10 Perfect Weekends

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Stephen L. Weber

President San Diego State University

Friday
I start out on a La Jolla dinner date with my wife, Susan. We enjoy a drink and the spectacular ocean view at George’s at the Cove, saying hello to restaurateurs and SDSU alums George Hauer and Mark Oliver. Then to nearby Azul (run by alum Michael Morton) if we’re in the mood for swordfish or ahi tuna. It’ll be alum Mike and Victoria McGeath’s Trattoria Acqua if we crave ravioli d’Aragosta. Afterward, we see the latest production stage director/alum Craig Noel is showing at the Globe Theatres.

Saturday
Susan and I catch an early pancake breakfast at IHOP in Mission Valley (IHOP CEO Julia Stewart is an alum). Later, we stroll the Embarcadero, then grab fish tacos at the Cabo Café & Grill, a partnership between the Monarch School (for homeless youths), SDSU’s Aztec Shops and alum Ralph Rubio. In the afternoon, we head out to Mission Trails Regional Park and bird-watching at the Fortuna Mountain Regional Reserve. We cap the day at a sold-out Cox Arena, fervently rooting for coach Steve Fisher and the Aztecs basketball team.

Sunday
A quieter, reflective day. I sneak out for breakfast at Jack in the Box. I tell the crew that chairman/CEO/alum Jack Goodall sent me. I finish the morning doing woodworking, a craft refreshing to my mind and spirit. Susan and I then spend the afternoon at Balboa Park. Lunch: The Prado. Then to the latest international folk art displays at the Mingei International Museum, founded by faculty emerita Martha Longenecker. We end the weekend catching Full Focus or Nova on KPBS, SDSU’s public television station.

 

Julie Foudy

Soccer Player San Diego Spirit

Friday
Hopefully, my husband and I both are in town for a weekend—a rare occurrence. Croce’s on Fifth Avenue is great for dinner and live music.

I have a huge sweet tooth, so a trip to Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop—also on Fifth—for a nice, big, whipped-cream-and-chocolate–covered creation is in order. Depending on what’s playing, we’ll walk to one of the great theaters downtown—Spreckels, the Rep or the Horton Grand.

Saturday
We’re not morning people. So the day begins around noon. One of our favorite breakfast spots is Café 222. It has good, strong coffee, and you can sit outside. In the off-season, I always do a weekend run around the harbor front; the convention center steps are great for fitness. Late lunch: the Fish Market. It’s got an awesome outdoor patio over the water. Dinner would be at the eclectic Indigo Grill. I’ve yet to try a dish by chef Deborah Scott I didn’t love. For drinks, a little local bar and restaurant called Bayou, on Market.

Sunday
We had a great discovery recently in the Napa Valley Grille, atop Horton Plaza. They do a Sunday brunch menu that goes late. We can sit at the bar and watch the Chargers before going shopping—which, as everyone knows, is what Sundays are for. Dinner: Royal Thai Cuisine on Fifth is excellent, never disappoints.

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