Let’s keep it simple, reasons I fell in love with Cinepolis Theaters:

1. The actual theater is in a super cute little mall. It’s all brand new so it is a very nice venue.

2. They had a huge Christmas Tree up already and well, I love the Holidays.

3. There is a bar right when you walk in to the left. You can sit, hang out, order food and of course wine or cocktails. It is a full bar, I helped myself to a skinny margarita. Yum. They also have huge huge tvs that play football while you wait. Perfect.

4. Your seats are assigned so no need to rush into the movie.

5. The actual theater is like a cozy, giant living room. Every seat is a huge leather, lazy boy recliner. Yes they lay back, sooo comfy.

6. You have your own waiter. They greet you when you sit down and hand you menus. The menu is impressive with so many delicious options. In my opinion it is very reasonably priced. We got fruit and donut chocolate fondue which was $9.00, I also got a yummy Mocha Latte. They have tonssssss of options, wraps, appetizers, full on desserts, and of course all the normal movie snacks as well. For their menu, click here.

7. Some movie theaters also have +21 and up cocktail service inside, it depends on the movie you are seeing.

8. Tickets are pricey, $19.50, BUT I think that’s totally fair considering all you get extra from a normal theater.

Overall a really, really fun date night venue. The food and cocktails were delicious, cozy leather reclining chairs, super clean theaters, very high end, all while getting to see the latest movies out. Not sure what more you could ask for!? Ps- Jack & Jill was reeeeeeally funny. I laughed the entire time.

**Remember, you buy your tickets ONLINE before you arrive. Click here to visit their site and to see what is playing.

Cineapolis is located at: 12905 El Camino Real, San Diego CA 92130

Birthday Girl in Purple ♥

Overall it had a super cool decor, but food and service wise… eh, they need to step it up.

Lets take a closer look…

Decor: Super pretty… they have an all white room with big comfy white couches as seats as well as an all red room. The red room is kind of scary but works. AIIR is above Sidebar Nightclub, so the place has an airy, NYC loft sort of feel since you can’t see the street from inside. The entire place is dimly lit with pretty lighting. Decor and vibe gets an A.

Service: Our waiter was slower than a snail. Honestly every. single. time. we needed something, we had to ask. We had to ask for water, menus, silverware, cocktails, to order, dessert, the check. That’s not ok. Besides, it was not even busy and we had 8 babes at the table, you would think he’d be on it but I guess the included grat had him feelin lazy. Service was a D-, I’ll be nice and spare him the F.

Cocktails: Yum. I had the jalapeno margarita and it was delicious, super spicy because they used jalapeno infused vodka, yum! They also have other fun cocktails, Ash had a watermelon mint one that was pretty tasty as well. A for cocktails however I’m pretty sure I’d give anyone an A here.

Food: Eh, the food wasn’t very good to me which sucks because everyone knows I like to eat. I realllllllly don’t like when places don’t bring you out stuff to snack on before you order because I’m usually starvinggggg and need something to inhale ASAP. Ya, nothin. I ended up ordering the chicken but I really didn’t like it… it was too soft and chewy, not cooked enough or something. I have a feeling that was the point of it though, it’s kind of a weird fancy menu, duck liver etc… I prefer a more edible menu I suppose. Food: B-

Music: They had a DJ playing, but they added a fun twist and had a live violinist that played with him. It definitely got them a few points back because she was really good. It made the ambiance much more one of a kind and enjoyable. Music: A

Overall the experience was good, we still had fun, a cool new place to check out for sureee if you’re bored. In the future I probably would not eat here again, perhaps just grab a drink here before going out. They had a small bar area that would be perfect for grabbing a drink before heading out. Final rate would be hmmm a B.

The place is pretty far down on 10th Ave., I believe it’s the very last building on the left hand side of 10th, right by Petco Park… Anyway, a group of her workout buddies were celebrating a birthday so I decided to tag along. Rumor was happy hour was from 5-8 so of course we showed up at 7:57pm ready to order like the cheapos we are. We rannn from the parking garage to make it with 3 minutes to spare, good work team, or so we thought… We plop down on a bar stool like heyyyy, ok what’s your happy hour, all to be told eh it ended at 7.

Of course. Cool, perfect. Great. Pause… Grrrrr. Eyeroll, fine? I guess?

Anyway after our happy hour heartbreak, we ordered a few cocktails and some sushi anyway, it turned out to be not so bad because the place is reasonably priced. We got one appetizer, 2 tall drinks each (We’re thirrrrsty) and 2 sushi rolls for $45 bucks regular priced.

So what did we eat? We both shared the veggie pot stickers which were deeeelicious. Dipped in Sriracha and extra jalapenos added of course, and then we each got the Veggie Roll, which was delicious as well. I’m not a sushi extraordinaire or anything but it seemed to be good sushi to me? Then again I did not order any raw fish so I couldn’t really rate that for you guys, sorry, let me know?

The great part about this place was the size of their rolls, I love giant sushi rolls. Theirs were almost TOO big but that’s not really a complaint.

Service: The service was good. It got off to a bit of a rough start, it took them about 5 minutes to take our bar order, they were messing with a phone order or something, but after that it went well.

Layout: The restaurant is set up with small tables around one large center consoled bar, with an outside patio you can eat on. The outside is pretty cool because they have fire pits you eat around, a fun place to go with a large party. It was almost like a sushi bonfire. It got too hot at one point so we moved inside, but it’s still a great option for group dinners.

Dress: The attire is Downtown Casual. You could get away wearing pretty much anything here. From flip flops to going out clothing, people were in a mix of everything, pretty much the normal Sushi Restaurant attire, definitely not a fancy place.

Hours: Open for Lunch & Dinner, waiting to hear exact hours.

Menu: For the Dragon Den menu please click here.

Overall a fun place to try out, I am sure it will be a verrrry popular spot when Petco Park opens back up for the ballgames. Good food, good prices, can’t expect much more than that!

I of course told everyone to wear red, pink, or white so we could take cute pictures, but no one really listened to me. Actually a few did, but then of course we didn’t take any pics We had friends in town that wanted to go out for a bit after, I didn’t plan on anything wild, but somehow ended up hair whipping at Fluxx for Bob Sinclair. I’m not a big fan of his, not into the raver, lightstick music, but I did have a blast.

Our friend had a table so I was able to enjoy the night spill and slam free. I can’t wait for Nelly at Fluxx Friday! Ahhh. Overall a great Valentine’s Day. Did everyone else have a good one, what did everyone do?

We initially wanted to go try out that new Noble Experiment place Downtown but it was closed so we hit up the always reliable La Puerta. Monday’s are half off ALL drinks and ALL appetizers, all night long which is the greatest ever. For 10 people our bill was only like $140.00 for the entire night, anddddd we had endless drinks and apps. Mmmm their guac and chips is delish, and frozen margaritas even better. I nevvvvvvver take tequila shots because that’s just aggressive but last night I decided to live a little and am glad I did

We ended up meeting up with #95, at first I thought things might be a bit hectic since we had a tiff a while back, but we kissed and made up. Anyway, we all danced the night away, and of course Sheila was our Salsa instructor for the night. She looks like a pigeon about to depart for flight ahashsjhdjshd

We had so much fun that Sheila and I had to get a room at the Hard Rock. We ran back to the room, made it rain quarters, ate chocolate chunk cookies, fought over the one bottle of water and called it a night. Anyway, the moral of this story 1. I love my friends and 2. is La Puerta’s Monday night happy hour is the best invention ever and 3. Sometimes it’s fun to do things you normally wouldn’t do, like drink tequila on a Monday.

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It is the perfect place to have a large dinner or birthday party, pretty big with lots of room, 8,000 square feet to be exact and not to mention a giant bar which makes waiting for a table no big deal. You probably won’t have to wait too long for a seat though, there’s seating for 60 around the large, rectangular bar, 140 in the restaurant and another 60 on the patio outside (plus 40-50 more in the upstairs private dining room).

For dinner I had the most delicious salad ever. I of course was difficult and ordered just lettuce, mozzarella and avocado, plain you say? No way so perfect mmm. Everything was so fresh and there was no shortage of giant chunks of yummy cheese and avocado. I also ordered a side of Asparagus which was grilled and topped with shredded parmesan cheese, again yummm and then ate a million pieces of their cheddar puffs. A flaky roll full of melted cheddar cheese, maybe the yummiest thing ever. Other people ordered the spicy shrimp and baked artichoke, both of which were also so tasty. We were going out after so I didn’t want to over do the meal but I ended up eating too much anyway.

A bit more info:

Menu: New American classic cuisine which is divided into 7 sections: Bites, Smalls, Greens, Ocean, Ranch, Farm. Crab cakes, seafood, meats, salads, veggies, desserts, cocktails…

Ambiance: The decor is open, roomy, casual, modern. Cool lighting, lamps, couches, tables…

Attire: Something Downtownish. Some people were in suits, but others were casual. I would dress as if you were going to a nice dinner. Most casual I would go would be nice jeans.

Crowd: The crowd was a mix between your everyday SD scenesters 21-30 as well as local San Diegans. Couples, singles, dinner parties. The crowd appeared to be an upperclass crowd or at least people pretending to be .

And in case you are wondering who is behind the place, it’s a combination between the owner of Stingaree, and San Diego’s own “top chef” Brian Malarkey. Wondering where the name came from? Well, last Summer, Malarkey and his wife were driving past the Del Mar racetrack and an epiphany occurred.

“I love horse racing and I usually go to opening day every year, and I didn’t get to go,” he recalled. “I was whining about it because I always wear my seersucker suit on opening day. I said, ‘I guess have to keep my seersucker suit in the closet for another year.’ Then she said —- that’s cool —- seersucker.”

Malarkey hit up Google and found that “seersucker” was Hindu for milk and sugar (“so we had the dessert down already”) and that the lightweight, pinstriped fabric of the same name was used in the late 1800′s by the lower classes and then adopted by the rich as a cool, comfortable summer classic. The only adaptation Malarkey made was a new spelling with “Sea” at the beginning to showcase his cooking expertise in seafood.

Overall a cool place that I don’t regret checking out Saying a lot because I am picky.

Searsucker Restaurant & Bar

Hours: 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Sundays-Thursdays; 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays

Where: 611 Fifth Ave., San Diego

Cuisine: New American Classic

Executive Chef: Brian Malarkey

Info: 619-233-7327

Web: searsucker.com

Barfly is located where the old Hard Rock Cafe was on Prospect and has recently been transformed into a “scene of class, sophistication and sexiness that can only be found in the heart of La Jolla. As the sun goes down BarFly heats up with amazing sound and ambiance, plush seating for bottle service and a massive dance floor. Outside you will find a wonderful patio to enjoy the sea breeze blowing in from the Pacific while you relax next to one of the many beautiful fire pits. BarFly caters to a high-end clientele who will receive what they expect, the BEST. BARFLY LA JOLLA, A LUXURIOUS PLACE AND JUST PLAIN SEXY.”

The venue will be open Thursday, Friday & Saturday and have some of your favorite DJs… Sid Viscous, Samantha Ronson & Colleen Shannon, just to name a few.

To follow the BarFly line up add them on Facebook or Twitter.

Email me for table reservations or guest list! amandajo@helloamanda.com

]]> http://www.helloamanda.com/2010/08/barfly-la-jolla/feed/ 1 http://www.helloamanda.com/2010/04/boa-hollywood/ http://www.helloamanda.com/2010/04/boa-hollywood/#comments Fri, 02 Apr 2010 16:59:08 +0000 amandajo http://www.helloamanda.com/?p=4727

I mentioned in a post earlier this week eating at a restaurant called Boa in Hollywood, but I didn’t talk about anything other than seeing Avril Lavigne and Brody Jenner on a date, soooo I wanted to tell you guys more about this place because it is a great restaurant to visit for a special event, date or even just a yummy dinner if you’re local.

Cathleen, Arika & I celebrating @ Boa on Sunset

BOA Steakhouse is a contemporary American steakhouse. Think steaks, seafood, veggies, a little something for everyone, with an award winning wine list. Boa Steakhouse has a few locations, Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood, Santa Monica & Las Vegas (Inside Caesar’s Palace Forum Shops). We decided to go with the Hollywood location just because it seemed like the most fun place to celebrate a birthday.

As soon as you pull up to Boa on Sunset you get the LA vibe. Valet is waiting to park your car, there are a few lingering paparazzi, and everyone is dressed to impress. The venue alone is really unique with a high energy. The entire inside is decorated as if you are outside, lots of branches and trees. The area we sat in also had a removable ceiling so even though we were indoors, we could feel the outside air seeping through. Don’t worry though, if you get too chilly they have super warm heaters you can turn off and on throughout the night.

We started off with the Goat Cheese Baklava, who would have guessed that I would actually like it. Yum! It was pretty small though so order a few if you have more than two people. Then for dinner I had the Sea Bass. It was ok, not amazing, not bad. I wish I had ordered the Summer Pasta that the others got, it was sooo yummy.

The other menu items I tried and loved were the broccoli, asparagus, and salmon.

I also really liked their infused vodka. They make their own with watermelon and pineapple mixed. It was pretty strong though, so I added a splash of Sprite. Overall a super fun venue to dress cute at and celebrate a special event at. Chances you see a celebrity are high, you can take cute pictures, and eat a delicious meal all in one stop. Next date night in LA, try out Boa!

Also, if you are interested, the top I am wearing is actually a dress from lulus.com. I initially had it on as a dress however it was a bit chilly out so I paired it up with my rushed leggings and a belt as a top. Super cute piece to own because it can be worn as a dress or top!

Mine is a size Medium, and the dress comes in light pink, white or black. Hot pink is sold out

Oh my gossshhh so last night we were out in LA for a birthday dinner at Boa Steakhouse on Sunset in Hollywood, and as soon as we walked in I bumped into Brody Jenner. I was on my way to the bathroom so I didn’t see where he went, but when I went back to the table Arika couldn’t wait to tell me that Brody was there on a date with Avril Lavigne. When I googled about these two it seems there has already been whispers of a low key relationship between the two, but my spotting confirms it

The two were definitely cuddling and smooching a bit throughout dinner. The crazy thing is, is that after we saw her, she was spotted at Crown bar with her on again off again husband Deryck Whibley from Sum 41. Playyyyaaa.

Avril looked skittish and requested more space just before getting into her car to leave. Avril looked like you think she would, ratted hair, smeared eyeliner, and sporting some dirty sneakers and skinny jeans. Also spotted at Boa was Paris & Nikki Hilton’s parents, Boa is definitely the place to eat if youd like to run into a celebrity or two.

Such an odd duo but hey maybe what they say is true, opposites attract? Here is my I-Phone paparazzi pic, hard to see but its Brody on the left and Avril on the right, pre cuddle sesh.

I guess I am just an excessive eater, all my posts are food related it seems? I have been in Vegas all week so eating has definitely been a huge part of the week. Great, bye bye skinny jeans. Anyway, I have a new favorite sushi restaurant for you to try if you are in Vegas. Inside Caesars Palace there is a sushi restaurant called Roku Sushi and it is delicious! I would suggest making a reservation though because it isn’t that big and can fill up, especially on weekends.

If you really want a good seat, reserve a view of the strip if you can. Half of the restaurant overlooks the strip which makes for a super fun date spot. My favorite part of the meal was the Champagne cocktail. YUM! I love any place that has specialty cocktails that are unique. For dinner I ordered a veggie roll, cucumbers, avocado and asparagus with soy paper. Was pretty yummy but not that filling, the rolls could be a bit bigger, or maybe I’m just fat and they’re a good size?

I also got veggie tempura which was good as well. They also have a Miso Eggplant, which sounds repulsive but was actually tasty, bits of eggplant cooked in miso soup, pretty yum. Like I said, the cocktail was my favorite, but the sushi was great too for all you sushi fans. By far the best sushi I have found in Vegas so far. There was also a bachelorette party there when we ate, so it is def. a fun place to bring a big group, however they were loud and annoying ;P

Have a favorite restaurant in Vegas? I wanna hear! Big fat fatty, I wanna hit up all the best places