For the Entertainers: The Co-Founders of Pop Pie and Stella Jean’s Share What’s on Their Kitchen Wish List

The team behind Madison on Park and Madi will have a busy 2025. Jeffrey Fink (who also owns M-Theory Music and the now-closed Fluxx nightclub) and Matt Sieve (Isabel’s Cantina) took over the space at 1728 Madison Avenue two years ago, hoping to open a pizza concept just around the corner from Madison on Park in 2023. Now, at last, and to what I’m sure is their great relief, they have a target date for said pizza shop. Sonny’s will open in University Heights in February or March of next year.

“Sonny’s pays homage to the iconic NY-style pizzerias of the ’80s, housed in a well-used 100-year-old former auto shop,” explains Fink. “The space retains its authentic roughness, enhanced with additions of a custom pizza oven imported from Italy and mezzanine inspired by all our grandmas’ houses.”

The 3,500-square-foot indoor space will also include an additional 500-square-foot outdoor patio, designed by Anna and David Sindelar, who designed Madi and Madison on Park. Featuring a repurposed copper bar, decorated with vintage TVs and a backyard dining area, Fink says it will feel less like a traditional Italian restaurant and more like a time capsule of 1980s Brooklyn culture, with a curated menu that will include appetizers, salads, entrees, pizzas, rotating soft-serve specials, and an outside grill. Danny Kuehner will spearhead the cocktail program, featuring plenty of amaro and what Fink calls “young, funky, hip” wines.

But that’s not all the pair has planned. In May, they’ll also open a second Madi location in Pacific Beach. The new Madi will feature the same menu as the original location in Normal Heights centered around brunch, lunch, and cocktails. And because good things come in threes, Sieve and Fink are also working on a diner concept in Hillcrest. Sieve is a third-generation restaurateur, whose family owns and operates a 100-year-old breakfast restaurant in Minnesota. He’s no stranger to working the grill, so he’s taking the lead on this new concept—best of luck to the partners on what is sure to be a hectic few months.

San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events

A Bonanza of Holiday Activities at Park Hyatt Aviara

Carlsbad’s Park Hyatt Aviara has a slew of holiday events coming up, starting with their Holiday Market on Sunday, December 8. From 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., you can shop local, sip, and meet Santa. The big guy will be back quite a few more times—December 11 through 24—from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. for Cabana Christmas Village, where guests can meander through poolside cabanas that will each offer a unique experience, from food and drink to ornament making, hot cocoa, and more.

There are also Christmas Eve and Day feasts at Ponto Lago and Christmas Day brunch at Ember & Rye, and if you’ve reached the maximum amount of information to absorb at one time, you can just check out the full list of events at your leisure right here. 

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Beth’s Bites

• Del Cerro Pizza & Beer will open at 6358 Del Cerro Blvd. on Monday, December 2. Brought to you by the same people behind KnB Bistro, it will offer pizza beer… and I’m not sure what else, but what more could you need?
• Border X Brewing recently launched a GoFundMe for their Barrio Logan location, citing a landlord dispute and ongoing pandemic recovery issues. Border X originally opened on Logan Avenue in 2014 but was forced to close its location in Bell in 2023 for financial reasons and a dispute with Beer Thug Brewing, another Latino-owned brewery operating in the same location. Barrio Logan has faced more than its fair share of hardships lately—Las Cuatro Milpas rumors, Salud closing—but fresh projects like Pizza Kaiju and Alchemy give me hope for the vibrant food and drink culture the neighborhood is known for. 
• XOXO by Breakfast & Bubbles, née XOXO Retro Neighborhood Diner, we hardly knew ye. The short-lived spot on Park Blvd. is closed, but the same owners are gearing up for a new concept called Origen. That’s all the info I have (for now), but I’ll keep poking around.
• Alma, the boutique hotel downtown, is offering a Thanksgiving feast to take home for $250 (feeds 4-6 people). Turkey? Check. Rolls and stuffing? Check. It’s all the faves without any of the fuss, so check out the full menu here and email [email protected] by 5 p.m., Pacific Time, on Friday, November 22, to reserve your meal.

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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].

There’s love, and then there’s I-trust-you-so-much-let’s-open-a-business-together love. Juerie and Paul Masters understand this all too well; their love for wine is unmatched except by their love for each other. Clos, their University Heights business, was our pick for San Diego’s Best Natural Wine Shop last year. Both of them honed their palates in New York City—Juerie as a wine distributor, Paul as a bartender turned beverage program manager—and he says “it all just flowed from there.”

He jests that he and Juerie are much like a pét-nat: “old-fashioned, but fun.” They don’t take themselves too seriously. In their own home, they prefer “minimal clutter, minimal fuss” to let their artwork sing instead. Here, the aficionados share a few of their favorite (and local!) things to inspire your Valentine’s Day gifting.

 

Fornasetti Metafisica candle

“How beautiful are these Fornasetti candles? The quality of both the artwork and the scents is outstanding. It’s a candle whose container is a piece of artwork you can keep forever. We have one in the shop and one at home.” $215, Love & Aesthetics, Little Italy

 

Negroni tumbler glass

“The folks at Collins & Coupe have a brilliant selection of glassware and everything else you need for drinks at home as well as professional bartending. These understated and timeless Negroni glasses are a favorite.” $6, Collins & Coupe, North Park

 

The Tinned Fish Cookbook by Bart van Olphen

“Bart is a Dutch fish guru who worked in Michelin-starred kitchens in Paris and left to follow his passion for all things fish. After realizing a lot of the fish that we consume aren’t from small fishery communities but from ‘factories on the water,’ he made it his goal to look for fisheries that obtain the best fish while taking care of nature and the environment at the same time.” $17, Clos Wine Shop, University Heights

 

Campestremag

“Campestremag is a twice-yearly indie publication that focuses on wine in San Diego and Baja. They love the same wines we do—wines made by small producers using evidentially sustainable farming practices, no additives, quirky grapes, native yeast, and spontaneous fermentation. These wines are better to drink and better for the environment.” $15, Home Ec, Little Italy

 

Quadrum red blend boxed wine

“There was a time when only bad wine came in boxes, but those days are thankfully gone. We have boxes and pouches that are ideal for outdoor life or just to keep at home in the fridge—they can last up to two weeks.” $27, Clos Wine Shop, University Heights

 

Isosteel bottle

“This is a must for living in San Diego! We have an Isosteel one-liter vacuum bottle. Each end detaches to become a cup and it keeps wine cold for hours while we’re lolling around in the park. In fact, this prompted us to sell them at the shop for all our friends that buy wine on the way to Trolley Barn Park!” $48, amazon.com

Addison

Addison and chef William Bradley are bringing the flavors of San Diego’s only Michelin-starred restaurant into the comfort of your own home. Available for pickup Thursday through Sunday, the four-course menu features seasonal local ingredients. The package is available for $89 per person, with the option to include wine selected by Addison’s wine director, Victoria O’Bryan. Schedule your pickup time through Resy.

5200 Grand Del Mar Way, Del Mar | 858-314-1900

 

Bleu Bohème

Bring the classic flavors of France into your home this holiday season with Bleu Bohème. The complete menu will be available to order, including their signature mussels and the rest of their expansive menu of classic French cuisine made with fresh Southern Californian ingredients. Bleu Bohème also offers a list of wines and signature cocktails to go. Curbside pickup and free delivery within two miles of the restaurant will be available on their website from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

4090 Adams Avenue, Normal Heights | 619-255-4167

 

Busalacchi Restaurants

Barbusa, Nonna, and Zucchero have teamed up to offer a to-go menu that highlights favorites from each restaurant. The menu includes three courses for $20, with the Busalacchis’ famous garlic bread serving as a starter, then your choice of two salads, five pastas, and the option to add extra sides, mains, desserts, and wine. Each meal is designed to feed one person, and the minimum order is two meals. Takeout orders can be placed daily from 4 to 8 p.m. All orders will be available for pickup from Barbusa; you can also get delivery through DoorDash.

1917 India Street, Little Italy | 619-238-1917

 

Café Gratitude San Diego

For those who want to trade in the holiday ham for something plant based, Café Gratitude San Diego has flavorful pies and sides for preorder. They’re offering seasonal, family-style specials like cranberry-roasted butternut squash and garnet yams. For the ones who like sweet treats, try the gluten-free maple pecan spice cake or mocha cheesecake. Order your choice of holiday pies and sides online or in-store by December 20 and plan to pick up on December 23 by 9 p.m.

1980 Kettner Boulevard, Little Italy | 619-736-5077

 

Cardellino

You can still enjoy a prime rib dinner this holiday without even changing out of your pajamas. Cardellino’s holiday takeout meal includes a 12-ounce slice of prime rib, mixed greens salad, truffled mashed potatoes, green beans almondine, horseradish cream, and jus. Dinner is $45 per person, but you can add on something sweet and something to sip on for an additional cost. Place your order by December 21 and pick up on December 24 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Cardellino. Preorders can be placed online.

4033 Goldfinch Street, Mission Hills | 619-600-5311

 

El Cruce + 241

This Chula Vista eatery will offer a series of to-go packages to pair with their to-go beer crowlers and bottles of wine from Baja. Order the Birria Tacos Family Pack, which includes 10 hand-pressed tortillas, birria, black beans, and all the fixings for $30. Or choose the Three for $40 special, which includes your choice of three signature dishes. El Cruce will be open on Christmas Eve, and orders can be placed in person and online.

241 Third Avenue, Chula Vista | 619-474-2244

 

DZ Akin’s

If you’re looking for a family-size meal with all of the fixings, then give DZ Akin’s a call to place your order. They’re offering either a ham or turkey feast complete with sides, rolls, and dessert. The turkey feast starts at $199, the ham feast at $225, with each meal serving 10 to 12 people. Order at least 24 hours in advance to secure your holiday dinner and pick up on Christmas Eve before 3 p.m. and New Year’s Eve/Day before 8 p.m.

6930 Alvarado Road, La Mesa | 619-265-0218

 

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

Feel like Santa Claus when you walk through the door with this special holiday package filled with delicious to-go items from Greenfinch at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa. The restaurant is offering a special 11-course dinner on Christmas Day that serves four to six people. The dinner comes with appetizers, entrées, sides, and something sweet to end the night. The meal is $350, and you can pick up your package between 12 and 5 p.m. on December 25. Call the restaurant to place your order.

9700 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla | 858-550-1000

 

Fortunate Son

Fortunate Son, CH Projects’ newest venue, is honoring the takeout tradition of ordering Chinese on the holidays by offering their full menu to go. The restaurant will be open from 4 to 10 p.m. on Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day; orders can be placed by calling the restaurant or via their online order form.

2943 Adams Avenue, University Heights | 619-391-3766

 

Hotel del Coronado

Though the holidays look different this year, especially at the Hotel del Coronado, you can still enjoy a Christmas dinner to eat at home. Parking is validated, so plan a few extra minutes to stop in and take a look at The Del’s lovely interior before you pick up your holiday feast. The menu for four people includes lovely entrée options, decadent sides, and a yummy dessert to finish off the night. Order online by 3 p.m. on December 18 for pickup on December 23, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado | 619-435-6611

 

Mille Fleurs

Craving some French classics to enjoy in the comfort of your home? Try Mille Fleurs’ new three-course takeout meals. The menu changes weekly and is offered Wednesday–Sunday, 4–8 p.m. The restaurant has also moved their wine cellar online, so you can order a bottle to toast alongside your meal. Cheers!

6009 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe | 858-756-3085

 

Moniker General

Enjoy an at-home celebration with Moniker Cocktail Co.’s boozy bundles. The baskets change every week, so keep an eye out for your favorites or try something new. If you want to upgrade your kits, you can order additional wine varieties, too. Orders must be submitted each week by Wednesday at 4 p.m. for free Friday delivery throughout Point Loma and Ocean Beach or for pickup at Moniker General.

2860 Sims Road, Liberty Station | 619-255-8772

 

Mongolian Hot Pot

Mongolian Hot Pot is bringing their classic hot pot experience to your home with their takeout kits. Each kit includes different meat options, sauce, veggies, homemade noodles, and their house soup base. Families can also purchase a stove-and-pot set with their food, and the kits can feed anywhere from two to six people. Prices range from $45 to $120, with the option for more add-ons.

4718 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, Clairemont | 858-274-2040

 

Parc Bistro

Put a French twist on your occasion and call Parc Bistro to place your order for the holidays. Each package serves two people with a menu of coq au vin, baked salmon, or filet mignon in addition to appetizers, sides and, of course, dessert. The packages range from $100 to $150 and are available for preorder now over the phone. Pickup times are December 24, 25, or 31 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

2760 Fifth Avenue, Bankers Hill | 619-795-1501

 

Pendry San Diego

Provisional Kitchen at the Pendry San Diego is offering their Pancakes and Pajamas holiday brunch event to go on December 19. This brunch takeout kit will include cooked pancakes, colorful toppings, and a pair of complimentary children’s holiday pajamas from P.J. Salvage for all hotel guests.

550 J Street, Gaslamp Quarter | 619-738-7000

 

Pho Ca Dao Vietnamese Kitchen (Mission Valley)

Enjoy a family meal from Pho Ca Dao this holiday season. Offered for groups of two or four, the meals are packed with their most popular items—including pho, appetizers, and rice dishes—for a delicious, no-brainer dinner. The meals range from $25 to $65. Orders can be placed in person or over the phone daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

2647 Fenton Parkway, Suite D104, Mission Valley | 619-684-5129

 

Puffer Malarkey Collective

Enjoy an herbaceous, locally sourced, family-style Christmas Eve feast with chef Brian Malarkey’s Herb at Home. For Christmas Eve, menu items include American wagyu sirloin, braised local pork belly, pesto white beans, and dessert. The New Year’s Eve spread includes white truffle mashed potatoes, pink peppercorn-crusted filet mignon, and dessert. Guests can preorder their dinner on OpenTable. Pickup will take place at both restaurants the afternoon of each holiday.

2210 Kettner Boulevard, Little Italy | 610-955-8495

131 D Street, Encinitas | 760-704-8300

 

Ranch 45

Ranch 45’s à la carte pickup menu allows you to fully customize your holiday feast. With choices like herb-crusted prime rib, smoked turkey leg, smoked Cornish game hens, roasted broccoli with Parmesan and garlic, and olive oil smashed potatoes, it’s hard to say no. Dessert will also be available to purchase. The Solana Beach butcher shop and eatery will be accepting orders up to 48 hours in advance. Place your order online or over the phone.

512 Via de la Valle, Solana Beach | 858-461-0092

 

Rancho Bernardo Inn

Rancho Bernardo Inn has put together some seasonal dishes for takeout so you can still celebrate the season even at home. The menu includes lobster bisque, watercress and grilled endive salad, a 10-ounce grilled prime ribeye, and dark chocolate mousse. Preorder by December 22 at 12 p.m.

17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive, Rancho Bernardo | 888-976-4417

 

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

Take the hassle out of the holidays and order the Holidays to Go feast from Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa. Order before 5 p.m. on Friday, December 18 and pick up your meal on Christmas Eve between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Choose from menu items like prime beef tenderloin, lobster bisque, and truffle mac and cheese, along with a selection of wine pairings.

5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe | 858-756-1123

 

Rusticucina

Give your home Christmas meal a Sicilian twist with Rusticucina’s holiday menu, which includes short ribs, cannelloni pasta with roasted chicken, and dessert. Each order comes with a full panettone! Preorders can be made by phone or through the website and are accepted until December 24. The restaurant is also offering gift baskets with savory treats to send to your loved ones.

3797 Park Boulevard, Hillcrest | 619-684-5129

 

Tamales Ancira

Indulge in a holiday tradition with some tamales from Tamales Ancira. You can order a dozen for $25 or order the party pack of 50 tamales to freeze for later. Call in your orders over the phone and check in on their social media for special offers and deals throughout the holiday season.

2260 Main Street. Suite 17, Chula Vista | 619-424-3416

 

Teriyaki & Bao

Teriyaki & Bao brings some holiday cheer this year with their holiday bao bun special. December 21–January 4, order their snowman bao buns filled with fresh sliced bananas and nutella. The restaurant is open regular hours even during the holidays, and is currently offering takeout and delivery through their website and third-party apps.

711 Grand Avenue, Carlsbad | 760-637-5737

 

Tribute Pizza

North Park’s Tribute Pizza is continuing their curbside pickup this holiday season with meal specials for the family. Feast on wood-fired porchetta or a vegetarian lasagna with add-ons like Brussels sprouts, potatoes au gratin, and spiked eggnog. Place an order online for pickup on December 23 or 24.

3077 North Park Way, North Park | 760-637-5737

 

Villa Manila

The Filipino holiday meal to go from Villa Manila in National City comes with à la carte items like bibingka, halaya, and buko pandan salad. Orders can be made online or over the phone and must be placed at least three days in advance. Pick up anytime between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

500 East Eighth Street, National City | 619-477-8512

 

Vistal

The waterfront InterContinental San Diego will be offering a Christmas Eve and Christmas Day takeout dinner from their signature restaurant, Vistal. The meal includes an entrée, sides, and gravy for $32 per person. Guests also have the option of adding on a soup or crème fraiche option for $9 per person. Orders, which will be available for pickup from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve and Christmas, can be placed by calling the restaurant or by emailing [email protected].

901 Bayfront Court, Embarcadero | 619-535-0485

 

The Westgate Hotel

For those who don’t want to cook during the holidays, but still want to bring a little fanfare to the dinner table, The Westgate Hotel is offering a four-course dinner for two. The meal includes a porcini mushroom and chestnut soup, salad, 16-ounce Angus beef tenderloin, and dessert. The price for this upscale dinner at home is $138. Call the hotel or order through this online link before December 22. Pickup is December 24 or December 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

1055 Second Avenue, Downtown | 619-238-1818

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Jenna Miller is a freelance writer. Her website is jennaruthmiller.com.

San Diego’s small businesses are struggling, but that hasn’t stopped them from giving back to their staff and their community. In the spirit of the season, these six local businesses are paying it forward with creative initiatives, GoFundMe campaigns, and more. Read on to show them some love and see how you can support their efforts!

 

Cloak & Petal

Cloak & Petal is giving back to front-line workers and first responders with dinner packages fit for every occasion. There are three to choose from, which send two, three, or four meals to those essential workers, respectively. The Notorious has light bites and cocktails, the Emperor’s Bounty adds sake bombs and crunchy rolls to that menu, and the Kaiju Feast bumps it up to a sushi platter and six cocktails of choice.

1953 India Street, Little Italy

 

Jaunt Coffee Roasters

The Mira Mesa coffee shop looked to their tight-knit community for help finding ways they could give back. The result is a “Post-It forward” initiative, where you can purchase an extra drink for someone in need in addition to your own. That someone can come in, take a drink order from the wall of Post-Its, and bring it to the counter to receive it for free. It’s a simple gesture, but one that owner Jimmy Silva says was a no-brainer: “Without the support of this community we wouldn’t be able to continue to be open and overcome the challenges that COVID-19 has brought.” Jaunt Coffee Roasters is also doing a 12 Days of Giveaways promotion on their Instagram page for more ways to spread some holiday cheer.

8680 Miralani Drive, Suite 134, Mira Mesa

 

Madison

During this difficult time, Madison is giving 100 percent of their gross revenue—not profit—to their staff, donating gift card sales to them, and has set up a GoFundMe where donations will be quadruple-matched by the owners. The University Heights restaurant began this initiative at the beginning of the pandemic, before the restaurant was able to reopen in adherence to state guidelines over the summer. Support their efforts by ordering takeout directly through the restaurant or through third-party apps for delivery.

4622 Park Boulevard, University Heights

 

Rise & Shine Hospitality Group

Rise & Shine is looking out for San Diegans who’ve been hit by the recession. Anyone who was laid off during the pandemic can head down to Breakfast Republic’s Mission Valley location between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. every day to receive a free prepped dinner. Over the past few months, the restaurant has made 6,479 meals and raised over $50,000 through Rise & Shine’s nonprofit organization. Haven’t been laid off? If you have the means, why not order your next breakfast to go from them?

1570 Camino de la Reina, Mission Valley

 

Rollin’ Roots Food Truck

In addition to serving up some delicious vegan food (see: Spicy Boy sandwich) made from all fresh, organic ingredients, this food truck is making its mark by putting community first. When you order something for yourself, ask for a Veggie Gang Meal to receive a free meal for someone in need. Owner Avonte also offers a pay-what-you-can option to combat the stigma that vegan food is only for those with higher incomes. If you want to help support his efforts you can purchase a meal to go, donate money to their Venmo account, or donate fresh veggies and produce for their free meal service.

8040 Armour Street, Kearny Mesa

 

Trust Restaurant Group

Looking for ways to help the restaurant industry? Buy a hospitality worker a steak dinner through Rare Society’s Industry Steak Night To-Go Edition. Every Wednesday, Trust Restaurant Group turns out these meals for workers to pick up at a prescheduled time. Last week they sold out at 200 meals; they hope to serve 300 next week. Help them reach their goal or, if you’re a hospitality worker, see how you can redeem your dinner. The dinners are reserved on a first-come basis.

4130 Park Boulevard, University Heights

1935 Cactus Garden

Often confused with the Desert Garden off Park Boulevard, Balboa Park’s 1935 Cactus Garden is home to a wide variety of cacti and succulents, including a collection of exotic African and Australian Protea plants. The garden has also been claimed by a feral cat colony—the cats are friendly and mind their own business, and local organizations have worked to spay and neuter and re-release them. You can access the garden by walking through the parking lot behind the Balboa Park Club or taking a trail from Palm Canyon.

2144 Pan American Road West, Balboa Park

 

Sri Chinmoy Peace Garden

This garden’s unassuming location off bustling Adams Avenue is part of what makes it such a sacred place for meditation. You won’t find any frills here, just a few benches, simple landscaping, and a statue in honor of the garden’s namesake spiritual leader, creating a small, tranquil respite from our busy world. For those who want to take their practice a step further, San Diego’s Sri Chinmoy Centre, located a couple miles down the road, offers free online meditation courses.

2508-2518 Adams Avenue, University Heights

 

San Diego Botanic Garden

A true urban oasis in North County, the Botanic Garden boasts 37 acres of peaceful landscaping to get lost in. Here, you’ll find flowering trees, vistas, thousands of plant species from all over the world, and the nation’s largest public bamboo collection. As you wend your way through the 29 themed gardens, you’ll catch glimpses of the Pacific Ocean beyond. The garden is currently operating by reservation only, so book ahead of time.

300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas