March 6th, 2015 at 9:30 am
They say everybody’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. Many restaurants and bars claim the same about their March 17 fare, but some are more Irish than others. San Diego County has its fair share of Irish eateries and pubs. While we can’t vouch for the authenticity of the food and drink they serve, we tracked down a sampling of those that offer “green” experiences. Decide for yourself it it’s the real deal or just a bunch of malarkey.
The Field: This turn-of-the-20th-century Irish country pub was shipped literally piece by piece from Ireland and relocated in the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Most popular with patrons: Draught Guinness beer, Irish coffee, shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, full traditional Irish breakfast. Check their website and Facebook page for St. Patrick’s Day specials.
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March 6th, 2015 at 9:00 am
Ordering a healthy gourmet meal online and having it delivered right to your door is a service that several Southern California companies provide. But not all of them offer customers a nutritionist to consult for guidance and advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. One that does is Susan’s Healthy Gourmet. You can email Susan’s nutritionist or call her during business hours.
Susan’s pioneered the concept of restaurant-style, fresh gourmet meals delivered to homes twice weekly throughout Southern California. The restaurant-style menu includes carb-considerate, vegetarian, diabetic, low-sodium, and gluten-sensitive meals. Two ordering options are available: breakfast, lunch and dinner, or lunch and dinner only, for either five or seven days a week. A daily snack is included.
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March 6th, 2015 at 8:30 am
Photo courtesy of David P. Lewis / Shutterstock.com
Whether you’re fortunate enough to live in Santa Barbara or close enough to visit occasionally, the charming coastal city is a great place to decompress on a staycation. Besides the standard chain hotels and motels, the town offers a wide range of accommodations, from tucked-away B&Bs to grand beachfront resorts. Costs for an overnight stay are all over the map, but most places feature special packages regularly. Check their websites often for upcoming deals. Here are few spots around town to give you an idea of what’s available, from approximately lowest to highest on the price scale:
The Eagle Inn: This family-owned B&B hotel and casitas is reasonably priced and near the water. The marina and beach are three minutes away, and Stearns Wharf and State Street, Santa Barbara’s main shopping area, are a 10-minute walk. Some rooms have large whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, and balconies, and all have cable TV with free movie channels, DVD player and free use of DVD library, high-speed Internet connectivity and air conditioning. The bridal suite has a fireplace and private patio.
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March 6th, 2015 at 8:00 am
Finding the “best brunch” in any city depends a lot on your definition. Most food choices? Best price? Quality of ingredients? Overall dining experience?
Ventura County’s brunch spots aren’t as widely known as those in neighboring Los Angeles and Santa Barbara counties. But the locals know, and are willing to share their thoughts about brunches that visitors might overlook.
We’ve found four restaurants that serve at least one brunch a week in the coastal county. Consider dining at one on your next visit, then vote with your palate on an online review site. There probably are more sites than restaurants, so check out the reviews before you commit your stomach to what should be a memorable meal.
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March 6th, 2015 at 7:30 am
Image courtesy of Konstantin Sutyagin / Shutterstock.com
The Hollywood Sign has been an L.A. landmark since it was built in 1923. While millions have viewed it from the city below or Griffith Observatory a few miles away, getting close to the icon has been a challenge. Steep, narrow roads through residential neighborhoods with limited parking lead to several rugged hiking trails that don’t even come near the alarmed security fences surrounding the nine world-famous letters (formerly 13–it was Hollywoodland until 1949).
But online maps and smartphones now make it easy for gawkers and walkers to try to visit the 45-foot-high sign–perhaps to catch a glimpse of the ghost of Peg Entwistle, an out-of-work 24-year-old actress who committed suicide by jumping from the top of the letter H in 1932. (Ironically, soon after her death, a letter arrived from the Beverly Hills Playhouse, offering her the starring role in its next production: a story about a young girl who commits suicide.)
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