Trio of Change

Change is inevitable, and no matter how much we resist it, it typically manages to beat us over the head at some point. “They” say bad news comes in threes, so I am hoping that when it comes to favorite restaurant closures, this is it for a while. This spring, longtime favorite Hob Nob Hill closed down for good, after struggling for a year under the poor choices of the new owners. The place I originally fell in love with was fairly priced, large portions, great service, and made-from-scratch meals that tasted like mom made ’em. It was one of those staples that I ate at often, and my friends all dug it, too. No more Cincinnati Chili:



…and no more group gatherings where you didn’t feel like you needed to be ushered out. Nothing but good times, good food, and good memories.



Nearly every trip to LA featured a lunchtime stop at Mauro Cafe on Melrose, in the now defunct West Hollywood Fred Segal shopping center.



Every friend I took there raved; with both indoor and outdoor seating, you could guarantee that there would be fun people watching (and a celeb or two), delicious food, and servers who looked like they just stepped off the runway.



It was also Willis approved.





They had a lemonade slushee that was tart as could be and I LOVED it. On my most recent trip to LA, I was going to stop at the recently moved Mauro, but ran out of time. Oh well, I’ll catch it next time, I reasoned to myself. Next time is now never. It has permanently closed. Don’t put off for tomorrow what you can do today. So many adages today.



Yesterday, I learned that local favorite Madison in University Heights is also closing down, to replaced by who knows what.



This was another place that I typically took out-of-town guests to, including my mom. It got her stamp of approval, which is no small feat; Tony is one tough customer.



The drinks were a tasty precursor to the meal, which was followed by their awesome desserts. Presentation was a hallmark of this place:



The barrel ceiling and mod design were unique, pairing perfectly with Madison’s vibe.



Many a special occasion was celebrated here, including a birthday or two.



Good friend Mona and her husband Patrick recently went there for a belated birthday celebration. We had no idea it would be our last time there. Had I known I would have brought my camera. Another lesson - never leave the camera at home.



The moral of the story: if there are places you want to go to, or a restaurant you enjoy dining at, get your ass there. Support it. Don’t let it languish. Like anything in life, nothing lasts forever, except maybe the sting of regret.

See more San Diego photos at my main website.

Jersey Girl, Pt. 2

Tours and history are always a part of the Daveland experience, and one of my favorite hidden San Diego gems is the Marston House. Located in the edge of Balboa Park, this 1905 home started out as your typical Tudor mansion in the design phase and was then transformed into the Arts and Crafts wonder that you see today. Thank you, Irving Gill!



You should ALWAYS stop and smell the roses...no matter how ridiculous you may look!



What a foyer! The gorgeous redwood throughout the house just takes your breath away.



George Marston made his money courtesy of his world-class downtown San Diego department store. Mementos are strewn throughout the house:



I don’t think this contraption would have put Dyson out of business.



This is my kind of dining room, right down to the Stickley furniture.



A table ready for the Fall Harvest!



Back in the day before blogs, this is what people wrote with. The feel of a computer keyboard just doesn’t capture the magic of a typewriter.



Can you say Tiffany? Sure…I knew you could.



Excuse me while I catch my breath again. Vintage tile. I had to deviate from the tour for a second to capture this bathroom tile.



MEAL TIME! Yes, at Daveland you will eat like a King (or Queen), as restaurants are a large part of any travel experience. I made sure Melissa was able to see all of the historic yet vibrant neighborhoods that make San Diego so special. University Heights is right at the top of the list for me, with two of my favorite restaurants.



Madison has yet to disappoint with a guest.



I don’t think Melissa was able to fully enjoy the meal (and drinks!) here, as she was pooped from her day of travel and Daveland touring.



Traveling down Park Boulevard a bit further you’ll find Pop Pie, a more recent Daveland discovery.



No way Melissa was going to give a thumbs up to the kale slaw there, but like the adventurer that she is, she gave it the ol’ college try! The rest of the meal was a score!



I always like to throw in a bit of the weird, so after dinner I took Melissa to Pioneer Park, which was once a cemetery. In the 1970’s, the headstones were removed (except for a few that ended up re-cemented at the back of the graveyard)...but the bodies stayed!



Can’t you hear Craig T. Nelson now? “You son of a bitch. You moved the cemetery, but you left the bodies, didn't you? You son of a bitch, you left the bodies and you only moved the head stones. You only moved the head stones. Why? Why?” Because you wouldn’t have had a hit movie otherwise, Craig.



Apparently the first Elizabeth Taylor is buried here. She wasn’t a huge hit, so the world needed a second one.



Melissa did her best to recreate Shirley Temple’s scary graveyard scene from “The Blue Bird.”



I was too lazy to get someone to play her brother. Hey, we had a show to catch!



The Imperial House is a San Diego institution. Not for the insane, but for those who like vintage dark bars with lounge singers.



My friend Ria performs here every Friday.



It takes a special talent to pull off a mashup of “You’re the one that I want,” “Jolene,” and “Rawhide.” Only Ria! Here’s a brief clip:



Still more to come!

See more Daveland photos at my main website.

Dining at Madison on Park

One of my favorite things about living in San Diego are the historic neighborhoods spread throughout the city, each with their own character. My very favorite is University Heights, which is where I lived for a few years when I moved back to San Diego in 1999. Completely walkable, it is filled with some of my favorite restaurants, watering holes, and unique shops. A few years back, the restaurant Madison on Park opened, and it quickly became the “go-to” spot for me to take people to when I wanted to provide a memorable dining experience.



Clean and simple in design, it has a unique indoor/outdoor vibe all at once. A barrel-shaped ceiling is overhead with openings on either side that let the fresh air in.



Speaking of fresh, no plastic faux flower arrangements here.



The drinks are magnificent, with the Motor Bike being one of my faves. Yes, it tastes as good as it looks.



The Portabella Fries, served with avocado cilantro aioli and chipotle pepper sauce are a new favorite. If this is what vegan eating is about, sign me up!



I often get the Pork Chop here (out of this world!), but this time I tried the flank steak, and it too was delish.



See more University Heights photos at my main website.