It has been about 7 years since the last time I was in San Diego. I can honestly say, that my experiences these last two trips as an adult were way different than when I was a kid. First off, both trips my health declined tremendously. To this day I have no idea what happened to me at Sea World, but my entire body stiffened to the point I couldn’t move. Second, this time around I wasn’t feeling well to begin with and my entire stay only worsened and I felt extreme pain 24/7. The good news, is that it’s all behind me. Maybe 3rd times a charm?
Despite that it was a business trip, I still tried to make the most of it. More so, because I couldn’t sleep well and anytime I laid on the bed it only worsened. So, my choices were to go out and explore or get sucked into deeper pain if I stayed in my hotel room.
Before I begin, I was reminded once again why I choose never to fly Spirit Airlines. Despite it was a last minute trip and they were the only cheapest option available, they still charged for everything including choosing a seat, checking in baggage, and an additional charge if an agent assisted you with check-in. You’re better using the extra cash towards another flight. Luckily, I flew back on Alaska and such a huge difference it was. The service was better and I got to watch a movie. Let alone, the altitude and pressure gave me a bit of a relief from my pain.
Ok, moving on. This post will not be about Sea World or about the San Diego Zoo. I’ll be focusing on another side of San Diego I have never seen before. For the first time, I can officially say I have seen San Diego. You know what? I really liked it. It only took about 30+ years.
I have been to different places in California, and I can say that I was really impressed with San Diego. Especially, how clean and also how alive it was. It didn’t matter the day, there was constant activity and it always felt as if it was a Saturday. Let alone, the weather was spectacular and wish I had packed a dress or a pair of shorts.
Pendry Hotel
A luxurious surprise
Every morning I ordered room service and let me tell you that the French Toast was to die for! Probably one of my favorite breakfast’s of all time. The french toast consisted of seasonal compote and maple cream. In this case, it was peaches/nectarines (can never tell the difference). I’m a huge tea lover and a cup of warm, chamomile tea complimented really well with the delicious flavors of the maple syrup, powdered sugar, soft egg covered bread, and the compote. I can’t guarantee you won’t be drooling while you scroll through the following photos. You’re welcome.
Gaslamp Quarter
An Upbeat Neighborhood
As mentioned, I was lucky that my hotel was located right within the Gaslamp Quarter. It’s basically a well-known area located in downtown San Diego. I was so surprised to see how alive it was, even on a Tuesday! There were so many people walking around. The district definitely attracts a younger crowd as there was hotels, restaurants, bars, and a very fun nightlife.
There were moments that it reminded me of New Orleans, but very clean and not nasty. So, NOLA, but even you know it’s the truth. For walking alone during the day and even at night, I felt safe. As mentioned, everything is within a walking distance and I was never too far away from my hotel if I needed to take a break or sit down and have a glass of wine if I wasn’t feeling too well. Yes, the wine relaxed me a bit.
One of my favorite discoveries within this district was a restaurant I stumbled across called, Cafe Sevilla. It’s a Spanish restaurant that offers authentic Spanish culture, delicious food and LIVE music! The food was so delicious that I devoured it before I ever had a chance to take a photo. Rest assured, it was absolutely delicious and here is what I had:
- Croqueta de Paella – Shrimp, chicken, grilled sausages, paella saffron rice & goat cheese
- Papas Bravas – Tomato, pimentón
That night’s music feature was also incredible. It was Julio Bohemia & Rumba which was a mix of Bohemia & Rumba by Julio de la Huerta. Incredible guitarist along with the rest of his talented team. The space in itself was amazing and the decorations definitely set the mood and made me feel I was in Spain. The perfect spot to go solo, with a group of friends or date-night.
Little Italy
That’s Amore
So, I got to experience Little Italy when I was in New York and I honestly thought it would be the same experience in San Diego. I was so wrong! I came to realize that not all Little Italy’s are the same. Not that I didn’t like the Little Italy in New York, but I was impressed with the Little Italy in San Diego.
It was very upscale, modern, and definitely a place that you could walk around with your family, significant other, friends, or just chill solo. The atmosphere in the air was a bit more fancier in comparison to the Gaslamp Quarter.
This Little Italy consisted of restaurants, fancy bars, and brewpubs. They also have a Salt N Straw in which the line was only a quarter long in comparison to the locations we have here in Portland, OR. I thought, if they only knew how lucky they were ha!
So, there is no way you can stop by in Little Italy and not eat Italian food. I came across a restaurant called, Bencotto Italian Kitchen. Apparently, there are two restaurants next to each other and both are owned by the same owners. At least, this is what was told to me. One restaurant offers dishes from the North while the other offers dishes from the South. I am unsure as to which direction Bencotto applies, but I can honestly say their food was delicious.
By the way, if you do ever go there, be sure to ask for Marco. He was an amazing server and recommended me a location to check out which you will see momentarily. Super nice and pleasant! He also recommended me the lasagna and a fruity chardonnay. Excellent decision. I at least picked out the dessert (Pannacotta, which is a vanilla and cream custard, blackberry puree) on my own and loved it even more!
Marco had mentioned to me of a Piazza or Plaza that was near by and it’s a popular spot to hang out as there is a fountain. I ventured a few blocks over and I felt so excited when I saw the sign, Little Italy. I knew I was near by and I wasn’t wrong. The plaza buzzing with lively crowds. The fountain was so hard to capture because of the blue lighting, but it was beautiful nonetheless.
For this brief moment I literally felt as if I was elsewhere. If I concentrated enough, I couldn’t decide whether I actually felt in California, or maybe back in the streets of Rome. Either way, it felt wonderful and relieving in a way.
Marina
The other city by the bay
On my last day, I still had a few hours left before I had to head out to the airport. I wanted to see at least the marina, so I ventured out on a 20 minutes walk from the Pendry Hotel, cut through the Marriott, and I was finally at the marina. I didn’t stay too long as I made the mistake to wear a leather jacket on a hot day, and I was carrying a heavy laptop in my backpack. However, I can say the view was incredible and so worth it.
If you’re ever in the mood for outdoor music, there is a huge stage facing the waterfront which features different artists and even a symphony. A great location to take a break from the city and just relax. The pleasant view isn’t too shabby.
Back to the Pendry
One Last Wine and Dine
At the end of the day, I was hungry and decided to sneak in a last and final meal before heading out to the airport. I decided to eat at the Provisional restaurant located right inside the Pendry Hotel. I ate lunch there with a large group throughout the days I was training and none of what I tasted disappointed. It was all so good!
I love it when a restaurant adds in the extra details. Every detail counts, especially when there is an “outside” feel incorporated right inside. I instantly could tell there was a lot of thought and process placed not only in their decor, but even in their meals as well.
After listening to the specials and a few recommendations from my server, I knew for a fact I wanted their Rice Pudding (Salted Carmel Cream, Nougatine ) for dessert as I had a sample of it earlier in the day and I just about died! It was so good! The full size is very filling, so the portion in itself could be shared.
I opted to go with the Spaghetti Nero which consists of noodle infused with squid ink, along with California Uni, Cured Egg Yolk, and Basil Flower. It was very different, but so good and just the right amount. Sometimes, it’s always good to just take a leap and surprise yourself.
I really hope you enjoyed my post. If you ever venture out to San Diego, be sure to stop by at these locations and let me know what you thought! There are still so many places and food spots yet to be discovered in San Diego.
Let me know what you enjoyed about this post and comment below any recommendations I should check out the next time I’m in San Diego. I’d love to know!
Fly to me to the Moon and let me Play among the Stars. – Frank Sinatra
Instagram Profiles
- Bencotto Italian Kitchen – @bencotto
- Cafe Sevilla – @sevillasd
- Gaslamp Quarter – @gaslampquarter
- Little Italy San Diego – @littleitalysd
- Pendry Hotel – @pendrysandiego
