I think of birthdays as new beginnings. For young adults, 16, 18 and 21 are milestones. After 21, however, birthdays start to lose their luster. By about 25, many of us begin to feel like “the end is near.” But that’s not how I feel. Age, from my perspective, is just a number, and we are as old as we feel. I turn 29 this Sunday. To start off my “new year,” I’ve been going to some cool new spots in town.

A couple of weeks ago, I stopped by the new True North, and let me tell you, it is fabulous. Shooterz was once housed in the same spot. The place has since been remodeled, revamped and transformed. True North is both a bar and restaurant and includes indoor and outdoor seating, 21 flat screen televisions, pool tables, booths, a full food menu and a large selection of beer and other drinks. True North is absolutely beautiful. I could not believe I was standing in the same building that housed Shooterz. The bar/restaurant also attracts a very diverse crowd. In the last couple of weekends, I have seen lines wrapped around the block. Believe me, True North is a great addition to North Park and is worth checking out. True North is located at 3815 30th St. in North Park. For more information, visit www.truenorthtavern.com.

My absolute favorite spot in town right now is the fairly new Se’ San Diego. The hotel is an incredible addition to the growing San Diego scene. I was recently given a tour of the entire venue from the lobby to the top floor. Every piece of the place was beautifully designed. But for my purposes, I’m going to talk about its bar. The bar and lounge is located on the hotel’s ground floor, adjacent to its unique lobby, which is a beautiful space in itself.

While it is a fairly intimate space, it is a place to see and be seen. I sampled the bar’s Passion Cocktail. I loved it so much I had four. The really cool attraction is the “His-Hers” unisex restroom just upstairs, next to the restaurant, Suite & Tender. While we gays are used to sharing bathrooms with our girls, I noticed quite a few people were confused but were amused once they entered.

There is a live DJ in the downstairs lounge bar on weekend nights, and the poolside cabanas will be a hot place to party this summer. In fact, I’m celebrating my birthday this Saturday night, poolside, at the Se’. Stop by – it’ll be a great excuse to check out the hotel. Se’ San Diego is located at 1047 Fifth Ave. in Downtown. For more information, visit www.sesandiego.com.

Micky’s nightclub is back in business in L.A. I know that quite a few San Diegans, including myself, occasionally trek up to West Hollywood and surrounding areas. We look for a change of pace, to visit friends and / or hope to find something more glamorous. A long-time staple in WeHo, Micky’s was damaged after a fire caused the club to close down in August 2007. But this month, Micky’s reopened at the same location with a brand new look. The new Micky’s is beautiful with new, sleek furnishings. Visiting West Hollywood last weekend, I was able to check it out. I was impressed and happy to see sexy go-go dancers still in place. Events rotate each night of the week, including !Pan Dulce! West Hollywood on Thursdays. Micky’s is located at 8857 Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood. For more information, visit www.mickys.com.

Finally, don’t forget that Dine Out For Life is happening tonight. This annual event is a fund-raiser for The Center’s HIV/AIDS services and prevention programs. More than 80 bars and restaurants have pledged to donate at least 25 percent of their day’s sales. It is an easy way to “give back.” Another great advantage with this event is you won’t be donating in the traditional sense since you will be enjoying dinner and drink for your buck. I encourage you to dine out, more than you normally would, today, Thursday at participating bars and restaurants. I am volunteering as a Dine Out For Life Ambassador at Number’s nightclub. So after dinner, join me at Numbers between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. For a list of participating restaurants and bars or for more information, visit www.thecentersd.org and click on the Dine Out For Life icon.

Have fun this weekend wherever you go, and don’t forget that it’s my birthday. So, feel free to buy me a drink!