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Singer/songwriter Shane Hall put Oceanside on the map with his ode to the seaside city
Shane Hall
In 2020, Shane Hall put Oceanside on the map with his ode, “The O,” a soulful, feel-good anthem celebrating the landscape and the culture of the city. “Cali always felt surreal to me/O’side just kept it real for me,” Hall says.
While Oceanside is where Hall lays his head, for much of the year, you’ll find him playing stages anywhere from his own backyard to Washington, D.C. The singer/songwriter has played blues jams, and he’s played reggae fests.
He’s played raves and opened for Mike Campbell of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. Shane Hall’s been everywhere, but he’s not the kind of artist to limit himself to just one sound.
“When I started listening to music, I didn’t have anyone telling me what was cool. I just liked what I liked,” he says. “So I just kind of do a lot of different stuff. I have a country record. I have a blues record. I have a hip-hop record. I have a soul record.”
Since transplanting to Oceanside from Pennsylvania after joining the military in the late ‘90s, Hall’s never stopped moving, experimenting with different styles, all carrying his distinctive bluesy and soulful sensibility.
The coming year promises to be a big one for the San Diego Music Award-winning artist, including the release of his new album Howl and Sway, which he describes as “fuzz funk voodoo blues.” And later in the year, he’ll release a documentary, The Tide, which examines the relationship between artist and community. Hall admits that his muse doesn’t fly in straight lines, but he doesn’t know any other way. “I just want to soundtrack people’s lives.”
Jeff Terich is the music critic behind the blog The Setlist. His writing has been published in Stereogum, Bandcamp Daily, American Songwriter, Fodor's and Vinyl Me Please.
Editor Emma Veidt reflects on her dad's lung transplant at UCSD Health last year, and her appreciation for the city's medical ecosystem
Every time I drive past Jacobs Medical Center, that hospital with a mirrored façade on the 5 near La Jolla Village Drive, I wave to my dad’s old lungs. Even though his lung transplant was almost two years ago—and in a different building, the Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center 200 feet away—I still imagine his original lungs resting in some nice, shaded dumpster outside Jacobs. They were actually taken to a lab for UC San Diego’s medical students to learn about pulmonary fibrosis, an altruistic second chapter of their life, but in my daydreams, they’re just hanging out in some hospital dumpster speakeasy with other jettisoned organs.
My dad is still kickin’ because of the medical staff at UC San Diego Health (and because of one very kind anonymous organ donor). I don’t just mean his team of doctors who performed the actual surgery; I also mean his nurses, physical therapists, case manager, social worker, transplant coordinators—it takes a village. And that village not only educated me, my mom, and my brother on what my dad was going through, it also kept us calm(ish). As calm as you could be before your dad gets his lungs yoinked out of his body.
During all of this, my family learned that UCSD is the place to go if you need a lung transplant. Its résumé of successful transplant surgeries dates as far back as 1968, and patient survival rates exceed the national average. How lucky were we that our local hospital is the transplant destination for people coming as far as the Middle East. Lung transplants are new in terms of human history—the world’s first successful double lung transplant, the same one my dad got, was in 1986. My dad’s surgery was one of 54 lung transplants that UCSD performed that year. The biggest day of our lives was just an average Tuesday for his doctors. And that’s kind of how you want it.
UCSD helped me and my family, but San Diego’s healthcare system as a whole ranks as one of the top in the country. We have the most hospital beds per population than any other city in the US, and Scripps, Sharp, Palomar, and Kaiser all rank near the top nationally. The whole county’s the epicenter of medical innovation. People like Luca De Vivo Nicoloso and Joshua Pelz saw the flaws in traditional prosthesis development and used a 3D printer and inspiration from the unique skeleton of cholla cacti to create a groundbreaking solution. Also, care at home seems to be a long universal dream, and a few San Diego designers are reimagining home design to cope with the physical challenges of aging and disability while maintaining the elements that make a home feel like home.
And if you’re confronted with a diagnosis that rattles your sense of agency within your own body, what do you do? Mastectomy surgeries can leave scars that turn a part of your body—one tied to personal identity—into a visual reminder of trauma. We feature Pacific Beach–based artist Shane Wallin, who has spent years helping people with scars reclaim their personal space with elaborate, gender-affirming tattoos. He’s even on the board of directors for the Alliance of Medical Tattooing. Even though he’s not a doctor per se, he’s a part of San Diego’s distinct medical ecosystem. We all are.
I’d like to close with a personal plea: Be an organ donor. An organ donor saved my dad’s life. I receive the benefit of a stranger’s generosity every time I come home. Whenever I’m done in this realm, hopefully a long time from now, I hope I get to be that generous, too. In the meantime, I’ll keep waving to that old lung by that shiny building off the 5, on my way to see my dad.
Emma Veidt is an editor at San Diego Magazine. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from the Missouri School of Journalism. She loves running, hiking, and rock climbing, but really, she mostly loves encounters with the street cats around North Park.
Your guide to the area's best physicians nominated by their peers and chosen by the San Diego County Medical Society
For over two decades, the San Diego County Medical Society (SDCMS) has worked collaboratively with San Diego Magazine to recognize physicians who are held in the highest regard by their peers. Votes and nominations are open to all physicians in San Diego. The voting physicians are asked to vote for physicians within and outside their specialty to whom they would refer their friends and family. Through this process we have identified 968 physicians in 102 specialties.
In a synchronized effort, SDCMS confirmed every individual nominee’s Medical Board of California licensing and current practicing status. Through this exhaustive process, 968 physicians are being honored this year. Many of them have also been recognized for multiple years since we began publishing this list. Multi-year honorees will have the number of years they have been selected listed in brackets behind their name.
Although not all our superb physicians are represented on this list, we still acknowledge and appreciate their contributions. The selection criteria are strict, with only a small percent of physicians selected in each specialty. Many additional physicians received multiple votes from their peers, however, did not reach the threshold to be on the list. The best choice of physician for a patient includes many factors and we all work hard to meet their needs. We are proud to recognize that all physicians in San Diego work collaboratively to provide the very best care for all.
We welcome and encourage all San Diego County physicians to participate in their county and state medical societies as we work toward the SDCMS vision: “Physicians United for a Healthy San Diego.” The strength of our united voice as a medical community depends on the leadership and advocacy of all of us. We appreciate the assistance of all the physicians who voted, and we thank San Diego Magazine for their support.
Congratulations to all of our 2026 Top Doctor selectees! For more information regarding membership, voting, future events and becoming more involved with the medical society, visit www.SDCMS.org.
* Brackets denote the number of years chosen as a Top Doctor
Garth Ross Jacobsen, MD [4]
UC San Diego Health
9300 Campus Point Dr, MC 7220
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 657-7025
Long H Nguyen, MD [2]
Kaiser Permanente
3420 Kenyon St
San Diego, CA 92110
(800) 290-5000
Kimberly A Fitzgerald, MD [2]
Kaiser Permanente
3420 Kenyon St, Bldg B 1st Floor
San Diego, CA 92110
(800) 290-5000
Azadeh Shirazi, MD [2]
Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group
16899 W Bernardo Dr, 1st Floor
San Diego, CA 92127
(858) 499-2777
Dalia Abadeer Banks, MD [8]
UC San Diego Health
9500 Gilman Dr, MC 0898
La Jolla, CA 92093
(858) 657-6510
Adam Brent Barrus, MD [3]
Anesthesia Service Medical Group
3626 Ruffin Rd
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 565-9666
Francesca Betti, MD [2]
Anesthesia Service Medical Group
3626 Ruffin Rd
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 565-9666
Arsh Chopra, MD [1]
Kaiser Permanente
360 Rush Dr
San Marcos, CA 92078
(800) 290-5000
William T Connell, MD [12]
Anesthesia Service Medical Group
3626 Ruffin Rd
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 565-9666
Andres Falabella, MD [2]
Anesthesia Service Medical Group
3626 Ruffin Rd
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 565-9666
Alexander M Girgis, MD [5]
Anesthesia Service Medical Group
3626 Ruffin Rd
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 565-9666
Austin J Henry, DO [3]
Anesthesia Service Medical Group
3626 Ruffin Rd
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 565-9666
Paul James Himaya, MD [7]
Anesthesia Service Medical Group
3626 Ruffin Rd
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 565-9666
Brian Alexander Janda, MD [2]
Anesthesia Service Medical Group
3626 Ruffin Rd
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 565-9666
Tse-Sun Ku, MD [9]
Anesthesia Service Medical Group
3626 Ruffin Rd
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 565-9666
Jason Philip Lujan, MD [17]
Anesthesia Service Medical Group
3626 Ruffin Rd
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 565-9666
Kris Cheryl Lukauskis, MD [1]
Anesthesia Service Medical Group
3626 Ruffin Rd
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 565-9666
Lars R Newsome, MD [20]
Anesthesia Service Medical Group
3626 Ruffin Rd
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 565-9666
Deena Helen Perotti, MD [1]
Anesthesia Service Medical Group
3626 Ruffin Rd
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 565-9666
Gabriel Rene Rubio, MD [2]
Anesthesia Service Medical Group
3626 Ruffin Rd
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 565-9666
Alaa Saghbini, MD [3]
Anesthesia Service Medical Group
3626 Ruffin Rd
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 565-9666
David Maged Seif, MD [8]
Anesthesia Service Medical Group
3626 Ruffin Rd
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 565-9666
Edward Harding Sherer, MD [4]
Anesthesia Service Medical Group
3626 Ruffin Rd
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 565-9666
Kevin James Staggenborg, MD [2]
Anesthesia Service Medical Group
3626 Ruffin Rd
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 565-9666
Sepehr Shokri Tabibzadeh, MD [12]
Anesthesia Service Medical Group
3626 Ruffin Rd
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 565-9666
Kris Kishore Vasant, MD [2]
Anesthesia Service Medical Group
3626 Ruffin Rd
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 565-9666
Hit the theater for Oh, Mary!, cheer on the Padres in the playoffs, and explore the Del Mar Wine & Food Festival
Fans of remarkable artistry, live sports, and foodie-friendly excursions are all eating particularly well this week. The Civic Theatre will present eight performances of the stage comedy Oh, Mary!, while the city’s streets and MTS Blue Line stations will host another edition of Trolley Dances. As they chase their first World Series crown, the Padres will kick off a best-of-three Wild Card series with the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park, and over at Snapdragon Stadium, Mexican soccer rivals Cruz Azul and Club América will face off in an exhibition match. Last but certainly not least, unleash your appetites for the Taste of North Park, Mexico in a Bottle, and the Del Mar Wine & Food Festival, where five days of culinary experiences await.
JUMP TO: Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do

From Wednesday’s first bite at Monarch Ocean Pub to Sunday’s final Grand Tasting hurrah, the Del Mar Wine & Food Festival boasts a lineup for the ages. A trio of Thursday dinners will showcase Rioja wines ($200), whiskey paired with Indian fusion ($295), and Chateau Montelena’s lasting legacy ($639). The following day, spectate ($125) or play (starting at $200) in a star-studded pickleball tournament, including an appearance from SD Mag CCO Troy Johnson. Then comes the two-day Grand Tasting at Surf Sports Park. Overwhelmed by all the culinary possibilities? We’ve got you covered. Grand Tasting ticket options include single-day passes ($185-$425) for Saturday and Sunday, as well as two-day passes ($275-$765).
Citywide
Sample the neighborhood cuisine and culture alike during the Taste of North Park. Beginning Saturday at 11 a.m., check in at North Park Mini Park then check out more than 65 unique tastes, including over 50 food stops, across local delis, bistros, dessert shops, and more, plus live music, art activations, and local business pop-ups. Eventgoers can enjoy all-inclusive tastes until 3:30 p.m. and sips through 4 p.m. Food & sip tickets (21-plus) are still available for $65, but—like the food-only and shareable tickets—they are expected to sell out before Saturday.
Check-in: 3812 29th Street, North Park
For one afternoon each fall, Rancho Bernardo becomes Rancho BEERnardo, complete with a festival highlighting local breweries, wineries, and distilleries. This Saturday from 2-5 p.m. during the 21-plus Rancho BEERnardo Festival, attendees can sample from over 35 drinkmakers at Webb Park while enjoying food vendors and live music, all to raise money for the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club. Ticket options include general admission ($65) and VIP entry ($90), which grants early arrival at 1 p.m.; designated driver admission ($10) is also available.
11666 Avena Place, Rancho Bernardo
Few things get more classic—or in this case, Enlightened—than the Le Salon de Musiques, kicking off its new season with a Grand Opening concert this Sunday (4 p.m.). The first monthly show of the 2026-2027 calendar at the La Jolla Woman’s Club will showcase more obscure works by Beethoven, Schubert, and Hiller, played by violinist Martin Chalifour, violist Carson Rick, cellist Allan Hon, and pianist Xiao Chen. After the performance, audience members will be joined by the musicians for a high tea buffet with French champagne. Tickets are $69 for students and $120 for the general public; full season passes ($864) are also on sale.
7791 Draper Avenue, La Jolla
Mexican craft spirits and the storied traditions that bind them are the focus of the 21-plus Mexico in a Bottle festival, returning to Bread & Salt this Sunday from 4-7 p.m. Attendees can try sips and hear stories from distillers of Mexican mezcal, tequila, whiskey, rum, gin, and more. There will also be music from DJ Mafondo, art and craft vendors, panels on Peruvian agave and mezcal education, and vendors showcasing Oaxacan, Sinaloan, and Mayan cuisine. General admission ($82) is all-inclusive and can be purchased here.
1955 Julian Avenue, Logan Heights
Ryan Hardison is a freelance arts and entertainment writer and recent graduate of San Diego State. When he's not staring at his laptop, he's likely eating an adobada burrito or getting sunburnt at the beach.
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.

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”

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.

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.
From food festivals and Fashion Week to hockey games and Oktoberfest, these are the best events to add to your calendar in October
It’s finally fall, and although it may not feel like it (our ceiling fans are this close to flying off their hinges), San Diego is ringing in the cozy season with a heap of fun events. Whether you’re wanting to find your new favorite outfit at Fashion Week, cheer at the Oceanside Shock’s home debut, or practice meditation at the Strength in the City Festival, these are the best things to do in October.
Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do

Go beyond the menu during the Taste of North Park, with over 50 food samples and 15 beverage stops, plus live music and art-driven programming to keep all the senses engaged.
Cross the Coronado Bridge—and bring your appetite—for A Taste of Coronado, an island-wide culinary jaunt in support of beloved businesses and the Promises2Kids nonprofit.

In the Roustabouts Theatre Co.’s newest comedy at Scripps Ranch Theatre, roommate beef has no age limit. In “Ripcord,” a feud between Abby and Marilyn escalates to absurd heights.
Pay it forward to local public schools with each pet adoption, purchased piece of art—from over 170 artists—and sip of wine, beer, or spirits at the free La Jolla Art & Wine Festival.
Those in search of creativity and community can find both at Other Places Art Fair South, a free showcase for independent artists and galleries at California Center for the Arts, Escondido.

Where can you play pickleball with celebs, sample local eats (including that place you’ve always been meaning to try), and take part in the scenic and delicious Grand Tasting at Surf Sports Park? There’s only one answer: the Del Mar Wine & Food Festival.
Sashay your way through the 19th annual Fashion Week San Diego, home to stunning runway couture, fall designer collections, and a trunk show—perfect for shopping for your new look.
Dance to Y2K throwbacks all weekend long during Ocean Beach Oktoberfest, which includes a beach party, a stein-holding competition, a brat-eating contest, and for VIP attendees, a custom “OB2K Oktoberfest” liter
mug.
First comes the sting, then comes the shock. San Diego County’s newest sports franchise, Oceanside Shock, will make its home debut in the Federal Prospects Hockey League versus the Fresno Falcons at Frontwave
Arena.
Working out is just one part of this Waterfront Park wellness experience. Practice meditation, play bingo, and recover with sauna zones during the Strength in the City Festival.
At the 25th annual Oceanside DÍa de los Muertos Festival, the Day of the Dead is alive and well. Walk through a chalk cemetery and Por Siempre Car Club’s decorative trunk altars during the free event.
Ryan Hardison is a freelance arts and entertainment writer and recent graduate of San Diego State. When he's not staring at his laptop, he's likely eating an adobada burrito or getting sunburnt at the beach.
Chef collaborations, cooking demonstrations, DJs, games, photo ops, and plenty of reasons to keep wandering on Oct 3 and Oct 4
At Del Mar Wine & Food Festival’s Grand Tasting, the walk between food tents can take a while. You might stop to watch a chef competition, get pulled toward the DJ, or find yourself playing mini golf before you remember which bite you were after.
Across the Del Mar Polo Fields, there’s also line dancing, a 1961 red Beetle ready for photos, and an aviation-themed pop-up with Reno Tahoe chefs and mixologists. Need a slower stretch? Check out the wellness stops or browse the shops. Here’s what to look for as you make your way through the festival’s zones:

VIP ticket holders get a head start, with the VIP Reception running from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. and serving first bites, first sips, and a few surprises before the Grand Tasting officially gets going. Champagne Telmont will make the festival’s first pour, while Cohn Restaurant Group brings carajillos alongside pours from Karl Strauss, Licor 43, Tap Truck San Diego, Bebemos Tequila, and Devil’s Grin Gin.
The bites are just as good. Celebrity chef Beau MacMillan will serve a first bite, while Warung RieRie is bringing one of its highly coveted dishes. Yes, this is the restaurant that currently has an eight-month waitlist. You’ll also find bites from The Shellfish Affair, The Waverly, Wolf in the Woods, Dora Ristorante, Cori Pastificio Trattoria, An’s Gelato, Pacific 333, Vintana, and more.
And because every good first act needs a soundtrack, there will be live painting and music, with Courtney Govan bringing live jazz to the reception. It’s the perfect opening act before the main event.
During the VIP Reception, chefs Tommy Gomes and Jeff Roberto will conduct a live ahi cutting. Plant Paradise brings another culinary angle, with celebrity chef Zuliya Khawaja joining the plant-based lineup. The area combines chef talent with plant-forward restaurants and brands, giving guests a chance to see just how creative plant-based cooking can get.
Throughout the weekend, The Stage keeps the cooking demonstrations coming, with celebrities and chefs sharing techniques, recipes, and plenty of inspiration for anyone who plans to actually cook something when they get home. Before you know it, you’re watching a chef demo, casting your awards vote, and sipping mezcal on the grass with friends you just met in line.

At the Grand Tasting, dancing just sort of… happens. A DJ drops the right song. Someone’s holding a taco in one hand and a glass of wine in the other. The country zone breaks into a two-step. Friends convince friends. Strangers become temporary dance partners. By the end of the day, everyone’s forgotten they were ever worried about looking cool.
DJ TENAX will be spinning in Plant Paradise, bringing house, techno, and UKG to an open-air dance floor that’s hard to leave. Chris Cantore, a veteran San Diego broadcaster, takes over the VIP Tent, while BootScootin Line Dance and PVO Events bring country-style line dancing to the Polo Fields, so you can work off your tasting itinerary one two-step at a time.
Then a live guitar hum in the distance leads you to a fuchsia boa over at the Pride Zone, where you’ll find yourself covered in sequins and having the lawn party of a lifetime.
Not every activity at the festival requires a tasting glass (although it’s certainly encouraged).
The Matchday Experience brings San Diego FC and San Diego Wave FC into the Grand Tasting, complete with interactive tents and plenty of game-day energy. Athletic Brewing is also sharing activation space with San Diego Wave FC, bringing a fun nonalcoholic option into the mix.
For golf fans, the Los Angeles Golf Club is bringing a Dryve Box golf simulator to the festival. And if your competitive streak is less fairway and more miniature windmill, SD Pop Up Mini Golf has you covered.
The Beach Zone gets in on the action, too, with surfing-inspired elements and Playavole paddle courts. Hemlock Hats and other California brands add to the coastal atmosphere, but the real draw is having somewhere to actually play. And don’t worry, you can cool down in COOLA’s turquoise beach chairs, too, and when your bestie suggests reapplying sunscreen, obviously you do. Basically, there are plenty of ways to work up an appetite between tastings.

You’re going to want to take photos, and the festival has made that extremely easy.
A Timeless Day is bringing multiple photo moments to the Grand Tasting, including a 1961 red Beetle at The Italian Getaway and a teal VW bus in The Beach Zone. For something a little more polished than the standard group selfie, head to the Locals Zone for Pixster Photo Booth and San Diego’s version of a Glam-Bot, complete with a grass red carpet.
Bebemos Tequila is also bringing back its festival-favorite hidden speakeasy. If there’s ever a time for a photo, it’s here. Otherwise, people might not believe you. The speakeasy serves bone marrow shots straight from the bone, with candlelight, a lounge area that makes it hard to believe you’re in a tent outside, and little orange shot glasses. This is “first slide of your festival photo dump” material.
You can also grab your squad and head to LaCroix’s bright and ridiculously cute setup, or swing by San Diego Magazine’s area, where you might stop for a photo in front of the larger-than-life SD Magazine sign and find yourself watching a painting come to life.
But really, you’re in Del Mar. The ocean is essentially your backdrop, and every zone gives you an excuse to stop for the obligatory “totally candid” photo. And yes, the best strategy is to get the group shot before everyone has been sampling wine for three hours.
The Grand Tasting also doubles as a little shopping excursion, with local makers, fashion, vintage finds, jewelry, and lifestyle brands scattered throughout the grounds. Smoke Revival Vintage Vault brings the thrill of vintage treasure hunting, while Nortte Hats and Hemlock Hat Company make a pretty good case for leaving with a new accessory.
Keep an eye out for jewelry and creative vendors, too, including Iris Studio Jewelry and New Nightfall Jewelry, plus local artists and makers featured throughout the festival.
You can come for an all day food and wine festival, but still leave with something shiny you definitely did not plan to buy.
We know, at some point, even the most dedicated grazer has to come up for air. The Novo Dia Wellness Zone is designed for exactly that, bringing together mocktails, coffee, hydration, wellness brands, and even bites from Parakeet Cafe.
Step away from the food and drink frenzy for a few minutes, relax in the shade, try some skincare, stretch with prAna, and maybe grab some Instant Hydration Electrolytes before round three.
There’s also nothing wrong with stopping to smell the roses at Green Air Botanicals while devouring a dairy-free cheese dip. It’s less about disappearing from the party and more about making sure you have enough energy to keep going.
The zones give you somewhere to wander, and the activities give you a reason to keep going. So grab your tasting glass, check the schedule, and leave a little room in your afternoon for something you didn’t plan on doing. At Del Mar Wine & Food, that’s usually where things get interesting.
Isabella Dallas is a freelance writer for San Diego Magazine and the Arts and Culture Editor at The Daily Aztec in her final year at San Diego State University. She previously worked as an editorial intern for SDM, but when she’s not writing, you can find her trying the best coffee spots in SD, devouring the latest rom-coms, and indulging in anything and everything pop culture.
Scripps electrophysiologists not only deliver the latest therapies, they help develop them
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common cardiac dysrhythmia, affecting more than 10 million people in the U.S. The condition, characterized by an irregular and often rapid heartbeat, raises the risk of stroke, heart failure and death. Advances in electrophysiology, a subspecialty of cardiology focused on the heart’s electrical system, are transforming how AFib and other dysrhythmias are diagnosed and treated. Scripps electrophysiologists use state-of-the-art therapies—some of which they helped develop. They were instrumental in the pre-FDA approval research for an effective new treatment, pulsed field ablation, and are on the forefront of other innovative treatments. Click here to learn more.
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