Petco Park Events partnered with developer IQHQ to create Eve, an entertainment outlet situated atop the Edge building in the new RaDD development on North Harbor Drive. 

“We’re sort of the hub of what’s going on in San Diego,” says Padres Senior Vice President of Special Events Jaclyn Lash. RaDD and IQHQ conceived the original idea for the space a few years ago. But when Petco Park Events saw the potential for what it could be, “it’s something we wanted to be a part of,” Lash adds. “We did approach them and say, ‘Hey, this is something we really want to manage for you.’” 

The name Eve, despite my first guess, does not refer to Biblical origins. Rather, it’s a play on “events” and the idea of a tranquil evening. The absolutely enormous space sprawls across 7,800 square feet inside. A balcony and patio, plus a green room and two salons, each with their own terraces, cover another 4,000 square feet. All in all, Eve occupies more than 12,000 square feet of sky-high real estate and can comfortably accommodate 570 seated guests or 1,126 standing guests with 19-foot-high ceilings and retractable walls for custom layouts. 

But its crowning glory is an uninterrupted 270-degree panoramic view of San Diego Bay, encompassing the Coronado Bridge, Point Loma, and beyond into the wild, open Pacific. “It’s the most stunning view I’ve ever seen from an event space,” Lash says.

Eve will provide full-service catering through Culinary Concepts, with Snake Oil Cocktail Company managing the beverage service, offering curated cocktails as well as customizable ones upon request. 

Other vendors featured in our video include Posies Floral Company for florals; Town and Country Event Rentals San Diego for furniture, glassware, and flatware; and BBJ La Tavola for linens and a few other custom touches. Gensler Boston designed the architecture, Gensler New York did the interiors, and IGHQ and Gensler are the primary developers. Yes, it’s a lot of cooks in the kitchen. But Lash says her team knows how to put on events with all the bells, whistles, and high-tech AV anyone could ever need. 

“We just continue to grow in terms of demand for special events,” she says. “We don’t want to be a cookie-cutter venue, [and] we plan to provide the same quality of events and the same uniqueness of events that we do at Petco Park and at Rady Shell.”

Eve’s private events kick off in June, but Lash says they may start hosting some public shindigs like movie or music nights in the future as schedules allow. “The space is so special, and the views are so incredible that we want to be able to share it with the public, but it will be used primarily for private events,” she explains. “Occasionally, we will do ticketed events there.”

And if you want to know how to book your own event at Eve, Lash says there are a few ways to go about it: You can email [email protected], visit the company’s website (petcoparkevents.com) or Instagram (@petcoparkevents), or call 619-795-5025.

The post First Look: Eve appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Another new addition arrives this August: Alchemy, an all-day eatery focused on elevated street food, created by the team behind nearby Barra Cruda.

Don’t confuse this Alchemy with the restaurant Alchemy in South Park, which closed in 2015, or the Alchemy Restaurant Group, Juice Alchemy, Edible Alchemy, or Skyn Alchemy. This Alchemy will be located on the ground floor at Daffodil, a mixed-use space at 1932 Kearney Avenue that will also include 16 apartments and a six-room hotel called Hotel Narcissus.

Eddy Cortes and Juan Saad-Quintana first launched Barra Cruda with Freddy Hernandez as a pop-up series at places like Mujeres Brew House and Bread & Salt, but Alchemy will be their first brick-and-mortar. “We wanted to get to the next level, now that we have a full-on kitchen, and truly go deep into our culinary roots,” Cortes explains. “We cater more to fresh catch, to farm-to-table, and we want to be a little more upscale in that sense.”

Alchemy will focus on seafood (with support from other seasonal and local ingredients), serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. “I think our brunch is gonna probably be the most popular thing,” Cortes says. He and his team hope to add a liquor license alongside their beer and wine license to bring in a creative cocktail program. Until then, Cortes says they still plan to lean into their “choose thy poison” motto as much as they can, designing punch bowls and other crafty libations. 

The building is currently under construction, but once it’s complete, Cortes reports, Alchemy will have an intimate indoor dining room with around 16 seats and a gothic, industrial vibe. The outdoor patio will be much larger, able to fit around 40 people, but he says they’re flexible with the final details. “Alchemy is always going to be changing,” he adds. “We like to stay a little mysterious.”

Curious patrons who are 21 or older can preview Alchemy’s offerings on Saturday, June 15, at Bread & Salt during Winyl Club’s Winyl Formal. Alchemy and Barra Cruda will serve food and drinks alongside Esquina Wine Shop, Postino WineCafé, and more. Tickets are available here. 

San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events

TNT Pizza To Open Second Location Sometime This Summer

Reporting in the 21st century means communication is as likely to happen over social media as over the phone or in person. So when I heard TNT Pizza was opening a second location in Chula Vista later this year, I didn’t think twice about dropping in their Instagram DMs to find out when doors would open. 

“The timeline for opening is still completely up in the air. It could be the end of June but might stretch into July or even August,” read the reply. (I’m still not sure whether or not it came directly from Kevin Gist and Joseph Ghafouri-Wehrly, TNT’s co-owners who both use the account. But I’m a child of the ’90s, and chatting with strangers on the Internet is kind of old hat for me, so I rolled with it.)

“The address here is 221 3rd Avenue,” my mysterious correspondent continued. “Square footage is about 2,400, so twice the size of our East Village location. Seating will be right around 52, with 36 of those being booth/table seating and the remaining being bar-style seating.” They went on to say they plan to keep the same menu, adding a few new appetizers and salads. And, they added, “we might actually finally get some wine in .” As long as they keep my favorite pickle pizza, I’m there. 

Beth’s Bites

Harry’s Taco Club opened its fourth location today at 1446 Camino Del Mar in (you guessed it) Del Mar. That’s a pretty solid location in a pretty bougie strip, so I’ll bet their 2-for-1 margarita special from 2 to 5 p.m. will come with fun people-watching.

Black Plague Brewing is throwing a seventh anniversary party from 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, at their Oceanside location (2550 Jason Court), featuring guest beers from Burgeon, Harland, South O, Craft Coast, Fall, and a bunch more. Full Metal Burgers will sling the eats. 

Takaramono, a new sushi restaurant from Eugene Kim and Peter Kim, will soft-open in the former Cafe Mojoe location at 7513 La Jolla Boulevard on May 30, with a grand opening slated for the end of June. Although Takaramono will be the first restaurant endeavor for both Kims as owners, they previously worked at Yummy Sushi Coronado and say the new brick-and-mortar will have space for around 20 guests in the dining room and eight at the bar. Sign me up to try the sashimi sampler. 

The post Team Behind Barra Cruda Launching Alchemy in Barrio Logan appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Like any intrepid journalist, I took it upon myself to find out with a two-day getaway in the area.

Best Places to Stay in Scottsdale

First point in Scottsdale’s favor: There are fantastic places to stay, like Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows. The mid-century modern resort is on a busy commercial drive but feels like an enclave, tucked away amid 23 acres of gardens. Each of the 185 bungalows, suites, and villas has a private entrance and patio and is decorated with designer furniture and tasteful local art. Wandering around the property felt like exploring a charming neighborhood, with hammocks, giant Connect 4 games, and plenty of dogs sprinkled among the three pools, fitness center, and spa. There’s also a poolside restaurant and bar and Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen, a Mediterranean eatery with creative cocktails and a curated wine library.

A hotel with a more downtown feel is Hotel Valley Ho, which originally opened in 1956 and has been recently restored. It was once a hideaway for Bing Crosby, Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh, and Zsa Zsa Gabor and now has suites, a spa, a pool, and seasonal American cuisine at ZuZu and the ZuZu Lounge.

Fun Things to Do in Scottsdale

And, yes, there are things to do. Of course, there’s golf, spas, and shopping—the typical Arizona resort activities. But outdoor adventurers can also stretch their legs with a run or ride along the Indian Bend Wash – Greenbelt bike path or a hike around the 4.5-mile Gateway Loop Trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. 

Stellar Adventures will take you roaring through the desert landscape in an open-air Hummer or ATV (adrenaline junkies can book an “advanced” Hummer tour to experience a car that can climb walls). Go at night for sights of nocturnal wildlife and a staggering number of stars. 

If you want a romantic jaunt, Hot Air Expeditions offers sunrise hot air balloon rides through the Sonoran Desert. Take in views of desert terrain and mountain ranges from up to 5,000 feet in the air. 

For tamer (but no less interesting) endeavors, try Wonderspaces, a year-round, evolving art show, or the Western Spirit museum, the Desert Botanical Garden, and Butterfly Wonderland, a conservatory on the Arizona boardwalk home to thousands of the winged critters. 

You can also explore Scottsdale’s Downtown Arts District, filled with specialty shops and boutiques, art galleries, and museums. Wander through Old Town’s unique districts, including Historic Old Town, with stalwart establishments such as the Rusty Spur Saloon and Cavalliere’s Blacksmith Shop; the Fifth Avenue Shopping District (for Southwest and Native American arts and crafts); and the Arts District (for handmade apparel and art prints).

Also check out Scottsdale’s Public Art Program, which includes a self-guided walking tour of 70 permanent and 30 temporary artworks. You can see traditional bronzes, such as George-Ann Tognoni’s trio of galloping horses, as well as contemporary and experiential works, like James Turrell’s SkySpace at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. The city has 50 additional works in various stages of design and construction. 

For retail therapy, stop by the boutiques Carmen, Vintage by Misty, Fashion by Robert Black, and Leela Market. Then hit The Merchantile of Scottsdale, an indoor marketplace located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, and the Native American Market, where indigenous Arizonans sell their artwork directly to consumers. And, while it may seem absurd to go to the mall on vacation, Scottsdale Fashion Square really is a great mall. There are all the top brands—Neiman Marcus, Prada, Gucci, Kate Spade New York, Tory Burch, Tiffany & Co., Salvatore Ferragamo—plus plenty of smaller shops and dining options. 

Must-Try Food & Drinks in Scottsdale

There are also endless options for eating in Scottsdale—far beyond the laundry list of chain restaurants you might expect from a suburb. Try The Herb Box in Old Town for brunch. At lunchtime, there’s The Thumb, a BBQ joint and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives favorite, or Diego Pops, a chic taco joint. In the evening, try The Mission’s Old Town location, where numerous chandeliers cast a romantic glow over the sight of your server whipping up tableside guacamole. Also check out Beginner’s Luck, an intimate spot with cocktails and comforting dishes.

Craving a pint or a glass of red? Try Goldwater Brewing Co., Fate Brewing Company, Sip Coffee & Beer, Aridus Wine Company Tasting Room, Arizona Stronghold, Carlson Creek Vineyards, LDV Winery, Los Milics Vineyards, Merkin Vineyards, Salvatore Vineyards, and The Wine Collective of Scottsdale.

By the end of my visit, I stood corrected. There was more to do in Scottsdale than I could fit into a two-day trip. I can’t wait to go back… probably the next time a friend throws a bachelorette.

The post Where to Stay, What to Eat, and What to Do in Scottsdale, Arizona appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

In other words, San Diego Magazine’s November 2005 cover is wild. And inside waits a huge feature on dating in SD. I had questions. So many questions. Is anything different about SD’s dating scene nearly 20 years later?

“If there are plenty of fish in the sea, why haven’t you hooked one?” the article’s subhead asks. “A look at the up-and-down dating life of San Diegans—and how to make the perfect catch. Maybe.” 

Writer Amber Cyphers goes on to wonder, “With one million people in the city, why is it still so hard to find love?”

This sounds familiar.

“We asked a group of very dateable San Diegans for their take on the world of singles, and did some research of our own,” Cyphers writes. “It was illuminating, to say the least, although there was no consensus on the best way to meet other singles in San Diego. Not surprisingly, few found much success developing lasting relationships with people they met in bars. Beyond that, it was a tossup.”

This could have been written today. I am Cyphers, and she is me. We’ve come so far since the dating-app-free world of yesteryear… while also seemingly going nowhere at all. Great news for singles.

Luckily, the piece offers some tips about where to meet local singles. Cyphers suggests checking out social events hosted by arts institutions like The Old Globe, returning to school to take extension courses (this seems a bit much), frequenting your neighborhood coffee shop to find “local delights” posted on its notice boards, and getting into sports. 

Did you know there was once an Athletic Singles Association? Or an org called the Single Sierrans, a subgroup of the local Sierra Club, an environmental protection organization, for people in their 20s and 30s? 

Back then, online dating was relegated to sites like Match.com or HurryDate.com—which may have been the prototype for Tinder, though I can’t be sure.

Instead of my typical article this week, we’re going back in time to hear the stories of other singles looking for love. Because look, it’s not you—it really is that hard and weird and confusing. Grab a glass of wine and some popcorn and get cozy with the tales of San Diego’s most eligible Y2K bachelors and bachelorettes.

Also, if you’re one of the singles profiled in this feature, please email us and let us know if you found love… especially if it was because you went back to college.

Meet Justin, a 28-year-old Oklahoman who discovered why San Diego is such a great place for burgeoning Peter Pans. 

On the next page, Lisa Feinstein, a 35-year-old healthcare professional, shares her dating horror stories. Offering to find your date a sugar daddy—totally wack or kinda chivalrous in this economy? You decide. 

Here we have 35-year-old Summer Morse, who offers some sound advice and an optimistic outlook for singles. “I’m looking for a relationship full of integrity and communication—having the understanding that falling in and out of love happens, and it’s okay,” she says.

Travis Bone, on the other hand, found that a little wine with a side of pretension is a good reminder that being single may not be so bad after all. 

Tom Chambers’ story might be my favorite of the bunch. A tale as old as time: You and your situationship decide to take separate trips for New Year’s Eve. You head to Lake Tahoe; she jets off to Miami. A week later, you turn on the Lakers game and see her courtside… with another dude. Ouch. 

A holistic healthcare practitioner and divorcée, 46-year-old Lilia Gudiño-Vazquez is perfectly fine with her relationship status. The single mom of two reminds us that dating in your 40s means you’re no longer comfortable wasting your time with things that don’t add value to your life.

At 48, executive assistant Lisa Schiff signed up for what she called “on-line personals.” She’s excited about the idea of a younger man, unless he wants children. How very Anne Hathaway in The Idea of You. 

Finally, 28-year-old Nam Chantepie offers a cute metaphor about the dating pool. “Sometimes I feel like there needs to be more chlorine in that pool, but I keep floating along in my water wings, waiting to bump into someone else who wants to play Marco Polo,” he says. I genuinely hope he found his mermaid.

So, if you’re single, is there comfort knowing that dating in SD has always been challenging? Or did you find love here decades ago—and think that you left the market when things were easier? Either way, we would love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected].

If you’re new to Unhinged, catch up on all the dating chats you’ve missed here and follow along at @monicles and @sandiegomag on Instagram to know when a new article drops each week.

Sign-up now for the Unhinged newsletter for exclusive content, Q&As with Nicolle, and subscriber-only meet-ups!

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The post Unhinged, A Dating Series: 20 Years Later, We’re Still Single appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Sports Bars in Downtown & Little Italy San Diego

Time Out Sports Tavern

Going out in the Gaslamp often requires a certain tolerance for purgatory-like lines and $20 well drinks, but this locally owned sports bar is an unabashedly divey antidote home to 29 rotating beer taps, a late-night menu for when the game goes into overtime, and a couple of pool tables (plus deals on mimosas for those daytime matches).

Hours: Monday–Friday, 11 a.m.–2 a.m. | Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 a.m.
Happy Hour Specials: 3–6:30 p.m. | $5 Michelob Ultra, wells & beer of the day | $6 house wine | $8 Tito’s & Tullamore Dew | $2 off select food options
Address: 634 Broadway, Gaslamp Quarter

barleymash

Whether it’s game day or not, barleymash is one of the liveliest spots downtown. A runner-up for best fries in SDM’s 2024 best restaurants list (they’ve got a bunch of toppings for ’em), this spot also serves four different varieties of loaded mac n’ cheese. Maybe that’s part of why it nabbed a place on Sports Illustrated’s 2019 list of the best places to watch the Super Bowl. 

Hours: Monday–Friday, 12 p.m.–2 a.m. | Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 a.m.
Happy Hour Specials: 3–6 p.m. | $4.50 draft beer | $7.50–$8 cocktails 
Address: 600 Fifth Avenue, Unit 6916, Downtown

Bub’s @ the Ballpark

Located less than a block from Petco Park, Bub’s is the ultimate afterparty for Padres home games during the season. Friar faithful file in after a W to celebrate with a round of beer and remarkably unathletic feats of athleticism in the bar’s novelty basketball court. Bub’s gets packed on game day and is known for screening every Padres away game. For pigskin fans, the bar offers generous NFL and college football game-day drink deals. 

Hours: Monday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. | Friday, 11 a.m.–12 a.m. | Saturday, 10 a.m.–12 a.m. | Sunday, 10 a.m.–11 p.m.
Happy Hour: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday, 3–5 p.m. | $1 wings | $5 select drafts & wells | half-off appetizers
Address: 715 J Street, Gaslamp Quarter

Nason’s Beer Hall

An upscale watering hole located in the Gaslamp’s swanky Pendry hotel, this retrofitted space dating to the 1900s is a great place to cheer on the Padres and feast on game-day specials like a $9 Wagyu hot dog. This must be the only spot in SD where you can chow down on $40 caviar while watching the Chargers play. 

Hours: Monday–Thursday, 3–10 p.m. | Friday, 3 p.m.–12 a.m. | Saturday, 10 a.m.–12 a.m. | Sunday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Happy Hour Specials: Monday–Friday, 3–5 p.m. | $5 draft beer | $6 wine | $7 well cocktails | $11 cheeseburger | $10 giant pretzel | $9 chips & guac | $9 buffalo chicken fries 
Address: 570 J Street, Gaslamp Quarter

Shakespeare Pub

San Diego is increasingly staking its claim as a destination for soccer, but many local sports bars are lacking a dedicated space for fútbol fanatics. When FIFA rolls around, Shakespeare Pub in Little Italy is the place to be. Opened by a pair of British expats in 1990, this second-story bar on India Street tunes its TVs to Europe’s Premier League and offers the eats to match (think a full English breakfast or a plate of fish and chips).

Hours: Monday–Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–11 p.m. | Friday, 10:30 a.m.–12 a.m. | Saturday, 8 a.m.–12 a.m. | Sunday, 8 a.m–10 p.m.
Happy Hour: Monday–Friday, 3–6 p.m. | $1 off draft pints | $5 house wine | $1 off all bottled beer | $5.50 well liquor
Address: 3701 India Street, Little Italy

Sports Bars in Pacific Beach

The Duck Dive

While sports are the main attraction at this PB hot spot, the food and drinks hold their own, especially when early weekend games draw fans for brunch and $19 bottomless mimosas. University of Nebraska alumni (all two of you) will be happy to hear that this is a certified Nebraska Husker bar, so enjoy hogging the TVs all season long. 

Hours: Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–11 p.m. | Friday, 10 a.m.–12 a.m. | Saturday, 9 a.m.–12 a.m. | Sunday, 9 a.m.–11 p.m.
Happy Hour Specials: Tuesday–Friday, 3–6 p.m. | $6 cocktails | $6 select wines & drafts | half-off select appetizers
Address: 4650 Mission Boulevard, Pacific Beach

Sandbar Sports Bar & Grill

Sandbar is the place for Boise State fans to cheer on the Blue each week—or for any deals-seeking diner whose team is playing on a Tuesday, when the rooftop watering hole overlooking Belmont Park offers $3 street tacos, $5 Estrella Jaliscos, $6 house margaritas, and half-off all tequila (of which they have more than 50 types). 

Hours: Tuesday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. | Friday–Monday, 9 a.m.–11 p.m.
Happy Hour Specials: 3–6 p.m. | $6 14-ounce Estrella Jalisco | $8 Margarita | $9 22-ounce Estrella Jalisco
Address: 718 Ventura Place, Mission Beach

Sports Bars in Mission Valley

Home & Away

Tucked into the heart of Old Town, this bar is home field for Kansas City Chiefs fans during the NFL season. The patio provides plenty of space for fans to catch every play on a massive outdoor screen while kids stay busy with games like cornhole and ping pong. It’s dog-friendly, too, so make sure Fido has his KC bandana on. 

Hours: Monday–Thursday, 11:30 a.m.–1 a.m. | Friday, 11:30 a.m.–2 a.m. | Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 a.m. | Sunday, 9:30 a.m.–1 a.m.
Address: 2222 San Diego Avenue, Old Town 

McGregor’s Bar & Grill

There’s nothing like rooting for the Fighting Irish during college football season in an old-school Irish pub. Located a few blocks from Snapdragon, this 28-year-old Mission Valley bar is a popular spot for post-game partying following Legion rugby matches and SDSU football games. Several pool tables, live music weekly, and shuffleboard offer a welcome distraction from agonizing SportsCenter recaps. 

Hours: Sunday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. | Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Happy Hour Specials: Monday–Thursday, 4–6 p.m. | $1 off draft beer, house wine, well liquor & select appetizers 
Address: 10475 San Diego Mission Road, Mission Valley

Novo Brazil Brewing

Novo Brazil has four expansive venues across San Diego County, but their newest location in Mission Valley is a true sports fan’s paradise, with 8,000 square feet of space, 64 taps, 100 feet of LED video walls, and a 3,500-square-foot fire pit—a perfect spot for strategizing your fantasy league draft picks. Sip refreshing kombuchas while supporting our local sports teams with Novo’s La Ola Dragon Fruit or Azteks Raspberry flavors, created in partnership with Wave FC and SDSU Athletics, respectively.

Hours: Monday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. | Friday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. | Sunday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Address: 1640 Camino Del Rio North, Unit 341, Mission Valley

Sports Bars in North Park

Fairplay

Whether you spell it “football” or “fútbol,” Fairplay has you covered with plenty of screens to catch the action. The spacious gastropub is also the home field for the Red Devils of San Diego, a local Manchester United fan group. Keep an eye on Fairplay’s Instagram page for their weekly TV guide to ensure you don’t miss a single play. 

Hours: Monday–Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. | Thursday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–12 a.m. | Saturday, 6 a.m.–12 a.m. | Sunday, 7 a.m.–10 p.m.
Address: 4026 30th Street, North Park

Pretzels & Pints

Philly fans, assemble! Pretzels & Pints is the spot for tuning into every Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, and 76ers game. This tucked-away North Park bar specializes in pretzels, offering oversized Bavarian, pillowy Philly, and classic NY-style options with its signature beer cheese. You’ll also find a selection of pizzas, sandwiches, and subs to fuel your game day—but you’ll need to leave your Giants and Celtics jerseys at home.

Hours: Monday–Friday, 12–10 p.m. | Saturday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Happy Hour Specials: Monday-Friday, 1–6 p.m. | $1.50 off drafts
Address: 3812 Ray Street, North Park

Sports Bars in Clairemont & La Jolla

The Bullpen

This old-school sports venue provides more than 60 TVs and bar bites at reasonable prices. The Bullpen isn’t the place for quiet, contemplative sports discussions—instead, grab a beer and join the hooting and hollering on Padres game nights and at fight night viewing parties. Check their website for their daily TV schedule to plan your night.

Hours: Saturday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. | Friday, 11 a.m.–2 a.m.
Address: 8199 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, Clairemont Mesa

Nautilus Tavern

During Padres season, Nautilus has game day specials, including the Machado Platter, featuring wings, onion rings, tots, and mozzarella sticks (which I’m sure Manny always eats before first pitch). Stick around after the game as the sports tavern transforms into “Club Nauti,” where you can actualize your dreams of popping Champagne after your team (San Diego FC?) wins a national championship.

Hours: Monday–Wednesday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. | Thursday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–1 a.m. | Sunday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Happy Hour Specials: Monday–Friday, 3–6 p.m. | half-off draft beers, well liquor & house wine | $5 Daily Sunset
Address: 6830 La Jolla Boulevard, Unit 103, La Jolla

The Spot La Jolla

The Spot is truly the OG San Diego sports bar, with a history dating back to 1915. The space was purchased in 1978 by owners who wanted to relocate their Chicago watering hole to San Diego. This is the ultimate hangout for Windy City transplants wanting to watch da Bears, da Bulls, da Cubs, and Blackhawks games each week. Like any authentic Chicago hangout, it’s filled with decades of spilled beers, the scent of deep-dish pizza, and the accumulated tears of fans.

Hours: 11 a.m.–2 a.m.
Happy Hour Specials: Monday–Friday, 3–6 p.m. | $4 drafts & wells | 25 percent off appetizers
Address: 1005 Prospect Street, La Jolla

Sports Bars in North County San Diego

PRK 101

PRK 101 is Disneyland for North County sports fans. This two-story complex features large outdoor TVs, a spacious dog-friendly patio, and a menu full of savory barbecue. The spot is home base for the handful of loyal Chargers fans, and it also offers half-off beverages every Monday to locals with a Carlsbad address.

Hours: Monday–Wednesday, 4–10 p.m. | Thursday & Sunday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. | Friday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–12 a.m.
Happy Hour Specials: Monday–Friday, 3–6 p.m. | $5 off house cocktails | $2 off draft beers | $5 house wines | $5 house calls 
Address: 3040 Carlsbad Boulevard, Carlsbad

Draft Republic

The name certainly holds up: Draft Republic vends more than 100 beers on tap. Meet up with your squad and catch the game on one of the bar’s 70 TVs while you stuff yourself with wings or buffalo cauliflower (for plant-based friends). Games aren’t just onscreen at this sports bar’s two locations, which offer golf simulators (Carlsbad), eight lanes of bowling (San Marcos), shuffleboard, and plenty of arcade cabinets to help you cool off after your team drops the ball in OT.

Hours: Monday–Thursday, 4–9 p.m. | Friday–Saturday, 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. | Sunday, 9:30 a.m.–9 p.m.
Happy Hour Specials: 4–5:30 p.m. | $6 Draft Republic Beers | $8 select wines & well cocktails | discounted appetizers
Address: 5958 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad & 255 Redel Road, San Marcos

Sports Bars in East County San Diego

The Hills Pub

The Hills Pub is a popular watering hole for sports fans in La Mesa with its dog-friendly patio, zillion TVs, and kitchen that stays open until midnight daily. This makes it an ideal spot for post-game festivities and sprawling armchair game analysis with that pal who swears he could have gone pro if he’d only made the JV team. The joint hosts bingo every Tuesday, offering an opportunity to net yourself tickets to upcoming Gulls games.

Hours: Monday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–12 a.m. | Friday, 11 a.m.–2 a.m. | Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 a.m. | Sunday, 10 a.m.–12 a.m.
Happy Hour Specials: Monday–Friday, 2–5 p.m. | Sunday–Thursday, 9 p.m.–12 a.m. | $5 drafts, wells, house wines & Dangerdorf liquor
Address: 8758 La Mesa Boulevard, La Mesa

Main Tap 

Main Tap is a rare destination showing every NHL game in sunny San Diego. This cozy East County tavern is known for its collection of rotating taps from local microbreweries, and it offers plenty of cheap eats to keep you going until a game-ending shootout. On Tuesdays and Fridays, this El Cajon locale moonlights as a karaoke bar, perfect for belting out tearful ballads after the Anaheim Ducks lose yet another game. Time to invest in a Kings jersey. 

Hours: 11 a.m.–2 a.m.
Happy Hour Specials: Wednesday, 3–7 p.m. | $6 Reuben sandwiches
Address: 518 E Main Street, El Cajon

Sports Bars in Chula Vista

3N1 Sports Bar

Score a hat trick at this triple-threat sports bar in Chula Vista. The name 3N1 refers to the venue’s restaurant, bar, and smoking lounge concept, making it a go-to for folks who enjoy a stogie while watching sports. The bar also offers karaoke on the weekends and regularly hosts PPV boxing and UFC events. 

Hours: Monday–Wednesday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. | Thursday, 11 a.m.–1 a.m. | Friday, 11 a.m–2 a.m. | Saturday, 9 a.m.–2 a.m. | Sunday, 9 a.m.–10 p.m.
Happy Hour Specials: Monday–Thursday, 4–7 p.m
Address: 2330 Proctor Valley Road, Unit 101, Chula Vista

The Canyon Sports Pub & Grill

The Canyon is a popular dive in Chula Vista serving homemade ’cheladas and wings that locals (and even SDM food critic Troy Johnson) have raved about. The bar screens Padres games weekly and holds special viewing parties for the most anticipated title cards in boxing and UFC. 

Hours: Monday–Tuesday, 3 p.m.–2 a.m. | Wednesday–Sunday, 12 p.m.–2 a.m.
Happy Hour Specials: Monday–Friday, 4–7 p.m. | 20 percent off wells, draft pints & appetizers
Address: 421 Telegraph Canyon Road, Chula Vista

The post 20 of the Best Sports Bars in San Diego, by Neighborhood appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Wine bar and shop Merenda will be the newest addition to San Diego’s burgeoning wine scene when it opens at The Flats in Oceanside this July-ish. “Very heavy on the ish,” jokes Aaron Crossland, who co-owns Merenda with his wife, Lauren Crossland-Marr. “We’re moving really quickly so far, but there are always things that come up.”

Merenda is Italian for “snack,” or, more specifically, a snack shared with others. The duo spent time in Italy while Crossland-Marr studied food anthropology and culture, which led to a love of food, drink, and especially wine, explains Crossland. Neither planned to get into the wine business for themselves until two things happened.

“We got this idea for Merenda during Covid, and thought it would probably happen when we were a little older,” he says. “But as it happens, when you hit 40, I realized I really kind of hated what I did for a living and wanted to pursue my passions.”

The two moved back to Oceanside, Crossland’s hometown, to be closer to family and participate in the city’s revitalization. “[We] saw how wonderful Oceanside has been doing economically, with all the new restaurants and stuff coming into town, and wanted to be a part of it,” he explains.

It took about a year to find the right space, but they jumped on it when they saw the opportunity to take over The Flat’s retail suite. “I love the idea of having people actually living in the same space where we’re doing this,” he says, adding there are 18 residential units on-site. Merenda will occupy around 2,000 square feet of space on the ground floor, plus a small patio, with approximately 300 square feet reserved for the retail area. Crossland says they’ll start with a small collection but hope to grow to offer a few hundred SKUs of different wines, heavily emphasizing Old World wines. 

The food program will feature local produce and ingredients as well as Eastern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences, with a lot of the direction still being worked out. But Crossland says their charcuterie program will set them apart, with items like housemade salumi, coppa, bresaola, and mortadella. Overall, it’ll be the experience that he says people will come back for.

“We’re really going for an Old World European feel,” he explains. “Lots of wood, very approachable decor.” Bells + Whistles (Jeune et Jolie) handles the design, which Crossland describes as his living room, but better. Details like hand-painted tiles from Portugal, artwork from their collection, and a mural over the pass-through window between the kitchen and dining area will give the space a balance between “comfort and quality,” he says. There will also be a small particular event space for private events.

Once open, Crossland says they plan to launch a wine club and host many events, collaborations, and other tastings to cater to locals who may already know about wine and those just getting started. “A space for people like myself, who obviously love wine, but without all that pretentious B.S.. that goes along with it.”

San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events

Sea & Sky Now Open Atop Hotel La Jolla

Former Juniper & Ivy chef Anthony Wells is now the executive chef at Sea & Sky, the new sea-to-table restaurant at Hotel La Jolla, Curio Collection by Hilton in La Jolla Shores. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Sea & Sky uses seafood and other local ingredients for dishes like yellowtail crudo, whole snapper, bone marrow with tuna sashimi, and more. The recently renovated hotel has more in store for guests, with a second renovation on track for late 2024. Reservations for Sea & Sky are available here. 

Beth’s Bites

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is upping the dining game, announcing its 2024 culinary series lineup with superstars like Javier Plascencia (July 14), David Castro Hussong, Alfredo Villanueva, and Maribel Aldaco (June 27), and adding Emiliano Safa as the property’s new executive chef. Lots of news to chew on (literally)!

Calling all plant lovers—on Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., come enjoy, buy, and chat plants at TapRoom Beer Company with House Plant House Call. Plants and beer? The definition of my perfect Saturday. 

Say it ain’t so, Sicilian Thing. The stalwart North Park pizzeria has apparently and unceremoniously shuttered after 17 years on 30th street. I know we still have Tribute and Blind Lady nearby, but it still feels like the end of an era.

The Michelin Guide finally made it to Mexico. Congrats to all the fantastic teams and people the Guide recognized for the first time, including Drew and Paulina Deckman (Conchas de Piedra, Deckman’s en el Mogor), Javier and Lauren Plascencia (Animalón), and more. Check out the complete list here. 

The post Merenda Wine Brings European-Style Wine Bar to Oceanside appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

As I delved deeper, I learned about the disparities in maternal health in our country and their disproportionate impact on Black and brown communities. This ignited a desire within me to make a difference. During the summer of 2020, when most of the world was in their sourdough bread–baking era, I was training as a birth and postpartum doula. A doula provides non-medical support—physical, educational, and informational—before, during, and after childbirth.

Through my work as a doula, I started to learn about the dynamic and thriving birthwork community San Diego offers. I have supported birth across the county in hospitals, in peoples’ homes, and in birth centers.

When I decided to embark on my own pregnancy journey once again, I had a far deeper understanding of the options and choices available, and I was able to assemble the birthwork team I desired and needed. Fertility testing informed my naturopathic pregnancy preparation. 

Once pregnant, I established co-care with a home-birth licensed, certified professional midwife and a hospital OB-GYN. I also sought additional support from acupuncturists, massage therapists, chiropractors, pelvic floor physical therapists, lactation consultants, and herbalists. 

My hope for every birthing person in San Diego is that they feel empowered to get the care they need and choose. The following is a guide to help you begin exploring alternatives to hospitals and who can be involved so you can build your own unique birthwork team.

Your Birth Team in San Diego: OB-GYNs, LMs/CPMs & CNMs 

Here is a breakdown of some key terms and distinctions in maternity care:

Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OB-GYN)

OB-GYNs are medical doctors who specialize in the care of women during pregnancy and childbirth. They also specialize in issues related to women’s health, including hormone problems, contraception, infertility, and menopause, and in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the female reproductive organs. 

Midwife 

Midwives seek to deliver individualized medical care that educates and empowers the birth-giver. Midwives monitor the physical, psychological, and social well-being of the birth-giver throughout the childbearing cycle. They provide continuous hands-on assistance during labor and delivery while minimizing medical interventions. 

They are also able to identify when obstetrical attention is needed. In addition to birth care, midwifery care can include comprehensive female body healthcare, including wellness, fertility, and sexual healthcare. 

Types of Midwives

There are two main types of midwives:

Licensed Midwives (LM)/Certified Professional Midwives (CPM)

Licensed by the California Medical Board and certified by the North American Registry of Midwives, these midwives are specifically trained to practice in homes or birthing centers.

Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNM)

Licensed by the California Board of Registered Nursing and certified by the American College of Nurse Midwives, these midwives are registered nurses with a master’s-level education in midwifery care. CNMs practice in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, offices, birth centers, and homes.

Where to Give Birth in San Diego

San Diego-Based Home Birth Midwives

San Diego’s rich midwifery legacy stems from its history as a training ground for midwives. The city once hosted an accredited midwifery school, attracting aspiring midwives who often stayed after graduation. This created a lineage of mentorship and experience, with some midwives now delivering the babies of babies they once helped into the world. 

The local home birth community is characterized by small practices that prioritize personalized care and lasting relationships. Midwives specialize in low-risk pregnancies, emphasizing informed decision-making through education and open communication. Their services extend beyond birth, encompassing prenatal, postpartum, newborn, and reproductive health care, as well as preconception and family-building support.

The cost of home birth midwifery care typically ranges from $6,000 to $8,500, with various payment and insurance options available.

While there isn’t a centralized directory of all home birth midwives in San Diego, the list below provides a good starting point. Explore each midwife’s website to find one who best aligns with your needs and values.

• Tema Mercado, LM, CPM
• Ceniza Alcantar, LM, CPM
• Courtney Scott, LM, CPM
• Alix Medina, LM, CPM
• Nicole Morales, LM, CPM
• Lindsey Oakes, LM, CPM
• Kelly Pappas, LM & Tiffany Alblinger, LM
• Phyllis “Kayti” Buehler, LM, CPM & Brielle Rainney, LM, CPM
• Michelle Freund, LM, board member of the California Association of Midwives
• Tatiana Koontz, LM, CPM
• Celesta Rannisi, LM, CPM, LCS
• Aja Encinas Youman, LM, CPM, HHP, CMT & Jessie Searle, LM, CPM, HHP, CMT
• Andrea Meyer, LM, CMP & Donna Irwin, LM, CPM
• Paula Tipton-Healy, LM, homeopath, nutritionist & Arianna Escobar, LM, CPM
• Heather LeMaster, LM, CPM
• Jamin Sylvada, LM, CPM & Brianna Adams, LM, CPM
• Vickii Gervais, LM, Licensed Acupuncturist
• Michele Kazmier, CNM, MS, E-RYT, PRYT
• Brooke Ray, CN, RN & Aja Youman, LM
• Amanda Winn, LM, CPM

San Diego Birth Centers 

San Diego County is served by four independent birth centers, each with its own unique offerings and support services. These centers, founded and operated by midwives, provide a personalized approach to birth. The average cost ranges from $7,000 to $12,000, with payment options including cash and, in some cases, insurance coverage.

Acorn Community Birth & Wellness Center

• Cristi Lewis, Director 
• 123 East Alvarado Street, Fallbrook | 760-645-3447 | [email protected]
• Insurance & Payment: Medi-Cal, cash pay, payment plan, PPO reimbursement options 
• LGBTQ-affirming and -centered care available 
• Website: acornbirthcenter.com

San Diego Community Birth Center

• Nikki Helms, Principal Midwife 
• 2801 4th Avenue, Bankers Hill | 619-269-6969 
• Insurance & Payment: In-network provider for Aetna and Cigna, PPO reimbursement options, self-designed payment plan options, sliding scale availability 
• LGBTQ-affirming and -centered care available
• Website: www.sdcommunitybirthcenter.com

Tourmaline Birth & Wellness Collective

• 4545 Fanuel Street, Pacific Beach | (858) 900-2004
• Insurance & Payment: Cash pay and payment options
• LGBTQ-affirming care available 
• Website: https://tourmalinecollective.com

A Family Affair Midwifery & Birth Center

• Tamara Hobbs, Founder 
• 15644 Pomerado Road, Unit 306, Poway | 858-304-7100
• Insurance & Payment: Cash pay, PPO reimbursement options, payment plan and package options 
• LGBTQ-affirming care available 
• Website: www.afamilyaffairbirthcenter.com

The post What To Expect When You Are Expecting In San Diego appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Food and Drink | Concerts and Theater | Festivals and Art | More Things to Do 

Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend

San Diego Wine Week: Wine Country in the City

Friday, May 17

The Horton Grand Hotel and Stay Classy Selections will put their stamp on the second annual San Diego Wine Week with a swanky event highlighting the county’s wine heritage this Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. Bringing the rustic vineyard experience to the hotel’s open courtyard, Wine Country in the City will feature selections from 16 local wineries, including Los Pilares, Highland Valley Vineyards, and Ramona Ranch, plus palate-pleasing appetizers to pair with the pours. Tickets are $45 per person.
311 Island Avenue, Gaslamp

Basquiat Gala at The Soap Factory

Saturday, May 18

This year’s iteration of Vanguard Culture’s annual Artist @ The Table fundraiser celebrates the legacy of Jean-Michel Basquiat with appearances from his sisters Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveaux. Held at The Soap Factory from 6 to 10 p.m. this Saturday, the gala will feature Valle de Guadalupe wines from Baja Wine + Food and Basquiat-inspired appetizers from eight local chefs. Guests can also bid on auction items and enjoy live music from jazz ensemble Cacique and harpist Mariea Antionette. Ticket options include $150 VIP admission, which comes with two drink tickets and access to six chef stations.
2995 Commercial Street, Logan Heights

Concerts & Theater in San Diego This Weekend

San Diego International Fringe Festival 

Through Sunday, May 26

San Diego’s yearly Fringe Festival channels the weird, wacky, and wild of the performing arts world with boundary-pushing productions all over the city. A wide variety of local and international artists will descend upon local venues like the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre and Centro Cultural de la Raza, putting on more than 70 creative, unpredictable, and off-the-wall shows. Admission for each performance ranges from free to $10.
Citywide

Fiesta Del Sol Festival

Saturday, May 18 & Sunday, May 19

This free, annual, two-day festival from the Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce and The Belly Up features a stacked lineup of musicians playing on the main stage throughout the weekend. Attendees can also enjoy a beer and wine garden, food trucks, a shopping experience at Fletcher Cove Beach Park, and a pancake breakfast served by local firemen. For a more elevated experience, VIP passes ($150 single-day, $250 two-day) come with a meal and drink ticket, a gift bag, a private cash bar, snacks, and reserved cocktail area seating.
111 South Sierra Avenue, Solana Beach

Devil in a Box at the OnStage Playhouse

Opens Friday, May 17

Penned by San Diego playwright Tori Rice and directed by James P. Darvas, Devil in a Box will resonate with anyone who has grappled with addiction or seen its impact in a loved one’s life. There will be 16 performances of the play through June 9 at Chula Vista’s OnStage Playhouse, with three shows this weekend. Tickets are $25 for adults over age 30 (with a $5 discount for students, seniors, and educators) and $15 for those under.
291 Third Avenue, Chula Vista

Swan Lake at the Civic Theatre

Friday, May 17 & Saturday, May 18

The World Ballet Series production of Swan Lake—which is locked in an eternal battle with The Nutcracker for the title of Tchaikovsky’s magnum opus—will arrive at the Civic Theatre this weekend. Soundtracked by a live orchestra, the ballet’s two shows will feature hand-painted sets and dazzling, shimmering costumes. Tickets to Friday and Saturday’s performances of Swan Lake are still available, with prices starting at $75.
1100 Third Avenue, Gaslamp

Community Band Festival at Old Poway Park

Saturday, May 18 & Sunday, May 19

Poway’s annual Community Band Festival showcases groups from all over Southern California playing jazz, bluegrass, and classic concert jams. This two-day festival from the Old Poway Park Action Committee, Pomerado Community Band, and Poway Arts and Crafts Guild will include the sounds of North County Winds, the San Diego Community Jazz Band, and the San Diego British Brass Band. There will also be arts, craft, and music merchandise vendors and food service throughout the weekend (10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday) at Old Poway Park.
14134 Midland Road, Poway

Festivals & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend

Street Level 2.1 at the Oceanside Museum of Art

Friday May 17

Coastal Exposures: 10 Years of Osider Photography will be the first exhibition to get the block party treatment at volume two of the Oceanside Museum of Art’s Street Level series. This Friday from 6 to 8:30 p.m., OMA will get the summertime vibes started with spins from DJ Chaps One, tunes from Devvlov and The Dappersons, bites from 7 Siblings, and a lowrider showcase from a pair of O’side car clubs: Members Only and Por Siempre. Street Level 2.1 is free for all OMA members and $15 for non-members; through May 17, you can purchase a $60 season pass that comes with admission to all five 2024 Street Level events.
704 Pier View Way, Oceanside

Ocean Beach Kite Festival

Saturday May 18

The Ocean Beach Kiwanis Club’s annual kite-flying get-together encourages San Diegans to take flight with homemade kites. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Robb Athletic Field, the 77th Ocean Beach Kite Festival will offer attendees the chance to make, decorate, and fly their very own kite and enjoy food, games, live music, and an exhibition from pro kitefliers. This classic SD event is free for all.
2525 Bacon Street, Ocean Beach

America on Main Street in El Cajon

Saturday May 18

Every year, downtown El Cajon holds a neighborhood street fair celebration highlighting the spirit of the USA as a melting pot for diverse cultures and communities. America on Main Street features a wide variety of arts, crafts, and international food booths, plus carnival rides, bounce houses, a petting zoo, and live entertainment stages. As a special part of this year’s street fair, attendees can sample all-you-can-eat appetizers, sweets, and drinks from more than 10 local restaurants and vendors in the Foodie Fest area. General admission is $20 for adults and $10 for kids ages 6 to 12; entry is free for children ages five and under.
East Main Street and Rea Avenue, between Magnolia and Claydelle Avenues, El Cajon

Asian Cultural Festival of San Diego 

Saturday May 18

The 11th annual Asian Cultural Festival of San Diego takes place this Saturday from 12 to 8 p.m. The free fest features all-day folk and contemporary entertainment, sizzling street food, and refreshing fruit flavors, highlighting more than a dozen Asian countries’ cultures and traditions. Those who stop by Mira Mesa Community Park can also expect a beer garden, martial arts demos, a video game tent, an escape room, a ramen-eating contest, and more. 
8575 New Salem Street, Mira Mesa 

Jasper Johns: Drawings and Prints at SDMA

Opens Satuday May 18

Opens May 18

Through October 27, the San Diego Museum of Art will display 14 works from artist and printmaker Jasper Johns’ six-decade-plus career. Don’t miss Green Angel, a 1991 etching with a distinctive and intriguing motif possibly inspired by a Rodin sculpture.
1450 El Prado, Balboa Park

 More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend

Over the Line Craft Beerfest & OTL Tournament in Mission Bay

Saturday May 18

One of San Diego’s most storied sporting customs returns to the sands of Mission Bay this Saturday. Dozens of local players will team up to play over-the-line all day (7 a.m. to 6 p.m.) at Old Mission Beach Athletic Club’s eighth annual OTL Craft Beerfest & Tournament. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., attendees can also enjoy bites and suds from San Diego’s best breweries and food trucks at Mariner’s Point. General admission tickets to this 21-plus event are $40 and can be purchased here; team entry for the OTL tournament is sold out.
1215 Mariners Way, Mission Bay

Shock’N The Park at Liberty Station

Sunday May 19

Culture Shock San Diego’s yearly ode to b-boys and hip-hop culture returns this Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m. to Liberty Station’s Legacy Plaza. San Diegans can stop by and root for their favorite local troupes as they battle it out on the dance floor. Then, watch a two-hour dance showcase that includes a special performance from acrobat, choreographer, and Liberty Station Arts District artist-in-residence Micah Parra.
2641 Truxtun Road, Point Loma

The post 14 Things To Do in San Diego This Weekend: May 16–19 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

But over the past few years, the neighborhood has transformed. For example, I’d actually call Mission Valley a neighborhood now, albeit one with nary a single-family home within its borders. Still, condos and townhouses totally count towards total neighborhood points, as do new restaurants, parks, bike lanes, a brand-new elementary school, and eventually, a sprawling San Diego State University expansion. 

Much of the new housing and retail sits in that former quarry, which closed to make way for the massive Civita housing development. Those 230 acres have been in nonstop build mode since 2010, with thousands of these new housing units, restaurants, and retail already open. But to carbaholics and pastry fanatics, the best is yet to come. 

La Clochette, the French bakery launched in 2015 by siblings Willy Wu Jye Hwa and Karine Beers, will open a second location in the Civita development in mid-June at the Purl Apartments.

“Choosing Civita Park for our new location felt like a natural fit,” says Wu Jye Hwa, pointing to the rapidly increasing housing density and central location. He explains that while the food menu at Civita will be a little smaller than at their Pacific Beach location, to cater to the more grab-and-go demand, they plan to introduce a multi-roaster coffee program to increase the drink menu.

“This initiative allows us to spotlight an exceptional range of coffee artisans from San Diego, from small to bigger roasters,” explains Wu Jye Hwa. “Each is selected for their distinctive approach to brewing and their commitment to quality.” Signature lattes like rose lavender, ube caramel, and elderflower will still be available, as will other specialty coffees, teas, and more.

Beers and Wu Jye Hwa were born and raised in Madagascar and say that embracing diversity and community is a cornerstone of La Clochette’s operations. They hope it’s more than a place for a great cup of coffee or French-inspired dishes like duck brandy tartine or beignets—it’s a symbol of unity. I say it’s a symbol of progress. Mission Valley keeps growing up, and I’m excited to see what’s still to come. 

San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events

Julian Beer Company Throwing its First Festival

This Saturday, May 18, Julian Beer Company is throwing its first-ever, one-day festival from noon to 6 p.m. The Hillside Rendezvous will feature music from Sol Seed and The Resinators, lawn games, live art, and, of course, craft beer. It sounds like a great excuse to check out the mountain town just an hour from San Diego, and if you buy your ticket ahead of time, you save $5!

Beth’s Bites

My last meal will be a loaf of freshly baked sourdough bread slathered in warm Irish salted butter or a smorgasbord of Korean comfort foods. (I haven’t decided yet. I hope there’s still time.) While deciding which direction to take, I must stop by Honeyjam Korean Chicken & Beer, which soft opens on Monday, May 20, at Towne Center Drive in University City. Korean pub food? Beer? Soju cocktails? Keep talking…

It took a while, but as of May 7, Tarantula Hill Brewing Company is officially the brewery-in-residence at Draft Republic San Marcos. The 28,000-square-foot entertainment hub has a bowling alley, golf simulator, over 30 TVs, cornhole, shuffleboard, and now, former Pure Project brewer Tyler Potter heading up the brewhouse.

CH Projects’ Middle Eastern concept Leila just named Wesley Johnson executive chef. He’s worked in Zahav in Philadelphia, Tusk, and Café Castagna in Portland, to name a few kitchens, so it’s safe to say we’ll be in good hands when doors open this summer. 

Have breaking news, exciting scoops, or great stories about new San Diego restaurants or the city’s food scene? Send your pitches to [email protected].

The post La Clochette Inches Towards Opening In Mission Valley appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

I’ll admit that I’m no exception. My husband and I have been together since 1993. Our first date was a beer run through PB that ended with his roommate in a shopping cart. We got married in 2001 under an oak tree in Julian. Now, as parents of two teenagers, we need to date. It keeps things fresh and interesting and reminds us to put down the to-do lists, laugh, and have fun.

Here’s a guide for all you overworked San Diego parents without the bandwidth to plan date night. These are easy, low-key, budget-friendly ways to get away from the kids and reclaim the spark. So whether you’re a food fanatic, an outdoor junkie, or a ball of stress in need of some major relaxation, just put on a clean pair of jeans and get out there. Fill your bucket so you can get on with all the adulting that parenting requires.

San Diego Date Ideas For The Playful Couple

Spend time on the water

Surf, paddleboard, or sail. If you have dusty gear taking up space in the garage, time to drag it out and enjoy it. Never learned to surf? Take a lesson together with local instructors like San Diego Surf School or Pacific Surf School. 

Unleash your inner dancing queen

Show off your moves as you glide to the music at Ringers Roller Rink in Lemon Grove. The rink’s live DJs often pump out ’90s throwback music sure to get your heart racing and take you down memory lane.

Get out of town

Julian is not just for apple-picking—it also makes for a romantic and convenient day trip. Climb into the car, roll down the windows, and enjoy a winding drive up into the mountains. Play like a kid as you try out some ax-throwing, archery, and slingshot paintball at Fort Cross Adventures. Afterward, belly up to a bar with beautiful orchard views and do some cider tasting at Calico Cidery. Before heading down the hill, pick up a loaf from women-owned Dudley’s Bakery in Santa Ysabel. 

Get high at the movies

Okay, not literally—but the Embarcadero’s Rooftop Cinema Club is a step above the typical theater experience. Arrive early and challenge each other to a giant game of Connect Four. Grab a cocktail and popcorn, then cozy up on a loveseat and laugh out loud at old ’80s classics. Or check out the club’s monthly themed silent discos and get your dancing shoes on.

San Diego Date Ideas For the Creative Couple

Take a class

Get your hands dirty—or at least covered in paint—with the San Diego Botanic Garden’s craft classes in Encinitas. Whether you learn how to make succulent wreaths, paint with watercolor, or arrange orchids, creating something in tandem helps you grow together and produces a beautiful new addition to your home. 

Immerse yourself in art

If all you need is some peace and quiet, enjoy a day browsing at The Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla. The view of the Pacific through the many windows is its own kind of art, sure to mesmerize and calm your spirits.

San Diego Date Ideas For The Leisurely Couple

Eat sandos at sunset

I live in the suburbs, but I never forget the beach is just a 20-minute drive away. One of our favorite dates is an evening picnic. We grab sandwiches from our favorite deli and load up the beach chairs before heading to OB, Coronado, or La Jolla. Even in winter, we kick off our shoes as soon as we hit the sand. Then, we picnic like kings and watch a glorious sunset.

Start your day with your sweetie

Who says date night has to be at night at all? If you’re worried about kids acting up at bedtime with the sitter, try a morning together at the beach. Visit Pier View Coffee Co. in Oceanside, then walk to the pier, holding hands and reminiscing about your relationship’s earliest days. 

San Diego Date Ideas For The Food-Loving Couple

Stir up romance

Learn some new recipes to spice up veggies from your garden. Chef Martin, owner of The Green Door Cafe, makes cooking gluten-free and vegan delicious and easy. His cooking class includes food and wine, and he’ll teach you to whip up fresh dishes with international flair.

Turn a taco scavenger hunt into a weekly date night

Take a break from kitchen duty. Each Tuesday, try a new taco spot—and maybe even write up a March Madness–style bracket to find your ultimate fave. It’s a great way to break up the work week. Plus, you’re sure to discover some bargains.

Splurge on a farm-to-table experience

The only “fancy” date on my list takes place once a month at the beautiful Sage Hill Ranch Gardens in Escondido. Register in advance for a farm tour followed by a five-course meal prepared by renowned local chefs. You’ll feast outdoors with live music in the background.

San Diego Date Ideas For The Activist Couple

Volunteer at a community garden

Project New Village in Mt. Hope grows organic produce in its orchard and gardens and distributes it throughout southeast San Diego. The org welcomes helpers during monthly community work days. Or get your hands dirty at the San Carlos Community Garden, which beautifies the neighborhood and brings locals together to learn, trade crops, and become better composters.

Share the fruits of your romance

Hop on a “crop swap” with Produce Good: You’ll pick citrus for about two hours in a neighbor’s orchard or backyard. The org will distribute fruit that might otherwise go to waste to food pantries large and small. 

The post San Diego Date Nights for Every Type of Couple appeared first on San Diego Magazine.