Established in the 1920s, harborside Little Italy is Downtown San
Diego’s oldest continuous business district; yet the community is a
world apart from the city’s taxing white-collar hustle. Although much
of its industry and architecture stems from its Mediterranean namesake,
it maintains a flair that is distinctly San Diegan, as well as a strong
sense of community. Known as an epicenter for epicures, the area’s
eating options range from grab-and-go meatball subs to fine Italian
dining, both classic and innovative. The area is also home to many art
galleries and other creative endeavors. Among many other celebrations,
Little Italy hosts a popular ArtWalk each year, drawing in artists and
art-loving attendees from all over the county.
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Don’t you just adore shiny bits of new information? Especially when it comes to shopping in San Diego!
The new boutique, the incredible denim sale, and the must-be-there fashion event get your inner style child clapping and hopping like a monkey. As we ride through the winter season, San Diego is alive and well with mint condition stylish experiences.
From the brand new Vocabulary and Melero boutiques to the sad closing of Alpha Male and Dress to the Nines, discover what’s new in the San Diego shopping scene.
Melero Boutique & Gallery – Little Italy has a new shop selling us European and American designer clothing and accessories, along with contemporary art.
Mona Lisa Boutique – The first Friday of every month, Mona Lisa Boutique in East Village will be having a fashion, music and shopping event with a runway show and after party.
Vocabulary Boutique – A bittersweet occurrence, Station boutique in Little Italy shut down, but in its space is the new Vocabulary. With a similar design as the previous boutique, Vocabulary will be selling men’s and women’s clothing along with art and home décor items. But this time, almost everything will be under $150.
Love Me Twice Boutique – Located near SDSU, this shop caters to the female crowd interested in current trends and popular brands as well as vintage and ethnic finds.
RAD Boutique – A rare thing has arrived in La Jolla – a young man running a boutique and designing clothes! Stop in here for simple masculine duds and fun girl items. Get details here.
Christies in Mission Hills has turned into Cecilia Boutique. Along with the new name is a complete new look (think French vintage with a modern twist), new clothing lines, and new events. You will see unique new lines and one-of-a-kind pieces and continue to get personalized customer service.
Fleur de Lis Boutique – La Jolla is on the rise with new shops and Fleur de Lis is one of them. Get details here.
Beech – Life is a beech and I am in love with the slogan for this hip and affordable new boutique. Get details here.
Urban Outfitters – Now in Hillcrest, Urban Outfitter’s giant 3-D sign is drawing all sorts of crowds.
American Apparel – Although rumors have spread that American Apparel is downsizing, a new location has opened up in downtown San Diego.
Project Runway – The current Season 7 of “Project Runway” features yet another San Diegan, Jesus Estrada, who will soon be selling his designs in Gordana Gehlhausen’s boutique, Goga. Get details here.
Dress For The Nines – This month San Diego lost its one of kind maternity wear boutique in Hillcrest.
Milo Shoe Gallery – Sadly Milo Shoe Gallery, our place for killer kicks, has closed its doors.
Alpha Male – The salon for stylish men who enjoy cocktails while pretty women cut their hair is now closed.
Niche Boutique – Niche has closed up shop in Little Italy for the disappointment of female shoppers.
British Invasion – Sitting where British Invasion in Hillcrest used to be is (still) an empty boutique waiting for an aspiring fashionitso/a to open up shop.
Discover more San Diego boutiques and stay stylish in our local shopping blogs.
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I’m not even remotely lying when I assert I’ve attended literally thousands of shows since this music addiction of mine began back before I was able to legally drive my mother’s grey Nissan Maxima station wagon. (Which, by the way, I totaled less than a week after I officially passed my driving test.)
I know I just dated myself with the phrase “thousands,” but truthfully, I don’t care. These few grey facial hairs stand as testament to a life well spent; and at the very least, have earned me the right to force feed you my musical musings.
That said, feel free to scream, “Get on with it Father Time!” I promise I won’t take offense.
Cutting right to the chase, the English Beat (You know, that lil’ 2-tone ska revival band circa England 1978? Hmm… Okay, how about a ditty entitled “Mirror in the Bathroom”? Yeah, I figured that would ring the proverbial bell.), has not one, but two back-to-back shows this weekend at the Belly Up; Friday, Feb. 5, and Saturday, Feb. 6. Friday’s show is with The Lifters; .38 Specials Education joins them on the stage Saturday. I may very well be in attendance, since I currently do not have any pressing photographic duties to tend to. I mean, really… Who knows when, or even if, the opportunity will ever present itself again? That’s reason enough for moi.
Should ska not particularly tickle yer fancy, a truly brilliant alternative to the Belly Up show (at least Saturday eve) will be the vinyl release party for A Scribe Amidst the Lions (ASATL), at the Casbah. (pictured)
If you’ve never heard this band… Well, I don’t quite know how to put this — they’re inspiring, for lack of a better description. And I don’t mean inspirational in direct reference to their music or even message, for that matter; but rather just in their very essence and existence.
Simply put, they transcend the confines of today’s rock genre. And I know that’s a bold statement, but 1) it is my opinion and I’m entitled to it (see intro. paragraph), and 2) take a listen on their MySpace page, to sample the beauty yourself.
Not to mention, The Burning of Rome will be joining them for the occasion. As if you needed another selling point…
Drag the River will be at the ‘Bah Saturday, Feb. 13, and the last two or three times I’ve seen them there, it’s always been a good show, so expect nothing less this Valentine’s Eve.
Backtracking a bit, and to wrap this here b-log up, the Editors are at the House of Blues next Tuesday, Feb. 9, and The Thermals are at the Belly Up Sunday, Feb. 7. You can thank the latter of the two bands for writing that annoyingly addictive vocal hook, “oh way oh whoa,” into their single “Now We Can See”; just in case you were wondering who the hell they were.
And, thanks to that last paragraph and my entirely benevolent endeavor to guide you to worthwhile San Diego music and shows, I will now be humming the aforementioned line until the Xanax hopefully knocks me out before midnight.
Discover more San Diego concerts and events.
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Located on the corner of 6th and F, the former EXY venue is one slice of downtown real estate with endless potential. It’s been painful to watch the vacant space sit stagnant for many months, yet now I can stroll down 6th in peace, knowing that an unprecedented restaurant and bar concept is slated to open in the corner spot mid-February, 2010.
Quality Social is a simple concept that will appeal to locals who love the comforts of neighborhood dive bars, yet are drawn to the sophisticated appeal of luxury nightlife. The first “next generation” dive bar of its kind in San Diego, Quality Social pays tribute to the most iconic dive elements while providing a Quality experience for working-class locals who deserve and demand it.
An urban live art showcase is staged next to a former glass wine cellar now filled with the cheapest of cheap liquor bottles. Blue-collar grub, including wings, hot dogs and all the fixings, is hand-crafted in-house by highly praised Executive Chef Jared Van Camp. Bold cocktails named “The Little Blue Pill” and “The Douche Bag” will be served straight-up next to tall cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon, and the no name-dropping rule must be strictly obeyed. Hip-hop and house music will only be heard from the Ivy Hotel’s party across the street, and patrons can chill in oversize red vinyl booths (picture: NuNu’s) or gather around tall tables throughout the bar as the Indie sound transforms to fit the crowd with time.
Quality Social isn’t trying to be a dive bar – it’s a playful juxtaposition of all that we love about neighborhood dives, presented in a new Quality light with no detail spared. With Boones Farm on the menu, a speakeasy in the back, a menu created by a Top Chef recruit who travels with salami in his suit case, a vintage photo booth on display and a champagne parlor in the see-through ladies bathroom, Quality Social invites you to embrace the deliberate contradictions and create your own experience.
The Quality Men
Principal, Christopher Dexter, is an industry veteran who spent five years opening high profile properties for the acclaimed Gerber Group before launching several critically admired concepts of his own. Principal, Christopher Guimond, is an East Coast native who has used the past decade to build his reputation as a leading hospitality entrepreneur in San Diego. And arriving from Chicago—one of the Mid-West’s most highly praised culinary experts, Executive Chef, Jared Van Camp. Van Camp will focus on upscale comfort fare and a dedicated housemade charcuterie bar.
Old Town Social, the first U.S. venue from the Social brand, opened in Chicago late 2009, and our Quality Social is slated to open on the corner of 6th and F in downtown San Diego February, 2010. Until then … nostalgic round of Popov, anyone?
Pictured: Old Town Social in Chicago
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Amidst the wedding planning, cake testing, venue visiting and dress shopping, planning for weddings in San Diego can be tiresome.
While your wedding day will be one of the most exciting days of your life, don’t forget to pamper those that make it all possible. Spend some time relaxing and sipping on spirits with your closest friends and family members. San Diego spas offer wonderful spa packages customized for your bridal party and inner bliss. From facials to massages, nail care and hair styling, San Diego spas blow it out of the water to help you primp for your big day.
Discover the top ten spas for bachelorette spa parties.
Spa Terre – Mission Bay
Spa Terre at Paradise Point Resort & Spa offers a bounty of beauty packages for the bride and bridal party. In honor of the spa’s tropical and exotic theme, the Indonesian Splendor is a favorite, five-hour package which includes a Gota Kola and oat firming facial, milk and honey body wrap, spa manicure and pedicure, make-up application and bridal up-do. Grooms can also take advantage of the King of the Palace package and be treated with a massage, facial and haircut. Complimentary champagne and strawberries are offered to bridal parties of five or more – even more of an excuse to indulge a little before the big day.
La Jolla Spa MD – La Jolla
The La Jolla medical spa staple is a premier destination for spa bridal parties. While you’re sipping on champagne and nibbling on treats, choose from a selection of services including the Visia skin analyses, Gentlewave treatments, 30 minute massages and facials, brow sculpts, make-up applications and physician consultations. Parties of five or more will also receive mini gift bags and a private room and host.
OB Hidden Spa – Ocean Beach
For a beach-side spa day at an affordable price, the OB Hidden Spa offers the “3’s a Spa Party,” which includes a room set for you and your two friends, bottle of champagne or sparkling cider, snacks, spa lunch, 50 minute massage, mini facial and arm and foot scrub. At $99 for each guest, it’s definitely a great deal for your bridal party.
Estancia Spa – La Jolla
The Spa at Estancia is already a local favorite because of its serene garden environment and and organic treatments. The Bridal Bouquet package includes a 25 minute stress relief massage, 50 minute Varada That Deluxe Manicure and 50 minute Amala Thai Deluxe pedicure. This package is ideal for your bridal party a couple days before your special day.
Sea Spa– Coronado
The Spa at Hotel Del is one of the most luxurious in San Diego and offers lavish treatments inspired by the sea below. The Spa offers three and a half-hour voyages for your bridal party to choose from. Try the Del Sol package, which includes an exfoliating scrub, Slim Again Body Wrap, a Revival 1888 Facial and a Sun-Kissed Tan. Bridal make-up and hair styling is also available at the Yamaguchi Salon.
Hyde-Edwards – Little Italy
Most known for its superior hair styling and modern interior design, Hyde-Edwards offers spa bachelorette and bridal parties that include use of the sauna and spa, snacks in the morning and/or wine and cheese in the afternoon, along with a myriad of choices from their well-appointed spa menu.
SK Sanctuary – La Jolla
The list of bridal party packages is never ending at SK Sanctuary. Call ahead and have the spa coordinator create a custom package for your bridal party. Or, opt for the six and a half-hour “The Best Send Off” package, which includes a European Massage, Sea Breeze Scrub, European Facial, SK Manicure and Pedicure, Hairstyling, Make-up Application and special SK wedding gift. Grooms, you’re definitely not forgotten about at SK. Many packages are also available to help you get ready, including the “Let’s Groom the Groom” package, which includes a bath and massage of your choice, SK Manicure and Pedicure and haircut.
Bella Tosca Day Spa – Mission Valley
In the heart of Mission Valley, Bella Tosca offers a great space for a bachelorette party. Start the morning with a Hatha yoga session in the Inner Sanctuary Room, spend the rest of the day relaxing with the girls in the sauna or hot tub, and stay for a massage or facial. Bridal services are available the day of your wedding and packages are also available for the groom and groomsmen.
The Spa at Grand Del Mar – Del Mar
The Spa at the Grand Del Mar Resort offers some of the best amenities for your bachelorette spa party. Come early and spend some time in the Women’s Lounge, which features European-style wet rooms, indoor whirlpools, complimentary refreshments, spa amenities and a pathway lined with framed Hermès scarves. The Relaxation Pool is also a must see and is great for an outdoor lunch. Indulge in The Grand Day Spa Retreat, which includes an hour massage, hour facial, alfresco lunch and access to the fully-equipped fitness center and classes.
Spa Gregorie’s – Del Mar
Spa Gregorie’s at Flower Hill offers reinvented renditions of bridal party packages. Speak with a spa coordinator to customize your spa day, or choose from their list of special packages already in place. The Gregorie’s Great Escape is an optimum choice and includes a Eucalyptus Steam bath, Aloha Body Polish, Express Hydrotherapy, Detox Seaweed Wrap, one hour massage, Signature Facial, Spa Pedicure, Parrafin Hand or Foot Treatment, hair style, make-up application and spa lunch. Spa Gregorie’s also offers Gentlemen services including steams, massages, nail care and traditional barber shop shave.
Discover more of the best San Diego spas and keep up to speed on the lat
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