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Local Expert: Christina Macone-Greene

Christina Macone-Greene is an award winning  reporter and author.  

As a freelance writer and reporter, she has covered stories ranging from undercover work, local news events, court cases, and a celebrity interview with Mr. B.B. King. One...

 
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Latest posts from our San Diego expert:

September 05, 2008
Attraction

Boating in San Diego

With the Pacific Ocean hugging the San Diego coastline, renting a boat to explore the waters is a great idea.  Seaforth Boat Rentals has one of the largest inventories of boats in the city.  In fact, they offer boat rentals at Coronado Island, Mission Bay and Downtown San Diego, off of Harbor Drive.

Seaforth aims to please their boat renters.  If you want to let the sails take you through the waters, then renting a sailboat just might be calling you.  The sizes they offer are 16.5 feet to 36 feet.

Also, a pontoon boat offers a relaxing ocean experience if peace and harmony is your goal. 

However, if you have the need for speed, then boarding a speed boat is the definite choice!  The inventory of power boats ranges from 14 to 26 feet.

Be it for an hour, half day or the whole day, boating in San Diego is a memorable and relaxing experience.  Pack a hearty lunch and head for the seas.  What more could you ask for? 

The folks at Seaforth will help you figure out the best boating destinations.  For some, the idea of slipping on swimwear and splashing at a nearby cove is an absolute exhilarating welcome. 

Another fun alternative is renting a jet ski for the day. Yamaha Waverunners can accommodate up to two riders.  This easy-to-handle speed machine is a wonderful way to journey the waters and view the San Diego Skyscape.

Boat rentals can begin as low as $65 per hour.  The longer you have your boat, the lower your hourly rate. Jetski fun starts in the $90s per hour.  Reservations are recommended.

A day cruising the waters of San Diego is a great way to spend the day. 

September 03, 2008
Attraction

Rubber Ducks Galore

There is a Rubber Ducky theme store located at the Ferry Landing Market Place on Coronado Island geared towards babies and children.  I'm not just speaking of a few rubber ducks here.  There are hundreds of things to choose from. 

From baby shower gifts, to clothes, to diaper cakes to toys and gifts.  Every thing is a ducky is this place.   

These ducky items are top-notch, creative and excellent quality. If you're looking for a unique gift or something for your little one, then look no further than this place. 

In the apparel department this specialty store offers duck decorated:

Onesies

Slippers

Outfits

T-shirts

Pajamas

Duck Security blankets

Animal hooded towels

Baby bibs

Swimsuits

and so much more........

Now, for those of you who may have some duck envy at this point, no need to fret.  Anticipating your needs, Rubber Ducky offers adult size plush ducky slippers.

If a duck décor is on your home agenda, then this store is for you, as well. Duck decorated shower curtains, toothbrush holders, towels, bedding, canisters, outlet covers, cabinet knobs, soaps, dish soaps, Kleenex cover and wastebaskets are at your fingertips. Just when you thought you've seen everything decorated ducky, there's something else that surprises you in this store!

Oh, and what's a Rubber Ducky store without rubber ducks, right?  They have assorted theme-related rubber ducks, such as, Ninja and Motorcycle Biker rubber ducks.  This store has thought of everything.

If you're young, old or in between, you'll find this store a lot of fun.

   

Insider's Rating:
Rubber Ducky
1201 First Street #108
619-437-6865
Web Site
September 02, 2008
Food

Chez Loma French Bistro

On Coronado Island sits a wonderful restaurant called Chez Loma French Bistro. Located inside the Carez Hizar House, the restaurant is part of this 1889 historical landmark.  

The atmosphere of Chez Loma French Bistro is classy but minus the pretentiousness. The ambience feels as if you are part of a private dinner party at someone's home.

This restaurant has also been the recipient of many media review praises.  Some of which include: "Excellent" 2007 Zagat Survey  Rating; "Home to Culinary Excellence," Robin Kleven, Restaurant Critic,  San Diego Union Tribune; "Three Stars" Southern California Restaurant Writers Association and "Best French Restaurant 2003" California Restaurant Association San Diego Chapter.

The Executive Chefs,  Lars Sjostrand and Carolyn Sjostrand have created an French simmering success menu.  

Their appetizers are remarkable. The Coquilles Chez Loma are sauteed sea scallops with a sweet pea coulis and béarnaise drizzle. If you are an escargot fan, then I recommend you try the Escargots Facon Chez Loma.  The garlic herb butter with a sweet vermouth in puff pastry makes this appetizer exquisite.

The entrees are an artistic masterpiece at Chez Loma.  In example, the Beef Bourguignon, braised in red wine with whipped potatoes is fantastic. The Salmon Raifort, served with a wild rice pilaf, bursts with flavor with its horseradish crust.

And you can't leave a French Bistro without dessert.  The chocolate souffle, crème caramel, Chez ginger bread and Vanilla crème brulee will beckon you for sure.

The Chez Loma French Bistro is the perfect spot for a special occasion.  Without alcohol, expect to pay about $30 to $40 per person.

 

 

Insider's Rating:
Chez Loma French Bistro
1132 Loma Avenue
619-435-1132
Web Site
August 30, 2008
Food

Bombay Exotic Indian Cuisine

At Bombay Exotic Indian Cuisine, Chef Ashley Popat prepares outstanding Indian cuisine to enhance all the senses.  The key to successful Indian cooking, she says, lies in the art of blending spices and herbs.  The herbs, are added during cooking, in order to add flavor and aroma.

The cuisine at Bombay Exotic Indian Cuisine follows RASA in SANSKRIT: the six flavors of  sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent. At this restaurant, their meals are a journey of all senses and that is why eating with your fingers is required. 

For appetizers, their Marsala Hummus, a curried hummus is served with garlic naan.  The Tandoori Lettuce Wrap appetizer is a choice of  tasty tandoori chicken or tofu sauteed with chopped veggies. 

The Pakora Starters are scrumptious.  Your choice of deep fried shrimp, eggplant, spinach, chicken, cauliflower, mushroom, banana, lamb, zucchini or potato is dipped in a lentil batter with mild spices.

And speaking of lentils, do try their Spicy Lentil Soup, which is hearty in spices and tomatoes. Remember to eat your soup with freshly baked leavened bread.

For lunch, the Bombay Chicken Salad is a good choice. Fresh greens are garnished with  Tandoori Chicken pieces and laced with a refreshing cucumber and yogurt dressing.

The dinners at Bombay Exotic Indian Cuisine are wonderful. The Bombay Tiffin, a traditional dinner is fantastic.  The Biriyani is a time-honored rice dish served in India and it is excellent with your choice of chicken, shrimp, lamb or vegetables.

In addition to the menu, this exotic eatery offers an "All You Can Eat" lunch buffet during the week, and an extensive dinner buffet on Monday nights.  

At Bombay Exotic Indian Cuisine, culture and cuisine are rolled up into one.

Insider's Rating:
Bombay Exotic Indian Cuisine
3975 5th Avenue
619-298-3155
Web Site
August 28, 2008
Food

Village Hat Shop

Imagine walking into a shop where hundreds of hats await you.  I'm not just talking one style of hat here, either.  The Village Hat Shop bursts with different styles, themes, colors and personalty. 

The Village Hat Shop claims to have the best selection of hats in stock with competitive prices.  Through the years, they have also acquired a loyal following with people who have visited their shop(s) while on vacation, and then shop with Village Hat Shop online afterward.  Its been in business for over 27 years, been featured in Time Magazine and has even received a "Hat Retailer of the Year Award."

The Village Hat Shop has two convenient locations in San Diego: Seaport Village and Hillcrest.

The styles they offer are endless. They include, but are not limited to: Fedora, Women's Dress Hats, Berets, Mens Wool and Fur, Crushable Wool Hats, Women's Fall and Winter, Indiana Jones Hats, Ivy Caps, Cowboy Hats, Top Hats, Straw Hats, Walking Hats, Beanies, Rain Hats, Casual Hats, Visors, Bucket Hats, Ball Caps, Big Head Hats, Children's Hats, and hat accessories. The list of styles literally goes on and on!

Village Hat Shop offers numerous brands in their shop.  Many of these well-known brands offer excellent workmanship.  Here are some to name a few:

Jaxon Hats

Kangol Hats

Stetson Hats

Bailey Hats

Block Headwear

Barmah Hats

Borsalino Hats

Callanan

Dorfman Pacific Hats

Elope Hats

Golden Gate Hats

Stacy Adams

Tilley Hats

The staff at the Village Hat Shop is knowledgeable, friendly and very helpful.  You can't complete a trip to San Diego without visiting a Village Hat Shop!

August 26, 2008
Attraction

The Diversity of Hillcrest

Hillcrest is a well-known area in San Diego which is located northwest of Balboa Park.  This small community is bountiful with restaurants, cafes, shops, boutiques, bookstores, galleries, antique shops and more. 

The pedestrian activity at Hillcrest is quite high, mainly because it is so walkable. Lined trees provide great shade for those San Diego warm afternoons. It's very common to see people riding bikes and scooters around this quaint community.

Although known for being a gay community hub, Hillcrest offers excellent restaurants and exlusive shopping not to be missed.  The shopping is eclectic, chic and downright stylish. 

While strolling around Hillcrest do keep an eye out for these special places:

Gallery La Scala - 4452 Park Avenue 619-683-3850

Bountiful Books - 3834 5th Avenue 619-491-0660

Cathedral Candles and Gifts - 435 University Avenue 619-296-4046

Guitar Factory - 1475 University Avenue 619-294-6599

Inverstions New Age Retail - 1281 University Avenue 619-293-3834

Pets Uptown - 1040 University Avenue 619-260-1963

Whistle Stop Model Trains - 3834 4th Avenue 619-295-7340

The Fifth Avenue Card Company - 3830 5th Avenue 619-296-3234

Auntie Helen's Thrift Shop - 4028 30th Street 619-584-8439

Mid Centure Design Antiques - 3795 Park Blvd. 619-295-4832

What Mama Had Antiques - 4215 Park Blvd. 619-296-7277

S & F Jackson Antiques - 3875 4th Avenue 619-295-4895

Park and Fold Antiques and Fabrics - 4105 Park Blvd. 619-491-0551

These places are only a handful of what is to see in Hillcrest. The shop owners in Hillcrest are friendly and inviting.  And while you are taking in the Hillcrest sights, don't forget to stop along the way and some tasty snacks in those great cafes!

August 22, 2008
Food

Shop until you drop!

About twenty minutes away from downtown San Diego is the ultimate shopping haven: Las Americas Premium Outlets. This 560,000 square foot facility is the largest fashion center which caters to outlets in San Diego County.  There are 125 amazing outlet stores to satisfy your need to shop!

Some of their fashion outlets include:

Neiman Marcus

Coach

Perry Ellis

Polo Ralph Lauren

Ann Taylor

Adidas

Bebe

Anne Klein

Anchor Blue

Calvin Klein

Gap

Liz Cliborne 

Geoffrey Beene

Guess

J. Crew

Tommy Hilfiger

Old Navy

Bass

Kenneth Cole

Nine West

Sketchers

 

You can also expect to spot great outlets for the home, gifts and specialty items.

The great thing about Las Americas Premium Outlets is that it offers an upscale inventory for shoppers who are in search of the best fashion.  At this outlet, you can really expect a huge selection of top designer outfits.  Dicsounts can range anywhere from 25 to 60 percent on items.  It's a shopper's dream!

There is no doubt you are going to work up a thirst, and perhaps even crave a meal.  At Las Americas, they offer many choices to choose from.  Some of these food and drink pit stops include: Fresh Pizza Factory, IHOP, McDonald's, Mongus Grill, Starbuck's Coffee, Subway, and Wetzel's Pretzels.

If you'd rather not drive to Las Americas, then you can also get there by bus or trolley. By bus in San Diego, take #929 (confirm with your driver that this is the correct bus before you board) to the outlets.  By trolley, take the San Diego Blue Line.  When the trolley drops you off to your destination, it is about a five minute walk across a pedestrian bridge to get to Las Americas Premium Outlets.

Happy Shopping!

 

 

Insider's Rating:
The Shops at Las Americas
4211 Camino de la Plaza
619-934-8400
Web Site

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