- Wide menu- lots of dumpling dishes
4. Smokin J's BBQ- 14035 Midland Rd. M-T- 11am; S&S-10
Pastrami on Rye $20! Serves breakfast too. 3X3 Platter- 3 meats, 3 sides $25.50
6. Village Kitchen & Pie Shoppe- 950 Tamarack Ave., Carlsbad
7am-8pm daily
Big menu...brkfst, lunch & dinner; The chicken fried steak is recommended

JULIAN-
1. Jeremy's on the Hill - 4354 Hgwy 78
Get the "Juicy J Burger"

Challenge #1256-TCF
see-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Hard Scavenger Hunt XVI

The challenge runs from July 1 - December 31, 2025.

List 0/25
Bonus 0/5

The List
Assiduously
Canon
Colonnade
Cubit
Demarcation
Dickensian
Diode
Emulate
Existential
Extol
Fecund
Fetid
Hubris
Mellifluous
Parochial
Piccadilly
Quonset Hut
Snood
Somnolent
Torque
Trancendental
Transom
Trencher
Trifecta
Trill

Bonus Words
Challenge coin
Mogul
Chatelaine
Effigy
Snooker

Reserved

Challenge #1257- Wanderlust
see-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Malta's Capital: Valletta
September 1, 2025 - September 30, 2025
0/6

1. Grand Master's Palace
✱ Read a book set between (and including) the 16th and 18th century (tell us when) OR
✱ Read a book originally published in 2015 (share publication date) OR
✱ Read a book whose author’s first & last initial is found in GRAND MASTER'S PALACE.

2. St. John's Co-Cathedral
✱ Read a book that has the abbreviation ST. in the title, series name, or author's name (include series name if using it) OR
✱ Read a book tagged RELIGION or BIOGRAPHY on its GR Homepage OR
✱ Read a book whose author’s first & last initial is found in ST JOHN'S CO-CATHEDRAL.

3. Upper Barrakka Gardens
✱ Read a book with a panoramic view on the cover (post cover) OR
✱ Read a book with two sets of double letters in the title (i.e. Barrakka) OR
✱ Read a book whose author’s first & last initial is found in UPPER BARRAKKA GARDENS.

4. Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum
✱ Read a book that includes the word UNDERGROUND in its text (share text) OR
✱ Read a book of a macabre or creepy nature (briefly share details) OR
✱ Read a book whose author’s first & last initial is found in ĦAL SAFLIENI HYPOGEUM.

5. A Wealth of Museums
✱ Read a series book #4 OR
✱ Read a book where a museum is featured in the plot or is visited by the MC (briefly share details) OR
✱ Read a book whose author’s first & last initial is found in A WEALTH OF MUSEUMS.

6. Fort St. Elmo and National War Museum
✱ Read a book with over 7,000 RATINGS on its GR Homepage (share number) OR
✱ Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in NATIONAL WAR MUSEUM (3 word min) OR
✱ Read a book whose author’s first & last initial is found in FORT ST ELMO.

Reserved

Challenge #1258- Wanderlust
see-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

History of the Mongol Empire
September 1, 2025 to Completion
0/13

1. Mongols and Tatars
✱ Read a book where the characters belong to a couple different distinct cultures (tell us what they were) OR read a book whose title includes one word starting with M and one word starting with T (you may use the word THE).

2. Genghis Khan
✱ Read a book where a famous ruler is mentioned (tell us who) OR read a book where the MC is known by a nickname (share both name and nickname).

3. The Mongol Army
✱ Read a book with an important character who is (or once was) a soldier (tell us who) OR read a book that includes all the letters in BOW (any order) in the title or author's name.

4. The Pax Mongolica and the Silk Road
✱ Read a book tagged TRAVEL in its GR homepage OR read a book by an author whose first and last initials can be found in SILK ROAD.

5. Genghis Khan's Immediate Successors
✱ Read a book tagged FAMILY on its GR Homepage OR read a book with a plot line that covers a span of several years (share approx. number of years).

6. The Division of the Mongol Empire
✱ Read a series book #4 OR read a book where you can find the word DIVISION in its text (share the text).

7. Kublai Khan & the Yuan Dynasty
✱ Read a book set in China (tell us where) OR read a large book (more than 400 pages; share page count).

8. The Ilkhanate
✱ Read a book where religion is important to the plot (tell us why) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in THE ILKHANATE (2 words minimum).

9. The Chagatai Khanate
✱ Read a book by an author who is new to you OR finish a book you thought about abandoning (tell us why you wanted to stop & whether you are glad you finished it).

10. Moghulistan
✱ Read a book with over 1347 reviews (share number) OR read a book by an author whose first and last initial is the same letter.

11. The Timurid Empire
✱ Read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in TIMUR (share name) OR read a book where art or local culture is important to the plot (tell us how).

12. The Golden Horde
✱ Read a book set in Russia (tell us where) OR read a book with a predominantly YELLOW cover (post cover).

13.The Mughals in India
✱ Read a book set in India (tell us where) OR read a book set before 1858 (tell us when)

Reserved

Challenge #1259- Booktivity

see- https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

BASIC Scavenger List
safe
school
season
shadow
shop
silence
sing
sky
slave
smells
snowfall
spent
squeak
social
stove

BONUS words
scrimping
shrugged
slumber
snuggle
swarm

RESERVED

Challenge #1260- TCF

see- https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...


TCF September/October 2025 Bonus Hunt

0/40

Apple
Awry
Bus
Cacophony
Cadet
Cello
Clever
Cloak
Clog
Dilute
Doorbell
Elastic
Fetid
Flannel
Foul
Frock
Heckle
Horror movie
Irrational
Jumble
Loot
Macabre
Mildew
Nemesis
Owl
Paint
Robot
Scurry
Secret passage
Series
Spook
Stash
Superhero
Turntable
Union
Vent
Warden
Wily
Witch
Yield

RESERVED

Challenge #1261-MW#11O

BEADS; BORDERS; CARPETS; COUCHED; COVERLETS; DESIGNS; EDGES; FABRIC; GARMENTS; GEMS; POINT; HOBBY; KITS; LINENS; NEEDLES; PATTERN; PICTURES; SAMPLERS; THREADS; UNIFORMS; UPHOLSTERY