Sunday, January 10, 2016

San Diego Celebrates Winter

Coronado Island, December 26, 2015

Hotel Del Coronado

Crossing the Coronado Bridge from San Diego is a beautiful sight.  A visit to the Hotel Del Coronado is never to be forgotten.  During winter holidays, an ice skating rink is installed.  From the walkway you can see the rink on one side and the sandy beach on the other.  It is the last day of grandson Will and his friend Amanda before they return to Albuquerque.  
Entry to Prada



Art District- Balboa Park, December 26,2015

From Coronado we drove the art district where we ate at Prada.  It is a sunny day and we ate outside.  It is my second visit to Prada. On the first visit last year, an airplane landing in San Diego flew by.

Hot Apple Cider Martini




We order cocktails and wait for Will's friend from high school to join us for lunch.  Meanwhile we ponder the menu.  









We order a calamari 
hors d'oeuvre to start.  I am having as much seafood while I am visiting the area as I can.  It is fresh and delicious.  







After lunch we walk around the art district.  Outdoor sculptures are everywhere.  We visit several-  one with a train theme, one a museum of canes (mostly ornately carved), and one with handmade quilts.  There are too many to see in one day.  






The spectacular blue man hangs from one of the ceilings.  There is art work everywhere.








At the end of the day, we must leave and take Will and Amanda to the airport.  It has been a perfect day and marks the end of a wonderful winter holiday.

Saturday, January 9, 2016

Pizza Port



If there is a San Diego cuisine emerging, beer will play a significant roll.  Pizza Port is one of the popular chain restaurant/breweries featuring hand crafted pizzas and ales.  Last month I was in Escondido  to spend the holidays with family.  Two families (close friends) invited me to sup at Pizza Port/Bressi Ranch in San Marcos.  We were seated at a picnic style table.  The atmosphere was reminiscent of  German beer halls.


The orders were placed and the pitchers arrived.  At our table 6 were from Escondido including one ex-pat from England, 2 from Albuquerque, New Mexico,  1 from Georgia, and myself from Mammoth Lakes, California.  




Two pizzas arrived- one Chicken and one Supreme.  Both were fabulous!  Fast food pizzas could not hold a candle to either one.  
Pizza Supreme





Chicken Pizza on Paper "china"


I can't imagine a better
way to spend an evening
with people I did not know but
I soon felt they were fast 
friends.  Good food brings 
people together!!!