Best of San Diego 2005

(page 3 of 6)

Fourth of July Tradition

Following the Fourth of July fireworks off the Ocean Beach Pier, kids, families and many a drunk folk split into teams and begin firing sweet, spongy confections at one another. Participants have reveled in the traditional O.B. Marshmallow Fight for more than 20 years, still finding themselves in irrepressible hysterics by the end of the night.

Place To Pretend You’re a Vampire

Club Sabbat has an interesting cultural mix of people wearing goth/fetish/fantasy garb and dancing to some great beats in an unexpectedly friendly environment. And there’s a surprisingly low likelihood of being followed around by a sloppy drunk who just won’t take a hint. Step out of the box for a change. Every second Saturday at Rich’s, 1051 University Avenue, 619-295-2195; every fourth Saturday at The Flame, 3780 Park Boulevard, 619-743-1623; clubsabbat.net

Offbeat Arts Venue

The Old Wonder Bread Factory is a beautiful, rambling building that makes wonderful use of exposed brick, wooden beams and architectural oddities. It houses a wonderfully eccentric collection of folk art, and lots of interesting arts groups have been using the space for performing/exhibiting recently. Just get there soon, as rumor has it the building will be leveled to make way for new development. 147 14th Street, East Village

Jesse Chatman, Chargers running back

Brazilian Barbecue

Rei do Gado “I like to eat meat, and San Diego has the best around.” 939 Fourth Avenue, downtown, 619-702-8464

French Fries

Another Joe Busalacchi creation (think Busalacchi’s, Trattoria Fantastica and Café Zucchero), Po Pazzo is notable for a lot of reasons—the steaks, the décor, the steaks and, well, the steaks. But fixate on the French fries. They’re worth it. Drizzled with truffle oil and Parmesan cheese, they’re a taste of French fry heaven. 1917 India Street, Little Italy, 619-238-1917

Kyle Kraska, sports anchor, Local 8 News

Limousine Service

Style Limousines “The limousines are brand-new and spectacular—the best I’ve ever seen. And the interiors are loaded—TVs, DVD players, you name it. Awesome. I wouldn’t ride in anything else.” 10755 Scripps Poway Parkway, 619-846-8146

Parking Downtown

Park It on Market is downtown’s best parking deal. You’ll pay $1 an hour, with a $6 maximum Sunday through Thursday, $7 max on Friday and Saturday, $10 for special events. Hurry, before they raise the rates. Sixth Avenue at Market Street, 619-232-1271

Muffaletta Sandwich

The owner and chef of Mardi Gras Café & Market is a transplanted New Orleans native. The muffaletta sandwich contains ham, salami, provolone cheese and the special ingredient: marinated olives. 3185 Midway Drive, Suite E, 619-223-5501

Drive

Take a leisurely cruise along Route 163 between downtown and I-8 and find yourself transported to the land of trees and green, growing things. Throw in the bridge between Sixth Avenue and the Museum of Man, and it’s a true visual treat. One caveat: You might want to wait until they’ve finished the bridge repairs and roadwork.

Wedding Gowns

The nation’s only factory outlet for Brides by Demetrios is in San Diego, and it does gangbuster business for gowns by the popular designer. All dresses are new, just no longer available for reorder. Expect to pay $50 to $599 for a frock that normally would run $500 to $4,000. A bonus: Gowns are in stock and ready to go down the aisle. 1851 San Diego Avenue, Suite 140, Old Town, 619-295-5282; demetriosbride.com

Scones

Rebecca’s—say the name to any true scone lover and they may start salivating. Rebecca herself still bakes ’em up fresh starting at 4:30 every morning. Walnut is the most popular, but chocolate tangerine is gaining ground quickly. All scones are served with strawberry preserves, but they’re good enough to eat plain. Yes, plain. 3023 Juniper Street, 619-284-3663

Place To Buy Gas

There are 12 of these “merchandise warehouse clubs” in the San Diego area, and all the Costcos that have gas pumps consistently beat local street prices. You have to be a Costco member, which costs $45—but that’s about the same price it takes to fill up a Mini Cooper these days. 800-774-2678; costco.com

Tour for Locals

Think you know everything about San Diego? You should take a trip with Where You Want To Be Tours before you get too sure of yourself. They’ll guide you to some of San Diego’s quirkier, more unusual treasures. Now doing scavenger hunts, as well. 1318 Opal, Point Loma, 619-917-6037; wheretours.com

Jim Laslavic, sports anchor, KNSD-TV

Quick Getaway

Warner Springs Ranch “It’s only 70 miles from downtown— but it’s a long journey back in time. Soak in the hot-springs pool after a round of golf. Can’t be beat.” 31652 Highway 79, 760-782-4200

Tailor

Another local with a big fan club, Hans the Tailor has helped San Diego find the right fit for more than a quarter-century. His work is quick, reliable, reasonably priced and always top-notch. And he doesn’t have that annoying tendency to take in the waist just a little too much. 8199 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, 858-505-0395

Ethnic Art

If the safari bug bites, but there’s no time to travel, a short journey toward the coast reveals Africa & Beyond, tucked amid the shops in La Jolla. The store and gallery offer one-of-a-kind pieces, from tribal masks and sacrificial swords to delicate beaded jewelry and embroidered textiles. Owners Ian and Julie Allen travel to the continent yearly to handpick the exotic wares, and new shipments arrive frequently. 1250 Prospect Street, La Jolla, 800-422-3742; africaandbeyond.com

Breakfast Burritos

There are four ways to eat the egg breakfast burrito at Kono’s on the boardwalk. All start off with egg, cheese, pica sauce and a flour tortilla. The first choice adds sausage and avocado. Number two gets festive with green chilies. Choice three offers bacon and potatoes. Ham, green pepper and onion top off the fourth. 704 Garnet Avenue, Pacific Beach, 858-483-1669

Computer Classes

San Diego City College is vastly underappreciated. From beginner to advanced, artistic to administrative, SDCC offers the computer classes you need, at a low price, in a convenient location. You can even register on-line—unless, of course, you need to take one of their classes to learn how. 1313 Park Boulevard, 619-388-6500; sdcity.edu

Susan Taylor, news anchor, NBC 7/39

Dessert

Babycakes “Made by Karen Cocumelli at the Cardiff Seaside Market. I’m a chocoholic. Take these home, heat them in the microwave for 30 seconds, and you’ll think you’re eating at one of the best restaurants in town.” 2087 San Elijo Avenue, Cardiff, 760-753-5445

Adriana Alcaraz, anchor/reporter, KSWB-TV News

Sandwiches

Olive Tree Market “They use Boar’s Head meats and cheeses, everything is fresh, and the service is exceptionally quick—good for when you’re on the run.” 4805 Naragansett Avenue, Ocean Beach, 619-224-0443

Jane Mitchell, host of One-on-One, Channel 4 San Diego

Bowl of Oatmeal

Brickyard Coffee & tea “A yummy comfort food served in an urban setting—next to trolley tracks. A big bowl of oatmeal comes with an assortment of fruit, cream, raisins and craisins. It’s a healthy break.” 675 West G Street at Kettner Boulevard, downtown, 619-696-7220

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