Top 10 Favorite Foods

It has been a while since my last Top 10 List, Father’s day to be exact. It isn’t that I don’t like to do the list; it is just hard to create a list that is entertaining, will stimulate responses, and hasn’t been done to death. Sometimes I will hear or see something that will spark the creative juices and the ideas just flow out. Other times, it takes a little more effort to create the perfect list.

My favorite list was the best songs of all time, followed by the best movies, and best T.V. shows. Each of these topics had plenty of resources to choose from, and a lot of great comments from our viewers which either agreed or disagreed with my choices which is the whole point of making a list. Today, I will make my Top 10 List of favorite foods. I will assume that there will be plenty of feedback on my list, and I hope a lot of suggestions of foods that I didn’t include on my list.

Here are my favorite foods, and places to find them:

1.    Lasagna. I love lasagna, and although most people will say their Mom’s is the best, I will have to lean towards Buca di Beppo over my Mom’s homemade. Sorry Mom, I love you but they have this one down pat.

2.    Pizza. This is a tough one to single out only one restaurant, but for consistency, quality, and taste I have to go with Filippi’s Pizza Grotto. They also give your child a dough ball when you first sit down, which keeps them occupied until the food comes.

3.    Hot Corned Beef Sandwich. I love the Corned Beef Sandwiches at Callahan’s. Nice and thick slices, served on fresh rye bread. You don’t have to wait until St. Patrick’s Day for this Irish treat served daily. Added bonus if you have a pint of Guinness with it.

4.    Pita Sandwich. I used to be a sandwich guy every day for lunch, until I discovered Extreme Pita in the Mira Mesa Shopping Center. Now I am hooked. Instead of putting my favorite pita down, I will just tell you to go in everyday for a couple of weeks and try them all one at a time. They are grilled hot, but without oil or grease so they are a nice healthy choice for a great fast lunch. You can even click here for a coupon to save you on your next purchase (thanks Eric and Debbie!)

5.    Chicken Tandoori. I love spicy food, and my friends at Ashoka the Great have the best Authentic Indian Cuisine. During my last visit to Ashoka the Great, I told my friend Pally that I like very spicy food, and he did his best to catch my mouth on fire. It was amazingly hot, but still full of flavor. I am hooked. For beginners, try the lunch buffet for a variety of great foods at a very reasonable price.

6.    Chicken wings. I love chicken wings, the hotter the better. I hear that Hooter’s is known for their wings (among other things) but my wife keeps me on a rather short leash so I am not allowed to try their hot wings. I will give Callahan’s my nod, and recommend their suicide wings for the adventurous fire-eater. Or you can order the Russian roulette plate, which has a few suicide wings randomly tossed in with a huge order of regular ones. The first person to need a drink has to buy the next round!

7.     California Burrito. There are tons of drive through Mexican restaurants that serve California Burritos. They are mainly a variation of the Carne Asada burrito with either French fries or potato cubes mixed in. My favorite is from Cotija Taco Shop, and you need to enjoy it with multiple doses of hot sauce.

8.    Ultimate Ole breakfast from The Eggery. I got hooked on this variation of the chorizo scramble when my son was an infant, and our drive to Pacific Beach would put him out for an hour long nap so my wife and I could enjoy a meal together. It is the only thing I get every time we go for breakfast.

9.    Ice Cream. Ben & Jerry’s Chubby Hubby to be exact. There is nothing like relaxing with a bowl of ice cream after a long day. I happen to love the peanut butter filled, chocolate covered pretzels mixed in a malted vanilla ice cream. Great, now I am hungry and I don’t have a backup pint in the freezer!

10.    Lemon Chicken from Mandarin Garden. The portions are huge, the service is fast and friendly, and their Mai Tai’s are just the thing to make the whole evening a pleasant one.

That is my Top 10 list, now let me know what I missed. I hope you try some of my recommendations, as they are sincere and unbiased. Mira Mesa is full of many excellent restaurants, so please share your favorites with our audience.

Bloodmobile in Mira Mesa at Pat & Oscar’s 9/12, 9/15/2009

The San Diego Blood Bank is looking for donors to give blood and save a life. The bloodmobile will be in Mira Mesa this weekend, starting on Saturday, September 12 at Pat & Oscar’s in the Westview Parkway Shopping Center. The bloodmobile will be available in the parking lot in front Pat & Oscar’s from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and you do not need a reservation to donate. Pat & Oscar’s is located at 10673 Westview Parkway, and they offer a free meal coupon after you donate.

If you can’t make it on Saturday, there is another chance to donate blood on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at two different Mira Mesa locations. There will be one bloodmobile at Pat & Oscar’s from 1-7 p.m. and another at the Souplantation on Mira Mesa Blvd. also from 1-7 p.m.

If you would like to make a reservation, you may do so by going to the San Diego Blood Bank’s website and following the simple instructions. Giving blood is easy, and you can donate and be back to work in around ½ hour. Your donation could save a life, so please join us and give blood Mira Mesa!

The Latest Flash for September 1-7, 2009

This is the last week of summer for most of the county, and the hot summer weather is hanging around to make this weekend a great time for a picnic. I am sure most Mira Mesa parents are going to be busy purchasing new back packs, and filling them with school supplies. School starts on Tuesday, September 8 for most of the elementary, middle, and high schools and the kids are ready for a new year filled with new challenges.

There is only one first day of school each year, and I like to capture the moment with pictures. It is a great way to see the progress your little ones have made throughout the year by comparing the first day photo to all the field trips, school plays, and events that take place during the school year. Try to get all the kids to line up for a group shot on the first day, and include their teacher in the photo. We like to make a photo book of all the events that happen each year, and this is a great first entry in the book.

The friends my son made last year in Kindergarten have remained close through the summer, and we are even having an end-of-summer get together with the whole class (Teacher included). Hopefully, several kids will share the same classroom this year, but we also hope my son makes new friends as well. The thought behind the party is to get the kids ready for a new school year, and also to show them that although the first day of school can be scary, look at all the friends you can make through going to school.

I hope everyone had a great summer, and I hope for the families with children that this new school year is one filled with many great experiences and memories. Don’t forget to take pictures and videos, as you only get one chance to capture each moment. Also, make sure to share any events that are taking place within your school, church, or group with our readers, as we try to include upcoming events in The Flash column each week. We also will post your event on the community calendar with a brief definition and link to your website for free. Just send your information to mark@miramesa.com. Thanks for your help in keeping Mira Mesa informed.

Go Green Mira Mesa! Coastal Cleanup Day 9/19/2009

Live healthy, go green! There are many ways to live a healthier lifestyle, and to help save our planet in the process. Recycle, keep our parks and beaches litter free, and purchase organically grown produce at our Mira Mesa Farmers Market each Tuesday from 3-7 p.m. Now more than ever we all need to do our part to learn how green living is the way to go. Please do your part and attend these great events.

CALIFORNIA COASTAL CLEANUP DAY!
Saturday, September 19th from 9AM – 12noon
80 cleanup sites countywide
This year, California Coastal Cleanup Day is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. That’s 25 years of volunteerism, environmental stewardship, and community beautification across the state of California. Help us build on these successes and make an impact of your own by volunteering this year at one of San Diego County’s 80 coastal and inland cleanup sites. Visit the event website at www.cleanupday.org for details about the event, site info, to register, and to download a waiver.

The Green Expo
Sunday, October 18th from 10AM – 7:30PM
San Diego Embarcadero Park
500 Kettner Blvd, San Diego 92101, on the North side
The Green Expo is dedicated to providing help across a broad range of needs by connecting people to resources and information for a Greener Planet and healthier life, at no cost to attendees. Join in for fun and education, including green speakers, exhibitors, workshops, leaders, live entertainment and complimentary food.

Share The Wealth: Monster Manor 2009 Fundraiser

Raise Money for Your 501(c)3

by Bringing People to Monster Manor

Voted: The Best Haunted House in San Diego

by San Diego Union Tribune Voters.

San Diego’s only Non- Profit Haunted House.

A Little About Us:

Monster Manor has scared and delighted more than 10,000 guests— all to benefit local community groups. The event is open to non-profit organizations throughout San Diego as a fundraiser through our “Share the Wealth” Program. While Monster Manor has been a wonderful event and a good fundraiser, every year it has had one soft spot —not enough cadavers…I mean bodies! We have the capacity to entertain thousands more guests … this is where your group can help, and take back a portion of the proceeds.

By promoting Monster Manor, your non-profit group can earn thousands of dollars this fall.

ADD YOUR NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION TO THE LIST.

CONTACT COURTLAND YOUNG 858-349-6420

You Can Raise Money for your 501(c)3 organization

by selling tickets to Monster Manor

How The Program Works: Simple as 1-2-3!

1) Complete the Application/Agreement and W-9 forms and submit them to the Mira Mesa Theatre Guild or Courtland Young 858-349-6420 or email us at media@monstermanor.org.

2) Decide how many tickets you would like to purchase. Your group can then market and re-sell those tickets for more than what you bought them for. The profit you make is up to you.

Your group can purchase as many tickets as you like, there is a minimum order of 10 tickets; the more tickets you buy from us the less your cost is.

Ticket Prices:

Buy 10-50 Tickets. Cost to your group is $9.00 each. You can then resell those tickets for a higher amount. Our Ticket price this year is 12.00 for our night time haunt. That’s a 20% profit.

If you buy more:

50- 100 Tickets Cost $8.00, If you sell them for $12.00 that’s a 33% return

100 and up – *BEST VALUE* Ticket Cost $6.00 50% return.

3) Once you buy your tickets we will send you all marketing material* and tickets to get your group started.

*Marketing material will consist of: Poster, Flyer, and a digital copy of each

Disclaimer: Tickets cannot be sold at or within 50 yards of Monster Manor in any direction. Tickets are not valid on October 30th and 31st. There will be no refunds or exchanges under this program.

There are other sponsorship opportunities available at various rates. For more information, please visit our website at www.monstermanor.org

Back To School, Time to Get Money Out of the Bank

Have you seen the Staples ad on T.V.? The one with the father loading up a shopping cart with back to school supplies as the kids look totally depressed, and Andy Williams is singing “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” as the dad coasts by victoriously? I love that commercial. This signals the beginning of the school year, and a mad dash to Target, Wal-Mart, Staples, Office Depot, and every other store that has school supplies. This also means I get to look forward to PTA meetings, little league, soccer practice, karate lessons, and weekend projects that will go unfinished until the winter break.

My recommendation to all parents out there: Start saving now. It is only a matter of time before you get the first doorbell ring with the neighborhood kids selling Robin Wrap Wrapping Paper, or Girl Scout Cookies. You can’t hide at the office from the endless promotional items that kids no longer are required to peddle to family members. It seems like over-achieving parents have taken over the marketing of these fundraisers and will solicit co-workers to spend their hard earned cash on cookie dough and frozen pretzels or popcorn so their child can “win” some little trinket.

I like the fundraiser my son’s school proposed last year. They figured out how much each student needed to raise for field trips, supplies, etc. and put that dollar amount on a piece of paper. Each parent could then just cut a check and avoid having to put their kid out on the street to sell candy for their school. The money I saved by not having to pay for daycare made this a great option. And why should my neighborhood have to pay to raise my child in the first place? They do sell holiday wrapping paper in the stores, you know.

I still go to the school functions, and I am also a very involved parent during these events. I spend money during the raffles, silent auctions, and bake sales. I just hate to go door to door begging for money from people who are struggling with their own bills. One thing I know for sure is that it will more difficult to raise money this year as compared to last year. I believe we are going to see more creative ideas to raise funds, and more money will need to be raised by each school to cover expenses that were once covered by state funds. I guess the African Proverb that Hillary Clinton used was right when she said it takes a village to raise a child.

The Latest Flash for August 17-23, 2009

Summer is drawing to an end, so there are only a few days left to enjoy the beach, a day at the races in Del Mar, or a trip to LegoLand before the school season begins. The weather is perfect for a nice walk through Balboa Park, or a hike at Torrey Pines State Park. Even a local excursion to one of Mira Mesa’s parks for a day of play in the sunshine is just what the family needs to enjoy a fun, free afternoon in America’s Finest City.

Don’t forget to stop by the Mira Mesa Farmer’s Market this Tuesday, from 3-7p.m. and pick up some huge frest strawberries, or any of the wonderful items available at great prices. The Farmer’s Market is located in front of the Mira Mesa High School on the corner of Mira Mesa Blvd. and Reagan Road.

The Mira Mesa Chamber of Commerce is having their monthly meeting / mixer at the Mandarin Garden Restaurant on Tuesday, August 18th at 6:00 p.m. This is an important meeting for members to attend, as we will be securing the positions for the 2010 Board of Directors. This will be a highly interactive meeting, and all members are urged to attend.

Tuesday is also the last day to apply for a booth for the Mira Mesa Street Fair without paying a late fee. The Street Fair will take place September 26, 2009. To find out more information, or to sponser a booth during the fair, contact the Mira Mesa Town Council through their website.

The Epicentre will be celebrating their 10 Years of Youth Service with a huge community open house event on Friday, November 13th from 4-10p.m. There will be speaker presentations, live music, dance demonstrations, art show, raffle, refreshments and more. The event will feature a concert at the end of the open house, and there are still promotional opportunities avialable if you would like to help sponsor this major event. Use this link to download the application for sponsorship of the event.

Finally, Saturday, August 22nd is WEBELOS DAY! All Webelos Scouts are invited to come and learn what Boy Scouts are all about. ~ climb our tower, walk the monkey bridge, shoot the catapults and it is all FREE! Saturday, August 22nd from 1 to 4 pm at the Mira Mesa Recreational Center, 8575 New Salem St, San Diego. Sponsored by Troop 1212, Mira Mesa’s Finest Troop!

A Summer Celebration – Thursday, Aug. 27th

Lifestyles INFOCUS invites you to an elegant fund raising event, A Summer Celebration!

This is a special night of gourmet foods, fine wines, micro brews, chocolatiers, health and wellness services, mini massages, live entertainment and more. Proceeds from the Summer Celebration will benefit the Poway Unified School District Foundation, and the event takes place at the Bernardo Winery in Poway. Tickets are moderately priced at $45 per person, $70 per couple, or $50 at the door. The first 250 attendees also receive a commemorative wine-tasting glass and plate, along with unlimited food and wine tastings.

You can purchase your tickets in advance online, or by phone at 1-888-706-8ACT (8228).

For more details, please visit the lifestylesinfocus website.

Event:A Summer Celebration of Reds, Whites and Green.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 27, 2009 4:30 pm-8:30 pm.
Where: The Bernardo Winery, 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte, San Diego, Ca 92128.
Cost: $45 per person, $70 per couple, $50 at the door.

Purchase tickets online: www.lifestylesinfocus.com

High School Musical 3 – Saturday, August 15, 2009

Time Warner Cable presents High School Musical 3 at the Mira Mesa Community Park as part of their “Moonlight Movies” series. You can come out to watch the movie under the stars, and enjoy contests and games absolutely free! The fun starts at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15 and the movie will begin at dusk (aroun d 8:00 p.m.) Just bring your family, friends, blankets and low chairs to enjoy the festivities. Thank you Time Warner Cable for bringing this community event to Mira Mesa, and Go Wildcats!

What: High School Musical 3
Where: Mira Mesa Community Park 8575 New Salem Street, San Diego, CA. 92126
When: Saturday, August 15, 2009
Time: 5:00 p.m. games and contests. Movie begins at dusk.
Cost: FREE!!!!

The Latest Flash for August 10-16, 2009

The Rescue House and PETCO host an Adoption Fair the Third Saturday each month from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Mira Mesa PETCO. Adoption Counselors are on hand, and in some cases you may take your adoptive cat home the same day. For more information, and to download the adoption application, visit the Rescue House website. PETCO is located at 8290 Mira Mesa Blvd.

Saturday, August 22nd is WEBELOS DAY! All Webelos Scouts are invited to come and learn what Boy Scouts are all about. ~ climb our tower, walk the monkey bridge, shoot the catapults and it is all FREE! Saturday, August 22nd from 1 to 4 pm at the Mira Mesa Recreational Center, 8575 New Salem St, San Diego. Sponsored by Troop 1212, Mira Mesa’s Finest Troop!

A Summer Celebration: Thursday, August 27th at the Bernardo Winery, there will be an elegant fund raiser featuring gourmet foods, fine wines, micro brew beer, chocolateirs, relaxation spa & retreats, mini massages, live entertainment and more. Proceeds will benefit the Poway Unified School District Foundation, and ticket prices are very affordable at :$45 per person, $70 per couple, or $50 at the door. First 250 attendees receive a commemorative wine-tasting glass & plate and Unlimited food & wine tastings for everybody!

To purchase tickets or for more information, use this link at www.lifestylesinfocus.com or call (888) 706-8ACT (8228). Bernardo Winery is located at 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte, San Diego, CA. 92128. Vendor opportunities are still available. Use this link to download the  event flier.

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