The Liberation of Morningfood

Wake up. Coffee is calling, and waffles and eggs await. Each month, we shout out the places where we stuff our faces, and, this April, we’re focusing on the monarch of meals, the emperor of eats, the sultan of spreads: brunch. Hope you’re hungry. It’s time to go get some.

Shroomed + Chia Bowl

Trilogy Sanctuary

Caffeine keeps me alive, but the decaf “shroomed” infusion at this vegan La Jolla rooftop yoga café may resurrect me. With reishe, cordyceps, chaga, and cacao, it proved a comforting combination of mushroom soup meets hot chocolate, paired with a chia pudding bowl— fresh and crafted with love. Admittedly I only got one bite because my toddler inhaled it, so… two stamps of approval, I guess. –MH

Benedictos Veggie

Eme Restaurante

Next time you venture down the Baja peninsula, stop by Eme Restaurante. Perched on the Ensenada hillside, this trendy, pet-friendly nook features an espresso bar, cold-pressed juices, and an endless menu that warrants repeat visits. Their veggie Benedict—a melody of poached eggs, mushrooms, spinach, and feta, perched on a toasted English muffin and bathed in a zesty poblano sauce—justifies hours spent in border gridlock. –CN

The Calexxxican

The Naked Cafe

Proof that chilaquiles by any other name would taste as delicious. The Naked Cafe’s Calexxxican “meditation bowl” piles egg whites, plant-based chorizo, feta, black beans, avo, sour cream, and salsa over crispy tortilla chips. It’s not the healthiest thing at this Carlsbad hideaway for organic eats, but, hey, brunch is for sins. This just happens to be a lesser one. –AR

Pink Rose Waffles

Pink Rose Cafe

If Barbie decorated her dream house during a particularly manic episode, you’d get this La Mesa mecca of made-for-the-’gram photo ops. Think pink everything—from the neon sign to the wall of plastic flowers to the food and drinks. Even the receipts. The pink rose waffles are heavily rose-water-flavored, soft, chewy and, honestly, kinda good. Paint me pink and call me Ken. I’m moving in. –MH

Madeleine Omelet

Cafe Madeleine

I stumbled upon French restaurant Cafe Madeleine while meeting a friend for brunch in North Park. Decorated in art-nouveau style and featuring quaint sidewalk tables with umbrellas, you really do get a Parisian feel while visiting. Try the Madeleine omelet, made with mushrooms, brie, truffle oil, and breakfast potatoes, or the savory-sweet French onion soup, which can be made gluten-free. –NM

Croissant Breakfast Sandwich

Stratford Court Cafe

The breakfast sandwich: so simple, yet so easy to mess up. Key players: cheddar cheese, zingy-fatty sauce, fluffy eggs. In my opinion, all other components are arbitrary, a croissant is a plus. Del Mar’s Stratford Court aces the test; the charming cottage setting with plentiful sunny tables and endless coffee are extra credit. –SL

Manna Porridge

Atelier Manna

If you take one thing from our food critic’s review, know that the porridge at Manna must not be missed. Need a hug, but no human takers? Consider your Sunday-morning oxytocin needs covered. Mixed mushrooms, egg yolk, and seared scallop snuggle in a duvet of creamy, earthy buckwheat. Miso adds depth and balance. It’s divine, and I’m pining for my next embrace. –SL

Blue Whale Brekky Bowl

Blue Whale

Trying to find seating for Saturday morning brunch at La Jolla’s Blue Whale was a daunting task. After puppy-guarding a table with a passion only a helicopter mom could muster, I was rewarded with the Brekky Bowl. If the rabbit food–looking greens garner a side-eye from your hangover, I recommend crafting a DIY avocado toast with the other ingredients to ensure satisfaction. Bacon and hash browns, you were perfect. –AP

Tiramisu Brioche French Toast

Matteo

The best-named restaurant in SD has one of the best treats in town. With espresso-dipped brioche, coffee cream, fresh fruit, and a big ball of mascarpone, this caffeinated toast is worth a trip to South Park all its own. Hanging at this buzzy brunch bastion is just a bonus. –MH

Churro Pie

My Vegan Pie

Made in a North Park home, the pies from MVP are vegan, gluten-free, and refined-sugar-free (dates provide sweetness). Our advice? Treat the cashew-based churro pie like a breakfast pastry. It tastes like a satisfying mix of oatmeal and Cinnamon Toast Crunch and won’t take you on one of those donut-induced glucose roller coasters. –NP

Croque Madame

Feast & Fairway

One of Coronado’s best kept secrets, Feast & Fairway brings the flavors of Breakfast Republic to the island, minus the typical morningfood hustle. The croque madame, a tower of eggs, ham, gruyere, and béchamel sauce atop thick slices of toasted brioche, provides delicious fuel for a long day at the links. –CN

Yorkshire Cali Burrito

California English

San Diego Magazine was established in 1948 by Edwin Self, an ambitious local known for his saucy opinions on the state of San Diego journalism. Gloria Self, Edwin’s fashion-and-wine-loving wife, signed on as co-publisher soon after. The pair formed the perfect cocktail of personalities to document this coastal city’s society and culture. We imagine the two of them in their chic and sophisticated living room, martinis in hand, signing papers that would launch one of the most successful and long-lived regional magazines in the country.

The way people consume information has changed considerably since those days, as have the population and diversity of our city. Media engagement has ebbed and flowed across platforms, but local media’s purpose remains—it serves to capture the soul of a city. At SDM, we see local media as the connective tissue between communities. We recognize that we must present information that our readers want in the ways you want it, and we are striving for excellence across all media platforms.

In print, we tell stories of this city through beautiful photography and memorable, voicey writing. On our website—which is getting a facelift as we speak—we showcase all of our diverse content, including our award-winning podcasts, like Happy Half Hour, which just scored the Society of Professional Journalism’s 2022 best podcast award. In our newsletters, we curate our most compelling work for you every week.

On our social media platforms, we share new, up-to-the-minute information and engage directly with our audience. Our Instagram account also just won the first-place SPJ social media award, proof that what people want is good storytelling—no matter the size of the screen.

And at our events, all of our publishing comes alive. Through parties both big and small, we’re able to physically present our work to our readers while bringing you world-class dining and social experiences. We invite you to join us at an event this year, see what we have cooking, and get to know our huge, extended community of storytellers and fans.

The Selfs never could have envisioned this rapidly changing digital media landscape in 1948, but we like to think they would be proud of our stewardship and the direction we’re taking SDM. All day, we’re out there telling the stories of the people, businesses, and neighborhoods that create our city. The goal is to learn from each other, grow together, and evolve.

To Edwin Self, we are grateful you had this wild idea 75 years ago, and we will continue the legacy of sharing saucy, quality stories with journalistic integrity. To Gloria Self, we, too, love fashion and wine parties. We’re hosting a few of our own soon: on August 18, we’re throwing ourselves a big birthday party at the annual Best of San Diego event, and the brand-new Del Mar Wine and Food Festival debuts in September. Both events are set to be epic.

To all of you, our subscribers, listeners, followers, and event-goers, thank you for giving these stories a home. We are determined to continue to explore and uplift the creative energy and the collective art of this city—the culinary, visual, literary, and performance art that feeds our souls and teaches us about SD. And thank you to the businesses and community that support us. Because of you, San Diego Magazine will live to see another 75 years.

Welcome aboard our summer travel issue. We’re happy to have you along for the ride as we celebrate the human urge to venture out into the unknown. This is a fun issue to tuck into your carry-on and read in the air.

Truthfully, I don’t enjoy getting on planes. But I love getting off of them to explore new places. See, I came into this world wanting to experience as much of it as I possibly can. There’s a fire burning in my belly that refuses to calm until I’ve learned how to say “howdy” in every dialect of every language, lit a candle in every temple, and stepped in every river. Twice. Until I’ve tasted every dish in every back alley and home kitchen in every city, small town, and village and hiked every mountain and breathed in every vista and contemplated every remaining glacier. Sounds like a compulsion, I know. But really it’s a hunger to learn. It’s why I became a reporter, to better understand this world and the people in it.

Travel, I’ve found, is a great teacher. Immersing ourselves in unfamiliar places often means being pushed out of our comfort zones, which is where important lessons can be learned. Ever been sweating and lost in a city in which you don’t speak or read the language, and still found your way? Traveling builds a unique kind of confidence.

But it’s important to remember that while travel can be a valuable learning experience, it’s also a great privilege. Traveling means different things to different people. Many have to wander to survive.

As we go to press, the humanitarian crisis at the SD-Mexico border is simmering after hitting a boiling point. In May, more than 1,000 people seeking asylum landed in various makeshift migrant camps in the desert outside Jacumba Hot Springs while waiting to be processed by US Border Patrol. Families with children in the cold desert at night, without blankets, food, or water, and no shelter in the heat of the day. Some of them had traveled for weeks.

On page 38, you’ll find our exclusive cover story about a newly revamped hotel in Jacumba Hot Springs, slated to reopen its doors this month after being acquired by a newly minted hospitality group of creative designers. It’s a cool, visually engaging piece we thought might inspire our readers to pack their bags.

But there’s much more to the story now. Because when the various people working to get the hotel open found themselves on the front lines of the border crisis, they stepped up to collect and deliver supplies to the people in the camps.

Jeff Osborne is part of the group behind the hotel project. “We just started organizing,” he told me. “Buying blankets, food, water. Our office became our crisis headquarters. Everyone in the local community was dropping off whatever we needed. We had over 3,000 individually packaged survival kits by the end.”

Talk about hospitality.

“I think we brought a lot of relief to people who were in some really awful conditions,” Osborne said.

It takes true courage to travel penniless across continents in search of safety or a better life, or simply because you don’t have anywhere else to go. It’s not a type of traveling I’ve ever had to do, and as someone who’s spent a lot of time on the road, I respect it tremendously.

So while celebrating our wanderlust in this issue, I also want to celebrate the travelers who were camped in the desert and the lessons we can learn from their determination. Travel, after all, is a great teacher, even if we’re not the ones on the move.

Let’s be honest—all babies are precious, but not all babies are cute. Lucky for us all, though, we happen to have one that’s both in this month’s Sacred Space story: an endangered California Condor, fresh from the shell.

It was 5:31 a.m. on a Monday when the call came through. Baby was hatching, so SDM‘s videographer, Jeremy, and I high-tailed it out to Escondido to be there as the first condor of the year emerged at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Condors are critically endangered. In the ’80s, less than two dozen remained. Two dozen. Those aren’t great odds. It’s taken incredible efforts on the part of indigenous tribes, US Fish and Wildlife, the SD Zoo, and other partners of the California Condor Recovery Program to bring these special birds back from the brink. There are now more than 500. And now, there’s one more.

A handful of us stood half-circled around the incubator. Two were wildlife specialists, including 33-year-old Brittany Vega, working her first day in the bird program. She teared up as she held the baby condor, weighing it and helping ensure it was cleaned properly to avoid infection.

Just imagine.

“It was a core memory. Getting to watch a chick hatch in real time and hold it during its first few breaths of life brought on overwhelming excitement and joy,” she said later. “It was definitely a struggle to hold back tears.”

You weren’t the only one, Brittany. It was incredible.

It’s with similar excitement that we’re exploring North County in this month’s issue of SDM. And we’re not just talking about the coast. North County is so much more than sunsets and surfers. We’re feasting in Escondido and Vista. We’re contemplating the importance of vibrant third places while revisiting the North County Fair and seeing what $2 billion builds in San Marcos.

But don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten the unique culture of the coast. We’re bringing you inside a new, slightly denser mode of building in Encinitas. We’re celebrating NoCo music, biking the 101, exploring what’s new in the food scene, and getting an inside view of O’side. We’ve also put together a funky little lookback of North County ads and coverage from our archives as we continue celebrating 75 years of SDM.

And, as you may have noticed, that condor isn’t the only bird in this issue. Check out the maximalist, wallpaper-worthy watercolor cover our art director Samantha Lacy painted. Sam is from Encinitas and chose to highlight species native to the coasts and marshlands of North County. It’s fun to get lost in.

And so is North County. So off we go.

P.S. Public visits to the condor breeding program facilities are strictly prohibited, but you can peek inside with more photos and a vid of the baby’s momentous birth.

We’re pretty serious about brunch around here. Every year, we dedicate a whole issue to it, and throw a pretty solid party to celebrate morningfood each March. So when it comes to Easter brunch, we have a few (many) ideas on where to spend your day knee-deep in gooey maple syrup, crunchy fried chicken, and at the bottom of a Champagne flute.

Whether you celebrate the holiday or just love a good reason to feast, these restaurants are offering everything you need for a perfect Sunday afternoon in the city. From breakfast favorites such as crab crakes and eggs Benedict to unique offerings like pork belly porridge and chorizo omelettes, here’s where to go for Easter Brunch in San Diego:

A.R. Valentien

The Lodge at Torrey Pines’ signature restaurant, A.R. Valentien, is hosting Easter brunch with three curated courses. At $145 for adults and $75 for children 11 and under, you’ll be treated to remarkable views of the golf course and an exceptional dining experience. Menu options include a spring asparagus soup, citrus ricotta blintz, roasted leg of lamb, prime eye of rib, and chocolate citrus cake among its dessert selections.

Avant

Turn up your taste buds at Avant with a four-course Easter brunch located at Rancho Bernardo Inn. Helmed by chef de cuisine Sergio Jimenez, Sunday’s Easter brunch menu will feature options ranging from pork belly porridge to brioche French toast, garden berries and cream, and Rosewood Ranches New York strip, and coffee and beignets topped with espresso ganache. Priced at $110 for adults and $55 for children.

Cafe Sevilla

Looking for a different holiday dining experience? Cafe Sevilla is offering “Brunch from the Other South,” featuring brunch classics with a Spanish twist. You can enjoy bottomless mimosas and live Spanish music while noshing on chorizo omelets and short rib hash. Brunch will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and a six-course meal is priced at $18.95; the nine-course brunch is $25.95.

Covewood

Located at the Mission Bay Resort, Covewood restaurant is a great option for families. Beginning at 11:00 a.m., guests can participate in an egg hunt around the bay and will be treated to a surprise visit from the Easter bunny throughout the afternoon. Specially crafted by executive chef Roy Hendrickson, the menu will feature dishes like carrot and coconut bisque, lemon basil cavatelli, and caramel croissant bread pudding. Priced at $95 per adult and $25 per child 12 and under.

Dockside 1953

Spend Easter Sunday a Dockside 1953 at the Bahia Resort Hotel. Their family-friendly afternoon is packed with activities and a Champagne brunch buffet. Kids can partake in an Easter egg hunt, while the whole crew can enjoy a  menu Priced at $120 for adults and $60 for kids ages 5 to 12. Brunch reservations also include a ticket to the William D. Evans sternwheeler Easter cruise where you can take photos with the Easter Bunny and enjoy live entertainment, cocktails, and arts and crafts.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Celebrate spring festivities at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar with your kiddos. On April 8, savor sweet treats and drinks at Easter Bunny Tea, at $125 per adult and $63 per child ages 4 to 11. On Sunday, dine at the Grand Easter Brunch Buffet, which will be followed by a complimentary egg hunt, live music, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Priced at $160 for adults and $80 for children.

George’s at the Cove

With mouthwatering dishes and unmatched coastline views, Easter brunch at George’s at the Cove is an event in itself. On Sunday, the La Jolla restaurant will be serving menu items such as avocado focaccia toast, classic eggs Benedict, and a trio of seasonal sorbets.

Herb & Wood

Nestled in Little Italy, Herb & Wood’s Easter brunch features a multi-course menu that includes lemon blueberry danishes, crab cakes, and chilaquiles from celebrity chef Brian Malarkey. Priced at $65 per person, brunch will be served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Herb & Sea

Sister eatery to Herb & Wood, chef Brian Malarkey’s Herb & Sea in Encinitas blends modern Californian fare and classic East Coast traditions. On Sunday, the menu will include plates such as oak smoked salmon, crab cake Benedicts, and lobster rolls priced at $65 per person.

Hotel del Coronado

At the legendary Hotel del Coronado, toast to Easter brunch in the lodging’s Crown Room. The menu features a seafood bar, carving station, and international cuisine, priced at $175 for adults and $95 for children ages 4 to 12. You can also enjoy a generous dessert bar featuring sweet treats such as passion fruit crème brûlée, espresso mascarpone verrine, raspberry & coconut diamonds, and peanut butter & milk chocolate pave.

Humphreys

For a vast brunch menu, visit Humphreys on Shelter Island this weekend for Easter brunch. While you’re tucking into bakery treats, a large carving station, and sweet desserts like carrot cake, take in the boats in the harbor for a perfect San Diego afternoon. The holiday menu is priced at $85 for adults and $35 for children ages 4 to 10.

Juniper and Ivy

At Little Italy’s Juniper and Ivy, Sunday’s menu will feature a three-course Easter brunch with locally sourced and seasonal ingredients from chef Anthony Wells. At $70 per guest, satisfy your appetite with meal options such as brioche cinnamon buns, spring vegetable quiche, and macaroon cookies.

Mister A’s

Everyone’s favorite rooftop locale, Mister A’s Easter Brunch menu features dishes such as Hiramasa crudo, buttermilk fried chicken and waffles, Maine lobster pot pie, salmon Wellington, and citrus pound cake. Priced at $85 per person.

Oceana Coastal Kitchen

Oceana Coastal Kitchen is ready to serve up a brunch buffet for parents and kids alike. The restaurant at the Catamaran Resort Hotel will also host the Easter Bunny and arts and crafts for kids, while parents can take in live music and sip on mimosas. Each guest will also receive a complimentary ticket to the Easter cruise on the William D. Evans sternwheeler! The event is priced at $120 for adults and $60 for kids between ages 5 and 12.

Parakeet Cafe

Enjoy a springtime menu full of pastries like lavender chai loaves and specialty beverages such as blue mint magic lattes at Parakeet Cafe. Menu items vary by location but expect tasty options such as a Belgian waffle topped with bananas, fresh berries, homemade Nutella, granola and organic whipped cream. The eatery also features a variety of healthier choices for those wanting an alternative to a large buffet or prix fixe meal.

Serẽa Coastal Cuisine

From April 7 to April 9, indulge in Easter brunch at the Serẽa Coastal Cuisine, where you’ll be treated to a fine dining experience and beachfront views from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The restaurant, located at the Hotel del Coronado, will also feature special desserts for the holiday.

Tidal

Celebrate Easter Sunday with bay views at Tidal inside Paradise Point Resort and Spa. Their brunch menu includes dishes such as sugar pearl Belgium waffles, grilled citrus asparagus, paella de marisco, and strawberry shortcake. Priced at $129 for adults and $48 for children 12 and under.

Tom Ham’s Lighthouse

On the tip of Harbor Island sits Tom Ham’s Lighthouse, a bayfront restaurant with some of the best views of the city. For Easter brunch, their menu includes a raw bar, made-to-order pasta station, and classic breakfast favorites. Priced at $78 per adult and $24 per child between ages 6 to 12.

The Lot

For a day full of family fun, swing by The Lot for an egg hunt and brunch buffet before catching a new flick. Menu options include a selection of fresh-baked pastries, French toast, an omelet station, carved bone-in Iowa ham, black-pepper crusted New York strip sirloin, chocolate banana bread pudding, and tiramisu. The Easter Bunny will even make an appearance. Priced at $60 per adult and $30 per child 12 and under.

Wolfie’s Carousel Bar

If you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy meal, there’s no better place to visit than Wolfie’s Carousel Bar. Their weekend brunch menu will include some additional Easter specials, including a spring-inspired cronut and Easter Egg Cake Pops.