Smash Shack logo

So when you think of relaxing in San Diego, you probably think about soaking up the sun on one of our beaches, getting some spa treatments or enjoying a nice cocktail on a rooftop bar.  All absolutely valid ways to let the stress just melt away.  But last week I experienced an alternative (and more cathartic) way to de-stress in San Diego.  I smashed stuff!

Sarah’s Smash Shack opened in the northern part of Downtown about a year ago and has already received much acclaim from, believe it or not, psychologists!  Written up in the Jan/Feb issue of Psychology Today, the shop is praised for the therapeuticness (is that word?) of smashing stuff!  SSS has also been featured on CNN Money, and in a number of magazines including: Inc, Redbook and Every Day with Rachel Ray. 

The Smash Shack is exactly what it sounds like – a place to smash stuff.  Purchase any number of glass and ceramic items from the Shack’s collection and go to town.  They’ve got 2 rooms with reinforced steel walls where you can smash to your heart’s delight!  For a small fee, they’ll even let you bring your own stuff from home to smash!  It is amazing how much lighter you feel after tossing a couple of plates against a wall!  There’s even an environmental side to this story.  The items in their shop have been purchased from thrift stores that have been unable to resell the items, and the shards of your broken frustrations are sometimes made into jewelery, pottery, or other recycled items.

Suited up for the Smash Shack

“I can smash stuff at home and it won’t cost me any money”, you say.  “Why should I pay to do it someplace else?”  Well for one, you won’t have your family or neighbors calling the cops on you!  But in all seriousness, Sarah’s has really made this a total package.  To make the experience more personalized, they’ll play whatever type of music you want in the smash room (I chose a particularly loud Linkin’ Park song) - or you can even bring your iPod in to play a particular song.  You can also tape a picture of your ex, your boss, or whoever is stressing you out, on the wall so you know where to aim.  Plus, write your frustrations on the items you are smashing and they magically go away when the item is smashed! (* Disclaimer:  The last comment was totally made up!)

They’ll even let you bring your own stuff (with limitations) to smash!  Bad break up?  Smash the things that remind you of your ex.  Finally get a new dish set to replace the old one? Why not bring the old set in for a smash?!  There are SO many possibilities here.

I just went with a basic smashing of shot glasses to get the feel of it this time.  But you can be sure that I’ll be back to smash some more!  Now that “the smash” is in my blood, I will return!

Wicked

I am super excited that Broadway San Diego is bringing Wicked back to San Diego this summer!  I missed it when it was here in 2006, and have been waiting patiently (or at least somewhat-patiently) for its return! 

Wicked will be playing at the San Diego Civic Center from July 29 – August 30.  For those who aren’t familiar with the story (what rock have you been hiding under?!), here’s the official blurb:

Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the Land of Oz.  One – born with emerald-green skin – is smart, fiery and misunderstood.  The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular.  WICKED tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, and how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch.

I am particularly excited for this show, as I just recently saw the Lamb’s Player Theatre’s production of Godspell down the street at the Horton Grand Theater.  The lyrics and music for Godspell were written by Stephen Schwartz, who also did the music and lyrics for Wicked!

If only Wicked drew as dedicated an audience as Comic Con!  Wouldn’t it be awesome to have the theater filled with audience members with green faces and tall, pointy black hats?!

Barona Casino

San Diego has numerous Indian Casinos in our East and North county regions. In all honesty, I’m not a huge gambler but do enjoy it for the entertainment value every once in a while. After a few months of playing poker online, I work up the courage to head over to one of the Indian Casinos and try my luck with some real money.  San Diego casinos that I’ve visited and enjoyed are:  Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino, Sycuan Resort & Casino and Viejas Casino & Outlet Center.

My last casino visit was to the Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino a couple of months ago. Barona recently won like 25 awards for their casino, so I figured I should roll someplace recognized as a leader in their field.  Unfortunately, my online Texas Hold ‘Em skills weren’t quite honed to perfection that night, and the fine ladies and gentlemen at my table quickly added my $40 to their stacks of chips.  Vowing to return one day and sweep the table, I cheered myself up with an amazing steak dinner at Barona’s Oaks Steakhouse - absolutely fantastic!  Definitely one of the better steakhouses that I’ve eaten at.

Ranch House Buffet at Barona Ranch Resort & Casino

If you’re a casino regular, you’re also well familiar with the concept of the casino buffet.  I’ve had the pleasure of eating at Barona’s Ranch House Buffet, and I gotta say that my mouth still waters thinking about it.  Now, I’m not a huge buffet guy, but when I do a buffet, I do it big!  The Ranch House Buffet has multiple islands of different types of foods (I think my first plate had sushi, macaroni & cheese, salad and carne asada on it). I definitely ate my fill that day!  In fact, I’ve even been tempted to drive out to Barona just to do Sunday brunch there!

 

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While it is a good bet that on any given night of the week you’ll find me in one of San Diego’s numerous 24 hour Taco Shops, that doesn’t mean that I don’t like to “suit up” and head someplace nice for dinner every once in a while. There are so many options in town that I almost don’t like going to the same place too often, because I want to try them all!

With the economy the way it is these days, everyone is watching their pennies. A lot of times that is reflected in the places we eat and the activities that we do. Fine dining restaurants have definitely seen this reflected in their dining rooms over the last year.

So..I was super excited to hear about a new website promoting prix-fixe, 3-course meals at fine dining restaurants throughout San Diego county. To my knowledge, there isn’t anything else like this around the country! Ingrid’s List has begun working with a number of fantastic restaurants in the region to bring $30 and $40 prix-fixe meals to those of us who might be a little short on the cash, but still wanting to dine with The Joneses.

Dessert at Bertrand at Mister A's

It’s truly simple. Log on to the Ingrid’s List website and see which restaurants fall under what pricing. Pay online and print out a certificate at home. Then just call the restaurant to make your reservation (this is fine dining after all!) and tell them that you’ll be using an Ingrid’s List gift certificate. Upon arrival you’ll have your choice of a few different options for each course. In a sense, this is like a year-round Restaurant Week for fine dining!

My stomach is growling just thinking about it!

With 70 miles of beaches in San Diego, there are a lot of choices when you “think beach” around here.  When I want a nice view and a fun walk, I usually choose the La Jolla Shores beach.  LJS has a nice, long walkable beach.  All the way from the foot of the Marine Room Restaurant, past the Scripps pier and, depending on the tide levels, further down along the cliffs.

La Jolla Shores is a great mixed beach with surfers, swimmers and sunbathers alike.  It even has a couple of beach volleyball nets!  The beach does have a free, public parking area, but on good weather days it fills up FAST!  So plan on getting there early or trolling the side streets looking for street parking if you go during prime times.

Sunday was a particularly fun people watching day.  There were tons of families and groups out on the beach having a blast.  The folks over at La Jolla Kayak had a group of kayakers out on the water.  The beach volleyball courts were packed.  The surfers were hangin’ 10.  I even saw a few dolphins out in the water beyond the swim area!

Sunset from La Jolla Shores

LJS is also one of my favorites because of its great sunsets (a photographer’s dream!) and the fact that they have firepits.  My friends and I like to come down to the beach an hour before sunset and start setting up the bonfire.  Because of its location, the beach offers a fantastic view of the sunset, and after the sun goes down it is time to light that bonfire!  Whether its the glow of the fire, a chance to roast marshmellows, or just the peacefullness of being near the ocean at night, you absolutely have to experience a bonfire on the beach.

Bonfire at La Jolla Shores Beach

“Benjamin, this sounds like such a wonderful place, how can I experience it even more?”  you ask… Well I’ve got to say that I’m always super envious of the folks staying at the La Jolla Shores Hotel and the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club.  Right on the beach at La Jolla Shores, some of the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club guests can literally stroll out their doors and out onto the beach!  They even have lounge chairs, tables, etc. for their guests out on the sand.   The La Jolla Shores Hotel is right next door, and a lot of their rooms have that fantastic view from their windows/balconies!  Or if you’re not inclined to stay in a hotel, check out the restaurants at both properties.  The food is great and the views are amazing!

Stingaree's Peach Tiramisu

I had the distinct pleasure of patronizing Stingaree for the evening last Friday, and all I can say is that my friends and I will be remembering that night for a while to come.  No, it was not a Hangover reminiscient night of debauchery that I couldn’t remember the next day.  Rather, it was an opportunity to enjoy a delicious dinner with friends, a few dances on the dance floor, and to relax under the stars listening to the DJ (accompanied by the live instruments of Jason Whitmore and Kofi) on Sting’s rooftop deck.

More well known for their nightclub than their restaurant, Stingaree’s been doing great things to bring the restaurant to people’s attention.  Their Happy Hour includes 50% off their lounge menu, and reduced prices on drinks.  But if you’ve got the time, I recommend sitting down for a full dinner!  (TIP:  Those eating dinner at Sting, have complimentary access to the nightclub afterward! Avoid the cover charge & lines and enjoy a great meal instead!)

Our apps included mac & cheese and a medly of fried seafood including calamari, shrimp and scallops.  The entrees ranged from vegetarian lasagna to lamb shanks.  I had an outstanding filet with creamed spinach.  The true delight of the dinner though was when I said “give us one of each!” – desserts that is!  With 5 people and 6 dessert options, it just made sense to order them all!  (God, I hope my trainer isn’t reading this blog!)  By far, the best dessert was an AMAZING peach tiramisu.  Without a doubt the best dessert I’ve had in a long time!  I WILL get the recipe for this dish somehow!!!

Rooftop of Stingaree

With stomachs bulging and thoughts of peaches stirring in our heads, the group headed upstairs to our cabana on the roof after dinner.  Sting has three floors of nightclub:  Downstairs – bar and dancefloor, 2nd floor – bar and VIP area & Roof – bar, VIP cabanas, dance area and firepits.  We choose the rooftop for its mellower vibe and the ability to enjoy some of San Diego’s great nighttime weather!   There’s nothing quite like a rooftop party!

Stingaree is consistently named one of the top nightclubs in San Diego and their sister nightclub in Hillcrest, Universal, is also a favorite of mine.  They’ve always got top-notch DJs and themed events scheduled.  I also like the way they can split their music scene to have one type of music spinning on the lower floors while allowing for a different style to be played on the roof.  A little something for everyone!

Bottle service at Stingaree

Bottle service is definitely the way to go if you’ve got a decent sized group.  While a bottle can be expensive for your average Joe on his own, split the cost amongst friends and it makes the cost a little more reasonable.  The big bonus of bottle service is that you will always have a place to sit.  With seating at a minimum in most nightclubs (more space to dance!) a guaranteed area to sit is priceless!  Plus, for people-watchers like me, it makes for a great vantage point.

While it’s a cliche, it’s also very true.  San Diegans love to work hard and play harder!  And this nightclub is definitely full of the young, attractive, hard-working/playing crowd!  Come prepared to see-and-be-seen!

A Little Italy sign hanging on a lamppost

Despite being California’s second largest city, San Diego really is just a collection of some fantastic neighborhoods.  I’m not sure that I’ll ever be able to get to every neighborhood in San Diego, but I’m going to try!

One of the more popular neighborhoods – and a favorite of mine – is Little Italy.  Situated just south/west of the 5 freeway and above Downtown, the neighborhood is a foodie’s delight!  Every time I stroll through the area, my mouth just starts watering with all the great smells of garlic and spiced meats – not to mention the sight of gelato shops!

While a big focus of the neighborhood is understandably the food, it also has some great history.  I took a Little Italy Walking Tour with a company called Little Italy Tourism and was thrilled to get walked through time as we heard the story of Italian immigrants, fisheries and prohibition era speakeasies!  We also got a chance to visit one of the historic Catholic Churches in the neighborhood and some of their fantastic murals, stained glassed windows, etc.

Mural at Little Italy Church

Stained Glass Window at Little Italy Church

Paraglider over Torrey Pines

OK, honestly, I’m not sure that I will ever be brave enough to do it, but I really enjoy going and watching the gliders at the Torrey Pines Gliderport!  I mean, are you kidding me?  Just this thin little sheet of fabric is all that is keeping you from plumetting to the ground?  Yeah, yeah, I know tons of people do it, but it is just going to take me a little while to work up the courage.  I really would actually like to try it out, because the views must be absolutely amazing (I wonder if they’d let me take my camera with me?).  I’ll just have to make it a 2010 New Years Resolution.

With amazing views up and down the coast, this is a fantastic location for those seeking the thrill of hangliding, paragliding, etc. as well as those of us who are just fine keeping our 2 feet planted on the ground.  The natural air currents shooting off the Torrey Pines cliffs make this a perfect location for gliders to cruise up and down the coast.  I think I counted as many as 10 parachutes/gliders up at once on my last visit.

Glider with La Jolla in the background

Got a significant other who loves adventure?  Non-pros can pay to go tandem with a professional.  Would this not make a memorable birthday, anniversary, or “just because” present?

Going tandem

The Gliderport is a little tricky to find.  It is just west of the UCSD campus in the La Jolla/Torrey Pines area.  You need to snake your way between some science buildings in order to get to the dirt parking lot.  So keep an eye out for the signs on N. Torrey Pines Blvd and you should be fine.

Oh..being the photographer that I am, I always have to take a picture of the field from my seat whenever I go to a game.  Here’s a few from last season:

Seats on top of the Western Metal Building

Great seats for the 2008 Season Opener!

One last suggestion and then I’ll shut up…Want to see some of the game, but don’t want to actually go into the stadium?  With the stadium’s unique location and layout, you actually have a few options:

1)  Buy out the Diamondview Towers rooftop party area and enjoy this view

View from the Diamondview Towers rooftop

-or-

2)  Visit Gaslamp Marriott’s rooftop bar, Altitude, for direct views into the ballpark.  (It gets busy on game nights, so get there early!)

But honestly, there are lots of great seating options in the stadium, so treat yourself to a game.  You won’t be disappointed.

Go Pads!

Taking a nap at the Lion Camp exhibit

Being further inland than the Zoo, the climate makes it perfect for African and Asian animals.  And with so much land available, the WAP is able to create a more natural area for the animals to live in.

The Journey into Africa tour included in their Best Value ticket gives you a great overall perspective of lower enclosures of the Park in just 30 minutes.  Animals of different species mix freely in large “exhibit” areas – much in the way I would imagine them to do in nature.

Can you spare some wrinkle cream?

Part of the really cool element of the Wild Animal Park is their “premium features”.  Take a Photo Caravan tour through either the African or Asian enclosures, and you will truly be up close and personal with these animals.  You’ll even get a chance to feed giraffes or rhinos!  If you don’t plan on going on a true African Safari in the next say 30 or 40 years, this is absolutely a once-in-a-lifetime experience!  The WAP’s new Flightline experience looks totally cool as well.  I haven’t had the chance to experience it myself yet, but am looking forward to it.  And in a truly imaginative way of mixing technology and nature, the Park’s Rolling Safari tour has you touring around the outside of enclosures on a Segway!  Too bad our caveman ancestors didn’t have these babies…hunting would have been much easier!

On the Rolling Safari Segway Tour at the Wild Animal Park

Another experience at the WAP that I have been wanting to do for YEARS is their Roar & Snore sleepover program.  They’ve got nice, canvas tents set up on a hill overlooking the African enclosure where you get to camp overnight!  Campers are treated to the growls of lions and the calls of various animals all night.  (You thought your husband snored loudly!)  The experience includes behind-the-scenes tours of the Park, your meals, and special animal presentations – this ain’t your typical camping experience!  They’ve got Family nights, Adults Only nights and even nights just for Girl Scout troops.  These experiences are so popular that they book up fast, so I’d recommend booking plenty in advance if you’re interested.