Concierge Picks: Christian Marin, Hard Rock Hotel

by Erin Chambers - Citysearch Editor - 9,287 Reviews - 164 Lists

Updated: November 07, 2008

They've tried all the restaurants, can get you on any club's list, and keep the city's top stylists on speed dial. Talk about being connected. And now San Diego's most elite hotel concierges are spilling some of their insider knowledge out to you. This week we caught up with Christian at the Hard Rock to see what's on his radar:

On this page:Where he goes for a big meal out, Where he goes for good food on a budget, Where Christian goes for takeout, Where to go for a trendy scene, Where to go for casual drinks, Where to entertain the kids, Where you can find Christian on his day off.

Where he goes for a big meal out

  1. 1 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Nobu
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    207 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    "I love NOBU! The first week they opened our staff was invited over for an eight course menu that lasted almost four hours. I loved NOBU so much that I had my birthday dinner there this year."

Where he goes for good food on a budget

  1. 2 3 Star Rating: Average Ciros Pizzaria
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    534 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    "For a great budget meal I love to head over to Ciro's Pizzeria for the best slice in town."

Where Christian goes for takeout

  1. 3 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Red Pearl Kitchen
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    440 J St Ste 108, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    "I love Chinese for takeout ... One of my local favorites is the Red Pearl Kitchen. It's an upscale take on traditional Chinese takeout with many creative options."

Where to go for a trendy scene

  1. 4 3 Star Rating: Average Float
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    207 Fifith Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    "For a trendy scene within the hotel, I usually recommend Sweetwater Saloon and Moonstone Lounge."

  2. 5 4 Star Rating: Recommended Envy
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    600 F St, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    "Outside of the hotel, Envy at the Ivy Hotel and Stingaree are my top two recommendations."

  3. 6 4 Star Rating: Recommended Stingaree
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    454 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    "Outside of the hotel, Envy at the Ivy Hotel and Stingaree are my top two recommendations."

  4. 7 2.5 Star Rating: Below Average Sweetwater Saloon -- CLOSED
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    207 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    "For a trendy scene within the hotel, I usually recommend Sweetwater Saloon and Moonstone Lounge."

Where to go for casual drinks

  1. 8 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Fleetwood
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    639 J St, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    "Most of my casual drinking takes place at a local restaurant and lounge called The Fleetwood. Aaron, the General Manager and the rest of his staff really do a great job service and atmosphere. They also have delicious bar and dinner menus to accompany the extensive cocktail list."

Where to entertain the kids

  1. 9 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Balboa Park
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    Laurel St at Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    "Balboa Park is a great place to take the kids. There are so many options for them to have a lot of fun while at the same time expanding their knowledge. During the summer year I send them to the local beaches for little fun in the sun."

Where you can find Christian on his day off

  1. 10 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Basic Urban Kitchen & Bar
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    410 10th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    "On my days off I can usually be found at the beach or at the local pool hall with my buddies. I'm very good at pool."