San Diego

This Just In…

Sara Leave a comment

I really am not sure if this is public news yet. No one told me I shouldn’t post it, but then again no one told me that I could. I figure since the change happens in a week and a half, word was bound to get out anyway. And considering my source, they might as well have just put it up on myspace, facebook, twitter and rented a big billboard with the news. Anyhow, here is the low down…

Too Cool for Karaoke‘s last night will be next Tuesday at U31. Some would say, not again others would exclaim, “why?” considering last night’s Derby Doll fundraiser nearly filled the room. Well to me this move is not the biggest shocker in the world but the cause of the shakedown is.

After years of performing blues to the hipster crowd in City Heights, the long standing gig is up… Lady Dottie & the Diamonds will be moving to Monday nights at U31 in North Park. This move is scheduled to take place starting September 1st. I guess that means get your butt to Tower Bar for their last Monday night show next week. I personally have had many memories of Dottie at the Tower. That is where I remember first seeing Roger for the first time and asking my friend who the cute guy is. I also remember the ambulance being called when Lady Dottie’s husband collapsed (though that was not his final show). This move is good for Dottie & the Diamonds, but still a nostalgically sad one.

But don’t fear, Monday night bull riding at U31 will be moved to Tuesday nights. And Adam Gimbel is working (already) to find a new home for those who love to hear the sound of their own voice, singing songs that they didn’t write. Potential new locations include the Office and the newly changed hands, San Diego Sports Club.

Toronado Grand Opening

Sara Leave a comment

So Roger and I headed down to the new Toronado to check out the new beer bar in the hood. After wandering by around 2pm we found that the place was scheduled to be open. Still lookig like they were not ready, but they had a couple hours to go. So at 4pm we walked over to find a group of people starring into the windows and the sign that read the opening time, now read 4pm ish. So we waited around with everyone else.

We watched as the plywood countertop was covered in butcher paper and staff were putting the taps on. It appeared that they were still hungover from the night before, hence the late start. My suspicions were confirmed by my friend, Dennis who had partied with them the previous day. He also mentioned that the countertop was still in TJ, not ready to be installed.

After the staff made a toast to the opening that had yet to happen, one of the staff came out to open the door to let in the 50 plus people waiting around. While doing so, the handle to the front door broke… So I guess that is the way that things have been.


50 plus beers on tap and more bottles in the fridges. I guess I was wrong about food. It has a full kitchen that serves the same sausages as a neighboring business in SF throughout the day and a full menu at night (not available yet). But anyhow, it does get the status of being an all ages venue. Still don’t know how they pulled that one off considering the sales on beer will severely outweigh the food. Well at least this will be a good place to meet up with all of your friends that never get out bcause they have kids.


Check out the unfinished front… Perhaps another year before that is done??

Toronado Opens Saturday

Sara 3 Comments

This Saturday, May 24 is the grand opening of Toronado in North Park. San Diego, the home of many craft beers will now be home of it’s very own Toronado out of San Francisco. This second venue has been a long time coming as the rumours of it’s new location have been in the air for well over a year.

Last Monday was the “pre opening” for invited guests only. They apparently still have some work to do on the exterior, but the tap lines are open and clean.

The location is 4026 30th Ave, on the west side between Polk and Lincoln. It used to be a yoga and judo studio.

Hope to see you there!