Sunset Dining Experience at South Beach Bar and Grill

South Beach Bar and Grill isn’t your run of the mill chain mall dining experience. Located a block from Ocean Beach pier, adjacent to the beach, and less than a mile from the San Diego River entrance it is a seafaring restaurant that boasts a unique dockside experience. Hosting over 22 tequilas, over 40 different craft beers, flat screen TVs on nearly every wall and some of the best Mahi Mahi tacos in San Diego it draws a sizable beach thumping crowd.

Their menu contains many of your standard items like burgers, salads, and steaks but also provides some unique offers more exclusive the restaurant. You may opt for an Octopus Cocktail, Lobster Taco, or the Maui Chicken Grilled Pineapple and Teriyaki. If you’re a little adventurous you could try a Shark Taco or Oyster Shooter with Peppered Vodka.

South Beach Bar and Grill is popular with tourists around Ocean Beach. Restaurant experiences contribute to the overall tourist satisfaction of their vacation (Sparks, et. al., 2003). Customers who visit the area often find this popular destination conveniently located next to popular attractions. They may come to socialize with friends, sit down for a meal or have a beer and watch a game.

The theme of the restaurant also fits into the coastal lifestyle of San Diego and its natural history of commercial fishing. Restaurant themes help to create awareness of local cultures and livelihoods (Wood, et. al, 2007).  The type of atmosphere patrons experience at the establishment are likely to be remembered for some time and be recalled when thinking about San Diego.

San Diego boasts a lifestyle many Americans are unfamiliar with. Restaurants like South Beach Bar and Grill provide an atmosphere people will remember. With prices ranging from a few dollars at the low end to $18 at the high end most patrons will find the offerings affordable. If you are in the upstairs bar area you may just get a glimpse of the sunset while sipping on your favorite cocktail.

5059 Newport Ave #104

San Diego, CA 92107

http://southbeachob.com

Sparks, B. et. al. (2003). Restaurants and the tourist market. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 15 (1).

Wood, N., et. al. (2007). No rules, just right or is it? The role of themed restaurants as cultural ambassadors. Tourism and Hospitality Research, 7 (3-4)

The Authentic Northern Italian Cuisine of Operacaffe

If you are looking for authentic Italian food in a historic environment that reflects the small shop life of Italy you may want to frequent Operacaffe. Located in the busy Gaslamp district of San Diego it attracts fine dining enthusiasts that seek a unique dining experience. Seafood, steak and pasta are only part of their main offerings. You can sit on the street side terrace or inside. 

The lights are low and the décor is traditional European. Antique pictures, cabinets and tapestry line the walls while traditional table cloths only add to the experience. As a fine dining establishment they have taken impeccable care to ensure that the atmosphere is both inviting to guests and providing a romantic ambiance. 

There are many restaurants but only one Operacaffe. If you are a pasta lover try the Ravioli Bascaiola made with mushrooms, sage and butter sauce. If you are seeking to avoid pasta you can try one of their salads, meat, or fish offerings. Appetizers and wine are also offered at a reasonable price. Food is labeled with Italian titles and English ingredients making it convenient for most customers. 

The restaurant hosts authentic northern Italian cuisine. Southern cuisine is known for its fish, shrimp, and Mediterranean styles while the northern cuisine is oriented toward cattle, cheese, and butter based sauces (1). The owners are from northern Italy and try and bring their northern style to San Diego.

They have done well bringing into alignment the style, furniture, price, servicescape, and menu to ensure that there is consistency in their theme. This is important in helping their core demographic customers experience authentic Italy and ensure that they want to return. It is a place that just beacons you to order a glass a wine with your food. 

http://www.operacaffe.com/#Home

Holiday Season Pictures on Coronado Island

This time of the season comes with fun activities and holiday shopping. It also comes with a few natural gifts you may not find anywhere else. The beaches contain a few pearls of nature’s artistic handiwork on full display. The best part about the show is that it is free. You may want to consider walking along Coronado beach, grabbing a bit to eat, and enjoying some of the other activities in the area.  

Hotel del Coronado was built as a resort in 1888 and was pronounced a historic landmark 1977 (1). Over the holiday season it hosts a beach front ice skating rink, carolers, and many other historical activities. This is their 125 year of holiday celebrations. Visitors can walk along the beach front, grab a beverage in their bar, or order something to eat in the restaurant. It has been a favorite of stars and movies since 1920 (2).

During our evening trip we drove a few miles from Coronado Beach to the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. Around 80 ships line up for display and make their way around the bay (3).  People line the pier and other hot spots on the waterfront to watch the ships slowly cruise through. Some have Santa on them, others elves, and yet others have a whole tropical Christmas theme.