Juan Cho

Hottest Wings in Town

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Wings N Things is a local chain and they've got plenty of locations throughout San Diego, all of which you can find address to on their website. I've been to the one in Oceanside and absolutely love it. This place doesn't hold back the spice. Their wings will set your taste buds on fire!

Juan Cho lo descubrió en enero de 2010

etiquetas: hot wings

Your Activism Network in SD

If you want to find things like a cool coffee shop, a hip art gallery, or a gourmet restaurant in a new city, it's pretty easy. In my experience, information about activist groups in new cities is a bit less accessible. If you're a politically/socially active person, it can be kind of frustrating during a longer stay in a new place. I think it sort of takes some time before you're really "in the know" about when and where these kinds of events go down in a city you know? Well Activist San Diego has never let me down in SD. They're website has all the information you'll need in San Diego about an entire range of local demonstrations, lectures, film showings, or other informative events. And the individuals that run the organization are the real deal. I've talked with quite a few of them at various events and they're involved in a genuine way with their community and really care about being aware and active and helping others to do the same.

If I can just encourage you then, maybe you're not usually an "active" person. ASD is a great place to check out something new, to meet some great people, and to feel good knowing you're doing what you can to make for some good change in this world. So check out their website and see if they have any events coming up that interest you. Chances are they do, and chances are if you get involved with anything ASD is promoting, you won't regret it.

ASD's mission statement- "Activist San Diego is a social justice organization that promotes and facilitates the development of an active, inter-related, progressive community in San Diego through networking, culture and electronic technology."

Juan Cho lo descubrió en enero de 2009

etiquetas: activism , current events , demonstrations , politics , protests , social

A Museum That's Anything But Boring

I love checking out San Diego's MCA for a few reasons- 1. I never know what to expect. 2. It's always worth it. 3. People 25 years and younger get in for free with ID!

The museum has two locations; one downtown (the address that's listed above) and another in La Jolla. I've only been to the one downtown and having seen that one more than once, I'm sure the La Jolla location is great as well. I would imagine that that location would be larger too.

Exhibits at this museum tend to lean more toward the funky, experimental, and explorative. They're exhibits that make you feel like a kid (I'm sure it's not always like this but that's what I've seen). The best night to attend is definitely Thursday when the MCASD has its TNT or Thursday Night Thing. It's a night of variety where you can walk between both downtown buildings to appreciate the exhibits, participate in fun activities (we made bike-reflector pins and colored on maps one night), listen to guest speakers, watch video, and listen to live djs and local bands. What more could you want? TNT would make for the perfect date night. It's practically free (a donation of $3 is asked) and there's drinks for purchase for the 21+ crowd.

The MCASD is a great place to take those that aren't exactly artistically inclined or get bored easily at most museums. But really, it's great for a ton of reasons. And you really don't have any not to stop by if you're in San Diego. Check out the cool gift store before you leave and check out their website for film screenings, current exhibits, and other events happening at both locations.

P.S. Public transportation is a cinch to get here. It's literally a part of the same buildings as the stations for the Coaster/Amtrak and the trolley.

Juan Cho lo descubrió en enero de 2009

etiquetas: cheap , contemporary art , date , downtown , fun , museum

San Diego's Best Flea Market

Looking for cheap cds? Produce? Groceries? Hygiene products? Need some new clothes? Want a vintage SLR camera? Or a new purse? A pet rat? How about a turtle? Mexican candy?

Kobey's swap meet has it all. Here you can find whatever you're looking for, used or new. If you're a bargain shopper or love the thrill of taking your time shopping to find something that you know is a one-of-a-kind, then check out San Diego's biggest swap meet on the weekends. Tickets to get in are a $1 or less. My favorite is when bigger stores sell older products here on the cheap. Stores like Billabong or Urban Outfitters come out and throw a bunch of stuff in bins or on top of a few tables and let you have at it! Though now that I think about it, I don't know if those people are from the stores exactly...hmmm. Well, who cares? The stuff is a fifth the price you would pay for it in the stores!

I've found some of my favorite cds here used for a buck! And sometimes right before Kobey's starts to close, some vendors will just put up "everything free" signs. I have found some real jewels! Haha.

Like I said, come here for anything. Come early and take your time, cause you're gonna need it.

Juan Cho lo descubrió en enero de 2009

etiquetas: bargain , cheap , flea market , swap meet , used

San Diego's All Ages Venue

Soma isn't for your mom and dad. And honestly, if you're over the age of 24, it's probably not for you either. The crowd here varies, like at any venue, depending on who's playing but usually leans toward the younger generations. The bands here vary too but Soma welcomes more "hardcore" and "metal" groups, especially between bigger shows. Emo/indie/dance/electronica acts frequent Soma as well. So think anywhere between Panic at the Disco to Hatebreed to AFI to Brand New and Copeland to Circa Survive. Local acts play here quite a bit as well.

Really there's nothing special about this place unless you like who's playing, in which case I'd say that's all that matters. They've got two stages, the "side stage" being the smaller of the two where lesser known bands play.

Inside (heck, even outside) it's sort of dark and grundgy, but I don't think the intent of Soma was to create a hip, aesthetic atmosphere. Soma is a concert venue and that's it. But if you check out their site for the calendar and you're favorite band is playing next week, this place IS great for at least one reason: ticket prices are usually quite a bit less than over at Soma's downtown rival, House of Blues.

So if all you care about is the music, or if you're gonna be in SD for a week and want see if a band you know is going to be in town, check out Soma.

Juan Cho lo descubrió en enero de 2009

etiquetas: all ages , concert venue

Great Drinks, Great People, Great Place

Twiggs is in the heart of one of San Diego's most charming neighborhoods- University Heights. While the area's not Hillcrest it is very gay friendly.

This place has everything you would want in a coffee shop. It's got seating outside, a relaxed feel inside, nice decor, friendly employees and excellent drinks. My favorites are the "mexican mocha" and their "passion iced tea," which is the best I've ever had. With your drink you can order a bite to eat. They've got paninis, quiches, cakes, pastries, and fresh fruit. They have plenty of books and reading material and free biscuits for their canine customers.

The surrounding neighborhood is full of cute houses and there's plenty to see on Park Blvd. So stay inside and enjoy the relaxed and friendly atmosphere or get your coffee to go and explore this little piece of San Diego a bit more. Either way, you're sure to enjoy your visit to Twiggs.

P.S. I almost forgot! Twiggs doubles as a music venue some nights. So if you want to enjoy a low-key, intimate performance by some local artists, ask an employee for an events calendar. I think Wednesday's is open mic night!

Juan Cho lo descubrió en enero de 2009

etiquetas: coffee , relaxed , tea

San Diego Favorite

San Diegans love this coffee shop so much that they support five different locations throughout the city! (check the website for the other locations) Stop by (any location, or this one, right down the street from San Diego State University) for a cup of coffee or tea and you'll see why.

This place is called "Living Room" for a reason. The decor, along with the friendly service, will make you feel right at home. Okay, maybe more like you're at your grandma's house, but that's part of the charm that makes this place so lovable. All of the seats are mismatched sofas or old wooden chairs. Some coffee shops can try to hard with a style that's too minimalist-chic or blaring "coffee shop" music. Not so here. The vibe is San Diegan to the core- relaxed and laid back. So come to one of the Living Room (this one or any of the other locations) and get comfortable. To study or chat with a friend, the Living Room is easily one of San Diego's (and one of my personal) favorite coffee shops.

P.S. They even serve food! I haven't tried any though so I didn't include anything about it. But it looks delicious and some locations deliver! You can check out their site for a menu.

Juan Cho lo descubrió en enero de 2009

etiquetas: cafe , coffee shop , comfortable , relaxed , tea

Decadent Desserts to Die For

This little place has the perfect ambiance for a date of any kind. It's stylish decor and outdoor seating with candles, coupled with the intrinsic romance of desserts this delicious will set you up to sweep your date of her (or his) feet. But don't think this is some fancy-shmancy place for couples only. I've been here plenty of times with groups of friends. If you ask me, the more people you got with you the better! That way you can try as many desserts as there are at your table!

The prices aren't the cheapest (I am a college student) but they're not the worst either. Cake slices run at about $8 but you can get pastries for under $4. It's worth every penny. Besides, they treat you like you payed $50! The customer service is great and every plate comes out looking like a master piece with patterns in some raspberry, mango, or white chocolate sauce or with flowers. Some desserts even come with real gold leafing!

I couldn't even begin to recommend any one dessert. Everything I've ever got here has been unbelievable. There's a wide selection of cakes, cookies, and pastries. I will warn you though, I know I've posted about health food places I love in San Diego; this is not one of them. This stuff is rich. They say if you're going to ask how many calories their desserts have, just don't eat here. You could save some money and calories by just splitting something with a friend. I guarantee you'd still leave satisfied. Or if you want to check out the nice atmosphere (right next to Balboa Park and everything) and sweets aren't you're thing then why not come and have a pot of their excellent green tea? I've come back for the tea alone!

There's really no reason no to check out this place. They even have two locations (the other is in Little Italy downtown, check the website). You won't regret it.

Juan Cho lo descubrió en enero de 2009

etiquetas: ambiance , date , dessert , romantic

Californian Food At Its Best

I don't come to Ocean Beach in San Diego without stopping by this little place!

Roots sort of represents everything that is Californian food if you ask me. They specialize in vegetarian wraps made with incredible combinations of fresh/in season/local/organic vegetables and and a whole array of condiments like fresh hummus or guacamole or a delectable raspberry-lemon-mint something-or-other vinaigrette. They also have salads (small salads come with the wraps) and sandwiches. Everything here is healthy and feel-good. You can enter through the shop next door to sit and eat but I say, why not get it to-go and walk down the street to eat your meal on the sand, right next to the pier? You're in San Diego! But don't leave without trying one of their fresh juices, teas, or their horchata! (If you've been in San Diego for more than a few days you should know what that is by now.) They're all excellent and refreshing!

Reasonable prices and the ladies that work here are so friendly, you'll come back just to shoot the breeze. Or better yet, to chat about the local music scene! At least one of them knew her stuff the last time I was here!

Juan Cho lo descubrió en enero de 2009

etiquetas: californian , fresh , healthy , organic , vegan , vegetarian