wine, wine, wine

I don't know about you folks, but I love me some wine.  In fact, for this past Valentine's Day, the bf bought me a nice expensive cab instead of a bouquet of flowers - he knows the way to my heart.  Being so close to wine county means good quality for cheap prices.  It also means lots and lots of options.

My Beautiful Bouquet of Wine

One of the best places to go in the city is just a few blocks from my house.  Amelie is absolutely delightful.  (Disclaimer, I lived in Paris for a summer so I am a bit obsessed with all things French.)  It is a lively wine bar owned and run by a Frenchman.  It seems that everyone who works here is from Paris, which meant that the more I drank the more I tried to speak French.  I loved trying to talk to them and ask them which were their favorite wines.  I don't know if they loved hearing me butcher the language.

White, Red, Syrah, Champagne, you pick!

The best part about Amelie are the wine flights.  During happy hour it is $10 for three flights of your choice.  It lasts from 5:30-7:00 but often they honor the prices even longer.  I can't recommend any wines because honestly you can't go wrong.  The staff is very helpful and will answer any questions you have.

Red, red winnneeeeeee

Heaven.  Just simply Heaven.

 They also serve food.  But I have only ever had the charcuterie plate.  That is a treat.  Three cheeses, five meats, honey, garlic, everything...man I am drooling.  If you have had other items please let me know if they are worth trying!

Cheese, Meat, Sauce, Bread - Try and Be Mad

Tourist Tip: Get there early and sit at the bar.  Faster service and lots of help picking out the best wine for your palate! 

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.