Eating Out In San Diego

After getting settled in my room at The Sophia, I decided to have lunch downstairs  at the Brasserie. I sat outside in the courtyard lined with flowers. It was perfect for people watching.  I ordered the risotto with vegetables, which was delicious. Next time I go to San Diego I will eat all of my meals there. The quality was excellent, and reasonably priced at $12.00.  I had made arrangements to meet with my friend Anita at 2:30 p.m. to knit in the lobby.

When I went inside, Anita was already there. We sat in the lovely antique chairs for a couple of hours and chatted. She was working on a sock, and I was knitting my shawl. This was the first time we've met in person, but we felt like old friends. Her husband stopped by and I got to talk with him, as well.

I went back upstairs to my room, took a shower, and got ready to see Ben Vereen's show. I had my eticket  printed out, and had carefully written down directions to Martinis Above Fourth.  I boarded the #11 bus around the corner from the hotel, and headed up to Hillcrest. I was glad that I had validated my bus pass at the kiosk when I arrived at the train station.

We passed some beautiful older homes on the way. I was concerned that the area might be unsafe, but it was artsy and  fabulous! There were lots of cafes, restaurants, and shops. Ben was terrific, as always. He brings such an emotional depth to his work. My favorites were his medley of hits from Pippin', Jesus Christ Superstar, Hair, and some of his other shows. (He's done so many!) His rendition of I Dreamed a Dream made us cry. His eyes sparkle with talent, and his hands are beautiful and expressive.

When he performed the Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis songs, the audience went wild. That kind of music always makes me feel happy and alive. His musicians were excellent, and so tight! David Loeb, his arranger and musical director, was fantastic. The showroom is intimate and cozy. It reminded us of a New York Supper Club.   

My waiter, Zach, was a doll! He was so sweet and handsome. The women who joined me at the table acted like they were going through a break-up when they found out that their favorite waiter was no longer working there. They looked to be about in their mid fifties. The waiters were young, cute, and probably in their twenties, I would say. Zach made a fresh pot of coffee for me, and it was delicious. I gave him a 25% tip.

I zipped out of the showroom in time to catch the bus back to the hotel. It let me off a half a block from the front entrance. Everything had gone like clockwork, in spite of my nervousness about being in a new place.  It was a thrilling night.

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