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Running with Fishes



Grunion Runs
 
March thru August   10:30 pm - 11:59 pm www.grunion.org

Grunion are small silvery fish about 5-inches long that spawn in the spring and summer months. They surf the waves to come ashore and lay eggs in the wet sand.They return to the ocean with the next wave. The fish are to be caught only by hand. A fishing license is required for persons age 16 and older.
OPEN SEASON: March / June / July / August CLOSED SEASON - Observation Only: April & May   

If you have never experienced a Grunion Run, grab a thermos, blanket and bucket. It is a coin toss to find them. Sometimes they hit  select  beaches, other nights you are left alone with the moonlight--Well you and the other adventurous, curious masses. The anticipation of seeing the elusive silver wave is just as fun as actual event.  They are like twinkling stars in the foam. First you see a few sparkles and then within minutes the sand is blanketed in dancing fishes. That is when the people rush the waters to scoop up the slippery prize. We like the catch and release method. But some keep the fish and make a tasty fish stock,fried or grill. They are not very substantial  and I find them rather bony and not worth the work of finding those pesky needles. It is  unique to Southern California. And just another excuse to cuddle and be at the beach at midnight.

 

 

Play date



Ray at Night in North Park.  2nd Saturday of the month. Longest running free Artwalk in San Diego.
Farmers Market in North Park Thursdays 3-6
Whale watching till April 28
Wildflowers in Anza Borrego desert till April 30
Carlsbad Flower fields till June 13
Grunion running

Chick magnet



My fancy feathered friend. This is one I would add to my fantasy flock! Of course  to the visiting raccoons it would be a Happy Meal. My running list of breeds includes the *Polish, *Silkie, Sizzle, Sultan,*Easter Egger, Golden Spangled Hamburg, *Sliver laced Wyadontte,*Black Copper Murans, *Silver Seabright Bantham,  Black Frizzle Chocin Batham, Buff Braham Batham,  *Mille Fleur d’Uccles. This exceeds my limit of 4. Most are ornamental and not good egg layers. Not very practical. That fantasy chicken coop is getting bigger and bigger! www.mypetchicken.com is Martha Stewart's source for chicks. Its a good thing :)

Urban coop


 

 

I am currently obsessed with the Urban farming farm to table movement. I already have a thriving herb and vegetable garden. We have been thinking chickens for a while. Some of our neighbors have taken the plunge.
But I am a city girl and I have to wonder if the romance of harvesting fresh blue/green organic eggs will quickly fade. Once  maintenance and ick factor  come into play. I am not fond of mice or flies or poo.

I have no illusions how messy birds can be. My small flock of finches required daily cleaning. But the whole flock probably is only a few ounces. I am thinking of 4 chickens max.  They would  between 4-7lbs each. That is a lot of fertilizer!  In the San Diego city limits you can have up to 23 hens! Even if I had the space in my postage size yard that too ambitious for me. I just want a little chicken run in my side garden. Not a whole farm yard.

As much as I love rustic and vintage I don't envision an ordinary coop--Of course my husband would beg to differ. As talented of a builder he is; I don't know how much time he wants to put into a wild hair/ whim/passing fad.  

This outrageously dreamy coop by Fancy Farm Girl.com I covet. Shabby chic,white walls, perfect clean hens. It is just missing wallpaper and I am sure it smells like lavender-- at least in my fantasy. Reality is another matter as Fancy Farm Girl points out in her blog. Sigh.
I guess if I get tired of chickens I can expand my aviary . . . Cause really all the chickens I have fallen in love with are fancy and cute but not really hard workers, just like some of the girls I have known!  If a little urban farming interest you check out www.mypetchicken.com www.thefancyfarmgirl.com/heres-the-coop  

 

Frida's Fiesta

    
                                Frida's Fiesta Package
The table is set! Traditional Mexican folk art, vibrant colors and a romantic ambiance is  inspired by artist Frida Kahlo. Our special package includes a decedent sample of pastries from our favorite bakery Margaritas (4 servings) or Mexican Hot chocolate.
Frida's Fiesta $50.

Feast for the eyes and appetite

Chillies en Nogada (chillies in wallnut sauce)

  • 6 large green Poblano chiles
  • 1 cup sour cream or Mexican cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
  • 1 pomegranate, seeds separated (for garnish)
  • 1 lb ground pork or beef
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 of an onion, peeled and diced
  • 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 2 tsps. unsalted almonds, chopped
  • 1 each medium apple and pear, peeled and cut into 1/2" cubes
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • pinch of nutmeg
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley, coarsely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons raisins, softened in warm water
  • 3 eggs, separated

  Chiles en Nogada (Stuffed Chiles in Walnut Sauce)

Roast the chiles over an open flame and place in plastic bag to cool.  Make one slit and remove the skins, veins and seeds. Pat chiles dry or egg mixture will not adhere properly.Heat the oil over medium heat in a large pan. Add the ground meat and brown. Add the garlic, onion, almonds, cinnamon, chopped fruit, nutmeg, pinch of salt and pepper and cook for about 5 minutes. Stuff the chiles with equal portions of the stuffing and close with toothpicks.Beat the egg whites to stiff peaks. Fold in the egg yolks and a pinch of salt. Dip the stuffed chiles in the egg mixture and fry until golden brown.  (The frying can be done in two or three separate large frying pans so that this step goes faster.)Gently fold together the cream, walnuts and sugar. Pour over the freshly cooked chiles and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds. 

Play date January



     Happy Everyday 2012

2nd Saturday of January Ray at Night artwalk. music, food art free www.northparkforthearts.com

Birch Aquarium La Jolla Whale Watching 9:45-1pm until April 15th

Jan 17 Resturant week 180 participating resturant $ 20 30 40 prefix meals
www.sandiegoresturantweek.com


Welcome



       
                           

Our new Mexican folk art painted lady.  Catrina greets guests and poses for pictures.
She not as friendly as Lucy Lulabelle but  she is always smiling.

Welcome Summer

 
Breakfast is served!  Eat alfresco-- bananna wrapped pork tamales, traditonal corn wrapped,fried eggs & fresh fruit.

As much as I covet the all white shabby chic rooms I can not live without color. Summer is a perfect time to infuse even more color into a space. Even though it is gilding the Lilly in an outdoor space, this kitschy  bright, oilcloth print makes me happy. Thankfully our  Spanish architecture and Mexican decor lends itself to bold pops of color.

Play date


www.NorthParkFestivalofArts.com

North Park's 15th Annual Festival of the Arts
Sunday  May 15th 10-6 University Ave 7 30th $25 advance tickets $30 event day
6 stages * Music  *Entertainmen t*Juried Art  *Craft Beer Garden

Eat Play Shop

photo Karen Morrison
www.huntandgathershop.com
Some Unique places to drop a dime
*
il Postino 3951 30th  619 325-0809 www.ilpostino-sandiego.com/
*Urban Solace 3823 30th 619 295-6565  
www.urbansolace.net   
*The Linkery 3794 30th  619 255-8778
www.thelinkery.com
*North Park Sushi & Grill 3021 University  619 297-0924
www.hanaoka-restaurant.com
El Camal 3946 Illinois 619 294-8292 live music Fri & Sat www.elcamalsd.com
Alexanders 3391 30th 619 281-2539
www.alexanderson30th.com
The Smoking Goat 3408 30th 619 995-5295    
www.thesmokinggoatrestaurant.com/
West Coast Tavern 2895 Universtiy 619 295-1688
www.westcoasttavern.com
*Ranchos Cocina 3910 30th 619 574-1288
www.ranchoscocinanorthpark.com
*Urbn Coal Fire Pizza Bar  3085 University 619 255-7300
www.urbnnorthpark.com/ 
The Mission 2891 University  619 220-8992 
www.themissionsd.signonsandiego.com 
*Spread 2871 University 619 543-0406
www.spreadtherestaurant.com 
Lefty's Chicago Pizzaeria 3448 30th  619 295-1720
www.leftyspizza.com 
Janyne's Gastropub  4677 30th 619 563-1011
www.janynesgastropub.com 
Alchemy  1503 30th  619 255-0616
www.alchemysandiego.com
The Vagabond  2310 30th 619 255-1035 
www.vagabondkitchen.com
Sea Rocket Bistro  3382 30th 619 255-7049
www.searocketbistro.com
The Ritual Tavern 4095 30th 619 283-1618
www.ritualtavern.com  
Station Tavern and Burgers  2204 Fern st 619 255-0657
www.stationtavern.com  
Cafe Madeleine 2248 30th 619 554-1734

Spirits
Mosaic Wine Bar 3422 30th  619 906-4747  www.mosaicwinebar.com
*Splash Wine Lounge 3043 30th 619 296-0714
www.asplashofwine.com
*True North 3815 30th 619 291-3815
www.truenorthtavern.com 
* Bar Pink 3829 30th 619 564-7194
www.barpink.com  
Home Brews and Gardens  3176 Thorn 619 630-2793
www.homebrewsandgradens.com


Coffee Houses
*Caffe Carpe Diem 3139 University 619 285-9708
www.caffecarpediem.com
*Claire de Lune 2906 University 619 688-9845
www.clairdelune.com 
*Caffe Calabria 3933 30th 619 291-1759  
www.caffecalabria.com
 Cafe Madaline


Shop North Park
*Mimi & Red Boutique 3032 University 619 298-7933
www.mimiandred.com
*Vintage Religion 3821 32nd 619 280-8408 www.vintagereligion.com
*Pigment 3827 30th 619 501-6318
www.shoppigment.com
*Home 3013 University 619 291-6800
www.amomentinyourlife.com
Frock You Vintage Clothing 4121 Park 619  220-6030
www.frockyouvintage.com
Hunt and Gather  2871 University Ave  619 297-4030www.huntandgathershop.com
*visit shops and galleries on Ray St.

Shop South Park
Junc Boutique & Gallery 2205 Fern  619 283-2611 www.shopjuncboutique.com
Make Good 2270 Fern 619 563-4600
www.themakegood.com
The Grove  3010 Juniper 619 284-7684
www.thegrovesandiego.com
Clairity Soaps & Candles 3022 Juniper 619 640-5903
Progress 2225 30th 619 280-5501
www.progresssoutpark.com
Mythology 3265 30th 619 523-1132
So Childish 1947 30th 619 238-0800
www.sochildish.com  

*15 walk from Vintage Sol Bed & Breakfast
We strongly support small neighborhood restaurants and shops. Not only does this list showcase some of the best in North Park but also in San Diego. Many source from local farms,local vendors and highlight local artists.  Enjoy!

May Playdate

 
Happy Mothers Day      Happy Cinco de Mayo

May1
Mission Federal Artwalk Little Italy
May 5 Cinco de Mayo 28th Annual Fiesta de Cinco de Mayo www.fiestaoldtown.com
May
6-8 Gator by the Bay zydeco Blues & Crawfish Festival Harbor Isalnd $20-25
www.gatorbythebay.com
May 15th Annual North Park Festival of the Arts 10-6 www.npfestivalofarts.com
May
22 18th Annual Sicilian Festival  www.sicilianfiesta.com

NBC Today Show

 On March 8, 2011 The Today show NBC  real estate expert Barbra Corcoran featured a  neighborhood house on Dwight street.  See more on www.todayshow.com and the listing on their website. Description from the feature . . .  

San Diego, Calif. — $349,000

Image: San Diego home 
" . . . 2 bedrooms, 1 bath  North Park is a hip neighborhood in sunny San Diego that's taken off because of its  rents and great art deco and craftsman architecture. It's a mix of theatergoers, artists, sailors and members of the local gay population. The monthly art walk here is now the largest in the city. This Spanish-style home on a quiet street is only 744 square feet. It's close to restaurants, shopping and the park. The open living room and dining room has wood floors, a fireplace and clean white molding and trim. The kitchen has a pass-thru to the dining room, a skylight and a greenhouse window looking out on the side yard. There's a very private backyard patio — some might call an alleyway — with Spanish tile and overhead lathe just begging for some climbing plants . . ."

The show  tv Veronica Mars with Kristen Bell  was filmed in this neighborhood.

April Playdate


Put on your Easter Bonnet and your marching shoes


April 9 Art Walk Ray at Night in North Park  6-10 www.rayatnightartwalk.com
April 15, 16 &17 Coachella Music Festival 3404 30th st
April 16 & 17 Seaport Villiage Buskers Festival  12-5pm
April 17   Earth Day Balboa Park 10-4
April 24 Easter Sunday
April  30 May 1   Adams Ave Roots Folk Festival

Artifacts & Artichokes


Coming soon online  Home Garden Gifts shop & etsy  collection of jewelry & mixed media.

Play date


           January play date

January-April 10  Whale watching season
January 14 Kettner at Night Little Italy 6-9pm
January 15 North Park  Ray at Night Art Walk  www.rayatnight.com
January 16-21 Restaurant Week 180 restaurants 3 course meals $20-40 prefixed
January 21-23   51st annual Del Mar Antique Show $8
2260 Jimmy Durante  800 943-7501

North Park Farmer's Market every  Thursday 3-5

Outside the Box  ways to sightsee in San Diego
Segway tour
Go Car Rentals
La Jolla Kayak Caves tour
Biplane
Speedboat Harbor tour

Let's Eat and Shop


North Park & South Park Restaurants

*
il Postino 3951 30th  619 325-0809 www.ilpostino-sandiego.com/
*Urban Solace 3823 30th 619 295-6565  
www.urbansolace.net   
*The Linkery 3794 30th  619 255-8778
www.thelinkery.com
*North Park Sushi & Grill 3021 University  619 297-0924
www.hanaoka-restaurant.com
El Camal 3946 Illinois 619 294-8292 live music Fri & Sat www.elcamalsd.com
Alexanders 3391 30th 619 281-2539
www.alexanderson30th.com
The Smoking Goat 3408 30th 619 995-5295    
www.thesmokinggoatrestaurant.com/
West Coast Tavern 2895 Universtiy 619 295-1688
www.westcoasttavern.com
*Ranchos Cocina 3910 30th 619 574-1288
www.ranchoscocinanorthpark.com
*Urbn Coal Fire Pizza Bar  3085 University 619 255-7300
www.urbnnorthpark.com/ 
The Mission 2891 University  619 220-8992 
www.themissionsd.signonsandiego.com 
*Spread 2871 University 619 543-0406
www.spreadtherestaurant.com 
Lefty's Chicago Pizzaeria 3448 30th  619 295-1720
www.leftyspizza.com 
Janyne's Gastropub  4677 30th 619 563-1011
www.janynesgastropub.com 
Alchemy  1503 30th  619 255-0616
www.alchemysandiego.com
The Vagabond  2310 30th 619 255-1035 
www.vagabondkitchen.com
Sea Rocket Bistro  3382 30th 619 255-7049
www.searocketbistro.com
The Ritual Tavern 4095 30th 619 283-1618
www.ritualtavern.com  
Station Tavern and Burgers  2204 Fern st 619 255-0657
www.stationtavern.com  
Cafe Madeleine 2248 30th 619 554-1734

Spirits
Mosaic Wine Bar 3422 30th  619 906-4747  www.mosaicwinebar.com
*Splash Wine Lounge 3043 30th 619 296-0714
www.asplashofwine.com
*True North 3815 30th 619 291-3815
www.truenorthtavern.com 
* Bar Pink 3829 30th 619 564-7194
www.barpink.com  
Home Brews and Gardens  3176 Thorn 619 630-2793
www.homebrewsandgradens.com


Coffee Houses
*Caffe Carpe Diem 3139 University 619 285-9708
www.caffecarpediem.com
*Claire de Lune 2906 University 619 688-9845
www.clairdelune.com 
*Caffe Calabria 3933 30th 619 291-1759  
www.caffecalabria.com
 Cafe Madaline


Shop North Park
*Mimi & Red Boutique 3032 University 619 298-7933
www.mimiandred.com
*Vintage Religion 3821 32nd 619 280-8408 www.vintagereligion.com
*Pigment 3827 30th 619 501-6318
www.shoppigment.com
*Home 3013 University 619 291-6800
www.amomentinyourlife.com
Frock You Vintage Clothing 4121 Park 619  220-6030
www.frockyouvintage.com
*visit shops and galleries on Ray St.

Shop South Park
Junc Boutique & Gallery 2205 Fern  619 283-2611 www.shopjuncboutique.com
Make Good 2270 Fern 619 563-4600
www.themakegood.com
The Grove  3010 Juniper 619 284-7684
www.thegrovesandiego.com
Clairity Soaps & Candles 3022 Juniper 619 640-5903
Progress 2225 30th 619 280-5501
www.progresssoutpark.com
Mythology 3265 30th 619 523-1132
So Childish 1947 30th 619 238-0800
www.sochildish.com  

*15 walk from Vintage Sol Bed & Breakfast
We strongly support small neighborhood restaurants and shops. Not only does this list showcase some of the best in North Park but also in San Diego. Many source from local farms,local vendors and highlight local artists.  Enjoy!

Happy New Year


    Happy New Year




Happy Holiday


Big Fat  Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays.

Feast with family and friends. And make a special wish for the New Year. Time to pause and remember all our blessings and get a fresh start. Big warm hugs to all!

December Playdate



    Be Mery and Bright

December Playdate

December Nights Dec 3 & 4 5pm Balboa Park FREE concerts, food and free entry to the fabulous muesums in the park. Get into the spirit. A perfect way to start off the holidays.

North Park Toyland Parade Dec 4 11am 47ht Annual
A true neighborhood gem! Very old fashioned and low key. It is like a small town parade where all your neighborhood  and small businesses are invited to march. Not a big budget number but definately all heart and fun. Plus it is only 3 blocks from Vintage Sol!

From their website
Event Description:
Unwrap some magic this holiday season and partake in the festive fun, at the 47th Annual North Park Toyland Parade & Holiday Fair. On Saturday, December 4th, 2010, starting at 11 AM, the historic neighborhood of North Park will warmly welcome friends and family to bundle up and delight in San Diego’s most joyful parade. Gliding down University Avenue between Utah and Iowa Streets, this cheerful pageant will feel like a Winter Wonderland, as melodious marching bands, upbeat dance groups, cool vintage cars, beauty queens and city officials (and more!) warm your spirits. Santa Claus will be riding atop his merry red sleigh and bells will be ringing as loved ones snuggle up in the bright, frosty air. ‘Tis the season to celebrate the continued rejuvenation and growth of North Park! Hang your stockings and then mark your calendar for this year’s 47th Annual North Park Toyland Parade

SoNo Park Holiday Fest Dec 5 10-5
Chilli cookoff local artisan fair live music beer garden and activities for your pixies & tadpoles
Buy a hand spun bowl to fillup on unlimited chilli and sample chilli from local resturants
South Park and North Park combine for this fun filled event. Proceeds will go to Mckinley Elementary music and art program! This popular event gets bigger every year. Excellent stop for some holiday spirit.

Gaslamp Pet Parade Dec 12 1-5pm
Contestants from across the country dress up their furry friends and march along 5th ave and under the Gaslamp arch. 2008 event

Parade of Lights 39th Annual 
Dec 12 &19 fireworks 5:30pm  www.sdparadeoflights.org
100s
of boats  decked out & decorated line up along the bay and light up the night. A not to be missed holiday tradition.

Big Balloon Parade Dec 30 10 am Along the bay. Harbor Drive