Darren S.'s Profile

My rating is more like 3.5 stars.

I got a Red Velvet cupcake, Chocolate Raspberry cupcake and a small Vietnamese coffee.  The Red Velvet cupcake was on the larger side and the frosting was pretty tangy, which I like.  The cupcake was very moist as well.  The weakest aspect of it was that I didn't taste any cocoa in the cake.  I didn't get to taste much of the Choc. Raspberry because apparently, it was really good.  I got a taste of the butter cream frosting and it was rich.  The Vietnamese coffee was very tasty.  The lounge atmosphere was warm and welcoming.  If parking for Babycakes was easier, I could see myself enjoying their cafe more.

Between a group of four, we shared a chopped salad, 14" Works pizza and portobello & asparagus fettuccine.  The salad was my favorite part of the meal.  The pizza wasn't at all special and we thought it was on the salty side.  The pasta was hearty, but again it was just okay.  All of the dishes were fairly big portions and we were all full after we were finished. Thankfully the restaurant's two hour parking garage validation will give you some time to walk it off... or find some dessert.

The person behind the counter knew his selection well and was able to help me find some new whole leaf green tea to suit my taste.  I told him what I've liked before and suggested a few similar green teas to try.  I picked up a 2 ounce pack of whole leaf tea (you can also get 4 oz. packs) and a large iced sencha tea to go.  I've already made a cup of the Emerald Mist that he'd suggested and it's awesome.  Perhaps I'm a bit premature in being a fan but I'm sure that I'll frequent this place.

Amenity wise this park has: two softball fields, a tot lot, a basketball court, picnic tables and a restroom.  During the weekend that I was in the park all of the amenities were well used by people from all walks of life.  It's great to see community assets like this being used by it's residents... unlike where I grew up.  The park's location is also good for eating a great meal after your recreation.  There's major shopping centers and strip malls full of food options seconds to minutes away from the park.

This Wednesday night was the first time visiting Triple Crown.  TC reminded me of many bars that I hung out at frequently in Norcal and in some of my favorite college towns.  As a consequence of this, I'm already a fan.  

I liked that they had a good game setup on hand (pool, shuffleboard, darts and ping pong) and a fairly simple menu.  There's a time and place for an extensive beer and spirits selection, but today I was glad that I didn't have to read a bottle list.  Their beer menu had a wide enough breadth to satisfy most palates but not too many to get frustrated/confused by the choices.

I'd just come off of a kickball game and was hungry so I ended up having a cheeseburger but it was not something to have by itself without a drink.  The standard burger came with condiment packets, lettuce, tomato and red onion.  I wouldn't be surprised if their supplier was Sysco or Costco but considering the situation, the burger was fine.

I will be back again soon.  The parking's not great for non-locals but the parallel parking search is worthwhile for the interesting food and drinks venue adventure that awaits you on this stretch of Adams Ave.

As a venue for a kickball league the AA Rec Center is pretty good.  Parking is ample and easy, lighting's good and the local community that uses the park otherwise is great.  The best aspect for me is that it's located centrally from a great selection of post-kickball drinking bars.  The only complaint that I have is that the condition of the field isn't ideal.  In the two games I've played in the outfield, I have turned both ankles.  If only we could actually win a game... of course that's our fault, not the rec. center's.

As the starting date for the race approaches and my training ramps up, thoughts and suggestions for this year are starting to pop up in my head.  

- Although there is a huge parking lot available for participants, the backup to the lot was horrendous.  If you happen to wake up late and will be arriving just prior to start, I'd suggest not using the 78 as your approach to the start.  Instead if you can, exit at Tamarack or even Cannon and drive up ECR.

- The start is a bit chilly but I definitely would not wear supplemental clothes.  You'll be forced to shed them quickly anyhow... the rising sun and running will warm you up in no time.  Wear a garbage bag for warmth.  The adrenaline and coffee buzz kept me warm.

- If you have specific timing for your hydration strategy, bring your own stuff.  The support staff did have a mix of water and electrolytes on hand but the stations weren't clearly marked as to what they were.  You may be loading up on too much water and not enough electrolyte.  If you listen to an mp3 player, this problem will be exacerbated badly along the way.  Hopefully they print out some identification signs for this year.

- The men's tech shirts (Nordic Track brand dry-fit) were sized on the form-fitting side.  If you don't like your shirts this way, size up.  

- For a course that is so scenic and serene, the finish line is a mess.  Of the three half marathons in the SD Triple Crown, this one has the worst post-race circulation.  I'm not sure if there was a finisher's area but I wasn't able to find out because I was pushed along with the mass of humanity moving to the parking lot.  There should be better separation between the runners and spectators because the friends and supporters  waiting for their finishers only made the crowds worse coming out.  Definitely get a bib belt so you can bring along your cell phone or set up a meeting spot before hand.

These issues may seem to be minor but streamlining your experience especially if it's your first half, is nice.  Overall the Carlsbad Half is a great first one or otherwise to have under your belt.

Cost Plus' eclectic variety of candies, cookies, chocolate and other foods is starting to dwindle down.  I've always been a fan of them in the past but they're starting to incorporate their in-house label in the food selection more.  

This is pushing out other brands that may have a better product.  For example the coffee and tea is now dominated by World Market product.  I've had their stuff in the past but it's definitely not the best.  Also instead of having so many gimicky/novelty flavored teas, they should throw in more whole leaf varieties.  I don't know what's up with their chocolate selection but it's been definitely lacking as well lately.  

I'm still fine with their beer selection...  with a lack of bottle shops in my neighborhood  CP, Trader Joe's and other grocery stores together comprise a good local beer selection.  I bought some Belgian ales that I haven't seen before and the one I've tried is a good Tripel.

They've still got an interesting mix of products.  I can't be too mad at them for making more of a profit but I don't want to see walls full of your exclusive products next time I pay you a visit Cost Plus!

Samples are now $1 each.  Unfortunately, I showed up twenty minutes prior to closing and didn't get to taste the wide range of their beers.  Of their beers, I tried the seasonal Yulesmith ale and Horny Devil Belgian style ale (11% abv).  I wanted to try the Nautical Nut Brown but they were tapped out for the day.  I liked both of the beers I tried and bought a growler fill of the Horny Devil.  It's great that they're close to home to gratify any tasting cravings that I have but Alesmith has really limited tasting room hours (TH/FRI 2-5p, SAT 1-4p)

I had the pleasure of spending some time with fellow Yelpers here during lunch time.  I'm a little disappointed that this was the first time visiting because it's such a relaxing and beautiful place that's close to home.  Better late than never.  There's plenty of easy parking but if you don't want park in the dirt, there's a lot of parallel spaces along Scenic Drive.  It's a short walk away and an easy alternative to washing the dust off of your car.