The Widder Curry

Thoughts on life, family and community by Judi Curry, a long time educator and resident of the Ocean Beach, Point Loma area of San Diego.

An Update on Pumbaa the Shar Pei’s Recovery: Still Not Out of the Woods

April 15, 2014 by Judi Curry

Pumbaa getting rehab in the pool

Editor’s Note: Last month Judi Curry wrote about Pumbaa the Shar Pei, who is receiving canine rehab with Judi’s dog Buddy.

By Judi Curry

Daisy took Pumbaa to the ortho-vet in Sorrento Valley. He wants to run some more tests on the doggie, but it is nice to know that he has started eating again, and is again being exercised in the pool.

Read the full article → 1 comment

Rogue Rooster Joke Is Cruel for All in South Ocean Beach

April 10, 2014 by Judi Curry
Thumbnail image for Rogue Rooster Joke Is Cruel for All in South Ocean Beach

Editor: The Widder Curry asks: “Is OB South going to the birds?” Her original article began well enough but within a few days in her neighborhood, the atmosphere smelled like rotten eggs, with neighbor pitted against neighbor. Help us figure out what is going on in the usual placid southern reaches of Ocean Beach.

by Judi Curry

When I wrote this story a few days ago, I wrote it with “tongue in cheek.” After all, waking up to the calls of a horny rooster is not usual in Pt. Loma. (Hell … it’s been a long time since I have woken up to a “horny” anything!) But what has happened to this story is amazing and very sad. Here is the original story: …

Read the full article → 2 comments

Cookie Store Review: “The CraVory” in the Midway

April 1, 2014 by Judi Curry
Thumbnail image for Cookie Store Review: “The CraVory” in the Midway

“The CraVory”
3960 W. Point Loma Blvd
San Diego, CA 92110
800-591-2571
info@thecravory.com

When cupcake stores began to open up in San Diego, I visited a few of them to see what the offerings were for the day. Some of them were very pretty; some of them were very tasty; some of them unique. But they all had the same thing in common – they were, in my estimation – very expensive.

My handyman – Warren – asked me the other day if I had been to “The CraVory” yet, and when I look puzzled he told me it was a store that sells only cookies. Granted, a variety of cookies, but just cookies. He told me he had tried some, and thought they were good, but, …

Read the full article → 7 comments

What Will Happen to Pumbaa, the Shar Pei?

March 24, 2014 by Judi Curry

pumbaa - TrishBy Judi Curry

Sometimes one hears a story that is so sad that you don’t even want to know the details because you know that you are helpless to do anything about it. Sometimes you hear a story that might have a happy ending if only the right set of circumstances happen in the right amount of time. Such is the sad tale of Pumbaa.

Just a little background information: I have a 13 year old Golden Retriever – 91 in adult years – older than me! He has been having severe hip problems in the last year or so and he is having acupuncture once a week and swim therapy twice a week.

Read the full article → 4 comments

Restaurant Review: “Espresso Cucina” in Ocean Beach

March 14, 2014 by Judi Curry
Thumbnail image for Restaurant Review:  “Espresso Cucina” in Ocean Beach

“Espresso Cucina”
1776 Sunset Cliffs Blvd.
Ocean Beach, CA 92107
619-224-2227

This restaurant was closed far too long and was missed by many patrons of the area. I am happy to report it has reopened Wednesdays through Mondays.

The restaurant has been cleaned up nicely, and although much the same as the old “Espresso” there are subtle differences in the new surroundings. For one, it looks much cleaner than the old restaurant; it has a little more ambiance than it used to.

Read the full article → 5 comments

Restaurant Review: Old Townhouse Restaurant in Ocean Beach

February 27, 2014 by Judi Curry
Thumbnail image for Restaurant Review:  Old Townhouse Restaurant in Ocean Beach

Old Townhouse Restaurant
4941 Newport Avenue
Ocean Beach, CA 92107
619-222-1880

It has been years since I had a meal at the “Old Townhouse.” I am not sure why we stopped going there, but I am sure it had nothing to do with the food. I think more restaurants opened in the area and we started going to some of them.

The place, on Sunday, was packed, and there was a line waiting to get in when we left. .

Read the full article → 31 comments

Is the Drought Over in Ocean Beach?

February 26, 2014 by Judi Curry
Thumbnail image for Is the Drought Over in Ocean Beach?

By Judi Curry

So, is the drought over in OB? If you have driven down Sunset Cliffs Boulevard in the past three months you would sure think so. I stopped driving down this street months ago when there was construction going on and I had to take detours.

Guess what? There is still construction going on and the street is like a floating river.

Read the full article → 5 comments

Restaurant Review : “Antique Thai Cuisine” in Point Loma

February 14, 2014 by Judi Curry
Thumbnail image for Restaurant Review : “Antique Thai Cuisine” in Point Loma

“Antique Thai Cuisine”
3373 Rosecrans St.
San Diego, CA 92110
619-222-0689

I have frequently had lunch at the “Antique Thai Cuisine” restaurant in the Midway section of San Diego. Their lunch specials start at $5.99 and it is easy to have a satisfying lunch for under $8.00.

This evening I had to take one of my students back to the airport so that she could begin her journey back home to Sao Paulo, and my other student – Felizia – and a friend – Warren – wanted to see her off. Since it was dinner time when we began to return home and Felizia saying she really liked Thai food – and since we were on Rosecrans anyway – my car just automatically drove into the Antique Thai parking lot.

The dinner menu is pretty much the same as the lunch menu, but different prices –and a few items that are only available at dinner.

Read the full article → 4 comments

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Olive Garden … or a Quick Satirical Synopsis of a Blind Date

February 11, 2014 by Judi Curry
Thumbnail image for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Olive Garden … or a Quick Satirical Synopsis of a Blind Date

Every now and then my name crops up on one or more of the dating sites that I used to belong to and I receive correspondence asking if we can chat, go out for coffee, or… Here is a quick tale from last night:

Brian and I had been corresponding for several weeks; talked a few times on the phone and he asked me to join him for dinner at the “Olive Garden”. Since my student was going out for dinner, I agreed to meet him and asked him what he would be wearing. He told me he would have on a western shirt and Levi’s. We agreed to meet at 6:00pm.

Read the full article → 4 comments

The Women Volunteers of the San Salvador

February 10, 2014 by Judi Curry

Eager volunteers work long hours recreating Cabrillo’s galleon at Spanish Landing

judy2

Editor: We covered the building of the San Salvador by San Diego volunteers back in May of 2012 and posted a photo essay of the wonderful reconstruction of the Spanish galleon. Here, Judi Curry continues our coverage with a special focus on the women volunteers, the Women of the San Salvador.

By Judi Curry

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is building a $5 million replica of San Salvador, the galleon Cabrillo guided here in 1542 when he became the first European to explore what is today known as San Diego Bay. The museum has dedicated a construction site for the ship which was donated by the San Diego Port District on public land at Spanish Landing, 2 miles from where its main collection of historic vessels are docked on North Harbor Drive.

Thirty-five months have passed since the keel was first laid in March of 2011. This three-masted galleon, totaling 88 feet of beautiful wood will weigh 200,000 tons when completed. Plans call for the ship to open as a paid attraction in 2014, when it joins the museum’s other ships at the nearby embarcadero.

Read the full article → 2 comments

Restaurant Review: The Habit Grill in the Mid-Way

February 6, 2014 by Judi Curry
Thumbnail image for Restaurant Review:  The Habit Grill in the Mid-Way

The Habit Grill
3455 Sports Arena Blvd., #104
San Diego, CA 92110

Just what the area needed – another hamburger restaurant. My favorite has been “Raglan Public House” ever since it opened, with “Hodad’s” and “In and Out Burger” second and third. Yes, I have tried the other “new” ones in Liberty Station; in Mission and Fashion Valley, but Raglan’s still comes out on top to my palate.

I picked up my granddaughter Molli at school today and rather than take her to my house for dinner until her mother picked her up, I decided a fresh, young palate would help me with my review. We went to “The Habit” because it is new to our area; it is in the Ralph’s/Target shopping center; and is across the road from PetCo – all places I needed to stop at after she was picked up.

From the side that we came into the parking lot from it appeared to be closed, but when I drove around to the front of the building it was open, albeit dark. The first thing I would suggest is better lighting along the side of the restaurant. There is an outside patio, replete with space heaters, but the lighting is still bad.

Read the full article → 10 comments

Thoughts about the Super Bowl – 2014

February 3, 2014 by Judi Curry
Thumbnail image for Thoughts about the Super Bowl – 2014

Several years ago, as a new widow, I wrote an article about how lonesome it was to watch the Super Bowl without a companion to discuss it with. I have made it a point from that time on to always be with friends when the biggest game of the season plays. Today was no exception.

As the oldest of my group today, I was interested in the other comments about the commercials and the Half-Time shows. There was quite an age gap between us, and I was curious about their responses. As a group, there was total agreement that the game lacked excitement. Since I was the only one that wanted the Seahawks to win, I found that I had to temper my enthusiasm when the Seahawks scored the safety; when the return man from Seattle ran the ball the length of the football field; when Denver fumbled and the Seahawks recovered – how many times was that? – you get the picture.

Read the full article → 0 comments

Restaurant Review: Embargo Grill

January 22, 2014 by Judi Curry
Thumbnail image for Restaurant Review: Embargo Grill

Embargo Grill
3960 W. Point Loma Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92110
619-786-7522

There are so many new restaurants opening up in San Diego that it is hard to decide which one to try out first. Since I was going to meet a young man to interview in Pt. Loma, the Embargo Grill seemed like a good place to try out.

The restaurant is located in the old “Longs” shopping center on the corner of West Point Loma and Midway Ave., where the Soup Plantation, the Halibut Shop, Denny’s, CVS, etc., are located. I hope that the location is not a bad omen, because the restaurant that used to be in the same location, “BGR” was one that I rated highly – at least the first time I was there. The Embargo Grill is in the same place, and unless I am mistaken, even the furnishings are the same.

Read the full article → 6 comments

Restaurant Review: Ortiz’s Taco Shop in Point Loma

January 13, 2014 by Judi Curry

Ortiz’s Taco Shop
3704 Voltaire
San Diego, CA 92107
619-222-4476

Outside signBy Judi Curry

As the Chargers lost on Sunday, interim Mayor Todd Gloria had promised to send authentic Mexican food to Denver Mayor Michael Hancock. As an aficionado of such cuisine, I was amazed to see the three restaurants Gloria selected: Ortiz’s Taco Shop in Point Loma, Lolita’s Taco Shop in Kearny Mesa and Mama Testa Taqueria in Hillcrest.

So I called two of my friends – Ro and Irene – and asked them if they would like to join me in reviewing these three restaurants – one at a time, of course.

Read the full article → 5 comments

Restaurant Review : Sundara Indian Cuisine in Ocean Beach

January 10, 2014 by Judi Curry
Thumbnail image for Restaurant Review : Sundara Indian Cuisine in Ocean Beach

Sundara Indian Cuisine
1774 Sunset Cliffs Blvd.
Ocean Beach, CA 92107
619-889-0639

There is an old saying that states ‘you cannot go back and expect to find the same things you found originally.’ Such is true of the Sundara Indian Restaurant in Ocean Beach.

I originally reviewed this restaurant August 3, 2012, when it was located in a tiny restaurant almost on the corner of Sunset Cliffs and Pt. Loma Ave. At that time it was sharing its restaurant with the “Pt. Loma Beach Café” – cooking its meals in a community kitchen during the late afternoon and bringing that food to its patrons for dinner. It was very good and I gave it a favorable review in the OBRag.

Asked again to review it now that it is in a permanent place with the ability to cook all of the meals on the premises, I asked my friend Eric to accompany me, as he has done several times in the past.

Read the full article → 30 comments

WARNING! No more right hand turns on red at Voltaire and Famosa

January 3, 2014 by Judi Curry
Thumbnail image for WARNING! No more right hand turns on red at Voltaire and Famosa

This a warning from the Widder Curry:

When was the last time your came off Highway 8 west, made your left hand turn, and continued to Famosa Boulevard (the street and bridge that runs over Nimitz Blvd), turned right at the signal and coming up to Voltaire St. Then, after making a complete stop at the intersection of Famosa and Voltaire you turned right? (Famosa becomes Catalina at the 7-11.)

Yesterday? Did you get a ticket? No? You don’t know how lucky you were, because without any notice a sign has been placed at that intersection that now reads “no right hand turns on a red light.”

People are complaining that they are getting $293 tickets for making that turn.

Where did you say that is again?

Read the full article → 31 comments

“My Grandma’s High on Weed”

December 27, 2013 by Judi Curry
Thumbnail image for “My Grandma’s High on Weed”

“My Grandma’s High on Weed”

My grandma has a case of shingles,

She hurts terribly bad,

I wish I could do something for her,

It makes me extremely sad.

Grandma went to her doctor,

Who gave her a strong pain pill,

But all that it managed to do for her,

Was to make her feel more ill.

Grandma went back to the doctor,

Begging for some relief,

The doctor said to get a weed card

And then go buy some leaf.

Read the full article → 11 comments

The OB Hippie House Dedicates a Peace Pole

December 23, 2013 by Judi Curry

On December 21, 2013 at 9:11am, the Time & Day of the Winter Solstice

2013-12-21-Liquid-Blue-Band-House-Peace-Garden-002By Judi Curry

To call this beautiful remodeled house on the south side of Ocean Beach a “hippie house” truly does it an injustice. The new owner – Scott – has put a great deal of money into the house to make it liveable, and the fact that it is not the “normal” Pt. Loma residence is incidental. But….it is gaining fame, even though Scott and his significant other Layla, have just recently moved in.

First of all the views are spectacular. The scenery changes from minute to minute. What were high waves an hour ago are small little ripples now; the pelicans fly over going both north and south. The surfers are not there today – waiting the 72 hours after the rain – before dotting the scenery with their black wetsuits and multicolored surfboards. So why were we there this morning, braving the cold and wind, standing outside looking at a pole set in concrete , albeit in a beautiful design?

Read the full article → 4 comments

More From the Widder Curry on the “Hippie House” of Sunset Cliffs

December 19, 2013 by Judi Curry
Thumbnail image for More From the Widder Curry on the “Hippie House” of Sunset Cliffs

Scott Stephens, the owner of the “Hippie House” on Sunset Cliffs and Adair told me today that he has had over 100 people stop and talk to him about the beautiful designs on his wall.

Everyone that has stopped has been enthralled with the designs, the layout, and the landscaping being done. After all, the house has been a rental for years and not in very good condition.

He, along with his significant other Layla, talked over the designs they wanted for their landscaping – native garden; peace poles; murals, etc., and worked with artist Adelaide Marcus in putting their ideas in motion.

Read the full article → 5 comments

Have You Ever Wondered How Rumors Get Started?

December 11, 2013 by Judi Curry
Thumbnail image for Have You Ever Wondered How Rumors Get Started?

The New “Hippie House” of Sunset Cliffs

Have you taken a walk along the south part of Ocean Beach lately?

Have you walked along Sunset Cliffs and Adair and wondered if you had stepped into a time capsule and were transported back to the 1960’s?

Have you ever said to yourself – or out loud – I wish I were living in the days of the Beatles, Mario Savio, Angela Davis, or Samuel I Hayakawa?

Well, my friends, hold on to your roach clip, because you may be taking that trip into that tunnel as this is being written. Is this going to be the new maryjane house of Ocean Beach?

Oh my goodness! Is this house going to give the Kodiak a run for it’s money?

Read the full article → 2 comments

There’s No Fool Like an Old Fool: The Final Chapter – Not!

December 10, 2013 by Judi Curry

Instead of finding love, many online daters are left deceived and heartbroken. The FBI’s San Diego branch stated it deals with more than 1,000 “Catfishing” cases a month. Here’s a candid account of one such scam.
1765667By Judi Curry

For months I have been experimenting with “on-line” dating. As each of the paid sites have finished, I have not renewed my membership. However, there are two dating sites that I still frequent, because there is no money needed for membership. I want to talk specifically about OK Cupid.

Read the full article → 0 comments

Restaurant Review: “Pure Thai” in Point Loma

November 20, 2013 by Judi Curry
Thumbnail image for Restaurant Review:  “Pure Thai” in Point Loma

“Pure Thai”
3704 Voltaire St.
San Diego, CA 92107
619-542-9499
www.purethaisd.com

So many people have recommended the restaurant “Pure Thai” to me in the past few weeks that I can’t begin to tell you how many there were. People that were upset with my review of another Thai restaurant in the Pt. Loma/Ocean Beach area have actually called and asked me to do a review of this new restaurant. Before I do that, I would like to have you read what the owner of the restaurant has posted on his own web page:

“Pure Thai is a new Thai restaurant in Point Loma that was founded on the dream of Apisith Dischan, who grew up in a family that is accustomed to Thai food. His Father was a manager of Food and Beverage for over 30 years at the 5 star Dusit Thani Hotel in Bangkok. His mother also owned a Thai restaurant in Bangkok. He started cooking as an apprentice cook helper for his mom.

Read the full article → 14 comments

Restaurant Review : “Solare” at Liberty Station in Point Loma

November 15, 2013 by Judi Curry
Thumbnail image for Restaurant Review : “Solare” at Liberty Station in Point Loma

“Solare”
Liberty Station
2820 Roosevelt Rd.,
San Diego, CA 92106
Phone: 619-270-9670

When a person is given a clean bill of health after months of severe pain, worry, and surgery, the time is ripe to celebrate that freedom, and Mary and I did just that the other night. There were many different restaurants that we could choose from, but the noise level on all of them was just not conducive to a celebratory meal. (Why do restaurants have to be so noisy nowadays? .

Read the full article → 1 comment

New Restaurant Coming in on Point Loma Avenue in South Ocean Beach

November 12, 2013 by Judi Curry
Thumbnail image for New Restaurant Coming in on Point Loma Avenue in South Ocean Beach

Earlier this week I received a notice from the ABC of a “notice of intention to engage in the sale of alcoholic beverages” in the same building that the VFW wanted to move into last year. This is the building at 4705 Point Loma Avenue. Before jumping to conclusions as to what was going to move in I decided to do some preliminary sleuthing and am pleased that I did.

Many of us remember when that building originally housed “Sea and Shore Market.”

Read the full article → 20 comments

Restaurant Review: Fiddler’s Green in Point Loma

November 11, 2013 by Judi Curry
Thumbnail image for Restaurant Review: Fiddler’s Green in Point Loma

Fiddler’s Green
2760 Shelter Island Dr.
San Diego, CA 92106
619-222-2216

Jim, a friend of mine that lives in Oceanside, has done several reviews of restaurants with me in the past. For the past month or so we have tried to get together but something has always happened to thwart our plans. This evening we were successful and went to Fiddler’s Green, near the entrance to Shelter Island in Point Loma.

It has been many years since I have been to the Fiddler’s Green. It used to be a favorite place of my deceased husband because the owner liked to fish and he and Bob exchanged “fish tales” for many minutes. Since they are not open for lunch Jim and I decided to try the restaurant at its opening of 5:00pm. I had remembered that they had an early bird special – which they still have – as long as you ordered before 6:00pm.

Read the full article → 1 comment

Restaurant Review: Supannee House of Thai in Point Loma

October 25, 2013 by Judi Curry
Thumbnail image for Restaurant Review:  Supannee House of Thai in Point Loma

2907 Shelter Island Drive, Suite #110
San Diego, CA 92106
619-795-8424

While attending a recent “meet and greet” for one of the mayoral candidates (David Alvarez), I spoke to a young couple who recognized my name as a restaurant reviewer for the OB Rag. They asked if I had reviewed the “Supannee House of Thai”. It is one of their favorite restaurants and return often for their authentic Thai food. I had not been there yet, even though it was one of the places I had flagged to try at a later time.

The following day I called my friend Eric and asked him if he would like to join me in reviewing the restaurant. He had gone with me when I reviewed another local Thai food restaurant and I felt that he complimented my tastes and likes and would do the same thing at the Supannee.

Read the full article → 26 comments

Update – Ft. Rosecrans Cemetery

October 24, 2013 by Judi Curry
Thumbnail image for Update – Ft. Rosecrans Cemetery

by Judi Curry / October 23, 2013

It appears that progress is being made at the cemetery. Slowly, in the areas I checked out, but some of the areas of the cemetery that were behind green fences are now sporting beautiful green grass. This is at the most northern part of the cemetery on the east side of the road and snaking down to the bay-side where there are benches to sit on while looking over the San Diego Bay and listening to the cry of the seals.

There was evidence of men working on cleaning the monuments; men were moving the flat markers from the “curb” to the headstones; grading was taking place close to the road on the inside of the eastern part of the cemetery and sod is due to be laid beginning next week.

Read the full article → 3 comments

Restaurant Review : “Bo-beau” in Ocean Beach

October 18, 2013 by Judi Curry
Thumbnail image for Restaurant Review : “Bo-beau” in Ocean Beach

4996 W. Point Loma Ave.
Ocean Beach, CA 92107
619-224-2884

When I do a restaurant review, I try to stay within a certain price range , primarily because I live on a limited income. I had heard that the food at “Bo-Beau” was very good, but was also told it was quite pricey. I am happy to say that the food WAS very good, and although more than I usually spend on a meal, was not that pricey compared to other restaurants of its quality.

My friend Mary had asked to take me out for dinner – we were in a celebratory mood -, and since we were coming back to Ocean Beach via La Jolla, we decided to go to Bo-beau kitchen and bar, as she had told me many times it was one of her favorites.

Because we were early – not quite 5:00pm, we were seated immediately. We were taken to the patio at first, but the wind was picking up and we decided to eat inside. We picked the only table that had an air vent overhead, and soon we were both very cold from the air conditioner. We asked our waiter – Orion – named after the “hunter” if we could change seats, but he said he would turn off the air – which he did, and we were very comfortable staying where we were.

Read the full article → 10 comments

Taking Drugs at the League of Women Voters Meeting

October 8, 2013 by Judi Curry
Thumbnail image for Taking Drugs at the League of Women Voters Meeting

Topic – “How Safe Are Your Prescription Drugs and Medical Devices?

The Pt. Loma/Ocean Beach LWV held their second meeting Monday, October 7th at the Pt. Loma Library. The topic, which should be of interest to anyone taking prescription drugs, had a very small turnout. Perhaps it was the time change – 1:00pm instead of the regular meeting at 10:00am, but those of us in the audience heard from two panel speakers – Jean Willson and Shirley Walkoe – and the chair of the group, Nancy Witt.

A short DVD was shown re: the FDA and their responsibilities, and then 14 questions were addressed by Jean and Shirley. It was interesting to find out that Jean was a family doctor, practicing primarily in rural Iowa before practicing in Arizona and retiring. A female doctor in the1950’s was a rarity, and many males refused to see her unless they were very ill or injured.

Read the full article → 1 comment

Which is Worse – Holiday Catalogs or Requests for Monies to Fight the GOP House?

October 1, 2013 by Judi Curry
Thumbnail image for Which is Worse – Holiday Catalogs or Requests for Monies to Fight the GOP House?

By Judi Curry

Several years ago, when first receiving holiday catalogs, I kept all of them to see how many I was sent in the six months prior to the actual holidays.  As I recall, it was over 160 and I felt sorry for my mail person who had to schlep all the catalogs from house to house for months. Since I am not a shopper, I never looked at those catalogs and finally threw them in my recycle bin just before the holidays.

Read the full article → 2 comments