Broadway Coffee, 4633 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111

Type: Coffee and Tea

Rating: 4 out of 5 !!

Don’t get confused by the name “Broadway Coffee”- it’s located in the heart of Kearny Mesa on Convoy. And honestly, I feel a little sorry for this great cafe since it is hidden in one of these gray strip malls facing an even more gray parking lot. Broadway Coffee deserves a front spot! Here’s why:

• European-styled decor gives you a warm and unique welcome as soon as you enter
• most likely you will be greeted politely by the Asian owners
• they seem to care about your drinks and food, given the fact it takes a while for them to prepare but I don’t mind as long as the quality’s fine
• I tried french coffee, Thai tea with boba, loose tea and Chinese black tea, every order was delicious and carefully prepared
• good variety on the menu (regular coffee, lattes, iced drinks, milk shakes, granitas, smoothies, shaved ice, paninis, sandwiches, and all sorts of tea (Chinese, Korean, Japanese)).
• again, the owners are very friendly and polite. I’ve heard that the guy sometimes plays the piano which is located in the back

Great atmosphere, a really really nice place to study, chat with friends, have a Japanese language meetup every Wednesday, or just to chill. Broadway Coffee offers free wifi of course!

Panera Bread, 1036 W Covina Pkwy, West Covina, CA 91790

Rating: 4 out of 5!

I used to come here quite often. It was my first Panera Bread ever and, because of reminiscence, I drive all the way down from San Diego just to get my sandwich there.

The concept of Panera Bread is simple: offer fresh-made sandwiches, soups, a whole lot of pastries, soft drinks, coffee, and attract a crowd that is sick of Starbucks’ poor food choices and Subways’ ready-made smell. The sandwiches come in American style, that is, lots of lots of lots of meat with some vegetables and a side- an apple or chips.

For me, the concept worked and still works- I enjoy these delicious sandwiches in freshly baked bread, bagels in all styles, sugary pastries and even coffee that is drinkable. I’m not embarrassed to say that my favorite is the hazelnut flavor with some sugar and cream.

So what is great about this location? It has lots of seating, a fake chimney with some inviting armchairs, fast service and good food quality. And of course, free wifi and a large parking lot.

Oktoberfest, 1017 S Mollison Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020

Rating: 4 out of 5 !

The Oktoberfest in El Cajon is hosted by the German-American Society. I came here by accident as my friends went to a different Oktoberfest in La Mesa. Was ein Wahnsinn- what a surprise! I didn’t expect Oktoberfest to be that popular in Southern California.

Oktoberfest Girls in El Cajon

Ready to get some “Kinkerlitzchen”? Stop at one of the many booths in the front and get your German paper flag, a beer krug, or a mini Bavarian lederhose.

Follow the smell of Bratwurst and Sauerkraut and enter the main area. “Bierzelt 1″ on your left, and “Bierzelt 2″ in the back. Buy some beer tickets at the “Ticket Schalter” and taste all the different Pilsner, Hofbraeu-Gemisch, Weizenbier, or Becks (?!?!!?) for $5. Hungry? Weisswurst, Blutwurst, and all the other authentic sausages are are served by tall, blond girls in Dirndls.

Many people (visitors/staff) actually make an effort and dress in Dirndl, Lederhosen, and Jodler-Hut. After a few Weizenbier you were able to see them dancing to traditional Bavarian tunes performed by a live band from Bavaria.


However, being a German and experiencing the American version of Bavarian Oktober festivities made me feel a bit weird. But yeah, I’m in SoCal, so what the hell. Everything goes.

Oktoberfest girls in El Cajon

While other 24hr Fitness locations in San Diego would get 1 or 2 stars, this one is actually a-ok if you’re ready to tolerate a few things.

1) Do I have to say it’s crowded? Between 5pm and 8pm, do something else or come on a Sunday evening. I guess that goes for all gyms.

2) The (gentlemen) toilet stinks and is always dirty. Ah, no big news, eh?

3) Thanks to the attached swimming pool, chances are good you’ll meet some old guys walking around the changing room and showing off some balls, and more. Just to prepare you.

4) The crowd at the weights and in the large workout room is friendly (never had a bad experience there) and sometimes even helpful. But hey, we’re just helping each other when there are no trainers around, right?

5) Squash courts, a huge area for classes, an upstairs cardio level and two downstairs workout rooms offer more space than the 24hr’s in PB, Mission Valley, and UTC together.

6) Usually, parking works on the extra big parking lot around the gym.

So, go there and JUST work out!

Mitsuwa Marketplace, 4240 Kearny Mesa Rd, San Diego, CA 92111

Mitsuwa Marketplace is my Number 1 when it comes to somen soy sauce, zaru udon noodles, mochi, or simply a cold Calpis Water. I’m there every week to get my groceries- can’t beat the amazing collection of fresh seafood, BBQ-style meat, ramen noodles and rice. They basically have everything it takes to make a guy happy who is into Japanese food as much as I am.

Alright, it can be tough to figure out what some products actually are but the staff is incredibly friendly and always up for a chat.

Before entering the supermarket you will find two Japanese restaurants on your left (both with great food) and a Japanese-only bookstore on your right.

Overall, this is probably the most intense Japanese experience you can get in San Diego!

Rating: 5 out of 5! Read this review on http://sebastianfiedler.yelp.com

Ballast Point Brewing Company, 10051 Old Grove Rd, San Diego, CA 92131

I rate this place 5 out of 5 stars! And here’s why.

Yes, I’m German and had no idea about beer before. Yes, I had to travel 9000 miles around the globe to discover what I’ve missed so far. And yes, this place made me a beer addict.

I was forced to quaff a 10% Dorado… and after doing so, my memory of the Ballast Point experience is a bit blurry.  Except for:

- Amber, the blond girl behind the counter. Very chatty. After finishing the Dorado she made me a ‘Sexed Amber”, which was a mix of two dark beers. Classic.

- This British guy who was extremely funny and made me feel home sick.

- The great variety of beer, I took a pic and will post it here. Fancy an ale? Or a Weizenbier? Or the super strong Dorado? Get it here!

Make sure you don’t have to drive though. I will come back and celebrate my own Oktoberfest right there.

Read my review at http://sebastianfiedler.yelp.com