Local Expert
Christina Macone-Greene
Christina Macone-Greene is an award winning reporter and author.
As a freelance writer and reporter, she has covered stories ranging from undercover work, local news events, court cases,…
Christina Macone-Greene is an award winning reporter and author.
As a freelance writer and reporter, she has covered stories ranging from undercover work, local news events, court cases, and a celebrity interview with Mr. B.B. King. One of her recent undercover stories was recognized by the New York Times, People Magazine, The National Enquirer and Star Magazine.
Her debut novel, REBUFFING THE BISHOP, invites readers to experience a true testament of female spunk and spirit, rife with zany comedy and sexual humor.
Christina lives in San Diego County with her husband David, her 5 dogs and two horses. Guido, her Belgian Malinois, can be found curled at her feet while she types away. Guido is her “good luck charm.”
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Your first step into award-winning Donovan's Steak and Chop House will let you immediately know that you will be dining in excellence. For a memorable and special evening, Donovan's is the ideal place.
Upon entering this fine eatery, you will be greeted by a welcoming staff. The dimly lit interior of the restaurant is washed in dark mahogany wood, rich leather seats and fantastic bronze artwork.
Known for its USDA Prime Beef, Donovan's prepares premiere meat entrees which are succulent and tender. It's the finest meat around.
Before your entree, fresh warm sourdough bread is brought to your table and is paired with silky butter.
Don't be overwhelmed with the 600 plus selection of wines ranging from $35 to $2000 a bottle. Your server will assist you every sip of the way!
For an appetizer, the favorite choice is the asparagus salad. Perfectly cooked spears are decorated with red peppers and finished with a balsamic splash.
All entrees, I might add, come with fresh vegetables and potato of your choice. Dipping sauces such as bernaise and peppercorn are complimentary, as well.
Its other entrees also include seafood, veal, pork and Australian rack of lamb. Some other wonderful a la carte side dishes worth mentioning are the creamed spinach, and my favorite, marinated mushrooms.
If you've left room for dessert, do try the decadent creme brulee.
Donovan's also offers a cigar room and complimentary valet parking.
With cocktails and all the scrumptious trimmings, expect to pay around $75 to $100 per person. Donovan's is premiere dining experience and you'll be pampered with every bite!
Important Note: When making your reservation do inquire about their dress code.
When many are on vacation, the idea of renting a car and driving it in unfamiliar territory may not be to their liking. If this sounds a bit like you, then perhaps you just might enjoy being a guest at the Old Town Trolley Tours.
Be it a one or two day pass, Old Town Trolley can drop you off at the San Diego scenic hot spots. Its frequent pick-up service also means you don't have to wait around to get to your next destination, making this tour an ideal one.
Another thing worth mentioning about the Old Town Trolley is that you are able to "hop on and hop off" at each site and stay there at your leisure. There is no timer telling you when you need to leave or how long you can stay. In a way, it provides you with your own sightseeing opportunities. And remember, these stops lead to other points of interest that could very well be within a reasonable walking distance.
Known for its "transportainment," your conductor will entertain you with fun tidbits of information while leading you to your next destination. And no doubt you'll get some great San Diego historical facts.
San Diego features several tours. Here is a quick peek:
A: Old Town State Historic Park
B: Maritime Museum
C: Seaport Village
D: San Diego Convention Center
E: Horton Plaza
F: William Heath Davis House
G1: Coronado Ferry Landing
G2: Hotel Del Coronado
H: San Diego Zoo
I: El Prado Museum and Balboa Park
If you book your ticket online, do expect a discount. You'll also be receiving a complimentary San Diego Planner and discount coupons to local restaurants and attractions.
The National Comedy Theatre in San Diego has received nationwide acclaim over the years. Done in a "Drew Carey's 'Whose Line is it Anyway" style, two teams of professional comedians serve up an improvisational performance not to be forgotten!
The theatre is in an intimate setting, and for the most part, every seat is a good one. Snacks and drinks can be purchased, too.
This 90-minute improvisational comedy performance is different every night, because it is the audience members who offer up the skit and idea suggestions. The show is good for all audiences, so parents do not need to worry about any inappropriate words or actions if the kids are with them.
This great show offers a hilarious opportunity to see a comedy competition between two witty and fast thinking comedic teams. In an interactive setting, members of the audience are givin some form of involvement.
The National Comedy Theatre has been entertaining audiences for 20 years and the loud applause brings them back every year. The comedians are incredibly talented and creative. Their hilarious verbiage, expressions and overall body language is great.
The National Comedy Theatre performs Friday and Saturday nights, with two performances each night. The ticket prices are under $20 and they also offer Senior, Student and Military discounts.
Although I've never been to one, they do offer midnight shows that you might want to check out.
On the National Comedy stage, you'll be part of a faced-paced and laugh a minute improv theatre performance. It's a real crowd pleaser and should not be missed.
It's that time of year once again when you need to decide what to do for New Year's Eve. For many, going out and celebrating the New Year in style is what people are hankering for.
Every large hotel will more than likely have a New Year's Eve extravaganza. With so much to choose from what is a person to do? Below, you will find my recommendations and a brief description of each venue.
Times Square West :A flavor of the east coast can be found at Times Square West inside the Hyatt Regency in La Jolla from 7pm to 2am. For a night filled with dancing, dining and an overall great time, the cost of this venue is $135 per person. Inside the Grand Ballroom live entertainment by Euge Groove, Peter White and Richard Elliot and Oli Silk will keep you moving on the dance floor.
Big Night San Diego: For $109.99 per person, the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina will be entertaining you from 9:00 pm - 2:00 am. This 21 only and over will have 16 venues to visit, such as: Mardi Gras Ballroom, Mock Vegas Casino, 91X Stage and Ballroom, Electronica Ballroom and Hip Hop Club Room.
New Year's Eve Gala Aboard the Midway Aircraft Carrier : If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind experience to celebrate the New Year, then what about being on the USS Midway? Costing $159 per person, the USS Midway will offer great views of the fireworks show, extensive bar and premiere dinner buffet. The Big Daddy Orchestra will be playing their music from 8pm to 1am.
National Comedy Theatre: For $69 per person, head on over to the the National Comedy Theatre and enjoy a Drew Carey's "Whose Line is it Anyway," style of fun. Their improvisational comedy talent is top notch and audience involvement is ongoing. This show is fantastic. Following it, enjoy a catered dinner, some time with the cast and celebrating the New Year.
Gaslamp Restaurants : If avoiding the party atmosphere, but having a great dinner is more your style for New Year's Eve, then the Gaslamp District may be perfect for you.
Majority of all these restaurants will have a New Year's Dinner Package available. And of course, prices will vary depending on your restaurant choice.
New Year's Yacht Party: To climb aboard the Southern California private yacht on December 31, the advanced ticket price is $169 per person. Their decadent hors' devours, chocolate fountains and cocktails will be brimful. Different levels of the yacht will offer your choice of dancing tunes. And watching the fireworks show from this yacht light up the San Diego sky will be great.
Happy New Year!
Now that Christmas has come and gone, the next decision is what to do on New Year's Eve. Although many of the larger hotels are going to provide some New Year's Eve parties, not many will be catering to the kid crowd. With that being said, below you will find some noteworthy places to go and celebrate the New Year in family style.
And yes, each one of these venues is alcohol free.
LEGOLAND in Carlsbad: Beginning at 3 pm on December 31, younger kids will get to experience a special little Time Square of their own. The official New Year's Eve party will showcase a live performance by kid friendly Justin Roberts along with the Not Ready for Naptime Players.
At LEGOLAND, 6 pm is midnight for kids and that's when the 22-foot tall LEGO "Brick Drop" will mark the New Year. Holiday noisemakers and party favors will be bountiful! The whole family will be in for a special treat with the fireworks finale.
*Do note that you may enter the park earlier and take full advantage of LEGOLAND all day long since you will be paying regular admission. http://www.legoland.com/california.htm
First Night Escondido: Although Escondido is about a 45 minute drive from downtown San Diego, this New Year's Eve venue knows how to deliver fun for kids and adults of all ages.
From 6 pm to midnight, families will enjoy their time at First Night Escondido in San Diego North. This is such a huge event, it will have three "in walking distance" locations: Grape Day Park, Escondido City Hall and California Center for the Arts Escondido.
Two fireswork shows will be at 9 pm and then at midnight. There will be a dozen stages with live performances, music and room for plenty of dancing. The top restaurants in the area will be there, serving up some delectable dishes for this special night nestled inside a huge food court.
A Chinese Dragon Parade is scheduled at 9 pm, too.
The art and craft centers will sure be booming. Kids will stay busy making felt puppets, jewelry and more. Balloon sculptures and face painters will be adding another fun element on New Year's Eve for the kids.
For more information on First Night Escondido, visit their web page at http://www.firstnightescondido.com/
The winter holidays in San Diego affords many fun things to do for the whole family and being part of the San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade is no exception. It begins bright and early at 9 am on Monday, December 29. So if you are in San Diego, don't miss this one.
This parade is known as being the largest balloon parade in the United States. Not only will you get to see 22 gigantic balloons floating through downtown, but you'll witness fantastic floats, top-notch marching bands and performers galore.
This one-mile parade route will start at the County Administration Building on Harbor Drive, march south on Harbor Drive and will eventually end at the Broadway Pier.
The parade is the official kick off to the Holiday Bowl football game.
And you might even be on television for a split second or more, since this parade is broadcasted nationwide.
Following the parade, more fun will begin again at the Big Bay Family Festival on Broadway Pier. And the best part of this venue is that it's a free entry. The festival will include carnival games, balloon artists, airbrush tattoos and the 25 foot Coconut Climb. In the mood to kick a field goal? Then try it at the Field Goal Kick section of the festival.
In between carnival game fun, you'll hear the sounds of a steel drum band. And right when you think you've had a day filled with so much to do, the entertainment is taken up another notch with a mock "Big Bay" battle between the HMS Surprise and the Californian.
To get more information about the parade or the Holiday Bowl, call 619-686-6222.