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Local Haunts...
For the love of food and special places.
120 Places
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Elle’s 5-star review: This is hands down one of my favorite restaurants in San Diego. We have been both to the Headquarters and to the location in La Jolla Village. For shopping and other fun things to do in San Diego I prefer the Headquarters but for a more casual and intimate experience I like La Jolla. The street patio is so pleasant on a nice day at the beach! My absolute favorite food items include; the Puesto Margarita, the Pistachio Salsa, Filet Minon Taco and ...I forget the name of it...but it is the MOST amazing ice cream sandwich that is like a churro! It may be my all time favorite dessert anywhere and the reason I give Puesto 5 stars! I beg them never to take it away!!! -
Elle’s 5-star review: Hot Off the Press: My new favorite coffee roaster and coffee spot in Old Town Temecula! As I began to frequent Southwest Riverside more and more frequently...I was longing for a craft coffee place nearby and like a dream come true, The Press Espresso opened a week later! On my first visit, I was greeted and served by owner and operator Yasmin! She and her husband have been roasting coffee and selling it for some time, but they wanted to open up a shop and I think they got it right on the first try! I find the environment to be both cozy and asthetically pleasing. Yasmin and her husband are professional photographers, so you might say, they have an eye for detail! I like the combination of metals and woods and that rustic modern feel that feels so right these days. Most impressive is the coffee menu options! This may be the first nitro coffee available in the Temecula area and they have the "Cortado" on the board. In most places, you have to know what it is to order it! Here they let you know they have it! In addition, to coffee, they offer some iced teas, pastries and homebaked cookies. Time for coffee now. #HotOffThePress #ThePressEspresso #OldTownTemecula -
Elle’s 5-star review: I love this place that brings joy and also peace to many people. A piece of history that is so special. I never tire of visiting the Mission San Luis Rey. There is always something going on. A 4th grade visit, a sing-a-long movie night, a dog blessing. My husband and I have had a membership, which provides some discounts, taken tours, that are highly informative, attended events for foodies and I have retreated here, and visit to light a candle for my mom as a remembrance. Now, there is a new reason to visit SLR, for the new "Mission Grounds" Coffee house. They offer basic coffee and snacks and a pleasant area to sit, talk or work near the garden. It is such a blessing to have this new addition, but be aware they close by 3pm. In addition, I love the new changes to the website, they have an application online that you may download and the gift shop is always stocked with new and interesting items, much of it locally sourced, I love the new water bottles and picked up a special item too. The special item is a "Cat's Meow" wooden piece. The very first time I moved away from home and lived on my own, a Cat's Meow piece was made for the historic clubhouse on the farmland which I lived. Now, I own the historic Mission SLR which is my final resting home. PS The mission asked the Cat's Meow team to re-create this piece, as they had one many years ago. It just made my week to find this special item and I love telling the story. Visit SLR, if you are ever in Oceanside and grab some Mission Grounds coffee and enjoy all it has to offer. #Oceanside #MissionSanLuisRey #MissionGrounds #CatsMeow #MyMostReviewedPlace -
Elle’s 5-star review: I love the name of this place! A take on the boy meets girl! In most cases, boy meets girl, boy loses girl and then boy wins girl back again! The story of our visit plays out much like boy meets girl at Bar Meet Grill. First, my husband won me over with a spa day. Next, we were hungry post massages. We just could not wait for an evening wine pairing that he reserved, a small loss. In the end, we wander into Bar Meets Grill for their happy hour, a newer offering at the Pala Casino Spa and Resort, a big win! We tried several items on the happy hour menu. Bar Meets Grill has a range of food items between $1 and $7 and alcoholic beverages available from $5 to $8. It is probably one of the best happy hours in our area. The highlights consisted of several of my favorite food items: avocados, pasta, and ice cream, not one of these dishes were typical. The presentation, taste and value cannot be beat. The fried avocados, the mushroom ravioli, and the banana split each at $5 = still winning! The happy hour was so unique, I knew we had to plan a UYE here, post National Banana Day. It's an opportunity to introduce the place to other Yelpers in our region. We love that this location will bring people out from North County, San Diego, Riverside and the OC. You don't have to take up gambling (unless you want to) because you will come out ahead here any day. A true Yelp, thanks, WOW experience. #PalaCasinoSpaAndResort #BarMeetsGrill #ItsAllAboutTheBananaSplit #Winning #YelpthanksWOW -
Elle’s 5-star review: Step right up...read all about it! Pouring rain, gusty winds and a little thunder in SoCal! This occurs on the day of the inauguration of a new president! Should we assume the climate is fitting? It feels like 2 steps forward and 1000 steps back...I am hopeful my husband is correct and that time travel exists (he's prepping now for our possible exit)! In the meantime, we have found a place that takes you back in time for just a little while. You don't have to sacrifice modern flair or conveniences here.The Pizza Press takes you back to the day of our great newspapers. Pick your favorite news pizza, our favorite is the Sun! You may also blog your own custom pizza if you wish. Vintage modern decor in everything from the art on the walls, to the seating and tables, to the trash receptacles! Wine and beer options in an upscale yet casual environment! A perfect place to dine before or after a movie or on a stormy day when you need to hold on to bit of the past or some nostalgia. Come and get...your favorite pizza! #ThePizzaPress #TheSun #TimeMachinePlease -
Elle’s 4-star review: Foods that make you HOT! This is no joke folks. Winter just ended and spring is upon us, but the temperatures outside remain cool. I have known for years that food plays a role in keeping us hot or cold. Often eating cold foods in the fall and winter warm us up (such as ice cream) and eating warm foods (soup) in the spring and summer cool us down. It's our internal body temperature syncing up to the outside in preparation to digest our food. Nitrogen enhances flavor! We are spoiled today with the ice cream from shops using nitrogen. It may cost a bit more, but the flavor pop you get when you eat nitrogen ice cream is like no other. Pair it with homemade flavors and you are in for a treat for those who have not tried it. It's a must, but it hard to go back to shops and containers that don't offer the same pop! Competition with different offerings! We have been fans of the competition and were willing to give this place a try and were pleasantly surprised. It is located near the beach, so a bit busier than we like, but the line moved quickly and we were pleased they offer flavors different from others in the nitrogen foodie world. My flavor here is the cherry! I was not disappointed and it was a couple dollars less in the same size with enhancements than thier competitor, such as the waffle cone in the cup is complementary. I would suggest they work a bit more on presentation but I think they want to get it to you fast, and add homemade whip cream to the mix! Warm up Tip! Just remember foods with carbohydrates, fat and protein, heat the body up, while you digest. Today is a good day to go to Sub Zero and warm up! Even in SoCal! I usually go for the Cherry Charge and my husband gets the Bernoulli Broulee. Now you know where to warm up on a cool day! #Carlsbad #SubZeroNitrogenIceCream #WarmUp #CarlsbadVillage #CherryCharge -
Elle’s 4-star review: When my husband asked me where I wanted to go on Mother's Day...I exclaimed, "The Whet Noodle"! The Whet Noodle may not be a traditional ramen place. However, I am not exactly what you would call a traditional mother either! There are several wonderful reasons why I chose the Whet Noodle to celebrate in a non-traditional way! To start, The Whet Noodle is one of the few North County San Diego restaurants serving up wines from the Guadalupe Valley of Mexico.They are some of my favorite wines and I always order a glass of the red/tinto! For the ramen, I appreciate the soy option and shouldn't you eat the food you are craving on a holiday...(Thanksgiving - got the turkey, Easter - got the ham and Mother's Day - got the noodle)! To end, The Whet Noodle carries Cravory cookies (a SD based company). My personal tradition is choosing the strawberries and cream cookie again and again. The Whet Noodle has a cool dark interior and a warm bright exterior to fit your mood or group. It's an East meets West vibe...patio, pet and perfectly fit to celebrate whatever you wish to celebrate! I'm looking forward to my next ramen holiday... #GuadalupeValleyWine #CravoryCookies #MothersDay2016 #ARamenHoliday -
Elle’s 5-star review: This was my pre-Valentines, pre-Birthday dinner! And, am I in love! Oceanside is the foodie scene of North County San Diego and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Dija Mara is somewhat hidden along South Coast Highway, it's quaint inside, offers an intimate space for couples, but a group can make a go of it. Dija Mara is serving innovative Indonesian food and cocktails at fair prices. Small plates are the thing and everything is perfect to share. We went with a starter, two entrees, a dessert and don't forget the cocktail. The Red Lotus cocktail was delicious served with red rose petals on top, the salad starter was flavorful, the meat cooked perfectly (we chose the short rib and the fried chicken) and the dessert was made up of "screw tree" ice cream! What?!?! It was earthy and delicious. It only felt right to write up a review on a hot new restaurant that I think will be here to stay as it's so different than anything else we have nearby. I now have a place to wear my Batik clothing from Coco Rose (see previous review). So, here is to Indonesian culture; fashion and food! Still in love... I'm ready to get back to drink the Red Lotus and Screw Tree! #Oceanside #DijaMara #RedLotus #ScrewTree -
Elle’s 4-star review: A toast from me, a toast to you, the kind of toast for breakfast too! Grab a coffee while you wait, there will be a line if you wake up late! Something savory or something sweet,after 30 minutes you'll have a seat. Visit alone or with friends, I enjoyed my breakfast with my husband. The service is fast, the menu is good, don't miss out in this neighborhood Mind your own biscuits as tables are tight, if you busy yourself, you may not notice I'm right. The decor is fun, the beverages are fine, it's time you head to TOAST to dine! #MindYourOwn BiscuitsAndGravy (on menu) #ButFirstCoffee #TOAST #Breakfast #Temecula -
Elle’s 4-star review: We had to check out The Goods! Some of the best places are found by searching and in other situations by a chance wandering... The husband and I were walking Carlsbad Village with our dog. We were immediately drawn in to the aesthetics of The Goods. Simple but classy... The menu is the same. The Goods doesn't have mega offerings with tacky toppings instead you get an elegant treat at the Goods. A fritter here, a ganache donut there and coffee beverages for order! A lot of Portland mixed with a little Paris...my kind of Goods. Check out the Goods when you visit Carlsbad Village. They just completed their soft opening. I look forward to watching them grow... #CarlsbadVillage #TheGoods #YelpNCSD #GrowtheGoods
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Elle’s 5-star review: Are you new the area and want to learn more about your home sweet home? Are you visiting and wish to find some fun things to do, good places to eat or best places to shop? Are you local and just want to day trip to a local casino, old town, or wine country? Temecula has it all, except the hustle and bustle of the big city. The Temecula Valley has much to offer. Whether you live here, work here or simply want to get away here. The Temecula Valley Visitor Center is a pleasant stop to get a taste of the city and it's many activities. You can pick up a map of the vineyards, brochures on horseback riding, or obtain information on where to get hitched. I've stopped in to purchase gifts for friends and family. They feature some local products available in town from businesses such as the Temecula Olive Oil Company. In addition, to their own city logo products. I stopped in most recently to purchase a canvas tote bag for an event and to make an inquiry for a donation for National Cowboy-Cowgirl Day! The staff is mighty helpful and want to show off their beautiful city. They are located between city hall and the police department. Free parking is available on the street or in the parking structure attached. You can walk Old Town easily from this central location. Come for the 4th of July Parade, book a trip in a hot air balloon or tour the town by trolley. Any questions, visit the Temecula Valley Visitor Center. #CityOfTemecula #OldTownTemecula #TemeculaValleyVisitorCenter -
Elle’s 4-star review: When Calgon was NEVER enough... I have been coming here for at least ten years, with a hiatus due to joining a membership clinic over the last several. I was pleased to return to a day spa environment with all the additional amenities you do not receive in a clinic setting. I opted for an aromatherapy massage at the Pala Spa on this recent visit. I chose an oil that was both relaxing and invigorating, called "chai spice"! As a former massage therapist, I seek a therapist that is highly skilled when booking my appointments. The therapist was both professional and effective in providing a therapuetic environment during my service here. I am pleased that I have never received a bad treatment here. In the past, I have also chosen facials and opted for the value of a spa package. The rooms are also some of the nicest in Southern California with an option for an indoor or outdoor massage and a shower in-between the room and the patio. This is one of my favorite parts of the spa. The property has an ample relaxation room for sitting and readily available infused fruit water, tea, fruit and even coffee (should you need it to wake up)! The women's spa includes the use of a steam room, sauna, hot tub, and indoor/outdoor showers. The lounge areas are natural, rustic and relaxing. You have the option of booking use of the spa without a treatment for the day at a $30 rate (however you can save with a players card at $25). This will provide you use of the pool, gym and spa and the spa boutique on the property during regular business hours, Monday-Thursday. Weekends are reserved more for those receiving treatments. The spa staff is helpful and the facility is well maintained. They provide most of the final products to end your day of relaxation and invigoration: shampoo, conditioner, lotion, mouthwash, brushes, combs, hair products, etc. I suggest bringing your own blow dryer and irons for your hair. The blow dryers work but are stuck at low speeds. Pick up something much better than Calgon on your exit through the boutique...my husband purchased my selection of the Kneipp Herbal Bath "Sweet Dreams" with Valerian and Hops. This is the way to keep the spa-aah going at home. #NoToCalgon #YesToPalaSpa #ValerianandHopOnBy -
Elle’s 5-star review: They blew me away at Blo Blow Dry Bar! Easy appointments online, speedy confirmations and a selection of blow outs to choose from, all to have your hair ; did or done or up-do'd! Beverages offered at check in, mints when you leave. Early morning openings, savings on slow days. The executive sweet (my go to look), the red carpet (when you need to look your best) and other options in-between, go straight or get curls! What I love most is the retro-modern vibe, efficient /friendly service, and the head massage with amazing deep conditioning product! Blo utilizes hair care brand; Unite, a blow membership option, and pre-paid services, so you can be ready for any celebration of life that comes your way! Go To Blo and get blown away! #BloBlowDryBar #Carlsbad #ExecutiveSweet -
Elle’s 5-star review: This place makes me happy! The best explanation is pizza in a jar! Perfect firm yet crunchy dough, homemade marinara sauce, the perfect amount of cheese and basil leaves as the final topping. You may never eat traditional pizza again! When we are in San Diego and in the mood for authentic Italian food with a modern touch we head to Buona Forchetta. We love their casual dining patio, delicious food options and fun restroom decor. Specials of the day often include a ravioli, (the previous visit offered a curry sauce, how's that for a modern twist!) Pasta, pizza and pet friendly, what more could you ask for? Pizza in a jar of course! #BuonaForchetta #PizzaInAJar #PastaPizzaPets #MyHappyPlace -
Elle’s 5-star review: We love our dog and we want the best for him, so we choose to bring him to Dirty Dogs! Dirty Dogs has the best selection of treats, a unique variety of pet toys and easy to use dog baths! Dirty Dogs supplies everything you need to wash your dog at a cost effective rate. Kindle also visits Dirty Dogs for professional grooming. They send text reminders for appointments! No more dirty dog for us, after a trip to see his favorite groomer Becky! Now, for some human fun, a quick Dirty Dogs word find puzzle: F U R M I N A T O R A T A U T N U I S U B U W T C V S I R E O O P M A H S D H I T B J E M O I T M I H O A R L M E Y I X F G H T P R S S A V S G O D H Y T R I D Across: What do we wash our dog with here? Tool we use at Dirty Dogs when our dog is shedding.. Name of this business separated by a letter Up and Down: Breed of our dog. The type of treats we purchase for our dog at Dirty Dogs. Diagonal : One of our favorite things to give our dog when we visit... Who's Kindle's favorite groomer at Dirty Dogs? Key Words: Aussie Raw Shampoo Bath Furminator Becky DirtyDogs #DirtyDogs #YelpWordFind #PlacesKindleLoves -
Elle’s 5-star review: There was a time when I would review more chain restaurants, stores, etc. However, I feel most people know what to expect on a basic level. Yet chain stores do sometimes have differences (the kind that can make all the difference of where you choose to go when you can). One may pay more in gas and drive a little further to get there. Some shops may have larger selections of merchandise and brighter teams. Many have improved service and better layouts. I'm more inclined to stay a little longer and enjoy the space when a place exceeds my expectations. I admit I will travel to a certain degree for exemplary service, I always have and always will. This week I was ecstatic because I found what I would call my "absolute favorite" Starbucks location in North County San Diego! Why you might ask? First, it's new with a wide open layout. I liked the seating options. Secondly, the team that served me were what I would deem a dream team! Maybe, it was a good afternoon. They were enthusiastic in their service, proud to show off their new location and quite knowledgable of their latest product offerings and specialty beverages. It didn't hurt that this new location had nitro on tap! The dream team offered me a celebratory opening shot that we shared! How fun is that! So, although a chain is a chain, no two are alike. There will always be one better than the rest. I know which McDonalds locally has the "hottest" fries, I know which Jamba Juice keeps their juice machine "running" till closing versus cleaning it early so the staff can go home. And...now, I know exactly which Starbucks chain store, will offer me a more than ordinary experience! Let's keep the nitro alive! #NCSD #Oceanside #NitroOnTap #DreamTeam #NotYourOrdinaryStarbucks -
Elle’s 4-star review: It's our number one weekly take out spot! Pita Guys has been open for some time and there are numerous reasons to get food here! First, it sits between our home and work place. Easy access from the 78 and 15 freeways. Second, it's close to other places we frequent. Shopping options and Cal State are next door. Third, the food is delicious. They make it fresh daily. Our last number one dining spot was in the exact same site before Pita Guys took it over so we continue to drive to the same spot weekly. We tend to order the chicken kebab or chicken shawarma plate over rice with almonds. A side of hummus with paprika and olive oil and feta salad. Over the year, they fine tuned the counter process which I found to be a bit chaotic. We found ordering ahead is a much smoother situation. Fun candy in a jar at checkout or while you wait! Get your kebab's in or out! #HelloPitaGuys #GoodbyeGauchitos #Kebabin #Kebabout -
Elle’s 4-star review: Recliner snobs are us! I normally don't write a review after attending a film. Isn't it about the film more than the theatre or are we more about the full experience these days? I realized in all this time we have been attending multiple locations for Cinepolis from Mexico to the OC and in this time I've never shared my likes or dislikes of any of their theaters but still believe they are the best we have and are growing leaps and bounds. We waited for the Vista Village site (the former Krikorian ) to complete their full refurbishment with reclining seats, a 4DX sensory experience and children's playroom theatre to be complete prior to attending a movie here. In this review, we attended Red Sparrow in 4DX. It was our first 4DX experience. It's a fun feeling like one is riding a motorcycle, sprayed with water when you're at the pool or stabbed in the back during a murder scene! (Well, that was a shocker!) I love they offer options of both blockbuster and indie films. I like food is is an option, in addition to popcorn and candy (yet prefer in-seat service that is common in other Cinepolis theatres). I also enjoy the recliners over 4DX seating. There can be long stretches with no activity in a much less comfortable seat. We like that this theatre is not as busy as many of the smaller locations, so the lines to services are good and the lobby is large to sit, wait or eat. They have new high tech screens, previews and a jumbo photo booth. In the end, it is the full experience! It's the company you keep, the quality of the film, the amenities available, and in the end...and it will always be... Recliner snobs are us! #VistaVillage #Cinepolis #4DX #ReclinerSnobsAreUs -
Elle’s 5-star review: Coco - you ain't no Chanel, but you are my go to girl! I first discovered Coco Rose during an event at the Headquarters in San Diego. I have always loved lovely, light and loose weight apparel during my favorite months of Spring and Summer. When I found out Coco Rose had locations in our own little Carlsbad by the Sea and out near our other home sweet home near Palm Desert, I knew she would become a favorite boutique to me for convenience alone. Coco Rose carries a brand that is sold here and wholesale to others called "Bali Queen". Solids to batiks, tops to pants and dresses too, mostly in rayon! I have always been inspired by Balinese culture; including clothing, jewelry and let's not forget the food too! I picked up a few things for my birthday and I always look forward to my mini resort day to the shop. Now, I need to figure out how to get myself to Indonesia real soon, since I have something to wear! Put a supersize silver heart necklace on your list too! It's Coco Rose Love! #CarlsbadVillage #CocoRose #BaliQueen -
Elle’s 5-star review: Let me interrupt this Yelp Spring Break review thread...to acknowledge a special place called 608 in Oceanside, California. This local eatery opened approximately one year ago. The husband and I were heading out to one of our tried and true spots to kick off our Memorial Day weekend. However, we decided to make a detour to 608 on Mission as we were driving down the PCH. It's hard to believe we didn't try this place sooner! Since it was out first visit, we decided to order from the 3 course menu for $35. This allows each diner to sample an appetizer, entree and dessert! We both picked three different items and shared with one another. I chose the Burrata Salad (mixed greens, grilled tomato, persimmon and sorrel vinaigrette) the Fried Chicken (cornbread, honey, jalapeno and green onions) and the Tangerine Dessert (white chocolate, persimmon and sorrel). I cannot express how satisfied I was with each of these unique and flavorful dishes (and my husband's selections were fire starters as well). We sat in the restaurant window, watched people pass by and sipped 608 private label Pinot Noir at $8 per glass. It's the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon, in the ever thriving foodie scene of Oceanside. Let the fireworks begin! #608 #Oceanside #FoodieScene #OnFire -
Elle’s 5-star review: Blue Mug Coffee and Tea has a special place in my heart. I used to frequent their old location in downtown Escondido weekly prior to being sold to the current owner. Even with the move to El Norte and new ownership, the selection, service and shear coziness of the place never skipped a beat as an authentic coffeehouse for Escondido. Initially, the velvet blue sofa made its way in but was recently removed with a little renovation. It's still quaint either way. The owner and her staff go out of their way to make you feel welcome here. The staff is friendly and eager to take your order and once they know you,they know your drink too. I go here for the Orange Peel Mocha! It's one of my favorite beverages around. I'm most impressed that once you sit down the owner will bring the coffee to you. No standing and waiting for the cup with your name on it. Not many places offer such personal service. They have a high tech pour over unit and have light food items for breakfast and lunch, gift cards for purchase and they add some free mints or candies for people to take to enhance their experience. There are lots of fun gifts for sale for the coffee lover, computer outlets inside if you need to work and pleasant courtyard seating for nice SoCal days which is also very dog friendly. When I was in the hospital during the summer, my husband would pick me up my favorite Orange Peel Mocha and it made my day a little brighter, sometimes it's those little touches that make all the difference. And, I must add the little stickers to keep your coffee hot and to avoid spillage are always fun here. You never know what you are going to get. This week, I got a heart, it is Valentine's Day after all! Happy Valentine's Day! #Escondido #BlueMug #OrangePeelMocha #Love -
Elle’s 5-star review: Everyone should have a New Year's Reso-Lucha! It's good stuff...both the kind you set and follow...in this case, one that includes eating; tacos, quesadillas, burritos, fries and more! Thank you Danny, the NCSD Yelp Squad, Owner Jose Luis, and team at Luche Libre for coming together to make this Elite Week one for the win! I took my husband Vin T. as my plus one, lured him from the lazy boy, who exclaims "it only takes me ten minutes to get ready". This is not the case because his ten turns into 20 or 30 minutes (in know time)! Know, as in knowing! You could call it the 10-10-10 rule, 10 minutes to get up from the chair, 10 minutes to make it across the house and 10 minutes to actually get ready! To make it on time, I must give an earlier time! I wanted to pay a visit the new Victoria Secret store, just around the corner from Luche Libre. It's great to know one can grab a quick lunch nearby and visit a favorite shop on the same trip. I picked up a few things early from Vicky C's as fellow Elite Murissa noticed, wink, wink. Valentine's promotions are in! We were greeted promptly at Luche Libre and seated at the one and only Champions Table. We were visited by manager Jorge, waited on my Markie and Jamie on our visit. The husband ordered the chicken quesidilla and I had the steak champion fries. The eight salsas were delicious, our favorite was the cilantro! And, we loved the mango fountain beverage, so much we took one for the road. We enjoyed our experience and look forward to returning to the patio space with our dog. He's always ready to go and in less than 1 minute, no arm chair, no walking, no getting ready! Just one minute from "Do you want to go" and he's at the door waiting! He's no armchair bandit! PS the treat of the event was the token to move to the head of the line. I can imagine the eye rolls coming...but there has to be something to winning Luche Libre style. #CarlsbadCalifornia #LucheLibre #NewYearsResoLuche #NeverGetaLazyBoy -
Elle’s 4-star review: My on-going struggle to enjoy more ethnic food... Husband: What do you want to eat? Me: Indian Food! Husband: I don't think so, the last time we had that my stomach hurt. Me: Vietnamese Food? Husband: Oh, no! On our last visit the food made me sick! Me: Thai Food... Husband: Spicy 1 is still spicy and = tummy trouble. Me: Impossible! This impossible ethnic food dilemma usually ends with a visit somewhere new! Our new safehouse is Thai Thai, where we enjoy the mega sized thai tea with boba, the generous sized lunch specials, and more than anything a tummy ache free meal. #EthnicFood #Spicy1 #ThaiThai -
Elle’s 5-star review: Roller Derby Season is almost here! I must admit, I was turned on by the sport after seeing the 2009 film "Whip It", directed by Drew Barrymore. Little did I know at the time that roller derby was alive in San Diego! And, why wouldn't it be! We started attending derby and I realized I had found my spectator sport and as the movie suggested, it's much like finding your tribe! I was never the athletic type, yoga and tai chi and hitting the hot tub is more my speed but get me to a roller derby and I'm ready for some action! Teamwork to empowerment! A great esteem builder! Knee high socks and helmets! Retro fashion at its finest! And, the names the girls come up with are beyond creative; Tripsy Gypsy, Sugar n' Spite, or Bat Hit Crazy! Better than a horse race any day! Season tickets average less than $10 per person per game! You can train to be a debt girl too ( 8 week program). Get ready to derby as a spectator or participant! I'll be there to cheer you on either way! -
Elle’s 5-star review: I like mine custom! ~ Elle N. If you can get something custom made, just for you...wouldn't you!?! Custom bike. Check. Custom body products. Check. Custom bracelets. Check. Making a custom list...Check. Custom pour overs from Philz now in NCSD.The beloved favorite of my NORCAL friends! And fans of all things custom! One may choose from coffees or teas at Philz. At our first event of the year, I ordered the Mint Mojito Tea (cold) and the Tantalizing Turkish Coffee (hot)! Double check! Walk up to the counter to your own custom barista, who pours your custom beverage of choice the way you like it! Both drinks were some of the best I've had. This Yelp event offered NCSD and SD Yelpers a chance to meet our new, yet returning CM Danny and try the first Philz in the San Diego region. Looking forward to whatever custom events Danny has up his sleeve for us in 2017! Time to custom-ize. #PhilzNCSD #CustomCoffee #CustomEvents #PhilzCustom-er -
Elle’s 5-star review: Sometimes you have to pull the bull by the horns! We were searching for the perfect place to eat with an outdoor patio that is dog friendly and has wine! Rancho Capistrano Winery was the place to solve at least out first world problem! The weather was sunny and warm. The winery has an outdoor fireplace for cooler nights and pretty string lights strung in the courtyard. For food, we ordered the cilantro pesto fries and the steak salad. The steak was juicy and tender, as we like it. You may taste wines before purchasing a glass or bottle. We tried the Casa Blanca (a Chardonnay). It was not bad but not a good fit for my taste. We took just one sip of a newly bottled Barolo and quickly ordered two glasses. The bottle price is approximately $39 for each of the Reds on the menu. The Barolo no exception. For those who don't know the difference between a vineyard and a winery: a vineyard is land that harvests grapes. A winery is a facility that sources grapes (generally not their own) if not listed as a vineyard and winery. This is not a bad thing, as certain grapes grow better in specific soil and regions. However, sourcing good grapes from vineyards is key and later how it is aged and cared for by the winemaker an important element. The rest of wine is generally a matter of taste! I think we are going to be spending a lot of time here in the near future. Our first visit was a solid five stars all around. I look forward to trying the strawberry bruschetta and the Mexican coffee port on our next visit. This winery has a good thing going and there's no bull about it! #ranchocapistranowinery #winerydogsoc #barolofordays #nobull -
Elle’s 5-star review: Augie's...it's worth the trip! A' La Minute and Augie's Coffee are the hot new spots located in the Vail Headquarters in Temecula! I was first introduced to this duo concept in the cute college town of Claremont last Valentine's Day and I had wished for a closer location since visiting on a fun filled weekend. My main coffee drink of choice is a mocha! Augie's makes a beverage called the "Parliment Chocolate", essentially this is their mocha. In fact, it may very well be the best mocha I have had anywhere! So, many coffee houses utlize a sweet milk chocolate. Parliment provides a more european dark chocolate, offering a nice blend of coffee and chocolate where neither over-power one another! This is the best mocha mixture! I am often in Old Town, but I drive down the Temecula Parkway just to get my mocha on the day when this is my coffee drink of choice. I also appreciate that Augie's roasts their own small batch coffee, focus on single origin (Costa Rican being a favorite) and they keep their prices below that of a Starbucks for a higher quality experience. My only wish now...is for Augie's to make homemade whipped cream... #AugiesCoffeeHouse #AugiesCoffeeRoaster #ParlimentChocolate -
Elle’s 5-star review: The orange honey is the money! We first learned of A La Minute on Valentine's Day while visiting the village of Claremont near Los Angeles. A La Minute and it's sister company Augies' Coffee can be found in college towns in Southern California. I was so excited when they set up shop, although out of the norm, at the new Vail Headquarters in Temecula. A La Minute keeps things simple. They offer a small selection of ice cream and sorbet flavors each day. They use locally sourced ingredients; fruits, herbs, and dairy. And they hand make each batch utilizing nitro to remove crystallization, this is to provide the best creamy product! When visiting, I like to order the waffle cones, also made in house, they are always fresh and crunchy! They have a cozy picnic table area outside to enjoy your special treat and take in the fresh air. Our fur babe loves it too! I'm going for the chocolate lavender on our next trip... #ALaMinute #OrangeHoney #AuNaturale -
Elle’s 5-star review: Cluck, cluck, cluck! I better get crack'in on this review! My husband and I took a cruise for our anniversary and we docked in San Diego. It's interesting to be a tourist in your hometown. We wanted to check out a couple close places near the cruise terminal for our day out! From the terminal you can easily walk and if you prefer not to...there is always uber. This is another concept from celebrity chef Richard Blais (and Jon Sloan). It is an informal dining concept that came after the gem of a restaurant (next door) Juniper and Ivy. The "crack" is for the egg items and in honor of the chickens that lay them and the "shack" is for the outdoor dining set-up, which is primarily a kitchen, order booth and a large covered patio! My husband had to go for the chicken sandwich (I'm looking forward to trying this one on our next trip)! I went for the egg as part of a breakfast bowl! The site has sides and plenty of "cracksup" to dip your fries in! The soda fountain has many upscale craft choices in addition to mainstay sodas. The Crack Shack has sandwiches for kids, such as the "Lil Clucker" and there are treats available, including ice cream sundaes! Get here early, there is usually a line during primetime dining hours. I'm not sure what came first, the chicken or the egg...but does it really matter? #JustCluckIt #CrackShack #TouristInYourHometown -
Elle’s 4-star review: We're caught in a trap! We were lured, captured and they won't let us go...this is Decoy! Decoy was one of the highly anticipated restaurant openings in North County San Diego in 2016! And, what's not to love about being trapped and lured to a lakeside property with great food and service. Decoy makes craft food from scratch and offers a lodge type environment to their guests. The restaurant consists of a formal dining room upstairs and a lakeside patio downstairs. Patio dining is pet friendly! There is also a lovely private event room off the patio space (can you say YEE, UYE, no fowl here)! Now, if you are into fowl, they have it...turkey, duck, goose, hen, you name it! Hunters unite! We go for the flatbreads, salads, and desserts and they have some wild cocktails that we've gone to hunt down, the closest to hunting we-will-a-go on a regular night out! Get ready to get caught in the trap... NOTE: My only advise to the keepers...lower the music on the patio! It's often way to loud, we are in a natural location after all! #Decoy #NCSD #FowlorNoFowl
