Best of San Diego Party
When: August 17, 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Where: Arts District Liberty Station, 2640 Historic Decatur Road, Point Loma
Before I worked with San Diego Magazine, I envied their parties. This is what they (I’d say “we,” but other, more organized humans at the mag pull off this magic) do very, very well. This night will be in the open air and feature a ton of the city’s best restaurants, breweries, wineries, distilleries, and businesses. There will be over 100 vendors, live bands, probably some circus-esque entertainment, interactive art installations, lounges, aerialist acrobats (ah, there we go), fire performers, pop-up shops, and good ol’ dancing. It always sells out, so get your tickets as soon as you can.
Cost: $85 ($120 VIP)
Summer Herbal Tea & Blending Class
When: August 28, 4–6 p.m.
Where: Cafe 21, 802 Fifth Avenue, Downtown
Gotta be honest. When Cafe 21 opened in the Gaslamp, I wondered if a local restaurant focusing on healthier, good food could afford the rent. Or do well at all. And Cafe 21 definitely has (their potato pancake is one of the best bites in town). For this event, herbalist Angelina Keselburg will teach guests about ten herbs that help with the health and make good tea besides. You’ll get to formulate and blend your own tea, snacking on their Mezze spread (seasonal fruits and veggies with assorted dips) and hibiscus lemonade.
Cost: $35
Water Bill Dinner
When: September 8, 5–8:30 p.m.
Where: Cyclops Farms, 1448 Avocado Road, Oceanside
Oceanside is something special. It used to be more shuttered storefronts than open ones, and the best food and drink options were in Carlsbad, Encinitas, anwyhere but there. Well, that’s changed. Really, really changed. You can read about the transformation in this story I wrote. One of the heart centers is Cyclops Farms. Somehow farmer Luke Girling found an empty stretch of land on Fire Mountain between nice homes and is growing organic produce for local restaurants like Flying Pig, Wrench & Rodent, Mission Ave. Bar & Grill, you name it. Farming isn’t cheap, so local chefs rally to throw elaborate dinners on the farm to pay the water bill. It’s a great way to get to know the people making O’side food and drink happen. Girling always starts with a farm tour, then for this one, Davin Waite (Wrench & Rodent, Whet Noodle) and Kat Humphus (ex-BO-beau, Tidal, a great young chef) will cook a four-to-five-course meal with local beers, wine, and live music.
Cost: $100
Best Food & Drink Events in August and September
San Diego Magazine‘s Best of San Diego Party
