Best of San Diego 2005

(page 5 of 6)

Dog Trainer

When Carol Harris talks, dogs listen and— more importantly—obey. The owner of The Educated Pet stresses consistency, respect and positive reinforcement for her pooch pupils. For bowsers with behavior problems, Harris comes to the home; she also conducts classes at her North Park location. The biggest mistake owners make? “Not setting the rules out early,” she says. 2525 University Avenue, 619-466-5098

Ad Jingle

San Diego is buzzing about “There’s Only One You,” performed by San Diegan Liz Janes. The song set the tone for the 2004 commercial celebrating old friends such as the hippos at the San Diego Zoo. The tune instantly became a favorite. It’s so popular, the song is now available on the zoo’s Web site. Go to sandiegozoo.com and turn up the volume.

Zoo Attraction

There’s something mesmerizing about the San Diego Zoo’s Hippo Pool. When those enormous beasts with the incredible, gaping maws step into the water, it’s like watching an armored tank suddenly start performing Swan Lake. A more unlikely candidate for gracefulness is difficult to imagine, so it’s magical when it happens in front of your very eyes. 2929 Zoo Drive at Park Boulevard, 619-234-3153; sandiegozoo.com

Billboards

The dinosaur’s eye that follows you, the tiger’s face and the scenes of the nighttime zoo are just a few of the examples of the eyecatching billboards on Route 163 and I-5 for the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park. The idea behind the billboards by Meads Durkett: to remind more than 250,000 local members why they continue to return. 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park, 619-231-1515; sandiegozoo.com.

Dog Beach

This Ocean Beach landmark was one of the first leashfree beaches in the United States. Surfers, dogs and surfing dogs have coexisted peacefully at Dog Beach for more than 30 years. Between the sizable beach separated by a jetty from the rest of OB, the canal along the side and the mostly friendly owners, this spot is hard to beat for a day out with Fido. But please, remember to “scoop your poop.” Fido can’t do it for you. End of Voltaire Street, Ocean Beach

Dianne Jacob, San Diego County Supervisor (District 2)

Place To Buy Boots and Stetsons

Wild Bill’s Western Emporium “The selection is great, and the people are friendly, and their customer service is first-rate.” 1235 Broadway, El Cajon, 619-593-3999

Dennis Morgigno, station manager, Channel 4 San Diego

Price and Advice on Wine

Wine Bank “They’re not snobs. The extremely knowledgeable staff is committed to finding and recommending unique wines and pricing them at discountstore levels. They also have ‘super premium’ wines—but they’re not stuffy about it.” Fifth Avenue at J Street, downtown, 619-234-7487

Bar To Knit In

Bring yarn, needles and your dog to twicemonthly Happy Hours at The Whistle Stop. Free knitting lessons, the best jukebox in town and a well-stocked bar that includes a great beer and wine list make for a quirky afternoon of imbibing, looping and purling. There’s usually a full house. 2236 Fern Street, South Park, 619-284-6784

Dry Cleaner

Embassy Dry Cleaners has been familyowned since 1946, which may explain the reasonable prices and friendly service. Adding the drive-thru dropoff and pickup was a simple stroke of genius. 4320 Voltaire Street, Ocean Beach, 619-223-6621

Margarita

If you’re a tequila hound, you must visit Baja Betty’s. Their list of Margaritas is extensive, but if you’re a traditionalist, the lime will knock your socks off. For something a little sweeter, dive into the mango. Mmmmm .. . slurp. 1421 University Avenue, Hillcrest, 619-269-8510

Emmett Russell, chief meteorologist, KSWB-TV News

Surf Shop

Surfride in Oceanside “It has a huge selection of boards, and a staff that really knows the product. Sean Mattison makes sure of that. He’s board buyer for the store, and tests the latest boards coming down the line.” 1910 South Coast Highway, Oceanside, 760-433-4020

Boston Bar

The curse of the Bambino has been lifted. As have your spirits, after spending an evening with fellow Beantowners at Ocean Beach Grill, which boasts the New England Sports Network, whole-belly fried clams and New England clam chowder. Interior walls are stocked with Boston sports memorabilia. Pahk the cah, and come in for daily lunch and dinner; breakfast on Sundays. 1956 Bacon Street, Ocean Beach, 619-269-2380

Sake

Kava Lounge in Midtown carries a fascinating selection of obscure varieties of sake—and an amazing drink made with sweet-potato vodka and freshly squeezed oranges. While you’re there, enjoy the artsy lounge atmosphere and music. 2812 Kettner Boulevard, 619-574-6833

Bar Snacks

Try to eat just one. The potato chips served at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe’s bar are made fresh on the property every morning. “Inn chips” contain a secret spice, and it’s deliciously potent enough that some regulars come in just for this snack. 5951 Linea del Cielo, Rancho Santa Fe, 858-756-1131; theinnatrsf.com

Microbrew

What began in 1992 as a modest backyard brew mart, Ballast Point Brewing Company, has become one of San Diego’s prominent breweries—named after one of San Diego’s most prominent landmarks. Today, five premium, handcrafted BP ales are served at local restaurants and delivered nationwide. Grab a pint . . . or a keg. Cheers! 5401 Linda Vista Road, Suite 406, 619-298-2337; ballastpoint.com.

Eyebrow Specialist

If, as the poets tell us, the eyes are the windows to the soul, then it’s worth $22 to have them properly framed. For 13 years, Jodi Farmer has been plucking, waxing and shaping. She attributes her keen eye for bringing out the best in facial features to her study of painting. The natural, clean look for brows is definitely in, says Farmer, for both women and men. Diva Salon, 2739 Via de la Valle, Del Mar, 858-792-2470

Organic Vegetable Stand

You don’t have to time-travel to enjoy great produce from a family-run farm. Just hit up the Be Wise Ranch Farm Stand near Rancho Bernardo. Since 1977, Bill and Marsanne Brammer have raised tasty organic crops in a unique microclimate, delivering fresh-picked fruits and veggies to natural-food stores around the county. Now you can go to the farm itself and shop the Be Wise Farm Stand, with more than 30 varieties of produce. 858-864-0484, bewiseranch.com

Farmers’ Market

Research on this one nearly ended in a brawl. It seems many people have very strong feelings about their favorite farmers’ market. In the interest of avoiding further bloodshed, we suggest you try these four and decide for yourself. Sheesh, people. La Jolla: Sunday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1111 Marine Street Pacific Beach: Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon, 4150 Mission Boulevard Ocean Beach: Wednesday, 3 or 4 p.m. (seasonal) to 7 p.m., 4900 block of Newport Avenue Hillcrest: Sunday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Normal Street between Lincoln and University

Grocery Store

Yes, some call it “Whole Paycheck,” but it’s hard to beat the selection of delicious, nutritious, indulgent, more-organic-than-thou items at Whole Foods. They also have an incredible cheese section and the best produce outside of your local farmers’ market. 711 University Avenue, 619-294-2800; 8825 Villa La Jolla Drive, 858-642-6700; wholefoodsmarket.com

Herbs

Fresh herbs and a fresh perspective on leading a more-relaxed life are both found at Summers Past Farms in East County. The 5-acre enterprise includes a nursery and a charming country store tucked in a barn. You won’t find medicinal herbs here, just good varieties of your basic parsleys, sages, rosemaries and thymes. Lots of friendly folks, too. 15602 Old Highway 80, Flinn Springs, 619-390-1523; summerspastfarms.com

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