Best of San Diego 2005

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Intimate Beach

The problem with naming a best intimate beach is that suddenly it’s no longer so intimate. So we’ll leave it at this: Many like to visit La Jolla’s Windansea Beach for romantic interludes, but for real intimacy you should find your own.

Store Sommelier

Apparently John Z at the Costco on Morena has quite a fan club. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, this pied piper of vino reels ’em in with his “wonderful recommendations on good-value wines to go with particular meals.” 4605 Morena Boulevard, 858-270-6920

Lacrosse Store

Pay attention to the rise of youth lacrosse leagues. It’s a sport on the upswing. And if you don’t like getting hit with a stick, don’t play lacrosse—or shop at Pacific Lacrosse for the helmets, shoulder pads and thick gloves that’ll keep you somewhat less bruised. A trained staff helps all neophytes. 11828 Rancho Bernardo Road, Suite 123, 858-676-0004; paclax.com

Professional Organizer

At Away with Clutter, Dana Korey’s title is chairman of order. Michaela Kuechenhoff is the clutter terminator. They’re bonded and insured professional organizers. Whether it’s home or office, they will turn your rat trap into a clean and compartmentalized place of efficiency. 14739 Camino Vista Estrellado, Del Mar, 858-481-9191; awaywithclutter.com

Cell Phone Coverage

Who is completely satisfied with their cell phone provider? It just goes against human nature. However, the general consensus is that if you don’t want to walk around parroting “Can you hear me now?” Verizon Wireless is your best bet. 800-TO-JOIN-IN

Scrapbook Store

From proud grandmas to future brides, scrapbooking has long been the memory-preserving method of choice. Scrapbook Junction in Santee is a one-stop shop for scrapbooking know-it-alls and newbies. Offering affordable supplies and weekly classes, personal attention and assistance, the Junction has enough stamps, stickers and suggestions to fill every empty page. 225 Town Center Parkway, Suites A & B, Santee; 619-562-0991; scrapbook-junction.com

Waiters

If you don’t know the difference between a T-bone and a New York strip, fear not. Any waitperson at Donovan’s Steak & Chop House knows more than a human ought to about cuts of beef. All are courteous at this upscale steakhouse, and as a group are knowledgeable enough to win on Meat Jeopardy. 4340 La Jolla Village Drive, 858-450-6666; donovanssteakhouse.com

Dive Bar

The Lamplighter has worn tables, truck-stopquality bathroom facilities and reasonable prices. Regulars and visitors stop in for nonstop karaoke. The mike is always open, and occasional applause is warranted—but most of the time it’s like a Mission Hills version of American Idol tryouts. Charming, nonetheless. 817 West Washington Street, 619-298-3624

Dave Carlin, anchor/reporter, KSWB-TV

Local Band

Eve Selis Band “Eve and company know how to rock. She’s bluesy, gutsy and gorgeous. What a talented lady! She’s one of the best things about San Diego that we love sharing with the rest of the world.” eveselis.com

Salsa

Asked what makes the salsa at Ortega’s Mexican Bistro so irresistible, chef Randy Rivera says it’s pretty simple: heirloom tomatoes. They use tomatoes that taste the way tomatoes should—yellow ones, even. There are more secrets to this perfectly spicy sauce, but suffice it to say you must taste it as soon as possible. Third and University Avenues, Hillcrest, 619-692-4200; ortegasbistro.com

Homemade Ice Cream

It’s good to know there’s still a business like Mariposa Ice Cream, which believes oldfashioned is the only way to go for everybody’s favorite dairy treat. The store carries about 25 flavors, several of them hard to find anywhere else—like rum raisin, coconut and banana walnut. Nothing’s prepackaged, and all ingredients are strictly natural. A double scoop of the store’s most popular flavor, white chocolate raspberry ripple, costs a mere $2.75. 3450 Adams Avenue, 619-284-5197

Chicken Soup

A Filipino restaurant and karaoke bar may not be the first place to leap to mind when you think of chicken soup, but aficionados swear by the bowls at Lourdes Family Restaurant in National City. 1125 National City Boulevard, National City, 619-474-4442

Chicken Pie

Ah, the Chicken Pie Shop. Is there anyplace else like it? This is not the place to go for ambience, unless you’re inordinately fond of cafeterias with chicken-themed décor. But if you’re looking for comfort food, this is nirvana. It’s like having dinner with Aunt Bea in Mayberry, where you can count on it always tasting the same: good. 2633 El Cajon Boulevard, 619-295-0156

Movie Snacks

Cinephiles should be familiar with the Ken Cinema already, as it shows some of the best art, foreign and sometimes just-plain-odd films in town. But if that isn’t enough to tempt you through their doors, check out the concession stand. Not only do they have the best popcorn in town, courtesy of prolific popper Teresa Mill, they carry vegan cookies, Lindt chocolates, Tazo tea and Café Moto coffee. And they finally replaced the seats! 4061 Adams Avenue, 619-819-0236; landmarktheatres.com/Market/SanDiego/ KenCinema.htm

Corned Beef Tacos

For all we know, Hooley’s Irish Pub in Rancho San Diego may be the only purveyor of this mixed ethnic specialty. A generous serving of thin, lean corned beef is pocketed inside a warm corn tortilla, topped with shredded cabbage, tomatoes, green onions, cheddar cheese and a jalapeño white sauce. Possibly addictive. 2955 Jamacha Road, Rancho San Diego, 619-670-7468; hooleys.com

Croissant

“You could put anything on this croissant and it would taste heavenly,” enthuses a diner at St. Tropez Bakery & Bistro in downtown’s One America Plaza. The secret is three ingredients: butter, butter and more butter. Opt for any of the café’s sandwiches on the yummy pastry, or just enjoy with jam. Unless, of course, you’ve banned saturated fat from your diet. Mon Dieu, non! 600 West Broadway, downtown, 619-234-2560; plus five other locations; sttropezbistro.com

Beach Volleyball

Sun, sand and beach volleyball—what more could you want in Southern Cal? Just north of the jetty, at the southernmost part of Mission Beach, are volleyball nets with ample sand for everyone. Nets are maintained, and courts are routinely raked. Parking is available from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. Alcohol is allowed from noon to 8 p.m., but no glass. To reserve a net, call 619-235-1169. sandiego.gov

Palm Reader

Carole Nance Psychic Adventures has reasonable rates, will come to you, does parties and is accurate—we think. And isn’t that everything you really want in a psychic? Have your palm, tarot, crystal ball or tea leaves read. 858-452-2352, carolenance.com

Salsa Dance Class

Head down to Café Sevilla Tuesday-Thursday evenings and learn to swivel those hips Latin-style. If you’re the shy type—or just prefer to watch—catch one of their stellar flamenco shows, and dream of being able to dance like that. 555 Fourth Avenue, downtown, 619-233-5979; cafesevilla.com

Unplanned Afternoon

Unexpected time on your hands? Why not visit the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park? You can catch a film in the IMAX theater, wander among the interactive exhibits and play, even—should the need ever arise—buy a last-minute Christmas gift or two, since the center’s open 365 days. 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619-238-1233; rhfleet.org

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