Author: islandgirl

It Takes a Village (a Mexican Village, that is)

The year is 1985. I’m 8 years old. It’s summertime, and we are back in Coronado visiting my grandparents. (Every year we fly the entire family out from our hometown in Texas…including the dog, a large Airdale Terrier.)

I’ve spent all day at the beach with my parents. Boogie boarding, climbing over rocks in search of crabs, building sand castles, laying in the sand, listening to Madonna and Tears for Fears on my walkman.

Now, the question.

Where should we go for dinner? 

My dad always had the same answer.  “Well…if you’re asking me, I say…let’s go to the Mexican Village!”

My mom didn’t like it much, but she always went along with the plan. To be honest, I don’t remember a lot about the Mexican Village, other than I got to drink a Coke at dinner, and my dad really, really liked it.

Apparently there’s a lot of history tied up in the Mexican Village.  According to SanDiegoVille, “Seemingly most known for its salad dressing, Mexican Village restaurant first opened as a small cafe at 120 Orange Avenue in the original Coronado Firehouse building in 1943. It was operated by numerous owners before eventually closing in 2009. During its tenure, Mexican Village became a landmark Coronado dining room that eventually seated hundreds, serving notable guests over the years including Liberace and Ronald Reagan.” Cool!

I can’t wait to tell my Dad the Mexican Village is back!

Located at 126 Orange Ave, in the former digs of Spicy House and the Firehouse, it’s just a short walk from our home at the Ferry Landing.

Apparently the new operation has no affiliation with its previous owners, and was brought to life through the efforts of a few different players.  (For more info on this, check out the Coronado Times article here.)

After watching everyone’s Instagram feeds blow up with pictures of temptingly gooey queso fondido, lovingly-crafted margaritas and plucky chopped Caesar salad, I decided it was time for us to give it a try.

Mexican Village food porn on Instagram.

I brought my husband and my girls for a visit last Sunday, and we left full, relaxed, and pleased.

First things first…the decor is bright, bold, and energizing. All the kids LOVE the zebra just inside the entrance, (don’t forget the sombrero for the photo opp.)

The new Mexican Village flaunts some fun and frisky wall art by local street artist Alex Malone and lots of playful, South-of-the-Border accents (think Day of the Dead pillows and cactus decor.)

Your kids won’t get bored here (there’s lots to see) and I can say this because my girls are notoriously temperamental–much like the banditos you see decorating the bar here. (The poor family sitting next to us had to endure the wrath of my seven-year-old when she was told she may NOT order a Shirley Temple.)

The menu is robust and tempting. Featuring Acapulco-influenced Mexican cuisine, the apps range from Mexican pizza, tiger shrimp ceviche, roasted ear of corn, and of course, the queso fondido (which we ordered.)

It came out perfectly melted with oaxaca cheese, jalepanos and chorizo, with tasty homemade corn tortillas. Muy bueno!

My husband loved his Black Cadillac Margarita and I enjoyed my Raspberry Jalapeño Paloma. Next time I want to try the Spicy Sancho Margarita or the Seared Pineapple Margarita.

We weren’t super hungry so we split the Mexican Village Citrus Caesar Salad with chicken on top and it was pretty fabulous. We ordered extra dressing and it was the bomb!

My girls each ordered a kids meal…one with a bean and cheese burrito, one with quesadillas (kids meals will cost you a reasonable $7.) Both came with a decent side of rice and beans. The girls gave me a big thumbs up when we asked them how their food was. (Again, this happens NEVER.)  My girls also reported “glitter in the sink” during their trips to the bathroom. This is a major bonus so I need to check this out next time we go.

As you can see, we didn’t order that much food, but what we got, we really liked!  For your enjoyment, here are a few more quick food pics from my friend, the lovely Renatinha de Oliveria.

How good does this look? I’m excited to visit again, and I can’t WAIT to bring my dad!

Watch out Mexican Village, Papa Howard is coming for you. And he’s hungry.

























Outfit Crush: Festive Fall

It’s true…I’m a complete sucker for fall and everything it means for fashion. I love me a nice pair of over-the-knee boots, some killer smokey eyes and anything soft (leather, suede, faux fur, you name it.)

For the most part, I like to keep it casual.  (I’m probably just one flannel short of a Land’s End catalog.) But sometimes your favorite button down, distressed jeans and Converse just won’t do. (And let’s face it, this is Coronado. It’s still 80 degrees out!)

For those fall-festive, warmer-weather outings, I’ve devised the perfect fall look!  Bring on the metallics. Clip on the dark accessories. Strap on the animal print shoes. Sparkly eyeshadow? Yes, please!

Iced pumpkin latte, anyone?

1. Cotton green bodysuit. I’m a wee bit scarred from the 90s, so I was horrified and repulsed when bodysuits came back into fashion. Since then I’ve made peace with this frisky 90210 staple! Buy green bodysuit here on Amazon. Only $11.99!

2. Handmade Earrings by Katiana Jimenez. This super talented designer (and Coronado local) makes earthy and fabulous jewelry, handbags, dresses and more! Message her at 310-922-3272 to see her collection of goodness!

3. Chloe Perfume. Smells amazing and looks sooooo pretty and demure on your vanity! Amazon Prime Chloe perfume here.

4. Classic Eyeshadow Palette by Beautycounter. I’m in love with this eyeshadow palette and it looks amazing on everyone! Love the warm, sparkly, gilded colors…perfect for fall. And with names like cinnamon, copper, penny and sahara, how can you go wrong? (Full disclosure, I sell Beautycounter. Mainly because I’m obsessed with the products and I get a discount as a consultant. If you want to try this palette, I can arrange a drop off! Or get crazy and buy it here.  Free returns in 60 days. Want free shipping? Message me and I can arrange that!)

5. Festive gold layered skirt from MyStyleOntheGo. Love, love, love my layered golden maxi. Super fun to dress up or down with a casual tee. Coronado-regular and stylist Emma Jane has an eye for amazing, well-priced pieces that do not disappoint! Check out her website here. 

6. Hammitt Handbag. By now you know I’m obsessed with Hammitt bags, and I love that I can visit my friend Dolly and touch and feel each bag before I buy. You can wear this as either a crossbody or a clutch. The asymmetrical red zipper detail is playful and fun and the feel of the leather is pure luxury!  Visit Dollie Style and Accessories at the Nail Studio at 824 Orange Ave or see website here.

7. Animal Print Shoes by Tory Burch. These chunky, statement-making sandals add an animalistic edge to any look. Buy wherever you procure your Tory Burch!

Hope you like this look, and thanks for reading!

Caught on Camera: Play by the Bay at the Loews

Champagne and oysters and tacos, oh my!

If you missed this year’s Play by the Bay event at the Loews Coronado, I don’t want to rub it in….but it was off the hook! I’m talking a locally-sourced raw bar with shrimp, ahi crudo and oysters, cocktails with Summer Citrus Vodka, a gourmet tequila tasting, heirloom tomato salad boats with calamari, and a taco bar to set your soul on fire. And did I mention the chocolate truffle station? They had BACON WHISKEY flavored chocolates, people!

Ok, you get it…but you might be wondering, exactly what is Play by the Bay? So glad you asked. It’s basically culinary playground of sorts–a night of drinks, live music and dancing all to benefit local schools. And don’t forget the silent auction to win stays at hotels like the Four Seasons San Francisco, the Ritz in Lake Tahoe, Paradise Point, the Hotel Del and of course the Loews family of hotels.

According to the event website, proceeds from the event benefit DonorsChoose.org, a non-profit organization assisting public school teachers with the supplies and equipment they need for their classrooms. Over the past two years they have raised $115,000 to assist with greater San Diego classroom projects.

Admission to Play on the Bay is a donation of $100 per person. But believe me…the way we ate and drank our way through the evening, the ticket was well worth the price! And all against the backdrop of the sunset over the San Diego Bay…you’re sure to leave with a smile on your face (salsa-fire breath, truffle chocolate smeared, wine-stained teeth and all!)

Check out the pics!

 


 

Style Brainstorm: What to Wear to Havana Nights CSF Gala?

Forget East Atlanta! My heart is in Havana. At the Havana Nights-themed Coronado Schools Foundation Gala, that is!

The upcoming event—taking place on October 20th (at the Hotel del Grand Ballroom no less, so bring your manners, oh-na-na)—is getting me all hot and bothered. Not because I’m anxious about the sure-to-sizzle “Party at the Tropicana,” complete with fancy plated dinners, lots of wine and a nine-piece salsa band, but because…WHAT DO I WEAR?

I love the annual Coronado Schools Foundation Gala, and have attended every year with my husband since 2012. It’s amazing to share in such a festive, exciting event with our friends and community, and we are so happy knowing that all proceeds go back to our public schools. (And let’s get real, its fun to watch your friends from drop-off and pick-up get a little tipsy. They don’t call it “Mom’s Prom” for nothing!)

We’ve even taken to auctioning off a sunset boat ride aboard one of my husband’s larger French sailboats he has in stock through his business as a yacht broker. (So raise your paddle on that one!) And this year I plan to bid aggressively on the orthodontics package from Dr. Mullins because my braces-wearing 7-year-old has a least one more round of orthodontia ahead of her!

But let’s get to the important part. What do I wear? I mean, it’s a Havana Nights theme, so not any little black dress will do.

As usual, I have taken to the internet to find some fashion inspo for this event. (True, its only August, but September is a mess of back-to-school craziness and that bleeds into the pre-holiday cluster of October) and it’s time to get organized.

Here’s what I found!

This look kills me! If I could replicate it, I would.

Ahhh! Wear can I find this? Found on a UK website.

Super cute! Would be fun to twin it up with someone!

Love this A-line floral! Prob wouldn’t work for my body type, but would be cute on someone!


Love this playful take!

And this sassy look is amazing!

This dress makes me happy on so many levels. Must pursue.

Love this rockin jump suit!

And what about hair?

Obviously flowers are a must!

A bandanna? Yes, please!

And grapes? Not sure about that, but if you do it…I will high-five you!

And what about the guys! Ladies, we know its up to us, so how do we help our dudes channel their inner Andy Garcia?

White hot in this one.

Love the vest!

Ah! Perfection!

I die for the yellow.

Love the warm color of this jacket.

So that’s where I’m at! Any other smoken’ ideas, fit for a fun and frisky evening?

And stay tuned for more info on the upcoming Gala!

Buy your tickets here. This event sells out every year so don’t delay! See you at the Tropicana! (Oh-na-na.)

 

 





The Friday Five

Vacation, all I ever wanted! Vacation, time to get away!

But you still gotta pack, right?

Now you can have the ultimate vacay with these awesome shopping finds! Remember, everything can be purchased WITHOUT leaving the island!

 

1. Unicorn Ride-on Inflatable! You’ve been wanting one of these, for like EVER. So why are denying yourself this majestic beast? Your dreams will come true when you frolic aboard this durable, premium raft-grade, non-phtalates float! I know I need this in my life. $29.69.  Buy unicorn inflatable here.

2. Botanics Twist Top. This gorgeous floral-printed lightweight top is fabulous on any figure! Can be worn with a V at the front or back. The twist hits in just the right spot. But you’ll never know if you don’t try it on! From style maven Emma Jane at My Style on the Go. $38. Buy here.

3. Boho Beach Bag. This extra large, festival-print bag is bagging for sun, a tube of sunscreen and a sprinkling of sand. Don’t deny this bag its true purpose in life! See it in person at Dollie Style & Accessories, 824 Orange Ave.

4. Festive Longhorn Earrings. These bulls want to party…on your ears! I spied these treasures out of the corner of my eye and bought them on the spot. Fun, frisky, and primal, these large earrings will garner compliments with every turn of your head. $22, Blue Jeans and Bikinis, 971 Orange Ave. 619-319-5858.

5. Rose’ All Day Beach Hat.  Protect your delicate skin from the sun and make a statement that counts with this playful beach hat. At $17.95 it’s almost less than a bottle of fabulous rose’! Amazon Prime this hat here.

Thanks for reading everyone, and happy vacation!!!