Sunny, Sunny San Diego!

Once again, I was on the road headed to another city in late October. My third since early September. But this time I was excited because I was headed to a city I had been yearning to go to — San Diego!! Let me apologize now for a long post, but I was there for 6 days and have lots to share!

My mother joined me on this trip and flew from Chicago to meet me. We had a lot of fun exploring the city together. I was there for a conference and my days and most of my evenings were consumed with sessions, exhibiting and receptions. But we were able to squeeze in some fun, a little sightseeing and of course a bit of restaurant hopping.

Put Down your Suitcase – We stayed at the Westin Downtown, not to be confused with other Westin, which is the Gaslamp Quarter. I was not disappointed by this hotel at all, it definitely kept up the Westin/Starwood reputation. Large rooms with a nice view of the city, helpful and friendly staff, and in a good location. One of the things I liked most about this hotel was there were lots of places within the hotel where you could sit and work, have a mimosa or just relax. The hotel is also 5 blocks from the outdoor mall Horton Plaza where you can do some serious shopping. It is also 6-8 blocks from the end of the Gaslamp Quarter.

Did you say Sunday Brunch? - I have always said my favorite day of the week is Sunday and my favorite time of the day is Brunch. On our first full day, I dragged my colleague and my mother in search of a brunch that would make our mouths water. Lael’s Restaurant in the Hyatt San Diego near the convention center did not let us down. You can choose from two types and you can’t go wrong with either. For those who like the traditional breakfast/brunch – omelette stations, et al, then for approximately $25 you get that and more. The other brunch choice is $39.95 and includes the breakfast PLUS seafood, salad, desserts, pasta and more. What more can you ask for?

Gaslamp Quarter Dining – The famous Gaslamp Quarter is right across from the convention center and lined with gas lamps (of course) and a plethora of restaurants of every cuisine. It extends for about 6-8 blocks, so you will definitely get your work out in. Instead of giving details of every restaurant where we ate, I will just give the list and quick ratings for each of them.

• Dick’s Last Resort – Good for lunch, outside seating, and no frills. We had one in Chicago and they are known for being rude (that’s their thing) and just good American food. Did I mention no frills? They throw the straws at you, just an FYI.
• La Fiesta – This is Mexican cuisine and overall the food was pretty good. You can sit outside but there is a wait. The wait staff was great.
• Rama - My favorite restaurant on the trip. This is a Thai restaurant and the food was delicious! The spicy vegetable rice, the pad thai, and the grilled shrimp appetizer were great! Put this on your list for sure!
• Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop – Need I say more?

Old Town San Diego – A place of cultural history and the birthplace of Cali, Old Town is very quaint. There are tons and tons of shops and stores filled with Mexican relics, clothing, and odds and ends. A great place to get things for yourself or for those back home. We went at night so we really couldn’t see the beauty of the original “Old Town” area which looks like the inside of a history book. We had dinner at El Agave (at the start of Old Town) which has some of the most authentic Mexican food and known for their mole dishes. The food was well seasoned and very good. The portions are big enough to share. It has great ambiance and character.

Which way to the Ferry? - For a little sightseeing and $7 round trip, you can hop the 15 minute ferry to Coronado Island. Pick up the Harbor Excursion ferry and enjoy a smooth ride with the San Diego skyline behind you, over to this small island. But don’t be deceived, Coronado has a bit more to offer than those handful of restaurants and shops you see as soon as you get off the ferry. We went back for a second trip because we were told we missed the best part of the island – the famous Hotel Del Coronado. This is truly an amazing and beautiful hotel, with so much of the original finishings and structure. I immediately fell in love with the lobby. As one of the oldest hotels in the U.S. it still has the feel of the 1800s. Beware, it is a 30 minute walk from where the ferry drops you off, over to the hotel. Why did we walk you may ask? Well, the guy behind the counter at the Kentucky Fried Chicken said it was just up the street. He lied! Definitely cab it or hop the trolley tour.

While I had a great time in San Diego, I’m still disappointed that we didn’t see La Jolla, Balboa Park, or the Zoo. It was just too much to see in too little time. I truly look forward to going back, renting a convertible and driving down the coast to the beach. I hear it’s a must do!