Weekend Diary

Where on earth does the time go? 

Another weekend came and went,

and although it flew by really quickly,

we still took advantage of every minute.

This weekend I:

-Celebrated Friday with a yummy seafood feast at Oceanaire. 

The Oyster bar is one of the best in San Diego (mental note to come back for happy hour soon),

and the ahi salad pictured below was super fresh and delicious. 

-After dinner on Friday, my bestie and I walked over a block (in the rain!) to Fluxx for a little dirty dancing. 

Can't tell you much about that night, because I honestly don't remember.. 

All I know is that we had a fabulous time.

-On Saturday Erik and I went up north to celebrate my mother in-law's birthday and to play in the SNOW. 

How beautiful is this? 

Love getting away for a little R&R, even if only for a day. 

-Sunday was definitely a fun day!

The mister and I teamed up with our best friends to participate in the San Diego Challenge,

an Amazing Race type of event that had us chasing down clues all around downtown. 

If you ever have a chance to participate in an event like this, do it!

Just think of it as a giant scavenger hunt. 

-And although we didn't even come close to winning,

the four of us decided that we should still reward ourselves for our efforts with an extravagant meal. 

It just so happened that one of my favorite restaurants, Gabardine, was hosting a special four-course dinner with wine pairings from Laird Family Estate that night, so we decided to go for it. 

It was such a phenomenal experience!

Brian Malarkey's young chef proteges prepared a feast from some of my favorite foods, 

that went along pefectly with the wine. 

Fresh oysters, tender lamb, decadent blue cheese strata... yum!

I'm drooling just thinking about it. 

The amount of wine we consumed was definitely too indulgent for a Sunday night,

especially when we had to lose an hour of sleep the next morning before work (side eye time-change deciders). 

So worth it though!

How was your weekend?!

A Great Gatsby Kind of Night

If you follow me on instagram (@inlovewsandiego),

you probably saw that we were out and about again this weekend. 

On Saturday my friends and I got all dressed up for my bestie's Great Gatsby themed birthday celebration. 

We kicked the night off with dinner at Bice,

a super chic Italian restaurant in the center of the Gaslamp district. 

I've been wanting to try this place out for a while,

mainly for their cheese bar and salumi,

and I'm so glad that I got to come here with a large group, because it gave me a chance to sample from everyone's plate.

Capesante con Verdurine Croccante e Salsa allo Zafferano - seared sea scallops with crispy vegetables, saffron sauce and squid ink dressing

With the beautiful birthday girl!

Tortellini di Manzo alla Crema di Parmigiano Invecchiato 24 mesi, Prosciutto e Piselli - beef tortellini in a 24 month aged parmesan cheese sauce with green peas and prosciutto

After dinner and a few dirty martinis,

the gang geared up and proceeded to the Pussycat Dollhouse,

where we had a table with a few bottles waiting for us.

We danced into the early morning, and had an overall amazing night. 

How was your weekend?

The Blind Burro

The restaurant business is a tough one,

especially when you're trying to make it in downtown San Diego. 

Sometimes serving great food just isn't enough. 

Us natives have our standards set pretty high,

which means we like to eat and drink well, all whilst being entertained with good music and an even better ambiance. 

No pressure. 

This week I attended the grand opening for The Blind Burro,

the newest kid on the blocks of East Village. 

I think this one is going to be around for a loooong time!

My friend and I were thoroughly impressed from the minute we walked into the busy party.

The decor took me straight back to Mexico,

and the food was honestly better than I could imagine. 

Standouts of the evening were the steak tacos and the ceviche (perhaps the best I've ever had)!

It wasn't long until things started getting a little hazy... 

a typical side effect of one too many tequila tastings and free flowing margaritas.

What doesn't "te-quil-ya" makes you stronger.... I always say. 

The Blind Burro is now open for lunch and dinner,

and I highly recommend that you check it out. 

My prediction is that this place is only going to get bigger and better. 

In the next few weeks, the folks from Good Time Design will open up the Cat Eye Club,

a 60's  style lounge, located right next door. 

Can't wait for that.. might have to have a Mad Men marathon to get outfit ideas. 

Catch Up

Feels like it's been a hot minute since I've told you about what I've been up to lately,

so here are a few random shots. 

Up above, are me and my girls at the one year anniversary party for The Wine Lover,

a cute little wine bar in the heart of Hillcrest. 

Make sure to stop by and check out some Sunday Lovin, their open acoustic night. 

Wine and live music on a Sunday afternoon? 

Sounds spectacular. 

The husband and I celebrated our two year wedding anniversary at Greystone.

My, how time flies!

If you're a meat lover, I highly recommend this place. 

Smack in the middle of the Gaslamp,

this place served up the best lamb chops I've had in YEARS. 

Erik ordered the elk chop, and was equally pleased. 

Like I said, if you're looking to impress on your next date night,

ch-ch-ch-check it out!

My friend and I took in some serious eye candy at the latest Art and Fashion Collide event at Andaz San Diego.

We started the night off at the Ivy Wine Bar, 

where we perused a display of contemporary abstract art from featured artist Heidi Thompson.

 A little while later we headed downstairs for the Maceoo fashion show,

where we had the pleasure of viewing the male model eye candy, front and center. 

Can we talk about the shirts though?

I seriously want to invest in a few for the huz. 

I mean, if Scott Disick wears them, they must be legit. 

Right?

And finally,

in the spirit of Halloween,

we decided to get dressed up and hit the town water, 

to celebrate this awesome holiday with a Boos Cruise. 

I was My Little Pony. <points to headband> Duh!

(Boy, I hope everyone gets the Mean Girls reference here.)

Sweet Home San Diego

If you were to ask me what my favorite type of music is,

the word "country" wouldn't be the first thing out of my mouth. 

Not that I dislike it, but it's just not typically my style. 

When I got invited to the official kick off for the Tie One On Tour,

I didn't know what to expect. 

But I'm always up for new adventures, and I was looking forward to checking out Block 16,

one of the newest entertainment venues in San Diego.

First impression? 

The place is huge! 

I loved the lighting, and the VIP area on the second floor. 

It's perfect for seeing live shows,

which by the way,

you can check out every Thursday in October. 

So who did we see last night? 

Three awesome bands who, dare I say it?

Had me line dancing!

Miss Willie Brown, Frankie Ballard and Jon Pardi are all really great performers,

and it was a sweet treat to get to hang out with them after the show. 

With the sweet girls from Miss Willie Brown

Cute boys from Frankie Ballard

With all this fun and excitement, I stayed out a little later than I should have on a Thursday night... 

Now I have to muster up the energy, because we're hitting the road again this weekend.

Mexicooo here. we. come!

Weekend Diary

The huzband and I got back from our vacation last week,

and immediately plunged ourselves back into our busy social schedule. 

#YOLO

One of my besties flew in from Chicago,

which was perfect timing because we all got to celebrate another bestie's birthday together. 

Marg Classic Pie. Amazing.
We also tried it in Mash. Equally delectable.

Tequila birthday treats are better than birthday desserts.
Yeah, I said it. 

On Friday night a bunch of us got together for amazing pizza at Bar Basic. 

After seeing the pie picture above,

do you really need any more convincing to go there immediately?

Didn't think so. 

After we stuffed ourselves silly,

we decided to put our.. ahem.. lovely voices to the test,

with some karaoke at the Lamplighter.

If you're ever seeking a super chill bar to sing, dance and watch the game at,

this is your place! 

So lucky to call these beauties my friends!

We kept the party going through the weekend.

Ladies night at Fluxx is always a good time.

Who needs Vegas when you can be naughty in your own backyard?

What have you all been up to lately?

Missed you!

Weekend Diary

sunset view from my house

I suppose I don't plan on blogging regularly until,

oh,

late September. 

Not because I don't want to,

but because I simply don't have time. 

I don't know how some people do it... 

Anyway,

this weekend I:

-spent quality time with family,

and had the pleasure of consuming an amazing Italian feast cooked by my sister's bf, in my own home.

Mussels, clams, oysters, scallops, grilled veggies... oh my!

-partook in an indulgent happy hour with some of my favorite people from work. 

You have to love the people you work with - makes those 40 hours you spend in the office every week SO much more bearable.

-sang along to "Hold On" at the Wilson Phillips concert with my besties. 

Believe it. 

All my 90's dreams came true. So fun!

-attended a baby shower for one goooorgeous mama to be.

-laid out by the pool and just enjoyed summer. 

-I've also been cooking up a storm lately. 

Thinking that it won't hurt if I share some recipes with ya'll soon. 

Stay tuned.