Tina Mickelson
Tina Mickelson, PGA Golf Professional
Best Aesthetician: Melanie Vasseur of Vasseur Day Spa. Melanie is passionate about good skin and putting forth your "best face" possible. She is also a chemist and makes her own products, which enables her to come up with concoctions that are best for your particular skin. Her facials and skin care products are the best I have ever tried. If I don’t use them regularly I can really see a difference.
Best Local Dentist: Dr. Wendell Cox. I had a bad experience in a dentist office as a young child and it made me very afraid of going to the dentist. Dr. Cox understands where I am coming from and is very patient and understanding. He is gentle, takes his time to ensure there is no pain, and does not make me feel silly when those twinges of fear still come up. And whenever I ask for that extra Novocain, just in case, he never makes fun of me or acts like I am putting him out. The comfort of his patients, both physically and emotionally, is his main goal.
Best Alternative Health Practitioner: Aquilino Soriano of AcuSport Health Center. Aquilino is a miracle worker. Acupuncture helps so many ailments without having to resort to medication. Aquilino’s experience and genuine care for his patients is unmatched. I have referred many friends to him and I always get a phone call after the appointment telling me how amazing he is. My health has never been better.
Best Store for Children’s Apparel: Childish Couture. I love this store! I buy clothes for all my friends’ kids here. I wish they had my size. The styles are amazing.
Best Golf Course: The Santaluz Club. I love this course because it is challenging for every level of player. And with such a variety of tee boxes, it makes it a different golf course every time you play it. I never get tired of it.
Best Store for Women’s Apparel: Bloomingdales and Nordstrom. You can never go wrong with either of these!
Best Sports Bar: Dussini (the bar upstairs). Their pool tables are the best, the food is great (I recommend the sliders), and there are plenty of TVs so you never miss a play. It has a very lounge-y feel to it.
Best Local TV Personality: Kimberly Hunt and Carol LeBeau. Their delivery of the news is calm, professional, and they feel like they are right in your family room, talking to you like you are part of the conversation. They make an amazing team.
Best Furniture: Jerome’s Furniture Warehouse. They have the best furniture at the best prices. How can you beat that? I don’t go anywhere else.
Best Real Estate Agent/Company: Pete Middleton (Peter Middleton & Associates) and Donna Wilson-Schempp (Downtown Real Estate Consultants). Both Donna and Pete are truly interested in helping you make the best choice possible. When looking at homes, you feel like you are bringing a good friend along instead of your realtor. I never ever felt pressured or rushed, no matter how many homes we looked at.
Best Philanthropist/Volunteer: Mary Beth Kellee. I have never known anyone who has worked on more fundraising events than Mary Beth. Just the few charities and events she is involved with that are on the top of my head are: San Diego Center for Children, Jenna Druck Foundation, Water for Sudan, and Steve Finley’s Fire Event. The list really goes on and on.
Best Local Hotel: Hotel Del Coronado. You can just feel the history. It also feels very clean, homey, and comfortable.
Favorite Local Tourist Attraction: Balboa Park. Exhibits are constantly changing and there is always something new when we go. And you can’t beat The Prado for a mojito after a day in the park!