We had the good fortune of connecting with Danielle Cazarez (Brown) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Danielle, what do you attribute your success to?
My success can only be measurable based on the success of other local and small businesses. My blog is used as a platform to shout out (see what I did there) and showcase all the amazing restaurants and businesses San Diego has to offer. There is nothing more exciting than when I get messages or get tagged in posts of people going to a local business based off of my recommendations. It’s a win-win for everyone!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
So food blogging isn’t actually my full-time job. People are always shocked when I tell them I don’t do this for a living. I’m actually employed full-time by the DoD. When I started my big girl job five years ago, I knew I needed a creative outlet. I really enjoy writing and editing (whether it be text, photos or videos). So I decided to combine my talents with what I really enjoy doing most, which is eating. This was back in 2018, way before a pandemic. So at first it was about sharing the places I enjoyed throughout San Diego. I wanted everyone to know the best spots for drinks, brunch, date nights and so on. Once 2020 hit, I had to learn how to pivot my support for the food industry and community. My Instagram and website then turned into a lot of take-out orders, eating at home, sharing recipes as a newlywed, and finding creative ways I could still support local and small businesses. The worst part for me personally was getting diagnosed with social anxiety and depression in 2021. I was afraid to leave my home. Now this is something I still struggle with, but thanks to therapy I’m able to get back to my old self. Fast-forward to 2023, I’m devastated a lot of businesses didn’t make it through the pandemic, but it only pushes me to advocate harder for those that still stand and I raise my glass to those that started in the last few years. I’m so grateful for the dining experiences I’ve been able to have because of Through My Brown Glasses.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love coffee and cannot start my day without a cup. We’d have to stop at a coffee shop of course! Some of my local favorites are GrindHouse and Cafe Moto.

From there, I’d have to suggest bagels from Spill the Beans or Ben & Esther’s if you are looking for vegan + gluten-free options. If you want something on the heavier side, I’d say let’s grab some birria from Ed Fernandez Barrieria, chilaquiles from Talavera Azul or mimosas from Cocina de Barrio. Snooze AM Eatery is also one of my all-time favs for breakfast food.

From there, I’d love to show them around some fun locations. It’s always a good time in Coronado, Barrio Logan, Balboa Park, Seaport Village or Point Loma. Luckily if you’re here for a week, we can hit up all these spots!

For lunch and dinner options I’d suggest Cesarina, Boss Bird Kitchen, Shan Xi Magic Kitchen, MishMash, Friends House, Dirty Birds, Poke Vida, or Plumeria. You tell me the cuisine you’re craving and I’ll be sure to take you to the best restaurants in the city!

Throw in a few happy hours here and there like Rosemaries (sliders) at Harland Bay Park or Ironside to get the best prices on oysters. One of my personal favorites ever is the Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar in Fashion Valley.

My rule of thumb when on vacation is that I like to have at least one ‘fancy’ meal. I strive off of making dining reservations. It’s easy to work around your day when you have places to be at certain times. A perfect trip to San Diego would not be complete until you have steak and espresso martinis at Born & Raised. But other honorable mentions are Rare Society, Cowboy Star, Louisiana Purchase, and Lumi.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a shout out to my family. They are extremely supportive. My mom set the bar really high when I was growing up; I think she is the best cook ever. I know good food because of her. I’m thankful for my dad although he is not tech-savvy, he is as supportive as can be. I’m also grateful for my brother. Despite our 7-year age gap, he used to take me with him around the San Diego and Los Angeles area growing up and we’d check out new restaurants. He’s been ahead of the restaurant game and that has helped me have the upper hand when it comes to sharing restaurants with my audience. Lastly, my husband–he supports every and anything I do. There’s no one else I’d rather have be my “plus one” forever.

Website: throughmybrownglasses.com

Instagram: instagram.com/throughmybrownglasses

Image Credits
Danielle Cazarez, Through My Brown Glasses

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