Showing posts with label San Diego. Show all posts
Showing posts with label San Diego. Show all posts

Thursday, June 8, 2017

Liberty Public Market (#LibertyPublicMarket)

Liberty Public Market (#LibertyPublicMarket)

By Stacey Kuhns


Liberty Public Market (#LibertyPublicMarket)


Well Worth a Visit

 

On Sunday, June 4, my boyfriend and I decided to check out Liberty Public Market.  I had heard many good things about it and my kids gave it great reviews. My boyfriend was very curious about it as he went to Boot Camp at Liberty Station many years ago. He said it looks very different now. (I bet it does).

It is definitely a busy place so be prepared for a lot of traffic. Located at 2820 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego, 92106. The facility is open from 11am to 8pm. They also have a Farmer's Market on Thursdays.

We had a bit of difficulty locating the entrance as all we saw when we drove in were restaurants with lines in front of them. We began walking around and most of the galleries and stores were closed on Sunday, which was disappointing.

There are stores and a women's museum around the perimeter of the grounds (large grassy areas, fountain, sand area for kids to play in). The grounds are beautiful though and many families were walking around with their children and everyone seemed to be having a good time. I think we were too early and the reason we could not find the place itself was because it was not opened yet. We finally found it!

Liberty Public Market (#LibertyPublicMarket)

Liberty Public Market (#LibertyPublicMarket)


I found the hallways to get into the main area to be dark and dingy. There were kiosk vendors in the hallways and they were getting very little business from what I observed. The area with the food vendors is well lit and there is a "mess hall" where you can take your purchased items and sit and eat.

It gets very crowded so my boyfriend and I found a table in the dark hallway outside Parana (an empanada vendor). We purchased three empanadas (small). I thought it was cool that the flavor of the empanada is stamped into the dough with initials. The empanadas did not taste homemade and I would not purchase them again. It appeared they were pulling them out of a refrigerator or freezer and putting them into an oven already made.

Liberty Public Market (#LibertyPublicMarket)

Liberty Public Market (#LibertyPublicMarket)


My boyfriend bought a roast beef roll from the Roast Meat and Sandwich shop. He loved it. He bought me a lobster roll from Wicked Main Lobster, which was excellent. I got the traditional style and it was just loads of wonderful lobster meat and not much else, just the way I like it. They were so busy, they were giving people buzzers to come back and pick up their food when it was ready. (Difficult to get good pictures because it was so dark in the hallway).

Liberty Public Market (#LibertyPublicMarket)

Liberty Public Market (#LibertyPublicMarket)


We purchased some fresh ravioli, from Pasta Design, to take home and cook (chef's special, which was chipotle chicken and also a bacon/mozzarella one). I made a homemade marinara sauce and the bacon ravioli was my favorite. Delicious. They package the pasta in nice boxes. It lasts two days in the fridge or a month in the freezer. Cook in boiling salted water for approximately one minute in a large pot (so they do not stick together).

Liberty Public Market (#LibertyPublicMarket)

Liberty Public Market (#LibertyPublicMarket)


When you go to Liberty Market, be prepared. Everything is pricey. There are healthy options, such as a salad place to the not so healthy fare, such as sweet treats.

Liberty Public Market (#LibertyPublicMarket)

Liberty Public Market (#LibertyPublicMarket)


We purchased several items from Crafted Baked Goods. All wonderful. (And yes, there is a bite taken out of the "brookie"). LOL.


Liberty Public Market (#LibertyPublicMarket)

Liberty Public Market (#LibertyPublicMarket)


These three items set us back $16! There is also a fish market (very expensive). You can purchase live prawns and sea urchin.


Liberty Public Market (#LibertyPublicMarket)

Liberty Public Market (#LibertyPublicMarket)


All in all, I am not sure I would return to Liberty Public Market. The aisles are very small and with the crowds it is difficult to navigate through everything. I was underwhelmed with the selection of eateries and was expecting more of a variety of ethnic foods to try.

Some skylights in the hallways would be a welcome addition. Also, for us, the expense was a once in a blue moon splurge. I almost forgot to mention the proximity of the Liberty Public Market to the airport. If you are dining outside or just walking around outside, the constant air traffic is quite noisy. Overall, I would say "meh."


Liberty Public Market (#LibertyPublicMarket)


Sunday, September 11, 2016

Palomar Mountain and Lake Henshaw

Palomar Mountain and Lake Henshaw

Including a Tasty Stop at The Round Up BBQ Grill

 

Looking for Something to Do in San Diego on the Weekend? How about Palomar Mountain and Lake Henshaw?

On Sunday morning, my boyfriend Ed and I were deciding what we could do for the day. Decisions are somewhat difficult as we have Henson, my six-month-old pup with us. Ed looked on a website that talked about 50 dog friendly places to go, and one of them was the Palomar Mountain Observatory, home of the 200-inch Hale Telescope. Decision made!

We packed what we would need for the dog and ourselves and off we went. We took the curvy scenic route up the mountain, which was about 16 miles from Escondido area. There are plenty of pullout spots on the ride up to enjoy the scenery or to get out of the way of some very crazy motorcyclist. Ed and I ride, but safely. On Sunday, there were hundreds of speed bikers screaming down those curves and it was frightening, not going to lie. First time that has happened though. We have ridden up to Palomar numerous times and it is always peaceful and pleasant. This time, we were in a car since we had the dog.

If you do pull off to the side of the road, just keep an eye out for poison ivy as it is very abundant in places. We stopped once to enjoy the view, the trees, and to watch a group of three hawks circling and calling overhead. 


Palomar Mountain and Lake Henshaw


The observatory is easy to find. Just keep following the signs. There is a large parking lot (but keep in mind, there are no gas stations on the mountain). The observatory area closes around 4 p.m. so be sure and check times and weather conditions prior to making the drive. There is a small museum and gift shop right near the parking lot entrance, as well as a large picnic ground. Everything is clean and the path to the observatory is paved. The fall colors were emerging on the plants and it was lovely. There was also a wonderful breeze in the area.

Palomar Mountain and Lake Henshaw

Palomar Mountain and Lake Henshaw

Palomar Mountain and Lake Henshaw


There are some shaded benches near the observatory with pretty views over the hills and mountains.

Palomar Mountain and Lake Henshaw


Once you get to the observatory (a fairly short flat walk), be prepared for steps up to the entrance and 70 steps inside up to the actual telescope mirror and the information area. There is an entrance around the back for the mobility impaired but it was not attended when we were there and there was no bell to ring or anything. So I enjoyed myself outside, sitting on a bench looking at the beautiful views around me while Ed explored inside.

Palomar Mountain and Lake Henshaw

Palomar Mountain and Lake Henshaw


We then left Palomar and instead of turning back down the twisty grade, we veered left towards Lake Henshaw. An easier ride and also very picturesque. (Signs leading the way to Lake Henshaw out of Palomar are easy to spot and follow.) Also a note, there are no dog friendly restaurants or much of anything in the way of places to eat on the mountain.

There are two main paved lookouts with parking lots on the way down to Lake Henshaw. The first one is partway down Palomar Mountain and provides a wide-sweeping view of the area. Lake Henshaw can be seen in the distance (which is easier in the winter as there is more water).

Palomar Mountain and Lake Henshaw


The second viewing area is practically on top of Lake Henshaw and overlooks the entire area. It is gorgeous in winter but not bad in summer either.

Palomar Mountain and Lake Henshaw

Palomar Mountain and Lake Henshaw

Palomar Mountain and Lake Henshaw


We then went for a lunch/dinner at one of our favorite places. Yes, it is out of the way and from the outside, does not look like much, but the chef is amazing. We have never had a bad meal or bad service there. And they have the best appetizer wings, hands down, which come in a variety of flavors. Everything is delicious and we were allowed to come in with the dog in their front enclosed patio seating area which overlooks Lake Henshaw.

Palomar Mountain and Lake Henshaw

Palomar Mountain and Lake Henshaw

Palomar Mountain and Lake Henshaw


Fried pickles with a spicy sauce. So good!

Palomar Mountain and Lake Henshaw


Mushroom Swiss burger.


Palomar Mountain and Lake Henshaw


Roasted tomato flatbread. So wonderful. Flavors from the roasted tomatoes and light homemade tomato sauce just burst in your mouth.


Palomar Mountain and Lake Henshaw


The Round Up BBQ Grill  is located at 26439 CA-76, Santa Ysabel, 92070. They are open from 11a.m. to 7p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 7a.m. to 7p.m. Friday through Sunday. There is a store attached to the restaurant where you can pay for access to Lake Henshaw, which we will plan for next time. There is always something cool and interesting to do in San Diego County.

Saturday, August 6, 2016

San Diego Kayaking for Health and Fun

You can kayak virtually any place along the San Diego coastline. Kayaking involves paddling a small craft through water. It is a low-impact activity that can improve your aerobic fitness, strength and flexibility. More importantly, kayaking can be done as a hobby, a competitive sport or as a fun activity.

Have fun while you:
  • • Improved cardiovascular fitness
  • • Increased muscle strength, particularly in the back, arms, shoulders and chest, from moving the paddle
  • • Increased torso and leg strength, as the strength to power a canoe or kayak comes mainly from rotating the torso and applying pressure with your legs
  • • Reduced risk of wear-and-tear on joints and tissues, since paddling is a low impact activity.

Below are photos of a friend and her family enjoying their day with the healthy activity of Kayaking at Crown Point North Park in Mission Bay.

San Diego Kayaking for Health and Fun - Photo by Myrna Duen

San Diego Kayaking for Health and Fun - Photo by Myrna Duen

San Diego Kayaking for Health and Fun - Photo by Myrna Duen

San Diego Kayaking for Health and Fun - Photo by Myrna Duen

San Diego Kayaking for Health and Fun - Photo by Myrna Duen

San Diego Kayaking for Health and Fun - Photo by Myrna Duen

San Diego Kayaking for Health and Fun - Photo by Myrna Duen

San Diego Kayaking for Health and Fun - Photo by Myrna Duen

San Diego Kayaking for Health and Fun - Photo by Myrna Duen

San Diego Kayaking for Health and Fun - Photo by Myrna Duen

San Diego Kayaking for Health and Fun - Photo by Myrna Duen

San Diego Kayaking for Health and Fun - Photo by Myrna Duen

San Diego Kayaking for Health and Fun - Photo by Myrna Duen

San Diego Kayaking for Health and Fun - Photo by Myrna Duen


Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Fresh Catch Fish Market and Grill
in Hillcrest

by Stacey Kuhns

(Definitely not the fish market described in their name) 

 

Fresh Catch Fish Market and Grill in Hillcrest by Stacey Kuhns
While in the Hillcrest area, my boyfriend and I were looking for a place to eat. My daughter recommended Fresh Catch, which has been opened less than one year. Now my daughter does not eat fish, but she had heard good things about the restaurant so we tried it.

Fresh Catch is located at 3650 5th Avenue, #103, San Diego, CA, 92013. They are open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 7 days per week. This restaurant used to be an Italian restaurant. It is owned by the same person but he decided to go in a different direction . . . . . fish. The prices are pretty standard as far as fish restaurants go. Always a little more expensive than other types of food.

When you walk into this restaurant, it is pleasant inside. The staff is friendly. Our waitress, Ashley, was very good and attentive. There is a small fish counter with a fair variety of fish, but is almost set up as a display more than a place you would go to purchase fish. Some of the fish had visible prices and some did not, so there was inconsistency in the display which I did not care for. The fish prices there were expensive and ahi was over $21 a pound! (If you want a real fish market, I would suggest something more along the lines of Point Loma Seafoods.

Fresh Catch Fish Market and Grill in Hillcrest by Stacey Kuhns

Fresh Catch Fish Market and Grill in Hillcrest by Stacey Kuhns

Fresh Catch Fish Market and Grill in Hillcrest by Stacey Kuhns

Fresh Catch Fish Market and Grill in Hillcrest by Stacey Kuhns

We decided to start with cups of New England clam chowder, which was good. They also offer a Fisherman's Stew and Ashley brought us a small cup of it to try. My boyfriend liked it but I did not care for it. (You can also get either of these selections in a hot buttered bread bowl).

We also started with the appetizer plate of shashimi. Now, I love shashimi and this was no exception. The fish was delicious, but...I could tell this was a plate that had been in the refrigerator all day.

I asked Ashley if it was made fresh and she said it was made fresh that morning. The reason I knew it had been already on the plate and in the fridge was there was a green "salad" of sorts on top of the middle of the fish. (The fish were fanned out in a circle and the salad was in the middle). Where the salad had sat on the fish all morning, the fish were stained green. Definitely did not like that and wondered why they do not just make it fresh to order. I later noticed one of the same shashimi plates in the display case, with the salad on it and covered with saran. 


Fresh Catch Fish Market and Grill in Hillcrest by Stacey Kuhns

Fresh Catch Fish Market and Grill in Hillcrest by Stacey Kuhns


I found the menu lacking in descriptions. I like to know exactly what I am ordering. We then tried the fried calamari and while it was good, we agreed it was definitely not the best we had eaten. 


Fresh Catch Fish Market and Grill in Hillcrest by Stacey Kuhns


For our last dish, we ordered the Shrimp Mac n Cheese. Someone else took our order and when he brought it out, it was the Crab Mac n Cheese. My boyfriend and I had taken one bite each of this and the waiter came out, took it away then eventually brought out the shrimp mac n cheese. I found the crab mac to be extremely fishy tasting. The shrimp mac was very good. The crab mac was kind of runny but the shrimp mac was cheesier.


Fresh Catch Fish Market and Grill in Hillcrest by Stacey Kuhns

Fresh Catch Fish Market and Grill in Hillcrest by Stacey Kuhns

Fresh Catch Fish Market and Grill in Hillcrest by Stacey Kuhns

Fresh Catch Fish Market and Grill in Hillcrest by Stacey Kuhns


The Fresh Catch also offers clams, mussels, seafood plates, and salads. Their sandwiches sounded good. They offer a lobster roll, spicy fried snapper, fried oyster sandwich and a yellow tail BLT.

Overall, we found the restaurant just okay. I would not return for a second visit. I would probably just head over to Point Loma Seafoods.