Mainiero's Double Standard Kitchenetta Sets December 1 Opening Date

On December 1st, David Mainiero's latest restaurant is set to open its doors to the public on the corner of 6th and G where the Gas Lamp district meets the East Village in downtown San Diego. With the construction wrapping up, and the final furniture delivery date set for the next few days, the restaurant is in full swing hiring and training to get ready for the holiday season.

Executive Chef Chris Tan has collaborated with David to bring an eclectic set of influences to bear on their vision for sophisticated comfort food as well as a unique twist on Neapolitan-style pizza. Chris's extensive experience working under incredible culinary visionaries such as Chef Jarvis Yuan, Chef Laurent Quenioux, and Michelin-rated chefs Octavio Becerra and James Syhabout make him an ideal fit for Double Standard Kitchenetta, where he will be able to expound on his traditional influences and styles of cooking with the inspiration provided by the understated vibrance of the East Village.

More pictures (non-backwards ones), menu previews, and announcements to come soon.

Lost in Translation: Chinese Food in China

On my most recent trip to Beijing, I encountered some interesting food. Not so dissimilar from goofy Chinese translations of made-up English dishes on restaurants in America serving non-authentic Chinese food, one Chinese restaurant (specializing in Peking duck) had some pretty hilarious translations of its own on its enormous menu. I have compiled a greatest hits list here. All are equally delicious and ridiculous sounding.

1. Marijuana Fish - I have no idea what this means, and would love for someone to tell me. All I know is that they only prepare their marijuana fish one way, though. Smoked.

Marijuana Fish

2. The Trademark Tickle Box - Given that the waiters were wearing masks, ordering the trademark tickle box was too risky for me.

Trademark Tickle Box

3. Pimple Soup - This is the only one for which the translation comes even close to making sense because of the texture of the soup.

Pimple Soup

4. Amorous Feelings of Beef Tendon - Despite my hope that these were cow testicles of some sort, they were actually the Achilles-equivalent of a cow. This was fairly disappointing.

Amorous Feelings of Beef Tendon

I feel like if I looked on Urban Dictionary, I would find much more entertaining descriptions of these menu items.

Attacking the GMAT

Make a plan and stick to that plan. You need to plan properly in order to succeed on this test, especially given the likelihood that you will be working full time in the period in which you are studying. You don't need to have spectacular math skills or a particularly high IQ to master this test. It's about preparation and dedication. Make sure to make the GMAT a priority, and you will be pleased with the results.

Remember, the test is learnable. You're not brushing up on your general math skills; you're learning how to answer GMAT-specific questions. These are learnable question-types for which you can triage your approach to mastering algebra and geometry.

Punching Above Your School's Weight Class

One of the most common questions that law school candidates ask me is some variation of:

"How are schools going to evaluate my candidacy vis-a-vis students who come from more prestigious undergraduate institutions?"

Our advice is to not understand your situation as a limiting one. There are limitations, but they can be transcended with some effort. Essentially, you will need to find creative ways to validate your strong academic performance at your undergraduate institution. Read more about getting to a top law school from the law school admissions team at InGenius Prep.

From Staring to Starting

Check out my most recent post on the personal statement writing process on the InGenius Prep Brain Blog. This blog is geared toward those who are struggling to figure out a topic and a theme for their personal statement or supplementary essays. Getting started with that first draft is always one of the hardest obstacles to overcome in any type of writing, but it can be especially difficult when you are writing about yourself. Don't let expedience come at the expense of profundity. The admissions experts at InGenius Prep can help you to coherently and cogently articulate your experiences, interests, and passions in your application to convince the admissions committee that you are a compelling candidate deserving of a spot in their incoming class.

Sneak Peek: Double Standard San Diego

With full remodel in swing, LID interiors has hand selected random No. 1 California redwoods for the library wall and 15-year Italian lime plastered finishes to surround the used Chicago brick which has been installed by Old World Artisans in the dining areas. Look for a custom “Campari" bar with hand-made fixtures from designed Ingo Mauer to complement the vast boutique wine selection. Custom banquettes are being fabricated in a yellow hand-stitched leather - think Restoration Hardware meets Phillipe Starck at 6th and G in Downtown SD! The glamorous food and interior/exterior design has been conceived to excite all of the five senses.

A 'Faema Legend E-61" vintage espresso machine is due to arrive any day to compliment Double Standard’s after-sips. A recent shipment from Naples, Italy, also included the specialized dough mixing machine which delicately fluffs the proprietary starter dough very lightly as it mixes with Napa Valley’s premier first-press olive oil and Sicilian sea salts. Final Health inspections are scheduled for this month’s end and the sounds and scents of the kitchen will begin to hum!

Below is a "secret shot" of the craftsman installing the California Redwoods in the South library wall.

Stay tuned for more previews and menu sneak peeks! 

Check out InGenius Prep's New Vimeo Profile!

InGenius Prep launched a new Vimeo page today to host some of its video blogs and other high-quality video content for those interested in admissions. Hear what the cast of admissions experts.

Check out what our impressive roster of former admissions officers has to share about getting into the top colleges, law schools, medical schools, and business schools.