Milan, Italy - Part II

Our second day in Milan was probably my favorite. 

The weather was close to perfect,

so we took advantage and spent hours upon hours wandering the nearly empty streets of this beautiful city.

When we needed a break, 

we'd find a little table at a street-side cafe,

and take in some people watching along with some wine and pasta. 

How DO they make pasta taste so gosh darn good out there? 

I seriously couldn't get enough. 

Milan, Italy - Part I

In case you've been wondering if I've fallen off the face of the earth, 

the answer is yes. 

I fell right into the center of Italy,

where I started my two-week mission to eat as many carbs as humanly possible.

We kicked off our latest Eurotrip in Milan,

a city known for its fashion, architecture, and of course, food. 

While there, we rented an awesome apartment just a few minutes away from the Duomo,

so that's where we headed as soon as we dropped off our bags. 

What a gorgeous building!

I mean really, it's truly breathtaking. 

I first got a glimpse of it as I walked out of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II,

another magnificent structure, full of dangerous window displays that seemed to taunt me as I passed. 

After exploring the inside of the church for quite some time, 

we proceeded to climb the stairs to the roof,

where we took in some of the best views of Milan. 

It was so hard to leave, 

but alas,

pizza and wine were calling my name. 

More on Milan in my next post!

I'm BACK. 

La Jolla Brewing Co.

I must say.. I think I'm becoming quite the brew master. 

Local craft breweries are poppin up all over the place in San Diego, 

and they're all so lovely.

La Jolla Brewing Company is no exception!

Last week I was invited to come check out the menu and the beer selection at the new beach-side bar & restaurant,

and I jumped at the opportunity. 

An ice cold beer on a Friday night was just what the doctor ordered. 

The location of the spacious new digs is fabulous,

and I loved the dog-friendly patio.

There are six house beers among the bar's two dozen taps, 

my favorite being the Bird Rock Brown. 

The food options are great accompaniments, 

ranging from the gluttonous fries 3 ways, to mac bowls, to flatbreads. Oh my!

Great new place for happy hour or a casual evening out with friends!

Mediterranean Spread - roasted garlic hummus, tzatziki, marinated olives, cherry tomatoes, grilled veggies, pita

Asian Mahi - fish filet grilled and glazed with ponzu, on top of salad served with ginger soy vinaigrette

Duck Confit - crispy duck leg, mashed potatoes, haricoverts, crispy onion strings and bacon thyme jus

La Jolla Brewing Company

7536 Fay Ave.

La Jolla, CA 92037

In Love With..

via

-Easter weekend! While I doubt that there will be any bunny sightings, I may just get crafty and muster up these Carrot Mimosas. 

-Resos at some fun new restaurants this weekend. Checking out La Jolla Brewing Company tonight, and Ironside Fish & Oyster Bar on Sunday. 

-Has anyone tried the Orange Theory workout? Something about getting hooked up to a heart rate monitor and then having every one's results being displayed up on a screen? My competitive nature is urging me to try it. 

-My baby is turning one this weekend, and THIS proud mama is throwing her a major party! All her friends will join us for brunch at Sally and Henry's Dog House on Saturday. A party wouldn't be a party without CAKE! 

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

 
I love baseball season. 

Gives me a perfect excuse to stuff my face with foot-long hot dogs,

and enjoy a cold brew with my friends underneath the stars at Petco Park. 

The Padres get to play in one of the newest stadiums in the nation,

a facility that's centrally located right in the midst of downtown San Diego. 

It's pretty awesome.. you can make a day out of each game,

and enjoy a responsible pre or after party in any of the bars in the Gaslamp.

The only downside to this whole thing?
I am so over driving around the Gaslamp Quarter looking for baseball parking.
Ugh!

Luckily, our friends over at the San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter will let game-goers nab free valet parking at the hotel with their Eat-Drink-Park promotion.
All you have to do is make a minimum purchase of $25 at Soleil @k or Latitude Lounge,
(both within the hotel) on home game days.

Fun note: The San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter is the closest hotel to Petco Park at just 90 steps away from the stadium! 

Just thought I'd share this tip with all my fellow Padres fans.
I know I'll definitely be taking advantage of this offer next time I go to a game!

San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter
660 K Street
San Diego, CA 92101