Archive for December 2007

The Breakfast Scene for Parents Who Are Not Ready to Surrender to Denny’s.

Breakfast is one of those meals that even parents of restaurant-impaired small children might try going out for… assuming mom and dad are feeling strong, the stars are aligned, and they have a child-friendly stop at the end of the car ride. Because this morning meal isn’t crowding bed time, or screwing up any major naps, the behavior gods just might be on their side. And because most kids from ages 1 to 5 are carbohydrate junkies, one is sure to find something on a breakfast menu that kids will eat. Best of all, it’s the shortest meal.

For the parents in and around La Jolla that want to find something more tasty and hip than Denny’s - and less crowded than the seaside swanky spots – I give to you… Bibby’s Crepe Cafe.

This undiscovered treasure is small, quaint, and yummy. A place you’d also like to visit for lunch with a friend. The staff is a lovely collection of sweet-faced young women (one straight out of the movie Amelie) that, while maintaining a pleasant air of dignified European formality, are incredibly tolerant of small children and the challenges they can sometimes pose. Yes, you can get that juice in a to-go cup with a lid, yes we have a high chair, yes we can put the strawberries on the side and add in some bananas. And no, don’t worry, that spilled hot chocolate is not a big deal.

Here is the best part. Kids love the crepes. These crepes are the real deal, too. Made by an older French gal in the back in a matter of seconds… placed in front of you and your little ones, warm and sprinkled ever-so-lightly with powdered sugar, before there is even time for the first meltdown.

You can find Bibby’s tucked in a row of small shops on Pearl Avenue. They don’t open until 8:00am on weekends, 9:00am on weekdays, so if you’re used to hitting IHOP at 7:00, you’re out of luck. But hey, who ever heard of crack of dawn eaters in Provence? C’mon - let’s be civilized.

Being stuck indoors on a rainy day can turn even the sweetest child into a wild-eyed miniature monster, especially when that little munchkin is being raised in San Diego, spoiled rotten by the ability to play outdoors 362 days a year. But on those 3 rainy days that we get here in SoCal (and on the handful of scorching hot ones in August and September), you will thank your lucky stars for a cool, dry, indoor place to entertain the little buggers like Kidsville in Poway.

The industrial park setting isn’t exactly the most welcoming, but inside Kidsville, bright mural-covered walls surround a mini city filled with a large selection of clever stations where kids can play pretend. There’s the theater filled with costumes, the hospital where kids can play doctor (fully clothed, of course!), a pizzeria, fire station, school, veterinarian office, and gas station to keep the little ones busy for at least a couple of hours. Kids can stay active, too, by riding or pushing the wide selection of ride-on toys around the rectangular "track". Moms (and the token dad) can hang out and chat at the center tables where they have a view of the entire place. At Kidsville it is actually possible to sit back and relax while your children play, a huge bonus for most parents. Also in the center is a baby play area for the littluns who don’t venture far from Mom yet.

Kidsville is actually CLEAN, unlike the flu-virus-covered play land at McDonalds. The staff sanitizes the toys daily and it shows.

Be sure to wear socks and pack a snack for your child. Otherwise, he’ll cruise around mooching crackers and juice boxes from other toddlers, like my own son did while visiting.

While Kidsville’s target market seems to be preschoolers, I know an 8-year-old boy who love this place and a 5-year-old girl who finds it boring. My own 1-1/2 year-old and 5-1/2 year-old boys can stay entertained for up to two hours at Kidsville, but my 7-1/2 year-old maxes out after an hour.

The biggest downside I can see is the price of admission. Personally, I think $9.95 (plus $4.95 per additional sibling) is a bit steep considering you’ll likely stay for two hours at most. However, there’s a new $50 punch card that gets you 10 visits. That is much more reasonable to me (especially if you split it with a friend!). Beware that it does have an expiration date, though.

Kidsville also offers themed birthday parties and Saturday night babysitting.

San Diego offers a wealth of great places to eat, fun things to see and do and a load of activities and attractions that could keep anyone entertained. Finding a great spot for a breakfast date, however, can get tricky if you aren’t sure what to look for! Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Through my experiences, I’ve discovered several great morning spots for a breakfast date in San Diego.

Originally hailing from Chicago, Richard Walker’s Pancake House offers an incredible selection of breakfast favorites, from the traditional to more “upscale” tastes. When I went here after a late-night partying session, I was pretty impressed. Their prices are very reasonable, and I absolutely loved their baked cinnabon pancake. Seriously, if you like cinnamon you don’t want to miss this. Their house brand coffee is pretty delicious, too, I might add.

As a vegetarian, I am especially impressed by Lean and Green in La Jolla. While not strictly a breakfast spot, it’s a great place to take a health-conscious date in the morning. Start the day off right with a glass of fresh squeezed organic orange juice or a delicious peach smoothie. For something more filling, I recommend their Irish Steel-Cut Oatmeal. You can mix and match with strawberries, nuts, agave, banana, honey and a host of other combinations.

For something a little classier, check out the breakfast menu at The Shores, a place I never would have figured served breakfast until a date brought me here. Order a Mimosa or hot coffee to start the morning off to a great start, and then choose from a surprisingly wide selection of great food like the tropical fruit waffle or Grand Marnier French toast. I guarantee you won’t leave the place without feeling satisfied, even if your date leaves something to be desired like mine did. He insisted on complaining about everything from the noise to the prices, and when breakfast was over I hit the road.

While there are always the traditional diners open around San Diego, for something a little more exciting, these breakfast spots are great alternatives. For a morning date in San Diego, I highly recommend the previous establishments. Who knows? You might discover a new favorite restaurant… even if the date doesn’t work out as planned!

If you’re looking to scope out singles, the San Diego bar scene can be a great way to meet people and find potential dates.

I met a guy at a combination bar and grill that eventually turned into a two year relationship. While we aren’t together anymore, I don’t regret ever making the commitment. We still remain friendly to this day!

Before you go, I’m going to show you some of the best bars in San Diego. Forget those dives and hole-in-the-wall establishments – these are the cream of the crop, and may even score you a first date (or two or three…!)

Pacific Beach Bar and Grill is the place to go for potential dates, dining and entertainment. Scope out prospects in their large outdoor dining area, or catch the action indoors while watching the latest sporting event on their 72” televisions.

Enchant the child within you at Dave and Busters, a grown-up arcade, restaurant and bar. It’s a great spot for a first date, or to find a date for next time! Even though I struck out when I went, I did manage to play Skee-Ball with a guy – and he gave me a stuffed panda to take home afterwards.

For an Irish-flavored evening, check out Maloney’s Tavern, located in the heart of San Diego. Great for the singles scene, you can enjoy a selection of Irish brews or mixed drinks. Their menu isn’t too shabby, either!

The Wine Lover. You’ll love the different crowd that tends to hang out at these places (I thought some of them were a bit snobby, but a lot of them are down to earth), and you won’t have to constantly worry about some cheese-ball hitting on you. Even if you aren’t much of a wine connoisseur, you definitely want to check The Wine Lover out. It’s a classy wine bar that can be a lot of fun.>

While these are only a small selection of bars in San Diego, you will undoubtedly meet someone that strikes your fancy. Forget about the dive bars you’re used to and give one of these establishments a chance. Dating in San Diego is already difficult enough, but if you’re persistent you can make the most of the singles scene.

I know San Diego, and I guarantee you’ll love these bars.

Have fun!

So, you’ve managed to snag that first date. Where to now?

FYI, McDonalds is NOT an option. The guy who took me here on our first date did not get a second date… or even to second base. Word to the wise, fellas!

Luckily, my extensive dating experiences can serve to inform and instruct those of you who are a little… lacking in the date planning department.

These are the best first date spots in San Diego I’ve come across. You won’t find any fast food spots here!

For those who are on a bit of a budget, the Corvette Diner serves up great food and an amazing atmosphere that’s sure to please even the most discriminating date. I was taken to the Corvette Diner on a third date, but hey, he got a fourth out of it! They’ve got a wide selection of food and beverages to suit any taste, and offer weekly entertainment and a nightly DJ. Plus, they’re entirely 50’s-themed, which is pretty rad.

If 50’s-inspired dining isn’t to your liking, hop on over to Jimmy Loves. Open 7 days a week, the restaurant/night club offers an amazing menu selection and nightly entertainment. Check out their website for a calendar of upcoming entertainment acts so you can plan your first date perfectly. Seriously, it’s worth it to plan… I should know. I went out with a guy who had no clue what we were doing, and basically drove around for two hours waiting for me to decide. Puh-lease!

If dining isn’t an option or you’re taking a date out during the morning or mid-afternoon, why not take a stroll through scenic Balboa Park? It’s the perfect place to people watch, talk and get to know one another in a gorgeous environment. Plus, if you get bored of sitting around there are tons of museums and other attractions to keep you busy. Plus, the water fountains and forested areas make it very romantic… hint, hint!

If you’re lucky enough to score a date with a girl who can be a kid when the moment calls for it, check out Belmont Park for rides, arcades, midway games, shopping and dining. You’ll certainly enjoy yourself, but feel her out (no, not THAT way!) before you take your first date to a glorified amusement park.

San Diego offers a wealth of restaurants, clubs, bars and attractions – yet surprisingly enough, I’ve dated plenty of people who never had a clue where to take me. Hopefully, this short list will give you an idea of some of the greatest first date spots in San Diego.

If you’re lucky, you might just score a second date.

Even if you don’t have a date this season, you can still troll for potential matches at these top activities for singles in San Diego.

When I was hitting the singles scene, I checked out tons of hot spots. While I wasn’t able to score a date every time, the following activities were where I seemed to have the best luck.

Dakota Grill and Spirits offers a relaxed atmosphere to eat, drink - and potentially score a date.

I checked out this spot during lunch time, when there seemed to be more singles present. Within about 20 minutes, I was talking to a busy professional who was there on his lunch break. We only lasted about four dates, but even so…!

If you’re looking for something with a Spanish flavor, check out Cafe Coyote for authentic Mexican cuisine and a fun atmosphere so you can scope out the scenery.

Again, I’d suggest hitting up this place during lunch time. The dinner crowd seemed mostly married couples with children - definitely not a prime time to pick up a date!

For a night of partying, grab a couple gal pals and head to Club Montage where you are sure to find plenty of eligible dates to choose from.

A few of my best friends and I decided to hit up Montage and within minutes I had an invitation to dance and a phone number. It’s definitely worth a look.

For a rockin’ atmosphere and great times, check out Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach.

Seriously, this is one of the hottest clubs around, and I’ve always scored a date every time I’ve been here. If you’re into live music and dancing, you will love this place.

Of course, my all-time favorite spot for singles in San Diego is Balboa Park. Between the many museums and other attractions this San Diego favorite has, you can also choose to sit and people watch.

The next time you head here, try striking up a conversation with a photographer like I did. Balboa Park is full of amateur photographers taking pictures of the beautiful scenery and buildings, and I managed to form a long-term relationship this way.

If you’re tired of the boring singles scene in San Diego, the previous establishments are some of the great spots I’ve found to attract local singles.

Try out a few, and test your luck.

Tired of having to send back the steak that’s a little too bloody? Like your toast just a little bit more, well…toasty? Well, you’re sure to always have it your way at Gaslamp’s The Strip Club because every steak is cooked to your liking: hey, at Strip Club you cook ‘em yourself! Not done enough? Slap ‘er back on the fire, old boy! Too well done? Oh, well—you can always complain to the chef: that would be you!

2006 Gold Medallion Winner, Best Casual Steakhouse, this downtown institution is a second home to lovers of grilled steak, chicken, fish, and vegetables from all over San Diego County. And while the meals may be self-cooked, the menu is nothing if not full-service, with appetizers to get your motor going, drinks to keep ‘er purring along, and desserts to top off an evening of fun spent ‘round the community grill. Locals and visitors alike rub elbows vying for space on one of several cooking surfaces available for fun and feasting. Popular as Strip Club has become, however, there’s never a great wait once you’re there--meat in hand, a hungry look on your face--ready to charbroil your way to heaven. There’s always room for another porterhouse, filet mignon, shrimp, or an Ahi kebob or two. Steak, soy, and hot sauces, salt, pepper, and a variety of other tasty seasonings ring each grill’s perimeter, for those ready to savor some flavor.

And in the unlikely event your little cooking experiment fails to achieve the status of culinary masterpiece, they’ve lined the walls of Strip Club with original works by Spanish artist Vargas, whose masterpieces of feminine beauty—the Vargas Girl—tastefully graced the noses of World War II fighter planes, the pages of Esquire and Playboy Magazines, and the covers of many rock and roll albums from the 1940s through the 1980’s.

There’s a downside to the story, though. Because the bar’s not self-serve, hunky bartenders must keep the refreshments pouring for those just there to enjoy the bevy of plasma TVs shining down on the festivities from above, the jumpin’ music, and the gorgeous bar patrons. ‘Seems not everyone needs a charbroiled steak dinner with garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed asparagus, or beer battered onion rings. And because it’s a proven, scientific fact that not everyone shares the same tolerance for the plush, luxurious, naughahyde booth, Downtown San Diego’s exhilarating nighttime atmosphere, or some of the most beautiful waitresses San Diego has to offer, some people never get to experience the Strip Club’s self-serve wine cellar and Steak n’ Dom Perignon special. You may just need to go on down and take one for the team!

There’s no little fun to be had in San Diego’s Little Italy these days since the neighborhood’s revitalization and renaissance of the last 20 years. With a calendar of events as vibrant and lively as the residents themselves, the little neighborhood that could--east of the harbor and north of Downtown--is the place for a big ol’ time, anytime!

Come to San Diego’s oldest continuous neighborhood business district in February for Carnevale and a taste of the old country with food, music, and costume to rival the best of Brazil and the most of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras. Perhaps you like a nice, invigorating stroll among the latest masterpieces of the up-and-coming masters? You’ll love the assemblage of local artists, and galleries, bands, and eating establishment making the Little Italy Art Walk a unique experience in April of each year. And October’s Chalk Festival offers the budding Da Vinci his or her moment in the sun—literally!

Unless of course you prefer your enjoyments year-round? And who doesn’t? Kettner Blvd. is the gallery lover’s stroll through heaven. Interior design issues are straightened out for you at Adorn, while Mixture has home furnishings right where you want ‘em. Of course, the arts are never any finer than at PLMeyer Fine Art.

Public art displays and installations, too, give Little Italy a flavor all its own, the walls of India Street annually enjoying the artistic efforts of area locals, thanks to the sponsorship of The Precious Cheese Company, whereas the New York stickball tradition has found its West Coast home right here in town.

Because we know some of you may think of eating as a year-round activity, too, Little Italy makes a wide array of food traditions available for those bent on following this line. Buon Appetito, Café Zucchero, and Mimmo's Italian Village afford the cuisine of the ancestors, as do Cabo Café, China Camp, and Bud's Louisiana Food Shoppe if your ancestors happen to come from Mexico, China, or Louisiana, respectively.

Little Italy has everything available to the visitor or area resident with an itch for culture they’re eager to scratch. Only a minute’s drive from downtown and everything it has to offer, what could be more convenient?