Archive for March 2008

Are you in the mood for a little pampering? Look no farther than Anastasia Beverly Hills, a La Jolla spa that’s sure to leave you feeling rejuvenated, relaxed and simply glowing.

Each spa treatment and service will allow you to experience a whole new level of “you,”; their extensive selection of face, body and salon treatments will amaze you.

While the spa caters to females, Anastasia also offers a variety of services specifically for the image-conscious male – everything from eyebrow shaping, to waxing and even facials.

Enjoy a relaxing day trip with the girls and invest in a world-class Glycolic facial, or indulge with a luxurious Swedish massage (available in 50 or 80 minute increments.)

With summer right around the corner, you may also want to choose from one of their several waxing services, including a full leg, bikini or underarm wax.

Alternatively, you may just want to pamper yourself for a day and have your makeup professionally done. If that’s the case, Anastasia will ensure you and your girlfriends leave looking like princesses with full makeup, a natural-looking airbrush tan and professional eyebrow shaping.

If I had to choose a favorite service, I’d definitely recommend the clarifying mask treatment or the Vitamin C Facial; both leave your skin positively glowing.

The spa also offers unique packages for bridal showers, baby showers, or graduation parties. Additionally, you can customize a package to suit nearly any event. What’s more, the spa offers on-location deals if you’re interested in hosting a private spa party for a bride-to-be, or simply a gathering of your closest girlfriends for a day of beauty and pampering.

Whatever you choose Anastasia Beverly Hills La Jolla Studio for, you’ll be assured of world-class treatment, a variety of services to choose from, and a dramatic revealing of the inner goddess you know you are!

According to their website, Barona Resort and Casino is, apparently, “where the real players play, and win.”

While I can’t speak for myself, having won nothing of significance the handful of times I’ve been there, I can tell you that it’s worth a shot.

The moment you enter Barona, it almost feels as if you’re in Las Vegas. Serious gamblers will fall in love with the VIP service, the assortment of blackjack tables, $500 slot machines and the award-winning player’s club, Club Barona.

Even if you aren’t a hardcore gambler, you can still enjoy the amazing atmosphere.

What’s more, you don’t even have to necessarily come to Barona for gambling… you can come for the food!

With several dining options to choose from, you’re sure to find food that pleases even the pickiest eater. My personal favorite would be the Ranch House Buffet, which offers a huge selection of all different types of entrees, beverages, desserts and more.

The casino also offers Gameside Dining, which means you won’t have to quit your hot streak if you’re raking in the big bucks on the machine – you can actually get your meal delivered directly to your seat. How neat is that?

After a long day (and night, as the case may be) gambling, you can head to a sumptuous room at the adjoining resort. Enjoy world-class service, or pamper yourself at the day spa. Whatever you choose to do, you will not be disappointed.

The resort also offers many amenities for anything you might need, including a full-service fitness center, a business center and free high-speed internet access.

Personally, I recommend Barona Resort and Casino for a day with the girls or a luxurious weekend with a bunch of friends. It’s the perfect San Diego casino to relax, have fun and enjoy yourself.

For casual San Diego dining, look no further than Islands Restaurant.

Offering up a great combination of delicious food and a relaxed atmosphere, Islands should be your prime choice for a casual weekend date or a get together with the girls.

Most famous for their burgers, the restaurant offers several to choose from. Vegetarians can even substitute a meatless patty on any of the burgers – yum!

You can start off the meal with one of 9 great appetizers, including the to-die-for onion rings or nachos loaded with sour cream, jalapenos, tomatoes, salsa and cheese. It’s almost a meal in itself!
If burgers aren’t your thing, choose from a selection of soups, salads, sandwiches or soft tacos, all made to order and especially scrumptious.

Kids 12 and under won’t feel left out at Islands, either – they have several meals to choose from, made specifically for them.
For drinks, I wouldn’t miss their delicious Passion Fruit Iced Tea. They also have a fair selection of other sodas and beverages, as well.

After you’ve enjoyed your meal, you definitely want to save room for dessert. Try the Chocolate Lava; a decadent chocolate brownie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, roasted almonds and a cherry. Chocolate lovers won’t be able to get enough of this rich dessert!

If you love the taste of Islands but can’t make it out to eat, order takeout via phone or directly online – your food will be hot and ready for you when you arrive.

Whatever your pleasure, Islands will please even the most picky eaters. Whether you want to enjoy a night on the town with your gal pals or a family dinner in a casual environment, consider Islands Restaurant your first choice for fun, delicious and affordable dining.

For the ultimate girl’s night out, you absolutely must visit Jack's La Jolla. With three restaurants and five different lounges, there’s no shortage of food, drink and entertainment.

Truly an establishment for the upscale single girl, Jack’s La Jolla offers three spectacular restaurants, including The Dining Room, the Grille and The Ocean Room.

The Dining Room seems to offer the most bang for the buck, so to speak, including delicious food, cozy atmosphere and live entertainment.

If you’re more interested in relaxing and socializing, invite some of your gal pals out to a night on the town and have a drink at The Wall Street Bar, one of five different lounges within Jack’s. The Wall Street Bar seems to offer busy, young professionals the perfect after-work atmosphere to talk to similar-minded people and socialize.

If, on the other hand, you and the girls want to party over the weekend, choose The Beach Bar, open Thursday through Saturday until 2 AM. It’s the perfect lounge to kick it with friends, or hook up with eligible single men.

You can party until the wee hours of the morning on one of their spacious dance floors, or enjoy the killer ocean views, open air courtyard and large, extensive bar.

Honestly, Jack’s La Jolla offers the quintessential environment for a girl’s night out with an upscale and hip flair. You can expect to pay upwards of $10-50 per entrée and/or beverage depending which lounge or restaurant you choose to spend your time.

It makes for a bit of an expensive outing with your girlfriends, but it’s totally worth the price. Take it from me – there’s no better place in San Diego to find attractive, young men, a cozy atmosphere and a great place to drink, dine and have fun.

If you want to see and be seen, check out Jack’s La Jolla. You may want to consider visiting during happy hour (typically from 3:30 to 6:30), as that seems to be the best place to mingle with the other party-goers.

For a fun, relaxing day with the girls, there’s no other spa in San Diego like Essence.

The "spa on Mission Bay," located in the Hilton San Diego Resort offer a wealth of custom-designed spa treatments and services.
Enjoy 9 treatment rooms, a full-service hair and nail salon, plus an indoor/outdoor meditation lounge, if that’s your thing. The spa also offers a large boutique where you can purchase unique products and gifts to take home.

If you’d like to relax even more with your pals after your treatments, take advantage of Essence’s sun deck where you can enjoy over-sized lounge chairs, and sample some delicious cuisine.

If you’d like, you and your gal pals can ask about special day packages, where you’ll be treated like royalty for a special price.
Indulge in a wide variety of spa treatments, from facials to manicures, hair cuts to massages.

I’m especially fond of the Green Tea Peel, which leaves the skin looking absolutely radiant with no downtime whatsoever. If you desire silky, smooth skin with none of the undesirable side effects of other facials, this treatment is the way to go.

Of course, I’m also a fan of the Sacred Stone massage, which utilizes the ancient massage technique of hot stones on the body to deliver the ultimate in relaxation to tired, sore muscles.

Essence also offers an extensive selection of add-ons to make your day with the girls extra special. For example, you can add the option of a lavish bath soak, complete with your choice of rose petals, oils, or scrubs, before a facial or massage.

You could also ask for a customized blend of aromatherapy oils to help you relax further while you’re getting a massage. Honestly, your options are endless at Essence.

To make things super simple for you and your pals, you can all create your own customized packages, where you will receive three services of your choice while receiving a discount on all of them. It’s the simplest way to enjoy Essence!

Whether you want to unwind and relax with an intensive massage, or simply pal it up with the girls and get manicures and a haircut, Essence at the Hilton San Diego Resort will ensure all of you leave satisfied, relaxed, and gorgeous.

Centrally located in Little Italy, San Diego’s Chi Chocolat is a chocolate-lover’s dream.

Seriously, if you’ve never been, I suggest you stop in ASAP. Most of their chocolates are handmade with some of the best ingredients in the world, AND there are absolutely no nasty additives found in commercial chocolates.

Open Tuesday through Sunday, this upscale chocolate boutique is sure to have something delectable for every taste and budget.

Stop in after work for a delicious chocolate treat, or order a custom gift package for a lucky friend, family member or that special someone. Nothing says “I love you” more than a basket of gourmet chocolate (or maybe that’s just the foodie in me speaking!)

On a side note, their varieties of chocolate truffles are to die for.

Chi Chocolat also offers an extensive selection of beverages and Paninis, so you can stop in for lunch and take home a chocolate confection to enjoy afterwards. That’s what I did; only I had my desert first… I know, I know – bad!

If you aren’t sure what to sample, you can always go for an on or off-site chocolate tasting. Rates start from $27 per person, and it’s a great idea for parties, hanging out with the girls, or corporate events.

During the tasting, you’ll get to sample a variety of fine chocolates, take home some chocolate samples and enjoy various beverages throughout the tasting. It’s a great way to enjoy a lazy afternoon with pals, or get together with co-workers to relieve the stress from work.

You can even purchase a selection of their gourmet chocolates online, including custom chocolate gift baskets, chocolate slabs, chocolate bars and even chocolate covered strawberries.

Save some room for delectable chocolate the next time you’re out and about downtown San Diego. From delicious fine chocolates to impeccable service, Chi Chocolat has it all.