Tuesday, February 12, 2013

To All My Readers...Now it's YOUR turn!

Calling all you foodies or, in my case, fatties!  I need your help.  My bf and I are heading over to San Diego for the Valentine's Day weekend and we need advice on where to go.  Good food is a must, fun atmosphere is encouraged and gorgeous views would be a bonus.  Any suggestions would be very appreciated!

What are you doing for Valentine's Day?

I LOVE MEXICAN FOOD!!!

So-Cal = Mexican Food.  I am your typical Southern California girl - blonde hair, blue "ish" eyes (really green but just go with it), and I definitely talk like they do in Clueless...as if!  Another stereotypical thing about the So-Cal in me is that I love Mexican food.  I am born and raised in Venice, CA; land of foodies and ethnic eateries galore.  But my father - well he just loves spice.  So that meant Mexican food at least three times a week.

Greasy, grimey, gooey - LA Mexican Food
The worst thing about moving to the Bay Area was that I had to say bye bye to all good Mexican food.  I am sorry SF but you just can't compete with Southern California - NOT EVEN THE MISSION.  I know there are people out there that will hurt me for saying this, but it's true.  Because of my strong love for Mexican food, I often crave it and search for anything resembling a burrito or taco.  Usually I come up empty handed.  However, on one such occasion I meandered into Tacolicious in the Marina, and boy was I impressed.

Outdoor seating is fun on a nice weekend!
I have been back several times since then.  I literally bring everyone that visits here.  It is just so tasty, so fun, so crowded!  If its a weekday lunch, there is space galore.  If it is a weekend night, I stay far far away from here.

Interior on a PACKED day!
Happy Hour Specials - Beware!
If its your first time, you have to get the 4 tacos for $14.  You must.  I love the chicken mole, the fried fish is the bf's fav, the carnitas is so fatty and juicy, and my friends love the short rib.  If you have been before, you MUST try the Tuna Tostada appetizer.  It's probably the best thing I have had here.  The chips and salsa are amazing too - and free!  You really cannot go wrong!

Chips and Salsa!
Short Rib, Carnitas, and Fried Cod
Tuna Taco and a Marg - Heaven
Tourist Tip: If you manage to snag a table on the weekend, get be weary of the shot and a beer deal!  Also any of the margs are delish.  It's a sure fire way to start off a fun night.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Thursday's the New Friday

Okay, its not really new.  But ever since college, Thursday has been the day that my friends and I all celebrate the start of the weekend...aka drink.  No I am not an alcoholic, but yes I am going to be an attorney so I know a lot about alcohol.


Living in Nob Hill/Russian Hill area means I am around a ton of bars, lounges, and clubs.  Although I have my favorites, I decided to head to a new place after a double date with my besties Oli and Pedro and of course the bf, Phil.  After a yummy meal at Chambers (see review below), we headed to a new dive bar - Hi Lo Club.

The ONLY sign for the place.  You will miss it the first time!
It was early so it was still pretty empty and we were able to snag a small booth.  The waitress quickly came up to take our order.  They had plenty of good beers on tap, and more liquor than you could try in a year. The place is pretty hidden but if you walk up and down the block enough you will find it.

Such a cool Venue and Vibe - love the speakeasy feel!
Inside it feels a bit divey, a bit like a speakeasy.  The booths are a great touch.  All in all it's not a bad place to start out your night.  I think if you came here later in the evening it would be way too crowded for any fun, and with just one bar you would never get served.  Definitely a place to stop off early in the night as it is realitvely cheap, but after that I would move somewhere more fun like McTeagues or Lush.

Beers on Tap - always changing.
Cocktail list - Cash only.
Bourbon Up!
Tourist Tip:  Carry cash.  Most places around this area are cash only, so if you are going to bar hop you will need it!