When we think of green cities, Santa Cruz, Portland, and Boulder naturally come to mind, but over the past few years, San Diego has had an impressive increase in its number of green businesses. This is good news for people who believe in reducing their carbon footprint, as well as people who prefer to consume foods and beverages made from high quality, sustainable, and organic ingredients.

In the past, those who chose to embrace a greener lifestyle have been limited in their choices of where they can eat out, or grab dessert, or go clubbing…but not so much these days. Two perfect examples are Cups and the Kava Lounge. Cups in La Jolla has become San Diego’s first Star Green certified Bakery, and the Kava Lounge offers a unique nightlife experience equipped with organic drinks and a progressive vibe.

A Tasty Trip To The Mediterranean Right Here in Hollywood (Of Course…)

There are some days, you just gotta have some meat! Salty, savory, delicious meat! Whether it's beef, lamb, or even chicken - we carnivores love to rip, tear, and grind through these delicious proteins.

Most of the time, I'm puffin' and stuffin' my face at home with a nice juicy steak or some barbeque chicken in the backyard. But when I'm out partying in Hollywood, and in the mood for some Mediterranean style meat, I head to the corner of Hollywood and Gower. There, in the shadows of a strip-mall, you will find a not-so-hidden treasure, Al Wazir Chicken.

If you have ever had an early flight or been up late enough from the night before to stumble into a 24-hour donut shop during baking hours, you know that the smell of freshly baked donuts or pastries is enough to make you salivate, cry and want to curl up in a blanket of warm croissants.

Ok, maybe that’s just me but there really is nothing quite like warm, fresh baked goods from the oven, no matter where that oven may be. My mom’s chocolate chip cookies in the oven still makes me dance around the kitchen like I’m in first grade and the wait for them to finish are the longest 10-12 minutes in the history of time.  So without further ado, here are the best bakeries in the southland. Just in time for picnic and wedding season!