Stoner

If you haven't heard of Stone Brewery, 

then you've probably been living under a rock. 

#punintended hah!

No, but in all seriousness,

Stone is making some big moves!

Founded in 1996, it is considered to be one of the fastest growing breweries in America in the past 15 years.

The company has received numerous awards and recognition,

and most recently, the famed gargoyle has taken over the quaint gardens of Liberty Station. 

The Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens is the largest restaurant purchaser of local, small-farm organic produce in San Diego,

and at 8,500 square feet, it's absolutely huge!

#thatswhatshesaid

I'm on a roll today, aren't I?

Must still be drunk. Just kidding. Maybe.   

Either way, you must check out the 1 acre brewery for yourself. 

With seating capacity of 425, 

and 32 craft & specialty beers on tap, 

you won't be disappointed. 

If Disneyland was made for adults,

I would imagine it would look a lot like this. 

The biggest beer garden I ever did see.

Everything is large around here... including the chairs. 

Can you tell we like dark drafts? I promise they're all different. 

Drinking and eating is the responsible thing to do.
Try the Bruschetta BLT - applewood-smoked bacon, organic tomato bruschetta, arugula, aioli and Stone Cali-Belgique IPA stone-ground mustard on ciabbata, with chile-lime tortilla chips.  

BBQ Duck Trio - duck confit, Stone Levitation Ale BBQ Sauce, microgreens, habanero-pineapple salsa and Asiago cheese, served with Spanish brown rice, black bean salad and tomatillo salsa.

Those are my "too many beer flights" glazed-over eyes. Yikes. 

Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens

2816 Historic Decatur Rd #116‎ 

Liberty Station, CA 92106

Easy Hosting

I absolutely love playing the hostess role. 

Picture me as Monica from Friends... I just loooove to have people over. 

But then there are days, 

when you decide to host a dinner party, and unfortunately life gets in the way, 

so you're left with about an hour to tidy up your place and get some food on the table. 

So what do you do?

Well, first off, you breathe,

because when you stress, your guests feel uncomfortable. 

Second, always have a back up plan handy. 

A dinner that requires less than 30 minutes of cooking time is ideal. 

I always like to go with a Mediterranean theme,

since most of the dishes are meant to be fresh anyway. 

Here are just a few things I threw together for a couple of friends we had over last weekend. 

Easy peasy, fresh and breezy!

I picked up a few pre-made apps from a local deli on my way home from work.
Hummus and dolma, always crowd pleasers.

I threw together these Caprese towers with just a few fresh ingredients I had laying around the fridge.
Grill some eggplants and top with a smear of pesto, tomatoes, mozarella, basil and a dash of balsamic reduction.

Like I said, shorter cooking time is key when you're in a frenzy.
Both dishes for my main course took less than 15 minutes to cook!

Stuff trout (or any other whole fish you pick up at the market) with lemon wedges, onions and thyme.
Broil on high heat for 10-15 minutes, depending on thickness, and voila!

Martha Stewart's one-pan pasta is seriously a life saver!
How can something so simple taste so good?!

Date Night San Diego

via

As you're reading this, 

I'm 8,000 miles away from my beloved home town, San Diego. 

Don't fret, I wouldn't just leave you hanging!

While I'm taking part in some romantic adventures on the other side of the world,

which I will tell you all about upon my return,

I've partnered up with a fellow SD native who's here to tell you about some dating hot spots in our town. 

All you singles, listen up! This girl knows what she's talking about.

Sigh.. I feel like this is the part where I pass on the reigns to the young single hottie, and sit back in the ol' married corner.

Without further ado, say hi to Carli!

____________________________________________________

For all those single San Diego residents out there who love this city, 

but may be struggling with the San Diego dating scene – this article is for you! 

San Diego, or as I affectionately call it “Man Diego” is full of beautiful, active people all looking to mix and mingle on the beach, at hot local restaurants and fun events. 

It sounds like dating heaven doesn’t it? 

Well, as I’m sure all you single San Diegans know, it’s not always as easy as it seems. 

There are tons of fun things to do in San Diego, world class restaurants perfect for a fun night out and incredible views to set the scene for romance, 

but with so much to choose from, it’s hard to pick the right destination for a fun singles night out. 

For men and women looking to get to know some incredible San Diego locals over a great bite to eat,

there are tons of awesome restaurants to check out. 

 So, here is my guide to hot San Diego restaurants for singles: 

Gaslamp Quarter 

The Gaslamp Quarter is a singles centric scene with over-the-top restaurants created specifically for mingling. 

One of my all time favorite restaurants for socializing downtown is appropriately named, Quality Social. 

This casual eatery has a cool vibe, casual but tasty menu and turns into a super fun nightclub every night. 

It serves classic American food with an artistic twist in a super trendy environment. 

Frequented by “just out of the office” locals looking for a happy hour drink or bite with friends before a big night out, 

Quality Social is a top spot for San Diego singles. 

Beach Side

Although Pacific Beach can have a bad reputation for crazy college kids, 

it’s also a beautiful beach community with great restaurants and fun nightlife, if you know where to look. 

One of the best “scenes” in Pacific Beach is at the popular San Diego hotel on the beach, JRDN at Tower 23. 

Located on the cliffs above the sand in Pacific Beach, JRDN has a gorgeous view of the water and Crystal Pier. 

Its’ trendy upscale environment still maintains a surfer beach appeal. 

It’s modern, beautiful and packed with gorgeous locals every night of the week, 

and it also has a full bar and an outdoor dining area perfect for catching a sunset over Pacific Beach. 

Mission Bay 

Mission Bay is a San Diego playground day or night and it’s one of the best places in San Diego to meet singles. 

From standup paddle boarding and kayaking to boating and wakeboarding, 

Mission Bay is the place to be for young active singles looking to have fun in the sun. 

As such, many of them end up at local eateries enjoying a bayside cocktail or a big dinner after a long day of fun. 

One of the best places to enjoy some live music, sit in the sun, 

check out some sharks (yes, I said sharks) and meet new friends, 

is the Barefoot Bar and Grill at Paradise Point. 

This casual restaurant is right on the bay and has a great outdoor patio with beautiful views and its own little lagoon full of bamboo sharks, rays and other fish. 

It’s a laid back environment with great food and a Jimmy Buffet vibe that makes it a top spot to meet singles in San Diego.

____________________________________________________

This article was written by Carli Leavitt, the editor of SanDiego.com. 

Carli is a San Diego native with a wealth of knowledge about local attractions, hotels, beaches and nightlife venues in Southern California.

Brooklyn Girl

I think I've found my new favorite spot for happy hour with the ladies.

Brooklyn Girl is a casual neighborhood American eatery with a sustainable farm-to-table attitude.

Located in Mission Hills, 

the restaurant is open for brunch, lunch, dinner and late night,

 with an extensive menu of seasonal and locally sourced organic products at very attractive price points.

And just look how cute it is! 

"Am I pretty yet?"
Oh yes!

Williams Burger - 9oz Prime Dry Aged, Cheddar or Blue Cheese, B.G. Fries L.T.O. 

Lamb Burger - 9oz California Ground Lamb, Red Onion, Cucumber, Mint, Tzatziki  

The chandeliers, the adorable wall paper, and the sweet welcoming signs all over the place?

Brooklyn Girl may be the girliest restaurant in San Diego, 

and I couldn't be more smitten!

Brooklyn Girl

4033 Goldfinch St.

Mission Hills, CA 92103

Push It

Pretty frequently, I receive comments and emails asking me to share some of my fitness tips. 

I obviously eat out A LOT,

and although I don't consider myself to be anywhere near my ideal body type,

I do think it's important to stay balanced and healthy. 

Working out is actually a huge part of my life,

and I think the easiest way to keep active is to change up your gym schedule in order to keep it interesting. 

At the moment, I currently have three different memberships going on:

- 24 hour fitness, where I love to take Body Pump and Body Combat classes,

- Hapa Yoga to stay limber,

- and my most recent obsession, Barry's Boot Camp, to kick my butt at least once a week. 

But even with all that, it's still possible to get into a workout rut,

so in order to shock my muscles I'm always open to trying out new things. 

Que The Push House. 

Last week, I was invited to check out San Diego's first and only Pilates, Booty Barre and RealRyder fitness studio.

I already knew that spin classes are a great way to get your cardio fix,

but I couldn't pass up an opportunity to check out the RealRyder indoor cycle,

which tilts side-to-side and gives riders a total body workout. 

These bikes are no joke!

Kris, my pedal instructor for the day, had me sweating before the warm-up track even ended,

and I can honestly say that my booty was feeling the pain the next day!

Although the pedal class is designed to suit all levels, novice to pro,

be advised that the whole tilting thing takes a little bit of getting used to. 

Going at your own pace is definitely key,

and with the instructors support, I was able to catch the rhythm by the end of the hour-long class. 

As an incentive to check out the new studio,

the Push House is offering an introductory price of just $10 for the first pilates, pedal or barre class. 

I know I'll definitely be back for more booty-toning exercises,

and I hope you check it out too! 

The Push House

191 N. El Camino Real #212

Encinitas, CA 92024

Recipe: Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Sweet Pilaf

Since the minute we finished our kitchen, I have been cooking like a mad woman.

Eating has always been a favorite pastime of mine,

and I'm constantly inspired by my never ending wander list to not only travel, but to also experiment with different cuisines.

Last weekend Erik and I hosted my family over for dinner,

and I decided to go all out and prepare a full Moroccan feast.

I searched high and low for a legit recipe,

and finally settled on Emeril's classic concoctions found here and here.

I adapted the formula slightly, by using lamb shanks rather than a shoulder for example,

but overall was very pleased with how it all turned out.

The meat was practically falling off the bone it was so tender,

and the pilaf complimented the richness of the dish perfectly.

You can see my updated recipe after the jump.

Moroccan Lamb Tagine

Ingredients 

-2 pounds lamb shanks

-1 teaspoon ground turmeric 

-1 teaspoon ground ginger 

-1 1/4 teaspoons salt 

-2 tablespoons vegetable oil 

-1 1/2 cups diced onions 

-3 large garlic cloves, minced 

-1 cup chicken broth 

-8 threads Spanish saffron, crushed 

-16 fresh cilantro sprigs, tied together with a cotton string 

-1 cup dried, pitted apricots 

-1/2 cup golden raisins 

-1 onion, halved and thinly sliced 

-2 tablespoons honey 

-1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

-1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 

-Mint, for garnish 

Directions 

Place lamb in a medium-sized bowl. Season the lamb with turmeric, ginger and 1/2 teaspoon salt. 

Heat a tagine or Dutch oven over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil and half of the seasoned lamb. Cook the lamb until browned on all sides, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the lamb from the pan and set aside. Repeat with remaining oil and lamb. Return the seared lamb to the pan and add the diced onions. Cook, stirring to get the browned bits off the bottom of the pan, for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the chicken broth, saffron, and cilantro bundle and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, covered, for 1 1/2 hours, or until the meat is tender. 

Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the apricots and raisins and let sit for 20 minutes. Strain and set the fruit aside. 

Using a slotted spoon, remove the meat, place it on a clean plate, and keep warm. Bring the remaining liquid in the pan to a simmer. Add the sliced onions, apricots, raisins, honey, cinnamon, ground pepper, and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Return the liquid to a simmer and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until mixture is slightly thickened. Add the cooked lamb back into the sauce and cook to heat through, about 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh mint. 

Sweet Pilaf

Ingredients
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-1/3 cup blanched whole almonds
-1 cup small diced onion
-1/2 cup small diced carrot
-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
-1 cup long grain rice
-3 cups chicken stock
-1/3 cup golden raisins
-2 teaspoons orange zest
-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Lightly oil a 1 1/2 quart oven-proof casserole dish. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and saute the almonds until they are golden and become fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the onions, carrots and cinnamon and stir well, cooking for 3 minutes. Add the rice and cook for 1 minute, stirring to make sure all the kernels are coated with oil. Add the stock, raisins, orange zest and cayenne pepper and bring to a boil. Place the mixture into the casserole dish and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the rice from the oven and place on a large platter. Serve with Moroccan lamb tagine.

Project Kitchen : Before and After

Hi guys!

Hope you all had a great weekend. 

As I mentioned last week, the husband and I finally finished our kitchen renovation project. 

We did the big reveal during a little housewarming party for some friends and family a few days ago,

and got great reviews!

Such a proud moment for us, because this project was definitely a LOT of work. 

Being the overachievers that we are,

we thought doing the whole thing on our own was no big deal. 

Boy, were we in for a treat! 

And when I say we did it all ourselves, I seriously mean it. 

No contractors were hired during this whole process. 

We designed, built, and decorated the whole room all on our own!

Like with any major project,

there are bound to be glitches and delays in the schedule. 

This kitchen was no exception. 

Let's just say that our patience was tested more than just a few times,

but I suppose now that it's all done and I can stand back and admire our handiwork, it was all worth it. 

So. Without further ado, say hello to our shiny new kitchen:

As you can see from the before and after shots, 

we pretty much tore eeeeeverything out and started with a blank slate. 

First step was to demo - my personal favorite!

I had no gripes with take a sledgehammer to those stinky old cabinets. 

Once the walls were bare, we started on the electrical. 

Those bulky industrial lights had to go, 

so we tore them out, recessed the ceiling and installed canned lights.

Next step was to install the cabinets. 

I'm not sure exactly how many hours we spent at IKEA during the design process, 

but it was definitely more than a dozen!

After we signed off on the final specs and {gulp} handed over the credit cards,

it was time to take all those boxes home and put everything together!

In typical IKEA fashion, the building wasn't the tough part..

(a few screws here, a couple of pegs there, boom you're done),

what stalled the process was the actual installation into the kitchen.

Yeah. Not as simple as the "easy guide video" made it look. 

Once the cabinets were in, it was time to apply the counter tops. 

Disclaimer: if your husband comes to you and suggests pouring your own concrete, 

do yourself a favor and politely decline. 

Although I LOVE the way the countertops turned out in the end,

that was probably the most trying part of this whole process. 

Once that was done though, it was all easy sailing. 

The backsplash and floor tile were purchased from Bedrosians. 

The husband did an excellent job with the herringbone pattern - turned out exactly how I wanted!

All appliances are by Samsung, and were purchased from Best Buy. 

And as for everything else,

I have a feeling it will be constantly evolving. 

I love the mixture of modern and vintage throughout the room.. I think it gives the kitchen character. 

A major thank you to the main man in my life,

without whom this project would have simply not been possible. 

I'm so lucky to have a handy man like yourself in my life. 

Xoxo!