When Jules calls me about this plan for Saturday night I’m skeptical. “The Shout House. It’s dueling pianos.” Pardon me? Will the pianos be armed? Should I be worried about getting caught in the crossfire? After several cracks about the pianos settling a mob vendetta Jules tells me to shut up and be there so I am, 4th and G, already half drunk because I figure if I’m going to enjoy piano music on my Saturday night I’d better at least be sufficiently loaded. I have an immediate and horrifying flashback to my baby sister’s piano recitals, 200 untalented kids playing variations of the same song while their tearfully proud parents applaud deafeningly in my ear.

The Shout House is nothing like this. The Shout House is awesome.

We walk in and in about 20 seconds I’m rocking out to Metallica, except it’s not Metallica, it’s Metallica on the piano. Anybody who doesn’t think this is the coolest thing on earth by definition hasn’t been to the Shout House, because after one night there I’m completely convinced that no song wouldn’t sound better played on those dueling pianos. But wait, there’s more. Not only is the piano totally sweet, but the lyrics are changed up to be hilarious. Is it risqué? Uh huh. Dirty? Oh you bet. Will you hear things you won’t be able to repeat at the church social? Most definitely. Throw in a group of dancing waiters, excellent booze, and personalized birthday songs guaranteed to make your boss/brother-in-law/roommate piss his pants in humiliation and you’ve got maybe the best joint in the Gaslamp district.

Dueling pianos man. Bring some dollar bills for song requests and leave the prudey friend at home. You won’t be disappointed.

When one drives off of Highway 67 into the small city of Santee, one would probably not think much of it except for the Target shopping center off of the corner of Mission Gorge and Cuyamaca. To go further into Santee, one would find the Albertson’s shopping center and a small yogurt place safely tucked away among a smoothie store, a gym, and a Starbucks.

This place, known as Go Get Yogurt, is a local favorite. Flavors range from the classic chocolate and vanilla to more interesting ones like cookies and cream, mocca, and even “grasshopper” (a mint-flavored yogurt). Some of the flavors change every day which gives the customer a different flavor to please the palate.

Not only does Go Get Yogurt satisfy the sweet teeth of its patrons but it donates the tips to local charities such as high school sports teams or to help out a particular individual in need. They are also an active participant in the Santee community as well. Once a year, they give a party where the proceeds go back into schools and other local causes.

Go Get Yogurt is a great place to grab a bite to eat any day or to escape the scorching summer sun of the San Diego inland area. A child-size cup of yogurt offers a generous portion for just under $3.00 and for a dollar more, one can add a topping (there are several). This establishment also offers nutritional information on their yogurt products for those who are watching what they eat. It’s a great place to sit down and relax to a refreshing dessert.

Whether one is a competitor, a weekend warrior, or fitness buff, a good weekend jog starts at the entrance of Torrey Pines State Reserve. The Reserve, which is a part of the California State Parks system, is located just south of Del Mar on the Highway 101, and just north of the Torrey Pines Golf Course. Parking can be found in the Reserve for six dollars; however, the lots can become quite full early during the summer or a particularly warm weekend. Parking can also be found on the Coast Highway for free, although one might have to circle for several minutes.

From the entrance sign, the route begins heading straight along the road, past the entrance station. On the left, one can enjoy invigorating views of the Pacific. The road then arcs up in a moderate but steady ascent. The Park Service has laid out running/walking trails on the shoulders of the road; but one can also run in the road as long as they keep a wary eye for traffic. The road curves up into the bluffs and under the boughs of the Torrey Pine, the rarest pine tree in North America.

Once half-way up the hill, the runner will notice graded steps; take the steps, and pass the trail-head of the “Guy Fleming Trail”. It is likely that at this point both your legs and your lungs will be working overtime if you are moving at a good pace! Once past the “Guy Fleming”, one will be treated to views of the Reserve itself, the ocean, and La Jolla. The hill ends at the Reserve visitor center, three quarters of a mile from the entrance station. Should you need it, water and restrooms are available at the top.

If you are athletically inclined, or enjoying the weather, one can continue on the road to the Reserve’s southern boundary and beyond. The distance from the Visitor Center to the boundary is approximately one mile. Beyond the southern boundary lies a path that runs past the golf course. It is worth noting that the park road from entrance to Southern boundary is the route of the original California Highway 101. Past the visitor center on the road, one enjoys splendid views of the Reserve, as noted earlier, and the expanses of the East. On especially clear days, one can view the peaks of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio, occasionally snow capped. Happy Trails!

Trattoria I Trulli – Italian Restaurant
830 South Coast Highway 101,
Encinitas, CA 92024
Phone: (760) 943-6800

Trattoria I Trulli of downtown Encinitas combines authentic Italian cuisine with an affable ambiance.

Located along scenic highway 101 you’ll find this delightful Italian restaurant that caters to family outings, romantic evenings or dining with friends. Inside, the quarters are small with an intimate setting that allows for casual conversation. The décor portrays a charming Italian bistro, furnished in scenic paintings of Italy, stylishly covered tables, and vintage wine racks nestled inside the walls. Also available is sidewalk seating with the comfort of heat lamps for cooler nights.

Upon seating you’re served complimentary bread with a spicy and delicious dipping sauce. When you’re ready to order, I Trulli offers seafood, chicken, meat, and vegetarian dishes, along with homemade pastas, gnocchi, ravioli and lasagna. If you’re a seafood lover, try the Linguini Mediterraneo served in a simmering tomato sauce with mussels, clams and butterfly shrimp. For dessert, the Tiramisu is spectacular. Even more enticing, all entrees are reasonably priced with ample portions. So, if you’re looking for excellent homemade Italian food; I Trulli is a remarkable choice.

it’s wednesday. you’ve successfully made it through monday and tuesday, but have a sneaking suspicion that you may need a little extra boost to get over that proverbial “hump.” it’s time to get out of the house, but you’d rather not spend the next morning staring at a fist full of tylenol and a can of 7-up regretting that last glass of wine. enter kava.

an eclectic little den, the kava lounge is located at 2812 kettner blvd, just a stones throw from I-5 and the airport. it is an unexpected and inviting little haven in the midst of so much traffic. inside the lights are too low to reach the corners of the room, but the music goes wall to wall. wednesday nights answer to the name “green machine” and belong to vinyl guru dj charlie rock. one of san diego’s pioneer hip hop and funk djs, charlie rock glides seamlessly from neo-soul to jazz to funk to hip hop and back again. he’ll catch you off guard with those songs you forgot you loved so much.

the place has a very relaxed, natural vibe which is itself intoxicating, but not to worry: there’s a bar that also offers its own natural intoxication. it boasts an impressive selection of organic beers and wines (not to mention a rice vodka that’ll make you want to slap your mother). and of course, there’s kava. for those just finding out about this nifty litttle drink, a little background information is in order. made from a polynesian root, kava is completely non alcoholic and was originally enjoyed by royal families in the south pacific. it is quickly gaining popularity today due to its pleasurable rejuvenating effects. it sooths the body while awakening the mind. unfortunately it will also awaken any childhood memories you may have of eating dirt. a small price to pay for its pleasant effect. the only other small price is, well, the small price. at only $2 a shot it’s a lot more affordable than a vodka tonic. and a lot less menacing come thursday morning.

There’s been a lot of news in the past year about the cross on Mt. Soledad in La Jolla. But no matter what you feel about keeping the cross there or having it removed, it’s still worth a visit to that beautiful spot to see the Veterans Memorial Walls.

Six walls have been erected below the cross, which hold plaques honoring men and women in the military who served during wartime or peace keeping times, and whose service has been verified. These black granite plaques are family tributes, and usually have an etched photograph of the honoree as well as information about his or her service.

You’ll see many people taking a drive up to the top of the mountain for the magnificent view of the coastline and also looking east to the Cuyamaca mountains. Then they discover the walls with the plaques. It’s quite moving to walk along and read about the veterans and think about their service. Sometimes a visitor even finds a plaque honoring someone they knew, or encounters a veteran who perhaps served on the same ship. It’s a great experience!

At first glance, San Diego’s Sushi Bar Kazumi might seem like a typical sushi restaurant, but it is so much more! All of the familiar, or typical, sushi specialties can be ordered, but dining patrons, looking for a little adventure, can simply say, “Surprise me” and they will be presented with a nearly unending flow of new and irresistible delights of the palette.

Kazumi’s can cater to any particular set of taste buds too. They can make it spicy hot, mild, or even sweet. Your wish is their command. This can even add a little flair to the old familiar types of sushi too, but don’t be afraid to try something new… you will not be disappointed!

The owner, Kazumi Yokoyama, has a flair for subtle humor, and if one inquires as to what a particular creation might be, he stoically responds with “fish!” His serious tone is soon replaced by a hearty laugh, and everyone is soon caught up in the fun.

Kazumi’s is certainly capable of serving up the “regular” sushi, but anyone looking for some fun and adventure will definitely not be disappointed, and Kazumi’s added sense of humor most certainly rounds out a pleasurable dining experience.

Written by D’Artagnan “Dart” Fischer

Dorothy, of The Wiz, had it easy when she clicked her heels three times and chanted, “there’s no place like home,” and was transplanted home to Kansas in a blink of an eye. Some of us have to work a little harder. However, franchise owner and operator of Philly’s Best – Authentic Cheesesteak and Hoagie Shop, Ray Aston, figured out a way to bring home to him. After countless trips to the nearest Philly’s Best in Irvine, Mr. Aston decided to take the plunge and become a franchise of his own Philly’s Best. Currently located in Oceanside in the Vons shopping center at 1771 Oceanside Boulevard, Philly’s Best is bringing Philly to us.

Mark Aston, Ray’s son, says a cheesesteak just isn’t a cheesesteak without an Amoroso roll. “What makes a great cheesesteak sandwich is the roll,” he points out. Currently they’re the only cheesesteak sandwich shop importing original supplies directly from Philadelphia, such as the Amoroso’s rolls, “Goldenberg” Peanut Chews, “Wise” Potato Chips, Tastykakes and Frank’s Sodas, all the key ingredients for an authentic cheesesteak, the Astons are living up to being Philly’s Best…and now Oceanside’s best.

The ambiance at the sandwich shop makes a trip worthwhile. The décor includes original Philadelphia memorabilia including autographed photos from some of Philly’s most famous, a game celebrating the city resembling Monopoly simply titled, “Philadelphia in a box.” Philly’s Best has mass Philadelphia flavor.

An all inclusive menu that’s also carb-friendly, homemade pickles and peppers, giveaways, gift cards, a big screen television set and a sporty feel, Philly’s Best is a home away from home for the Philadelphia born and a taste of brotherly love for us all.

An ebullient friend of mine once decided to visit every bar in Pacific Beach before he left San Diego to start a drearier life on the East Coast. Ever ambitious he didn’t miss a single bar- or so he claims. I don’t known how he had the stamina because PB (as the locals call it) has enough bars to keep the average consumer drunk for weeks. For those less ambitious epicures who have less time but still a hearty lust for alcohol Pacific Beach can effectively be effectively covered by following the main street, Garnet Avenue, with a deviation here and there.

The best place to start is at Lahaina Beachhouse where the wooden patio on the beach has a view of the sunset that can’t be matched. If you can start bar hopping early enough stray from Garnet just to watch the sunset with the cheering crowd of happily sipping people. For those getting a late start, skip Lahaina and stay on Garnet.

Starting on Garnet at the corner of Mission Boulevard you will come to PB Bar and Grill and its neighbor, Moondoggies. For everything you ever wanted to know about PB Bar and Grill visit . Get your hand stamped and go back and forth between these two bars. In this way you could spend your night hopping back and forth and not even remember there are other bars. PB Bar and Grill has a nice patio, pool tables and good food specials during the weeks. For the sports fans there are also numerous televisions showing any number of different games. Next door, Moondoggies is less talked about but often the better place to go if PB Bar and Grill is less crowded. It, too, has plentiful televisions and a great patio and on Thursdays there are two dollar “u-call-its.”

Heading East up Garnet feel free to stop at any bar you stumble across. All have that similar beach ambience that only Pacific Beach maintains. Plum Crazy Saloon has sixty-eight beers on tap, foosball, pool, and sports TVs. It is small but never a bad place to be and the drinks are usually strong. Further up still is the aptly named Typhoon Saloon, perhaps the most popular bar/club in Pacific Beach. During the day it is mild mannered Big Bertha’s but at night it transforms into Typhoon. Wednesdays is Metal Shop, which is all 1980s heavy metal. The pool tables, huge crowds, dance floors, and different levels make Typhoon unique and easy for people watching or dancing. If Typhoon is your destination then go early because after ten the line goes around the block.

If you do end up staring in shock and indignation at the never ending line at Typhoon there are alternatives. Next-door is Fred’s, which is a great Mexican restaurant with massive margaritas that is owned by the same company. Even at its most crowded there is seldom a line worth mentioning and the atmosphere is less headache inducing then Typhoon’s hardcore partying. Around the corner is The Dog; a small, newly renovated bar with pool tables and dollar beers also on Wednesdays and across the street is the Tavern at the Beach. The Tavern is also a popular bar, more low key, very beachy, and it plays eighties music on Wednesdays. Unfortunately the Tavern’s popularity, like many of the once smaller PB bars, is growing daily, as are the lines.

Amazingly this is not the end of the list of bars you can frequent. Longboard’s is the best place for reggae if you’re bar hopping on a Sunday. If you want strong, inexpensive drinks then the Silver Fox is the dive bar for you. However, while it remains popular, for girls like myself the biggest drawback is the constant appearance of lecherous-looking older men. While this phenomenon is recurring throughout San Diego it seems most prevalent here.

While this list seems extensive it is only a taste of the prolific nightlife that thrives in Pacific Beach. There is so much to do you will never get bored, but be careful. Because it is such an inexpensive place to drink PB is almost as full of policemen as it is of revelers. If you drink and drive you will get a DUI. So take a taxi then walk up Garnet. Get there before ten to avoid the lines and when you get kicked out when the bars close at ten write to me and tell me if PB isn’t the perfect place to go bar hopping.

For more information on San Diego’s nightlife visit.

(Part 1 of a Single in San Diego series)

Old Town may carry old traditions, but it is definitely not old news. The smell of antiquity fills the air as I stroll down the colorful and festive streets. The aroma of fresh tortillas and guacamole mixed with the fresh heritage you can see on every block, Old Town continues to be one of the most treasured aspects of San Diego culture. Known for it’s historical background and architectural beauty, Old Town is and has been one of my favorite places to go.

If one wants the true San Diego experience, Old Town is the place to be. From the fabulous eateries, candy and antique shops, to the historical “Theatre in Old Town” and the Whaley House, Old Town has something to offer visitors of all ages.

If History is your forte, than Old Town is the mecca for you! Old Town is considered to be the “birthplace” of California. One can learn a plethora of interesting historical facts about California and specifically San Diego by visiting the wonderful museums including the Little Adobe Chapel, one of the first churches, and the awe inspiring Mormon Battalion Visitors Center, which offers free admission. Also, you can head up the hill to Heritage Park and see beautifully restored Victorian homes that take you back in time.

Do you like ghost stories? If you travel down the main strip of Old Town, you will probably run into a random house in the middle of all the hustle and bustle. A designated haunted house (and museum), The Whaley House, tells a dark past and spooky happenings that will make the hair stand on the back of your neck. Decide for yourself!:)

The Theater in Old Town also claims they have supernatural happenings as well. But, if you just like great theatre, this one is known for its outstanding productions. The quaint theatre gives the perfect atmosphere for great entertaining and I have never left disappointed.

Before you head off to the theatre, there are plenty of delicious restaurants you can choose from. Old Town is the greatest place to eat if you love Mexican food that truly is authentic. I highly recommend Cafe Coyote. It’s stylish, yet relaxing surroundings, puts you at ease and the food is to die for! The Carne Asada Ceasar Salad is my dish of choice, but there are so many things to choose from!

All in all, Old Town is a great place to spend the morning, afternoon or evening. The ideal place to enjoy with family, friends and even acquaintances, Old Town never fails to leave me in wonderment and appreciation for San Diego and its rich culture.