Polite Provisions is currently the apex of cocktails in San Diego. The new Normal Heights bar from Consortium Holdings (Neighborhood, Craft & Commerce, Noble Experiment) is taking a chefly approach to wet culture with “Bartender’s Chef Table.” The idea is for head bartender Erick Castro to invite talented pals to come, hang, educate, talk trade. Each seminar will focus on a different alcohol, liqueur, etc. The first sit down was with Amanda Boccato (Lillet). If you missed it, your life isn’t yet worthless. The next one is tonight, April 3, from 4-6PM, and the guest booze professor is Jackie Patterson, brand ambassador for Solerno (a blood orange liqueur made in Sicily). Future classes will include Simon Ford (86 Company), Don Lee (NYC’s Cocktail Kingdom), Marcos Tello (ambassador for Bols Genever), Trevor Easter (Beefeater/Plymouth gins), Lindsay Nader (La Maison Cointreau), Brooke Arthur (House Spirits) and others.
Even as somewhat jaded locals, the Hotel Del Coronado kind of takes our breath away. It’s one of those ye olden majesty kind of places that reminds you it’s good to be a tourist in your own city. Consider this a very good month for local-touristing. Every Sunday in April the Del will host a Belgian beer pairing brunch with the likes of Stella, Hoegaarden and Leffe Blonde. Expect tastings, takeaway glasses (Stella glasses are like currency in some circles) and quality grub. Menu includes skirt steak with basil pesto (paired w/ Stella), pork and cabbage sausage (paired w/ Hoegaarden), little neck clams steamed in saffron and Stella and Leffe Blonde mussels with German brown mustard. $78.50 (adults) or $23.50 (wee-ones ages 6-10), without tax and gratuity. For reservations, dial: (619) 522-8490 or click here.
The Commons Bar will host an art show April 4th from 6-8PM. 25% of sales from paintings by local artist Heidi Brucks will go to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which supports childhood cancer research and awareness.
Polite Provisions in Normal Heights.
Paul Body
