The seasons are changing, and fall is coming into full swing in Pacific Beach, and at the OPI. There is a slight, but nevertheless present nip in the air, people are breaking out their light winter sweaters and the traditions of autumn are rapidly coming upon us. As the seasons change, so does the local fare around San Diego. Despite the consistently sunny days, San Diegans still yearn for the comfort foods of fall that make us feel like we are back in mom’s kitchen.

No fall season menu is complete without the mouthwatering baked goods that pop up this time of year. Nothing is better on a cool fall evening than homemade desserts and pastries that remind us of Thanksgiving dinners with the family. Pumpkin pies, fruit pies, layered cakes and cookies are just a few of the yummy treats that we indulge upon in autumn. Just because you are vacationing in sunny San Diego this fall doesn’t mean you can’t get your hands on these delicious comfort foods. In San Diego proper, The City Delicatessen offers some of the best baked goods in the area. From apple, blueberry, cherry and peach pies to cakes, pastries, éclairs and cookies, City Delicatessen has a treat to satisfy every taste and sweet tooth. So head on over to Hillcrest and pick up your favorite treats from this classic San Diego restaurant.

Another trademark of fall is football season, and nothing says football like tailgating. Whether you’re enjoying the game from the comfort of your hotel room, or watching the bolts play live at Qualcomm, don’t forget to take part in the tailgating festivities that complete the football experience. Hotdogs, hamburgers beer and bratwurst are tailgating favorites. If you want a true San Diego experience, grill up some carne asada or pollo asado and make yourself a savory homemade Mexican meal. If you want to watch football from the comfortable seats of a popular restaurant, try Rocky’s Crown Pub in Pacific Beach for burgers and beer, or Casa Guadalajara in Old Town for authentic Mexican fare.

Lastly, no fall would be complete without hot beverages to warm you on cold nights. Regardless of whether you like hot chocolate, fancy lattes, bold coffees or hot teas, try Café Bassam in Banker’s Hill. They have an expansive array of unique blends, various hot chocolates and frothy lattes. The old-timey charm of this place is the perfect locale to enjoy a warm beverage, read a book or just sit back and people watch in exciting San Diego where we at the OPI make our home.

(0 Comments)

Desperately searching for that last minute gift to wow Mom this Mother’s Day? Look no further than the Ocean Park Inn’s Mother’s Day getaway package!  We would love to have your family stay with us to celebrate this holiday, and our Ultimate Mother’s Day package won’t disappoint. Your mom is sure to feel relaxed, appreciated, and loved when she is able to enjoy discounted facial treatments at one of Pacific Beach’s most popular spas, a breezy ocean view brunch at the Firehouse Restaurant just steps away from our lobby, and the delicious chocolate-covered strawberries that will await her in your recently updated, and spacious room–not to mention the 15% discount on your stay that sweetens the deal for everyone involved!

But the gifts for mom don’t have to stop there! There are several smaller gifts that she would certainly love to receive this year, and we have a few recommendations for you. First, is the Numi flowering teapot, which is a new approach for any avid tea-drinker. The box includes a charming glass teapot, and five flowering tea bundles—three white teas, a green and one black. The hand-picked, premium teas will leave please the taste buds, and leave your mother feeling rejuvenated and excited about her new gift.

If you are looking to offer Mom some relaxation this year, check into Korres new all-natural shower gels. These great-smelling gels come in a variety of sweet, and fruity flavors from Vanilla Plum, to refreshing Basil Lemon. These aromatherapy shower gels will give Mom all the proof she needs of how much you appreciate her, not just on Mother’s Day, but all year long.

Studies have shown that chocolate is the perfect cure to gloomy moods, so this holiday offer your mother a smile with these loving kindness, Dalai Lame designed chocolates! Intentional Chocolates are imbued with “focused good intention by experienced meditators,” some of which studied with the Dalai Lama himself. These sweet treats come from peaceful beginnings, and are perfect for the mom looking to relax and indulge.

Our last gift recommendation is for moms who are passionate about cooking. ‘Bean Appetit: Hip and Healthy Ways to Have Fun with Food’ is a great cook book for mom’s looking to find delicious meal ideas on a time crunch. Make the recipe search easier for that special lady in your life this year with a book full of great food that’s fun to make!

Our gift ideas are limitless, but we want to hear feedback from our fans! What do you think is the ultimate Mother’s Day? Get those creative juices flowing and let us know what you have in mind for your mom this holiday.

(0 Comments)