Monday, November 2, 2009

A Month, In Review

So after taking a short break from blogging, I am back in action! In the last month, I have been traveling, working, and shopping to build some content for my little bloggie. And after spending a few whirlwind weekends in Las Vegas and Boulder, I am focused back on local happenings, live music, good eats, etc.

A few weeks ago my dad took me to an awesome concert at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach where we watched Little Feat tear the house down. Bouncing between funky jazz tunes and down home blues, Little Feat was a concoction of everything I love about music. Spontaneity, variety, feel-good jams, guitar solos, classic ballads, and everything in between. The coolest part was that these guys were my Dad's age and they had been around for quite a while, until one of their original members died a while back. They recently started touring again with a few additional members, but they're mosaic sound comprised of funk, soul, jazz, blues, and rock has remained the same.

Recently, I found a fun new spot for cocktails, to watch the game, or to grab some app's if you're in the North County area. Beachside Bar & Grill on the Highway 101 in Encinitas boasts a large patio with fire pits, a nice selection of beers on draft, and a nice menu for the casual diner. The friendly staff and Encinitas crowds are perfect for those that enjoy going out but dressing down.

And for those who enjoy weekend getaways to new places, if you haven't already been you MUST go to Boulder, Colorado. This town is great for outdoor fanatics, young adults seeking a fun night life, foodies, those who love the simple life, and culture lovers. Boulder is a place full of fine dining complete with delicious wines and rare game, a variety of shopping experiences ranging from hippie head shops to high end boutiques, and every outdoor activity imaginable from skiing to hiking to kayaking to biking. The breathtaking beauty of the Flatiron Mountains is enough to draw any mountain lover, but the combination of good food, great shopping, and a bustling nightlife that can consist of billiard dives or hotel bars, every young adult is bound to fall in love with this liberal, cozy, brightly colored Colorado city. Every season is a treat, and Boulder County actually boasts more days of sunshine than San Diego (over 300 annually). The people are friendly and adventure seeking, and the air is so care free that it reminds you of what a simple life can be when you make the most of it. My top spots to visit while in Boulder: The Kitchen on Pearl St. has the best ambiance, ingredients, and tomato soup I have ever experienced. Cosmo's Pizza's slices are almost as famous as they're home made spicy ranch. Hapa Sushi boasts a famous Orgasm Roll that will have you begging for more. Dish Gourmet has the best sandwiches on Earth. Jax Fish House is the home kitchen to Top Chef season 4 winner Hosea. Installation is an artistic anomaly filled with dope kicks and cool accessories. Peppercorn on Pearl St. is the ultimate store for anything for the home, from cookbooks to candy jars. And the stunning St. Julien Hotel are the best digs in town, be sure to book a room that faces the mountains for a breathtaking view.

In sports news, the Yankees have been killing it in the World Series, and the Denver Broncos have finally been knocked of their winning streak. The Chargers are picking back off after their brutal loss to the Broncos, and continue on next week on their uphill climb to the AFC West Championship. The Lakers have been pretty decent, especially off the bench, courtesy of Shannon Brown, Adam Morrison, Jordan Farmar, and some other key players... but last night, Kobe reigned supreme with a dominating 41 points against the Atlanta Hawks. Actually, a few weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to score floor seats to the exhibition game in San Diego when the Lakers played the Nuggets and although the Lakers lost, the bench players got to hone their skills before the season started officially. And to be honest, I didn't care who won, I was just savoring the drops of sweat that kept falling on me from Shannon Brown ;)

Besides these new additions to my life in the past few weeks, much has been the same. Dirty Monday's at the Saloon in Encinitas, the quest for good sushi and mexican food in a new part of town, the sheer enjoyment of sporting a hoodie when the sun goes down. Life can be crazy sometimes, but at the end of the day when the sun goes down, life ain't that bad in beautiful San Diego!

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