Golden memories: A tribute to Anthony’s Fishette.

People walk along narrow outdoor deck of Anthony's Fishette, a popular casual dining spot for half a century in downtown San Diego.
People walk along narrow outdoor deck of Anthony’s Fishette, a popular casual dining spot for half a century in downtown San Diego.

Their 50 year lease is almost up. Anthony’s Fish Grotto on San Diego’s Embarcadero will soon be no more. They are to be replaced in 2017 by the Brigantine seafood restaurant. A golden era that produced many wonderful, irreplaceable memories is coming to a close.

I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve lingered in ecstasy at Anthony’s outdoor Fishette, which is adjacent to the more formal indoor restaurant. Except when I was a child, I’ve never eaten in the restaurant. But outside, on the deck, inhaling the ocean breeze, listening to the cries of circling seagulls, squinting into the sun and feeling its warmth on my face–I’ve devoured acres of tasty french fries and oceans of fish.

Millions of people around the planet have golden memories of the place. This is my small photographic tribute to Anthony’s outdoor Fishette. I stopped by for a delicious grilled tuna melt sandwich late yesterday afternoon.

Over the years, many of the people who have worked at Anthony’s Fishette gave me a friendly smile or hello. To them, I say thank you.

You have until January 31, 2017 to enjoy this true San Diego tradition and treasure, and to say thank you.

Front of Anthony's Fish Grotto as seen from Harbor Drive. In early 2017, this iconic San Diego restaurant will be demolished.
Front of Anthony’s Fish Grotto as seen from Harbor Drive. In early 2017, this iconic San Diego restaurant will be demolished.
Smiles are typical at Anthony's Fishette. So is sunny outdoor pleasure and yummy seafood.
Smiles are typical at Anthony’s Fishette. So is sunny outdoor pleasure and yummy seafood.
A photo through glass of the small boat dock and blue San Diego Bay as a glowing sunset nears.
A photo through glass of the small boat dock and blue San Diego Bay as a glowing sunset nears.
A reflection in window of Anthony's Fish Grotto of the setting sun. A golden era is coming to a close on San Diego's waterfront.
A reflection in window of Anthony’s Fish Grotto of the setting sun. A golden era is coming to a close on San Diego’s waterfront.
Possibly the best outdoor seating in all of San Diego. Just above the lapping water, with a sweeping, wonderful view.
Possibly the best outdoor seating in all of San Diego. Just above the lapping water, with a sweeping, wonderful view.
Passing by Anthony's Fishette one fine January day. I've walked past perhaps a thousand times.
Passing by Anthony’s Fishette one fine January day. I’ve walked past perhaps a thousand times.
Countless millions of fond memories have been made here.
Countless millions of fond memories have been made here.

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A short, beautiful twilight walk down Broadway.

Walking east on Broadway from the Embarcadero just moments after sunset.
Walking from the Embarcadero east down Broadway just moments after sunset.

I got off work early today.  So I enjoyed some magical time on the Embarcadero.

Moments after the sun set, thinking of home, I walked from the Broadway Pier east a short distance into the heart of downtown. My lifted eyes were fascinated by the changing light.

High buildings in downtown San Diego change color with every passing minute as my feet and twilight steadily progress.
High buildings in downtown San Diego change color with every passing minute as my feet and twilight steadily progress.
People walking a couple blocks east of the Broadway Pier cross railroad tracks in softening light.
People walking a couple blocks east of the Broadway Pier cross railroad tracks in softening light.
The lights inside two tall office buildings in downtown San Diego begin to make interesting patterns.
The lights inside two tall office buildings in downtown San Diego begin to make interesting patterns.
Looking upward across Broadway as I near the America Plaza trolley station, where I'll catch a short ride toward home. It soon will be night.
Looking upward across Broadway as I near the America Plaza trolley station, where I’ll catch a short ride toward home. It soon will be night.

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Photos of fun urban art in Mission Hills.

Funny faces peer from the wall of a local business on West Washington Street in Mission Hills.
Funny faces peer from the wall of a local business on West Washington Street in Mission Hills.

Here come some fun photos of urban art in Mission Hills. Was it two weeks ago or three, when I walked this way camera in hand, on my way to the Serra Museum?  How time flies . . .

Most of this warm, good-humored art was observed along West Washington Street, which is the main east-west artery in Mission Hills. You might notice that birds are a big theme in the neighborhood. The north-south streets are named after different birds and are arranged in alphabetical order.

Hey! I hope my blog adds a little joy to your life. I know I’m enjoying myself! Thanks to all of you who follow Cool San Diego Sights, and who have generously shared it with others. I’m positive more fun awaits! –Richard

I noticed that our fine feathered friends are often featured in Mission Hills urban art. Perhaps because north-south streets are named after birds, in alphabetical order.
I noticed that our fine feathered friends are often featured in Mission Hills urban art. Perhaps because north-south streets are named after birds, in alphabetical order.
Another side of the creatively decorated utility box.
Another side of a creatively decorated utility box.
A third fun side! A human and two happy birds add good humor to the sidewalk!
A third fun side! A human and two happy birds add good humor to the sidewalk!
Wonderful metal bird sculptures can be seen in the median on West Washington Street.
Wonderful metal bird sculptures can be seen in the median on West Washington Street.
Shiny, silvery birds take to the air, among palm trees in Mission Hills.
Shiny, silvery birds take to the air, among palm trees in Mission Hills.
Another large bird sculpture seems ready to lift off into the sunshine!
Another large bird sculpture seems ready to lift off into the sunshine!
Some fun public art by a parking garage. A nice place to sit for a spell.
Some fun public art by a parking garage. A nice place to sit for a spell.
More street art in Mission Hills, a neighborhood north of downtown San Diego, west of Hillcrest and east of Old Town.
More street art in Mission Hills, a neighborhood north of downtown San Diego, west of Hillcrest and east of Old Town.
Large painted flowers add color to an otherwise ordinary intersection.
Large painted flowers add color to an otherwise ordinary intersection.
A bold, artistic sign entices people to grab a cup of coffee nearby.
A bold, artistic sign entices people to grab a cup of coffee nearby.
One restaurant, The Patio on Goldfinch, has unique outdoor tables. Your food is placed upon historical maps of San Diego!
One restaurant, The Patio on Goldfinch, has unique outdoor tables. Your food is placed upon historical maps of San Diego!
Greenery painted on an old brick wall seems to blend with lush trees along the sidewalk.
Greenery painted on an old brick wall seems to blend with lush trees along the sidewalk.
I spotted a cool doorstep by the sidewalk. It seems a resident's dog and a cat have their own special place!
I spotted a cool doorstep by the sidewalk. It seems a resident’s dog and a cat have their own special place!

Photos of Chinese New Year celebration in Balboa Park.

A special House of China lawn program at Balboa Park's International Cottages celebrates the Chinese Lunar New Year with music and dance.
A special House of China lawn program at Balboa Park’s International Cottages celebrates the Chinese Lunar New Year with food, music and dance.

Today I headed to Balboa Park hoping to catch part of the House of China’s lawn program at the International Cottages. The cultural event celebrates the Chinese Lunar New Year, which occurs on February 8. It’s the Year of the Monkey!

I wasn’t the only one who thought of attending! An unusually big crowd turned out for the colorful festivities.

Here come a few cool pics!

Many displays were at the Chinese New Year event in Balboa Park. This gentleman wrote people's names using Mandarin characters.
Several fascinating displays were at the Chinese New Year event in Balboa Park. This gentleman wrote people’s names using Mandarin characters.
Lots of authentic Chinese food was being gobbled up, including these Green Onion Pancakes!
Lots of authentic Chinese food was being gobbled up, including these Green Onion Pancakes!
Many Balboa Park visitors were heading into the House of China cottage today.
Many Balboa Park visitors were heading into the House of China cottage today.
Fine exhibits inside the House of China include this interesting carp made of animal horn.
Fine exhibits inside the House of China include this interesting carp made of animal horn.
Kids look into a display case containing many porcelain dolls.
Kids look into a display case containing many porcelain dolls.
A colorful collection of beautiful porcelain dolls inside the House of China in San Diego's always wonderful Balboa Park!
A colorful collection of beautiful porcelain dolls inside the House of China in San Diego’s always wonderful Balboa Park!

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9-foot-tall talking tree coming to Balboa Park!

A fairy puppet and smiling puppeteer pose for my camera in San Diego's wonder-filled Balboa Park.
A fairy puppet and smiling puppeteer pose for my camera in San Diego’s wonder-filled Balboa Park.

I made a magical discovery today during my walk through wonder-filled Balboa Park!

This nice lady was passing by the House of Hospitality with a large fairy puppet, testing it for reactions from kids! I learned her daughter, Julie Otto, creator of Julie’s Puppet Creations, is going to have experimental, larger-than-life puppets featured at the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater!

The production is called Whispers of the Forest, and it will be showing at the theater for a two week span, beginning the week before Earth Day. Fun marionettes will be featured, in addition to a 9-foot-tall talking tree, and it sounded to me as if it’s going to be great!

San Diego's Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater in Balboa Park has showtimes at 11, 1 and 2:30, Wednesday through Sunday.
San Diego’s Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater in Balboa Park has showtimes at 11, 1 and 2:30, Wednesday through Sunday.
The Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater is a place of magic and fun for kids and warm-hearted adults alike!
The Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater is a place of magic and fun for kids and warmhearted adults alike!

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Bronze lifeguard watches the surf in Ocean Beach.

A bronze hero stands guard on the sand in Ocean Beach. The long OB pier stretches out into the Pacific Ocean in the background of this photo.
A bronze hero stands guard on the sand in Ocean Beach. The long OB pier stretches out into the Pacific Ocean in the background of this photo.

Not far from Ocean Beach’s main lifeguard station, a hero stands day and night with unblinking eyes focused on the nearby water. This noble hero is made of bronze.

The bronze lifeguard statue, created by artist Richard Arnold, was installed in 2013. It commemorates the creation of the San Diego Lifeguard Service after 13 people tragically drowned in dangerous rip currents off Ocean Beach in 1918.

The sculpture represents a typical lifeguard, with head up scanning the Pacific Ocean surf. It’s a very fine addition to a very cool beach neighborhood.

Colorado sculptor Richard Arnold, who grew up in OB, at one time was a junior lifeguard.

The muscular bronze lifeguard statue holds a rescue tube and a pair of swim fins
The muscular bronze lifeguard statue holds a rescue tube and a pair of swim fins
Colorado artist Richard Arnold created this bronze sculpture. It memorializes 13 tragic drownings in 1918, and the subsequent creation of San Diego's lifeguard service.
Colorado artist Richard Arnold created this bronze sculpture. It memorializes 13 tragic drownings in 1918, and the subsequent creation of San Diego’s lifeguard service.
Beachgoer with two boogie boards passes between the bronze sculpture and the main Ocean Beach lifeguard station.
Beachgoer with two boogie boards passes between the bronze sculpture and the main Ocean Beach lifeguard station.
A couple of surfer dudes carrying surfboards approach the memorial plaque, a few feet from the lifeguard tribute statue.
A couple of surfer dudes carrying surfboards approach the memorial plaque, a few feet from the lifeguard tribute statue.
Today, lifeguards in San Diego rescue between 4000 and 6000 people every year. They are real-life heroes.
Today, lifeguards in San Diego rescue between 4000 and 6000 people every year. They are real-life heroes.

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Mysterious morning fog in downtown San Diego.

Flags, palm trees and early morning fog on Cortez Hill in San Diego.
Flags, palm trees and early morning fog on Cortez Hill in San Diego.

My walk early this morning was a real treat. Magical, mysterious fog had crept during the night into the very heart of downtown San Diego, where I live. High skyscrapers disappeared into the gray. Please enjoy a few photos…

The historic El Cortez Hotel seems to vanish into the gray morning fog.
The historic El Cortez Hotel building seems to vanish into the gray morning fog.
Many seagulls were enjoying the fog, and were circling over the city streets everywhere I walked.
Many seagulls were enjoying the fog, and were circling over the city streets everywhere I walked.
Skyscrapers aren't scraping so much this morning. They are being softly engulfed by the elements!
Skyscrapers aren’t scraping so much this morning. They are being softly engulfed by the elements!
Looking up toward the unusually thick fog past a San Diego Symphony banner downtown.
Looking up into the unusually thick fog past a San Diego Symphony banner downtown.
An Orange Line trolley heads down a quiet C Street.
An Orange Line trolley heads down a quiet C Street.
Cranes and construction next to several high towers, in a San Diego fog.
Cranes and construction next to several high towers, in a San Diego fog.
The magical, mysterious fog made the forms of buildings seem like abstract things emerging from some other world.
The magical, mysterious fog made the forms of buildings appear like abstract shapes emerging from some other world.
Looking down Kettner Boulevard past Santa Fe Depot and America Plaza into the distant fog.
Looking down Kettner Boulevard past Santa Fe Depot and America Plaza into the distant fog.
A fairly heavy fog made downtown San Diego appear very atmospheric and mysterious this morning. I loved walking through it!
An unusual fog made downtown San Diego appear very atmospheric and mysterious this morning. I loved walking through it!

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Unusual sights that make you look twice!

Cross when no one is looking.
Cross when no one is looking.

Here are a few sights that make pedestrians walking down the sidewalk look twice! I know they attracted the attention of my camera! I took all of these photos in downtown San Diego. A couple of the images I captured recently; others are old pics I’ve been holding onto for several months.

Street art on building of someone "singing the blues".
Bold painting on a building of someone singing the “blues”.
A door that might tempt people walking down the sidewalk. A nearby sign reads WELCOME You Love Happy Fun.
This door might tempt people walking down the sidewalk. A nearby sign reads: WELCOME You Love Happy Fun.
A cool dragon mural in the small Chinatown section of downtown San Diego.
A cool dragon mural in the small Chinatown section of downtown San Diego. By artist Mirto Golino.
This freaky alien seems to leap from a weathered painted utility box.
This freaky alien seems to leap from a weathered street art utility box.
What appear to be three sacred geometry mandalas decorate a sidewalk. These and others can be seen in various locations around San Diego.
What appear to be three sacred geometry mandalas decorate a sidewalk. These and others can be seen in various locations around San Diego.
Funky, eye-catching urban art brightens the entrance to a dance studio.
Funky, eye-catching urban art brightens the entrance to a dance studio. I believe it was painted by artist Fizix.
A guy hanging out in front of the Hard Rock Hotel in the Gaslamp made these three dimensional origami stars using scraps of paper. Each one takes about two hours to make.
A guy hanging out in front of the Hard Rock Hotel in the Gaslamp made these three dimensional origami stars using scraps of paper. I was told each one takes about two hours to make.

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Photos of sculpture: Experiments in distance, angle.

Altered photograph of a Henry Moore sculpture, located in San Diego Museum of Art’s popular sculpture garden.
Altered photograph of a Henry Moore sculpture, located in San Diego Museum of Art’s popular sculpture garden.

Oh, no! Here come some “artsy” photos!

Today I walked through Balboa Park’s beautiful May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden. The grassy space, which is free to the public, contains several pieces of artwork belonging to the San Diego Museum of Art’s collection.

The garden’s most recognized sculpture is probably Reclining Figure: Arch Leg, which was created in 1969 by renowned British Modernist artist Henry Moore.

As I walked around the curvaceous sculpture, it occurred to me that different interesting photos could be taken depending on the angle and perceived distance. So I engaged in a bit of experimentation!

(Fear not! I didn’t touch the sculpture or step on the flowers! But I did lean over like crazy–and minutely cropped some images– to get the “close-up” images.)

Henry Moore's 1969 bronze sculpture Reclining Figure: Arch Leg, on the grass in the San Diego Museum of Art's May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden.
Henry Moore’s 1969 bronze sculpture Reclining Figure: Arch Leg, on the grass in the San Diego Museum of Art’s May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden.
Sunlit bronze sculpture photographed from a different angle. I adjusted contrast, brightness and sharpness, and cropped according to my eye.
Sunlit bronze sculpture photographed from a different angle. I adjusted contrast, brightness and sharpness, and cropped according to my eye.
Same sculpture, different frame, different paths of reflected light. The physical object is itself unchanged, but has become something new in the mind of the viewer.
Same sculpture, different frame, different paths of reflected light. The physical object is itself unchanged, but has become something new in the mind of the viewer.
The Modernist sculpture’s fluid curves and organic quality is suggestive of human form.
The Modernist sculpture’s fluid curves and organic quality is suggestive of human form.
Raw nature interacts with human art. A camera focuses on nearby details the casual eye might miss.
Raw nature interacts with human art. A camera focuses on nearby details the casual eye might miss.
The form of an abstract sculpture becomes more mysterious when the defining outer edges are eliminated with photo editing.
The form of an abstract sculpture becomes more mysterious when the defining outer edges are eliminated with photo editing.
A warmly glowing bronze surface, and a pair of eyes.
A warmly glowing bronze surface, and a pair of eyes.
The sculpture's red-tinged bronze skin reflects Southern California sunlight.
The sculpture’s red-tinged bronze skin reflects Southern California sunlight.
A closer view reveals craters and furrows. Small glimpses of beauty within a larger whole.
A closer view reveals craters and furrows. Small glimpses of beauty within a larger whole.
A strangely perfect, silvery surface.
A strangely perfect, silvery surface.
Looking up into the light. Both self-contained art and the outer world are composed of the same elements, and can evoke identical wonder.
Looking up into the light. Both self-contained art and the outer world are composed of the same elements, and can evoke identical wonder.

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A Saturday journey through colorful San Diego.

A group of young skateboarders cruises down C Street.
A group of young skateboarders cruises down C Street.

Here are a few scenes from my walk (and trolley ride) today around downtown San Diego. There is beauty, there is color, there is grit, there is life. My fascination with the dynamic city that I call home is never-ending.

Graffiti on a truck, an old blue house, and a modern high-rise, together in one photo.
Graffiti on a truck, an old blue house, and a modern high-rise, together in one photo.
Colorful art by a downtown San Diego doorway.
Colorful art by a downtown San Diego doorway.
Someone out for a walk passes a window of the Smart Corner building.
Someone out for a walk passes a window of the Smart Corner building.
A truck waits to haul pianos away at the backstage door of Copley Symphony Hall.
A truck waits to haul pianos away at the backstage door of Copley Symphony Hall.
Clean and Safe equipment in the foreground, as a Silver Line vintage trolley approaches the Fifth Avenue station.
Clean and Safe equipment in the foreground, as a Silver Line vintage trolley approaches the Fifth Avenue station.
A couple passengers will take a ride on this restored PCC streetcar, of the San Diego Trolley. I joined them!
Passengers will take a ride on this restored PCC streetcar of the San Diego Trolley. I joined them!
Looking out the vintage trolley window at people walking through the City College station.
Looking out the vintage trolley window at people walking through the City College station.
Heading down Park Boulevard, and people camped on the sidewalk. San Diego, unfortunately, contains many homeless.
Heading down Park Boulevard, and people camped on the sidewalk. San Diego, unfortunately, contains many homeless.
Looking out the trolley window at the Park and Market station.
Looking out the trolley window at the Park and Market station.
A crane above construction near Petco Park holds a POW MIA flag. Banners along Imperial Avenue show Monster Energy Supercross stars. The event is happening this weekend.
A crane above construction near Petco Park holds a POW/MIA flag. Banners along Imperial Avenue show Monster Energy Supercross stars. The event is happening this weekend.
Supercross Party in the Pits is taking place in a parking lot adjacent to Petco Park.
Supercross Party in the Pits is taking place in a parking lot adjacent to Petco Park.
Sign near Downtown Johnny Brown's at Civic Center Plaza reads Eat Drink See Dinosaurs if you drink enough.
Sign near Downtown Johnny Brown’s at Civic Center Plaza reads Eat Drink See Dinosaurs if you drink enough.
Someone looks up at inflatable dinosaur arch outside the entrance to T. Rex Planet at the Community Concourse.
Someone looks up at inflatable dinosaur arch outside the entrance to T. Rex Planet at the Community Concourse.

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