Aukland, NZ

We made it to Aukland, and so far New Zealand is amazing.......

NZ Fashion Week 2009 at our hotel (Westin)
Gorgeous Harbour
Sail boats galore
Rugby on every TV
4 Seasons in 1 Day
The nicest people on earth
Delicious greenlipped mussels
Tasty Sauv Blanc wines, and so many choices
Cheese, cheese and more cheese

Off to bike wine country today!

Green Fresh Florals: Grand Opening

Green Fresh Florals is planning it's grand opening for September 25-27 in Hillcrest (3785 4th Avenue - at Robinson). The weekend long celebration will include champagne, in-store specials and more. Definitely recommend checking out the store - I would be there, but unfortunately I will be abroad in New Zealand.

San Diego Restaurant Week

It's arrived, San Diego's Restaurant Week, September 13-18. It's the perfect opportunity to try out a new restaurant or one you've been eyeing, as they have over 180 restaurants to choose from. Also, it's a spectacular deal for a three course meal, ranging from $20, $30 and $40.

I am away on business travel this week, so unfortunately I will not get to enjoy this year. But if I was there, I would have gone to Bleu Boheme, Cowboy Star or Blanca! Looking forward to the feedback on our cities delicious eateries!

St Regis Monarch Beach

Over Labor Day weekend I had the pleasure of taking a mini-getaway to the St Regis Monarch Beach resort. It's about 45 minutes north of San Diego in Dana Point (Orange County), set along the coast with a spectacular golf course, gorgeous pool, lush gardens, decadent food, and a heavenly spa. Needless to say, I had a wonderful time of relaxing in luxury. I didn't want to leave, and I am sure if you go, you'll feel the same......

The Gallery: San Diego Museum of Art

Last night I attended the launch party at the San Diego Museum of Art for it's latest venture, The Gallery.  It's a new group of members that are interested in art, collecting and local happenings.  The goal is to gather young art enthusiasts and leverage the resources in the museum (curators, artists, collectors, etc) to promote collaboration and communication in the art world through a variety of social, educational and philanthropic events.  

The launch was enjoyable, and I met a lot of really nice people.  Held in the Thornton Rotunda inside the main museum, cocktails and conversation flowed, and private tours were given of the Picasso, Miro Calder and Calder Jewelry exhibits (provided by Julie Marciari-Alexander and John Marciari).  

It looks to be a great idea.  Sign me up.

    

Daily Candy

Just like the clothing in my closet, I go through phases of "favorites" with websites.  I recently stumbled upon a trusty go-to site on my Bookmark List, Daily Candy (est. 2000).  The website is an insiders guide to everything hot and undiscovered.  I have always wished that Daily Candy would come to San Diego, but in the meantime, I am happy reading about Los Angeles and the all inclusive, Everywhere.  I sometimes spy on other cities too, like San Francisco, Washington DC and New York, and send friends links to awesome local finds!  

For this past Christmas, I received The Daily Candy Lexicon, a book of words that don't exist but should.  It's a collection of fantastic expressions that can ironically apply to my own life, like Dance Dance Evolution (The fantastical notion, after a few rounds of drinks, that you are an incredibly gifted dancer) or E-Maul (To stalk someone via email).  

Check out Daily Candy, but chances are it'll become addictive! 

Chalkboard Decals: Rococo

I have long been a fan of wall decals.  It's a perfect alternative to stenciling and wallpaper, which gives detail without the commitment.  And there are so many companies out there that offer creative designs.  

This particular design from Wall Candy Arts is a chalkboard decal.  Not only is the functional aspect appealing, but the cut-out is a stylish form, with a Louis XIV essence.  I want one!

Tender Greens: Delicious Salads

I heard about Tender Greens when it opened about a year ago in San Diego's Liberty Station, but this week I had my first chance to see what all the talk has been about.  Tender Greens is a locally sustained eatery with three Southern California locations (San Diego, Culver City & West Hollywood) that focuses on food and it's source.  The idea behind the long list of salads, is that all ingredients are organic (when available), freshly picked and grown locally.  All the meat and fish is raised in the area and are grain-fed, hormone free, etc.  This place makes you feel healthy just walking in the front door.  The San Diego Tender Green interiors is a bright, rustic open space with high ceilings.  The food preparation counters are lined with bowls of colorful vegetables and fruits, and is separated from the dining area from a low glass retention wall.  The dining area is decorated with modern, sleek beech wood and metal furniture, and every table has a fresh flower.  Admittedly, it's a pleasant experience.

The salad I chose was delicious and bursting with flavor!  I have every intention to recreate:

Arugula, Fresh chopped Herbs, Goat Cheese, Prosciutto, Figs, with a zest lemon vinaigrette and a side of crusty fresh bread!  

San Diego Museum of Art: Richard Avedon

Richard Avedon's photography exhibit, Portraits of Power, closes this weekend (September 6) at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park.  I highly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity to see the work of arguably one of the most important American photographers.  This particular show includes a large selection of portraits of powerful historical forces traced from the 1950's into the 2000's.   The 200 photographs include politicians, activists, lawyers, industry leaders, military and the corporate elite.  The exhibition is well designed, and Avedon's iconic style unfolds through the decades of prints.  His immense talent is unwavering and I was taken aback to the extent that I was drawn into his portraits.  The emotion that he captures and the stories he tells through his theatrical style goes well beyond the surface. Portraits of Power was a beautiful timeline that captures the essence of American democracy.    

The Pearl Hotel

Last night we attended the last "You Be the Judge" event for the San Diego Film Festival at the Pearl Hotel in San Diego's Point Loma neighborhood. After showing 3-4 short films, feedback will be used to help the committee select which films will make the final cut to be part of this September's Film Festival (September 23-27th). We only stayed for 1 film, which was a partial musical about a vampire play. It was entertaining, and I enjoyed that the directors and cast were also present to see their product on the big screen above the pool.

We arrived early to enjoy the Pearl's Happy Hour specials (see below), and soak up some sunshine at the open-air restaurant/bar. Being that it was Taco Tuesday, we had delicious tacos, which you got to pick and choose your meats and then add your own toppings. I am a big fan of the build-your-own-taco-bar, and of course the friendly taco-man too. We also had this tasty, almost slightly potent, goat cheese and roasted garlic crostini. The food has never disappointed me at the Pearl (especially their brunch!).

In 2007, the Pearl opened in a renovated hotel along the busy Rosecrans Street. The interiors of the small boutique hotel were designed by Michael Soriano of Onairos Design (also the designer from my June blog on Syrah's interiors). Combining vintage mid-century design with modern minimalism, the space captures classic California. The aquatic color scheme of blues and aquas transcend an easy going atmosphere that carries throughout the chic restaurant and playful poolside lounge. It's a great place to relax, catch up with friends, and float under the sun.

Monday - Friday: 3-4-5 Happy Hour:
$3 beer, $4 well drinks and $5 wines! Pair it up with amazing appetizers from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, all night Monday too! (Food service does not start until 6 PM)
Tuesdays: TacoRita Tuesdays:
It's a taco takeover and then some! Enjoy $3 beef, fish, or veggie tacos; $3 Coronas; and our exclusive $10 TacoRita combo of two tacos and a margarita! From 6-10 pm.

First Friday Art Walk - Bernardo Winery

This Friday, September 4, is the First Friday Art Walk at Bernardo Winery in San Diego's beautiful Rancho Bernardo (north county) from 4-9:30pm, which is free and open to the public. Set up in the Bernardo Winery's courtyard, the event will feature area artists music, dance and extended tasting room hours. Featured is local artist Brandon Holmes of 8ch Design (to the left is one of his paintings).

International Contemporary Art Fair: Beyond the Border

The International Contemporary Art Fair is San Diego's first contemporary art show, which is 3 days long at the Grand Del Mar (Del Mar, California).  The show will feature work by both national and international artists that were handpicked by a committee.  With over 500 pieces of art, symposiums and an impressive list of sponsors and exhibitors, this event should be an excellent experience.  Since it's September 2-4 (Tues-Thurs), I won't be able to attend, so if anyone goes, please do let me know how it is!