Street Scene from My Eyes Part 2

As promised, here are some pictures and videos from Street Scene. I also wanted to give a brief review of some of the bands.

• Devendra Banhart: I only caught a bit of one of his songs before the show, and was not going to make it a point to see him perform. Good thing I ended up watching most of his show though, because it was one of my favorite from the two days.
• Band of Horses: I found a couple of their songs the day before and was excited to see them, and they did not disappoint at all. Make sure you check out this band.
• Matt & Kim: Such a fun band to watch. They really brought a ton of energy to the stage and we instantly liked them. A female drummer and a guy on the keyboard, they come together to create catchy songs and do it with their own style.
• Conor Oberst & the Mystic Valley Band: One of my favorites. Folk inspired does not really get me too excited, but do not let that keep you away from Oberst. Rolling Stone named him the best song writer for a reason.
• Anya Marina: Only caught a portion of her set, but I did hear a cover of T.I.'s "Whatever you like". Not a song you would expect from the soft singing blonde, but I really enjoyed it.
• Cake: Although I enjoyed their music, there was a huge distraction because they were really angry with the sound guy for their stage. The negative vibe really took precedent over the actual music they were playing.
• Nortec Collective: Not a band I was really excited to see before we walked up to the stage, but it was a great show. An accordian, trumpet, tuba, and two guys mixing sound on stage made up the collective, but the sum of it all was better than the parts sound. I could not help but dance when I was listening. If you download a song make sure you play it with the sound and bass cranked up so you can experience it all.
• Modest Mouse: Have been a fan for a while, but I was a little disappointed they did not play some of the songs I love. I enjoy their music though, and it was still a good show.
• Black Eyed Peas: Favorite performance of all. There is so much more they brought to the stage than other bands. Headlining Day 1 has its advantages for sure, and they took full advantage. Each of the four is such a great performer in their own way. Fergie sang one of her own songs, and Will.I.Am even brought out his DJ table for a while. They played literally until the sound stage turned off their mic's. Amazing.
• Public Enemy: Great in the fact that I got to see Flava Flav. Never a big fan, but it was something special to see Flav take the stage.
• Busta Rhymes: Came on stage late, but brought some good energy for the half hour he was there.
• Of Montreal: So. Weird. I really cannot even remember what their music was like because it was so strange. There were people with gas masks and fat masked men on stage. I was looking forward to this band because of what I had heard beforehand, but I could just not get past it all.
• The Faint: I was so excited when I saw them of the list of bands performing, and the show was better than I could have even hoped for. They played all my favorite songs, new and old. Great music and awesome energy. There is something great about watching their keyboard player get into that gave it a boost as well.
• The Dead Weather: Jack White was running around the stage playing drums, singing and showing off his newest band. Only caught a portion of the set.
• The Knux: Did not know what to expect from them, but this was also a pleasant surprise because it was another of my favorites. It was rap with a twist I have not heard yet. The Knux are actual brothers, and they mix some good guitar sound with hard lyrics and great beats. They brought a bunch of people from the audience up on stage with them for their last song too, which got everyone really pumped.

Like I said in my last post, I really enjoyed this experience. Street Scene is a definite to do for any San Diegan.

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Street Scene from My Eyes Part 1

So this weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to go to Street Scene all thanks to the tickets provided by Slacker Radio (http://www.slacker.com/). They are a free, personal, and portable radio station customized for each user based on their favorite music allowing you to find new artists and listen to your favorites at the same time.

If you are a San Diego local and have yet to go to Street Scene, you need to experience it. Big bands and lesser known bands alike play for two days making it an amazing musical event. The streets of downtown are filled with avid fans and curious newbies, while the sounds of at least three bands fill your ears. There were 5 stages, each showcasing a new band frequently. There was never a dull moment because you are able to listen to what you want to, rather than in a typical concert you are stuck listening to whoever is on the stage for that time. In between the bands that you wanted to hear, you are able to explore the numerous vendors, beer gardens, and food stands. Eclectic jewelry, hippie clothes, shoes, sunglasses, and more line the streets in between the stages.

I was able to see about 10 bands each day, give or take. Some of them I knew, (like Black Eyed Peas), while others I heard for the first time.

Here is a list of bands I was able to see:

• Shooter Jennings
• Devendra Banhart
• Band of Horses
• Matt & Kim
• Conor Oberst & the Mystic Valley Band
• Anya Marina
• Cake
• Nortec Collective
• Modest Mouse
• Black Eyed Peas
• Public Enemy
• Busta Rhyme
• Of Montreal
• The Faint
• West Indian Girl
• Silverspun Pickups
• The Dead Weather
• The Knux

I have to say, I was able to have a pretty complete experience at Street Scene. I learned about new bands and I got to see some of my favorites. Probably one of my favorite things to do when I was there though was people watch. What a variety of people at Street Scene! And as it got later... people got more drunk so the weirdness increased!

Stay tuned for tomorrow's review of the bands and pictures. See which ones were my favorite from each day!

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Barkers & Burgers: Ocean Beach Date

There is nothing better than having some of your favorite things combine to make the perfect day, or date, in this case. Dogs, the beach, and great food all work together to form another one of my Go-To Girl Designed Date Nights.

Ocean Beach itself is a spectacular place to visit. I feel like it has a little bit of a different personality than the other popular beaches in San Diego. It doesn't have the party scene like Pacific Beach or the upscale beauty of La Jolla, but it sure has character. Unique shops, such as The Black feature Rastafarian knick-knacks, candles and incense, clothes, posters and unique books. The streets are usually filled with locals or visitors from the hostel nearby. The beaches are nice as most San Diego beaches are. But the one that we are going to visit today is Dog Beach.

Dog Beach is one of my favorite places because it just so happens--dogs and the beach rate pretty high on my favorite things. This beach not only has the beauty of San Diego and the character of Ocean Beach, but also the sight of miles of dogs frolicking to and from the ocean with their owners. The reason I think Dog Beach would be a perfect place for a date, (whether you have a pooch of your own or not,) is because it is a such a great sight to see. Being a dog-lover, there is nothing better than watching so many dogs playing and enjoying the sun just like their owners. Families and their dogs roam the beach, playing ball and exploring the water. Dog Beach provides a comfortable setting and plenty of things to talk about. (see below for directions)

After you fill your dog quota, it is time for dinner. Get ready for the best burger of your life. Hodad's. I guarantee that there will be a line outside. Once you finally get inside, take your big yellow menus and seat yourself where you can. License plates fill up the walls and loud music is always on. The servers are to the point and when they are busy (which they usually are) don't expect any special treatment. Hodad's has the best and biggest burgers, amazing onion rings, and delicious vanilla shakes. I am not one to order a burger at a restaurant but Hodad's is simply amazing.

Dog Beach and Hodad's is perfect for a comfortable and casual date. Both places are unique and fun settings that you or your date will not be disappointed with.

Directions to Dog Beach:

8 West to the end. Turn left and follow the signs for Sunset Cliffs. Turn right at W Point Loma Blvd. and follow it as it curves around until you can turn right at the second stop sign into the beach parking lot

Directions to Hodad's from the Dog Beach parking lot:

Head southeast on Brighton Ave toward Abbott St. Turn right at Abbott St. Continue on Newport Ave.

Links

• Hodads http://www.hodadies.com/

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Tastes of College Area

With SDSU one week away from starting up again, I thought it would be appropriate to make a post about some of the students' favorite spots to eat.

1.) 4.0 Deli

Location: Corner of College and Montezuma

This is an amazing sandwich place. Usually crowded, inside you will find college students inside sharing pitchers of beers and munching on their favorite sandwich. The place is decorated with college apparel and shirts from organizations 4.0 has sponsored. They include two seasonal items-- strawberries and cream, and when strawberries are not in season, rice pudding. Both so delicious. Their strawberries are always fresh and tasty which is a perfect blend with the cream sauce which has a hint of cinnamon. The rice pudding is served with rum raisins is absolutely mouthwatering.

My favorite sandwich here is the Vegetarian Heaven on sourdough with no pesto. I am not a vegetarian and rarely order vegetarian meals but this sandwich has the perfect blend of veggies-- sprouts, avocado, onions, red peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese. Another favorite, if you are more the type of person who wants meat on their sandwich, is the Godfather--turkey, provolone cheese, pesto, and some veggies. They have great cheap drink specials and beer on tap, which makes it a favorite during happy hour for college students.

All in all, if you are in College Area and need a sub this is your place. I have never heard a complaint about anything ordered here, so you cant go wrong.

2.) Trujillo's

Location: Corner of College and Montezuma

Definitely an important part of your SDSU experience. Open until after 2am on weekends, Trujillo's becomes the favorite food of the drunk college kids who roam the streets. But when your drunk is not the only time Trujillo's is good. They have on of the best California burritos I have had and the Carne Asada fries are also delicious. The staff is friendly and the crowd is usually a great show! For $8, you can get a burrito and drink. A definite must if you enjoy Mexican food.

3.) Fattes Pizza

Location: El Cajon Blvd

So here comes another white sauce pizza recommendation. Fattes Pizza has amazing pizza crust, incredible toppings, and of course my favorite, great white sauce. They have great deals, such as two pizzas for the price of one. They deliver and their owner Travis is a chill, young guy that is great to work with if you want pizza for a lot of people for a meeting or student organization.

4.) Milo's

Location: Montezuma Rd

Milo's is also a pizza joint but I go here when I am craving a toasty salami sub. Cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and salami on a toasted sub makes for a great sandwich. They have a great pizza deal for a slice and a drink but I don't usually get the pizza there. This place became a fave of mine because I lived so close by. They are a great place to stop by for lunch and grab a bite. They only have two tables inside but they deliver and do pick up.

5.) Pita Pit

Location: College Ave

Typical college food, but can be a healthier choice. Basically limitless options of combinations of ingredients to make your perfect pita, Pita Pit offers a great break from usually unhealthy and greasy college food.

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If You Are in the Mood For Raw Fish for a Great Price...

San Diego has billions of delicious sushi places but the reason this one stands out is its amazing happy hour. Rolls are half price Monday through Friday 3pm-7pm. If you are craving sushi but live on a college student budget like me, this place is absolutely perfect. From the outside, and well even on the inside, the place looks a little sketchy at first. However, I promise you will not be disappointed with their food for the price. This little restaurant offers a great service but is cash only during happy hour, (there is an ATM inside). Every time I go I get hot edamame beans and the Crunchy Roll. Nothing tops their Crunchy Roll. There is some kind of sauce on it that just makes it divine. This is a perfect spot for some good sushi on a cheap budget.

Links

• Google Maps of Ichiban http://bit.ly/OpzhR

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Hillcrest's Farmers Market

Today I decided to explore the Hillcrest's Farmers Market because as you know street fairs and farmers markets are some of my favorite things to do. Now this is what a farmers market looks like!!! Canopies full of food, things to buy, and fresh produce filled the streets. There were so many selections. I was starving as usual so I stopped at the La Creperie stand (they have an actual place in north park). For $8, I got a savory crepe with spinach, avocado, cheese, and a secret delicious sauce. So yummy! It was filling and the ingredients were bursting with flavor. The sauce is pretty garlicky but for a garlic-lover like me it was perfect! I'm usually a sweet crepe fan and go for just Nutella but I am so happy for this decision. The rest of the food there looked great but La Creperie gets my vote.

There is an extensive amount of fresh produce and flowers available. The rest of the stands that had things to buy had a wide variety of clothing, jewelry, and other little knick-knacks. I thought the stands were very interesting to look at and many of them lured me in to peruse around. The people here are friendly and are more than willing to help you out at their booth. There is a great mix of people in the crowd too, locals and exciting newbie looking to explore.

Parking can be a challenge, but look on the surrounding neighborhood streets and you are bound to find something. It is a great way to support locals and I definitely suggest bringing an eco-friendly bag to carry all of your goodies. I plan to make this a Sunday morning ritual because I am so pleased about my experience today.

Links

• Every Sunday 9am-2pm located in the DMV parking lot (Lincoln Street between Cleveland and Normal)
• http://www.hillquest.com/hba/farmersmarket.htm

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OB Summerfest... More of a Picnic than "Fest"

So today I decided to venture into Ocean Beach for a "Summerfest" I had heard about. Being in love with street festivals, I was excited to see what OB had in store. On my exit off the 8 freeway, I looked over to my left and saw several canopies set up at the park. I thought to myself, "hmm, well I guess that is it. I'll check it out." Hoping for the best, I rolled into the parking lot and saw a row of maybe 15 canopies. Now I was apprehensive. Getting out of my car, I was immediately drawn to the 4 canopies set up with food. The first one was three kids yelling in attempts to sell snow cones, the second was Mexican food, then there were gyros, and lastly funnel cake. After a very sad and somewhat pathetic food display, I made my way to the "craft fair" part of the Summerfest. There I found a few more canopies filled with little trinkets and hand-made crafts for sale. Usually I am a sucker for things I don't need to buy but seem cool at the time, but this smorgasbord of little crafts and jewelry did not lure me to pull out my wallet.

The carnival part of the "fest" included very few rides and out of all things, 3 llamas, which surprisingly were probably the highlight of this event.

After I had explored the canopies and the llamas, entertainment had set up on the stage. I think it was country? I did actually not stay around long enough to hear it because overall I was really disappointed. Ocean Beach is one of my favorite beach towns but unfortunately I do not think they can put on a Summerfest just yet.

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