By Darlynne and Marc Menkin
Oh my goodness. Is it just us, or are the weeks flying by? Guess that’s what happens when you’re enjoying life, right? Of course living in San Diego, how can you NOT have fun?
We recently checked out the El Cordova Hotel in beautiful Coronado. For those of you who haven’t been to this hotel, it’s very charming, but it’s easy to miss. Do yourselves a favor and stop missing it. It’s a true hidden gem. The hotel just finished renovating its upstairs suite and overlooks a tranquil courtyard. The rates are pretty reasonable. It is also located right smack in the middle of some quaint shops, Miguel’s Mexican Restaurant (one of our favorite hangouts!) and a brand new spa called Spa La Mer. Check it out the next time you’re on the island.
After we left Coronado, we headed Downtown to the San Diego Civic Theater to see Wicked. Believe it or not, it was our first time seeing this show, so we were super excited. All our friends kept telling us how much we would love it, and they were right — it was amazing – and very funny. Wicked runs through July 15th and you can bet tickets will go fast, because the first time it came to San Diego in 2006, it broke box office records.
Wicked is the story of two unlikely friends – one born with emerald green skin, the other beautiful, ambitious and very popular. The storyline takes place long before Dorothy drops in and focuses on the two friends and how they become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. www.BroadwaySD.com.
For theater-goers on a budget, you might want to check out the Civic Theater’s “lottery rush.” Here’s how it works – head to the box office two-and-a-half hours prior to the performance and place your name in a lottery drum. Thirty minutes later, names will be drawn for a limited number of $25, cash-only seats. This deal is only available in person, there’s a limit of two tickets per guest, and yes, it does require more time, but hey, if you’re able to get $25 seats … why not?
While that night of fun was a dream, the next day was even better. The weather was gorgeous and we met the nicest people on our Coronado Bike Tour. They were a family from Philly (our hometown!) and this was their first time in San Diego. Like all first-timers, they were in total awe of Coronado. We stopped off at the Hotel Del Coronado, rode along our favorite neighborhood streets and eventually rode underneath the Coronado Bridge and then onto the Ferry Landing. Life couldn’t be better!
We’re looking forward to tomorrow as we get to do another one of our fun public Downtown Scavenger Hunts. Should be a blast and if you see us out and about, be sure to say hello.
It’s All Happening
Summer time in Downtown San Diego is always a happening scene. Everywhere you look, something is going on, and this month, city dwellers can expect more of the same. It’s time to put on your dancing shoes and get ready to party.
We’re jammin’ Downtown
Who would have guessed that Mimosas, Jalapeno Sausage Burritos and cool Reggae music would make a winning combo? Apparently the folks over at The Village @ 631 knew. Since opening its doors just six months ago, this stylish, hip, neighborhood cafe is proving it has what it takes with its new Reggae Sunday Brunch. “We were sitting around one day brainstorming and thought why not? No one else is doing this,” said Cynthia Hillman, owner and visionary behind the East Village eatery.
Unlike any other breakfast in Downtown, guests can groove to the sweet Caribbean sounds of the band “Polynesian Underground” while chowing down on menu items like Pineapple Upside Down Waffles, Pesto Scramble and Tofu & Brown Rice Bowl. For those watching their diet, there are also seasonal fresh fruit, quiches and health conscious dishes. The breakfast menu is constantly evolving, thanks to Chef Katie Johnson who was recruited from the Lodge at Torrey Pines.
Guests who remember this location as the former Java Jones Coffee Shop are in for a real treat. It has a whole new look and the ambiance is warm and inviting, making it a nice addition to the East Village. Sunday Reggae Brunch is from 10am – 3pm. Polynesian Underground plays live from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Breakfast entrees range from $8.95 – $10.00. Mimosas are $2 but if you’re up for the challenge, you may want to go for the $10 pitcher. www.thevillageat631.com
Calling all sleuths
If you have a little bit of Sherlock Holmes in you, The Dinner Detective at the Courtyard Marriott on 6th & Broadwayis right up your alley. This high energy, interactive murder mystery dinner show is a unique experience. “Our current location is amazing and the show actually takes place in an old bank vault, which adds to the excitement and intrigue,” said producer Kasey Learned. The building used to be a bank and beneath its lobby lays the basement, where the old steel vaults and safes remain preserved for posterity. If you’ve never been to a murder mystery dinner theatre, expect the unexpected. There’s lots of improvisation and the actors like to interact with guests and incorporate audience members into the show, and everyone is a suspect. Performances are every other Saturday. For more information check out www.thedinnerdetective.com
We want to hear from you
Downtown San Diego is known for its many live musical venues. The Tin Fish is one place that’s always rocking right before a Padres home game, thanks to local musician Joe Rathburn. Music fans who like Paul Simon, the Eagles, Bob Marley or Jimmy Buffett will especially enjoy the scene. Take a photo with Joe rocking out and several people doing a creative air guitar or freeze frame conga line pose. The best picture will win two tickets to a Downtown Scavenger Hunt and two tickets to a Rent a Local Biking Adventure in Coronado! Email photos to [email protected] by July 29th.
Marc & Darlynne Menkin are the co-owners of Where You Want To Be Tours. Many of their tours and team-building scavenger hunts feature secret Downtown areas. They can be reached at [email protected]. For more information about their walking, bicycle and bus tours of San Diego, visit www.wheretours.com
