San Diego November 2015

San Diego Business and Pleasure

November 2015

Off to SD, Americas accurately named finest city. T had an interview at the largest auxiliary in the CSU and of course we wrapped a couple play days into the road trip. 

We booked into the La Jolla Marriott (sounds much nicer than it actually was, a rare let down) and headed over for the interview while I killed some time at a nearby sushi joint. The interview went great, a close second in the end but more to come perhaps.

The next morning it was off to beautiful La Jolla shores for some sun and a long walk along the beach from the Scripps pier to the Marine room taking in the breath taking views of the pacific and the water adventurers in scuba gear or with kayaks or stand up boards. This place is filled with fun and beauty only rivaled by Hawaii. 

The lunch goal was to try to get into Blue Water Grill.  It was a goal since the parking is the challenge in order to join the out the door line. Their slogan is "All we do is fish" and that is an understatement since all they do is make fish incredibly delicious and very reasonable prices. The system works great too, dont sit until you order and tables will appear. We had the ceviche, oysters, fish tacos and a clam and muscles in broth that compels you to dunk and eat, dunk and eat, repeat. Sounded like we over ordered but utilizing a team work mentality we devoured every bite. Cant wait to return to this iconic delicious eatery.

Our next stop was to head downtown and walk around Little Italy. Another nice area of downtown as the area has transformed from sailors and hookers to the cool Gaslamp area and apparently thousands of new condo units are about to appear. Our search for goodies brought us to Extraoridnary Desserts on Union Street. This place was a find! Incredibly beautiful cakes and pastries stole our attention and insisted we buy probably too much. We managed. And, we will be back to this great find. Downtown needs more of our tour attention and will get it next time we can.

We spent the evening at Georges on the Cove for happy hour drinks and yummy bites that filled us up for $10 each. The parking Gods
were with us so we left the car and strolled La Jolla popping into a couple bars and once again finding a corgi, her name was Molly. 

Our meandering walk brought us into The Hake Kitchen and Bar.  We spotted two seats at the mostly empty bar in a mostly packed restaurant and ordered drinks. Then the fun began. Our bartender brought us our order and we watched him prepare concoctions from the interesting drink menu.   We commented on the drink and he handed us the remainder to sample. Then he began a lesson in tequila that included shots of mezcal and tequila. All tequila is mezcal but not all mezcal is tequila. Well ok then. They tasted smoky and great. The entertainment continued with food recommendations and a spice book that ended up making a great Xmas gift for T. They opened a container and produced fried and candied basil leaves to taste. Creative and interesting, it was like taking a master class while at a bar.

The final morning was spent walking on La Jolla shores and peeking in the windows at The Marine Room famous for waves crashing against the windows. An old school spot that has fallen in quality but still offers the best dining view at sunset anywhere. The sun was shining and it was another beautiful San Diego day.

We found a new breakfast spot, Shorehouse Kitchen, and it was fantastic. Great food in a patio setting on a sunny day. Nice to break out from out 30 year tradition of the venerable Harry's in La Jolla. We headed back up THE 5 to THE 405 and THE 118 home.