Joya Restaurant
After flying in from California my Best Friend took my son and I out to eat here. As we walked up to the restaurant I was expecting it be a very posh crowd; I was very surprised to find that it was a super friendly environment. We waited to be seated about 30 minutes which seems to be the norm since it was such a busy place. The food choice was authentic... down to the beer and the price was very reasonable for the amount of food we had (with enough to take home with us). I would recommend if you're in the neighborhood (or not) to visit JOYA.
New York Bagels & Omelets
I can only say that the convenience of this bagel shop is comparable only by its customer service and delicious bagels. Warm and fresh is how I like my breakfast and I love how speedy everything is.
Lips
This is not your typical dinner and show. I've been here so many times that I've lost count. It's good fun for special "girl" occasions like bachelorette parties and such, but if you include some men in your party you are guaranteed to get more attention for your money. The menu is decent, the drinks are superb and the entertainment is something else. I've been to Bitchy Bingo (Wednesdays) and a few Glmaour Girl (Saturdays) nights. Everytime was fun and its always a different experience. This is defintiely not for the easily embarrased.
Athens Market Cafe
My family has a restaurant for every authentic international taste. This is our Greek restaurant. This is defintiely worth a trip if you have never had it before. It's convienietly located next to the movie theater so you can stop in before a movie or walk around after you eat in the open shopping center. I sometimes crave the perfectly marinated gyro meat and the salty feta cheese. They have a kids menu too which is smaller portions at a smaller price.
Emperors Palace
My husband tried this place with my son (7) for lunch. By the end of the week we were in there all together for dinner so that I could try it for myself. I immediately knew what he meant when he said is was not just good... but "GOOD". If you want to just have sushi you can sit at the bar where you can watch them make it fresh for you. We sat at a booth so we could experience the other dishes they have as well. I had the Bulgogi and it was very good. I would definitely recommend this to anyone willing to try authentic Japanese cuisine at a reasonable price.
Bellus Academy
As a graduate of this school and a client I can defintiely say there are ups and downs here. As a student I witnessed the renovation in process, the teacher turnaround, the curriculum change, the price increase and the student body become more invloved. As a client I realized that the Aestetic Department was very skilled and always busy, the Manicurists are much better than they think and the Cosmetologist are not getting enough business. I would recommend the school to clients but I have a warning for future student... keep track of your payment reciepts, your hours, and your proceedures. You will find that they disappear before your eyes. On the up side the school has been remodeled to mirror a 5 star spa. So check it out for yourself. Also it is a Sassoon Connection so expect to pay a little more that the average beauty school.
Patrick's Irish Pub
I went in here for lunch with a friend and fell in love with the staff, the menu, and the Mug Club. They have a club where you pay an initial fee for your mug to be engraved with your name or nick name of your choice. This mug allows you head of the line priveleges on special event days and happy hour prices all the time. They keep you mugs behind the counter so you can stop in whenever you feel like it. They have pretty much every beer or liquor you can think of and the food is something to crave as well. Check them out and you will be hooked.
Elam's Hallmark Shop
I walked into this store looking for a birthday card. Inside they have aisle of greeting cards, but when you first walk in there are aisle of all sorts of gift items- that you just have to look at. Towards the back of the store you will find that they do personalized invitation and announcements as well. As for me I found the biggest treasure of all. A Webkinz for my little one. After looking everywhere for Webkinz and giving up I was happy to find them so close to home and unexpectedly.
Bernardo Winery
I was surprised to find a Winery in the middle of Rancho Bernardo. There aren't many people that know about it but apparently enough do. A friend and went to check it out and found there are small art shops, a salon, a bakery, a coffee shop and so much more than I imagined I would find going there. I tried a buttercream frosted cupcake at the bakery and it was the sweetest thing I've tasted. And that was a good thing. I would recommend you take a lunch date with a friend here and try out the outdoor seating with the beautiful scenery for a change.
Molly Maid
As a reward to myself I decided to have a cleaning service come to my apartment. They came out and gave an estimate of what the first time would cost me and what would be included. They also informed me that if I continued to use the service weekly bi weekly or monthly the prices would slowly decrese. When I got home after the service was complete I was amazed. I had been living at my residence for years and didn't realize the little things that could be done to make my home cleaner. They even left the change they found in the couch cushions. =)
