Where to Shop in SD

I’m not a big shopper, but when I do need to grab an item out of necessity, its nice to have a convenient shopping place nearby like Westfield UTC (University Towne Canter).

Literally walking distance from my home in the UTC district of the San Diego/La Jolla border, Westfield UTC has many of the typically anchor stores like Nordstroms, and Macys, in addition to the typical selection of stores one might expect. The open-air, outdoor mall has a nice gathering area around a center fountain that is ideal for people watching. Not typical of a mall, Westfield UTC has a special amenity that I think is a great idea… an ice rink (pictured below). Not your typical ice rink, the Ice Town rink at Westfield is open to the mall’s food court and all who dine there. While I like the idea of visibility from the rink, I think of it as sort of a double edged sword. Diners may enjoy the entertainment of watching skaters down below on the rink, however it may be hard to hold a conversations with such a distraction in close proximity. Likewise, as an avid recreational skater myself, I’m not so keen on the idea of extra spectators around it I were to encounter a spill on the ice myself.

Also within close proximity to my home is another outdoor shopping center called Fashion Valley located in Mission Valley. Fashion Valley is the more upscale and well-off older brother of the UTC shopping center. Fashion Valley is home to all the upscale stores that I remember from Arizona’s premiere shopping center, Scottsdale Fashion Square. From Tiffany’s to Gucci to Burberry, pretty much anything anyone could ever want can be found here. I really liked the open air ambiance of both malls, but on the day I visited Fashion Valley, the weather was wet and cold, which wasn’t optimal for my shopping experience. We ran from shop to shop trying to get what we needed and make it to the next store with out freezing. I’ll definitely re-visit Fashion Valley when we get back our Southern California sunshine.

RATING 

Westfield UTC
 4 out of 5 

Fashion Valley
5 out of 5

Torrey Pines State Preserve

The So Cal sun went into hibernation this weekend. And although it reemerged this Sunday morning, the weekend was pretty much a bust. Luckily, earlier this week I ventured out to enjoy the pre-rain weather by hiking through the Torrey Pines State Preserve.

What impressed me most about the state park were its convenient and easy to navigate trails. The whole goal of the trail heads is to reach the cliffs that overlook the Pacific Ocean. I really enjoyed the winding nature of the trail that we chose because it kept us in anticipation and motivated to reach the edge of the cliff. Needless to say, the views from the edge of the ocean were breathtaking. But we were pleasantly surprised that a whole other view stole the show. The preserve is guarded by beautiful cliffs that look slightly like the grand canyon’s type of curvature and rock formation.

Word of advice to potential future hikers, I didn’t know prior to hitting the trails that rattle snakes inhabit the area. Their presence is noted over and over by safety signs that line the trails. With each change of the trails direction, hikers are also reminded of the wildlife in the park as well.

After resting near the edge, we climbed down and headed down a long paved road that lead down to the beach that is part of the state park. After a long hike, we were happy to be walking downhill, but it was bittersweet since we knew that we’d eventually have to go back up to get to our car.

The views from the beach of the cliffs were also spectacular that it made the extra trek worth it. Because the beach is located very close to the Miramar Marine Air Station, we were treated to formation flying as they practiced over the Pacific.

One thing about the beach at Torrey Pines is that dogs are not allowed since it is part of the preserve. Being a dog owner, I wish I could take my dog to this gorgeous beach to enjoy it with me, however there are other dog beaches nearby. Another plus for this beach is that there wasn’t much seaweed and virtually no litter congesting the beach. It’s definitely a beach I will be frequenting and judging by the crowds, many other San Diegans feel the same.

RATING 

5 out of 5

Sushi Strike Out

When I lived in the desert, I had only recently found the holy grail of sushi. Although close friends raved about Pure Sushi, I just never made the time to get there and try it until my last weeks in the state. Nevertheless, my friends were right and the California rolls at Pure Sushi were of the purest variety. Point blank, their crab mix was one of the best.

So upon arriving in San Diego, I immediately began searching for my new sushi place. Although Roy’s Hawaiian Barbecue’s do exist in Arizona, I’d never actually dined there until moving out to CA. After checking out their web site and studying the menu, I decided that Roy’s Lobster California Rolls were a must to try. The real lobster sealed the deal as I called up and ordered two rolls to go.

The Roy’s in UTC that I went to is located off of a large intersection in a super busy shopping center… as with most routine daily errands, parking was a problem. After circling a few times, a spot opened…not too bad for Cali standards.

The hostess greeted me with an “Aloha” that seemed a bit forced, but nonetheless I thought it was a nice touch that fit with the theme of the restaurant. I made my way to the bar, paid for my grub and headed out with my sushi in hand.

The Roy’s packaging and takeout bag seemed nicer than the norm, which set me up to think the food inside would be above par as well. Sadly, this was not the case. Although the sushi was visually appealing, it carried the distinct odor of lobster that wasn’t, let’s say, fresh from the sea. Seeing as how sunny San Diego is situated on the Pacific Ocean, I guess I mistakenly assumed that the seafood around town should be better than its inland counterparts. The lobster mix was where it began and ended for me. There was really no saving a roll that had no business being served to me in the first place. Needless to say I won’t be saying “Aloha” to Roy’s anytime in the near future.

RATING 

1 out of 5

Boy Meets Burger

Although not a food critic, I am a food fanatic. I’m usually the first to suggest that a hunger pang be fixed by a visit to the closest restaurant or fast food joint. So, while walking around downtown La Jolla with a grumble in my stomach, I was relieved to spot the happening, no fuss foodie paradise known to locals as the Burger Lounge.

I love meat. And while I have been persuaded to join the anti-meat eating crowd (mostly due to images/documentaries about how the meat we eat is harvested), a juicy burger dripping onto a freshly baked bun gets me every time and a solely vegetable diet can’t compete.

Let me start with the Burger Lounge’s visual appeal. Located on the corner of a street of mostly apparel stores and shops, the Burger Lounge is the easy choice for shoppers wanting a small bite to eat when getting from one store to the next. It certainly worked for me. Burger Lounge draws in customers by its clean lines and bright, modern colors that serve as a clean palette for their main showpiece – the almighty burger.

The Lounge itself is small with limited outdoor seating and only a few barstools inside. In fact my only grievance about the lounge was the uneasy feeling of waiting in line while scouting for a table to open. I am a multi-tasker, however trying to decide what I wanted to order while nervously scoping out the place for a spot to sit was not the best way to start-off. Especially when the place was packed.

I ordered the Grilled Lounge Burger, which the large menu board said was made from grass-fed beef. I guess that fact made it a little easier to cope with the burger’s nearly $8 price tag (side dishes not included). No burger would be complete without fries, so I opted for the Lounge’s Fresh-Cut French Fries, which were certainly worth the $3.95 I paid in addition to the burger. 

After finding a table, the server brought my table their selections. We are all happy with the speedy service and the flavors on our plates. My Grilled Lounge Burger more than satisfied my hunger and made the Burger Lounge a place I would visit again. Next time, I may even try their vegetarian burger. But then again, maybe not. Learn more at www.burgerlounge.com.





RATING 

4 out of 5