Little Miss Sunshine in CA, Pt. 1

It was a case of perfect timing - just when I needed my bestie of 30+ years most, Christy (aka Little Miss Sunshine) came to visit me in California. It had been seven years since we’d last hung out in person, but it was as if no time had passed at all. Some say she’s the Grace to my Will, but since I never really cared for the Grace Adler character (self-centered, whiny, and obnoxious), I will skip that comparison and just say I am grateful to still have her in my life! Faithful readers of my blog will not be surprised to find out that the first stop for us when she arrived was Station Tavern for a “light snack” of their legendary tater tots. For Christy, it was love at first bite. 



And because it’s all about the food, our next event was dinner at Sonny’s in University Heights, one of my new faves.



This is the go-to place when my friend Kevin and I grab dinner, so he tagged along for the ride and got to meet Christy. With Kevin, it’s typically a text at 6pm-ish: “Sonny's?” Nothing else needs to be said other than “yes” or “no.” Back to Sunshine…of course she enjoyed the Pepp Rolls.



I really love the vibe of this place, and so do Kevin & Christy!



The dessert options at Sonny’s are meh, so we headed over to Jeni’s afterwards.





The next morning, Christy had her first addictive taste of the vanilla bean lattés at Communal Coffee in South Park:



Making ourselves more presentable, we drove over the bridge to Coronado Island into Nirvana, aka Little Frenchie’s:



In the early years of our friendship, this is what we did:



Now we sample French pastries. A much better choice!



We kind of walked off the calories with a stroll along the beach in front of the Hotel del Coronado:



…just like Marilyn Monroe did in 1959 for “Some Like it Hot.”



A cute tiki sand sculpture:



Inside the Hotel del was this display with pieces related to Frank Baum and his Oz books:



Christy had never seen the Crown Room before. That wooden ceiling is GOR-GEOUS!



The prices of gas in Indiana looked much better after Christy saw what they were in San Diego!



We attempted to catch a movie at Coronado’s Village Theatre, but unbeknownst to me it had shut down and was undergoing a change in ownership. Nothing like a dinner at San Diego’s best Italian restaurant, Il Posto, to make things better!







Until the next meal…this concludes Pt. 1 of Little Miss Sunshine’s California visit!
 
See more of my 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.

Melissa on the West Coast, Pt. 1

Melissa (aka “The Colonel”) made her annual trek to California last month, so the next few posts will be documenting our Southern California tour. I felt like Willy Wonka:

So much time and so little to do. Strike that…reverse it!

Before she arrived, I had to get the house cleaned up (well, as clean as I could get it!) and the car washed. There was a heavy buildup of Willis “love” (aka dog hair).



When Melissa comes to the Coast, she knows to pay tribute to Mr. Willis. This time it was a pineapple toy that he immediately went to work on:



Why is Willis smiling in this photo? Because as soon as Melissa unpacked, we walked down to Station Tavern in South Park, where the best tater tots in the world can be savored.



The object of his desire:



Are they as delicious as they look? Heck yes!



There was no time to rest after lunch; I had some gift cards to blow through, so Melissa and I drove off to the San Diego Trolley. On the way, we saw an interesting rainbow overhead. Instead of the typical arch, this one was a streak of color:



So far, so good. Waiting at the station for the trolley:



Here is movie scene recreation #1; can you name the movie?



I was in very bad need of some new jeans, and a (now former) friend recommended Marshall’s. I’d never shopped there before. My face says it all. I’m not a fan of stretch jeans...or Marshall’s. I won’t be going back.



Back at home, I got the iron ready for Melissa. She was anxious to try my new built-in cabinet. Can you believe she didn’t even offer to iron MY clothes? If you know Melissa, yes…you can believe it.



Dinner was at Lousiana Purchase, one of my favorite restaurants in San Diego. Caution: this is not the type of place you will dine at and feel like doing any rigorous activity afterwards. The term “comfort food” doesn’t even cover it. The cajun inspired menu is just incredible.



Dinner there MUST start with the garlic cheddar cheese biscuits.



Just in case you need a closeup. They are served with strawberry jam and honey butter. I’m starting to drool at the memory.



We agreed to skip the Ooey Gooey “Better Than Sex” Cake and opted to go to the recently opened Handel’s Ice Cream location in Hillcrest.



Orange Dreamsicle for Melissa and Key Lime Pie for me.



It was early to bed and early to rise, as Palm Springs was on the itinerary for day 2.

See more Daveland photos at my main website.