San Diego Magazine https://sandiegomagazine.com/ Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:02:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7 https://sandiegomagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/cropped-SDM_favicon-32x32.png San Diego Magazine https://sandiegomagazine.com/ 32 32 Clinical Expertise In Orthopedics https://sandiegomagazine.com/partner-content/clinical-expertise-in-orthopedics/ Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:02:24 +0000 https://sandiegomagazine.com/?p=91865 Scripps has been at the forefront of advanced orthopedic care for decades.

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Scripps provides expert orthopedic care and state-of-the-art treatment to patients in San Diego and beyond. Scripps research has contributed to advancements in joint replacements, developed new ways to treat traumatic shoulder injuries and pioneered anterior spine fusion techniques. Scripps continues to innovate  orthopedic care. Click here for more on how Scripps is advancing orthopedics.

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The Brigantine Group Sets Sights on The Fish Market https://sandiegomagazine.com/food-drink/brigantine-restaurant-group-acquiring-the-fish-market/ Wed, 20 Nov 2024 21:39:04 +0000 https://sandiegomagazine.com/?p=91808 The name behind locales like Ketch Grill & Taps, Miguel's Cocina, and Topsail is poised to take over the family-owned restaurants in 2025

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Many, many people have been a part of building the Southern California seafood industry into the renowned enterprise it is today. Now, two of these pioneering groups—both from California, family-owned, and currently run by the second generation of the families that built them—are uniting as one. 

The Brigantine, Inc., the restaurant group behind The Brigantine Seafood and Oyster Bar, Miguel’s Cocina, Ketch Brewing, Ketch Grill & Taps, Topsail, and Portside Coffee & Gelato, is in the process of purchasing The Fish Market’s two San Diego locations and adding the brand to the Brigantine family of restaurants.

San Diego seafood restaurant The Fish Market's Seaport Village location which was bought by Brigantine's restaurant group
Courtesy of OpenTable

“We definitely want to carry on The Fish Market brand,” says Mike Morton, Jr., president of The Brigantine, Inc. His parents, Barbara and Mike Morton, Sr., opened the first Brigantine restaurant in Point Loma in 1969, followed by Coronado, Del Mar, Escondido, La Mesa, Poway, Imperial Beach, and Portside Pier—all established between 1973 and 2020. 

The Brigantine, Inc. group operates 20 restaurants over six concepts, with The Fish Market bringing it to seven. Fred Duckett and Robert “Bob” Wilson opened The Fish Market’s first location in Palo Alto in 1976. At one point, they operated multiple locations across California and Arizona, but today, the only remaining locations are in downtown San Diego and Del Mar. 

Morton says that although he doesn’t anticipate any challenges, the purchasing agreement is 100 percent contingent upon the Port Commissioner’s approval. The deal will be on the docket for the Port of San Diego’s public meeting in January and, if approved, will be certified 30 days later in mid-February. If everything does move forward as planned, the existing goal is for The Brigantine to take over The Fish Market’s current lease on North Harbor Drive, which runs through February 2028 and what Morton hopes to extend. “Basically, we’ll have about three years of runway to figure all that out,” he says. (The Del Mar location remains part of the overall deal but does not fall under the Port’s authority.) 

Interior of San Diego seafood restaurant The Fish Market food in Seaport Village
Courtesy of The Fish Market

The current Fish Market location on North Harbor Drive is less than a mile down the street from the nearest Brigantine restaurant. Still, Morton believes the two seafood-centric companies are different enough to allow for geographical proximity. “[The Fish Market] can buy directly off commercial boats,” he explains. “They do a tremendous amount of volume per retail—you or I might swing by and buy five swordfish steaks to take home to cook, and they also sell it at the prepared restaurants.”

With complementary concepts under their purview, Morton hopes it will allow his family’s group to grow outside of California. He says they’re looking at opportunities in San Clemente, Nevada, Arizona, and Texas, but nothing solid is in the works yet, though he’s still optimistic about the future. “I think there are a lot of things that fit between the two companies,” he says. “I know they treat their people like family, too, and that means a lot.”

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Best Delta 9 Gummies: Top THC Gummies For Ultimate High https://sandiegomagazine.com/partner-content/best-delta-9-gummies-top-thc-gummies-for-ultimate-high/ Wed, 20 Nov 2024 18:21:14 +0000 https://sandiegomagazine.com/?p=91777 Read the overview of the Top 5 Delta 9 Gummies to buy online in 2024 for the perfect euphoria and psychoactive solid effects.

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Have you ever wanted to go to a place where a delicious bite of Delta 9 gummies provides solid psychoactive effects that take away your pain and worries, leaving your imagination soaring?

After thoroughly reviewing 30+ brands and several varieties, we have carefully selected the leading 5 brands that offer the best Delta 9 gummies to add bliss to your life.

Delta 9 THC is derived from hemp, improves your sensory perception, boosts your appetite, increases creativity, and a pleasant feeling of wellness. Delta 9 gummies exhibit a recreational appeal and have become the most loved choice of beginners and experienced users. 

So set your life’s playlist to a new ‘high’ level and enjoy the goodness of these best Delta 9 gummies when you’re feeling low.

List Of Delta 9 Gummies

  • Exhale – Best Delta 9 Gummies, Our Top Consideration
  • Budpop – Delta 9 THC Gummies with Top Quality Hemp Extracts
  • Cheef BotanicalBest D9 THC Gummie for Mood Upliftment
  • Cannovia – Delta-9 Gummies For Pain Relief
  • Galaxy Treats – Delta 9 Gummies in Multiple Flavors

Potential Benefits of Delta 9 THC

Delta 9 THC offers a range of potential benefits that make it popular among users seeking therapeutic relief:

Pain Relief:

Delta 9 THC is known for its analgesic properties, making it effective in reducing pain caused by conditions such as chronic pain, arthritis, and migraines.

Anxiety and Stress Reduction

Delta 9 THC is also known for reducing anxiety and stress levels, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation without the intense psychoactive effects of Delta 9 THC. 

Appetite Stimulation:

Delta 9 THC is also effective in stimulating appetite, making it beneficial for individuals experiencing appetite loss due to medical treatments like chemotherapy or conditions like eating disorders.

Nausea Relief:

It can provide relief from nausea and vomiting, particularly for individuals undergoing chemotherapy or those with gastrointestinal issues.

Sleep Aid:

Delta 9 is also known to promote better sleep by inducing relaxation and reducing insomnia symptoms. Several users have reported that taking Delta 9 gummies at night made their sleep more restful and better.

Best Brands Of Delta 9 THC Gummies

#1. Exhale – Best Delta 9 Gummies, Our Top Consideration

Why we love them?

Exhale Delta 9 Gummies are designed to uplift your mind and body and let you feel the state of the ultimate high. The most noteworthy advantage of Delta 9 edibles is the extra-canna-bliss, which gives you ultimate relaxation and exceptional euphoria. Delta-9 gummies guarantee peace of mind after a tiring day. They are highly effective for a good night’s sleep, instant relief from daily stress, increasing appetite, and promoting creativity.

Exhale Delta-9 THC gummies are available in varied flavors and are designed to boost your mood. Many people take them when feeling down or blue. They’re also popular at parties for a relaxed, euphoric social experience. 

Delta-9 Gummies & Bricks, presented by Exhale Wellness, provides an array of options—15 mg gummy cubes and palate-teasing 100 mg edible options. If you are a novice, you should start with 3-5 mg of Delta 9 THC. The exclusive Delta 9 Gummy Cubes pack comes in a feasible price range of  $89.95 and is loved by cannabis enthusiasts all over the US.

Pros

  • Effects start appearing within half an hour
  • Huge Discounts
  • High potencies to suit your needs
  • Versatile range of gummies

Cons

  • Shipping is restricted to a few US states

Specs

  • Delta 9 variants- D9 +HHC+THCp, along with Delta 9 THC and CBN sleep edibles
  • Dosage – 2.5-5mg for new users, 10-15mg – for a solid usage
  • Flavors – Fruity flavors
  • Ingredients – Full Spectrum Hemp Extract, Light Corn Syrup, Cane Sugar, Apple Pectin, Water, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Fruit& Vegetable Extract, MCT Oil

#2. BudPop– Delta 9 Gummies with Top Quality Hemp Extracts

Why we love them?

BudPop’s unique collection of potent Delta 9 gummies is prepared using top-quality hemp extracts subjected to different quality checks. These D9 Gummies have an optimal taste and give you the desired kick with an accurate blend of numerous psychoactive substituents. Their small compatible size eases the consumption criteria when you are at home or moving.

Amanita Muscaria Mushroom + THCp + D9 Gummies by BudPop are known for offering a solid, enjoyable experience in every bite. Fruit Punch Delta-9 Gummies produce more enhanced effects, providing a delightful user experience. BudPop Delta-9 Gummies are a boon for your wellness preferences. They provide almost everything, from a classy feel to enhancing your sexual performance and changing you into a social butterfly.

Delta-9 gummies by BudPop are legal in the US as they are made using a lower THC content, i.e., 0.3%. They offer unique benefits such as intense euphoria, deep cerebral stimulation, enhanced creativity, relaxation and support, and complete relief from physical discomfort.

Pros

  • Avail free shipping on orders above $99
  • Pure natural fruit flavors are used
  • You get reward points on every purchase
  • Same-day shipping is available

Cons

  • Restricted payment methods

Specs

  • Ingredients: Hemp-derived Delta 9
  • Potency: 15mg Delta 9 THC /Gummy
  • High Quality: Products are eco-friendly & vegan
  • Quantity: 30 Gummies /pack

#3. Cheef Botanicals – Best D9 THC Gummies for Mood Upliftment

Why we love them?

Delta 9 Gummies by Cheef Botanicals are designed to give mood upliftment and euphoria in a controlled form. Thus, you can quickly boost your mental battery to cloud 9. As you start breaking your creative gates, you feel your mind is diving into a relaxed state. These D9 edibles refresh your mood and boost confidence by interacting with your body’s natural systems. 

These delicious treats may help reduce stress, improve sleep, and spark creativity. The most loved varieties include – Delta 9 Gummy Cubes for $49.95, D9 THC Live Resin Gummies for $69.95, and Delta 9 THC+CBN Gummies for sleep for $59.95.

You will feel on top of the world after consuming Delta 9 Gummies from Cheef Botanicals. Along with additional mental advantages, they make you think profoundly focused and provide complete body relaxation. They are entirely safe and may have a few side effects if taken in large quantities. So what are you waiting for? Order the latest Delta 9 Gummy pack online and unlock your mind’s potential.

Pros

  • Unique assorted gummies
  • Various sizes and potencies
  • Vegan and natural
  • Discounts on every subscription

Cons

  • High potencies are overwhelming

Specs

  • Quantity:225mg Delta 9 Gummy Cubes, 450mg Delta 9 Gummy Cubes
  • Ingredients: 7.5mg/ 15 mg hemp-based Delta-9 THC per gummy, 1.0mg hemp-based CBC, CBG, CBD /gummy, Light Corn Syrup, Cane Sugar, Apple Pectin, Water, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Fruit and Vegetable Extract, MCT Oil.
  • Dosage: 1 gummy daily
  • Flavors – Delicious fruit flavors

#4. Cannovia – Delta-9 Gummies For Pain Relief

Cannovia has been listed as one of the best Delta 9 edible brands for pain relief and management. If you have a strict work schedule, these edibles provide a discreet and convenient option for dealing with body pain, promoting relaxation, and improving overall well-being. Start with a low dose and adjust as needed for optimal relief.

Cannovia has been extensively engaged in the sale and development of the strongest Delta 9 Gummies using the finest ingredients and advanced methods so that you get the best. A unique feature of Cannovia Delta 9 Edibles is the usage of ‘Cellular Deconstruction Technology’ for manufacturing whole spectrum, nano-ionized D9 edibles.

Most loved D9 Gummies by Cannovia include Delta-9 Gummies 5mg THC + 20mg CBD for $24.95, available in multiple variants, and Delta-9 Gummies 15mg THC + 60mg CBD for $34.95. Cannovia Delta-9 gummies are made using premium quality hemp extract and an explicit combination of potent cannabinoids, terpenes, phytochemicals, and flavonoids that work in an integrated manner.

Pros

  • Vegan, non-GMO & Gluten-free D9 Gummies
  • Available in varied strengths
  • Discreet shipping options
  • Frequent lab testing

Cons

  • Beginners may take time to adjust

Specs

  • Flavors – Delicious natural flavors
  • Additives – No artificial ingredients
  • Rapid Onset:3x quicker effects
  • Superior Bioavailability: Gummies with Nano-Ionized cannabinoids

 # 5. Galaxy Treats –Delta 9 Gummies in Multiple Flavors

Why we love them?

Galaxy Treats Delta 9 Gummies are potent and flavorful sugary treats you will enjoy feasting on. With mouth-watering flavor profiles and infused with Delta 9 THC, they are bursting with rich flavors. They are available in 20-count jars and deliver potent effects. The most loved signature flavors of Galaxy Delta 9  gummies include Berry Melon, Purple Punch, and Topical Kush. 

Each gummy contains 10mg of hemp-based D9. Galaxy Treats’ D9 edibles are loved for their improved potency and high purity. Galaxy Treats Delta 9 Gummies will surely give you the perfect high and creative buzz required daily. If you are searching for mild euphoric effects, go for a 10mg Delta 9 serving. But if you are a novice, you should prefer a restricted serving of 5mg or even less.

Delta 9 gummies by Galaxy Treats are a fun-filled and new option. They are perfect for pure relaxation and balancing mood swings. These gummies have exceeded initial customer demands and given a fruitful overall experience.

Pros

  • Strong potent varieties
  • Contain premium quality hemp extracts
  • Enhanced taste and aroma
  • Free shipping on orders above $30

Cons

  • Restricted shipping

Specs

  • Flavors – Delicious fruit flavors
  • Strength – Delta 9 Content per Pack: 20mg, Delta 9 Content per Gummy: 10mg
  • Ingredients: Sugar, Corn Syrup, Pectin, Sunflower Oil, Water, Flavoring, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Acid Sulfate, Citric Acid, Natural and Artificial Food Coloring, 10mg/20 mg Delta 9 THC &Plant-derived Terpenes
  • Extraction – hemp-based

Our Process for Selecting the Best Delta 9 THC Gummies

Delta 9 gummies have gained immense popularity, resulting in a wide range of options on the market. However, only some products are good, and selecting the right gummies becomes daunting. Understanding this, we have curated a list of the best Delta 9 gummies that can help you leverage the potential benefits of cannabis to the fullest. 

Brand Reputation

Brand reputation is one of the crucial aspects, as many things, such as potency, quality, purity, etc., depend on the brand you choose. A strong brand reputation indicates trustworthiness and commitment to delivering high-quality products. Therefore, during our selection process, we focused on the reputation of the brands. We prioritized brands with a proven track record of transparency, reliability, and ethical practices in the cannabis industry. 

Ingredients

When selecting the best Delta-9 gummies, understanding the ingredients can divulge much information. This is why we carefully analyzed the product packaging labels to understand the ingredients used. We selected gummies made from organic, non-GMO hemp sourced from reputable suppliers. We also picked Delta 9 gummies free from artificial additives, preservatives, and harmful chemicals, ensuring a pure and natural product.

Safety

While Delta-9 gummies offer a wide range of benefits, it is important to understand whether they are safe to use. For this, we favored the brands that ensure the safety of their products by sending them for 3rd party lab tests for potency, purity, and safety. These tests verify the cannabinoid content and ensure compliance with the legal limits of Delta 9 THC. 

Potency

The potency of the Delta-9 gummies is another key consideration during our evaluation process. We valued gummies based on their Delta 9 THC content per serving, ensuring they provide consistent and effective doses for users. Additionally, we picked gummies that had clear labeling of THC concentrations and precise dosing guidelines.

Flavor and Experience

Most of the users consume Delta 9 THC for enjoyment and euphoria, making these another important criterion. We assessed the flavor profiles of these gummies, looking for options that offer a pleasant taste and texture. We picked gummies that provide a satisfying and enjoyable experience.

Customer Satisfaction

Customer feedback and satisfaction are critical indicators of product quality. We analyzed customer reviews and testimonials to understand what THC users have to say about Delta-9 gummies. Based on this analysis, we picked the brands and gummies that received continuous positive feedback regarding effectiveness, taste, and customer service.

How to Choose The  Best Delta 9 THC Gummies

It is important to choose the best Delta 9 gummies, as this will not only enhance your cannabis experience but also ensure that the product you are buying is safe for consumption. On that note, consider the following factors while purchasing the best Delta-9 gummies. 

Ingredients and Formula

The ingredients used in Delta 9 THC gummies are crucial, as they highlight the quality, purity, and potency of the gummies. Therefore, when selecting gummies, always prioritize those made from high-quality, organic hemp extract sourced from reputable farmers in the USA. Also, notice if the gummies contain any artificial ingredients, such as additives, fillers, preservatives, and flavors. 

Manufacturing Practices

Manufacturing practices ensure the quality of the Delta-9 gummies; therefore, the company should always select gummies from brands that strictly adhere to the FDA guidelines associated with manufacturing practices. Gummies produced in facilities that follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and undergo regular inspections for cleanliness and safety are preferred. Consistent manufacturing practices help maintain product integrity and reliability.

Desired Benefits

When looking for the best Delta 9 THC gummies, it is important that you first identify the effects that you are looking for from these gummies. Understand if you are seeking pain relief, relaxation, or stress reduction, and then select gummies tailored to specific therapeutic goals. Always consider the gummies that align with your desired benefits and provide consistent results. 

Cannabinoid Profile

There are several Delta 9 THC gummies available in the market that are a perfect blend of different cannabinoid profiles, including CBD, CBN, and more. Therefore, understand your requirements and look for gummies with blended compounds for enhanced therapeutic effects. Additionally, look for gummies that clearly label THC content per serving to ensure accurate dosing and compliance with legal limits. 

User Reviews

Customer feedback provides you with the best insights into the quality and service of the brands. Read different reviews available on the brand website and third-party trusted forums. Also, check for any reoccurring complaints about the products and customer service. Always select the brands that enjoy positive reviews, as these brands ensure that you get the best quality gummies.

Optimal Dosage of Delta 9 Gummies

Delta 9 gummies are a popular form of THC edible and are known for their convenience and discreet consumption. However, consuming it in optimal dosage can enhance the experience, ensuring effectiveness and safety. Here is how to find the correct dosage of Delta 9 gummies to enjoy the maximum benefits.

Start Low and Go Slow

When trying Delta 9 gummies for the first time, start with a low dose, typically around 5-10 mg of THC. This approach allows you to identify how your body reacts to the substance without risking an overwhelming experience. Edibles can take longer to kick in compared to other forms of THC, so try to be patient.

Understand Your Tolerance

Tolerance to THC can significantly influence the ideal dosage. Therefore, if you are new to cannabis or have a low tolerance, start with a smaller dose. Regular users might require higher doses to achieve the desired effects. Always consider your previous experiences with THC when determining your dosage.

Gradually Increase as Needed

If the initial dose doesn’t provide the desired effects, it is advised to increase the dose. A common method is to increase by 5 mg increments, allowing sufficient time between doses to assess the impact. This gradual increase helps find the optimal dose without causing discomfort or side effects.

Pay Attention to Labeling

It is important to always read the label of your Delta 9 gummies carefully. Reputed vendors mention the THC content per gummy per serving on their labels. This information can help you ensure that you consume the required dosage. Misreading the label can lead to consuming too much THC, leading to unwanted effects.

Consider Your Goals

It goes without saying that the desired effects you are seeking greatly influence the dosage of the THC gummies. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, pain relief, or a recreational high – different goals may require different dosages. Customize your consumption based on what you aim to achieve, and adjust the amount to meet your specific needs. 

Other Forms of Delta 9 Products

Delta 9 THC, the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, is available in various forms, each offering unique benefits and experiences. From tinctures to vape pens, exploring these different products can help you find the most suitable option. Here’s an overview of some popular Delta 9 products.

Tincture

Delta 9 THC tinctures are liquid extracts typically consumed sublingually (under the tongue). They offer a fast-acting and convenient way to dose THC, with effects typically felt within 15-45 minutes. Tinctures offer precise dosing, making them ideal for those who require consistent and controllable effects. They can also be added to foods or beverages for alternative consumption.

Flowers

Smoking or vaping Delta 9 THC flowers is one of the most traditional and popular methods. This form provides immediate effects, usually within minutes. The potency and flavor profile can vary depending on the strain. While smoking might not be suitable for everyone due to respiratory concerns, it remains a favorite for its quick onset and the rich sensory experience it offers.

Capsules

Delta 9 THC capsules offer a discrete and precise way to consume THC. They are similar to traditional supplements and can be easily added to your daily lifestyle. The effects of capsules take longer to set in, often between 30 minutes to 2 hours, as they need to be digested first. However, they provide long-lasting effects and are ideal for those seeking extended relief.

Vape Pens

Vape pens are a modern and popular method for consuming Delta 9 THC. They are portable, discreet, and offer quick onset of effects, typically within minutes. Vaping allows for better control over dosage compared to smoking, as users can take small puffs to achieve the desired effect. Additionally, vape pens produce less odor, making them more discreet than smoking flowers.

Drinks

Delta 9 THC-infused drinks are a newer addition to the market, offering a fun and social way to consume THC. These beverages come in various flavors and formulations, providing a tasty alternative to traditional methods. The onset time for THC drinks can vary but usually ranges from 30 minutes to 2 hours, similar to edibles. 

Final Words:

Delta 9 THC gummies offer a convenient and enjoyable way to consume THC. Additionally, other forms of Delta 9 products like tinctures, flowers, capsules, vape pens, and drinks provide varied consumption methods to suit individual preferences. 

Among the top brands, Exhale Wellness stands out as the #1 choice for quality and consistency. 

In the end, remember, individual experiences with Delta 9 THC can vary, so it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before use to ensure safety and effectiveness are customized according to your needs.

Advertising and Marketing by:This content was marketed by 747mediahouse.com on behalf of their client. For queries, reach out at [email protected].

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15 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend: Nov. 19–24 https://sandiegomagazine.com/things-to-do/things-to-do-in-san-diego-this-weekend-nov-19-24/ Tue, 19 Nov 2024 23:39:44 +0000 https://sandiegomagazine.com/?p=91761 Feast on French pastries for Parfait Paris’ 10th anniversary, have fun with Cyndi Lauper at Viejas Arena, and raise money for locals in need at San Diego Live Aid

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Some say Christmastime can’t start until after Thanksgiving, but why fight the holiday spirit if it seeps in a little early? Put up those trees, listen to Mariah Carey, deck the halls—go nuts. And, while you’re at it, begin your holiday festivities with spirited events throughout San Diego. Gift shopping will be an all-day affair at the Encinitas Holiday Street Fair, Santee is lighting up a tree for the season, and the outdoor ice rink in Point Loma invites skaters to glide for a good cause. There’s also a cozy ramen festival, new theater productions, local business anniversaries, and many more things to do this weekend. 

Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do

Things to do this weekend in San Diego Nov. 19-24, 2024 featuring Parfait Paris' 10-Year Anniversary Party
Courtesy Parfait Paris

Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend

San Diego Ramen Festival

November 21

What better way to fight off the brutal SoCal cold than with a piping hot bowl of ramen? The San Diego Ramen Festival will offer a menu of 12-ounce selections to slurp. The festival takes place at the Handlery Hotel this Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. It also features live entertainment, local pop culture vendors, and ramen-inspired artwork. Ticket options include general admission passes ($44.52) with three ramen servings and VIP ($129.89) with perks like unlimited beer and sake samples, six ramen servings and an extra hour of admission (5 to 6 p.m.). 

950 Hotel Circle North, Mission Valley

Best seasonal fall coffee drinks in San Diego featuring beverages from S3 Coffee Bar Allied Gardens

Parfait Paris 10-Year Anniversary Party

November 23

Parfait Paris is saluting a decade of decadence in San Diego by throwing a street festival packed with sweets. This Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Parisian bakery will offer an assortment of French goodies, along with bites from The Sushi Stand and drinks courtesy of Understory Bar and Hopnonymous Brewing Co. RSVPs are required for this anniversary event, with $5 admission for adults (redeemable for food and drinks) and free entry for children and teens under the age of 15. 

3555 India Street, Middletown

Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend

Cyndi Lauper at Viejas Arena

November 20

Cyndi Lauper sang some of the defining hits of the 1980s and composed the beloved musical adaption of Kinky Boots. Now, on her final arena tour, Lauper is here to remind us all that “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” Tickets are on sale for $55.10 for Wednesday’s concert at Viejas Arena.  

5500 Canyon Crest Drive, Rolando

San Diego Live Aid 

November 21

Many San Diego families were affected by the devastating rain storms that hit the city in early January. To raise proceeds for them, three local tribute groups—All Fired Up, Supreme Legacy, and The Mamas & The Papas Experience—are throwing a special charity concert. This Thursday evening at Humphreys Backstage Live, guests will hear timeless renditions of nostalgic hits. Tickets range from $23.60 to $39.10

2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island

Things to do this weekend in San Diego Nov. 19-24, 2024 featuring Oceanside Museum of Art's workshop for PST ART weekend
Courtesy Oceanside Museum of Art

Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend

Your Local Theater Presents: A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, Again at La Jolla Playhouse

November 19–December 15

In Your Local Theater Presents…, Julliard grad Eddie can’t escape a local production of A Christmas Carol. There will be six preview performances of this world-premiere play at the La Jolla Playhouse now through Nov. 23, with tickets ranging from $30 to $72 before the show officially opens on Nov. 26. 

2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla

Just Like Us at Grossmont College Stagehouse Theatre

November 21–23 

Based on Helen Thorpe’s nonfiction book of the same name, Just Like Us follows four Latina teenagers who, as the children of undocumented immigrants, are impacted by the heated national debate on immigration. There will be four performances of Just Like This, as well as additional shows Dec. 5–7. Tickets for the general public are $18. This Grossmont College production will also have performances on December 5–7.

8800 Grossmont College Drive, El Cajon

Tres minutos at Jacobs Music Center

November 22

Composer Nicolás Lell Benavides and librettist Marella Martin Koch’s poignant chamber opera, Tres minutos, reckons with the devastation of sudden deportation. The title of the program is inspired by Border Angels’ initiative that grants families three minutes of reunification at the border. The Border Angels documentary Love Has No Borders will be screened before the performance, and ticket-holders can attend an artist talkback after the show. Tickets to this musical program at Jacobs Music Center Friday night can be purchased for $35 here.

1245 Seventh Avenue, Downtown

CONTRA-TIEMPO Activist Dance Theater’s joyUS justUS at Mandeville Auditorium

November 22 & 23

Created and directed by Ana Maria Alvarez, joyUS justUS is a collaborative effort between communities of color in South Los Angeles, who aim to demonstrate joy as a form of resistance. General admission is $40 and can be purchased here.

9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla

It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play at Spreckels Performing Arts Center

November 22–December 15

Beginning this Friday, the Spreckels Performing Arts Center will host an audio-centric take on a beloved holiday film, presenting It’s a Wonderful Life as a vintage radio play à la Orson Welles’ The War of The Worlds. There will be evening showings Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $32 and can be purchased here.

5409 Snyder Rohnert Park, Rohnert Park

PST ART Weekend: San Diego & La Jolla

November 22-24

Free interactive events are popping up all over San Diego this weekend as part of Getty’s PST ART initiative. PST ART Weekend: San Diego & La Jolla will include a festive art party at MCASD in La Jolla (Nov. 23), a hands-on art workshop in Oceanside (Nov. 24), the premiere of five new musical compositions derived from weather data at C You Saturday! (Nov. 23) at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Balboa Park, and much more. Best of all, most of the 20 events are free and only require an RSVP.  

Citywide

German Expressionism at San Diego Museum of Art

Opens November 23

Starting this Saturday, visitors to the San Diego Museum of Art can explore the museum’s German Expressionism exhibition, which documents a transformative period in the early 20th century when German and Austrian artists began to rail against tradition. The show will feature paintings, drawings, and prints endowed to SDMA’s permanent collection in 2011 from the estate of collector Vance E. Kondon. 

1450 El Prado, Balboa Park

Things to do this weekend in San Diego Nov. 19-24, 2024 featuring The Rady Children's Ice Rink at Liberty Station
Courtesy Liberty Station

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend

Coin-Op Game Room 11th Anniversary

November 19

Coin-Op Game Room is taking it totally retro for its 11th anniversary bash, with an ’80s-centric, neon-themed gathering this Tuesday from 8 p.m. to midnight at its North Park location. The celebration features tunes from DJ KC Dalton, tattooing from American Gypsy Tattoo artist Sebastian Garcia, caricature art from Dianna Colina, and classic cocktails, from piña coladas to Midori sours. 

3926 30th Street, North Park

Rady Children’s Ice Rink at ARTS DISTRICT

November 21–January 5 

Liberty Station’s Central Promenade will once again play host to the outdoor Rady Children’s Ice Rink, with net proceeds going towards Rady Children’s Hospital’s Thriving After Cancer program. Guests can lace up their skates through January 5, beginning with this Thursday’s opening day from 4 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children, and you can purchase them in advance here

2875 Dewey Road, Point Loma 

San Diego holiday gift guide featuring products made locally found at local shops

Santee Holiday Lighting

November 22

The city of Santee offers a plethora of family-friendly activities from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. this Friday at the Santee Holiday Lighting. Held at Santee Trolley Square, this free event will feature live music by the Bayou Brothers, photos with Santa, face painting, sledding, arts and crafts activities, and of course, the tree-lighting ceremony. 

9884 Mission Gorge Road, Santee

Encinitas Holiday Street Fair

November 24

Explore more than 450 local arts, craft, and retail vendors at the Encinitas Holiday Street Fair this Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free community event also includes kids’ rides, two live entertainment stages with local musicians and dancers, and a dog zone. 

Coast Highway 101 between D and J streets, Encinitas

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Madison on Park Team Opening New Pizza Joint in University Heights https://sandiegomagazine.com/food-drink/food-news/sonnys-pizza-san-diego-opening/ Tue, 19 Nov 2024 22:02:42 +0000 https://sandiegomagazine.com/?p=91728 The team behind the project will debut Sonny’s in 2025 and will open a second Madi location in Pacific Beach

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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.

Ember & Rye, Christmas 2024
Courtesy of Ember & Rye

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

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.

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].

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First Look: Communion & Pardis in Mission Hills https://sandiegomagazine.com/food-drink/first-look-communion-paradis-mission-hills/ Tue, 19 Nov 2024 00:53:48 +0000 https://sandiegomagazine.com/?p=89348 Family behind SD classic Pacifica Del Mar launches a new rooftop stunner with vets of Mister A's and George's at the Cove

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It’s two-for-one at The Sasan, Mission Hills’ newest eye-catching addition at 901 West Washington Street, on the corner of Washington and Goldfinch Street. The 54-unit residential building, draped in ferns and soft, undulating curves, is home to two new restaurants: Paradis on the ground floor (which opened early this month) and Communion on the rooftop.

Restaurant owner Jacquee Renna Downing has been a familiar name in Southern California dining for years as owner of La Quinta Cliffhouse and Pacifica Seafood in the Coachella Valley. She also previously owned Pacifica Del Mar with her late husband, Kipp Downing. Downing is a Carlsbad native and says she and her husband strived to return to San Diego before he passed away.

Exterior of the new Sasan building in Mission Hills, San Diego featuring a new rooftop restaurant Communion and a cafe called Paradis opening soon
Courtesy of Nakhshab Development & Design

“We wanted to bring our roots back to San Diego,” she adds, noting that, while she loved her time in the desert, there’s just no place like home. Plus, her daughter may want the keys to the kingdom one day—or so Downing hopes. “We needed to get ourselves a foothold before she’s ready to take over the restaurants,” she laughs. “We just believe that it’s the place for us.”

31ThirtyOne by Drew Deckman

The team she assembled for both concepts brings decades of experience: Executive chef Mike Moritz (Mille Fleurs, Mister A’s) helms Communion and chef Jon Hawkins (Common Theory, George’s at the Cove) leads Paradis. There’s overlap between the two as well, with Aly Lyng (George’s at the Cove) assuming the pastry chef position alongside lead bartender Eliza Woodman (Camino Riviera) and bar consultant Marina Ferreira (Botanica). 

Interior rendering of  new coffee shop and cafe called Paradis opening at the new Sasan building in Mission Hills, San Diego
Rendering Courtesy of Paradis

Paradis

Paradis is the building’s daytime café, offering coffee, pastries, and small bites through the afternoon, when it transforms into a European-style pintxo bar. Pintxo (pronounced pin-cho) is a type of small snack popular in the Basque region of Spain, meant to be casually enjoyed in a group. The indoor and outdoor space, designed by local group Design Perspectives, covers 1,500 square feet with seating for 50 guests. 

Downing says she hopes to create a European sidewalk café vibe, where people can work, relax, or meet up with friends. At night, she adds, “we’re going to bring in some DJs that are really good to spin vinyl, so the vibe will change in the evening time.”

Pastries being made at new San Diego coffeeshop and cafe Paradis at the new Sasan building in Mission Hills, San Diego
Courtesy of Paradis

Breakfast and brunch items at Paradis include stracciatella toast with persimmon spread and mixed nut chutney over walnut raisin sourdough; egg bites with Calabrian chili, Gruyere cheese, and chorizo; and Lyng’s baked goods, like a tangerine croissant; plus plenty of drinks from the coffee bar, such as a corn milk and blueberry matcha latte. The afternoon menu leans small and shareable, with items like ricotta and caviar with Asian pear and pistachios or chorizo-fried portabella hush puppies with confit garlic butter and pickled shimeji mushrooms. All menus will include vegetarian and vegan options, as well. 

Interior rendering of new rooftop restaurant Communion opening at the new Sasan building in Mission Hills, San Diego
Rendering Courtesy of Communion San Diego

Communion

Above Paradis sits Communion. Downing says she hopes people feel as though they’re up in the clouds—relaxed and happy, yet awed. The building’s corner location allows for a nearly 360-degree panorama of San Diego, which pushed her and the design team to keep the interior décor slightly more subtle to not take away from the vistas. “Yes, it is gorgeous inside, but it’s the view… The view is stunning,” Downing adds. 

The 2,500-square-foot space seats 120 and is anchored by an Impressionist-inspired mural by local artists Katya Beatty and David Gil. A fabric installation along the ceiling creates a sense of movement, Downing says. A preserved butterfly installation adds a final touch. Cathedral-shaped shelving cutouts and other décor choices reflect the “communion” name.  

View from the rooftop restaurant Communion at the new Sasan building in Mission Hills, San Diego
Courtesy of Communion San Diego

Communion’s menu features many fish-heavy dishes, like a local bluefin toro with ají amarillo leche de tigre, finger lime, radish, and jalapeño pepper; ahi poke on a crispy rice cake with ponzu sauce, serrano peppers, and caviar; a roasted fish bone marrow made from the discarded ahi bones and served with garlic herb butter and fresh sourdough; and a locally caught yellowtail crudo with confit garlic, crispy leeks, cherry tomato, and basil. One vegan highlight is a beet “filet,” a braised and grilled beet with a vegan bordelaise sauce, harissa carrots, and cauliflower. 

Downing calls the cocktail program a “super key element” to the Communion experience—it’s specifically designed to pair with chef Moritz’s menu. “One bite creates the desire for a sip, but one sip creates a desire for a bite,” she says. 

She tapped her wide network of wine contacts to build a globally sourced list that that will change depending on seasonality. The main criteria? “What tastes good,” Downing says. “I’ve personally walked in a lot of these vineyards across the world, and we’re bringing in those things where hopefully our servers can tell the story to the guest of why this food is important to us, why the wine is chosen for the wine list, and why this cocktail is going to go perfectly with what they chose to eat.”


Paradis is now open. Communion will open on November 21. Hours of operation at Communion will be 4 to 10 p.m. daily. Paradis is open 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for brunch and 2 to 8 p.m. for pintxos.

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Tony Hawk & Chef Andrew Bachelier’s New Restaurant Coming Soon https://sandiegomagazine.com/food-drink/chick-and-hawk-restaurant/ Mon, 18 Nov 2024 21:04:07 +0000 https://sandiegomagazine.com/?p=91639 The fried chicken and casual gourmet joint breaks ground in Leucadia 2.5 years after conception

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It’s finally happening. Rumors of an almighty food and culture juggernaut—chef Andrew Bachelier and some lanky, amiable hero guy (and former pro skateboarder) named Tony Hawk—have been swirling for two-and-a-half years. They call it Chick & Hawk: a fried chicken sandwich and casual gourmet what-chefs-eat spot in Leucadia.

Bachelier was the founding chef at Jeune et Jolie. He left during the pandemic to be with his family and then resurfaced with the absolutely killer open-air brunch patio called Atelier Manna (get the blue fin tiradito and the porridge). 

Chicken sandwich from new San Diego restaurant Chick & Hawk opening in Leucadia from owners Tony Hawk and chef Andrew Bachelier
Courtesy of Chick & Hawk

Tony Hawk skates, impersonates himself on social media, gives noogies to the laws of aging, and is quietly one of the most prolific restaurateurs in San Diego, having supported many of the city’s top chefs

Then their dream was delayed. And delayed. And delayed. Problems with the city and permits and gods. 

They have finally been approved to start construction. Chick & Hawk should be open in six-ish months—heaven and sign-this-in-triplicates willing. And, this week at Callie, chef Travis Swikard invited the whole Chick & Hawk team in to show off the food they’ll be cooking.

They did housemade sour-cream-and-onion chips with creme fraiche and caviar. And there was that sandwich. Dear god, that sandwich. A craggy-moist beautiful thing that will be a rave of the city, even in a city that is now 30 feet deep in hot chicken sandwiches.

Half the city’s food scene was in Callie that night. There was a table of tee shirts and sweatshirts and hats for sale (hey, you gotta pay rent somehow, even if you’re not allowed to build yet). And there was Swikard, giving a damn about the local food ecosphere and people, supporting a friend in a holding pattern. 

That’s what it’s all about. That’s how a food scene becomes a food cult.

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Harnessing Sound for Healing: Vibroacoustic Therapy’s Role in Reducing Stress and Anxiety https://sandiegomagazine.com/partner-content/harnessing-sound-for-healing-vibroacoustic-therapys-role-in-reducing-stress-and-anxiety/ Mon, 18 Nov 2024 16:00:00 +0000 https://sandiegomagazine.com/?p=91294 In the 1970s, Norwegian music therapist Olav Skille pioneered vibroacoustic therapy, using sound waves and vibrations to reduce pain, relieve stress, and improve mental well-being. This innovative approach quickly gained global attention, eventually reaching the United States, where research confirmed its therapeutic benefits. Studies now show that vibroacoustic therapy not only eases stress and anxiety […]

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In the 1970s, Norwegian music therapist Olav Skille pioneered vibroacoustic therapy, using sound waves and vibrations to reduce pain, relieve stress, and improve mental well-being. This innovative approach quickly gained global attention, eventually reaching the United States, where research confirmed its therapeutic benefits. Studies now show that vibroacoustic therapy not only eases stress and anxiety but also supports mental health conditions like depression, ADHD, and chronic pain.

With its unique, multisensory approach, vibroacoustic therapy offers an effective, non-invasive way to calm the mind and body. Here’s how it works and the benefits you can experience.

The Mind-Body Connection in Vibroacoustic Therapy

The mind-body connection is vital to our overall health. Anyone who has taken a deep breath to calm an intense emotion has experienced this connection. Vibroacoustic therapy uses “cellular massage,” applying gentle vibrations that encourage beneficial cellular changes, reducing stress and anxiety naturally. By aligning with the body’s natural frequencies, vibroacoustic therapy promotes healing on a deep, physiological level.

Brain scans reveal that specific frequencies, particularly in the “theta” (4-8 Hz) and “alpha” (8-13 Hz) ranges, are connected to relaxation, as seen in REM sleep or meditation. Vibroacoustic therapy uses sound tuned to these frequencies, guiding the brain to calm, which is especially effective for stress relief.

Beyond Stress Relief: Enhancing Your Quality of Life

Imagine facing each day feeling more focused, in a better mood, and less burdened by pain or tension—these are just some of the potential benefits of vibroacoustic therapy. Stress and anxiety are common in modern life, with over 73% of Americans reporting feeling stressed each year. For some, this occasional stress becomes chronic, as 30% of Americans struggle with anxiety disorders. Whether you’re looking for effective stress relief or support for deeper mental health needs, vibroacoustic therapy offers holistic support.

Here are a few life-enhancing benefits that patients often experience with vibroacoustic therapy:

• Lifted Mood: Feel more balanced and at ease.

• Improved Focus: Increase clarity and concentration throughout the day.

• Pain Relief: Reduce discomfort and physical tension.

• Enhanced Sleep Quality: Fall asleep faster and experience more restful sleep.

• Muscle Relaxation: Unwind and let go of stress held in your body.

This therapy addresses stress on multiple levels, making it a comprehensive choice for improving both mental and physical well-being.

Integrating Vibroacoustic Therapy into Your Wellness Journey

To get the most out of vibroacoustic therapy, it’s beneficial to incorporate it into a holistic wellness routine that acknowledges the mind-body-spirit connection. A personalized approach will help you experience the full range of benefits, from better sleep and relaxation to enhanced mood and cognitive function.

At Rizvi Brain Institute, our experienced professionals are committed to helping you achieve a balanced, healthier life. We tailor each session to your needs, allowing you to feel the immediate benefits while supporting your long-term well-being goals. Many clients report improvements across multiple areas of life, experiencing less stress, better sleep, and greater focus.

Ready to Experience Vibroacoustic Therapy?

Vibroacoustic therapy offers a powerful, sound-based approach to stress and anxiety relief that strengthens your mind-body connection. Whether you’re seeking a gentle way to manage stress, improve focus, or boost overall wellness, this therapy can be customized to meet your needs.

Ready to get started? Contact Rizvi Brain Institute today to schedule an initial consultation and discover how this natural, sound-based therapy can transform your well-being. Our compassionate team will help guide you toward the relief and balance you’re looking for, supporting you at every step.

Scan to receive your first session for $29!

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Inside CH Projects’ New Persian Restaurant Leila https://sandiegomagazine.com/features/leila-restaurant-north-park/ Fri, 15 Nov 2024 22:50:20 +0000 https://sandiegomagazine.com/?p=87043 The Middle Eastern concept in North Park is as wild as it is personal

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This one—the newest elaborate immersion chamber we’ve come to expect from CH Projects—is personal.

“I wanted nothing to do with my own culture as a kid,” says CH Projects founder Arsalun Tafazoli over a plate of kebabs and manakish and a greatest hits parade of Middle Eastern sauces (toum, amba, zhoug, garlicky yogurt elixirs of all kinds) in the movie set that is Leila, his new restaurant in North Park. “It wasn’t cool to be Middle Eastern when I was growing up. Then 9/11 happened. I tried to disappear into SoCal American culture.”

Interior of San Diego Persian restaurant Leila by Consortium Holdings in North Park
Photo Credit: James Tran
To the left of the bar sit dozens of one-of-a-kind teapots shipped over from the Middle East.

In Leila’s open kitchen, a vertical log fire licks glistening fat off kebabs on massive skewers. Steam rises from a custom-made tabun, stuffed with naan and pita and barbari. The air is starchy and caramelized with rice. The ceiling is blackened, with pinhole lights conjuring stars. Every surface has been decoratively rugged, amber-lit with oil lamps. A life-sized lion head is etched in the synthetic rock staircase leading to the bar on the second level.

“You have all of these ideas to try and create something meaningful, and you never know when you’re going to go too far,” Tafazoli says. “Even as we were installing the ceiling—this massive thing we’ve built because we hope it will make it a more immersive place—I was thinking Is this the thing that will make it look cheesy?

Front door with neon sign at San Diego Persian restaurant Leila
Photo Credit: James Tran
A Staggering 7,000 reservations were booked within Leila’s first 24 hours

Tafazoli’s parents immigrated to San Diego from Iran when he was young, his mom raising him largely on her own in University Heights. As both survival instinct and escape, he read—books, culture mags, music blogs, art leaflets, everything, obsessively, all the time. He forged documents to get into La Jolla High, the revered “good school” in the affluent nearby neighborhood. That self preservationist nerding manifests in the art-project hospitality concepts of CH: Craft & Commerce, Born & Raised, Polite Provisions, the LaFayette Hotel, and many others, including Leila.

When his mom passed a few years ago, Tafazoli allowed himself his own history. He went back to the Middle East (not Iran, for reasons), loitered in night markets and bazaars, and took notes on culture and how cities and towns and villages built inspiring environs. “Everywhere I went, there was water, whether a stream or a fountain,” he says, pointing to water cascading down a 30-foot rock wall into a lagoon and the creek that runs through the restaurant. “So we made sure you could hear water from every seat in here.”

Food from San Diego Persian restaurant Leila by Consortium Holdings in North Park
Photo Credit: James Tran
Leila is a house of a thousand breads and sauces.

Tafazoli’s base instinct is selfmockery, so he shares his favorite story. His plan was to find merchants and artists, pay them well, pack everything onto shipping containers, and build Leila out of Middle Eastern handiwork. “So, I’m at a small market, explaining my whole international shipping system to this man,” he recalls. “He looks at me kind of weird and says, ‘Why don’t you just order from our Etsy page?’”

CH brought in exec chef Wesley Remington Johnson, who led Portland restaurants (Tusk, Ava Gene’s) and worked under Michael Solomonov at the James Beard Award–winning Zahav. Even with the pedigree, they often enlist local Middle Eastern cooks, point to a bread or a batch of rice that’s not quite as good as mom’s, and ask for help. 

“I’m very clear to say we’re not claiming it to be the most authentic; we’re just inspired by the dishes and doing it our way,” Tafazoli adds. “Because no one is ever going to make tahdig as good as your mom. My mom used to say about Persian food, ‘Only men are allowed to work in restaurants, so restaurants suck.’”

They’re trying not to suck… and succeeding. In one corner, there’s a space, all flowy with gorgeous fabric, pictures, and paintings—his mom’s things, which are his things. 

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Umu Bakehouse Opening In Vista https://sandiegomagazine.com/food-drink/umu-bakehouse-opening-vista/ Fri, 15 Nov 2024 22:46:51 +0000 https://sandiegomagazine.com/?p=91491 “The Great American Baking Show” winner and Oceanside native Mackenzie Rubish is ready to take her baking business to the next level

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It’s not that Mackenzie Rubish went in expecting to win season two of The Great American Baking Show (streaming now on Roku). It’s more that there was no world in which she didn’t do her darndest to.

“I’m very competitive, but I’m competitive with myself. So I said, ‘If I’m going to do this, I’m going to do it,’” she recalls, laughing. “And then I won!” 

Her steps forward didn’t end with the show. Rubish’s next move is opening Umu Bakehouse inside the shared SAE Kitchen space in Vista this December, which she’ll use as a base of operations for catering, special orders, pop-ups, workshops, and anything she can do to inch toward opening her brick-and-mortar bakery someday. “I would love to have my own space,” she says. “[But] what I love about doing the kitchen thing right now is I get to really find out what that niche is going to be and who my customer is.”

Umu Bakehouse owner and Great American Baking Show Season 2 winner Mackenzie Rubish from Oceanside, San Diego
Courtesy of Mackenzie Rubish

Rubish works as a quality analyst, so running metrics and identifying trends is familiar to her. She plans to use that data to build a business, and eventually, a bakery empire—or at least hire another bakers. “I’m a team of one,” she says. “I’m hoping to grow in the future.”

As a first-generation American Samoan, Rubish grew up as the youngest of four siblings in a family she lovingly calls loud and large. “We don’t know how to cook small,” she says. “I learned growing up that food was my love language.” In college, she’d bake in her dorm in order to create the same sense of family while she was away from hers. After marriage and motherhood, Rubish says, the pandemic reawakened the baking bug in her. “I’m naturally a busy bee. I need to be up and doing something,” she adds. “Baking became that outlet for me.”

The bakery’s name, Umu, means “oven” in Samoan and happens to be part of her maiden name, Faumuina. “Fa is ‘in the way of,’ umu, of course, is ‘oven,’ and then ina means ‘drink,’” she explains. “So the joke is that my maiden name or my last name means, ‘Let’s party!’”

Rubish says once she gets Umu up and running, she’ll take orders through her website and announce events and other pop-ups on her Instagram page. Her menu will include stuffed cookies, cakes, cupcakes, tartlets, dessert cups, and other custom orders. As she continues working towards her standalone bakery, she hopes other people look to her to get the confidence they need to follow their dreams.

“That first voice that says, ‘I can do it,’ that’s truly your voice,” she promises. “That second voice you hear that’s like, ‘Maybe not,’ that’s doubt. Don’t listen to that one. It took me 30 years to figure that out, but I did it.”

New San Diego asian restaurant and bar Common Theory opening in Otay Ranch near Chula Vista
Courtesy of Common Theory

San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events

Papalo Moving from Downtown La Mesa Location

Soon after Sonoran-inspired barbecue spot Papalo and SD institution City Tacos announced they were teaming up, Papalo closed its doors in La Mesa Village, seemingly to coordinate the menu tweaks and expansion plans the two businesses laid out. However, San Diego Magazine has confirmed the partnership is not moving forward. City Tacos owner Gerry Torres is reworking the space at 8323 La Mesa Boulevard for a new concept, and Papalo revealed on Instagram that it is relocating. Don’t worry—I’m keeping an eye on the situation and will share more news as I get it. 

Common Theory to Host Filipino Night on November 16

Common Theory is throwing a Filipino Night celebration this Saturday, November 16, at its new location at 1980 Optima Street in Otay Ranch. (I repeat, not the location on Convoy!) Menu specials will include Filipino-inspired dishes like pork belly pancit and pork sisig rice bowls. Attendees can sip brews from GOAL Brewing and a calamansi cocktail, and singer Katriz Trinidad, a Chula Vista native and contestant on The Voice, will be singing Tagalog songs starting at 8 p.m.

Ramen bowl from San Diego restaurant Tajima opening a new location in Crown Point
Courtesy of Tajima

Beth’s Bites

  • Help end food insecurity this holiday season by giving to Feeding San Diego during the Month of a Million Meals campaign. Over 100,000 children in San Diego face food insecurity, and FSD will match each dollar up to $353,200. Donate as little as $1 to help make a difference.
  • Want another chance to give? Head to Rumorosa on Harbor Island for Friendsgiving at Rumorosa, which runs through the end of the month. Fifteen percent of proceeds will go to Berry Good Food Foundation, a local nonprofit aiming to improve access to local and sustainable food for all San Diegans and Baja Californians. The month-long “Friendsgiving Fundraiser” offers a feast for four or more at $64 per person, while the Friendsgiving Eve Fundraiser on Wednesday, November 27, is $20 per person for a buffet-style party.
  • After five years in North Park, Medina is closing its doors on Sunday, November 24. BRB as I get one last taco and silently weep.
  • It’s lucky number seven for Tajima, which will open its seventh location at 3782 Ingraham Street in Crown Point in mid-December—perfect timing for soup season!


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].

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