Every now and again I stumble upon a restaurant that puts me into such a good mood I cannot wait to go back.  Or worse, makes me want to order everything on the menu and damn the consequences.

Tonight I found such a place and it is so good I hesitate to recommend it (I like keeping the really good ones to myself).  It is funny how I ended up at this restaurant.  While dining at Kensington Grill (http://entertainment.signonsandiego.com/profiles/places/91313), a self-described “regular” sitting next to me stated with enthusiasm that I must try "this great little French restaurant on 30th".  She could not remember the name but explained how to get there.

Turns out I met someone actually worse at directions than me.  There was no French restaurant to be found.  As I meandered down 30th quaint little restaurant named The Linkery beckoned.  Now this is my kind of spot.  Fresh ingredients from farms the owner and his staff personally visited.  Inexpensive but phenomenal wines.  Laid back music, dimly lit spots and a vaulted chalk board highlighting the evening's specials.

Once saddled up to the bar, Chelsea described in great detail how the menu worked and set me on my way to decide.  This was not easy.  The menu is made up of specials, perfectly prepared perpetuals (is that a Bush-ism?) and salads.

Did I mention anything can be served with their in-house sausages?  That's right; you can order a nice light salad and have them top it off with homemade sausages and even their house-made slab bacon.

There is more than just pork, although I had a North Carolina pulled Pork and red onion sandwich with house-cured pickles, slaw and a side of spicy mustard.  For those that know me, I am not a big beef fan.  This might have ended tonight because someone ordered a burger that smelled so incredibly good I seriously thought of going back into the kitchen and greedily eating it right off the grill.  This place truly makes your teeth tingle with anticipation.

It was interesting to learn about this very unique venture.  There is no tipping. The owner -- a former programmer -- decided to offer his staff a salary and health benefits which is covered by a service charge automatically added to your bill.  If you do tip, that money goes to charities the staff selects.  The walls without chalk boards were covered in beautiful framed photographs taken by refugee children ages 11-16.  The artwork is years ahead of most professional photographs I've seen so check out the website listed below.

The next time you are in San Diego, check out The Linkery and bring an empty stomach.

Website: www.thelinkery.com

Aja Refugee website: http://www.ajaproject.org/

-Bill