Knockout Burger, Carlsbad, CA

Grabbed a quick bite to-go from Knockout Burger this evening to take home to watch the Redskins loose (sad, but true, I know).  I had the BBQ Bacon Burger and my husband had the Ranch Burger. We got 1/4 pounders, which was the perfect size for me, however Sam is going to get a double next time.  The fries were lightly seasoned which I liked. Our to-go bag was packed with ketchup, napkins, etc.  I was very impressed with the friendly and personable service. Both Sam and I are excited to go back and try something else on the menu.  As usual, I was too excited about eating my food to take a picture first.  I will try to work on this.

Sushi Taisho, Carlsbad, CA

Earlier this week my husband and I went out for sushi.  We looked around for specials and noted a place close by had a happy hour so we thought we would check it out.

Sushi Taisho is located in Carlsbad Village.  It is a small restaurant with a sushi bar and maybe half a dozen tables.  They have happy hour from 3 to 6 pm daily which includes 50% off sushi as well as beer, sake and appetizer specials.

The first thing I noticed about the restaurant was the smell.  It smells funky. It smells like the dirty floors or drains at the deli I worked at in college.  If you can get over the smell (I didn't until the food arrived) then you will enjoy your meal here.

We ordered the Spicy Tuna Roll, Crunchy Roll (tempura shrimp, krab, avocado, cucumber with crunchies and eel sauce on top), Umi Roll (tempura shrimp and cucumber with avocado and tuna on top), and the Paradise Roll (shrimp and spicy tuna inside with avocado and eel sauce on top). We enjoyed everything and it was definitely too much food for the two of us, but we managed to pack it all away anyway.  The sizes of the rolls were good and there was a nice variety of sauces and flavors in the rolls we choose.  Our favorites were the Crunchy Roll and the Paradise Roll.  With taxes and tip, this meal ended up under $35.

I look forward to going back to try more.  During happy hour.  I don't think it would be worth it to pay full price.

I just hope they get rid of that funky smell. . .

To Do in DisneyLand

DisneyLand

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Fantasmic!
• Haunted Mansion
• Indiana Jones
• Matterhorn Bobsleds 
•  Pirates of the Caribbean
• Space Mountain
• Splash Mountain
• Star Tours
• Fantasy Land (lines are long)
• Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
• Peter Pan
• New Orleans Square
• Mint Julep Bar: beignets 

California Adventure

• California Screamin'
• MuppetVision 3D
• Soarin' 
• Toy Story Mania (so worth the lines!)
• Tower of Terror
• ALL of Cars Land

MUST DO: look up events for the day/s you are there- MUST see the fireworks.  Make a list of "must do's" and see what else you can fit in.  You won't be able to do everything in the Park in one day. 

Suggested to bring meals or eat on the go from quick service food vendors so as not to waste time sitting down to eat.  

For the best experience, it was suggested to stay on the DisneyLand resort to get the full Disney experience. 

These suggestions were given to me by a close friend.  I can not wait to check out the Park/s soon!  

Hiking Torrey Pines, California

Torrey Pines State Park is located north of La Jolla and south of Del Mar, California.  I was impressed with the views from the hiking in this park.  The park is on the coast and many of the trails hug the coast line or even dip down to the beach.

There are numerous short trails that connect and can be done back to back.  We saw a variety of hikers from families with kids in strollers or in their arms to runners to elderly outdoor enthusiasts.

We started from The Ranger Station and took the Razor Point Trail, followed by the Yucca Point Trail to the Beach Trail. Next we saw the Flat Rock from above before beginning the Broken Hill Trail.  Finally, we made our way to the North Fork Trail which lead to a road which was closed to vehicles and lead us back to The Ranger Station. We really enjoyed our trip and can't wait to explore more of this beautiful park.

Oceanside, CA food reviews

Our food experience in Oceanside was limited to those places we could easily walk.

The Flying Pig was by far the best food in the area.  They serve home made pasta and twists on traditional comfort food such as shrimp and grits.  The food is fresh, local and creative.  The parmesan truffle fries are not to be missed, however make sure to split them!  The Flying Pig also has great beer and wine lists.  The service was friendly and personable each time we went.   

We heard great things about 333, however never made it there.  It is a vodka bar and has an extensive list. 

Harney Sushi is another spot we never made it to, but always wanted to try.  Try it out and let me know how it is!

San Diego adventure, food and drink advice from a former co-worker

Baby cakes – Cupcakes and cocktails

Snooze – good brunch- get there early because it gets crowded

Georges on the cove – in la Jolla- eat on the roof level a little before sunset, nice beaches there too- they also do brunch

II Fornaio – Good Italian restaurant on Coronado island right by the water. It’s pretty at night looking
across the water to see downtown all lit up

Old Town – Lots of Mexican food

The waterfront bar and grill- the best fries with yummy toppings! Small little laid back bar

Places to run: sunset cliffs, Miramar lake, Silver strand (good for bike ride) on Coronado island, pacific
beach board walk, Mission bay, ocean beach, mission trails, there are so many places to run just ask
around

Sea world, Zoo, and Safari Park of course are a must do attractions

Hiking: TORREY PINES!!!, iron mountain, there are others that are harder. Nicknames are
devils punch bowl, 3 sisters, potato chip.

Look up paddle boarding places to rent a board and go try it out on mission bay!

Temecula wineries- worth the drive!

Altitude rooftop bar is a cool dance/lounge bar on top of a hotel downtown

Things to do in California according to my co-worker

• Santa Monica Pier
• Griffith Observatory and Getty Museum
• Downtown San Diego
• Balboa Park
• Museums
• Zoo
• Restaurants
• Petco Park
• Embarcadero- ships including Midway. 
• Amusement Parks
• Disneyland
• Six Flags Magic Mountain
• Knotts Berry Farm
• SeaWorld- plan your day around the time of the shows
• Beverly Hills 
• San Francisco
• Alcatraz
• Angel Island
• Fisherman's Wharf
• San Jose
• Winchester House
• Wine Country: Napa, Sonoma, Temecula
• Yosemite 
• East and West Sides
• Half Dome
• Malibu- beautiful beaches
• Hearst Castle (on the way to San Francisco on PCH)
• Orange Circle in Orange (near Anaheim and Irvine)
• Big Bear- snow boarding
• Mammoth Lakes
• Catalina Island
• Vegas & The Hoover Dam 
• Hollywood
• Walk of Fame
• Theaters
• Hollywood sign
• Universal Studios
• Coranado Isalnd
• Hotel Del Coranado 
• Queen Mary in Long Beach
• Safari Park (Wild Animal Park) in Escondido