Entertainment Guide producers Erin Glass and Keli Dailey answered questions from readers during a Thursday afternoon online chat at
signonsandiego.com/chat.
moderator(P) Good afternoon and welcome to our entertainment chat. The team is here to answer your questions and help you have a memorable weekend.
keli_dailey(P) It's alive!
keli_dailey(P) Jerry, what are your weekend plans?
moderator(P) Welcome jerry
keli_dailey(P) howdy all around...
jerry(Q) thank you
moderator(A) What are you going to be doing this weekend?
moderator(P) OK, Erin and Keli, instead of telling me what to do this weekend, why don't you tell me what NOT to do.
keli_dailey(P) Good one, moderator
erin_glass(P) Nice!
keli_dailey(P) I would NOT go to the mall, the Victoria's Secret line was off the chain busy
erin_glass(P) Man, I am going to another ten million xmas parties this weekend. BUT
moderator(P) There are so many reasons why will not find me at Victoria's Secret this weekend. It's a fine store, just not my thing.
keli_dailey(P) You didn't like the Angel's TV Show with SEal?
keli_dailey(P) Anyway, back to the question of what not to do...
keli_dailey(P) I would NOT miss Unsilent Night, some people enjoy pre-recorded carolling and the Gaslamp...
jerry(Q) I was wondering if you know about any 30 + singles nignts for tonight
erin_glass(A) Anthology seems to appeal to the 30 + crowd and nightlife editor sitting beside me is suggesting Martinis on 4th.
keli_dailey(P) I would NOT go to 'Juno' - just rent 'Knocked Up' and 'Heathers' instead
moderator(P) Pre-recorded Christmas carols? Just shoot me now.
keli_dailey(P) Unsilent Night works for the NOT to do, then. We want you alive.
moderator(P) I'm sure it is a good event and many people would enjoy it. I'm just being a little bit of a Scrouge right now. I just got my sister-in-law's Christmas list and am dreading the shopping. If I can stay away from all things Christmas, maybe I can forget my credit card bill.
jerry(Q) oh ok good thNK YOU
erin_glass(A) No prob jerry!
keli_dailey(P) I'd probably skip all the Christmas plays and catch some real original productions...
erin_glass(P) i'm going to the new york opera this saturday at 10 a.m. it's being broadcasted in sd theaters.
keli_dailey(P) Or you can catch some plays like "Sweet 15" or "Punks" or "Cowboy Vs. Samurai" all of which close this weekend.
moderator(P) I read about Cowboy vs. Samurai just last night. It looked like an interesting play. Anyone go?
keli_dailey(P) Of course, it was a retelling of the Cyrano de Bergerac classic.
moderator(P) Of course
moderator(P) Welcome staffofgod
moderator(P) Anyone ever eat at Zenbu in La Jolla?
staffofgod(Q) Thank you
moderator(A) Anything you want to talk about?
sd72(Q) I'm looking for a good place to have breakfast in Hillcrest. Any ideas?
erin_glass(A) welp, i love a coffee from pete's and a jalapeno and cheese roll from bread and cie next door. but for a bigger breakfast, hash house is good and has amazing bloody marys
keli_dailey(P) Zenbu...it's good and expensive we hear (from Claire Madigan) - and the stuff that's not on the menu is great. Like the Johnny Roll, I hear.
keli_dailey(P) Staff of god, nice name. Reminds me of Charleston Heston.
keli_dailey(P) Charleton
moderator(P) Welcome porter
staffofgod(Q) thank you
keli_dailey(A) So what're you up to this weekend, Staff?
keli_dailey(P) Any office holiday parties to get drunk at?
staffofgod(Q) peet's coffee and cinamon rols from bred & cie are a favorite of mine. I find Hash house lacking in elbow room and too crowded to enjoy. Prefer St Tropez, food is ok but atmosphere better especially if I can get a seat outside
erin_glass(A) i hear you on hash -- not the most comfortable, the tractor room outdoor seating across the street (same owners) is a little better. Cafe on Park, closer to North Park, is good too.
keli_dailey(P) I went to Big Kitchen for the first time last weekend.
keli_dailey(P) The biscuits and gravy tasted like soup. But the host, Judy, is nice - the decor is Motown.
moderator(P) When I first read that I thought you said the "Big Chicken"
staffofgod(Q) not sure yet, i'm stuck in Connecticut, hoping to be able to fly out tomorrow after the snow storm passes
keli_dailey(A) Hey, so we have a continental audience! Thanks for checking in with the home team.
keli_dailey(P) Perfect weather is waiting for you.
erin_glass(P) speaking of soup, has anyone had the clam chowder at bluewater. i want some now. amazing. but they don't put iti n a bread bowl. boo hoo.
staffofgod(Q) Judy is an icon in that place....
keli_dailey(A) Yeah, she makes "tres bien" a wonderful catch phrase.
moderator(P) Connecticut. It's a beautiful state, but a little too cold for me
keli_dailey(P) The food at Big Kitchen paled next to Cafe on Park, HUGE servings there.
staffofgod(C) can't wait... I miss my San Diego... and its food...
keli_dailey(P) What are some of your must-eats, Staff?
keli_dailey(P) places, dishes...
staffofgod(Q) It is very beautiful, first time I see snow fall. It is quite beautiful, with all the New England style houses dressed up for Xmas
moderator(A) Yeah, I used to live in New England. It is so beautiful, but I just don't like all that snow and cold.
moderator(P) I like India Palace in Hillcrest, Ortega's and Baja Betty's. Oh, and the C Level Loung on Harbor Island is fantastic.
staffofgod(Q) I yet to try breakfast at Ortega's I keep forgetting they have Sun brunch
erin_glass(A) i haven't been yet, but I think a review from another writer is coming out soon in the paper on ortega's. i think our paper's music writer, George Varga, liked the live jazz brunch at the new Urban Solace in North Park.
staffofgod(Q) Mr A's for the view food ok. for rib-eye Donnovan's is best in the country in my opinion, Kensington Grill's ribeye is also good. Kemo Save and Indigo Grill I like too
keli_dailey(A) India Palace always gets raves....You sound like an uapologetic meat eater. Good.
moderator(P) Keli, you just moved here. What is your favorite restaurant so far?
keli_dailey(P) Hmmm...I like Yakitori Yakyudori in Hillcrest
keli_dailey(P) They do lots of grilled meats on sticks, and quail eggs. I'm a voracious meat eater, too.
moderator(P) What is Yakitori Yakyudori? Sushi?
keli_dailey(P) japanese, more noodles and appetizers and kabob type plates
moderator(P) Sounds good. I haven't had Japanese since a trip to Myrtle Beach years ago
keli_dailey(P) Generally, I prefer to cook. Catch me at the Farmer's Market on Sundays off Park in Hillcrest
staffofgod(Q) I was very dissapointed with Todai when it first opened, but I was told that it has changed quite a bit and my friends were raving about it.... anyone been there recently?
erin_glass(A) Not I. keli? Rob? I'll put it on my radar.
moderator(Q) What are your favorite things to cook?
keli_dailey(A) A good gumbo never hurt anybody. And baking a giant roast is cool, anything that requires oven safe bags.
moderator(P) Gumbo ... you're making me hungry
keli_dailey(P) Todai...sounds expensive, no?
keli_dailey(P) oh, it's a chain!
keli_dailey(P) I read their franchising web site, they're looking to settle into malls and the like.
keli_dailey(P) Best mall food I ever had was Tacone over at Fashion Valley's food court.
keli_dailey(P) Our offices are nearby...
staffofgod(Q) I was told is very inexpensive and that the food improved
keli_dailey(A) The name just sounds $$, it's a buffet chain
staffofgod(C) I've only seen that one on MIssion Valley under the bridge...
keli_dailey(P) There's a craze going on...french fried sweet potatoes. Tacone's got it. And lots of Ethiopian restaurants try it. I make them too.
moderator(P) Welcome Vindiola. We are discussing our favorite places to eat. What are yours?
moderator(P) Those just don't sound good to me.
staffofgod(Q) which ones are some of your favorites moderator?
moderator(A) My favorite restaurants?
staffofgod(Q) Kensington Grill served them too... I like them.
keli_dailey(A) Sweet potato fries...It's a viral dish, taking over menus everywhere.
Vindiola(Q) I love spicy food, so definitely Indian cuisine is my #1, Bombay's buffet is unbeatable
keli_dailey(A) Really, cause India Palace is getting all the lip service (and tummy service) when I ask for good Indian.
moderator(P) staffofgod, my favorite restaurants so far are India Palace, Ortega's and Baja Betty's, and the C Level Lounge. I just moved here and am slowly trying out different restaurants. I did find a pasta one in Coronado I didn't care for. But I forget the name.
Vindiola(Q) Any recommendations for a family Christmas Carol bash somewhere? Christmas Music? Would love to take my parents, niece and nephew. Thank you.
erin_glass(A) We've got a million christmas events in our holiday guide you could browse through. Are you thinking specifically caroling? There's a sing along at balboa park pavilion on the 23rd. There's the holiday pops from the 19-23. Unfortunately Carols by Candlelight already passed. There's also "Messiah" and "the Nutcracker." You can see more events at www.signonsandiego.com/feature/san-diego-holiday-guide/events.html
staffofgod(Q) I didn't know they served foot at the C Level Lounge ... i'll have to try it
moderator(A) Yes, they serve some food. The view is unbelievable.
staffofgod(Q) Ortega's does make good mexican food... El Agave in Old Town is also good for mexican
moderator(A) Actually I have been to El Agave - I had forgotten. You are right, it was good.
staffofgod(Q) I was thinking of a different C Lounge in he gaslamp. I just checked the one you mentioned. It seems very interesting I'll put it on my list....thx
moderator(A) You're welcome. I was just there the other night with friends and had a great time.
porter(Q) i'm new to chat, forgive me
moderator(A) You're doing great
Vindiola(C) Great, thanks!!!!
porter(C) Ortega's is the place that makes your guacamole at your table, si?
Vindiola(C) La Strada
moderator(P) I don't know Porter. I have eaten there, but didn't get any guac. The salsa was good.
staffofgod(C) Yes they make your guacamole at the table in a little 'Molcajete'
porter(Q) is it in hillcrest, across from the old chilangos?
moderator(A) I just moved here so the word "old" doesn't help me. It is in Hillcrest along University. It is diagonally across the street from Urban Mo's.
moderator(P) Yeah, me too. I haven't had dinner there yet.
porter(Q) been there, liked it for lunch
moderator(A) Sorry. I forgot to submit the question.
porter(C) i haven't been doing mexican lately, more into pub comfort food. i think its' the cold weather
keli_dailey(P) Go to urban solace, then Porter!
staffofgod(Q) When the Gulf Coast Grill first open they had a guy that created very interesting desserts but he is no longer there. Which restaurant do you recommend for their desserts?
erin_glass(A) Karen Krasne's Extraordinary Desserts (little italy or hillcrest) is probably the best (well, my favorite, even though I used to work there). have you been?
keli_dailey(P) Let's all meet there for Mac and Cheese. And honey butter biscuits. Carb overload.
keli_dailey(P) I meant urban solace.
moderator(P) That's it folks. Time flies fast. We hope you have a good weekend.
moderator(P) Evolution: Why does it matter? We have a special chat with Steve Kay about evolution scheduled for Friday, Dec. 14, at noon. Kay is the dean of UCSD's Division of Biological Sciences. If you want to participate, just visit our chat page (http://www.signonsandiego.com/chat) on Friday and log in like normal. If you don't have time to join the chat, just use the link on the chat page to e-mail a question to the moderator. Then, when you have time, return to this page (www.signonsandiego.com/chat) to read the transcript. We can't answer every question, but we will do our best. See you Thursday.
