Comic Con 2014 --- SURVIVAL GUIDE! RALPHS and COFFEE

Everyone in the media waxes rhapsodic about Comic Con ... but let me tell you .. you have to be prepared! This show is a MONSTER and it will eat you alive if you don't have enough water and chocolates. I get both every morning from the oasis otherwise known as the Ralphs grocery store at 1st Ave and Market... (the exact address is 101 G Street) here's a link to the Yelp review...

http://www.yelp.com/biz/ralphs-san-diego-7?osq=ralphs+supermarket+downtown

The store is a few blocks from the convention center and worth the walk. It's good to get out of the con building and into some fresh air and sunshine!

From this anonymous looking intersection you walk a little more ...

and find a wonderland of all your needs...
How about a FRESH SUSHI BAR ...

Produce and cheeses....

Made-to-order Deli goodies like premium sandwiches with Boars Head meats ... also pre-made sandwiches and subs with Boars Head meats for grab and go ...

Why walk out to Ralphs??? Because your health is worth it! Here at the Ralphs you have an array of healthy options ... salad and soup bar ... fresh fruit, veggie and dairy. Comic Con demands stamina (and caffeine .. we're getting to that soon). You need proper hydration and nutrition. 

Make the walk. Meet the PEOPLE. The staff at Ralphs is AMAZING!!! They are so kind and helpful ... and really get into the spirit of the best of comic con. My angel this year was the lovely Marysol! She really helped me help the SNB crew by going the extra mile. Her commitment to service with a smile was the magic that allowed me to keep my team going with our lunch needs! And I also enjoyed the cheerful check-out service from Lisa ... who saved my day (and my shoulder) when she suggested a sturdier bag for all the water I was carrying back to the booth (never forget the collapsible wheelie cart!). 

The team at this Ralphs goes out of their way to make the store convention-goer friendly with lots of grab and go options ... and several of the Ralphs staff sport their own comic hero themed clothing.

If you're ever in the downtown San Diego area ... visit the Ralphs! 

Also celebrating the spirit of Comic Con this year was the Starbucks at the Bayside Hilton ....

 Yes, the lines were LOOONG. But this Starbucks had a special theme .... 

BATMAN!!!

First of all .. these amazing murals by Iris Wise ... her work surrounded you with color and flair inside and outside the store...

And big TV screens inside where they played Dark Knight DVDs!

I love Starbucks. Really. Love!!!

Only bummer is... I didn't get to another favorite downtown SD coffee spot .. the Lion Coffee store. Next time!!! http://www.yelp.com/biz/lion-coffee-san-diego-2