Woodstocks by Sarah Grieco

BEST OF STATE

The Daily Aztec

Thursday, April, 8 2010

BEST GIRL’S NIGHT OUT & NIGHTCLUB

BEST VENUE

A house that plays more than just blues

HOTTEST DATE SPOT

A sting that actually makes guests feel great Rolls that have couples rolling in the sheets

RENEE VILLASENOR A S S I S TA N T O P I N I O N E D I T O R

Named after the infamous historic red light district and located at the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter is Stingaree. Set inside an old brick warehouse, the three-story, ultra-modern club serves as a watering hole for San Diego’s hippest partygoers and celebrity guests such as Paris Hilton, Beyoncé, Kanye West and the Black Eyed Peas.

ALLIE DAUGHERTY E N T E R TA I N M E N T E D I T O R

The three main slogans displayed prominently within any House of Blues are “Help ever, hurt never,” “Unity in diversity” and “Where the heart meets the soul.” With such feel-good sayings, it’s no surprise the company’s goals are “to celebrate the diversity and brotherhood of world culture” and “to promote racial and spiritual harmony through love, peace, truth, righteousness and non-violence,” as stated on its Web site www.hob.com. However, perhaps the third goal which states that its mission is to create “a profitable, principled global entertainment company,” is most important. This last goal is what has transformed the venue into a nationwide success. The HOB story begins in 1992 when the first venue was built in Massachusetts with the help of founder Isaac Tigrett, who wanted to share the music of the rural South with the world. Now, there are 13 different locations across the United States that are home to thousands of concerts every year from every genre of music. There are many aspects of House of Blues that set it apart from any other venue. First, every interior wall is covered with a plethora of original blues folk art, which gives the place a fun, southern feel. The atmosphere is always comforting and relaxing and will make any concert-goer feel at ease. Plus, the general admission

RUTHIE KELLY MANAGING EDITOR

“At the end of the day we are completely committed to staying on top of who the best DJs are and what is the best entertainment is that we can bring in.” James Brennan, owner

Courtesy of House of Blues

floor is small enough to ensure that the concert is as intimate and exciting for those in the first row as for those in the back. And, most concerts are available to all ages, providing one of the few places in San Diego for the younger than 21 crowd to see its favorite bands perform. HOB also offers a full menu of deltainspired cuisine in its restaurant. Those who choose to eat at HOB before a show also receive a cut-the-line pass in order to gain early admittance.

BEST PROFESSOR

Painting the way for pupils and artists alike

Living up to its namesake, the club serves as a playground for those looking for a sinful night out on the town. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a stylish bar set in front of a floor-toceiling waterfall and a steamy dance floor complete with go-go dancers in cages and world-class disc jockeys setting the mood with intoxicating beats. Guests looking to escape the heat of the dance floor can retreat to the rooftop lounge features private cabanas, a full bar, water fountains and a fire pit. Those looking for extra indulgence can reserve a VIP spot on the second floor’s mezzanine that offers a voyeuristic view of

Courtesy of Stingaree

Located in the heart of the historic Gaslamp district, Stingaree offers the best scenery and sounds for those looking to party.

the dance floor and DJ booth below. Ladies indulging in a girls night out often enjoy perks offered by bouncers and bartenders at the club. A group of girls can often bypass the long line into the club and the

typical scene yields plenty of eyecandy. With Stingaree’s strong emphasis on service, girls can rest assured they can party safely as the club staffs double the security personnel required by its liquor license, according to Stingaree owner James Brennan. The Stingaree team works to ensure that

BEST PIZZA

Scrumptious pies and pints Aztecs can’t resist SARAH GRIECO MANAGING EDITOR

It is no surprise Woodstock’s Pizza is San Diego State students’ pick for their favorite slice. Located close to SDSU, along with a new location at the student-packed Pacific Beach, Woodstock’s is the go-to place for pizza and beer. Its pizza is certainly unique to any other restaurant in San Diego, which keeps people coming back for more. Woodstock’s is famous for its original combinations, such as the Aztec Classic or Monty’s Revenge, but customers can also create their own dish as well. The recipes contain the highest quality ingredients, giving the pizza a zesty taste people are unable to resist.

Glenn Connelly / Photo Editor

GLENN CONNELLY PHOTO EDITOR

In art, the importance of having someone to inspire you and foster creativity is something that cannot be understated. Enter Professor David Hewitt of the San Diego State School of Art, Design and Art History. Hewitt has been voted The Daily Aztec’s Best of State Professor. Known for his relaxed attitude and relentless knowledge of art in all facets, Hewitt got his start here at SDSU, receiving both his bachelors degree and Master’s of Fine Arts. He also is an adjunct professor at Point Loma Nazarene University, where he teaches photography, painting and drawing. Here at SDSU he is known for a variety

of different reasons. Hewitt has taken many roles including an academic adviser and is currently a painting instructor and black and white fine art photography instructor. Even as technology transforms each part of the world, his black and white photo class is a favorite of many because it touches on the film aspect of photography . Art is all about passion and self-interest and what Hewitt does best is bring those things out in his students. He gives leeway on assignments and projects in order for the student to find something they are most passionate about, because he knows that will allow them to create their best work. Hewitt helps students find their interest or niche in his classes and run with those ideas to elicit the best work that every student is capable of.

guests’ experiences are top-notch. “At the end of the day we are completely committed to staying on top of who the best DJs are and what is the best entertainment is that we can bring in,” Brennan said. “That kind of level of experience isn’t going anywhere.” For more information go to www.stingsandiego.com. Stingaree is located at 454 6th Ave.

But what is truly great about Woodstock’s are the incredible deals. College students who are strapped for cash can hit up Woodstock’s with only a few dollars and leave feeling overly satisfied. Happy hour deals include $2 pints and on Thursdays refills range from $1 to $2. SDSU students also get a 15 percent discount on a medium or large pizza by showing their RedID. For lunch on weekdays, one can enjoy unlimited slices for about $7. Perhaps the best value is the late-night deal — where extra large pies are buy one get one free after 10 p.m. Whether students are going to Woodstock’s after a game or to kick off their weekend, they are definitely not going to be disappointed. For more information visit www.woodstockssd.com.

Patricia Dwyer / File Photo

With amazing tastes and deals, Woodstock’s is an Aztec favorite.

Patricia Dwyer / File Photo

Step into RA Sushi in the heart of downtown San Diego and the dark, red-hued mood lighting and blaring music will confirm what San Diego State students already know: RA is the hottest date spot in the city. Whether on your first outing with a new partner, or trying something new in your established relationship, RA is a trendy solution to the question of where to spend a special night. Sushi newbies can be comforted by the array of standard rolls available, as well as an alternative, tasty selections of appetizers: Spicy Sesame Chicken Wings and Pork Gyoza potstickers are a favorite, as well as the more stereotypical edamame and tempura treats. More adventurous sushi enthusiasts can sample RA’s specialty rolls, such as the Scallop Dynamite roll: “kani kama crab and cream cheese rolled in rice and seaweed, lightly tempura battered, topped with scallop dynamite and finished with eel sauce, red beef and spinach tempura bits.” Past favorites have included the Viva Las Vegas Roll, the Gojira Roll and the Yellow Monkey Roll, but RA regularly has chef’s specials and seasonal variations for those who have

Courtesy of RA Sushi

visited before. There are vegetarian options available as well. Whether you opt to have cocktails at the bar watch the rolls being made at the sushi bar, or drink sake at a table or booth to enjoy the atmosphere, RA has something for every palette. Advance reservations are recommended, because the popularity and location of this spot means walkins are usually subject to a wait. RA Sushi is located at 474 Broadway, San Diego 92101.

BEST BREAKFAST

This one is broken, but doesn’t need any fixing FARYAR BORHANI EDITOR IN CHIEF

The sound of a cooking egg might be the most appealing sound the morning after a long night out with friends — but let’s be honest, no one is in the mood to do it themselves. As San Diego State’s selection for best breakfast joint, Broken Yolk Cafe has been a staple of the day’s first meal in San Diego since 1979. With a straightforward menu that offers everything imaginable, Broken Yolk’s four locations offer a safe haven for the hungry and hungover. For those in the mood for an omelet, try the No Name, which features bacon, avocado, tomato, mushrooms and is topped with sour cream. If you like a traditional favorite, try its California Breakfast Burrito, which is a wrap of two scrambled eggs with bacon, cheddar cheese, home fries, beans and avocado. Broken Yolk also offers lunch for those who may have slept through breakfast. Its afternoon menu features burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads. While all four Broken Yolk locations are very unique (Pacific Beach, La Costa, Downtown and Eastlake), they all share one thing in common: a line out the door. So, if planning on eating some of SDSU’s favorite breakfast, it’s necessary to be prepared to wake a little earlier than usual. Broken Yolk is open daily from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Jeff Lewis / Staff Photographer