The city skyline, an iconic bridge, and an impromptu moment between two strangers on the back of a vintage yacht—what could be more San Diego than that? It may be just an outtake from our cover shoot, but it feels like a punctuation to this issue, and the season.
Even if your immediate future likely won’t involve models on the back of a boat, we hope you find your way to the water this summer. As for the possibility of romance? Who knows? We’ll Sea.
Tweet, tag, or post your favorite moments this summer using #SDMsummer.
10 Most-Listened-To Happy Half Hour Podcast Episodes of 2023
Since 2016, San Diego Mag‘s Happy Half Hour podcast has been highlighting the city’s finest food and drink makers and sharing the best in food news each month. This year, co-hosts Troy Johnson and David Martin spent 28 episodes catching up with the city’s top chefs, industry insiders, and local talent to find out what […]
Since 2016, San Diego Mag‘s Happy Half Hour podcast has been highlighting the city’s finest food and drink makers and sharing the best in food news each month. This year, co-hosts Troy Johnson and David Martin spent 28 episodes catching up with the city’s top chefs, industry insiders, and local talent to find out what makes San Diego’s food scene so great.
Among them, these 10 came out on top as the most-listened-to Happy Half Hour episodes of 2023. Haven’t checked them out yet? Give them a listen below:
In this episode, Troy and David sit down with Brandon Rodgers of The French Laundry and Benu to discuss his newest venture: Tanner’s Prime Burgers, founded in partnership with Brandt Beef. Listen as they crush beef tallow fries and ice cream sandwiches, Brandon’s wife’s cookies, and a burger made with New School American Cheese.
David Kennedy, co-owner of James Coffee Co., joins the pod to share the story of his coffee company and its efforts to get rid of single-use coffee cups and be as environmentally responsible as humanly possible. Kennedy also describes how ditching single-use cups didn’t quite go exactly as planned. Go listen. It’s a fun one.
San Diego restaurateur Tracy Borkum and executive chef Tim Kolanko from Urban Kitchen Group discuss their newest eatery, Gold Finch (a contemporary take on a Jewish delicatessen), and their next prix-fixe dining concept in the center of MCASD. This episode has everything from illegal yard sales to lessons about adaptation and Olivia Rodrigo.
To be fair, this was an episode in December 2022, but we left it in because you continued to love it and we needed another reason to post a pic of our resident mascot: Miles Davis Jr. This episode goes back to the start of Happy Half Hour, when Troy and David were just young whippersnappers with a mic and a dream. Today, Troy co-owns the mag and David is its chief sales and marketing officer, and HHH has nearly one million plays to date. Troy also lays out his hit list of the “10 Best Things I Ate This Year.”
On this episode, the gents talk with Carol Roizen and Jonathan Goldwasser, the owners of Parakeet Cafe, on the very personal reason why they created their healthy café and how they turned it into a huge success. Carol also calls out her favorite sushi spot in San Diego, David finds yet another soup that he can’t live without, and Troy slow-claps for the polenta plate at Cucina Urbana.
Troy and David get the inside scoop on Petco Park’s food and drink scene while grabbing a cold one at Alesmith’s 394 bar. Joined by vice president of hospitality Josh Momberg, they learn what it takes to feed nearly three million people each year. Go Pads!
This one isn’t as morbid as the title implies. The guys discuss their favorite meals of all time and get a sneak peek at the year’s Petco Park concerts, which included faves like Jimmy Eat World, Band of Horses, and Pixies. David also raves about the Sakura Bloom at Morning Glory, an egg-white cocktail worth a sip.
Having launched just before 2020, Coronado’s Little Frenchie made it through a global pandemic to become a Michelin-recognized spot and one of the best damn French bistros in San Diego. Troy and David chat with Blue Bridge exec chef Matt Sramek and VP of Operations Matt Gordon, who helped make Little Frenchie what it is today. They talk life on the island and their pandemic silver lining.
One of the best chefs in the country, Eric Greenspan, stops by to talk about his latest project: reinventing American cheese. He shares the story behind the new fromage, made with real butter, real cream, and aged cheese. Troy and David couldn’t get enough. Neither could the public when it was first introduced at the inaugural Del Mar Wine + Food Festival.
Rounding out our top 10 list, Baja’s wildly intelligent chef Drew Deckman stops by the office to chat with Troy and David about the precarious future of Valle de Guadalupe. Troy calls Drew “one of the funniest, most articulate, humblest, and give-a-damn people” he’s ever met as they chat about Drew’s failed dreams of becoming an umpire.
Nicolle Monico is an award-winning writer and the director of creative projects, digital editor for San Diego Magazine with more than 19 years of experience in media including Outside Run, JustLuxe and The San Francisco Chronicle.
See our photos from the event at the Music Box on February 20, 2020
Behind the Brands, held on February 20, 2020, at Music Box in Little Italy, was an evening of inside scoops and inspiration. Guests heard from Rubio’s Founder Ralph Rubio, Once Upon a Farm Co-Founder Cassandra Curtis, Intuit Principal Tech Evangelist Aliza Carpio and Red Door Interactive President John Faris. After a networking hour to mingle with other attendees and local brands, guests took their seats to hear interviews with San Diego Magazine editors. The event also featured interactive workshops with tips and tricks of resume building with a hiring manager and complimentary professional headshots. As a takeaway, guests received a complimentary Passion Planner.
Sponsors and partners for Behind the Brands included SONY, Keck School of Medicine at USC, Scripps Health, The Creative Group, Orangetheory Fitness, 1888 Doblemente Anejado, Wyoming Whiskey, Tequila Partida, Bear Naked Granola, Passion Planner, Enjet Media, and I Love a Clean San Diego.
Event Photos: Celebration of Cancer Care Champions
Photos from the event at University of San Diego Joan Kroc Institute Peace & Justice Theatre on September 22, 2019
The American Cancer Society hosted its inaugural Celebration of Cancer Care Champions (#SDC4) on Sunday, September 22, at the University of San Diego’s Peace and Justice Theatre. The event brought together the San Diego cancer care community to honor individuals and institutions who were nominated by their patients or peers for excellence in cancer care in 2018–2019. All of the finalists were selected by an external review committee representing 10 of San Diego’s leading health care and research institutions.
Kay Coleman, chair of the ACS Desert Coastal Area Board and the “SDC4” event, said, “There are many celebrations for cancer survivors, but this is the first one for the cancer care professionals who make a difference in the lives of cancer patients every day.”
Photos by Lauren Radack
Event Photos: Celebration of Cancer Care Champions
Danielle and Jason Sicklick
Studio S
SEPTEMBER 11, 2026
Vi at La Jolla Village – Senior Living in the Heart of Everything
At Vi at La Jolla Village, residents don't have to choose between security and adventure, connection and independence. They get all of it.
Today’s seniors are more connected than ever, with a renewed focus on retirement as a time of discovery and enriching experiences. The ultimate reward for a retirement well-earned is the wisdom to appreciate it all, and what better place to enjoy that unique perspective than Vi at La Jolla Village, in the heart of San Diego.
All-access pass to good living.
As a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Vi provides access to a connected and fulfilling community while making it easy to plan for future care, should the need ever arise. With a care plan in place, residents enjoy greater financial predictability and long-term value, freeing them to focus on making the most out of retirement.
Resort-style amenities at the epicenter of a cultural hub like San Diego offer a retirement experience unlike any other. Paired with exceptional dining, spacious accommodations and dedicated staff, the best of maintenance-free living is all around. And with the introduction of Vista 360 Well-Being, Vi’s panoramic approach to wellness, there are more ways than ever for residents to access it all.
The harmony of mind, body and community.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
The key to longevity is striking the right balance in maintaining an active lifestyle with an active mind in a fulfilling community. With newly renovated community spaces and restaurants, Vista brings a variety of opportunities for residents to elevate their well-being through Vi-exclusive “Signature Experiences.”
Vista Enrich takes an evidence-based approach to brain vitality, keeping residents at the forefront of cognitive health through exergaming (exercising + gaming), nutritional plans and informative workshops. It is also home to The Brain Vitality Studio, an innovative facility dedicated to cognitive fitness that has garnered national recognition.
Vista Discover invites residents into stimulating educational experiences, from chef-led cooking demos and guided wine tastings to lectures at local universities and intimate lectures following cultural outings.
While Vista Enrich focuses on brain health and Vista Discover engages residents intellectually, Vista Explore cultivates a sense of adventure through curated travel and local excursions. But broadening one’s horizons doesn’t always require a plane ticket. One recent event brought a taste of the world right to the community: an onsite “jazz cruise” featuring live music and global cuisine served at a series of themed “ports” all within the community’s own ballroom.
“Location, location, location”
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
One of the biggest perks of life at Vi at La Jolla Village is its proximity to just about everything. With easy access to transportation and local attractions just steps away, residents can explore and engage with their community at their own pace.
“There are trolley and bus stops within a 5-minute walk that will get you to the beach, UCSD Campus, medical appointments, downtown La Jolla or San Diego, et cetera. We rarely use our car,” said resident Tom Yager.
With the best of San Diego just steps away, residents don’t just live in the city, they live within reach of everything that makes it special.
The best of all worlds.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
At Vi at La Jolla Village, retirement isn’t a chapter to slow down; it’s an invitation to discover more. Tailored community experiences created by Vista, paired with the vibrant pulse of San Diego just outside the door, mean that residents don’t have to choose between security and adventure, connection and independence. They get all of it.
This is what an all-access pass to good living looks like: the comforts of an elevated lifestyle, a community built for growth and a city made for discovery – all in one place.
To learn more about Vi at La Jolla Village or for details on available floor plans, visit ViatLaJollaVillage.com/SDM.
Photos from the event at Liberty Station on August 10-11, 2019
On August 10 and 11, more than 20,000 art lovers attended the festival, which took place at Ingram Plaza at the Arts District Liberty Station. The event showcased fine artists from around the United States and Mexico and featured a full lineup of live music. Gorgeous San Diego weather topped off the festive and art-filled celebration, where attendees enjoyed the visual and performing arts, street food, interactive art activities, and a wine and beer pavilion. All were invited to bring or wear jeans, shoes, shirts, and more, which were transformed into wearable abstract expressionist art à la Jackson Pollock.
Photos by Paul Nestor and Daniel Audick
Event Photos: 14th Annual ArtWalk
Sarah Cusey
Podcasts & Video
DECEMBER 4, 2019
Event Photos: #SKY5Year
Photos from the event at SKY Facial Plastic Surgery on August 7, 2019
SKY Facial Plastic Surgery hosted its fifth annual community celebration and charity fundraiser at its North County location. Guests mingled with double–board certified facial plastic surgeon Sirius K. Yoo, MD and enjoyed a cocktail reception, hors d’oeuvres, and an opportunity drawing. Proceeds benefited FACE Foundation, which provides funding to families who cannot afford the life-saving treatments their pets need.
Photos by Bradley Schweit
Event Photos: #SKY5Year
Sirius K. Yoo, MD and Theresa Hadley
Partner Content
AUGUST 21, 2026
This Scripps Clinic Physician is Serving Up Care
Laika Nur, MD, takes her love of volleyball from the court to the clinic as team physician for the San Diego Mojo
Growing up, Laika Nur, MD, Scripps Clinic sports medicine specialist, loved watching beach volleyball when the Association of Volleyball Professionals tour came to her hometown of Chicago. A talented volleyball player herself, she remembers sitting in the stands all day, and once, even got a couple autographs. Years later, Dr. Nur was attending a professional event focused on women’s sports, and the discussion turned to a new professional women’s volleyball league. The general manager and coaching staff for San Diego’s team, the Mojo, happened to be in attendance, and Dr. Nur took the opportunity to ask them if they needed a team doctor. Flash forward to the Mojo’s inaugural 2024 season, when Dr. Nur officially became the team physician. Click here to read more about Dr. Nur and how she incorporates lessons she learned on the court into her practice.
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