Hacienda De Vega in Escondido

We were in Escondido and decided to check out Hacienda de Vega... We picked up the dining out magazine for summer and this was the only Escondido place listed.. we read about it and went on over..

The location is just on the outskirts of Escondido in an old (100 years) ranchero adobe.. in the middle is a pond, there is running water (kind of a waterfall) and another outdoor bar area.. all the seating in outdoors some covered some not.. there is also a very nice green area with yet another pond that I am sure they may use for special events.. The atmosphere was wonderful...

As we walked around to the tables we passed the bar/drink area.. my first eww.. there were flies landing on the half done margarita glasses, and on slices of cheese and the lemons and other fruits ready to be placed on drinks.. the flies also were landing on the rim of glasses after the salt had been applied.. not of this seemed to bother the bartender...alcohol can kill alot but the lack of hygiene was concerning.. 

When seated were were brought chips and a tray of four different salsas for dipping.. this was a nice touch.. 

My husband ordered the ceviche and I ordered lobster tostadas both off of the appetizer menu..

they were both very good.. Mine had a fair amount of lobster and a spicy sauce with avocado and lettuce.. 

for Dessert we had the churro with three sauces; Dark Chocolate, caramel and raspberry. Very nice but not remarkable...

The service was fair.. 

Overall, this could be a great restaurant.. but they just didn't take the extra time to be a great restaurant.. the prices on the main portion of the menu were too high given the level and quality of service and attention to detail.

There are other restaurants in Escondido and I would love to hear about them.. but this is the only one listed and it was just okay.

Sycuan Casino Music Venue Live and Up Close

I just came back from my first trip to Sycuan Casino`s music venue called Live and Up Close and it is perfectly named, on the far side of El Cajon...  I was pleasantly surprised.. the trip from the coast wasn't filled with lots of winding roads but was a very nice drive thru the east county about an hour from Carlsbad,Ca... once there.. both the parking and the finding of the music venue were very easy...
I am not a gambler  but for those that are they do have a large non smoker area... if you are interested...

We were there for a concert.. and it was a great one: David Cassidy.. (but this is the subject of a different story)..
The employees, hosts and security were all extremely nice.. I did not get the feeling that it was only because we were a pretty docile group... even on the casino floor the employees were very kind...

 This is now my favorite concert venue in San Diego next to the Belly up. It's small (457 seats), comfortable, every seat is great,  the bar is separate from the performance area, so you aren't disturbed by waiters, waitresses and the bathrooms are in the theatre and easy to access. Here, the focus is on the music first. Don`t think twice about seeing a show here, it will be memorable. The acoustics are great, the seating is comfortable and plush, If you are interest in the casino you can play before or after the show.They get great acts and typically have no ticket fees. I left very impressed by this music venue that really is

 Live and Up Close.

Birch Aquarium La Jolla, Ca.

_Birch Aquarium, La Jolla

Living in Carlsbad, I get asked a lot about my opinion of Sealife in Carlsbad vs. Birch aquarium.. 

Here is my post from Trip Advisor.. that says it all.. and it isn't far from Carlsbad...

“One of San Diegos best experiences, location and activities 5 stars”

Reviewed July 10, 2012

Living in San Diego, we have been here several times.. We also travel and have been to many other aquariums.. This one is always awesome.. The views from the patio (with interactive sea life)
the multiple ever changing learning centers and the great hands on exhibits are 5 star.. The fact that UCSD is right here allows for even more research and new finds.. all of which get integrated into the exhibits... top this off with a stroll thru many of the local tide pools and this is a perfect day.
For Locals and Visitors alike.. this is a can`t miss experience.

Visited June 2012

SouthWest Airlines.. major glitch.. check emails and cc NOW

Southwest airlines has had a major snafoo on their reservation system.. I have a great CC company and bank so they stopped the reservations and charges asap.. but I had made one reservation last night.. and woke up this a.m. to 31.. all with attempted charges..
when I called they said there were others with more then 150..
to correct call them and then hit the need to pay number.. NOT the change reservation.. that has at least a 3 hour wait...
They had to go thru each reservation to cancel.. but got it done...
also go to your bank or call your cc company and find out how they will handle this over the next few days.

Chandler Restaurant, Here in Carlsbad, ca

We stopped at this lovely resort hotel restaurant on a Friday night.. so it was very busy and a bit loud... but the clientele was made up of both vacationers and locals... the setting of the bar and windows affords a beautiful ocean view while avoiding the view of the coast highway right below...
The Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Hotel and Spa in which the Chandler is located was packed and in talking to the staff at almost 100 % capacity ..
As for the Bar/Restaurant itself.. the drinks are original and very good.. for $12 per drink.. they were not skimpy or of poor quality.. My husband had a cucumber Martini with jalapenos.. He was impressed.
We had the fries (mixed potato and sweet potato) with a pomegranate ketchup.. very nice.. the artisan pizza with grapes, apple, tomato and prosciutto was okay but the bread was a bit chewy..
Over all I would give this restaurant a must try 4 stars..
The only real drawback is the lack of staff although very courteous was not organized. A wonderful bartender named Dan ended up being our server as there didn't seem to be set servers to tables or areas.. the couple next to us. after a drink left because they waited to long to even be ask if they would like to eat.. same with the couple a few seats down...
This will be corrected quickly.. we brought it to Dan`s attention and he genuinely appreciated the feedback.  When we did get someones attention.. the service and turn around time was very fast...
The Chandler Restaurant and the whole resort has hit Carlsbad with a boom and is a much needed option for locals and vacationers alike.