On my recent trip to New York City, one of the top things I wanted to do was to go to the Flute Champagne Lounge.  The first night there I made a bee line for Gramercy Park and stopped at one of their two locations.
This champagne lounge is a cozy spot decorated in rich colors and textures.  The seating is arranged to take advantage of the alcoves and space so that any group could find a ‘private’ spot – whether you are two or ten people.
 
I loved the bubble shaped …

Have you ever tried a new restaurant that felt like it had been a part of the neighborhood forever? I recently tried Rose Wine Pub on 30th Street in South Park and had that exact experience. I immediately loved the cozy environment and the service and menu earned this wine bar even more gold stars.  It turns out, I had reason to feel like this place had been a part of the neighborhood forever; much of the wood used was reclaimed from an older home in the neighborhood.  …

Cupcakes are scientifically broken into three components as a measure of deliciousness: Frosting (taste and quantity), cake (taste and moistness), and access.  Corner Cupcakes represents the best of cake, frosting, and access.  By moving their cupcake bakery into a mobile food truck, Corner Cupcakes is a ‘neighborhood’ business in every neighborhood.  Corner Cupcakes is accessible for everyone.  By following their Twitter feed, I was able to track down their location today.  What put cupcakes in my mind?  I was thinking about stopping at the Sprinkles in La Jolla but saw …

Honestly, my bicycle is such a flirt! Whenever I ride around town on my bike, I always receive kind compliments about her. She’s a looker, that’s for certain. Since it would be a shame to deprive the rest of the world of her presence, I’ve been riding about town, as the weather allows.
Last weekend I rode my bike to the farmers’ market – called the Mercato – in Little Italy close to downtown San Diego. The day was gorgeous which made for a perfect day to …

Currant restaurant in downtown San Diego thrilled me by offering an appetizer I would never make for myself. Popcorn! I never make it even though I like it a lot. It is one of those things that looks easy on paper. Three ingredients (popcorn, oil, and salt) and one step (heat) result in (pop, pop, pop) a delicious snack. My experience with making popcorn has involved burns from oil popping on my hand, corn getting scorched on the bottom of the pan, the floor sprinkled …

One of the benefits of being a grown-up at Christmas is the opportunity to start your own traditions. This year on Christmas eve, I knew I wanted to take some time from the running and wrapping and do something to celebrate the holiday and relax. I was looking for something that had the feeling of the past, but was also current and exciting.
The US Grant in downtown San Diego has been hip since 1910. While the lobby wears the proper uniform of dark wood paneling and crystal chandeliers, the …

Sometimes I have to remind myself of the spirit of Louis and Clark when I am out and passing by a place I’ve always wanted to explore but just never feel like I have the time.  When I remind myself of these fellow Americans, passing by a shop without going in seems unpatriotic. 
Recently I took some time to cross uncharted territory (i.e., cross a street) and take a look at Chi Chocolat in Point Loma.  This chocolate boutique moved from their Little Italy location in downtown San Diego to quaint …

Refined hot chocolate is such a treat.  I love indulging in a cup of hot chocolate during fall and winter evenings.  I have a few favorite haunts to sit and enjoy a cup – but that isn’t always practical.  And, sometimes, I just want to be cozy at home.
But I am picky.  (Selective?)
I don’t care for the highly sweetened hot chocolates that you often find available at the market.  These produce a thin cup of watery chocolate flavored drink.  It can be hard to track down the perfect hot chocolate …

Imagine my excitement when I received an e-mail from Extraordinary Desserts in San Diego announcing that they would be hosting a weekly cheese bar.  !!!!! I do love Extraordinary Desserts – the décor, the desserts, the little odds and ends they sell, and the espresso and hot chocolate.  And now, I can add cheese to the list.  I had previously been to the Union Street location and ordered a cheese plate.  I had been impressed by the selection of cheeses and I liked the option to build your own cheese …

What does the sun taste like?  I can’t prove this, but I think it must taste like a tomato.  There is something so bright about a fresh ripe tomato.  I can’t help but think that it is the flavor of the sun.  At Il Postino restaurant in North Park, they have captured that flavor and complimented it with their tomato dip for your pre-dinner bread.  To be honest, I loved it so much I just want to write about that dip.  But, in the interest of balanced coverage, I will …