IPSB

International Professional School of Bodywork (IPSB) is a massage school located in Pacific Beach. As far as massage goes, it is one of the best values in San Diego. Value means you get good quality for a good price. At IPSB you can choose from either a student or professional masseuse, at a rate of either $45 or $60 for an hour massage.

There any extra amenities at IPSB; there's no spa, no hot tub, no shower, no facials. But you're also not paying for those things. Instead what you get is a good massage from either an experienced student or a full time professional.

They can accommodate massages at the last minute; they often have walk-in appointments available. If you schedule in advance you arrange several massage at the same time for you and friends. They have 10 rooms available.

The waiting room is nice, with classy-hippie decor: lots of fabric and crystal lamps. They have a small area with items for sale, but you aren't overwhelmed by the commercial aspect. They sell tasteful items, mostly massage oils and lotions, with a few imports and crystals.

For the most part, the staff is incredibly friendly. Occasionally there is one woman who works at the front desk who is not friendly or helpful, but I rarely see her. After your massage they have water and tea to hydrate with, and usually small cookies and packets of hot chocolate as well.

One note, and this applies pretty much everywhere, an hour massage doesn't always mean an hour massage. Some places are very clear that you are getting only a 50 minute massage and call it just that, but other places call it an hour and you still get only 50 minutes. At IPSB they call it an hour and it really varies; you will get bet ween 50 and 60 minutes. To maximize your chances of getting that full 60 minutes, be sure to arrive for your appointment 10-15 minutes ahead of time. If you're late you always lose that time (and again this applies anywhere).

IPSB
Massage Training Center
1414 Garnet Avenue
San Diego, CA 92109
Phone: 858-490-1154
Open Seven days a week.
9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
A full hour massage
$45 to $ 60

Ritual Tavern

In the blossoming heart of North Park, another new restaurant (among the many) has recently opened. Ritual Tavern has reason to stand out among the up-and-coming North Park scene.

The owners, Michael Flores and Stacy know their food. They both have extensive experience in the many facets of the restaurant business, but more importantly they have a strong style and impeccable taste. The menu excludes the use of corn syrup and partially hydrogenated oils, and emphasizes fresh and local ingredients when possible.

The Ritual Tavern has a subtle gothic feel to it, evoking a sense of magic when you enter. This is a surprise from the outside, which looks, on the contrary, vaguely diner-like. The decor is rich and warm, making you wonder if outside it is a sunny San Diego afternoon or a blustery evening in London.

Of course the most important thing to mention is the food. While the menu is currently limited, plans to expand the options are scheduled as the Ritual only recently opened. Still, even with the current short list, they serve up dishes for a wide variety of tastes and needs, from the rich (and gluten-free) shepard's pie with Colorado lamb (after all, who eats lamb from anywhere else?) to the home made veggie burger that I warn you to NOT put ketchup on because you don't want to miss out on the delicious flavors! They also have fish and chips (what kind of tavern would be without this?), and of course a wide variety (and continually windening) of beers, wines, and other refreshments.

The Ritual emphasizes local fare, and this extends to their list of beers from San Diego breweries (like Ale Smith and Ballast Point). The wine list is also nice, though doesn't currently feature California wines. They even serve Mexican Coca-cola for being made closer to San Diego and featuring real can sugar!

The final note: Don't miss dessert! At the Ritual they truly serve the best for last (and it starts off pretty damn good). The strawberry shortcake is truly shortcake, and it is divine. The buttery cake crumbles in your mouth and pairs perfectly with the gelato they serve. The bread pudding is delectable, with a bourbon caramel sauce that takes it to another level compared to most bread puddings.

Ritual Tavern
4095 30th Street
San Diego, CA 92104
619-283-1618
http://www.ritualtavern.com/