NEW RESTAURANT IN WESTFIELD UTC MALL The Amalfi Llama in La Jolla is now open.  If my first meal there is any indication of what to expect, I predict that this will be one of the most popular restaurants in La Jolla, and that getting a reservation will be tough. The food is a fusion of Mediterranean-Patagonian style cooking.  The kitchen has a large open kitchen where much of the food is cooked by chefs using a live-fire. It combines the Mediterranean cuisine from Italy’s coastline with the cuisine, culture, and cooking methods of Patagonia. The restaurant is a concept by concept ..read more

It is hard to imagine a more beautiful location for a boutique hotel. Driving down a winding road in the mountain foothills of Temecula, which are sheltered by tree canopies, you arrive at Temecula Creek Inn. Just 56 mi from San Diego, it is an ideal setting for a weekend getaway from San Diego. Ideal for relaxation, parking your car until you leave, and doing what you enjoy most. THE ROOM Temecula Creek Inn has 123 rooms, most of which have gorgeous views of the golf course. The highlight of the room was the patio where I spent time enjoying a glass of wine and watching the golfers ..read more

Brunch enthusiasts would agree that brunch is perfect meal as it is acceptable to enjoy both sweet and savory dishes, with a cocktail or mocktail.  So how disappointing that so many restaurants only serve brunch on the weekend.  Luckily Werewolf American Pub has a Gaslamp Quarter brunch seven days a week! Located in the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego, you can get brunch until 3 p.m. every day.  They serve traditional American and SoCal dishes, along with a great selection of craft cocktails, beer, and wine. Werewolf is popular not only for its Gaslamp Quarter Brunch but also for ..read more

I am excited to share my First Visit to Milan tips with you. This was not my first stay in Milan – just six years ago we spent five days here.  I wanted to visit some of the key attractions again, but finding sights that were less explored was also important to me.  Milan is a perfect blend of history and modernity where one minute you are looking at stunning architectural wonders and the next, you are in a trendy cafe.  I love to strike up a conversation with locals, as they have the inside scoop on all the coolest spots, tastiest eats, and most intriguing experiences. Duo ..read more

Enjoy traditional Ligurian pasta like Mandilli with Genoese pesto On our last trip to Milan, we took a day trip to Genova.  Since we did not have much time there, we looked for reviews before we left.  That is how we came to learn about Le Mani In Pasta. Everybody seemed to be raving about the food, so we made a reservation. If we had not read the online reviews, we probably would have walked past the restaurant. Truthfully, I’m not sure we would have even walked down the side street in which it is located. I had no idea that this would turn out to be one of the best meals we had ..read more

PLENTY OF CHOICES FOR FOOD AND DRINKS AT THE Sky Deck Restaurants The $120 million Sky Deck at Del Mar Highlands Town Center is 26,700-square-feet and features restaurants, and one central bar. It is no surprise that it was named as one of Fodor’s 10 Best New Food Halls across the US. It is modeled after El Nacional, a multi-space restaurant located in the heart of Barcelona. In addition to the restaurants, there are three beer and kombucha tap rooms on the  second floor. Here are my favorite places to get a good meal, and enjoy a drink. CRAFT HOUSE Craft House started as a food tr ..read more

If you are thinking of visiting Milan, then you must consider staying at Sina The Gray hotel. It’s located in the heart of Milan, just 100 meters from the breathtaking Duomo Cathedral. We took the metro from the airport to the Duomo. And as you ascend the steps of the metro to the Duomo square you are met with the most magnificent view of the Duomo. The Cathedral is spectacularly lit up at night and Duomo square is such a place to behold. Locals and tourists gather in the square throughout the year. Sina The Gray screams modern elegance. It is without a doubt a 5-star sophisticated hidea ..read more

insideOUT's Spring Oasis is once again, a not-to-be-missed experience The insideOUT Spring Oasis Experience, with cherry blossom trees, glowing tulips, and waterfall is one of the seasonal experiences that you do not want to miss. A couple of times a year, insideOUT transforms the entire restaurant into a dining experience that features a seasonal menu, gorgeous outdoor décor, and specialty cocktails.  Every year, it’s the the #1 not-to-be-missed experience in Hillcrest. The insideOUT spring oasis only runs until Sunday, May 12th, so: Make a reservation for dinner through OpenTa ..read more

Ready for a waterfront weekend getaway?  Even though I live in San Diego, I love taking a staycation to enjoy everything that our city has to offer.  A staycation offers the perfect combination of relaxation, adventure, and fun, making it an excellent choice for a getaway without the hassle of travel.   STAY The Intercontinental Hotel San Diego is a luxury waterfront hotel, just steps from the San Diego Bay and within walking distance of the downtown area.  It is a perfect blend of luxury and relaxation, and the rooms have stunning views of San Diego Bay. Whether ..read more

DINING AT A REVOLVING SUSHI BAR FOR THE FIRST TIME At a revolving sushi restaurant (also called kaiten-zushi, sushi train, or conveyor belt sushi), you grab the plates of sushi that you like as they pass by your table. You can also order other dishes from a touch screen or a waiter. It’s fun, fast, and delicious.   They are very popular in Japan where they first debuted in 1970. You can find chains like Kura Sushi San Diego in the States. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Darryl Gordon (@sandiegofoodiefan) TIPS FOR DINING AT A CONVEYOR BELT SUSHI RESTAURANT ..read more