Indulge - Ranch & Coast

Addison at The Grand Del Mar is known for its superb French cuisine and extensive wine list A Foodie’s Best Friend Following an exceptional two-year run, Addison at The Grand Del Mar, under the helm of executive chef William Bradley, has become the first restaurant in San Diego to win the coveted Five Diamond rating from the Automobile Association of America (AAA). "It is a tremendous honor to receive this designation, which firmly establishes Addison as one of the country’s top fine dining destinations, and demonstrates the high level of excellence and service that we strive for throughout the entire resort," says Tom Voss, president of Manchester Grand Resorts. (858/314-2000, www.thegranddelmar.com) RINA VAN ORDEN New Beginnings The clock strikes midnight and we instantly start anew. Take time for a special toast with a loved one, and look ahead to a fresh beginning in the New Year. Do the things you didn’t have time for last year, and don’t forget to smell the roses. Happy New Year! LYNN HOAGLIN Antique clock, silver ice bucket, and silver coasters from C’est La Vie Antiques in Encinitas; antique papier mache tray with inlay and glasses from Butterbrodt Design in Encinitas; and white roses and greens from Flora & Ambience in Solana Beach Lavender For Wellness The busy holiday season is over and it’s time to repair. Rejuvenate dry skin and sore muscles with fragrant lavender lotion and oils. Lavender has been known to ease headaches, alleviate stress, and cure those post-holiday blues. Chase away the winter chill with a soothing cup of warm herbal tea and a soft, cozy throw. Green plants and cut flowers add an inviting fragrance while they clean the air and add beauty to the indoors. LYNN HOAGLIN Mirrored tray, lavender products, soap, and soap dish from Mistral in Solana Beach; throw, teacup, and Tea Forte teas from Solo in Solana Beach; Arte Italica pitcher and cachepot, faux lavender, and grass from Flora & Ambience in Solana Beach Project Runway star Nick Verreos with models at the opening event FIDM Takes On S.D. The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) recently opened its new urban campus downtown. Designed by renowned architect Clive Wilkenson, the 30,000-square-foot campus utilizes a state-of-the-art combination of technology and design. "FIDM’s investment in downtown San Diego represents a bright spot in San Diego’s economy," says Julie Meier Wright, president and CEO of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, who notes that FIDM is a leader in its field, offering design programs in subjects ranging from fashion, furniture, and jewelry to theatre, television, and film costume design, as well as a baccalaureate program in business management. (800/624-1200, www.fidm.edu) MASON RICHEY
		It’s All In How You Look (At It) "In tough times, it’s the little things that count and remind us of our optimism," says Diane Manley, director of design at women’s ready-to-wear house Worth. "This season is all about letting fashion remind us to stay lighthearted and upbeat." Worth’s 2009 Spring Collection does just that — with sexy off-the-shoulder tops, bows, ruffles, a playful mix of materials like earthy cork and patent leather, optimistic colors, and more. Thankfully, 2009’s fashion forecast is clear and sunny. Upcoming local Worth Collection trunk shows are scheduled for January 6-21 (contact Kristin King and Judy Burer at kking@worthcollection.com) and January 22 through February 2 (contact Kary Favish at kfavish@worthcollection.com). (800/967-8465, www.worthny.com) MIA STEFANKO

		Back At The Ranch "There’s a new sheriff in town," says Jakki Hill, owner of a new boutique in Rancho Santa Fe catering to the inner cowgirl in all of us. Jakki’s Closet on Paseo Delicias carries embellished jackets, jeans, and boots to die for, from hand-tooled leather Luccheses to animal-print galoshes. Also popular are T-shirts imprinted with "Guts, Grits and Lipstick" or "Never Jilt a Woman Who Can Shoot." (858/756-2166) ANDREA NAVERSEN

		No Kiddie Cocktails I’ve stopped making New Year’s resolutions when January 1 rolls around — who needs all the added pressure? But it feels good to take some time off from drinking alcohol after back-to-back holiday parties filled with Champagne, assorted mixed drinks, and spiked eggnog. It’s nice waking up feeling fresh and bubbly instead of fumbling for eyeshades and Advil. I won’t be sipping club soda, though. Old time bartenders in the pre-Prohibition era mixed up virgin Auditorium Coolers and Egg Lemonades for ladies and non-drinkers, and savvy bartenders in San Diego are doing the same with fresh fruit, herbs, syrups, and sodas. "Why should people who don’t drink alcohol be forced to drink iced tea?" asks Brian Marcus, food and beverage director at the new San Diego Hilton Bayfront. Why indeed? The Innocent cocktail list at Odysea offers a pale pink Venus that charms with strawberries, mint, and lime while the Aphrodite looks like a grownup Grape Nehi with its muddled blackberries and thyme. Over at Cantina in Pacific Beach, the Spicy Blue tempts with blueberries, lime, and a hint of jalapeño. Market Restaurant + Bar in Del Mar is the place for Kiwi Envy, a brilliant green concoction of tangy fruit, vanilla syrup, and mint. One taste of this bright beauty, and it’s the tipplers who will be jealous MARIA C. HUNT
		Kiwi Envy by mixologist Jaime Hoerig of Market Restaurant + Bar in Del Mar Ingredients: 1 ripe kiwi fruit vanilla bean-infused simple syrup fresh mint leaves fresh lime Patron Silver tequila club soda Preparation: Muddle 1/2 kiwi fruit and mint leaves in a glass. Squeeze juice of 1/4 lime. Add vanilla bean-infused simple syrup and 2 oz. Patron Silver tequila. Shake in martini shaker to combine all ingredients. Pour combined mixture over ice and top off with club soda.