THIS LITTLE PIGGY WENT TO THE CARNITAS' SNACK SHACK

Talk about pigging out. My boyfriend and I stopped by the much-a-buzzed Carnitas' Snack Shack last week in North Park and went hog wild. 

Ok, I'll stop the pig jokes now.

This cool outdoor dining area, or "shack", as they like to call it, is one of our new favorites. The entire menu is built around pork and if you are like me, anything with bacon in it makes you a happy camper.

Their menu changes often based on what food they can source locally. I had the BLT which was stuffed with bacon, crispy ham, veggies and their signature aioli {can anyone ever go wrong with aioli?} on toasted brioche. Kim had the burger which is topped with cheddar, aioli and bacon jam {yes, bacon jam, I will marry you}. Both were huge, juicy and deilsh. Don't skip their tangy fries either- that's an order! 

Overall, great addition to the neighborhood. 

{Every time I write about food I feel like the lady who wrote the Olive Garden review- if you haven't read it you must!}

DOG-FRIENDLY SAN DIEGO

If there is one thing that San Diego definitely has {besides amazing weather} it's an array of dog-friendly places. From parks and beaches to bars and hotels, San Diego will let you take your pooch almost anywhere with you.

I absolutely hate leaving my little man Otis home all day {the guy has separation issues and it breaks my heart- and wallet} and I love knowing there are places nearby that I can take him and let him run it out. South Park is probably the most dog-friendly area that I've found in San Diego if you are looking to move to or visit a neighborhood with your pooch. Here is a list of my favorite dog-friendly haunts.

1. Coronado Dog Beach- located just north of the Hotel Del, this is probably the cleanest and least crowded off-leash dog beach in town. Oh, and not to mention, Coronado has one of the most beautiful beaches in California and the dog section is no exception {this is where the photo above of Otis was taken.}

2. Fiesta Island Dog Park-  this is definitely Otis' favorite place on Earth. We always joke that its Disneyland for dogs. Located in Mission Bay, it's a large 'island' filled with sand dunes for them and pretty flowers for you. With access to the bay right across from SeaWorld, dogs can hop in the water for a swim or chase birds all day long like ours does. It's about two miles around so its a great place to take a walk or jog without having to hold a leash. Regulars take immaculate care of the park and it shows.

3. The Station Tavern- the Station Tavern in South Park is first and foremost an amazing burger joint. Filled with South Park locals, the place is always filled and has indoor seating, outdoor seating and a gated playground for the kiddos. My second favorite part? It's dog-friendly! Otis loves sniffing out the other dogs and getting pet by everyone there while we have our burger and beer. On the menu? Be sure to get their black bean burger and sweet potato fries {with paprika sauce.}

4. Grape Street Dog Park- the most social of all the dog parks I've found, located in the heart of South Park, this is a great place to let your dog run wild and meet some of your neighbors while you're at it!

5. Pizzeria Luigi- while they don't advertise being a dog-friendly restaurant, Luigi's does allow dogs on their outdoor porch. Located on 25th Street in Golden Hill, Luigi's has some of the best pizza I've had. No really. My favorite is to order their pizza and beer combo, two pieces of pizza and a beer for under $10! There are always plenty of families there (many with their pooch) enjoying the food and casual atmosphere.

5 reasons to love the pearl

photos by the pearl hotel

If you haven't had the chance to visit the Pearl Hotel this century, you are missing out. This mid-century throwback hotel's old-school California charm is infectious. The decor is beautiful and the energy makes you feel like you are at a fabulous Hollywood hotel in the 50's. Unique things are always going down at the hotel and if you are an out-of-towner it would surely be a fun place to stay.

5 reasons why we love it:

1. The dive-in theater: New and old flicks are projected on a giant screen over their pool on Wednesday nights. You can wine & dine around or in the pool with friends while watching a movie. Good way to break up your weekdays. And it's free!
2. Sunday Brunch: Their brunch menu is hearty and includes a bottomless mimosa option (obviously you know by now those get us every time). You can then lounge around their pool after eating and feel amazing in your bathing suit :)
3. The beautiful decor and mid-century design (check out their bathroom!)
4. Wallet-saver deals: Includes buy one get one free coupons, happy hours and free birthday meals.
5. They have cabana areas for groups of 6 or more. One of my favorite birthday party locations.

If you know of any unique San Diego gems, feel free to email us as we would love to check them out and feature them on A Little Birdy Told Me.

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neighborhood picks: the rose wine pub in south park

photos via the rose wine pub

Talk about a little jewel, the Rose Pub Wine Bar in South Park is one of our favorite hideouts. From the moment you step foot in the historic building, you can't help but notice its unique charm. The decor is inviting and adorable- a mixture of rustic and romantic and the food and drink choices are quality. Erin recommends the Isabel Mondavi Chardonnay and their flat breads are always delish.

The pub's central location makes it convenient for us to meet up for a glass of wine and dinner when we get the chance. It's nestled right in between the new Stone Brewery store and one of our favorite little shops, Progress (which deserves a post of its own). Our favorite part about the place? Happy hour runs daily from 4:30-6. Cheers!

Fun Fact: Their wine storage is built out of reclaimed wood from a historic South Park home.

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sunday brunch pick: currant

Recently we had an amazing Sunday ladies brunch at Currant American Brassiere, nestled inside the Sofia Hotel on Broadway. It was our first time brunching at Currant, although we have been known to frequent the establishment for their happy hour (which I firmly believe is one of the best downtown). The food was tasty, we both tried their eggs benedict, but what really tickled our fancy was their $8 bottomless mimosas, yes please.


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