San Diego is My Home

15
May

Neil Diamond Hits Town

Author: HelenKay, Category: Events & Happenings, Music, Special Shows

This is a bit of an early warning.  I know.  It’s just that if you wait to get tickets, you’ll be out of luck. 

So…for those who love Neil Diamond - and I assume that’s everyone - you have three chances to see him in the area.  Two are in L.A. at the Hollywood Bowl and one is right here in town.

You can travel to L.A. for the concerts on October 1st and 2nd (a Wednesday and Thursday) at 8:00 p.m.  If you prefer the Sports Arena, you can see him in town on October 7th (a Tuesday) at 8:00 p.m.

You are now free to go off and hum Neil Diamond tunes for the rest of the day.

14
May

Margaret Cho

Author: HelenKay, Category: Comedy Shows, Events & Happenings

Continuing the trend where all comedians end up in San Diego at some point, Margaret Cho is coming to town.  Well, almost to town.  She’s actually coming to Veijas.  Close enough.

She will be there for two performances - one on May 16th and one on May 17th.  Get more information here.

13
May

Taste of Little Italy

Author: HelenKay, Category: Food, Neighborhoods, Restaurants

Is there anything better than walking around a thriving neighborhood on a lovely night while you stuff your face with food?  I think not.  About twenty-six restaurants in Little Italy agree with me.  On Wednesday (that’s tomorrow) you can sample some goodies from the following restaurants:

Anthology, Buon Appetito, Caffe Italia, Cefalu’s Pizza, Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, Illume Bistro, Indigo Grill, Just Burgers and Lounge, Mimmo’s Italian Village, Pappalecco, Petrini’s, Rice at the W San Diego, Zagarella Italian Restaurant and others

The event goes from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in…where else?…Little Italy.  You’ll need a ticket.  Go to the intersection of India and Date Streets and check it out.

11
May

Iron Man

Author: HelenKay, Category: Movies

It’s blockbuster movie season again.  Thank goodness!  Anyone else sick of the lame chick offerings?  I’m a chick and I’m sick of ‘em.  So when Iron Man came out last week, I was one of the first in line.  I would say the first, but that would be a lie since I pre-pourchased my ticket and arrived in Mira Mesa 40 minutes before showtime and…stood at the very back of a line.  I can only assume most of the people must have gotten to the theater about two hours before showtime to stake out their position or something.  Really, it was ridiculous.  Almost as ridiculous as the cost of the movie.

The good news is that the wait was worth it.  Iron Man is smart and clever.  It has a bit of sarcastic wit, thanks to Robert Downey, Jr.  A bit of lean, attractive woman in a skirt - that would be Gwyneth.  A bit of a political statement.  And a lot of fighting/crashing/blowing things up fun.  In other words, it’s the perfect kick-off to the summer movie season.

02
May

Cedric

Author: HelenKay, Category: Casino, Comedy Shows, Special Shows, Television

Ever notice that a lot of comedians come to town?  I’m thinking it has something to do with the proximity to the water and the perfect weather.  If I were a comedian, I’d come here.  Las Vegas is nice and all, but it’s darn hot.  Except for earlier this week, we don’t get all that hot around here.

Anyway…  Cedric the Entertainer from the WB’s Steve Harvey Show (and the movies Lemony Snicket and Big Momma’s House, just to name a few), is performing  at the Pala Casino Resort and Spa.  Okay, yeah, that’s not near the beach, but I think my theory still stands.

The performance is this Saturday (otherwise known as tomorrow) at 7:30 p.m.

02
May

Buble Is Here

Author: HelenKay, Category: Arts, Music, SDSU

No, I did not spell bubble wrong.  I’m talking about Michael Buble, the Canadian singer. Here, look:

See, you recognize him. I knew you would. 

He’s performing this evening at Cox Arena (SDSU) at 8:00 p.m. This is bad news for me since I live near SDSU and the traffic congestion on event evenings can be…well, horrific. But, for the rest of you in other parts of the city, this is good news so enjoy.  Tickets still are available.

01
May

Fleet Week

Author: HelenKay, Category: Beaches, Events & Happenings, Military, Special Shows

There was a Sex In The City episode dedicated to Fleet Week in NYC.  This is nothing like that.  This is San Diego’s Fleet Week Sea and Air Parade. I doubt Sarah Jessica Parker will be here, so don’t be disappointed about that. Instead, come and enjoy the salute to the military.

The U.S. Navy will display it’s ships and aircraft in a parade on the water. The event is this Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This thing was crowded as…well, let’s just say it was really crowded last year. Shelter Island and Harbor Island are said to have the best views. Frankly, whenever 100,000 people gather, it’s going to be hard to see. So, get there early and enjoy.  

30
Apr

Red Bull

Author: HelenKay, Category: Beaches, Events & Happenings, Military, Special Shows

In this case, I’m not actually talking about the beverage.  I’m talking about the San Diego leg of the Red Bull Air Race World Series.  This is a competition where expert pilots fly an obstacle course and otherwise wow the crowd below.  It’s a test of speed and precision and, honestly, it’s so amazing that it doesn’t seem real. 

You have two chances to see the pilots in action.  Saturday is the qualifying day.  Sunday is the finals.  The pre-show starts at 1:00 p.m. and the races start at 2:00 p.m.  Head to the Embarcadero Marina Park close to the Seaport village.

25
Apr

Books And Music

Author: HelenKay, Category: Books, Events & Happenings, Festivals, Music

…but not together.  If you’re in the mood to leave San Diego and are looking for some culture, I have two options for you.

If you are the music type, Coachella is here.  This is a huge festival that takes place at the Empire Polo Field in Indio, CA (think: Palm Springs area).  Three days, starting tonight.  Check out the site because, honestly, whatever description I give this will not do it justice.

For those who prefer books to music…or just like driving to LA…this weekend is the L.A. Times Festival of Books. This one is Saturday and Sunday. It’s a booklover’s dream. Meet authors from all different genres, attend author panels, buy books…all good stuff.

Get in your environmentall friendly cars and go…

25
Apr

Shark Attack

Author: HelenKay, Category: Beaches, Environment

Not to cause mass hysteria, but…  There was a fatal shark attack north of Fletcher Cove this week.  For those not sure where that is, think North County/Solana Beach.  This is extremely rare, but you should know that beaches in Solana Beach, Del Mar and Encinitas are all closed for now.

 Apparently the sea lions have been beaching themselves in and around the area.  Experts take this to mean there’s a predator (shark) in the water.  San Diego, Carlsbad and Oceanside beaches are all open.  Lifeguards are warning swimmers about the nearby attack, but you can go in…if you want.