Judi Curry

Thumbnail image for This Widder’s Got Her Dander Up About Ralph’s New Checkout Lanes!

This Widder’s Got Her Dander Up About Ralph’s New Checkout Lanes!

by Judi Curry 05.24.2013 Business

By Judi Curry (aka the Widder Curry)

As the “mother” of my household – put the emphasis wherever you think it should be – I do all of the grocery shopping.  My feet are not anchored in cement, and I shop at a variety of stores – CostCo; Barons; Stumps; Vons; Ralph’s, etc.  I like various things at different stores. (I used to shop at Sprouts until they fired an employee I liked.)

My main shopping store is Ralph’s, for a variety of reasons: I use their pharmacy and all my prescriptions are on file there; the items that I purchase are lower there than at other stores; they have the variety of items that I frequently look for.  I seldom buy my produce there because I think they are over-priced, under-ripe, and outdated. I shop there at least once a week; sometimes twice.

Today, when I did a relatively large shopping trip, I noticed that the checkout area had a new configuration. An annoying one.

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Thumbnail image for From the Wrestling Mat to the Dance Floor

From the Wrestling Mat to the Dance Floor

by Judi Curry 05.23.2013 Culture

By Judi Curry

I hope that some of you remember the story about my grandson Colin and his goal to win a medal in the Nationals in wrestling and go on to Stanford on a wrestling scholarship.  Colin, you might remember, is 14 and had just placed 3rd in his division at the nationals held in Las Vegas a few weeks back.  Colin is an excellent athlete – excels in all sports he likes.

There is one other “sport” that he excels in that I want to tell you about.

When he entered the 6th grade he was told that “Ballroom Dancing” was a requirement. He was so upset that he cried and wanted to switch schools. He did not want to take the class, but since it was mandated, he had no choice.

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Restaurant Review: Saigon

by Judi Curry 05.21.2013 Culture

Saigon
4455 El Cajon Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92115
619-284-4215

By Judi Curry

How does one review a restaurant when the menu runs 19 pages?  How does one review a restaurant when there are 8 people eating at the same table and each one orders something else?  This is going to be a challenge.  A lot will be done by pictures.

Five of us arrived at the restaurant early – 7:00 – and decided to order appetizers while waiting for the others to join us.  Our hosts, Anna and Rich, selected an order of Vietnamese egg rolls, (Cha Gio) that were made with tofu, lettuce, and served with a nice fish sauce. The cost for 6 rolls was $4.95. In addition, an order of pork rolls ($3.25) and an order of Shrimp and Pork rolls ($3.25) was ordered.

By the time all of the guests arrived, so had the appetizers and we all delighted in trying everything that was put on the lazy susan in front of us.

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Restaurant Review: Giorgino’s

by Judi Curry 05.19.2013 Food & Drink

By Judi Curry

Giorgino’s
1237 28th Street
San Diego, CA 92102
619-234-9141

Giorgino’s is run by three brothers – Mario – who has owned the restaurant for 6 years; Giovanni and Gabriel. In addition, friends and other relatives work there at various times during the week, and it is a truly family run business. Unfortunately, Mario was not there this evening.

The menu is very extensive. They boast of the “Best Cheesesteaks in Town” and they feature Amoroso Rolls – so soft an succulent they melt in your mouth; Dietz and Watson Meats and Cheeses, along with John Taylor’s Pork Roll and Wise Chips and Tastybakes. They also have beer on tap. Because there are so many items on the menu, I would like to mention only a few besides those listed above, there are hot sandwiches, pork rolls, cold sandwiches, wings, tenders, burgers and dogs with salads, antipasto, pasta dishes, and desserts. They also do catering.

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Thumbnail image for Restaurant Review: Gloria’s Taco Shop

Restaurant Review: Gloria’s Taco Shop

by Judi Curry 05.17.2013 Culture

Gloria’s Taco Shop
1233  28th St.
San Diego, CA 92102
(619) 239-8093

By Judi Curry

For many months after I joined online dating services, Joe and I went out to try new restaurants in a variety of areas. Although Joe and I have remained good friends, he has another lady friend and I asked the two of them to join me in reviewing  Gloria’s Taco Shop.  

This restaurant is part of the “Golden Hill” area that the San Diego Free Press is highlighting this month.  If you have been reading SDFP this week, you may have noticed that Emma Goldman has also reviewed several restaurants in the area, bordering the same streets as Gloria’s.

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Restaurant Review: Rama Thai

by Judi Curry 05.14.2013 Culture

Rama Thai
327 Fourth Avenue
San Diego, CA. 92101  (Between J & K St.) 
Phone: (619) 501-THAI (8424)

By Judi Curry

What a week this has been.  Out of town guests have prompted me to go out to eat at places I have wanted to try for a long time.  Then comes along a new date – yeah! From an online site, no less, and Mike suggested that we go to one of his favorite Thai restaurants downtown.

So rather than have to fight to find a parking place, he picked me up at my home in OB, drove to his condo near the Santa Fe train station, and then we WALKED the mile or so to the RAMA THAI. (And yes, we walked back, too!)

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Thumbnail image for Restaurant Review: Peohe’s (On Mothers Day)

Restaurant Review: Peohe’s (On Mothers Day)

by Judi Curry 05.13.2013 Culture

Peohe’s
1201  First Street
Coronado, CA 92118
619-437-4474

By Judi Curry

Who goes out to eat on Mother’s Day?  And at a restaurant that crowded regardless if it is a holiday or not?

Two of my daughters wanted to take me out for a Mother’s Day brunch.  (My middle daughter had to work today.) Stephanie really enjoys Eggs Benedict and had never been to Peohe’s, so she and Michele decided that would be a good place to go.

The view is fantastic; the surroundings beautiful, and every time Michele has had a meal there it was delightful. 

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Thumbnail image for There Are Some Things Too Difficult to Believe

There Are Some Things Too Difficult to Believe

by Judi Curry 05.08.2013 Business

By Judi Curry

I am absolutely amazed at two stories that hit the news within the past 24 hours.  I don’t even know which one to start with first.  Maybe the ludicrous should go first:

Pfizer Pharmaceuticals has decided that men may begin to purchase VIAGRA – don’t you think the word “VIAGRA” should be in erect letters? – directly from them, with a prescription, of course, because – are you ready for this? – men are embarrassed to take their prescription to a pharmacist.  After all, the pharmacist knows what the prescription is for, and to save the man from the embarrassment he can now buy it without anyone knowing he has that little blue pill in his pocket.

Before commenting further on this travesty, let’s skip to the next horrifying news to hit today.

Amazon.com is selling a shooting target mannequin named “The Ex”, a large-breasted woman who bleeds when shot. It is manufactured by Zombie Industries, a company that was featured at the NRA convention last weekend.

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Thumbnail image for Where Are All the Strawberry Fields Going?

Where Are All the Strawberry Fields Going?

by Judi Curry 05.04.2013 Business

By Judi Curry

During my trip to Carlsbad last weekend with members of my support group, we stopped in at a delightful shoe shop, “Coolest Shoes in California” and had an interesting discussion with Christine Davis, the owner of the store.  Somehow we started talking about the Carlsbad Strawberry Fields and making jam, and she commented to me “better hurry.  They won’t be here long.”

At first, I thought she was telling me that the season was just about over, but in discussing it further, it turns out that a Los Angeles developer has agreed to purchase 48 acres of the fields that are along Interstate 5. They purchased the fields from SDG&E and, at the present time, do not have any plans for the fields, except to destroy them.

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Restaurant Review: Blueprint Cafe

by Judi Curry 04.28.2013 Food & Drink

By Judi Curry

Blueprint Cafe
1805 Newton Ave.
San Diego, CA 92113
619-233-7010

Today was a perfect example as to why I do not introduce myself while reviewing a restaurant until after I have completed the meal and paid the bill.  I have heard about the “Blueprint Café” several times, and have tried to get there to check it out during the San Diego Free Press salute to Barrio Logan this month. Although I have made several arrangements to meet friends there one thing or another has made us change our plans.

Today was the lucky day when all of us were able to meet for lunch at 11:30 am. (All of us consisted of 4 contributors to the SDFP – Anna, Rich, Brent and myself. Brent also brought his adorable 2 year old son “Dino” with him.)

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Thumbnail image for There Must Be A Magnet Pulling Me to Barrio Logan

There Must Be A Magnet Pulling Me to Barrio Logan

by Judi Curry 04.26.2013 Food & Drink

A Visit to the Public Market

By Judi Curry

I have always enjoyed going to different areas in Barrio Logan.  Sometimes I would go every few months; sometimes I would take my foreign language students on a “tour” of San Diego and introduce them to a taco at Las Cuatro Milpas, but NEVER have I ever visited the area 3 times in one week – soon to be 4 times in the same week – as I am doing this week.

Why?  There is no question that I have a compulsive personality. I can no more eat one potato chip than I can eat one piece of “See’s Candy.”  Why only have one martini when two make me feel so much better.  But let’s face it, how many taco’s, taquito’s, tamale’s can you eat in a week?  So what is the pull?

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Thumbnail image for Review: Barrio Logan’s Ryan Bros. Coffee

Review: Barrio Logan’s Ryan Bros. Coffee

by Judi Curry 04.21.2013 Food & Drink

Ryan Bros. Coffee
1894 Main St.   
San Diego, CA  92113
619-546-6314

By Judi Curry

It is so seldom that my daughters and I get together just to enjoy ourselves. Today was an exceptional day for us. Unfortunately, my middle daughter, Lynn, lives near Anaheim and her plan to catch an Amtrak to join us fell through when the tracks were closed for maintenance. We missed her and hope she will join Michele, Stephanie and me at some other time.

Our goal had also been to visit the Public Market and we were disappointed to find out that it was only open on Wednesday and Sunday.

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Thumbnail image for Restaurant Review – Las Cuatro Milpas

Restaurant Review – Las Cuatro Milpas

by Judi Curry 04.17.2013 Culture

Las Cuatro Milpas
1875 Logan Ave. (Cesar E. Chavez Pkwy.)
San Diego, CA 92113
619-234-4460

In a way, it grieves me to be writing this review because Las Cuatro Milpas is one of my very favorite Mexican Restaurants and it is already so busy I hate to know that others reading this review will want to get in their car and drive down to Barrio Logan immediately.

But before you do, check the time because they open at 8:30am and close at 3:00pm, UNLESS they run out of food and close earlier.

The first time I went to this wonderful, small – much smaller then than now – was in 1966.  My husband and I stood in line for almost 35 minutes, next to the then-mayor and Police Chief of San Diego. The line stretched almost around the block then – and still does today.(New people stand in line now – they served all the “old ones.”)

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Thumbnail image for Restaurant Review – Chief’s Burgers & Brew

Restaurant Review – Chief’s Burgers & Brew

by Judi Curry 04.15.2013 Culture

Chief’s Burgers & Brew
Lomas Santa Fe Drive and Cedros
Solana Beach, CA
858-755-2599
www.chiefsburgersandbrew.com

By Judi Curry

Three of us took the Coaster up to Carlsbad Village for an excursion that we had talked about doing for months.  On our way home from Carlsbad, we stopped off in Solana Beach and one of the “natives” suggested that we have lunch at Chief’s. It was relatively close to the train station, and because the other restaurant that had been recommended was closed, we decided to go there.

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A Ride to North County

by Judi Curry 04.14.2013 Culture

By Judi Curry

For the past few months members of my support group have talked about taking a ride on the ‘Coaster’ to North County. Only one of the members had been on the Coaster; the others of us had it on our ‘bucket’ list.

The first time we were to go it rained; the second time we were to go someone was sick; the third time it was raining again. This time we decided we would go regardless if it rained, or regardless if someone became ill. It was a “go” no matter what. And, wouldn’t you know, the weather forecast WAS for rain, but we decided unless a hurricane was in the offing we would still go. And then one of the people that was going to go with us became ill, but she encouraged us to go anyway, and we did. We are so glad that we did.

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Thumbnail image for Chronicling My Daily Newspaper Withdrawal Symptoms

Chronicling My Daily Newspaper Withdrawal Symptoms

by Judi Curry 04.09.2013 Business

By Judi Curry

In 2004 when I broke my back and my then HMO – Kaiser – was unable to find the break along with 5 broken ribs, doctor’s prescribed morphine for the pain to be taken at regularly scheduled intervals. And, within a few short days, I was addicted to morphine and went through horrific withdrawal symptoms while I was being weaned off the medicine.

Last month I received notification that my subscription to the San Diego Union was expiring, and I could renew my yearly subscription for $150.

When I called the office to ask about the possibility of obtaining a “senior citizen” rate, I was told that I could have the paper delivered for $126 a year. I said that was still more than this senior could afford  since I was on a fixed income. The person I spoke to informed me that the yearly rate for “non-seniors” is $401 a year and the $126 was really a bargain.

Even after I told her that I would not be renewing my subscription, she never suggested to me the other alternatives that are offered – Sunday only delivery and/or weekend delivery.  Either of which I might have entertained if they had been offered.

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Thumbnail image for It’s Up to Wrestling to Keep Me Alive

It’s Up to Wrestling to Keep Me Alive

by Judi Curry 04.05.2013 Health

When I was younger, I said that I didn’t want to die until my grandchildren graduated from high school. Of course when I said that I didn’t know that I would have 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Then, after so many of them graduated, I had to modify my statement to say that I didn’t want to die until my grandchildren graduated from college.

Now I find that I have to modify that statement again, because the twins – Landon and Logan – have filed for graduation from Cal St. Fullerton; Cody, my second grandson is a Junior at ASU, and the others are quickly catching up to them. So my latest “death wish” is that I do not die until I see Colin, my 14 year old grandson do two things: Win a wrestling scholarship to attend Stanford; and win a medal at Nationals. I also want to be at his graduation from Stanford. I figure he can achieve those goals in 10 years, and at 84 I could still have a positive life, be reasonably healthy, and continue my quest to find a companion.

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Thumbnail image for Sex in San Diego: A Fine Farewell to Dating Websites

Sex in San Diego: A Fine Farewell to Dating Websites

by Judi Curry 04.03.2013 Culture

As my subscriptions to five online dating sites comes to a close, I look back at some of the situations I have found myself in and can’t help but laugh hysterically. On the other hand, some of the time I found myself sad and depressed because things did not turn out the way I had hoped they would. Sounds like I might be bordering on bipolarism.

Some of the people that I have met have been wonderful and I consider them friends. Of course, I wasn’t looking for friends when I joined the sites; I was – and still am – looking for a companion, a lover, a best friend. I am thrilled that Joe, a man I frequently went out with has found a potential companion for life. I will always think of him as a friend and have also “friended” his new squeeze. Jim, I know I can always count on you if I need help; you have been there each and every time I have asked for some thing.

I have been amazed at the number of men that are married and are looking for a one-nighter. I know their wives don’t understand them, or their wives don’t like sex anymore, or their wives are having an affair and these men just want to “get back at them.” On the same hand, I am amazed at the number of men who are interested in having a mistress. One man told me that I would have to quit all the sites I am on if I were to be his mistress because he didn’t want me “screwing anyone else.” Huh? It’s OK for him to screw around on his wife but I, a single woman, cannot screw around on him. Yeah!

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Thumbnail image for Restaurant Review: Chicken Pie Shop

Restaurant Review: Chicken Pie Shop

by Judi Curry 04.02.2013 Culture

“Chicken Pie Shop”
2633 El Cajon Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92104
619-295-0156

My friend Jim and I were on our way to review a Mexican restaurant that I had been asked to review and were surprised to find that it was closed due to the Easter Holiday.  Since we were on El Cajon Blvd I thought that he might enjoy going to the “Chicken Pie Shop” which was a favorite of mine years ago. It is interesting to note that they were celebrating their 75th birthday, having opened their doors in 1938.

We parked in the lot behind the restaurant and walked around to the entrance of the shop.  It was busy, but not overly so, and Beth, our waitress beckoned us to the back of the restaurant where we had our choice of a booth or a table. We took the booth.

The menu has not changed since I began going there in 1965.  They have many different types of “pot pies” but Jim and I both selected the  “Pie Dinner “ which included, mashed potatoes, corn for the vegetable, Cole slaw, roll, butter and dessert for $7.50.  For 50 cents more we each had a bowl of soup – split pea – although our choices included chicken and vegetable. The soup was served hot, and was tasty. A little more garlic or spice would have made it perfect.

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Thumbnail image for Health Department Shutting Down Taco Tuesdays Citywide

Health Department Shutting Down Taco Tuesdays Citywide

by Judi Curry 04.01.2013 Satire

In a bold move, it has come to my attention that the Health Department will be shutting down all restaurants in the San Diego area that cater to “Taco Tuesday” feasts. In investigating this phenomena that has taken over eating Mexican food on Tuesdays, there have been many complaints from other ethnic restaurants that their sales are lagging because they are not participants and they cannot afford to employ their staff on Tuesdays. Therefore, with only a one day notice, all “Taco Tuesday” establishments will need to close tomorrow and every Tuesday thereafter.

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