Little Miss Sunshine in CA, Pt. 4

Part of 4 of Little Miss Sunshine (aka Christy) in California begins at the San Juan Capistrano Mission. The three of us stopped by there for a visit as we headed back to San Diego from the Chateau Marmont. From the plaque outside:

Founded in 1776 by Padre Junipero Serra, the seventh in the chain of twenty-one missions established in Alta California to Christianize and civilize the Indians. Stone church destroyed in 1812 earthquake. Expropriated during Mexican rule. Returned to Catholic Church in 1865 by proclamation of President Abraham Lincoln. Historical Landmark No. 200, California State Park Commission.

This is one of the most beautiful California missions I have been to, and one that I have photographed many times over the years since May 2007. Below is a shot from that first visit:



It would appear from this current image I took that the bougainvillea ate the statue:



Christy captured me assuming my usual stance:



The resulting shot:



I’m a sucker for a good archway photo:



Candles inside Father Serra’s Church at the Mission:







Jorge was very careful not to grind or stand on the stone:





With another meal calling, it was time for us to bid farewell to the Mission and complete our trip home. There were also naps to be had. It had been a busy weekend!



A quiet night at home sounded good to both of us, so we made a quick trip to Pop Pie in South Park for grub. So many good choices!



Holding the bounty of both salty and sweet:



The Shag Disneyland trays came out for the occasion:



The movie of choice was “The Morning After” (1986), a psychological thriller starring Jeff Bridges and an Oscar nominated Jane Fonda. Christy was dying to watch “Burlesque” (2010) but I talked her out of it. Insert laughing emoji.



Next up: Pollo Fundidos in Old Town!



See more Capistrano photos at my main website.

Best Neighborhood in San Diego

When it comes to the lottery of awesome neighborhoods, I would say that Willis and I won hands down.  South Park (no, Cartman doesn’t live here) has a vibrant Main Street that makes it one of the most walkable neighborhoods in San Diego. As I get older and the traffic continues to get worse, the less I have to drive the better. Here are a few of the reasons I love my hood! Number one is the best Italian restaurant in San Diego, Il Posto.



They are tops in service, atmosphere, and cuisine. EVERY meal is a winner (and I frequent this place on a regular basis) and always a hit with whoever I go with.



If you like Tiramisu, theirs is the best you will find. I love to watch the face of people as they savor their first bite; it is a dessert like no others. All other versions of it pale in comparison.



If you like Indian food, Curryosity is an adorable option tucked away just off the main street.



In Naan We Trust, indeed!



The portions here make them perfect for sharing, as typically there are many items on the menu that you will want to try.



For pizza lovers, Mazara’s Pizzeria is a more than decent choice. I can’t say that heartily recommend their other food options, but for a night when pizza sounds good, ordering online means I can walk down the street in about 20 minutes and pick up my dinner. Plus, Willis loves the crust!



If you like Tater Tots, look no further than Station Tavern.



Half outdoor patio and half enclosed bar/restaurant seating, this local favorite is great for a casual lunch or dinner with friends and family.



The BEST Tater Tots you will find anywhere. Served hot and perfectly seasoned, you could make a meal out of them. The one downside to this place are the other tots; I’m not sure why this place attracts negligent parents, but it does. If you don’t mind screaming kids running around and throwing the gravel that covers the patio, then this is the place for you. 



Coffee lovers have a few fun options, beginning with Communal. Located in a little trailer parked at the back of a scenic patio, it’s a cool spot to sip your java, have a snack, and socialize or work remote:



Dark Horse also carries ice cream. Nice to have a little dessert spot just down the street:



Recently, Origins Grocer opened up. This place is INCREDIBLE to have within steps of my home. Their focus is organic and low waste. You bring the container, fill it up, and help cut down on the plethora of plastic that pervades the landfills. The owners are super nice, too.



If you’re into vintage vinyl, Vinyl Junkies is the place for you.



My hood also has some cool mural art, like the one shown below:



Other favorite neighborhood haunts include Whistle Stop Bar:



Catapult Books, South Park Fitness (I created the logo!):



and The Rose Wine Bar. How about you? Have you been to South Park and if so, what are some of YOUR favorite spots?

See more South Park neighborhood in San Diego photos at my main website.

Halloween Season in South Park

Every year I look forward to seeing what my neighbors put together for their Halloween display. At night, with the lighting and the animatronics going, it really is quite spectacular.



Unlike other neighborhood displays, this one changes each time, as old figures are replaced and new ones join the mix. There’s also a “tunnel” off to the side with even more things to see.



Open every Friday and Saturday night in October, if you live in San Diego, you really need to check this out from 7pm–9pm.



Like the rest of San Diego, parking can be tight (that’s an entirely different topic that I cannot begin to unpack here in this post), so best to take that into consideration.



Yes, the figures light up AND move!



I don’t think Willis cares for this figure, though. Even in the daytime.



This figure reminds me of the neighborhood “Karen” who asked me the other day, “What do you think about the Halloween display on our street?” I replied, “I think it’s great!” “Really? It’s pretty noisy. I can hear it across the street.” Me: “It’s only two nights a week from 7-9 in October, and people really seem to love it. I think it’s great to have it here!” That was pretty much the end of the convo. She probably turns off her lights on Halloween to avoid giving candy to the kids.






For more info about South Park Horror House, visit them on Instagram.






See more San Diego South Park neighborhood photos at my main website.

Il Posto: Eating Local

When it comes to picking restaurants, I typically stay away from the chains and prefer to support my local choices. Italian food is at the top of my list, and there are a number of decent choices here in San Diego to choose from. When Il Posto opened down the street from me in the old Eclipse Chocolate location, I was cautiously optimistic. 



The aesthetic is clean, modern, and spacious. Besides tables and seating that don’t make you feel squeezed in, there is a generous sized bar option as well as outdoor seating (perfect for people watching).



Staff is friendly, and most (including the chef) are Italian. That’s a good sign!



The food was off the charts. The caprese makes a great starter and the focaccia bread is the best around, just perfect for mopping up the leftovers on your plate!



Every meal I’ve had there has been a winner. Two of my favorites are the Gnocchi with Bolognese sauce (you can build your own pasta plate with sauce, toppings, protein, and cheese):



…and the Ravioli with Gorgonzola Sauce. The Orecchiette Salsicca e Friarielli is another favorite.



Dessert often fails at Italian restaurants, but not at Il Posto. So many good choices, including the Spumoni ice cream encased in chocolate:



The refreshing lemon sorbet, served in a frozen lemon with just the right amount of cannoli filling to hold it all in place:



…and the Tiramisu, which is hands down the best I have ever had.



If you find yourself in San Diego, be sure to put this one on your radar.
 
See more San Diego North Park/South Park neighborhood photos at my main website.