WHERE San Diego Magazine Spring 2012

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SPRING 2012 WHERESD.COM

San Diego

®

SECRET GARDENS

FIVE SPOTS TO CELEBRATE THE SEASON IN FULL BLOOM

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DINING: EAST MEETS WEST COAST BALDESSARI IN LA JOLLA GOLF GUIDE SPRING’S BEST FESTS

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PUBLICATION: Where Magazine PUBLICATION: Where Magazine COLOR INFO: CMYK COLOR INFO: CMYK LIVE: 7.625” x 10.375” BLEED: 8.375” x 11.125” LIVE: 7.625” x 10.375” BLEED: 8.375” x 11.125” JOB NO: LAB-4457 JOB NO: LAB-4457 CLIENT: Spa L’Auberge CLIENT: Spa L’Auberge TRIM: 8.125” x 10.875” TRIM: 8.125” x 10.875”

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where San Diego Spring 2012 the guide 44 DINING Restaurants by cuisine and neighborhood

56 ENTERTAINMENT Festivals, performing arts and sports

60 ATTRACTIONS + MUSEUMS Landmarks, theme parks and exhibitions

63 SHOPPING The best retail destinations

64 NIGHTLIFE Hot clubs, lounges and cocktail bars

66 TOURS + TRANSPORT Getting out, getting around

68 MAPS Navigate the county

city tours

14

Underbelly

where now 4 Dining + Drinks It’s game on as exotic meats take center stage at two trendy new restaurants.

Plus: A breakfast-only eatery comes to Hillcrest, and a fine-dining chef indulges his passion for pork in North Park.

6 Culture A new show at the Museum of Photographic Arts takes you inside The Jazz Loft, the hippest party of the 1960s. Also: The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego celebrates the prints of native son John Baldessari.

16 18 20 22 24 26 28

Downtown La Jolla Beach Cities Uptown North Coast Old Town Balboa Park

8 Q&A: Chef Brian Malarkey This former Top Chef contestant is on a roll, opening five restaurants in San Diego in just over a year and planning a nationwide expansion of his brand. Here, he shares his favorite local hangouts.

ALSO INSIDE

features

ON THE COVER San Diego County’s arid climate supports many native species of cacti and succulents, hundreds of which are on display at Balboa Park’s often-overlooked Desert Garden. It’s one of five hidden gems uncovered in our Secret Gardens feature on p. 10.

10 Secret Gardens San Diego is in bloom this spring; here are five public gardens where you can celebrate the season. BY NINA GARIN 14 East Meets West Coast The hottest trend in S.D. dining? Asian cuisine. BY MAYA KROTH

3 HOT DATES 32 GOLF GUIDE 72 30 THINGS WE LOVE

PHOTO BY EDWIN SANTIAGO

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Hot Dates Spring 2012

WHAT’S SIZZLING IN SECONDS FLAT

MARCH 1-MAY 13 FLOWER FIELDS Find 50 acres of brilliant ranunculus blooms and spectacular rose gardens at this popular annual attraction in Carlsbad. p. 56 MARCH 8-18 SAN DIEGO LATINO FILM FESTIVAL Celebrating its 19th anniversary, this esteemed festival presents more than 130 features and short films from across Latin America and the U.S. p. 56 MARCH 24-25 SPRING BUSKER FESTIVAL Sword swallowers, jugglers on unicycles, escape artists and comedic stuntmen perform on the cobblestone streets of Seaport Village. Don’t forget to tip! p. 56 ONGOING TITANIC: THE ARTIFACT EXHIBITION A blockbuster show at the Natural History Museum marks the 100th anniversary of the ship’s sinking. p. 29 APRIL 10 KELLY CLARKSON Pop diva sings hits from her fifth album, Stronger, at Valley View Casino Center. p. 59 APRIL 21-22 ADAMS AVENUE UNPLUGGED This locals-favorite block party features a great lineup of blues, folk, jazz, country and world music on several stages throughout Normal Heights. p. 56

The Barber of Seville

MARCH AND APRIL

ROBERT KUSEL/THE LYRIC OPERA OF CHICAGO

Aria serious?

Soprano Renée Fleming is an example of the kind of singer that tends to come through San Diego Opera at the early part of her career. Fleming, now a three-time Grammy winner, made her SDO debut in 1994, playing Tatiana in Eugene Onegin, and within a few years had become one of the most famous female opera singers in the world. Ian Campbell, director of the 62-year-old company, is known for casting future superstars like Fleming on their way up. Ones to watch in this spring’s SDO productions include the young Australian-born Danielle de Niese as Norina in Don Pasquale (March 10, 13, 16 and 18) and Spanish soprano Silvia Tro Santafe as Rosina in The Barber of Seville (April 21, 24, 27 and 29). A special addition to the season is a recital by none other than Fleming herself, slated for March 24. p. 59 INFO San Diego Opera performs at the Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave. at B St., in downtown. Parking is available at adjacent garages for $10 and up; tickets range from $50-$210. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 619.533.7000 or log on to sdopera.com.

Y

APRIL 28-29 ARTWALK Huge outdoor art gallery sets up shop in Little Italy for one spring weekend, complete with food and crafts vendors and live music. p. 56 APRIL 29-JUNE 10 SCOTTSBORO BOYS On stage at the Old Globe, Kander & Ebb’s musical is based on the case of nine unjustly accused men in the 1930s who later sparked the civil rights movement. p. 57 ONGOING BASEBALL The hometown Padres take on opponents including the rival Los Angeles Dodgers (April 5-8), Florida Marlins (May 4-6) and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (May 18-20). p. 59 MAY 4-6 CINCO DE MAYO A bigger deal in San Diego than in Mexico, Cinco is celebrated in Old Town with historical re-enactments and folkloric dance. p. 56 MAY 8-13 CHICAGO Christie Brinkley takes a turn as Roxie Hart in the touring production of Bob Fosse’s Broadway sensation. p. 57 THROUGH MAY 31 MODERN FRENCH PAINTING See paintings by Picasso, Gauguin and Bonnard, on loan from a local collector, alongside work from SDMA’s own collection by Braque, Modigliani and more. p. 63 ONGOING TRASH Artists ruminate on the impact of trash on our lives in this engaging show at the New Children’s Museum. p. 62

Cirque du Soleil sets up its colorful big top at the Del Mar Fairgrounds for its latest touring show, Totem, opening a limited engagement April 25 (858.755.1161).

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where now San Diego

The best in entertainment, shopping and dining.

» DINING + DRINKS Game On The décor at two newly opened hotspots clues you into the fact that the name of the game in S.D. dining is, well, game—and lots of it. Under the watchful eyes of the taxidermied antelope head mounted above the bar at the Lion’s Share (pictured, 629 Kettner Blvd., downtown, 619.564.6924), diners nosh on bourbon-glazed wild boar ribs, expertly seared stuffed quail and antelope sliders. Gingham (8384 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, 619.797.1922), meanwhile, is decorated in moose antlers and has a menu boasting venison carpaccio, gator andouille, sweetbreads and beef ribs so large they look like Mastodon bones. If you’re not a Class-A carnivore, both spots also offer excellent whole fish fillets and lighter sides: We love the potato puffs at Lion’s Share and Gingham’s “horny devil” deviled eggs. For a Q&A with Gingham Chef Brian Malarkey, see p. 8

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Snooze

YOU SNOOZE, YOU WIN In this world, there are breakfast people, and there’s everyone else. For the omelet-addicted, waffle-dependent among us, Snooze is a godsend. Housed in a massive, sunlit space in Hillcrest, Snooze describes itself as an “a.m. eatery” but actually serves food well into the p.m. (2:30, to be precise). The menu deifies the Benedict— there are five variations available, including one with honey-smoked salmon on bacon-jalapeno spoonbread— and treats pancakes as if they were fine wine: If you can’t choose between the red velvet, the pineapple upside-down and the streusel-topped Ichabod Crane cakes with pumpkin seeds and chili-spiced maple syrup, try a flight of all three. The kitchen strives to be ethical, using natural, farm-raised proteins wherever possible and running their own organic, fair-trade coffee operation in Guatemala. But don’t worry ladies (and gents) who lunch: they’ve got burgers, salads and shrimp ‘n’ grits for you, too. 3940 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest, 619.500.3344

Bacon Lover’s Love Shack hanis Cavin made his reputation as one of San diego’s finest chefs at the sophisticated Kensington grill, so the city was understandably surprised when he announced he was leaving to open ... a shoebox-sized carnitas joint? on a run-down stretch of university Avenue? that serves food from a walk-up window? But Carnitas Snack Shack quickly became the most craveable gourmet quick-service spot in town. the secret?

heritage pork, in dishes ranging from the pork sandwich, which piles shredded pork, house aioli and pickle relish atop a breaded pork schnitzel, to poutine (fries topped with carnitas and savory pork gravy), which sells out nearly every night it’s offered. other favorites on the dailychanging menu include foie gras hash and, for lighter tastes, a crisp panzanella salad. Noon-midnight; closed Tues. 2632 University Ave., North Park, 619.294.7675

Carnitas Snack Shack

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» MUSEUMS

W. Eugene Smith, Zoot Sims, c. 1957-1964

In the mid-1950s, photographer W. Eugene Smith got tired of fighting with his editors at Life magazine, so he quit his job, moved into a dilapidated loft in New York City’s flower district and started taking pictures of the hepcats who hung out there: jazz legends like Charlie Mingus, Zoot Sims and Thelonious Monk and cultural heavies like Norman Mailer, Diane Arbus and Salvador Dalí, who rubbed shoulders with pimps, prostitutes, drug addicts and the loft’s other demimonde denizens. For the next eight years, Smith shot roughly 40,000 photos there, about 200 of which are on display in The Jazz Loft Project at the Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park. He also quietly wired the loft with recording equipment, capturing 4,000 hours of tape by the likes of Sonny Rollins and Bill Evans, also included in the exhibit. The result? A most intimate glimpse into the private moments of larger-than-life icons of American jazz. Opens May 19 at MoPA, 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.238.7559

making an imprint today, conceptual artist john Baldessari is one of the most influential figures in the art world; installations like his “i will not make any more boring art,” which featured the line ironically repeated on a gallery wall, have informed the work of artists from jenny holzer to Cindy Sherman. But back in 1960, Baldessari was just another up-and-coming painter from national City looking for his first exhibition, and he would get it at the museum of Contemporary Art San diego in la jolla. this spring mCASd welcomes Baldessari back, this time exhibiting his printmaking, which he took up after giving up painting in 1966 and famously burning all of his canvases. mCASd’s John Baldessari: A Print Retrospective is the largest survey of Baldessari prints ever assembled, with more than 100 works made between 1973 and 2010 in media as diverse as lithography, etching, photogravure, aquatint, photo intaglio, embossing, silkscreen and more. they’re on view through may 13.

MCASD, 700 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.454.3541

John Baldessari, Person with Guitar (Red), 2005

(top) ColleCtion of the W. eugene Smith ArChive, Center for CreAtive photogrAphy, u. of Ariz. & heirS of W. eugene Smith; (Bottom) CourteSy of john BAldeSSAri

All That Jazz

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KELLY SLATER

V I S I T O U R SA N D I EG O R E TA I L STO R E S QUIKSILVER GASLAMP

QUIKSILVER | ROXY 1111 PROSPECT, LA JOLLA

(619) 234-3125

(858) 459-1267

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» Q&A Chef Brian Malarkey You might know this guy as the porkpie-hatted ham from a few seasons ago on Top Chef; to us, he’s the Tasmanian Devil of the local dining scene, opening five restaurants in just over a year, each with its own unique concept and fabric-themed name. With the help of his business partner, nightlife impresario James Brennan, Malarkey recently announced his ambition to go nationwide, expanding to 15 cities in the next five years. You may want to sample his big, bold flavors while you’re in town—he could whoosh into your city soon.

What’s with the fabric fascination?

It’s a fun game, pairing the fabric with what we’re trying to bring to the community.

We were trying to come up with the name for the first restaurant, and one day my wife and I were driving by Del Mar racetrack and I said, “I didn’t get to wear my seersucker suit for opening day,” and she looked at me and said, “What about Searsucker?” We looked it up and discovered it came from a hindu word meaning milk and sugar, so we thought the food connotation was pretty cool. Seersucker was originally worn by lower-class people because they didn’t have to iron it, they could just put it in their knapsack, but then it became fashionable. That’s what we wanted to do with food: food for the people that’s brought into fashionable society.

When we looked at the place in Del Mar, I wanted to do a playful American/Asian cuisine, so we went down the list of fabrics and Burlap fit the description. Think: coffee sacks with stamps from around the world.

At Gingham [a barbecue restaurant], we wanted to do a playful cowboy/checkered-table thing, but not cliché.

Gabardine is a fabric designed

by Burberry in the late 1800s for fishermen, so that resonated down in Point Loma, thinking about its history as a Portuguese fishing community. And now it’s a fine fabric rather than a durable fabric.

Then Herringbone [opening in April] is sophisticated and chic, just like La Jolla. I went straight at that one, playing with the bone and the herring, the meat and the fish. The food is going to be fun, playful surf ‘n’ turf, cooking scallops in duck fat and that kind of thing.

Did Top Chef make you a better chef? How? It made me more adaptable and gave me a lot more confidence.

You get to meet all your idols: Mario Batali and Thomas Keller and all these great people that you put on a pedestal, and you realize that they’re just people.

Then you think, “I can do what they do.” What separates a lot of good cooks from great chefs is knowing that you can do it and having the confidence.

Does San Diego deserve more recognition as a food city?

We’ve got Convoy Street with ethnic food, Latin flavors coming up from Mexico, and we have a lot of great chefs coming out to

raise a family because it’s such a beautiful place. William Bradley, one of best chefs in the country, is up at Addison; we’ve got Jason Knibb (Nine-Ten), Carl Schroeder (Market). We’ve got world-class chefs here, but people just think of the sun and vacation.

What are some of your favorite San Diego neighborhoods?

I’m very partial to downtown; I love the vibe and the fun and all the people. I love hanging out in La Jolla; I’ve been swimming the cove lately, and I love the beautiful architecture, nice houses, beautiful trees.

And La Mesa [in East County] is a little diamond in the rough, absolutely adorable! It’s a world away: The people are so friendly; you open a restaurant and they’re hugging you, they’re thanking you, they’re lining up at the door. I grew up in a small town in Oregon and this reminds me a lot of that. It’s got the cutest little downtown with antique shops and restaurants, streets lined with lights, car shows in the summertime, a holiday parade … It’s just got that smalltown vibe. What’s really fun is that the trolley stops two blocks from my restaurant [Gingham], so you can come from downtown, have dinner, hop back on the trolley and get home.

Where do you go to eat in San Diego (besides your own restaurants)?

My wife and I love brunch at Café Chloe, a cute French place down in the East Village.

Cowboy Star is a funky, cool little steakhouse. My wife keeps going to Blue Ribbon Pizza and telling me how great it is. Little Bay Park Fish Company is a modest little fish store right in my neighborhood; it’s kid-friendly and it’s got great clams and mussels and local seafood.

Where do you take the kids when you get a day off?

The little ones are just old enough that they’re not eating sand anymore, so my wife loves to take them to the beach at La Jolla Shores. It’s one of the safest, most beautiful beaches in town. Don’t tell anyone.

Details Searsucker 611 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.233.7327 Burlap 12995 El Camino Real #21, Del Mar, 858.369.5700 Gingham 8384 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, 619.797.1922 Gabardine 1005 Rosecrans St., Point Loma Herringbone 7837 Herschel Ave., La Jolla Addison 5200 Grand Del Mar Way, Del Mar, 858.314.1900 Nine-Ten 910 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.964.5400 Market 3702 Via de la Valle, Del Mar, 858.523.0007 Café Chloe 721 Ninth Ave. #1, East Village, 619.232.3242 Cowboy Star 640 10th Ave., East Village, 619.450.5880 Blue Ribbon Pizza 897 S. Coast Highway 101 #F102, Encinitas, 760.634.7671 Little Bay Park Fish Company 4121 Ashton St., Bay Park, 619.276.3474 La Jolla Shores Beach At the end of Avenida de la Playa; info line: 619.221.8899

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SECRET GARDENS Discover brilliant blooms, miniature bonsai groves and cacti in shapes you didn’t know existed at San Diego’s under-the-radar public gardens. BY NINA GARIN

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Among the reasons people visit San Diego are the beaches, the zoo, a certain comic book convention, maybe even the expansive golf courses. But not too many tourists show up specifically to see the city’s public gardens. Nonetheless, San Diego County is home to a variety of plant life, and as a result, some spectacular spots that are typically crowd-free. Thanks to the easygoing climate and varied topography, you can find everything from water-saving succulents and giant conifers to tropical rainforests and pampered roses.

If you’d rather get dirt under your nails than sand between your toes, here are some places to check out.

BALBOA PARK One of the city’s most popular tourist attractions has more than 15 gardens peppered between its museums and theaters, including the Zen-inspired Japanese Friendship Garden (pictured) and the vibrant, Spanish-style Alcazar Garden. It’s hard to miss the Botanical Building located in the center of the park, with its ferns, orchids and other tropical plants, but a sense of adventure will lead you to the more secluded Rose and Desert Gardens.

You’ll see more than 200 different kinds of roses at the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden. Though the flowers are in bloom from March to December, they’re at their peak in April and May, so don’t be surprised if you walk into an impromptu wedding ceremony at this romantic spot. The Desert Garden is a must for fans of succulents. The twisty paths lead you to cacti like the Madagascar ocotillo, aloes, yuccas, vibrant flowers and trees in shapes you didn’t know existed, including the dramatic dragon tree that’s nearly 20 feet high.

TIPS: To get to these gardens, find the Park Boulevard pedestrian bridge by the San Diego Natural History Museum.

Walk across it and you’ll be greeted by colorful blooms.

DETAILS: Admission is free. The best parking is along Park Boulevard by the giant water fountain.

For maps and info, stop at the park’s Visitors Center, 1549 El Prado, 619.239.0512, balboapark.org

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sweet pea maze, a playground and picnic areas.

Tips: If you’re arriving early in the season (before March 10), call ahead to make sure the flowers are in bloom. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Bring cash, as certain activities, like the wagon ride, charge an extra fee. And definitely don’t forget your camera.

DeTails: 9 am-6 pm daily through May 13. $11 adults; $10 seniors; $6 children; free for ages 2 and younger.

5704 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad, 760.431.0352, theflowerfields.com

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CITY FARMERS NURSERY

(Opening spread) Japanese Friendship Garden at Balboa park (above) City Farmers Nursery

This is like an amusement park of plants. The 37-acre property overlooking the ocean is home to rare bamboo groves, a subtropical fruit garden with orange, banana and pomegranate trees, an herb garden, a lush tropical rainforest complete with a waterfall and much more.

The Botanic Garden is also a haven for parents with young children. Inside the main grounds is the Hamilton Children’s Garden, complete with a treehouse and naturethemed activities. The Seeds of Wonder, located on the other side of the parking lot from the main entrance, is devoted to preschoolers. It’s a place where they can play with dinosaurs in the sand, plant their own succulents and spend hours at a water pump.

Tips: Be prepared to walk. There are more than four miles of garden trails and no Disney-style tram to drive you around. Bring sunscreen and a hat even if it looks overcast.

There are plenty of snacks sold from a coffee cart, but no full-service restaurants.

DeTails: 9 am-5 pm daily. $12 adults; $8 seniors/students/active military; $6 children 3-12; free for ages 2 and under. Parking is $2.

230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, 760.436.3036, sdbgarden.org

THE FLOWER FIELDS If you’ve ever daydreamed about walking in a rainbow, the Flower Fields are the closest you’ll get. Nearly 50 acres of ranunculus flowers open up in early March and brighten up northern San Diego through May. You’ll be able to walk through the bright red, orange, yellow, pink and purple flowers, all planted in colorful rows. Or you can take a wagon tour through the grounds. The fields also boast a

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SAFARI PARK What’s a garden lover to do at the San Diego Zoo’s expansive animal sanctuary? Plenty. You can skip the bus tour past giraffes and zebras if you must and walk up to the secluded World Gardens area, home to three different kinds of plant life.

The peaceful Bonsai Pavilion, with its benches and shade, is a perfect hideaway (especially when it gets hot), where you can get lost for hours examining the tiny trees from Japan. The Conifer Forest, on the other hand, has tall trees galore, including one of the few North African cypresses left in the world. And the Nativescapes Garden showcases California’s own diverse plants, including chaparral, coastal sage scrub and many more. A free, guided walking tour of this garden happens at 10 am on the second Saturday in April and May. Tips: It really is a long walk, nearly 30 minutes, from the park entrance to the gardens, so it’s best to go early before the Escondido heat sets in.

DeTails: Park opens at 9 am daily, closing times vary. $42 ages 12 and up; $32 ages 3-11; free for ages 2 and under. Parking ranges from $7-$15.

15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, 760.747.8702, sdzsafaripark.org

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SAN DIEGO BOTANIC GARDEN

Technically, City Farmers is a nursery where you can buy pots and soil and plants. But a visit to this hidden gem is unlike any other experience. It feels more like you’re snooping around in your neighbor’s organic garden than visiting a store, or like you’ve wandered on to a small farm in the middle of the city.

Among vegetable and fruit trees, potted plants and so many succulents found inside and throughout the expansive grounds, you’ll also spot an old cat roaming around, goats and horses to pet, chickens to feed and Koi to watch.

Tips: The garden is off the beaten path—you may think you’re lost, but keep going. Check the calendar before heading over, as the nursery has excellent garden and cooking classes. There’s a restaurant next door that has plenty of kid-friendly food.

DeTails: 9 am-5 pm Mon.-Sat., 9 am-3 pm Sun. 4832 Home Ave., City Heights, 619.284.6358, cityfarmersnursery.com

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Find that incredible, one-of-a-kind gift or book. Stumble upon a treasured antique, hand-woven tapestry, or exquisite, handmade jewelry.

Get happy and healthy at one of Cedros Avenue’s day spas, salons or yoga or pilates studios. Find expert garden guidance at the renowned Cedros Gardens (ask for Mia).

Then settle in for a cool drink and something delicious at either the Zinc Café or the Wild Note Café. Cedros Avenue is also home to the worldfamous Belly Up Tavern.

143 S. Cedros Ave. 858 481 8140 bellyup.com

MUTTROPOLIS  A fun place to visit for your four-legged friends! Find the latest products for discriminating dogs and cats, including unique collars, highest–quality treats and food, cool toys, designer dining and bedding and ‘mutts’ more. Also visit locations in Newport Beach and La Jolla.

227 S. Cedros Ave. 858 755 3647 muttropolis.com



Character, energy and charm. Special bargains. Friendly, small-town service.

Discover the magic of Cedros Avenue.

CARRUTH CELLARS

An urban winery that first sources amazing North Coast fruit, then ferments, barrel ages and bottles its wine all in the heart of the Cedros Design District. Visit the winery 12–9 pm. Taste artisan, award–winning wine while enjoying the gallery of art by local artists. Available for private parties.

On Sundays, browse for locally grown organic produce, colorful bunches of fresh-cut flowers and more, or eat at one of six extraordinary fresh-grilled food vendors at the Cedros Avenue Farmer’s Market, every Sunday from 1 to 5 pm.

On the third Thursday of each month, stroll the avenue for Gallery Night, from 6 to 8 pm.

BELLY UP TAVERN

320 S. Cedros Ave., #400 858 847 9463 carruthcellars.com

SALA JOYA  From costume to fine jewelry, all the pieces offered are unique, contemporary and reflect the latest fashion trends. The store offers women’s, men’s and children’s jewelry. The boutique also offers trunk show services where they will bring their jewelry collection to your party or event.

348 S. Cedros Ave. 858 481 4800

LA FEMME CHIC CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE 

La Femme Chic, where sensible fashionistas shop, was voted “Best Vintage and Resale Store” in San Diego. This high-end, chic boutique specializes in designer apparel, handbags, shoes and accessories.

cedrosavenue.com • (858) 755-0444

010-13_Feature 1_WSD.indd 13 cedros ave_v4.indd 1

415 S. Cedros Ave. 858 345 1480 lafemmechicconsignment.com

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m EAST

MEETS

WEST COAST From ramen to robata, Asian cuisine is trending in S.D. BY MAYA KROTH

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m

More people associate San Diego dining with tacos and burritos than kimchi and wasabi, but S.D. actually has the largest Asian community as a percentage of population of any big city in the U.S. That means if you’re craving authentic pho, savory bulgogi or fresh-caught sashimi, you can find it here, from the nonpretentious holes-in-the-wall that locals have loved for decades to a new crop of trendy restaurants and food trucks. If you’ve got a jones for the flavors of the Far East, here are some just-opened hotspots to try, along with a few of our favorite old standbys.

RAMEN

Nate Stanton and Arsalun Tafazoli know what it takes to make a hotspot, whether they’re serving gourmet burgers at Neighborhood, Prohibition-era cocktails at El Dorado or gastropub cuisine at Craft + Commerce. The newest addition to their portfolio of successful hipster haunts is Underbelly, a 52-seat ramen bar in Little Italy.

Ample bowls of steaming noodles arrive swimming in a savory broth and topped with anything from oxtail dumplings and kimchi octopus to shishito peppers and soft-boiled eggs, making this the perfect comfort food on San Diego’s rare gray days. For something lighter, try the seven-radish salad or the oysters with pickled watermelon sake mignonette. Grab a bottle of Hitachino Nest beer and a seat at the bar while you slurp down your dinner (sorry, no spoons allowed) under a living, wall-sized reproduction of Warhol’s Chairman Mao portrait, crafted from more than three thousand succulents. 750 W. Fir St., Little Italy, 619.269.4626 And coming soon: Gaijin Noodle + Sake House, which promises to use responsibly sourced meats and locally grown veggies in its ramen and other Japanese tapas. Wash it all down with Asian-inspired cocktails created by Snake Oil Cocktail Co., a group of tastemaking consultants that’s modernized the booze programs of some of the city’s hottest restaurants. 627 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.238.0567

SUSHI & ROBATA We don’t know a lot about Katsuya by S+arck, the brand-new restaurant at the Gaslamp Quarter’s Andaz Hotel, because it wasn’t yet open at press time. But we’re excited about its promise: Known for the celebrity clientele that populates its Los Angeles locations, Katsuya San Diego will mark the eighth collaboration between Master Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi and the famed designer Philippe Starck. The menu will feature traditional Japanese fare in dishes like the crab handroll baked with a signature sauce, plus sushi, an extensive robatagrilled menu and a cocktail list with a fresh-and-seasonal emphasis.

The restaurant will occupy a 6,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor space on the ground floor of the Andaz Hotel and is slated to open in early spring. 600 F St., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.849.1234

CHINESE Wang’s in the Desert was founded in Palm Springs by a former P.F. Chang’s exec, so it’s no surprise that the spinoff—and its newly opened outpost in San Diego’s trendy North Park neighborhood—feels familiar. Wang’s North Park is party-time Chinese for a nightclub crowd. The menu items are familiar, too, to lovers of Americanized

Chinese favorites like Mongolian beef, lemon chicken and kung-pao shrimp. But you’ll also find sweet and sour perch, a dozen meatless veggie and noodle plates and a sassy cocktail menu where drinks have cheeky names like Long Duck Dong (a lemongrass-ginger martini) and Kilt Lifter (Scotch and ginger beer). Housed in what was once a JC Penney’s, the cavernous restaurant feels intimate despite its massive square footage, thanks to discrete pockets of seating and smart lighting. We liked the lamb-and-rosemary dumplings, edamame hummus and garlicky fire fish filets with ginger, black beans and spicy leeks. 3029 University Ave., North Park, 619.291.7500

PAN-ASIAN The nondescript strip malls along Convoy Street in Kearny Mesa aren’t the most scenic in the world, but they’re without question the place to go for tasty, affordable, authentic Asian cuisine in the county.

Here you’ll find a high concentration of fast-casual spots for anything from Korean barbeque to pho that won’t disappoint—just don’t go expecting flattering lighting or white-glove service. Some of our favorites include Convoy Tofu House (4229 Convoy St., 858.279.3430) for Korean—especially the spicy pork bulgogi and the stone pot bibimbap with rice and veggies—and Dumpling Inn (4619-F Convoy St., 858.268.9638), for its Northern Chinese-style steamed, boiled and deep-fried dumplings. Also nearby: the huge Mitsuwa Marketplace (4240 Kearny Mesa Road #119, 858.569.6699), a supermarket complete with a Japanese bookstore, ceramics shop and food court serving ramen and sushi. There’s even a stand (Niitakaya) devoted entirely to Japanese pickles.

FOOD TRUCK FUSION

Ever since the Kogi truck introduced its kimchi quesadilla to L.A., Korean-Mexican fusion has been all the rage among next-wave food truckers nationwide. In San Diego, Tabe BBQ roams the streets serving favorites like Tabe asada fries, a nest of five-spiced fries topped with Korean barbequed beef or teriyaki chicken, sour cream and a signature salsa. Another truck, Asian Persuasion, takes inspiration from a variety of Asian cuisines, from its Bangkok Sliders, filled with spicy pork and topped with a pickled daikon and carrot relish, to a Filipino dish called longanesa made with sausage, garlic Opposite (clockwise from top left): fried rice, green onions and fried eggs.

Chicken meatball Most food trucks in San Diego spend the lunch hour yakitori at Gaijin; Underbelly ramen trolling for hungry office workers in the La Jolla/UTC area bar; crispy rice and occasionally gather closer to city center at various with spicy tuna at Katsuya; Chairman regularly scheduled evening gatherings. Track their moveMao portrait at ments on Twitter: @tabebbq and @asianpersuasion.

Underbelly.

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Downtown

Left to right: the historic Balboa Theater; the harbor and skyline at sunset; browsing the Gaslamp Quarter’s many boutiques and galleries.

The past and present come together in San Diego’s lively, historic downtown neighborhoods.

Gaslamp Quarter

Businessman Alonzo Erastus Horton envisioned San Diego as a bustling port city, and in 1867 he spent $264 for 800 acres he called “New Town.” Today, New Town is known as the historic Gaslamp Quarter, or simply “The Gaslamp.” Comprising more than 16 blocks, the Gaslamp stretches from Broadway to Har­bor Drive (just north of the Convention Center), with Fourth, Fifth and Sixth ave­nues as its main thoroughfares. Anchoring the area’s northwest end is Horton Plaza, a small square with a bubbling fountain on the corner of Broadway and Fourth.

The Gaslamp’s immaculately preserved Victorian-style buildings are home to dozens of restaurants, clubs, ­theaters and retailers. Several tour guides offer an insider’s look at the Gaslamp (see p. 66), or create your own: The area can be easily covered on foot, or rent from Bike Revolution (522 Sixth Ave.) to navigate the district on two wheels.

If you start your exploration at the southern end of the Gaslamp, you’ll find Chuck Jones Gallery (232 Fifth Ave.), one of only three in the nation showcasing the work of the Oscarwinning animator responsible for the Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote and Marvin the Martian.

Shop for designer resale at Carolyn’s (310 K St.) or pre-owned luxury watches at Nikki & Co. Fine Jewelers (562 Fifth Ave.). Find spring’s trendy colored denim as well as updated vintage sunglasses at Tease (435 Island Ave.)., and clothing, towels and bedsheets made from bamboo at Cariloha (435 J St.).

We also love GOGA (401 Market St.), the signature shop of one-time Project Runway contestant Gordana Gehlhausen, who designs her own line of feminine, ethereal tops and gowns and also carries items from up-and-coming Southern California labels.

For national retailers, venture farther up Fifth, where you’ll find well-known stores like footwear boutique Sketchers (480 Fifth Ave.), Quiksilver (402 Fifth Ave.), Urban Outfitters (665 Fifth Ave.) and Dutch brand G-Star Raw (470 Fifth Ave.), with styles for men and women.

Or make your way over to Westfield Horton Plaza (see p. 64), a multilevel outdoor mall with a kaleidoscopic design that kicked off the revitalization of downtown when it was constructed in 1985. It’s now home to some 100 restaurants and shops including White House Black Market, Macy’s, BCBG and more. There’s also culture to be had at the mall: San Diego Repertory Theatre performs on the Lyceum theater stage, and the historic Balboa Theatre anchors the shopping center’s eastern edge, at Fourth Avenue and E Street (see p. 58).

After a long day of shopping and sightseeing, sate your hunger at one of the Gaslamp’s

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100-plus restaurants and cafés, ranging from American to Chinese to Indian to Thai to steak and seafood (see dining guide, p. 55).

Parking can be dicey in the Gaslamp; a garage is your best bet. Horton Plaza, with entrances on Fourth Avenue and G Street, offers up to three hours of free parking if you self-validate at machines on levels 1, 3 and 5. Be sure to note your “vegetable” or “fruit” level; it can be a confusing garage (619.239.8180). Park It On Market is a 500-space garage at Market Street with entrances on Sixth and Seventh avenues (619.232.1271); while 6th & K Parkade offers 1,230 spots, with entrances on Sixth and Seventh avenues (619.233.6624). For more information, call the ­Gas­lamp Quarter Association (619.233.5227).

(opposite, from left) NELS AKERLUND, BRETT SHoaF/ARTISTIC VISUALS, ASHOK SINHA

Downtown’s Core

Just beyond the Gaslamp are several sites worth exploring, including the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (see p. 62) and the New Children’s Museum (see p. 62), an interactive art/play place for kids of all ages.

The San Diego Chinese ­Historical Museum (404 Third Ave.) also features a beautiful garden with a koi pond.

Arts and culture abound downtown. More than a century old, the San Diego Symphony performs at Copley Symphony Hall (see p. 59), while Broadway/San Diego brings touring shows from New York to the Civic Theatre (1100 Third Ave.). Spreckels Theatre (121 Broadway) hosts many performing arts events throughout the year. See page 56 for additional theater listings.

East Village

The construction of Petco Park (100 Park Blvd.), home of the San Diego Padres, helped

gentrify this once-gritty neighborhood east of the Gaslamp. Seven years on, it’s now rife with entertainment options. Pick up a creamy burratta or a smoky Gouda at Venissimo Cheese (871 G St.), or a Tony Gwynn jersey at the Padres Team Store (J St. at Seventh Ave.). The neighborhood’s burgeoning art scene includes a few notable galleries: the edgy Periscope Project, built from stacked shipping cargo containers near the corner of 15th and K, and Alexander Salazar Fine Art, featuring mixed-media work from emerging and mid-career contemporary artists (640 Broadway).

Little Italy

A few blocks northwest of ­downtown, Little Italy is home to fabulous restaurants, galleries, boutiques and markets dotting the main drag, India Street. Highlights include Bottlecraft (2161 India St.), a craft beer shop and tasting room; Noel-Baza Fine Art (2165 India St.), a well-respected contemporary art gallery featuring legends and locals alike; trendy women’s boutique Melero (1918 India St.), and Bella Stanza (1501 India St.), with Murano glass, Italian ceramics and more.

Take time to explore the streets branching off from India, too: The colorful cottages of the Fir Street Shops include Carol Gardyne Studio (1840 Columbia St.), with hand-painted silk scarves.

Running parallel to India Street, Kettner Boulevard forms the spine of the art-anddesign district. A gallery cluster near the corner of Kettner and Kalmia includes cool Subtext Gallery, focused on lowbrow and graphic artists. Monthly on the second Friday, many area galleries host evening receptions.

You can also shop for vintage and modern furniture, art and home accessories at chic

@HOM (2310-B Kettner Blvd.) or Mixture (2210 Kettner Blvd.), identifiable by its large roll-up garage door. Cannisse (1772 Kettner Blvd.) showcases its own line of stylish, feminine casualwear made in France.

Foodies won’t want to miss the Saturday morning Mercato on Date Street, one of the city’s most popular farmer’s markets (619.233.3769).

Embarcadero

Another entertainment destination is Seaport Village (see p. 64), a 14-acre outdoor plaza with shops and a beautiful 19th-century carousel. The bayside boardwalk is ideal for walking to and from the Convention Center. Grab an iced cappuccino from Upstart Crow Trading Company (835-C W. Harbor Drive) and head for the Embarcadero Marina Park, which offers bike and jogging trails, basketball courts and picnicking. Continue north along the harbor to Broadway Pier, where you can embark on sightseeing excursions or catch the Coronado Ferry (1050 N. Harbor Drive), which travels across the bay several times daily.

The USS Midway (see p. 63) invites the public to learn about America’s longestserving aircraft carrier. Many of the storytelling docents are veterans who served on the carrier over its 47-year history. The floating Maritime Museum (see p. 62) features several historic ships, including the HMS Surprise from the film Master and Commander.

Keep your eyes open for Urban Trees, a public art project consisting of tree-like sculptures—many of which move with the bay breeze—placed along Harbor Drive For a map of these neighborhoods, see page 70. For information about restaurants in this area, see page 55.

glory of the grape

great find If you’re looking for a gift for the foodie in your life, the Gaslamp’s new Bon Vin isn’t a bad place to start. Run by a longtime restaurant sommelier, the place carries all manner of imported delicacy, from Marcona almonds and aged Italian balsamic vinegars to whole black truffles, lavender-scented olive oils and single-plantation artisanal bonbons from Parisian chocolatier Michel Cluizel. And that’s just half the store: the other side is given over to an extensive selection of wines, mostly U.S. and French, which you can enjoy corkagefee-free in the wine bar at the rear of the historic brick-walled building. Cheese, charcuterie and bottled beer are also available. 542 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.702.8377

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La Jolla

Left to right: the gateway to the La Jolla cave; Nancy Rubins’ Pleasure Point at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego; the view from Salk Institute.

La Jolla is a jewel sparkling with art, theater, fine dining, boutique shopping and the area’s best outdoor recreation.

BOUTIQUES AND GALLERIES

La Jolla’s spectacular streets are lined with high-end boutiques, antique stores and art galleries. Prospect Street and Girard Avenue form the spines of the village shopping district, but don’t be afraid to venture off onto side streets, where hidden gems await, including Brooks Brothers (1055 Wall St.); the boutique stationery shop Sweet Paper, run by design-savvy sisters (7660-A Fay Ave.), and Las Manos del Artesano (7940 Herschel Ave.), a gallery showcasing Latin American folk art, jewelry, pottery and more.

On Girard, amid national brands like Banana Republic (7841 Girard Ave.), we love women’s apparel boutique Kerut (7944 Girard Ave.), a well-appointed spot run by a stylist. It’s not uncommon to find cupcakes and bubbly awaiting your arrival. Farther down Girard is La Maisonette (7631 Girard Ave.), an oasis of Parisian and French country gifts and textiles, as well as independent bookseller D.G. Wills (7461 Girard Ave.), for that rare first-edition.

Back on Prospect Street, a slew of female-friendly stores welcome shoppers, including Victoria’s Secret (1111 Prospect St.), locally designed swimwear shop Sauvage (1025 Prospect St.) and Robina (1261 Prospect St.), with chic women’s apparel and accessories.

The village is also home to many well-respected art galleries, whose collections range from landscape photography to Picasso canvases. A handful are clustered close together on Girard Avenue, making it easy to hop between them on nights when they all have coordinated opening receptions. Quint Gallery (7547 Girard Ave.) showcases edgy work by national artists like Ryan McGinness, while Scott White Contemporary Art (7655 Girard St.) represents emerging and mid-career artists as well as collections that include work by the likes of Willem deKooning and Alexander Calder. Joseph Bellows Gallery (7661 Girard Ave.) mounts regular exhibitions of stunning black-and-white photography.

La Jolla Boulevard heads south out of the village toward the charming neighborhood of Bird Rock, where worthwhile shops include Capricorn (5544-B La Jolla Blvd.), with clothing from cutting-edge designers. Break for coffee at Bird Rock Coffee Roasters (5627 La Jolla Blvd.), whose sought-after beans are served at cafés throughout the city, or pick up a loaf of low-carb, gluten-free bread at Julian Bakery (5621 La Jolla Blvd.).

The neighborhood of La Jolla Shores, just a short drive up Torrey Pines Road, is also worth a visit. The wide, flat beach is perfect for swimming and sunning, while the tiny main drag, Avenida de la Playa, is lined with eateries and rental shops with all the surf and kayak gear you need.

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(opposite, from left) IAN WHITE, edwin santiago, courtesy symphony at salk

arts & Science

The University of Cali­fornia, San Diego (9500 Gilman Drive) is home to one of the best theaters in the country: La Jolla Playhouse (see p. 56 for additional theater listings). The theater was founded in 1947 by actors Mel Ferrer, Dorothy McGuire and La Jolla native Gregory Peck. Each season is a mix of classic and daring productions; many have gone straight to Broadway.

The Stuart Collection, a group of sitespecific outdoor sculptures, adds to the artistic setting at UCSD (p. 63). A 24-foot giant teddy bear made of boulders and a 560-footlong Snake Path are among the artworks placed throughout the 1,200-acre campus.

Just north of campus is the Salk Institute for Biological Studies (10010 N. Torrey Pines Road), an architectural masterpiece designed

by Louis Kahn. The scientific research complex was named in honor of Dr. Jonas Salk, who discovered a vaccine for polio and later lived in La Jolla. Tours of campus architecture are available to the public (858.453.4100 x1262).

Southwest of campus sits Scripps Institu­ tion of Oceanography (8622 Kennel Way) and neighboring Birch Aquarium (see p. 60), both among the best ocean life learning centers in the world.

In La Jolla village, the Museum of Con­ temp­orary Art San Diego (see p. 62) examines the boundaries of art created since 1950.

Housed in the former home of Ellen Browning Scripps, the museum’s galleries boast an unparalleled ocean view, while Nancy Rubins’ stunning large-scale, nautical-inspired artwork adorns the museum’s west side. Definitely schedule a stop at the gift shop.

The Athenaeum Music and Arts Library (1008 Wall St.) features year-round art exhibitions, plus jazz and chamber music concerts,

and a treasure trove of books and records.

Many well-known names have called La Jolla home, including Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel, actress Raquel Welch, motivational speaker Tony Robbins and author Anne Rice.

Recreation

La Jolla is paradise for outdoorsy types. The Cove (1100 Coast Blvd.) is a haven for swimmers and snorkelers; La Jolla Shores (8200 Camino del Oro) has easy access for scuba divers; and Windansea (6800 Neptune Place), immortalized in Tom Wolfe’s The Pump House Gang, is the ultimate surfing break.

Children’s Pool, a small cove next to Ellen Browning Scripps Park, is a place to observe wildlife, particularly the harbor seals that have taken over the area. The seals’ encampment has caused an ongoing community debate: Some residents want to reclaim the cove for a children’s pool; others advocate for the seals.

For a quick bite, try one of the many oceanview restaurants along Prospect Street or Coast Boulevard.

Torrey Pines

Torrey Pines is just north of La Jolla village.

There, you’ll find the 2,000-acre Torrey Pines State Reserve, which offers eight miles of hiking trails winding through wind-sculpted pines and wildflowers. Located off Coast Highway 101 between La Jolla and Del Mar, the reserve was established to protect the nation’s rarest pine tree, the Pinus torreyana. The visitors center, a pueblo-style structure at the top of Park Road, is available to help with guided tours.

One of the reserve’s trails leads directly to Torrey Pines State Beach, located on North Torrey Pines Road. The beach, which spans 4.5 miles from Del Mar to the cliffs at Torrey Pines Mesa, is a great place for swimming,

boating and fishing. You can also catch these amazing ocean views from up high, via a hang glider or paraglider. The Torrey Pines Glider Port and Flight Park (2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive) offers flights (tandem, too) for novices and extreme adventure seekers.

Adjacent Blacks Beach is a two-mile sandy strip known for great surfing—and nude sunbathing (“not officially sanctioned”). Getting to Blacks isn’t easy. If you can, park near the Glider Port and hike to the bottom of the bluffs, paying close attention to warning signs about unstable cliffs. You can walk a mile from Torrey Pines State Beach, but access may be blocked by high tides.

The Torrey Pines Golf Course (see p. 32) gives golfers the ultimate indulgence: two courses with stunning ocean views. In 2008, the landmark became one of the only public courses to host a U.S. Open; it’s also the site of the PGA Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open.

Golden Triangle

The area east of La Jolla village is known as the Golden Triangle, bordered by Interstate 5 on the west, Interstate 805 on the east and State Route 52 on the south. This triangular area includes upscale hotels, fine dining and great shopping. The shopping district revolves around Westfield University Towne Centre (see p. 64), which locals shorten to “UTC.” This outdoor mall, anchored by Macy’s and Nordstrom, features dozens of eateries and retail storefronts, including Anthropologie, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Apple, Tumi and Williams-Sonoma. From the village, go north on Torrey Pines Road and turn right on La Jolla Village Drive.

For a map of these neighborhoods, see page 71. For a list of restaurants in this area, see page 55.

watch out

great find If the concepts that define La Jolla could be embodied in a retail store, it would probably look a lot like Westime, a high-end watch boutique just opened on the village’s tony main drag. Like the town, this spacious, 2,500-square-foot space—the first Westime outpost to open outside of Los Angeles—is devoted to the celebration of style and luxury in timepieces that range in price from $500 to $500,000. Find anything from modern, hip designs

by Richard Mille and Franck Muller to classic, understated models by F.P. Journe and Girard Perregaux, to name just a few of the brands you’ll find on display. 1227 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.459.2222

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Beach Cities

Left to right: heading out for a surf in Coronado; boards and beach cruisers at the Mission Beach Boardwalk; the lighthouse at Point Loma.

From Coronado to Pacific Beach: Welcome to Southern California’s most scenic oceanside neighborhoods.

Coronado

Coronado is an island of small-town quaintness amid San Diego’s big-city bustle. Well, it’s not really an island, though many locals call it that. Coro­nado is actually an ­isthmus, attached to the mainland at the southern end of Silver Strand State Beach.

Though driving there via the iconic Coro­nado Bridge is always a thrill, it’s also great fun to travel by sea. The Coronado/San Diego Ferry leaves on the hour from downtown’s Broadway Pier between 9 am and 9 pm (619.234.4111), while San Diego Water Taxi offers on-call transportation around the bay from 9 am to 10 pm (619.235.8294). Upon arrival, you can browse the shops and restaurants at Coronado Ferry Landing Marketplace (1201 First St.), then rent a cruiser at Bikes and Beyond to explore Coronado’s flat, tree-lined side streets.

Head south on the main drag of Orange Avenue to find an inviting entertainment district, with shops like Coronado Taste of Oils (954 Orange Ave.), where you can sample dozens of flavors of gourmet olive oils and vinegars, and Blue Jeans & Bikinis, which makes it easy to shop for those two items women notoriously hate having to try on (971 Orange Ave.). Just off Orange is Be Styled, with chic tops, dresses and accessories (1113 Adella Ave.), and its nextdoor twin, Be Polished, for an impromptu manicure.

You’ll find another cluster of shops selling designer clothing and eyewear, home décor and more coastal California merchandise inside the storybook Hotel del Coronado (1500 Orange Ave.), opened in 1888 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977. For more on the town’s history, stop by the Coronado Museum of History and Art (1100 Orange Ave.).

Spreckels Park (Orange Ave. between Sixth and Seventh sts.) sits between these two retail zones and is an ideal place to take a break from all that strenuous shopping.

Shelter Island and Harbor Island

Shelter Island and Harbor Island aren’t really “islands” either; they’re connected to the mainland and were created more than 35 years ago with tons of sand dredged from the floor of the bay. Shelter Island, with its many bars, restaurants and nautically themed stores, is the departure point for various sportfishing charters. The area is also home to Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, a 1,400-seat outdoor theater that hosts jazz, blues and pop headliners in warmer months. Nearby Harbor Island has its own, smaller outdoor festival site, Spanish Landing Park, and several bayview restaurants. Both islands offer postcard vistas of the downtown skyline, plus flat paths for walks and bike rides.

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(opposite, left to right) ASHOK SINHA, IAN WHITE, edwin santiago

Ocean Beach and Point Loma

“O.B.” for short, this neighborhood is truly one of San Diego’s most unique. It’s an endless summer of love in O.B., an aggregation of aging hippies, surfers, ­bikers, artists, ­musicians and other free spirits. OBceans possess a strong sense of community and territorial pride best summed up by a oncepopular bumper sticker: “U.S. out of O.B.” The main drag, Newport Avenue, smells of incense and has many shops catering to the O.B. lifestyle, but also plenty of antiques dealers at places like Newport Avenue Antiques (4836 Newport Ave.). Music junkies will love the vintage vinyl at Cow Records (5029 ­Newport Ave.), while Galactic Comics (4981 Newport Ave.) is heaven for graphic-novel fans. Pine Tree Road (4885 Newport Ave.) specializes in soaps, scrubs and lotions, and nearby Azucar is a Cuban-style patisserie with fresh-baked scones, honey buns and more (4820 Newport Ave.).

Off Newport, don’t miss Noon (4993 Niagara Ave.), with handmade letterpress cards and jewelry.

Wind down the day with a leisurely stroll down the Ocean Beach Pier, which, at 1,971 feet, is one of the longest concrete piers in the ­country.

Nearby Point Loma is home to a small but charming array of restaurants and cafés, as well as the Cabrillo National Monument, Fort ­Rosecrans ­National Cemetery and military installations. The Cabrillo National Monument (see p. 50) offers panoramic vistas stretching from San Diego to Mexico. There are also hiking trails, tidepools, a historic ­lighthouse, a bookstore and museum exhibits about conquistador Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, the founder of San Diego.

Mission Beach and Pacific Beach

Two of San Diego’s most popular beaches, Mission Beach and Pacific Beach (“P.B.” to locals) form an ­unbroken band of sand that ­stretches for three miles, from the mouth of Mission Bay to the rocky points of La Jolla.

Both are overflowing with restaurants, bars and boutiques.

South Mission Beach is home to serious beach volleyball and bayside basketball games. Farther north, check out the star attraction at the Belmont Park amusement park: the Giant Dipper, a restored 1925 wooden roller coaster (see p. 60).

Another landmark dating back to 1925 is Crystal Pier, at the foot of Garnet Avenue in P.B. This 400-foot-long wooden pier is gated and lined with rental cottages. However, the pier is open to the public during the day and is always popular with fishermen.

The best way to experience this area is to walk along the boardwalk, where peoplewatching is not just encouraged, it’s a must.

If the nonstop parade of skateboarders, inliners, bikers, ­joggers and walkers gets to be too much, walk across Mission Boulevard to the bayside boardwalk, where there’s much less of a scene.

Garnet Avenue and Mission Boulevard form the backbone of this funky, retro retail district, which boasts dozens of small shops filled with surfing gear, swimsuits and casual wear. Begin the 10-block shopping stroll where the two main streets intersect, then head east. (Note: These are long blocks.)

First order of business: find that perfect bikini. SunSplash (979 Garnet Ave.) can help, with stylish swimwear and casual beachwear in a wide array of sizes. For the rest of the outfit, try Chillers Showroom (4667 Cass

great find

St.), a spacious shop just off the main drag selling men’s and women’s clothing in a relaxed, lounge-like atmosphere.

Farther up Garnet Avenue is Rusty Spokes Vintage Bicycles (1344 Garnet Ave.), which specializes in antique and classic cycles.

Venturing north on Mission Boulevard from Garnet leads you to Urban Outfitters (4516 Mission Blvd.), various bike-rental shops and Surfindian (4658 Mission Blvd.), a gallery with art inspired by San Diego’s most sacred sport.

Heading south brings you to Mission Beach, home to bikini emporium Pilar’s (3745 Mission Blvd.) and The Basement (3790 Mission Blvd.), with clothing and jewelry by local designers.

Mission Bay Park

Mission Bay Park is a 4,000-acre gathering spot for locals and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities including running, biking, skating, kite-flying, sailing and boating.

The park is made up of various coves, points and islands with excellent ­picnicking spots and fire pits. ­Several sportfishing charters depart daily from Mission Bay, and a variety of ­watercraft can be rented from nearby shops. If you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding.

The west side of the bay is also home to several resort hotels and SeaWorld (see p. 61), the internationally known park with some 12,000 aquatic animals. Don’t miss Shark Encounter, an underwater walkway offering a peek into the world of sand tiger, bonnethead and whitetip sharks, and the new Turtle Reef exhibition and ride.

For a map of these neighborhoods, see page 69. For information about restaurants in this area, see page 55.

VINTAGE VAULT

The attics and basements of historic Coronado are treasure troves of vintage clothing and furniture long since lost to time. A few of those treasures, like estate jewelry and immaculately preserved silk nightgowns from the 1920s, make their way to The Attic, an antique store on 10th Street; a sister location on Orange Avenue skews toward more modern items that still have a vintage feel. Stop at this spot for recycled glass bird feeders for the garden, oversized rings and silver pendants by local designers, lightweight spring scarves from fairtrade companies, pewter flatware and napkin rings, tea towels and other items bearing a crown insignia, the symbol of Coronado. 1011 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.435.5432

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exploring

Uptown

Left to right: In the heart of artsy North Park; the historic Birch North Park Theatre; Hillcrest by night.

Hillcrest, Mission Hills, North Park: Neighborhoods full of culture, character and charm.

Uptown encompasses some of S.D.’s most diverse and eclectic neighborhoods. Hillcrest, which borders Balboa Park’s northwest corner, is one of the county’s most vibrant areas.

Adjacent University Heights and Mission Hills are filled with Craftsman-style homes and quaint boutiques. Just east of Hillcrest, a renovated theater, galleries and cafés have helped North Park become San Diego’s newest arts district, while its residential neighbor to the south is the area’s best-kept secret for unique gift shopping.

Hillcrest

The hub of Hillcrest, at the intersection of University and Fifth avenues, is a buzzing, heavily trafficked scene throughout the day, with cars lined up in both directions and joggers, dogwalkers and coffee-sippers crowding the sidewalks.

Fabulous shopping begins at University and First avenues and runs 12 blocks to Park Boulevard. Score vases, candles and home décor at Cathedral (435 University Ave.), retro urban footwear at Mint (525 University Ave.) and hip men’s fashions and home accents at House Boi (1435 ­University Ave.). Just off the main drag, you’ll find all manner of headgear at the Village Hat Shop (3821 Fourth Ave.). Leave time to peruse 5th Avenue Books (3838 Fifth Ave.) ­and ­Bluestocking Books (3817 Fifth Ave.), whose shelves are lined with out-of-print and rare tomes.

By night, Hillcrest lights up with restaurants, bars and dance clubs and a great art-house movie theater, the Landmark (3965 Fifth Ave. #200).

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS & MISSION HILLS

Northeast of Hillcrest on Park Boulevard lies quaint University Heights, home to ethnic eateries and good shopping at places like Frock You (4121 Park Blvd.), a clothing store whose helpful staff knows its stuff when it comes to vintage fashion. University Heights also has an astonishing number of cafés for such a small neighborhood, each catering to a different clientele. We love the back patio at quiet, well-designed Monica’s at the Park (1735 Adams Ave.) for a cappuccino break.

The streets of gorgeous Mission Hills, northwest of Hillcrest, are lined with stately homes, quaint cafés and boutiques. Cecilia’s (928 Fort Stockton Drive #115) offers the latest fashions for women, including lots of stuff by local designers, while Maison en Provence (820 Fort Stockton Drive) carries French country home accessories.

Presidio Park, at the western edge of ­this neighborhood, is historically significant as the site

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of the first European settlement in California (619.692.4918). Scenic trails lead to the neighboring Junípero Serra Museum. The museum, built in 1929, is a ­replica of the mission erected there in 1769.

Fresh produce at the Hillcrest farmer’s market, held every Sunday.

North Park

Centered at University Avenue and 30th Street, North Park is San Diego’s newest arts district, thanks in part to the restoration of the historic 1928 Birch North Park Theatre (2891 University Ave.). Gallery-hopping events are held select Saturday nights from 6 to 9 pm; check northparkarts.org for details.

The area is also home to dozens of independent clothing and décor boutiques. We love the organic cotton baby clothes and stylish art books sold at Pigment (3827 30th St.), while Mimi & Red (3032 University Ave.) has trendy women’s clothing and fun costume jewelry. After dark, North Park comes alive with dozens of bars, clubs and restaurants.

(opposite, center) amy k. fellows, (others) bjarne g. jensen, (this page, top) rich cook

SOUTH PARK

About a mile south of University on 30th Street lies the quiet neighborhood known as South Park. Though largely residential, South Park does have a few good neighborhood eateries and bars, and it’s a great place to shop for gifts while supporting the local independent merchants.

Favorite retailers in this area include The Grove bookstore (3010 Juniper St.), which also has a crafting nook inside; modern home furnishings and design emporium Progress (2225 30th St.) and Make Good (2207 Fern St.), with clothing, home accents, jewelry and other items from local crafters.

For a map of these neighborhoods, see page 70.

For a list of restaurants in this area, see page 55.

great find

redefining aloha

Hawaiian-style clothing gets a bad rap—blame Jimmy Buffet and the tyranny of the floralprint shirt. Aloha Sunday Supply Co. is out to change that reputation by offering clothing and accessories that are at once “surf-inspired” and not at all cheesy. Boasting a clean, up-to-date design, the boutique traffics in supersoft printed tees, organic denim skinny jeans, modern-fit board shorts and trendy wood-frame sunglasses from Shwood, plus slip-on shoes and chukka boots made from African leather—all the essentials for the contemporary beach-dwelling man. You’ll also find all-natural grooming products and stylish postcards, notebooks and paper goods. 3118-B University Ave., North Park, 619.269.9838

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exploring

North Coast

Left to right: the Self-Realization Fellowship in Encinitas; the Del Mar Fairgrounds; the surfer sculpture locals call the Cardiff “kook.”

Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad ... These cities exemplify the good life.

Del Mar

Del Mar’s celebrity status began more than 70 years ago, when the oceanside paradise became home of the Del Mar Racetrack (2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.). Actors Bing Crosby and Pat O’Brien helped establish the track—and its track record for hosting the Hollywood elite at the Thoroughbred Club. Ava Gardner, W.C. Fields, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Jimmy Durante and Mickey Rooney were among the regulars in the late 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s.

Today, the racing season runs from mid-July to early September, but exciting events are held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds year-round.

Jimmy Durante Boulevard—named for the famous entertainer who lived in Del Mar— paves the way from the track to the heart of the village. The intersection of Camino del Mar and 15th Street forms Del Mar’s center. The three-story Del Mar Plaza (see p. 63) has scenic fountains and sweeping ocean views, plus upscale shops like clothing boutiques Gerhard and Peaches en Regalia; Loghman Jewelers, with Italian jewelry and watches; and chains like Banana Republic and Sunglass Hut. There’s more retail along Del Mar’s main street, Camino del Mar, and the area can easily be covered on foot. The shopping district is lined with shops including Carolyn’s (1310 Camino del Mar), with designer resale, plus several casual cafés and eateries.

More great shopping is a short drive away. East of the Fair­grounds, off I-5 on Via de la Valle, is Flower Hill Promenade (2720 Via de la Valle), where shops include women’s boutique Coconut Lime, men’s clothier Patrick James and Dallman Chocolate Boutique.

At the end of the day, walk to Seagrove Park (Coast Blvd. at 15th St.) to enjoy a brilliant sunset. From the hush of the surf you can almost hear the echo of Bing Crosby, singing the jingle he wrote in honor of the track: Where the turf meets the surf, down at old Del Mar...

Solana Beach

Solana Beach is home to some of the most chic stores in San Diego County. The Cedros Design District begins at South Cedros Avenue and Lomas Santa Fe Drive, easily accessible

by The Coaster, the train that runs from downtown San Diego to Oceanside.

More than 50 shops spanning a quarter-mile feature fashion, home furnishings and antiques. Most of the boutiques on South Cedros are housed in renovated Quonset huts (iron warehouses shaped like a half-cylinder), giving this neighborhood an artistic feel.

Fuel up for your walking tour of the neighborhood at Claire’s (246 N. Cedros Ave.), across from

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the train station. it’s the kind of eco-conscious place that provides preferred parking for electric and hybrid cars. then pop in to Tobi Blatt (152 N. Cedros Ave.), with women’s clothing from labels like true Religion.

Cross lomas santa fe to explore south Cedros: We love Cedros Soles (143 S. Cedros Ave.) for the latest footwear; HIS (111 S. Cedros Ave. #200), a store geared towards the styleminded guy; and Bixby & Ball (214 S. Cedros Ave.), with linens, home décor items and other coastal-lifestyle accessories. linger long enough to smell the sweet aromas springing from Mistral (146 S. Cedros Ave.), a small bungalow with soaps and lotions imported from france. farther down the street you’ll find hip home décor and art books at Solo (309 S. Cedros Ave.), the Susan Street Fine Art contemporary art gallery (200 N. Cedros Ave.) and Curve Couture, a trendy plus-size clothing boutique (415 S. Cedros Ave.).

Nestled among the retail shops is one of the county’s top live music venues: The Belly Up Tavern (see p. 65), a solana Beach landmark for more than 35 years.

(opposite, left) iAN WHite, (otHeRs) ReBeCCA MoRqueCHo

Encinitas and cardiff-by-thE-sEa

Heading north on 101 from solana Beach, you’ll pass through the small surf community of Cardiff-by-the-sea. Be sure to get a picture with the Cardiff “kook,” the sculpture of a surfer that locals have fondly ridiculed for years. officially named The Magic Carpet Ride, the statue is often dressed up in outrageous outfits (military fatigues, a toga, a bikini) by anonymous midnight marauders.

As you continue north approaching downtown encinitas, you’ll see a unique silhouette among the palm trees. the Self-Realization

Fellowship Retreat and Hermitage (215 K St.), with its lotus blossom–shaped towers, dates back to 1937. A portion of the grounds is open free to the public. A stroll through the lush, cliffside gardens offers views of surfers at nearby Swami’s Beach (1298 S. Coast Hwy. 101), a popular break for longboarders. up the road, The Lumberyard’s twodozen-odd shops include stylish clothier Mog & Rue, modern home-and-garden store Grounded and Chuao Chocolatier, whose gourmet sweets are made from the finest Venezuelan chocolate. there’s also an array of wine bars, eateries and cafés, many with outdoor seating (937 S. Coast Hwy. 101). in the center of downtown, the historic La Paloma Theatre (471 S. Coast Hwy. 101) has anchored the district since the 1920s and still hosts films and concerts. Boutiques and restaurants also line the strip. the new Pacific Station complex boasts a Whole foods; Icons boutique, with denim and tees; and Bliss 101, an art/home/body shop run by a collective of artisans devoted to the principles of fair trade (687 S. Coast Hwy. 101).

North Coast Highway 101 runs through sleepy Leucadia, where it’s easy to speed right by gems like Lou’s Records (434 N. Coast Hwy. 101), with its selection of hip lps and CDs, and Ducky Waddles Emporium (414 N. Coast Hwy. 101), with its excellent collection of books on all things arty or bawdy.

A great cluster of shops is found at The Gold Coast (466 N. Coast Hwy. 101), whose tenants include deepFling, with silver jewelry from scandinavian designers, and stylish children’s boutique Daisy Bee. A short drive inland leads to San Diego Botanic Garden, a 35-acre treasure showcasing more than 3,000 rare and exotic plants (see p. 61).

carlsbad

Downtown Carlsbad is a picturesque seaside village with tree-lined roads, restaurants and boutique shopping. Along Carlsbad Village Drive, the main drag, you’ll find two local landmarks: Ocean House (300 Carlsbad Village Drive), a restaurant and nighttime hot spot that boasts beautiful Victorian architecture, and nearby Frazier’s Well (2802 Carlsbad Blvd.), where sea captain John frazier discovered mineral water in 1882.

Next to ocean House is Carlsbad Village Faire, a shopping center home to several casual eateries and shops. Retail on nearby state street includes antique stores and shops like Fairen Del (2940 State St.), with an assortment of fine leather goods, shoes, handbags and jewelry.

A short drive east of the freeway on palomar Airport Road leads to great outlet shopping at Carlsbad Premium Outlets (see p. 63), with brand-name stores like BCBG, Kenneth Cole and Michael Kors.

Continuing on palomar Airport Road from the outlets will lead you to another cluster of attractions. LegoLand (see p. 61) is 128 acres of kid-friendly entertainment that includes a new sea life Aquarium. Nearby, the Museum of Making Music (see p. 62) is filled with musical memorabilia. La Costa Resort and Spa (2100 Costa del Mar Road) is home to the Chopra Center for Well Being, with spa therapies and wellness programs created by holistic specialist Deepak Chopra. two miles south of la Costa is The Forum (see p. 63), an outdoor, spanish-style mall whose shops include Tilly’s surf shop, Anthropologie and organic skincare shop NuboNau. For a map of these neighborhoods, see page 71. For information about restaurants in this area, see page 55.

good things growing

grEat find Find everything for the modern garden at Chicweed, a color-drenched patio in the stylish Cedros design district that is, indeed, quite chic. Anyone who keeps up with design blogs will recognize Chicweed’s aesthetic, which favors the simple, playful and vibrantly colored while retaining a whiff of vintage nostalgia. Fill up a hanging glass-orb terrarium with expressively geometric airplants for an easy update to any space, or browse the covetable brightly toned bistro tables, folding outdoor chairs and easy-to-care-for polypropylene rugs in smart pattens and textures. Favorite items for spring include living walls, succulent nests and handcrafted pottery by Campo di Fiore. 240 Cedros Ave., solana Beach, 858.205.8083

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exploring

Old Town

Left to right: The Cosmopolitan Hotel; colorful souvenirs; Colorado House, home of the Wells Fargo Museum. Opposite page: Palms shadowed on adobe.

San Diego celebrates Mexican and Spanish Colonial history.

On the hilltop overlooking Old Town is the site where, in 1769, Padre Junípero Serra established Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá. In 1774, Serra’s mission was moved to a location six miles east, but a colony of residents remained and the area became known as California’s first permanent European settlement. Today, the Junípero Serra Museum (2727 Presidio Drive) stands on that same hill, overlooking the festive neighborhood now called Old Town San Diego.

Living History and culture

Old Town State Historic Park, a pedestrian-only area spanning six blocks, is home to more than a dozen of San Diego’s earliest buildings—some original, others reproductions—including a general store, Wells Fargo Bank, adobe homes and the first office of the San Diego Union, the city’s oldest newspaper. You’ll also find the Casa de Estudillo, the 1825 home of Spanish aristocrat Don Jose Antonio de Estudillo, the newly renovated Cosmopolitan Hotel and Seeley Stable Museum, a reconstruction of the 1850s-era stagecoach stop that now houses a collection of vintage carriages. Park aides lead tours of the sites, leaving from the Old Town Visitor’s Center in the Robinson Rose building, located on the plaza. No reservations are necessary and tours are free (619.220.5422).

Adjacent to the plaza, Fiesta de Reyes (2754 Calhoun St.) is filled with restaurants and shops that celebrate Mexican and American history; check out Hacienda de las Rosas, a winery and tasting room whose wines are made from locally grown grapes, and The Urban Seed, which not only has a huge selection of heritage vegetable seeds but also French antiques and elegant home décor pieces. Costumed storytellers and artisans throughout the plaza add to the ambiance.

Up the hill at Harney and Juan streets you’ll find the Mormon Battalion, which tells the story of the church military unit that came west to help with the Mexican-American War, and Heritage Park, the site of seven restored Victorian buildings that were moved to this site from downtown San Diego after World War II to escape demolition due to modern development. The park also houses Southern California’s first synagogue, Temple Beth Israel, built in 1889.

More historical sites line San Diego Avenue, which leads out of Old Town State Park to the south. Construction on the gorgeous Church of the Immaculate Conception, still an active Catholic church, began in 1868 in an effort to replace the existing adobe church with

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a brick structure, but was not completed for more than 50 years.

Farther up San Diego Avenue, behind an adobe wall, is El Campo Santo, the city’s first cemetery, established in 1850, and the San Diego Sheriff’s Museum and Educational Center (2384 San Diego Ave.), built 100 feet from where San Diego’s original ­cobblestone jail once stood. It features exhibits displaying weapons and equipment used by the county’s 28 ­sheriffs over the past 150 years.

The Casa del Rey Moro Museum (2471 Congress St.) is a small house transformed into a ­scholarly treasure of African world ­history, with a focus on the Afro-Spanish, Afro-Mexican and African-American heritage in Old Town and California.

Hungry for more? Take in a show at the Old Town Theatre (4040 Twiggs St.), operated by the critically acclaimed Cygnet Theatre Company. Cygnet’s main spring show is Parade, about a factory manager accused of murder in Atlanta (March 8-April 22).

shopping

Old Town’s many shops offer everything from authentic goods to touristy tchotchkes.

Check out Miranda’s Court­yard (2548 Congress St.) for a large collection of Mexican folk art, or browse women and children’s fashions made from eco-friendly cotton and alpaca at Wandering Sage (2415 San Diego Ave.).

On the back side of the park, Taylor Street is home to Bazaar del Mundo (4133 Taylor St.), a two-story emporium of ­international folk arts, fashion, jewelry and home décor.

Wind down your shopping day with a glass of pinot at Wine Cabana (2539 Congress St.).

For a map of this neighborhood, see page 70.

For a list of restaurants in this area, see page 55.

ashok sinha

let there be light

great find Tucked inside Old Town State Park you’ll find Tinsmith, a humble shop loaded with eclectic home décor accoutrements handmade from Mexican tin by fifth-generation craftsmen with more than two decades of experience. Popular items include the intricately fashioned mirrors of all shapes and sizes, angel statuettes and jewelry boxes, but most impressive are the hanging star-shaped lanterns that cover every inch of the ceiling. Inlaid with pieces of colored glass, each lantern, when lit, showers kaleidoscopic colors across the walls, adding instant ambience to any room. 2613 San Diego Ave., Old Town, 619.297.2616

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exploring

Balboa Park

Left to right: the graceful architecture of the House of Hospitality; a bonobo at play at the San Diego Zoo (located inside the park); the Old Globe Theatre.

Art, music and performance bloom year-round.

Spanning 1,200 acres of lush, beautifully landscaped terrain, Balboa Park is known as San Diego’s “crown jewel,” offering a variety of outdoor recreation options for kids and adults alike, not to mention a verdant respite from the bustle of the city’s increasingly metropolitan pace. The park is also the seat of San Diego’s thriving cultural scene.

Nestled between palm trees and botanical gardens, ornate Spanish Colonial buildings house many of the park’s museums and art exhibits. Several of the buildings were constructed as part of two world fairs: the Panama-California Exposition in 1915–16, and the California-Pacific International Exposition in 1935–36. ­ It can take more than one day to see and enjoy each museum, garden and attraction.

The Visitors Center (619.239.0512) in the House of Hospitality offers a Passport to Balboa Park, allowing admission to any of the park’s museums for one week. (Keep in mind some museums are closed on Mondays.) Deluxe ­packages include passes to the neighboring San Diego Zoo. Or go high-tech and let the park’s iPhone app be your guide.

ARTS & CULTURE

Performing arts abound in the park. The Old Globe Theatre routinely presents top talent in world-renowned productions; spring features include A Room With a View (March 2-April 8), a musical adaptation of the novel that inspired the Oscar-winning film, and The Scottsboro Boys (April 29-June 10), directed by five-time Tony-winner Susan Stroman. See p. 56 for more theater listings.

Elsewhere in the park, the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre presents whimsical puppet shows, while Spreckels Organ Pavilion houses the world’s largest ­outdoor pipe organ, with some 4,500 pipes. Free concerts are offered Sundays at 2 pm.

The park is also home to groups celebrating culture. The House of Pacific Relations International Cottages promotes the heritage of countries around the world by hosting open houses and weekend festivals. Neighboring WorldBeat Center uses art, music, dance and education to celebrate African and indigenous cultures, while Centro Cultural de la Raza is a multidisciplinary center dedicated to the preservation of Chicano/Latino culture.

The park has a vast array of institutions celebrating the visual arts, past and present.

Known for its presentation of eclectic traveling exhibitions, the San Diego Museum of Art also has a trove of Renaissance and Baroque works, plus a large Asian collection; exhibitions of modern French paintings and Buddhist cave sculptures are on view this season.

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The world-class Museum of Photographic Arts showcases compelling photography and also presents films in its state-of-the-art theater. The Mingei International Museum is dedicated to folk art, craft and design from around the world, while the Timken Museum of Art is home to the Putnam Foundation’s renowned collection of European and Byzantine art, including Russian religious paintings.

The San Diego Art Institute’s Museum of the Living Artist presents exhibitions by contemporary local artists every four to six weeks, and the historic Spanish Village Art Center is a collection of 37 studios representing more than 200 artists working in media ranging from sculpture to blown glass; the charming courtyard setting is meant to evoke an Old World town square.

(OPPOSITE) BJARNE G. JENSEN EXCEPT BONOBO COURTESY SAN DIEGO ZOO; (THIS PAGE, TOP) EDWIN SANTIAGO

SCienCe & HiSTorY

Balboa Park’s many non-visual-art museums are a huge draw for children, but most distinguish themselves by crafting exhibitions that also appeal to adult sensibilities.

The San Diego Air and Space Museum salutes aviation with 68 original, reproduction and model airplanes and spacecraft.

The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center has interactive science exhibitions and an IMAX Dome theater. The country’s largest multisports museum, the San Diego Hall of Champions has interactive displays inviting sports fans to test their athletic and broadcasting skills. From antiques to hot rods, the San Diego Automotive Museum’s collection illustrates the evolution of the automobile.

The San Diego Natural History Museum’s life-sized T-Rex skeleton, fossil exhibits and 3-D theater let visitors explore the natural world. Dedicated to the study of anthropol-

The iconic Museum of Man

greAT FinD

ALL ABOARD

It’s been 100 years since the Titanic struck an iceberg and sank just five days into its maiden Transatlantic voyage. In observance of that ominous milestone, the San Diego Natural History Museum welcomes Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, which features 200 artifacts recovered from the wreckage since it was discovered in 1985, two-and-a-half miles underwater.

Visitors will receive a replica boarding pass granting them permission to “board” the White Star Line’s R.M.S. Titanic; in the galleries, the tragedy’s human stories are told through room recreations and salvaged items, including White Star china and perfume from a maker who was traveling to New York to sell his samples. 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, 877.946.7797

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for the

WHOLE

ogy, the San Diego Museum of Man explores cultures of the world, especially the Americas.

The largest of its kind, the Model Railroad Museum boasts scale models and interactive features for children. The Museum of San Diego History features traveling shows and exhibitions culled from the Historical Society’s vast collection.

At the Veteran’s Museum & Memorial Center visitors will find military uniforms from World War I, Vietnam and the Korean War, as well as maritime paintings by local artists and other displays.

The Marston House, an Arts & Crafts mansion designed in 1905 by noted architect Irving Gill, is a must for history and architecture buffs; the grounds also feature a carriage house and gardens.

ATTRACTIONS & GARDENS San Diego’s only IMAX® Dome Theater plus 100+ Hands-On Science Exhibits

(619) 238-1233 • www.rhfleet.org

SPECIAL EXHIBITION

NOW OPEN!

Open every day with free parking.

Located in beautiful Balboa Park.

The park’s major attraction is, of course, the San Diego Zoo (see p. 61), with some 4,000 rare and endangered species. Among the animal residents you’ll find the much-beloved meerkats, Asian and African elephants, monkeys, birds and more. Be sure to stop

by Panda Canyon to say hello to the newest member of the clan, Yun Zi. After visiting the zoo, try your hand at the brass ring game from your perch atop a hand-carved pony on the Balboa Park Carousel. Both kids and grown-ups are welcome on the Balboa Park Miniature Railroad, which takes a three-minute, half-mile trip through four acres of the park.

The park also features several gardens, a legacy left by its founding “mother,” botanist Kate Sessions. Complete with ornate fountains and colorful tiling, the Spanishstyle Alcazar Garden, which abuts the Art Institute and Mingei Museum, blooms with 7,000 brilliantly colored annuals. The Japanese Friendship Garden features a Zen meditation garden and bonsai exhibit, while the sunken Zoro Garden has an interesting history: It was designed as a nudist colony during the 1935 California-Pacific International Exposition but is now a habitat for monarch, sulfur and swallowtail butterflies. Also built for the Expo, the Old Cactus Garden has succulents and other exotic plants.

With some 2,100 orchids, ferns, poinsettias and other plants, the Botanical Building is among the world’s largest lath structures; along with its gorgeous Lily Pond, it’s one of the park’s most photographed sites.

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RECREATION

From hiking and jogging to tennis and bocce ball, you’ll find it in the park. The Balboa Park Activity Center has facilities for badminton, table tennis, volleyball and more, while the Balboa Park Municipal Golf Course offers striking views of downtown and Coronado.

At Texas and Upas streets, on the park’s northeast end, the Morley Field Sports Complex is a haven for disc golf fans and other sports nuts, boasting a pool, velodrome, archery range and bocce court.

Check in here for information on the many hike and bike trails through Florida Canyon, a popular workout spot for joggers.

The nearby Balboa Tennis Club is open to the public, with 25 courts and a full-service pro shop, plus lessons and clinics.

The dapper, white-clad members of the San Diego Lawn Bowling Club, which has been around for more than 75 years, play seven days a week near the corner of Sixth Ave. and Laurel St. Visitors are welcome to join the fun and receive a free lesson.

There are also a few leash-free dog parks here, including one at Balboa Drive and El Prado, south of the Cabrillo Bridge, and another at Morley Field, northwest of the tennis courts.

DINING

Several casual snack bars and coffee carts can be found throughout the park and inside certain museums. For a sit-down experience, try The Prado, whose lively, colorful interior and charming garden patio—not to mention hearty American cuisine, refreshing salads and exotic South American cocktails—have made it a longtime local favorite.

The Tea Pavilion at the Japanese Friendship Garden serves tea, noodles and sushi in a casual setting, while the Sculpture Court Café at the San Diego Museum of Art is a good bet for salads and sandwiches.

For the at-home gourmand, the Balboa Park Food & Wine School has classes in everything from fondue-making to sushi rolling taught by celebrated local chefs, plus wine education. Be sure to make reservations in advance, though, as classes tend to fill up quickly.

A map of Balboa Park is on page 70.

Museums and attractions are listed in the where guide.

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Torrey Pines Golf Course

A GUIDE TO

THE gREENS From the desert to the sea, San Diego’s got game

steele canyon golf club A perfect combination of scenery and challenge, this 27-hole course in the East County community of Jamul is the only one in San Diego designed by Gary Player. It features three distinct courses, each with four sets of tees that invite all levels of play.

Canyon Nine provides breathtaking elevations; Ranch Nine winds through fields surrounding a working ranch; and Meadow Nine stretches along the pastoral valley floor where wildlife often plays through. Steele Canyon was named one of the top 10 courses in California by Golf for Women and received Golf Digest’s four-star award. 3199 Stonefield Drive, Jamul, 619.441.6900

torrey pines golf course

maderas golf club

Site of the 2008 U.S. Open and the annual PGA tournament known as the Farmers Insurance Open, this is one of the bestknown courses in America. (Tiger Woods and local Phil Mickelson are among the greats who have played here.) The two courses have stunning ocean views from the bluffs above the Pacific, wide fairways and sloping greens. The South Course (par 72; 7,628 yards) is a bit more difficult than the North (par 72; 6,874 yards), with the seventh and 12th holes being two of the town’s toughest. 11480 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 800.985.4653

This Johnny Miller- and Robert Muir Graves–designed course is set in secluded canyons and ravines 20 minutes northeast of downtown, complemented by oaks, sycamores, creeks, lakes, waterfalls and 40 acres of native wildflowers. This 18-hole course plays to 7,115 yards from the back tees—and with five sets of tees, it can be enjoyed by golfers of all skill levels. The renowned maintenance practices of Troon Golf assure championship conditions every day of the week.

17750 Old Coach Road, Poway, 858.451.8100

ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/SPC-HQ

Talk about sand traps and water hazards. San Diego has two of the biggest: the Anza-Borrego desert and the Pacific Ocean. Coastal cliffs and desert mountains set the scene for some of the best golf in the world. More than 90 courses are open to the public, and players of all levels can take a swing at links near the city center or at par-3 courses for that quick fix. One day on the greens will be all it takes to understand why San Diego County is truly a golfer’s paradise.

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riverwalk golf club Location, location, location. This is San Diego’s most convenient and centrally ­located golf club. The 27-hole course was redesigned by Ted Robinson Sr. and Jr., and ­features nearly 100 bunkers, splashy waterfalls and well-protected bentgrass greens.

A night-lit driving range is open every day; call for times.

1150 Fashion Valley Road, San Diego, 619.296.4653

la costa resort and spa Measure your game against golfing’s elite at La Costa, the site of numerous PGA Tour events. Amid 400 acres in the coastal foothills of Carlsbad, La Costa features two 18-hole courses, a driving range, equipment rental, a prestigious Jim McLean Golf School and unique programs offered on-site by the U.S. Golf Fitness Association and the Chopra Center. The last four holes of the South Course are known as “the longest mile in golf.”

2100 Costa del Mar Road, Carlsbad, 800.854.5000

carmel mountain ranch country club Although not particularly scenic (some holes front Rancho Bernardo housing developments), it’s one of the county’s more demanding courses. Almost every hole is either uphill or down, with ravines, natural boulder formations and streams adding to the test. 14050 Carmel Ridge Road, San Diego, 858.487.9224

PARK HYATT aviara The only Arnold Palmer signature golf course in San Diego, Aviara winds through rolling valleys with ocean views. Named

by Golf Digest and Golf magazines as one of the best resort courses in America, and by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the best in the world, the resort also welcomes non-guests to play.

7447 Batiquitos Drive, Carlsbad, 760.603.6900

18-hole executive course spread over some 425 acres. Also onsite is a golf school designed exclusively for women of all ages and skill levels, taught by LPGA professionals. 3007 Dehesa Road, El Cajon, 619.442.3425

SALT CREEK GOLF CLUB Carved through the foothills of Mount Miguel, this 280-acre layout is a links design by John Cook. It features three lakes, 78 bunkers and plenty of lush wetlands. The scenic course is surrounded by a wildlife refuge—not housing developments.

Five sets of tees make it playable for all levels, measuring 6,889 yards from the back tees and 5,505 from the forward tees. 525 Hunte Parkway, Chula Vista, 619.482.4666

rancho bernardo inn Recently renovated after its original 1962 opening, this 18-hole championship course nestled into the northeastern part of San Diego County features two natural lakes, a driving range with grass or mat tees and a championship yardage of 6,631. The resort has hosted PGA and LPGA events and offers instruction and clinics by PGA pros. 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive, Rancho Bernardo, 858.675.8470

THE CROSSINGS AT CARLSBAD Located about a mile from the ocean and 30 minutes from downtown San Diego, this 18-hole championship course is the city’s newest facility. As envisioned by architect Greg Nash, the course’s design is inspired by the protected wetlands and rugged canyons surrounding it. Five bridges (or crossings) link the course, which plays par 72 over 6,835 yards. The Crossings also features a lighted practice center, golf shop, walking trails and restaurants.

5800 The Crossings Drive, Carlsbad, 760.444.1800

sail ho golf club Built by A.G. Spalding, Sail Ho is one of the oldest courses in the country, dating back to the ‘20s. Originally known as the San Diego Country Club, the 1,023-yard, nine-hole course recently received a $3.3 million face-lift. 2960 Truxton Road, Liberty Station, Point Loma, 619.222.4653

BARONA CREEK GOLF club This par-72 course over 7,088 yards has received numerous accolades since its opening in 2001. Created by Gary Roger Baird Design, the course includes more than 100 bunkers and a series of lakes and ponds. It was also the host site for the 2007 Nationwide Tour Championships. 1932 Wildcat Canyon Road, Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino, Lakeside, 619.387.7018

coronado municipal golf course If you’re able to get on this 18-hole ­championship course, you may have difficulty ­keeping your eye on the ball: From the back nine, the ­views of the Coronado Bridge and the San Diego skyline across the bay can be beautifully ­distracting.

2000 Visalia Row, Coronado, 619.435.3121

sycuan resort Set amid rugged mountains and natural rock outcroppings, Sycuan Resort is a 25-min­ute drive east from downtown San Diego. There are two 18-hole championship courses and an

golf baja Can’t get a tee time, or just craving some post-links mariscos? Head to Baja California, where the crowds are scarce, the scenery is unbeatable and the price is right. These three courses are all within an hour’s drive of the border.

Club Campestre de tijuana The 18-hole urban course at the Tijuana Country Club has an impressive pedigree: It was designed by world-class course architect Alister MacKenzie.

Agua Caliente 11311, Tijuana, B.C., 888.217.1165 real del mar This coastal resort 15 minutes south of the border features a par-72, 18-hole course set among canyons; navigating the narrow fairways can be challenging—in a good way.

KM 19.5 Tijuana-Ensenada Toll Road, Rosarito, B.C., 800.662.6180 bajamar They call this 27-hole, links-style championship course “the Pebble Beach of Baja” for its multiple cliffside holes; don’t miss Oceano No. 5, 185-yard par-three that carries over a roiling cove. KM 77.5 Tijuana-Ensenada Toll Road, Ensenada, B.C, 888.311.6076.

Y F or tee times at these and other local courses, call San Diego Golf Reservations, 866.717.6552, or Showtime Golf, 888.806.7667.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION PHOTOS BY JORDAN FRASER

 FASHION VALLEY’S NEW MAKEOVER PUTS SHOPPERS AND SUSTAINABILITY FIRST. “We recognize the importance of sustainability throughout this renovation and believe our shoppers do, too.” — Robert Doherty, Mall Manager

an Diego’s premier shopping destination just got even better. Fashion Valley, an outdoor mecca of high-end retail and dining offerings, recently completed its $15 million makeover, making an already fabulous shopping experience all the more enjoyable for locals and tourists alike. Not only do the changes benefit shoppers, but they’re better for the planet, too.

In addition to refreshing the look throughout the 1.7 million-square-foot mall—including new paving surfaces, paint colors, furnishings, lighting and way-finding signage—keeping things green was a top priority. From new water-efficient landscaping and fabric shading to keep down cooling costs, to the use of natural lighting in

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dining areas and an artistic fountain that re-circulates water, style and eco-consciousness go hand in hand at Fashion Valley.

“We recognize the importance of sustainability throughout this renovation and believe our shoppers do, too,” says Robert Doherty, mall manager. Additional bicycle racks were installed to encourage biking. More than 1,000 tons of construction material was recycled during the one-year-plus renovation process, sparing unnecessary landfill waste. Fashion Valley also used locally supplied materials as much as possible to cut down on transportation energy usage, emphasizing its commitment to leaving a light carbon footprint.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

FASHION VALLEY 

WHERE TO SHOP AND DINE

CHARLES KOLL JEWELLERS 619 298 5655 | charleskoll.com FOREVER 21 619 278 0066 | forever21.com MACY’S 619 645 3284 | macys.com ROYAL MAUI JEWELERS 619 294 8160 | royalmauijewelers.com STACKED 619 225 7900 | stacked.com TED BAKER LONDON 619 398 9800 | tedbaker.com

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SHOP UNDER THE SUN ustainability is en vogue at Fashion Valley, which makes sense given

its prime outdoor location under the San

Diego sun. With more than 200 stores and restaurants to explore, an 18-screen movie theater and incredible weather, it’s easy (and fun) to spend a leisurely day outside at the mall.

Fashion Valley offers several sophisticated brands not found anywhere else in San Diego, including major department stores like Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s, and upscale boutiques, such as Louis Vuitton, Tory Burch, Ted Baker London, Jimmy Choo, Gucci, Henri Bendel and Hermès among many more.

This unique and wide range of stores all under one open-air “roof” make Fashion Valley the region’s go-to, must-shop-at mall, attracting more than 20 million visitors annually, from across the globe. “We’ve always had incredible retail offerings, and we continue to add global brands not previously offered in San Diego or Southern

California,” says Francine Miley, director of marketing and business development at Fashion Valley.

The mall is also the exclusive home to luxury jewelry stores Tiffany & Co., Charles Koll Jewellers—the only authorized Hearts on Fire service center in San Diego—and Royal Maui Jewelers, which boasts San Diego’s first in-store Rolex boutique.

Fashion Valley features many mall favorites as well, including Nordstrom, H&M, Macy’s, Forever 21, Anthropologie, Banana Republic, Abercrombie & Fitch, A|X Armani Exchange, Express, J. Crew and more.

Fashion reigns supreme at Fashion Valley, but there are also many shopping options beyond apparel. For the latest in home décor and kitchen gadgets, shoppers can explore Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware and WilliamsSonoma. Kids can get creative at the BuildA-Bear Workshop and find new toys to play with at Gepetto’s, while sports aficionados can pick up the latest gear at Nike and technophiles can stay on top of trends at the Apple Store, Microsoft Store and Bose.

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special aDVeRTisiNG secTiON

Belted dress available at Forever 21. 619 278 0666 Mens 18k verta wedding band available at Charles Koll Jewellers.

619 298 5655

Sol y Sombra Necklace by Carrera y Carrera at Royal Maui Jewelers.

619 294 8160 Pajak wallet in yellow by Ted Baker London. 619 398 9800

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

FASHION VALLEY DINE AND RELAX OUTDOORS ew soft seating “living rooms” throughout the center provide lounge-style comfort for shoppers to rest their feet and

for visitors to sit back, relax and enjoy the fresh air. For further

outdoor relaxation and refueling, take in a meal in the newly expanded food court, which features all–new contemporary dining tables and chairs, banquette and bar seating, new landscaping and four new skylights streaming natural light. Food court restaurants range from Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill and Sarku Japan to Cafe Socrates (Mediterranean/Greek) and Stone Oven (sandwiches).

More dining options abound beyond the food court, including The Cheesecake Factory, PF Chang’s China Bistro, California

Pizza Kitchen, Boudin Sourdough Bakery & Cafe, Love Boat Sushi and Stacked, where diners order their meal via an iPad at every table, allowing them to customize their burger, pizza, salad and more as they please.

CENTRAL LOCATION etting to Fashion Valley couldn’t be more convenient, whether you’re driving or using public transit. Centrally

located near many of San Diego’s favorite attractions, the mall

is just a short drive from SeaWorld, Balboa Park, Old Town and the beach. The San Diego Trolley’s Green Line stops right there, making it easy to travel to and from other destinations throughout the city along the way.

MALL INFORMATION MALL HOURS M – Sa 10 am–9 pm Su 11 am–7 pm Restaurant, cinema, and store hours may differ from mall hours.

1/2 Page Ad January:Layout 1

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LOCATION 7007 Friars Road San Diego, CA 92108 FOR MORE INFORMATION 619 688 9113 simon.com

Finally, a restaurant that lets you really cut loose. It starts with America’s favorite foods: Burgers, pizzas, salads and sausages. Real food. Flavorful food. Then, with a wave of your hand, the best ingredients in the world come together in delicious ways only you could imagine. It’s exactly the meal you want, stacked in your flavor. Food well built!

Fashion Valley 7007 Friars Rd. San Diego, CA 92108 619-225-7900 www.stacked.com

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Fashion Valley Lower Level - Suite 1030 619.398.9800

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2/7/12 12:43 PM

KITCHEN 1540 + NEW CHEF SCOTT THOMAS DOLBEE. THERE’S A NEW ARRIVAL TO OUR KITCHEN, AND HE’S BROUGHT NEW INGREDIENTS, NEW FLAVORS, AND NEW ADVENTURES. COME SEE FOR YOURSELF.

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L’AUBERGE DEL MAR

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where

the guide SPRING 2012

ART

Under an open sky The streets of Little Italy swarm with seasoned and amateur art aficionados— upwards of 120,000 of them, to be exact—during San Diego’s annual ArtWalk, which celebrates its 28th anniversary April 28 and 29.

Called the region’s largest open-air art gallery, the juried event fills nearly 16 blocks along India Street and Kettner Boulevard with artworks that span all media and price points; featured artists include native San Diegan Jon Koehler, a former professional racecar driver who now makes kinetic sculptures like the one pictured here, ranging in size from 30 inches to 30 feet tall. Food vendors and performances by local musicians add to the festival feel. p. 56

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Dining SPOTLIGHT

American AnThologY Swank Little Italy three-story supper club with Todd Allison’s New American menu and live jazz, blues or rock music nightly. D (M-Sa). 1337 India St., Little Italy, 619.595.0300. $$ Map P15 AVenUe 5 Stylish, comfortable neighborhood eatery serves seasonal French-American cuisine within walking distance of Balboa Park museums and theaters. L (Tu-F), D (Tu-Su), Br (Su). 2760 Fifth Ave. #100, Bankers Hill, 619.542.0394. $$$ Map O16 BAnkerS hill BAr And reSTAUrAnT Mismatched antique chairs decorate this casual spot with an urban-industrial vibe. Chef Carl Schroeder’s topnotch seasonal menu includes his signature pork tacos and a great burger. D (nightly). 2202 Fourth Ave., Bankers Hill, 619.231.0222. $$ Map O16 BerTrAnd AT MiSTer A’S Incredible 12th-floor views complemented by fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Appetizers range from mac ‘n’ cheese to pan-seared scallops, augmented by an outstanding wine list. L (M–F), D (nightly). 2550 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill, 619.239.1377. $$$ Map O16

Fresh catch

Upscale La Jolla seafood haven Eddie V’s is 9,200 square feet of luxury, complete with fire pits and live music in the indoor/outdoor lounge and a dining room with 200-degree views of the Pacific. But the food is as much a reason to visit as the view. With a few exceptions, the entire menu is given over to seafood, and the kitchen has a special devotion to Jonah crab, an Atlantic coast crab similar to Dungeness.

The light, crisp jumbo lump crabcake is probably the finest in town: simultaneously sweet, meaty, crunchy, mild and crabby. There’s also a Prime 22-ounce bone-in rib-eye, top-notch sides and desserts including Bananas Foster and a molten Godiva chocolate cake. 1270 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.459.5500

BroCkTon VillA An 1894 cottage with spectacular ocean view. Try the Coast Toast, a French toast soufflé from the breakfast menu. B, L, D (daily). 1235 Coast Blvd., La Jolla, 858.454.7393. $$ Map W19 CrAFT + CoMMerCe Gastropub-inspired food like roasted bone marrow, fried pickles and bacon cracker jacks, plus handcrafted cocktails, local beers and a lively, social bar atmosphere. L, D (daily), Br (Sa-Su). 675 W. Beech St., Little Italy, 619.269.2202. $$ Map W22 CroCe’S reSTAUrAnT & JAZZ BAr Awardwinning cuisine includes seafood, pasta, poultry, lamb and beef. Run by musician Jim Croce’s widow, Ingrid, the downtown venue pays tribute to its namesake with live music nightly. B, L (Sa-Su); D (nightly). 802 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.233.4355. $$$ Map Q16 diCk’S lAST reSorT Buckets of ribs, catfish and crab legs served by a purposefully irreverent waitstaff, plus 66 beers and live music nightly (Th-Sa). L, D (daily). 345 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.231.9100. $$ Map Q16 ginghAM Celebri-chef Brian Malarky’s new “urban cowboy” diner is a twist on classic BBQ: slow-roasted meats, ribs and fried chicken. Craft cocktails and local beers, too. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Su). 8384 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, 619.797.1922. $$ Map E4 hoUSe oF BlUeS Dan Aykroyd’s nightclub/restaurant features live music nightly in the basement venue and Southern cuisine (voodoo shrimp, rosemary cornbread, baby-back ribs) in the upstairs restaurant. Sidewalk café dining. L (M-F), D (nightly). 1055 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.299.2583. $$ Map Q16 JiMMY’S FAMoUS AMeriCAn TAVern Spicy California cheeseburgers and specialty cocktails served in a fun, casual bayside venue; outdoor patio offers great marina views. L, D (daily); Br (Su). 4990 N. Harbor Drive, Point Loma, 619.226.2103. $$ Map K9

Guidelines

Restaurants are listed by city on page 55. Map locators at the end of each listing (Map A3; Map H10, etc.) refer to maps on pages 68–71. Compendium includes editors’ recommendations and advertisers.

Index American ..............................44 Breakfast ...............................44 Brewpubs..............................46 California Cuisine ...............47 Chinese..................................48 Desserts ................................48 Eclectic/Fusion...................48 French ....................................48

International ........................48 Italian ...................................... 49 Japanese .................................51 Mexican/Southwestern ...51 Seafood ...............................52 Steak.....................................53 Thai ...................................... 54 Wine Bars .......................... 54

qUAliTY SoCiAl Billed as “a bar, with food,” this dive-bar-gone-upscale features booze-friendly eats like pork belly BLT and beet-and-burrata salad. D (TuSu), Br (Sa-Su). 789 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.501.7675. $$ Map Q16 red lighT diSTriCT Indulge in Chef Jason Maitland’s bacon-fat mac ‘n’ cheese or cast-iron baked escargot at the Gaslamp’s brand-new dining room and social house. L, D (daily). 409 F St., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.255.2800. $$$ Map Q16 r gAng eATerY Top Chef alum Rich Sweeney runs this colorful, clubhouse-like comfort-food spot with a lively open-air patio. Favorites include smoked gouda mac ‘n’ cheese, portobello fries and tater tots. L (TuTh), D (Tu-Su), Br (F-Su). 3683 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest, 619.677.2845. $$ Map N16 SAlTBoX Hip gastrolounge features entrées made from farm-fresh ingredients and retro-inspired craft cocktails. B, D (daily), L (M-F), Br (Sa-Su). 1047 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.515.3003. $$ Map Q16 SeArSUCker At this always-hopping Gaslamp hotspot, Top Chef finalist Brian Malarkey crafts a bold, flavorful menu that ranges from a mammoth 32-oz. rib eye to mini appetizer bites. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Su). 611 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.233.7327. $$$ Map Q16 SolACe & The MoonlighT loUnge Chef Matt Gordon of Urban Solace expands his upscale-comfortfood empire to North County, this time with an emphasis on seafood. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 25 East E St., Encinitas, 760.753.2433. $$$ Map W22 UrBAn SolACe Neighborhood joint features updated New American comfort cuisine and an intriguing wine, craft beer and cocktail list. Locals love the warm cheese biscuits and Sunday bluegrass brunch. L, D (daily); Br (Su). 3823 30th St., North Park, 619.295.6464. $$ Map N17

Breakfast

The lion’S ShAre Unpretentious lounge boasts craft cocktails and game meats (antelope sliders, boar ribs) plus whole fish, pasta and more. D (nightly). 629 Kettner Blvd., downtown, 619.564.6924. $$ Map Q15

BeACh grASS CAFe A breezy and casually chic eatery by the beach serves up a health-conscious menu of granola, flapjacks, salads and more. B, L (daily). 159 S. Highway 101, Solana Beach, 858.748.7770. $$ Map X22

oCeAn hoUSe oF CArlSBAd VillAge Lovely spot in a Victorian mansion comes alive nightly with live entertainment and outside dining. Serving seafood, steak and pasta. L, D (daily); Br (Su). 300 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad, 760.729.4131. $$ Map T22

BriAn’S 24 Old-school clubby spot features a mahogany bar, crystal chandelier and 24-hour dining (midnight brunch, anyone?). Burgers, steaks, pasta and chicken and waffles, too. B, L, D (daily). 828 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.702.8410. $$ Map Q16

For a postprandial sweet treat, locals love the classic romance of Extraordinary Desserts; for a hip, modern vibe, head to E.D.’s second location in Little Italy. p. 48

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Dining CAFÉ 222 Locals line up in droves for Cafe 222’s quirky American cuisine and whimsical décor. Popular menu items include the peanut butter waffle with bananas at breakfast; tuna melts, salads and more at lunch. B, L (daily). 222 Island Ave., downtown, 619.236.9902. $ Map R15 The Cottage Housed in a charming turn-of-thecentury home complete with garden patio, the Cottage is hugely ­popular for breakfast (don’t miss the coffee cake). Sammies and burgers at lunch. B, L (daily). 7702 Fay Ave., La Jolla, 858.454.8409. $$ Map W19 HASH HOUSE A GO GO Huge portions of “twisted farm food” that will make your eyes bulge: egg scrambles and more arrive on massive platters, speared with a giant rosemary branch. Expect a long wait at weekend brunch. B, L (daily); D (Tu-Su). 3628 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest, 619.298.4646. $$ Map N16 The Mission This super-popular mini-chain of vegetarian-friendly spots is known for pancakes, French toast, smoothies, breakfast burritos, baked goods and eclectic food. B, L (daily). 3795 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach, 858.488.9060, Map I7; 2801 University Ave., North Park, 619.220.8992, Map N17; 1250 J St., East Village, 619.232.7662. $ Map Q17 richard walker’s pancake house Popular downtown spot with a huge selection of mouth-watering flapjacks and other breakfast and lunch fare. Favorites include the baked apple pancake. B, L (daily). 520 Front St., downtown, 619.231.7777. $ Map Q15 SNOOZE, an a.m. EATERY Bright, energetic breakfast joint features breakfast faves like eggs Benedict, pancakes, breakfast cocktails and more. B, L (daily). 3940 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest, 619.500.3344. $$ Map N16

Brewpubs Blind Lady Ale House This bicyclist-friendly uptown spot is a local favorite thanks to its gourmet pizzas, handcrafted organic salads and vast beer selection. There’s even a mini-brewery in the back. L (SaSu), D (Tu-Su). 3416 Adams Ave., Normal Heights, 619.255.2491. $$ Map I12 CORONADO BREWING COMPANY Fresh from the local microbrewery, the diverse beer selection complements the steaks, seafood, pizzas and pastas in this casual family environment. L, D (daily). 170 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.437.4452. $$ Map L11 Pizza Port A huge hit with locals, Pizza Port’s three locations deliver quirkily named pies, award-winning private-label beers and a fun, family-friendly environment just blocks from the beach. L, D (daily). 135 N. Highway 101, Solana Beach, 858.481.7332, Map X22; 571 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, 760.720.7007, Map T22; 1956 Bacon St., Ocean Beach, 619.224.4700. $$ Map W22 San diego Beer Company Downtown brewery and sports bar also has eats like seared ahi, woodfired pizzas and numerous finger appetizers to share.

L,D (daily). 602 Broadway, Gaslamp, 619.398.0707. $$ Map Q16 Stone Brewing Company Home of Arrogant Bastard Ale, Stone’s massive brewery comes complete with scenic gardens and a restaurant serving eclectic, beer-friendly food inspired by cuisines of the world, like wild boar ribs and duck tacos. L, D (daily). 1999 Citricado Parkway, Escondido, 760.471.4999. $$$ Map C3 yard house World’s largest selection of draft beer with American fusion cuisine including orange-peel chicken and pan-seared ahi. Extensive ­children’s menu, late-night dining, 152 beers on tap. L, D (daily). 1023 Fourth Ave., downtown, 619.233.9273. $$ Map P16

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Dining California Cuisine 1500 OCEAN Housemade pastas and adventurous starters with bold, inventive flavors define this specialoccasion spot on Coronado, complete with intimate ocean-view terrace, beach cabanas and a wine cellar. D (Tu-Sa). Hotel del Coronado,1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.522.8490. $$$$ Map L10 A.R. VALENTIEN Named for an Impressionist painter whose canvases adorn the walls of this Craftsman-style structure, this celebrated spot features seasonal ingredients fresh from the farm, with Chef Jeff Jackson at the helm. B (Sa-Su); L, D (daily). 11480 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 858.777.6635. $$$ Map S19 Arterra A favorite power-lunch spot, Arterra’s seasonal menu makes good use of locally sourced ingredients in dishes like braised beef short ribs. Sushi bar and outdoor lounge with fire pits and cabanas, too. B (daily), L (M–F), D (M–Sa). Mariott Del Mar, 11966 El Camino Real, Del Mar, 858.369.6032. $$$ Map X22 bluefire grill La Costa Resort’s stylish destination dining spot serves coastal delicacies and seasonal vegetables. Elegant setting with indoor waterfall and outdoor fire pits. D (Tu-S). 2100 Costa del Mar Road, ­Carlsbad, 760.929.6346. $$$ Map T22 Dobson’s Power-lunch spot has great California cuisine with a touch of Italian, French, Spanish and Asian, plus seafood ­specialties, including to-die-for mussel bisque with puffed pastry. L (M–F), D (M–Sa). 956 Broadway Circle, downtown, 619.231.6771. $$$ Map Q15 flavor del mar Contemporary California coastal cuisine in an airy, ocean-view space. L (W-F), D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, 858.755.3663. $$$ Map X22 George’s AT THE COVE La Jolla institution comprises three levels (from elegant to casual), all with picture-perfect views. Award-winning Chef Trey Foshee creates fresh seafood, steak and regional cuisine. L, D (daily). 1250 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.454.4244. $$$$ Map W19 Grant grill Chef Mark Kropczynski creates dishes with ingredients native to the region—jumbo diver scallops are a signature dish—while Jeff Josenhans crafts mixology magic behind the bar, all inside the historic U.S. Grant Hotel. B, L, D (daily). 326 Broadway, downtown, 619.744.2077. $$$$ Map Q16 JSIX Modern restaurant in Hotel Solamar features seasonal foods inspired by the coastline and area farms, lots of handcrafted elements and wines from Washington to Baja. B, L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 616 J St., Gaslamp, 619.531.8744. $$$ Map Q16 JRDN Hip restaurant at Tower 23 Hotel has steak and seafood dishes, as well as a full raw bar. Patio offers boardwalk and ocean views and great people-watching.

L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 723 Felspar St., Pacific Beach, 858.270.5736. $$$ Map H7 kitchen 1540 Farm-to-table is the concept at this sustainability-minded eatery at L’Auberge Del Mar hotel, featuring cured meats, gourmet cheeses, seafood and pasta dishes and more. B, L, D (daily); Br (Su). 1540 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, 858.793.6460. $$$ Map X22 THE LINKERY Named one of the best farm-to-table restaurants in the U.S. for its near-exclusive use of local, seasonal ingredients, the Linkery makes nearly everything in-house, including its gourmet sausages.

L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 3794 30th St., North Park, 619.255.8778. $$ Map J12 MARKET RESTAURANT + BAR Chef Carl Schroeder crafts modern cuisine using local produce, handmade cheeses and locally raised meat. Highlights include the

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Dining WANG’S NORTH PARK A former JC Penney’s becomes a sophisticated restaurant and lounge with a wide-ranging menu of Asian dishes and creative cocktails. D (nightly). 3029 University Ave., North Park, 619.291.7500. $$ Map N18

Desserts CUPS Retro-styled organic cupcake lounge features vegan and gluten-free options plus cheekily named standards like the Elvis (chocolate cake with banana cream filling and peanut buttercream). Open daily.

7857 Girard Ave., La Jolla, 858.459.2877. $ Map W19

Stone Brewing Co., p. 46 blue cheese souffle, market veggie tasting and desserts like Meyer lemon-cream crepes. D (nightly). 3702 Via de la Valle, Del Mar, 858.523.0007. $$$ Map X22 MISTRAL Acclaimed Chef Patrick Ponsaty makes unique French/Italian dishes using farm-fresh ingredients and herbs grown in the hotel’s on-site garden. D (Tu-Sa). 4000 Coronado Bay Road, Loews Coronado Bay Resort, Coronado, 619.424.4000. $$$ Map L11 NINE-TEN Award-winning Chef Jason Knibb creates evolving California cuisine from local, organic ingredients. The Jamaican jerk pork belly appetizer and the braised short rib entrée are highlights. B, L, D (daily). Grande Colonial Hotel, 910 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.964.5400. $$ Map V19 Sky Room Elegant dining room features contemporary California cuisine atop a classic hotel with fantastic scenic views. More than 1,000 wines to choose from. D (W-Su). 1132 Prospect St., La Valencia Hotel, La Jolla, 858.454.0771. $$$$ Map W19 STARLITE Dazzling design complements sustainably farmed food and boutique cocktails at this ultra-hip restaurant/bar. Don’t miss the burger on brioche and the signature Starlite Mule. D (nightly), Br (Su). 21+. 3175 India St., Midtown, 619.358.9766. $$$ Map O15 whisknladle Chef Ryan Johnson uses local organic ingredients in back-to-basics dishes like roasted bone marrow and chorizo-date fritters. Outdoor patio great for people-watching. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 1044 Wall St., La Jolla, 858.551.7575. $$ Map W19

Chinese DEL MAR RENDEZVOUS Upscale Chinese bistro featuring entrées like Mongolian rack of lamb and steak Shangri-La, plus handmade dumplings and sauces made in-house. L (M-Sa), D (nightly). 1555 Camino del Mar #102, Del Mar, 858.755.2669. $$ Map X22 JASMINE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Popular for dim sum, this casual spot also serves authentic Hong Kong-style seafood, duck and barbecue entrées at dinner. L, D (daily). 4609 Convoy St., Kearny Mesa, 858.268.0888. $$ Map G1 Panda inn A rare sit-down spot at Horton Plaza mall serving Mandarin-style dishes like tea-smoked duck and Phoenix chicken; finish with white-chocolatecovered fortune cookies. L (M-F), D (daily). 506 Horton Plaza, downtown, 619.233.7800. $$ Map Q16 RED PEARL KITCHEN Pan-Asian cuisine served in a hip, contemporary bar setting decked out with dark lacquered tones contrasted with vibrant colors and textures. Favorite dishes include hearts of palm salad, spicy tuna tartare, crispy tofu and Alaskan halibut. D (nightly).

440 J St., Gaslamp, 619.231.1100. $$ Map R16

EXTRAORDINARY DES­SERTS Topped with edible flowers and gold flakes, Karen Krasne’s stunning tarts, cakes and other treats are truly extraordinary.

A must-try. Open daily. 1430 Union St., Little Italy, 619.294.7001, Map P16; 2929 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest, 619.294.2132. $$ Map O16 GHIRARDELLI SODA FOUNTAIN A staple in the Gaslamp, this old-timey soda shop serves up rich sundaes, shakes and malts that will take you back to childhood. Open daily. 643 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.234.2449. $ Map Q16 heavenly cupcake Sweets boutique rotates flavors daily, from banana to mocha chip to red velvet. 518 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.235.9235 $ Map Q16 MICHELE COULON DESSERTIER A longtime favorite among La Jolla locals, Coulon whips up tortes, homemade jams, breads and quiches using local organic products. (M-Sa). 7556-D Fay Ave., La Jolla, 858.456.5098. $ Map W19

Eclectic/Fusion Bali hai Tiki oasis has a Polynesian menu by Chef Chris Powell, featuring Hawaiian-style blackened ahi tuna and wok-fried whole striped bass, plus fabulous bay views. L (M-Sa), D (nightly), Br (Su). 2230 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island, 619.222.1181. $$$ Map K9 BISTRO D’ASIA Innovative blend of flavors from Beijing, Bangkok and Saigon in dishes like whole Peking duck and “dancing” scallops. Sushi, too: the citrus spicy scallop roll is a happy-hour staple. L, D (daily). 1301 Orange Ave., ­Coronado, 619.437.6677. $$ Map L10 burlap This “Asian cowboy” eatery’s tagline is “Where the West Eats Meat.” Bold flavors and even bolder décor from Thomas Schoos define this hoppin’ spot from celebri-Chef Brian Malarkey. L, D (daily); Br (Su). 12995 El Camino Real #21, Del Mar, 858.369.5700. $$$ Map X22 INDIGO GRILL Award-winning Chef Deborah Scott explores her love of the spicy and sweet in her twist on Southwestern cuisine. Try her famous Indian corn pudding; Jiffy cornbread mix never tasted so decadent. D (nightly), Br (Su). 1536 India St., Little Italy, 619.234.6802. $$ Map P15 Roppongi Cutting-edge eatery with spectacular décor, including a wall-sized aquarium and outdoor fireplace. Chef Stephen Window’s list of Pacific Rim–style tapas is as extensive as it is excellent.

L, D (daily). 875 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.551.5252. $$$ Map W19

El Bizcocho Chef Nicolas Bour creates updated elegant classics with a molecular twist, accompanied by a 1,600-label wine list. It’s a fine-dining atmosphere, so be sure to dress the part. D (T–Sa), Br (Su). Rancho Bernardo Inn, 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive, Rancho Bernardo, 858.675.8550. $$$$ Map C3 CAFé CHLOE Locals’-fave offers afternoon “urban tea” (booking required) and bistro cuisine like smoked trout salad, cheese plates and moules frites in a casually elegant setting, complete with patio. B, D (daily). 721 Ninth Ave., East Village, 619.232.3242. $$ Map Q17 Chez Loma Classic romantic dining in a historic Victorian house. Continental/Nouvelle French cuisine with seafood specialties like roasted salmon fillet with a horseradish crust. D (Tu-Su). 1132 Loma Ave., Coronado, 619.435.0661. $$$ Map L10 FARM HOUSE CAFÉ At this popular neighborhood spot, Chef Olivier Bioteau serves up rustic French cuisine (like pain perdu with lavender honey) in a cozy and casual setting; tiny patio, too. D (Tu-Su); Br (Su). 2121 Adams Ave., University Heights, 619.269.9662. $$$ Map I12 Marine Room Outstanding nouveau French ­food like macadamia-pesto-crusted salmon and artisan cheeses

by Chef Bernard Guillas in an unparalleled oceanfront location (at high tide, waves can reach the windows!). D (nightly). 2000 Spindrift Drive, La Jolla, 858.459.7222. $$$$ Map W20 Mille Fleurs This über-romantic restaurant is a classic date spot in remote, exclusive Rancho Santa Fe. The cuisine is creative, updated French/California (think: escargot and whole dover sole meunière). L (T–F), D (nightly). 6009 Paseo ­Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, 858.756.3085. $$$$ Map W23 Pamplemousse Grille Former New York Chef ­Jeffrey Strauss brings an imaginative flair to his ­country French– influenced American menu in a quirky, casually elegant setting near the racetrack. L (F), D (nightly). 514 Via de la Valle, Solana Beach, 858.792.9090. $$$ Map W22 Tapenade Chef Jean-Michel Diot’s traditional preparations incorporate Mediterranean ­flavors from regions beyond France. Decadent and savory desserts as well as vegetarian options. L (T–F), D (nightly). 7612 Fay Ave., La Jolla, 858.551.7500. $$$ Map W19 Vincent’s Locals’ favorite is a great start to an evening of entertainment at nearby California Center for the Arts. Creative update of classic French cuisine. L (T–F), D (T–Sa). 113 W. Grand Ave., Escondido, 760.745.3835. $$ Map C3 VINTAGE BISTRO French comfort food prepared with California-style touches and fine wines in a quaint and intimate bistro setting. L (T–S), D (Tu-S). 2961 State St., Carlsbad, 760.729.7097. $$ Map T22

International alchemy Comfort food with an international twist, using regional ingredients in a low-key (but often noisy) neighborhood spot. Bacon-infused vodka in the Hail Mary is a brunch highlight. D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 1503 30th St., South Park, 619.255.0616. $$ Map K12

French

bayu’s authentic ethiopian cuisine Find spiced meats, hearty vegetable dishes, injera bread and a popular lunch buffet at this vegetarian-friendly spot in Hillcrest. L, D (daily). 530 University Ave., Hillcrest, 619.269.6142. $$ Map N16

ADDISON Chef William Bradley creates deliriously tasty, elegant dishes from local ingredients with French influences at this ultra-fine restaurant at the Grand Del Mar. D (Tu-Sa). 5200 Grand Del Mar Way, Del Mar, 858.314.1900. $$$$ Map X22

Berta’s Latin American Latin American specialties can be sampled via generously apportioned tapas in this little Old Town cottage. Entrées like Brazilian vatapá should not be missed. L, D (T–Su). 3928 Twiggs St., Old Town, 619.295.2343. $$ Map N13

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Dining Cafe Sevilla Recently reopened in a new Gaslamp location, Sevilla still serves up the same Spanish tapas, seafood specialties, flamenco and salsa lessons that have made it a longtime local favorite. D (nightly). 353 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.233.5979 $$ Map R16 ChopaHn Enjoy authentic Afghan cuisine including Aushak (steamed dumpling filled with leek and onion) and an array of California wines in a serene setting just off the Gaslamp’s crowded main drag. D (nightly). 750 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.236.9236. $$$ Map R16 COSTA BRAVA Coastal eatery serves Spain’s greatest hits, from jamón iberico to paella to tapas—and don’t forget the sangria. Live music offered throughout the week. L, D (daily). 1653 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach, 858.273.1218. $$ Map H8 mediterranean room Chef Lance Repp’s menu features flavors from across the Mediterranean, including North Africa and Turkey, in dishes like lemon roasted chicken and confit of Moroccan-spiced duck. B, L, D (daily); Br (Su). La Valencia Hotel, 1132 Prospect Ave., La Jolla, 858.551.3765. $$$ Map W19 monsoon Authentic Northern Indian cuisine in sophisticated environment. Bounteous lunch buffet; entrées include Bangalore masala and lamb curry. Signature cocktails and wines by the glass. L, D (daily). 729 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.234.5555. $$ Map Q16 The Prado The Prado’s dramatic garden patio is the perfect setting for a drink or a bite after a long day of sightseeing in Balboa Park. The eclectic American menu is spiked with Latin/Italian flair. L (daily), D (Tu-Su). 1549 El Prado, House of Hospitality, Balboa Park, 619.557.9441. $$ Map O17 el q’ero A rare Peruvian restaurant in North County, featuring regional classics such as lomo saltado and the signature beverage, chicha morada, made from purple corn. L (Tu-Sa), D (M-Sa). 564 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 760.753.9050. $$ Map V22 REI DO GADO Brazilian-style steakhouse serves succulent mesquite-cooked beef and pork, brought tableside on skewers until you tell them to stop. L, D (daily).

939 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.702.8464. $$ Map Q16 royal india Palatial Gaslamp spot features Northern Indian specialties, bountiful vegetarian options and 30+ different curries. Buffet L (daily), D (nightly). 329 Market St., Gaslamp, 619.269.9999. $$ Map R16

Italian acqua al 2 Sister restaurant to a like-named ­establishment in Florence, Italy, this spot (a Padres player favorite) serves fresh Tuscan fare in a ­stylish setting. Pastas, steaks and sandwiches for lunch. L (M–F), D (nightly). 322 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.230.0382. $$ Map Q16 ARRIVEDERCI Charming restaurant with sidewalk seating draws loads of locals for its gnocchi with pesto cream and sun-dried tomato sauce. Sandwiches, pizzas and wines also available. L, D (daily). 3845 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest, 619.299.6282. $$ Map N16 ASTI Northern Italian with a bistro feel, fresh seafood and steak specialties. Bustling patio dining area makes for great people-watching. L, D (daily). 728 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.232.8844. $$ Map Q16 BeNCOTTO Italian for “well-cooked,” this slick, airy new spot in the modern Q Building earns raves for simple but well-executed create-your-own pasta dishes and other Italian specialities. L, D (Tu-Su). 750 W. Fir St., Little Italy, 619.450.4786. $$ Map P15 Bice Milanese authenticity from Chef Mario Cassineri in the heart of downtown; don’t miss the cheese and salumi bar. Great cocktails, too. D (nightly). 425 Island Ave., Gaslamp, 619.239.BICE. $$$ Map Q16

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Dining Buca di Beppo Family-style platters of ravioli al pomodoro or spaghetti and meatballs served up in a kitschy and friendly atmosphere. L, D (daily). 705 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.233.7272. $$ Map Q16 Cucina urbana Crowded, chic neighborhood hotspot features housemade pastas, oven-baked pizzas and more Italian farm-to-table cuisine. Wash it down with a sophisticated cocktail or a selection from the onsite retail wine shop. L (Tu-F), D (nightly). 505 Laurel St., Bankers Hill, 619.239.2222. $$ Map O16

NOW SERVING SUNDAY BRUNCH

DAVANTI ENOTECA Lively newcomer serves rustic Italian share plates like mascarpone polenta, plus pasta, pizza and salumi. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 1655 India St., Little Italy, 619.237.9606. $$ Map P15

CRAFT COCKTAILS LATE NITE EATS LOCAL FOOD

Il Fornaio Authentic Italian recipes including excellent pasta, pizza and regional specialties paired with handmade breads. Coronado location has great bay views. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 1555 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, 858.755.8876, Map X22; 1333 First St., Coronado, 619.437.4911. $$ Map L10 jACK & GIULIO’S Known for its scampi and its spaghetti and meatballs, this Old Town Italian spot is a local favorite. Excellent wines for pairing. D (nightly). 2391 San Diego Ave., Old Town, 619.294.2074. $$ Map N14 La Villa Chic Little Italy newcomer with lively patio brings a farm-to-table sensibility to the neighborhood.

Signature dishes include crispy-skin Scottish salmon with braised escarole and parsnip purée. L, D (daily). 1644 India St, Little Italy, 619.255.5544. $$$ Map P16 THE OLD SPAGHETTI FACTORY Italian comfort food served in a historic building with upstairs billiard room and loft bar. Family-friendly with large portions. L, D (daily). 275 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.233.4323. $$ Map R16 Old Venice Local favorite boasts easy-going, candlelit atmosphere and Italian cuisine with Mediterranean flavors. Enjoy dishes like the spicy Roma shrimp and veal picatta. L (M–Sa), D (nightly). 2910 Cañon St., Point Loma, 619.222.5888. $$ Map K8 Osteria Panevino Colorful ceramics and marble set the Italian feel for authentic Tuscan cuisine in a classic sidewalk café style; pair your pasta with a domestic or Italian wine. L, D (daily). 722 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.595.7959. $$ Map Q16 Piatti Delicious pastas (ravioli al limone) and other Italian faves near the ocean in La Jolla Shores.

The setting is elegant yet family-friendly, with a quaint outdoor patio. L, D (daily); Br (Sa–Su). 2182 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla, 858.454.1589. $$ Map V20 Trattoria Fantastica Popular eatery serving Sicilian fare in a casual setting, with a charming patio in the back. Specialties include wood-fired pizza and red wine osso bucco. B, L, D (daily). 1735 India St., Little Italy, 619.234.1735. $$ Map P15 TRATTORIA I TRULLI Superb pasta and sauces in a rustic setting with more than 100 wines to choose from.

The créme brûlée shouldn’t be missed. L, D (daily). 830 #100 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 760.943.6800. $$ Map V22 Vivace Marvelous Northern Italian cuisine with a California twist made fresh using only organic ingredients at this gorgeous restaurant at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort. D (M-Sa). 7100 Four ­Seasons Point, Carlsbad, 760.603.6999. $$$ Map U22 Vigilucci’s ristorante Italian favorites plus Prime steaks, fresh seafood and savory veal, coupled with elegant décor, cozy piano bar and ocean views. L, D (daily). 1300 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.522.0946, Map L10; 2943 State St., Carlsbad, 760.434.2500, Map T22; 505 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 760.942.7332. $$$ Map V22

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Dining Japanese Cafe Japengo Bustling atmosphere attracts a hip after-work crowd to this upscale spot specializing in ­artistic sushi and cocktails. L (M–F), D (nightly). 8960 University Center Lane, La Jolla/Golden Triangle, 858.450.3355. $$ Map T21 HARNEY SUSHI Find award-winning sushi with a molecular gastronomy twist at this groovy local minichain, where live DJs spin nightly. L (M-F), D (nightly). 3964 Harney St., Old Town, 619.295.3272, Map J10; 301 Mission Ave., Oceanside, 760.967.1820. $$ Map S22 KATSUYA Master Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi’s menu features unique rolls, sashimi platters and signature dishes like yellowtail with jalapeño and miso-marinated black cod. D (nightly). 600 F St., downtown, 619.814.2000. $$$ Nobu After conquering L.A., New York, Miami, London and Vegas, celeb Chef Nobu Matsuhisa brings his brand to the Hard Rock Hotel. The miso black cod is a house specialty. D (nightly). 207 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.814.4124. $$$ Map Q16 RA SUSHI A hip sushi bar that also features a creative menu of Japanese fusion dishes. Lively bar has Asianthemed cocktails and flat-screen TVs. L, D (daily). 474 Broadway, ­downtown, 619.321.0021. $$ Map Q16 Sushi on the Rock This raucous sushi bar is ideal for the fun-seeker who appreciates rock music and a high energy atmosphere with creative rolls and fresh catch. L, D (daily). 1025 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.459.3208. $$ Map W19 Taka Hip, upscale sushi bar with inventive Asian fusion dishes like miso black cod and oysters dynamite on and off the menu. D (nightly). 555 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.338.0555. $$ Map Q16 UNDERBELLY Build your own elevated noodle creation from toppings like bacon-wrapped mushrooms and kimchi octopus at this hip, casual ramen bar. L, D (daily). 750 Fir St., Little Italy, 619.269.4626. $ Map P15 zenbu Innovative sushi rolls and sashimi crafted from line-caught fish brought in by the owner’s personal fleet of fishing boats. Ask the staff about special offthe-menu rolls. D (nightly). 7660 Fay Ave., La Jolla, 858.454.4540, Map W19; 2003 San Elijo Ave., Cardiff, 760.633.2223. $$$ Map W22

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Mexican/Southwestern El Agave No mere burrito factory, this is upscale Mexico City-style cuisine in exotic dishes like cuitlacoche tlacoyo on blue corn tortillas. There are also some 2,000 tequilas available to sample. L, D (daily). 2304 San Diego Ave., Old Town, 619.220.0692. $$ Map M14 ALFONSO’S A La Jolla institution since 1971, Alfonso’s prime location offers great people-watching from the sidewalk terrace. Family recipes include carne asada Alfonso. L, D (daily). 1251 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.454.2232. $$ Map V19

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cafe coyote South-of-the-border classics in a lively setting right in the center of Old Town. Choose from more than 100 tequilas in your margarita to wash down an order of enchiladas suizas. B, L, D (daily). 2461 San Diego Ave., Old Town, 619.291.4695. $$ Map M14

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Candelas Find tequila prawns flambé over ahi tuna (but no burritos) at this romantic nouvelle ­Mexican spot with breathtaking views of San Diego’s skyline. D (nightly) at both locations; additional Br (Su), L (M-F) in Coronado only. 416 Third Ave., downtown, 619.702.4455, Map R16; 1201 First St. #115, Coronado, 619.435.4900. $$$ Map L10

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Dining CASA gUAdAlAJArA Talavera tiles, folk art, a garden patio and a 200-year-old pepper tree define the setting; cuisine includes regional dishes like chicken and mango quesadilla and tequila-lime shrimp. L, D (daily). 4105 Taylor St., Old Town, 619.295.5111. $$ Map N13 lA FieSTA California-style Mexican dishes like lobster quesadilla and Mazatlan shrimp in a casual, colorful, centrally located setting. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 628 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.232.4242. $$ Map Q16 en FUego A Mexican restaurant with a lively bar scene, En Fuego specializes in traditional Mexican food like empanadas, tamales and seafood specialties such as mango salsa tilapia. Sip on specialty mojitos and margaritas of all flavors. L, D (daily). 1342 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, 858.792.6551. $$ Map X22 MigUel’S CoCinA This family-owned restaurant chain dates back to 1982. Each location has its own breezy vibe, but all serve Miguel’s seriously addictive queso dip. L, D (daily); Br (Su, also Sa on Coronado). 2912 Shelter Island Drive, 619.224.2401, Map K9; 1351 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.437.4237, Map L10; 2444 San Diego Ave., Old Town, 619.298.9840, $$ Map N13 old Town MeXiCAn CAFe This Old Town staple is famous for its handmade tortillas, which you can see being made fresh daily through the restaurant’s front window. A festive atmosphere awaits inside. B, L, D (daily). 2489 San Diego Ave., Old Town, 619.297.4330. $ Map N13 el TAke iT eASY No burritos at this cool, urban Tijuana-inspired “gastrocantina.” Instead try the house-cured country ham or rabbit cazuela. World-class craft beers and boutique wines, too. D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 3926 30th St., North Park. 619.291.1859. $$ Map J12

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el ViTrAl Serving creative, authentic Mexican fare, signature margaritas (try the Cuco-Yaya) and more than 250 tequilas in an airy converted warehouse space near the ballpark. Br (Sa-Su); D (nightly). 815 J St., East Village, 619.236.9420. $$$ Map R16

Seafood AnThonY’S FiSh groTTo Bayside restaurant has served up fresh catches, fish ‘n’ chips and Mama’s famous clam chowders for 60 years running. And you can’t argue with those bay views. L (M-Sa), D (nightly), Br (Su). 1360 N. Harbor Drive, Embarcadero, 619.232.5103. $$$ Map Q15 BAleen Paradise Point Resort’s signature restaurant serves upscale seafood and “land-food” with stellar bay views in an island-inspired and family-friendly environment. D (Tu-Su). 1404 W. Vacation Road, Mission Bay, 858.490.6363. $$$ Map I8 BlUe poinT CoASTAl CUiSine California-style seafood and fresh oysters plus blue crab and white truffle mac ‘n’ cheese. Hip martini bar and decadent desserts, too. D (nightly). 565 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.233.6623. $$$$ Map Q16 The BrigAnTine Popular chain with a rollicking happy hour, steaks and chops is known for its fish tacos, swordfish and oyster bars. L (daily), D (nightly), Br (Su at Del Mar and Coronado). 2725 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island, 619.224.2871, Map K8; 3263 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, 858.481.1166, Map X22; 1333 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.435.4166. $$ Map L10 CoronAdo BoAThoUSe 1887 Prime rib and fish specialties like macadamia-crusted halibut in a historic structure on the waterfront. D (nightly). 1701 Strand Way, Coronado, 619.435.0155. $$ Map L10 donoVAn’S priMe SeAFood Popular steakhouse chain makes a splash with this chef-driven seafood venture in prime Gaslamp location. D (M-Sa). 333 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.906.4850. $$$ Map R16

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Dining

SPECTACULAR WATERFRONT DINING Enjoy breathtaking breathtaking views views Enjoy of the the coastline coastline while while you you of dine on on fresh fresh fish fish specialties, specialties, dine award-winning prime prime rib rib and and award-winning decadent desserts. desserts. decadent Chart House House is is your your place place Chart for outstanding outstanding cuisine cuisine and and for impeccable service. service. impeccable

eddie V’S priMe SeAFood Find seafood classics like shrimp cocktail, ahi tartare and lobster bisque, plus 28-day aged Prime center-cut steaks at this new La Jolla spot. D (nightly). 1270 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.459.5500. $$$-$$$$ Map W19 The FiSh MArkeT/Top oF The MArkeT Casual dining includes seafood and sushi, plus oyster bar and bay view. Upstairs: Top of the Market features fine seafood and an expanded wine list. L, D (daily). 750 N. Harbor Drive, Embarcadero, 619.232.3474, Map Q15; 640 Via de la Valle, Solana Beach, 858.755.2277. $$ Map X22 iSlAnd priMe Seafood, steak and cocktails complemented by one of the city’s best views. Adjacent C Level Lounge on the spacious deck is popular with the after-work crowd. L, D (daily). 880 Harbor Island Drive, Harbor Island, 619.298.6802. $$$ Map J10

2588 S. S. COAST COAST HWY HWY.. 101 101 2588 CARDIFF CARDIFF 760.436.4044 760.436.4044 ONLINE RESERVATIONS RESERVATIONS AT AT ONLINE

CHART-HOUSE.COM -HOUSE.COM CHART

Oasis on Coronado Island

Peohe’s offers offers guests guests an an Peohe’s island-inspired menu menu featuring featuring island-inspired an eclectic eclectic mix mix of of fresh fresh seafood, seafood, an mouthwatering steaks, steaks, new new wave wave mouthwatering sushi and and more. more. Enjoy Enjoy Peohe’s Peohe’s sushi all new new modern modern decor decor and and all stunning waterfront waterfront view view of of stunning the San San Diego Diego skyline. skyline. the

The oCeAnAire SeAFood rooM Retro oceanliner design features a bustling cocktail scene with oyster bar. Market-fresh seafood and regionally inspired dishes star on the daily-changing menu. D (nightly). 400 J St., Gaslamp, 619.858.2277. $$$ Map Q16 oSeTrA Indulge in caviar, vodka and oysters at this progressive eatery, whose interior is defined by a three-story wine tower. Prime-aged meats are also on the menu. D (nightly). 904 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.239.1800. $$$ Map Q16 pACiFiCA del MAr Upscale ocean-view Asian fusion spot attracts a power crowd with mustard catfish and sugar-spiced salmon. Visit the vodka bar with more than 160 selections. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 1555 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, 858.792.0476. $$$ Map X22 peohe’S Tropical décor with spectacular water views and Pacific Rim plates like crispy wok-fried whole bass and fire shrimp. L, D (daily); Br (Su). 1201 First St., Coronado, 619.437.4474. $$$ Map K10

Steak CowBoY STAr With barstools upholstered in cowhide, this downtown steakhouse is decked out in Old West style. Great cocktails. L (Tu-F), D (Tu-Su). 640 10th Ave., East Village, 619.450.5880. $$$ Map Q17 donoVAn’S STeAk & Chop hoUSe The power crowd noshes on huge portions of Prime steaks, chops and seafood paired with award-winning wines in a lively atmosphere. D (nightly; M-Sa at La Jolla). 4340 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla, 858.450.6666, Map T21; 570 K St., Gaslamp, 619.237.9700. $$$ Map R16

1201 FIRST FIRST STREET STREET 1201 CORONADO FERRY FERRY CORONADO LANDING LANDING 619.437.4474 619.437.4474 ONLINE RESERVATIONS RESERVATIONS AT AT ONLINE

PEOHES.COM

PEOHES.COM richard walker:Layout 1 4/8/09 5:02 PM Page 2

FleMing’S priMe STeAkhoUSe & wine BAr Upscale steakhouse with Prime steaks, seafood, hearty side dishes and an excellent wine list (100+ choices by the glass). D (nightly). 8970 University Center Lane, La Jolla, 858.535.0078, Map T21; 380 K St., Gaslamp, 619.237.1155. $$$-$$$$ Map Q16 georgeS on FiFTh Wins over diners with its center-cut certified Angus Prime beef, American Kobe, fresh seafood, pasta and award-winning wine list. Live music F-Sa. D (nightly). 835 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.702.0444. $$$$ Map Q16

VOTED BEST BREAKFAST BY NBC TV OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 6:30 AM – 2:30 PM 520 Front Street, Downtown San Diego (just South of Market) 619-231-7777 www.Richardwalkers.com

greYSTone, The STeAkhoUSe Prime steaks, seafood (try the Dover sole prepared tableside) and pastas in a great downtown location. Beefy menu includes filet mignon potstickers, Kobe carpaccio and more.

D (nightly). 658 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.232.0225. $$$ Map Q16 loU & MiCkeY’S Chop house with a mid-century feel features Prime steaks, chops and seafood, plus martinis shaken tableside and 350+-item wine list. L (daily), D (nightly). 224 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.237.4900. $$$ Map Q16

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Dining Morton’s, THE steakhouse USDA Prime-aged beef, seafood, fine wine, chilled cocktails, decadent desserts, crisp white linens and great service at the edge of the historic Gaslamp Quarter. D (nightly). 285 J St., downtown, 619.696.3369. $$$-$$$$ Map Q16 THE PALM RESTAURANT Steak, lobster and pastas served in a saloon-like atmosphere with classic caricatures drawn with charcoals and pastels right on the walls. D (nightly). 615 J St., Gaslamp, 619.702.6500. $$$ Map P16 The Steakhouse at Azul La Jolla Chef Carmine Lopez has a menu featuring Waygu beef and fresh seafood. A garden patio is defined by a contemporary glass-encircled fire ring. L (Sa), D (nightly), Br (Su). 1250 Prospect St. #C10, La Jolla, 858.454.9616. $$$ Map W19 VIGILUCCI’S SEAFOOD, STEAK & CHOP HOUSE Italian-influenced chophouse features steaks, oysters (baked and on the half shell) and pastas like the classic capellini checca, along with breathtaking beach views. L, D (daily); Br (Su). 909 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.454.9664, Map W19; 3878 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad, 760.434.2580. $$$ Map T22

Thai Lotus thai Elegant bamboo décor and modern Thai cuisine with specialties including Choo Chee pork chops and roasted half-duck curry. L, D (daily). 3761 Sixth Ave., Hillcrest, 619.299.8272, Map N16; 906 Market St., downtown, 619.595.0115. $$ Map Q17

downtown’s only

24

THE

hour restaurant bar & grill

rESTAUrANT

THAT NEvEr

SLEEPS

rama Traditional Thai in a stylish, exotic setting (check out the waterfall in the back room). Specialties include Crying Tiger, with thinly sliced filet mignon.

L (M-S), D (nightly). 327 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.501.8424. $$ Map Q16 Spice & Rice Thai Kitchen Local favorite offers creative twist on Thai in specialties like Panang curry duck and spicy chili halibut. L (M–Sa), D (nightly). 7734 Girard Ave., La Jolla, 858.456.0466. $$ Map W19 Swadee Restaurant of Coronado Quaint eatery on Coronado known for its tasty curries and friendly service. L,(M-Sa), D (nightly). 1001 C Ave., Coronado, 619.435.8110. $$ Map L10

Wine Bars

BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER & LATE NIGHT MENU SERVED ROUND the CLOCK FULL BAR BEER ON TAP

counterpoint Ultra-friendly neighborhood wine bar serves salads, panini, craft beer, international wines and gourmet cheeses. L (Sa-Su), D (nightly). 830 25th St., Golden Hill, 619.564.6722. $$ Map Q18 THE GRAPE S.D.’s original wine bar features excellent wine list plus artisanal cheeses, breads and antipasti. Open nightly at 5 pm. 823 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.238.8010. $$ Map Q15 WE OLIVE Olive oil tasting room also includes coastalview wine bar featuring California wines and tastings of gourmet food items. Daily 10 am-8 pm. 1158 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.551.8250. $$ Map W19 wine steals Lively atmosphere and wine-friendly eats (cheeses, pizzas and charcuterie) at good prices. Open daily. 1953 San Elijo Ave., Cardiff, 760.230.2657, Map W22; 1243 University Ave., Hillcrest, 619.295.1188, Map N17; 2970 Truxton Road, Point Loma, 619.221.1959. $$ Map J9 WINE VAULT & BISTRO A truly special find in Mission Hills, this place serves five-course set-menu wine dinners every Saturday, with wine flights and special events during the week. Food ranges from Italian to French to California, depending on the evening. 3731-A India St., S. Mission Hills, 619.295.3939. $$ Map P15

Extraordinary Portions complete menu available at www.brians24.com

828 6th Ave • Gaslamp 619.702.8410

THE BEST HOTCAKES YOU’vE EvEr TASTEd

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Restaurants

Our superguide by area, with cross reference to listings by cuisine.

GASLAMP QUARTER AREA aCqua al 2 (Italian)..........................................................49 asti (Italian)............................................................................49 bice (Italian)............................................................................49 blue point (Seafood).......................................................52 brian’s 24 (Breakfast)..................................................... 44 buca di beppo (Italian)....................................50 cAFE SEVILLA (International).........................................49 cHOPAHN (International)...................................................49 croce’s (American)........................................................... 44

morton’s, THE STEAKHOUSE (Steak)..................54 panda inn (Chinese).........................................................48 ra sushi (Japanese)............................................................51 richard walker’s pancake HOUSE (Breakfast)................................... 46 top of the market (Seafood)..................................53 El Vitral (Mexican/Southwestern)..............................52 YARD HOUSE (Brewpubs)................................................ 46

Little italy

dick’s last resort (American).............................. 44

ANTHOLOGY (American)................................................. 44

donovan’s (Steak)............................................................53

bencotto (Italian).............................................................49

donovan’s prime seafood (Seafood)..............52

CRAFT + COMMERCE (American)............................... 44

LA FIESTA (Mexican)...........................................................52

davanti enoteca (Italian)......................................... 50

fleming’s (Steak)...............................................................53

extraordinary desserts (Desserts)...............48

Georges on fifth (Steak)..........................................53

indigo grill (Eclectic/Fusion).....................................48

GHIRARDELLI SODA FOUNTAIN (Desserts).........48

la villa (Italian)................................................................ 50

the grape (Wine bars).....................................................54

trattoria fantastica (Italian)............................ 50

greystone (Steak)...........................................................53

underbelly (Japanese)...................................................51

HEAVENLY CUPCAKE (Desserts).................................48

wine vault & bistro (Wine bars)...........................54

katsuya (Japanese)............................................................51

La jolla/ torrey pines/ go­lden triangle

lou & mickey’s (Steak)..................................................53

alfonso’s (Mexican/Southwestern)............................51

monsoon (International) ................................................49

A.R. Valentien (California Cuisine)............................47

House of Blues (American)....................................... 44 JSIX (California Cuisine)........................................................47

nOBU (Japanese).....................................................................51

brockton villa (American)..................................... 44

The oceanaire (Seafood).............................................53

cafe japengo (Japanese)..............................................51

tHE OLD SPAGHETTI FACTORY (Italian).............. 50

cups (Dessert).......................................................................48

osetrA (Seafood)................................................................53

the cottage (Breakfast)............................................... 46

osteria panevino (Italian)....................................... 50

donovan’s (Steak)............................................................53

THE PALM RESTAURANT (Steak)................................54

Eddie V’s prime seafood (Seafood)...................53

quality social (American)........................................ 44

fleming’s (Steak)...............................................................53

rama (Thai)............................................................................54

george’s at the cove (Cal. Cuisine)....................47

red light district (American)............................... 44

marine room (French)....................................................48

rED PEARL KITCHEN (Chinese)...................................48

Mediterranean Room (International).................49

rei do gado (International)...........................................49

michele coulon (Desserts).......................................48

royal INDIA (International)............................................49

nine-ten (California Cuisine)...........................................48

saltbox (American).......................................................... 44

piatti (Italian)....................................................................... 50

san diego beer company (Brewpubs).............. 46

roppongi (Eclectic/Fusion)............................................48

searsucker (American)................................................ 44

sky room (California Cuisine)........................................48

taka (Japanese).....................................................................51

spice & rice (Thai)............................................................54

Area Index

Harbor & shelter islandS point loma

vigilucci’s ristorante (Italian).......................... 50

bali hai (Eclectic/Fusion).................................................48

vivace (Italian)..................................................................... 50

VINTAGE BISTRO (French)...............................................48

the brigantine (Seafood)............................................52

Wine steals (Wine bars)...............................................54

island Prime (Seafood)..................................................53

zenbu (Japanese)..................................................................51

jimmy’s famous American tavern (American)....................44 miguel’s cocina (Mexican/Southwestern)............52 OLD venice (Italian)......................................................... 50 wine steals (Wine bars)...............................................54

North inland el bizcocho (French)......................................................48 stone brewing co. (Brewpubs)............................. 46 Vincent’s (French).............................................................48

CORONADO 1500 OCEAN (California Cuisine)....................................47 bistro d’Asia (Eclectic/Fusion)...................................48 the brigantine (Seafood)............................................52 candelas (Mexican/Southwestern).............................51

hillcrest/NORTH PARK/ mission hills Alchemy (International)...................................................48 ARRIVEDERCI (Italian).......................................................49

chez loma (French)..........................................................48 coronado boathouse 1887 (Seafood).............52 coronado brewing co. (Brewpubs)................. 46 il fornaio (Italian).......................................................... 50

avenue 5 (American)........................................................ 44 Bankers hill (American)............................................. 44 bayu’s ethiopian cuisine (Int’l)..........................48

miguel’s cocina (Mexican/Southwestern)............52

bertrand at mr. a’s (American)........................... 44

Mistral (California Cuisine).............................................48

blind lady ale house (Brewpubs)...................... 46

Peohe’s (Seafood)...............................................................53

CUCINA URBANA (Italian).............................................. 50

swadee restauranT (Thai).....................................54 Vigilucci’s Ristorante (Italian).......................... 50

del mar/ rancho Santa fe ADDISON (French)................................................................48

extraordinary desserts (Desserts)...............48 Farm House cafe (French).........................................48 hash house a go go (Breakfast)........................... 46 The Linkery (California Cuisine)...................................47 lotus thai (Thai)..............................................................54 the mission (Breakfast)................................................. 46

Arterra (California Cuisine)...........................................47 the brigantine (Seafood)............................................52 burlap (Eclectic/Fusion)..................................................48 DEL MAR RENDEZVOUS (Chinese).............................48

the prado (International)...............................................49 r gang eatery (American)......................................... 44 snooze (Breakfast)............................................................ 46

Flavor del mar (California Cuisine)........................47

STARLITE (California Cuisine) . .........................................48

en fuego (Mexican/Southwestern)..............................52

el take it easy (Mexican/Southwestern)...............52

il fornaio (Italian).......................................................... 50

urban solace (American).......................................... 44

kitchen 1540 (California Cuisine).................................47

wang’s (Chinese).................................................................48

MARKET (California Cuisine)..............................................47

wine steals (Wine bars)...............................................54

mille fleurs (French).....................................................48 pacifica del mar (Seafood).......................................53

Old town

Steakhouse at azul (Steak)...................................54

downtown/EAST VILLAGE/EMBARCADERO ANTHONY’S FISH GROTTO (Seafood)......................52 cafe 222 (Breakfast)......................................................... 46 cafe CHLOE (French)........................................................48 CANDELAS (Mexican/Southwestern).............................51 CounterpoinT (Wine Bars)..........................................54

sushi on the rock (Japanese)..................................51

North coastal

tapEnade (French).............................................................48

beach grass cafe (Breakfast)................................ 44

VIGILUCCI’S SEAFoOD

bluefire grill (California Cuisine)............................47

STEAK & CHOP HOUSE (Steak)................................54

the fish market (Seafood).........................................53

el agave (Mexican/Southwestern)................................51 berta’s (International).......................................................48 cafe coyote (Mexican/Southwestern)......................51 casa guadalajara

Whisknladle (California Cuisine)...............................48

Harney Sushi (Japanese)...............................................51

(Mexican/Southwestern).....................................................52

we olive (Wine bars)........................................................54

OCEAN HOUSE (American)............................................. 44

Harney sushi (Japanese)...............................................51

zenbu (Japanese)..................................................................51

PAMPLEMOUSSE grille (French).............................48

jack & giulio’s (Italian)............................................... 50

pizza port (Brewpubs)................................................... 46

Cowboy star (Steak)............................................. 53 dobson’s (California Cuisine).........................................47

mission bay/beaches

EL Q’ERO (International)....................................................49

the fish market (Seafood) ........................................53

baleen (Seafood).................................................................52

solace & the moonlight

miguel’s cocina (Mexican).........................................52 old town mexican cafe (Mexican)...................52

grant grill (California Cuisine)..................................47

Costa brava (International).........................................49

lounge (American)....................................................... 44

the lion’s share (American).................................... 44

JRDN (California Cuisine).....................................................47

TRATTORIA I TRULLI (Italian)...................................... 50

lotus thai (Thai)..............................................................54

the mission (Breakfast)................................................. 46

VIGILUCCI’S SEAFOOD,

Mission valley/ kearny mesa

the mission (Breakfast)................................................. 46

pizza port (Brewpubs)................................................... 46

STEAK & CHOP HOUSE (Steak)................................54

JASMINE SEAFOOD (Chinese).......................................48

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Entertainment Festivals

26% 4 famous attractions

SAN DIEGO LATINO FILM FESTIVAL March 8-18.

The 19th annual festival screens more than 130 features and short films from across Latin America and the U.S. UltraStar Cinemas, 7510 Hazard Center Drive, Mission Valley, 619.230.1938. Map I11 SPRING BUSKER FESTIVAL March 24-25. Sword swallowers, jugglers on unicycles, escape artists and comedic stuntmen perform on the cobblestone streets of Seaport Village. 849 W. Harbor Drive, downtown, 619.235.4014. Map R15 ADAMS AVENUE UNPLUGGED April 21-22.

Blues, folk, jazz, country and world music. Adams Ave. between 34th and 35th sts., Normal Heights, 619.282.7329. Map I12 ENCINITAS STREET FAIR April 28-29. Over 450 vendors sell arts & crafts, antiques, clothing and more. Call for hours. Highway 101 between D and J sts., Encinitas, 760.945.9288. Map V22 GATOR BY THE BAY ZYDECO AND BLUES FESTIVAL May 11-13. Showcasing more than 70 performers on six stages and 8,000 pounds of crawfish, plus cooking demos and dancing. Spanish Landing Park at Harbor Island, 619.234.8612. Map P13

3-Day Park Hopper® to Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park

SAN DIEGO AMERICAN INDIAN CULTURAL DAYS May 12-13. 30th annual event features Native American singers, dancers, food, arts & crafts.

Free. Park Blvd. & Presidents Way, Balboa Park, 619.281.5964. Map P17 KIFM JAZZ FESTIVAL May 19. Smooth jazz block party. 21+. Call for hours. Fourth and Island aves., Gaslamp, 877.981.1981. Map R16 NORTH PARK FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS May 20.

The 16th annual neighborhood celebration of arts and culture. University Ave. between 30th and 32nd sts., North Park, 619.294.2501. Map J12

Universal Studios HollywoodSM

SICILIAN FESTIVAL May 20. 19th annual cultural festival highlights music and dancing with vendor booths and entertainment from Sicily. India St., Little Italy, 619.469.2206. Map Q15

Special Events THE FLOWER FIELDS March 1–May 13. Enjoy 50 acres of ranunculus flowers, rose gardens and tractor rides. $5-11. Daily 9 am-6 pm. Interstate 5 at Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, 760.431.0352.

Map U22 ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE & FESTIVAL March 17, from 10 am. The 32nd annual event includes parade, music, food, beer garden and kids’ area. Sixth Ave. and Juniper St., Bankers Hill, 858.268.9111. Map O16

SeaWorld® San Diego

Buy at these attractions - Good for 14 days - Skip most ticket lines ONLY Ages 3-9

279 $239

$

Connect with CityPASS

(888) 330-5008 or citypass.com

SHAMROCK 2012 March 17. Block party with Irish music, food, drinks and dancing. 21+. Fifth Ave. at Market St., Gaslamp, 619.233.5008. Map Q16 GOODGUYS 12TH DEL MAR NATIONALS March 30-April 1. This three-day automotive happening features 2,000 street rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972, plus entertainment and model carmaking activities. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, 925.838.9876. Map X22 LA JOLLA CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE (Formerly the La Jolla Motor Car Classic) April 1. More than 150 pre- and post-war Italian and British sports cars.

La Jolla Cove, 619.233.5008. Map X22

Pricing and programs are subject to change.

Guidelines

Map locators at the end of each listing (Map A3; Map H10, etc.) refer to maps on pages 68–71. Compendium includes editors’ recommendations and advertisers.

Index

Festivals ................................56 Special Events.........................56 Center Stage.......................56 Music + Dance ..................58 Sports....................................59 Casinos................................ 60

Attractions ......................... 60 Wineries ...............................61 Museums ............................62 Destination Shopping .....63 Nightlife............................... 64 Tours......................................66

ART ALIVE April 13-15. Innovative arts event finds floral designers interpreting pieces from the San Diego Museum of Art’s collection using plants. SDMA, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.7931. Map O17 TASTE OF UPTOWN April 16. Hillcrest-area restaurants participate in a foodie festival; $30-35 ticket buys taster portions at more than 40 eateries. 619.233.5008.

Map Q17 OCEANSIDE DAYS OF ART April 21-22. The 20th annual event celebrates visual/performing arts with hands-on activities and food. Civic Center Plaza and Pier Way at N. Coast Highway, Oceanside, 760.433.3632. Map S22 SAN DIEGO EARTHFAIR April 22. World’s largest annual environmental fair with educational exhibits, kids’ entertainment, earth-friendly food and music. Balboa Park, 858.272.7370. Map O17 CELEBRITY CHEFS COOK GALA April 28.

Tapenade’s Chef Jean-Michel Diot and more cook for charity. Sheraton Hotel & Marina, 1380 Harbor Island Drive, Harbor Island, 858.822.1328. Map K10 ARTWALK 2012 April 28-29. Hundreds of visual and performing artists showcased in city’s largest arts event. Little Italy, 619.615.1090. Map P15 FIESTA OLD TOWN May 5-6. Free Cinco de Mayo festival features music, food, historical re-enactments and folkloric entertainment. Old Town, 619.291.4903. Map M13 CARLSBAD VILLAGE FAIRE May 6. The state’s largest one-day street fair has exhibitors, food and entertainment. Grand Ave. between Carlsbad Blvd. & Jefferson St., Carlsbad, 760.945.9288. Map T22

Center Stage THE ADDAMS FAMILY May 29-June 3. This smashhit musical comedy brings the darkly delirious world of Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Grandma, Wednesday, Pugsley and, of course, Lurch to spooky and spectacular life. Broadway/San Diego, Civic Theatre, Third Ave. and B St., downtown, 619.570.1100. Map Q16.

ANNA CHRISTIE March 10-April 15. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Eugene O’Neill’s poetic masterpiece is a gripping account of the relationship between an old sailor and the daughter he hasn’t seen in almost 20 years. White Theatre at the Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.23.GLOBE. Map Q16 A ROOM WITH A VIEW March 2-April 8. Based on E.M. Forster’s beloved novel, this world-premiere musical tells the story of a sheltered English girl who glimpses a world of longing and passion she never imagined. Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.23.GLOBE. Map Q16

To experience a classic S.D. rock ‘n’ roll dive, don’t miss the legendary Casbah, on Little Italy’s north end. p. 64

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2/10/12 11:29 AM

Entertainment

T H E O C E A N A W AI T S .

BRowNIE poINTS April 20-May 27. Janece Shaffer’s very funny and powerful new play about five women soon to discover more than they bargained for on a Girl Scout camping trip. Lamb’s Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.437.0600. Map L10 chIcaGo May 8-13. Christie Brinkley takes a turn as Roxie Hart in the touring production of Bob Fosse’s Broadway sensation. Broadway/San Diego, Civic Theatre, Third Ave. and B St., downtown, 619.570.1100. Map Q16 ThE dIRTy BloNdE May 17-June 17. Two shy fans find self-confidence and romance in their shared love of Mae West. Cygnet Theatre in Old Town, 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town, 619.570.1100. Map E3

EXPLORE DAZZLING CORAL REEFS, THRILLING SHARKS, AMAZING SEAHORSES, CAPTIVATING JELLYFISH, AND BREATHTAKING PACIFIC VIEWS.

Open daily 9-5 • 2300 Expedition Way in La Jolla • 858-534-FISH • aquarium.ucsd.edu

GuyS aNd dollS Through March 24. The classic American musical travels back to ‘50s-era New York City with a detour to Havana. Frank Loesser’s memorable score brings to life the stories of Damon Runyon’s unforgettable characters: Sky Masterson, Nathan Detroit and Sarah Brown. Lamb’s Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.437.0600. Map L10 NoBody loVES you May 7-June 17. This world premiere musical comedy follows Jeff as he joins a reality show to try and win back his ex, until he breaks all the rules and blows the game wide open. White Theatre at the Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.23.GLOBE. Map Q16 paRadE March 8-April 22. With its Tony-winning score, Parade tells the true story of a Jewish factory manager convicted of murder and explores the love that grows between him and his wife as they work together to fight for his freedom. Cygnet Theatre in Old Town, 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town, 619.570.1100. Map E3 Rock of aGES March 27-April 1. In 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small-town girl met a big-city rocker in L.A.’s most famous rock club, they fell in love to the greatest songs of the ‘80s. Broadway/San Diego, Civic Theatre, Third Ave. and B St., downtown, 619.570.1100.

Map Q16

San Diego Symphony

Great Concerts All Year Round!

SaNdRa BERNhaRd: I loVE BEING ME, doN’T you? March 14-17. Sandra Bernhard delivers her unforgettable blend of outrageous humor, cutting satire and fiercely energetic live performance. Potiker Theatre at the La Jolla Playhouse, UCSD, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, 858.550.1010. Map T20 ThE ScoTTSBoRo BoyS April 29-June 10. Based on the notorious 1930s Scottsboro case, this inspiring story tells of the nine unjustly accused African-American men whose lives would eventually spark the Civil Rights Movement. Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.23.GLOBE. Map Q16 ThE SEcoNd cITy lauGh ouT loud TouR March 21-24. Second City performs some of the best sketches, songs and improv from the Chicago troupe’s 52-year history. Potiker Theatre at the La Jolla Playhouse, UCSD, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, 858.550.1010. Map T20 ThIS April 7-29. A tart, melancholy comedy about a group of close friends entering the choppy waters of middle age. North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987-D Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach, 858.481.1055. Map X22

CLASSICAL

POPS

For Complete Season Information: CALL 619.235.0804 or VISIT sandiegosymphony.com

ToRTIlla cuRTaIN March 17-April 8. The lives of a privileged American and an undocumented immigrant from Mexico collide in this gripping drama about family and class divisions. Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, downtown, 619.231.3586. Map Q16 Two By pINTER: ThE loVER aNd ThE duMB waITER May 26-June 17. Two of the master playwright’s early one-acts feature great humor, absurd wit and unexpected fantasy. North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987-D Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach, 858.481.1055. Map X22

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Entertainment VISITING MR. GREEN Through March 11. Jeff Baron’s play about two unlikely people thrown together by accident examines stereotypes, family, loneliness and friendship. North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987-D Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach, 858.481.1055. Map X22 For day-of-show, half-price tickets, visit the Arts Tix booth in downtown San Diego at Horton Plaza, 619.497.5000, or at California Center for the Arts in Escondido, 360 N. Escondido Blvd., 800.988.4253, or visit www.sandiegoperforms.com.

Music + Dance art of elan Chamber music for a new generation.

March 27: Liánjie; May 8: Americana. SDMA Hibben Gallery, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.692.2081. Map O17

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artpower! Dance: April 16: UCSD Master Class; April 16: Transcendance Master Class; April 17: Chunky Move. Film: March 10: Granito: How To Nail A Dictator; April 12: Soul Kitchen; April 17: The Revolutionary Optimists; April 24: Dongtian De Gushi (Winter Story); May 15: 5th Annual Press Rewind; May 17: 5th Annual Up&Coming Film Fest. Music: March 2: Quatour Ebéne; March 2: Jenny Owen Youngs; March 10: Tapwater; March 20: Lost In The Trees; April 15: Emerson String Quartet; April 18: Seun Kuti + Egypt 80. Various locations around UCSD campus. artpwr.com Balboa theatre March 1: Merle Haggard; March 7: Willie Nelson and Family; March 25: Copland’s America; March 30: Rhythm of the Dance; April 17: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds; April 20: Anoushka Shankar’s Traveller; May 3: Stars of the Russian Ballet; May 19: Cirque Wings. 868 Fourth Ave., downtown, 619.570.1100. Map Q16

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Birch north park theatre March 3: Brian McKnight; March 5: Acting Professionally Annual Show; March 24: Queer Queens of Comedy; April 14: TAP Productions Dance Showcase; April 21: Tiempo Libre (La Jolla Music Society); April 28: Mark Morris (La Jolla Music Society); May 5: Momix (La Jolla Music Society); May 12: Ing Tauling Sarsuela (Serendipity Productions); May 19: Poncho Sanchez (La Jolla Music Society). 2891 University Ave., North Park, 619.239.8836. Map N18 california center for the arts March 1: The Green One; March 7: Brazilian Sounds and Dance with Solemar; March 9: Slugger O’Toole; March 10: Ticket to Ride: The Ultimate Beatle’s Tribute; March 17: Cirque: Illusions of Grandeur; March 18: Puscifer; March 22: Mainly Mozart Live; April 1: Tribute to Glen Miller and the Big Band Vocalists; April 4: Malashock Dance; April 29: Orchestra Nova; May 2: Ballet Folklorico Tierra Caliente; May 5: Homeward Bound (Simon & Garfunkel tribute); May 16: Eveoke: Refuge of the Arts (hip-hop dance); May 19: Luma. 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, 800.988.4253. Map B3 city ballet of san diego March 3: Bravo! Balanchine; May 12: Romeo & Juliet. Spreckles Theatre, 121 Broadway, downtown, 858.272.8663. Map Q16 Cricket wireless AMPHITHEATER March 24: Lady Antebellum. Call ahead for complete schedule. 2050 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista, 619.671.3600. Map F4

John Baldessari

Harrah’s Rincon Casino—Open Sky Theater Call for complete schedule. 777 Harrah’s Rincon Way, Valley Center, 877.777.2457. Map B4

a PRint REtRosPEctivE FRom thE collEctions oF JoRdan d. schnitzER and his Family FoUndation

Featuring more than 100 prints by internationally celebrated artist and National City native John Baldessari, this comprehensive survey artfully asks viewers to stop, think, and see things differently.

LA JOLLA 700 Prospect Street 858 454 3541 www.mcasd.org John Baldessari, Noses & Ears, Etc.: The Gemini Series: Face with Nose and (Green) Ear, 2006. Three layer, six color screenprint mounted on sintra with hand painting. 34.75 x 62.75 x 3 inches. Published by Gemini G.E.L.. Edition of 45. © Baldessari.

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la jolla music society March 3: Vladimir Spivakov (violin), Olga Kern (piano); March 18: 2011 Tchaikovsky Competition 1st Prize (cello); April 1: 2011 Tchaikovsky Competition 1st Prize (violin); April 20: The Cleveland Orchestra; April 21: Tiempo Libre; April 28: Mark Morris Dance Group; May 4: Emanuel Ax (piano); May 5: MOMIX; May 12: David Finckel (cello), Wu Han (piano); May 15: New York Philharmonic; May 19: Pancho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band. Various locations. 858.459.3728.

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Entertainment La jolla symphony and chorus March 17-18: Steven Schick conducts Mozart and Stravinsky feat. guest artist Curt Miller, clarinet; May 5-6: David Chase conducts Greig, Schuman and Britten feat. guest artist Jon Lee Keenan. Mandeville Auditorium at UCSD, La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla, 858.534.4637. Map T20 mainly mozart March 9: Romie de Guise-Langlois (clarinet), Ronald Thomas (cello), Anton Nel (piano); March 18: The Parker Quartet; April 27-29: Opus One; May 4-5: Windscape; May 11-12: Allessio Bax and Lucille Chung (piano); May 31: Ida Levin, Marie Berard (violins), Che-Yen Chen, Richard O’Neill (violas), Ronald Thomas, Robert deMaine (cellos). Various venues.

619.239.0100 x 2. open air theatre at sdsu March 25: Enrique Bunbury, Zoe. Call for complete schedule. 5500 Campanile Drive, SDSU, 619.594.0429. Map E3 orchestra nova March 23, 24, 26: A Taste of Spain; May 11, 12, 14: Nova Goes Green. Various locations. 858.350.0290. rimac arena at ucsd Call for complete schedule. 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, 858.534.8569.

Map T20 San diego opera March 10, 13, 16, 18: Don Pasquale; March 24: Renée Fleming (recital); April 21, 24, 27, 29: The Barber of Seville. Civic Theatre, Third Ave. and B St., downtown, 619.533.7000. Map Q16

YOUR CONNECTION TO WILDLIFE

SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY March 1: Beethoven’s Immortal Beloved; March 2-4: Beethoven’s Seventh; March 5: Roger Dvorák and Schoenberg; March 10: Silent Film Night: The Mask of Zorro; March 15, 17: Mozart’s Turkish Concerto; March 20: Mendelssonn’s Octet with Augustin Hadelich; March 25: Young People’s Choice (family festival); March 30, 31, April 1: Fauve’s Requiem; April 2: Bach, Strauss and Brahms; April 10: Wu Mann performs; April 13-14: Tribute to Ray Charles; April 26, 1/18/12 9:28 AM 28: Romeo & Juliet; May 1: Brahms Horn Trio; May 4-6: Rhapsody in Blue; May 7: Beethoven Sonata, Quintet, and Quartet; May 11-13: Pathetique; May 18, 19: Peter Cetera; May 25-27: Gutierrez Plays Rachmaninoff. Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., downtown, 619.235.0804. Map Q16

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SPRECKELS ORGAN PAVILION Su, 2–3 pm. Free concerts on the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ.

Balboa Park, 619.702.8138. Map O17 Spreckels theatre Call for complete schedule. 121 Broadway, downtown, 800.745.3000. Map Q16

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VALLEY VIEW CASINO CENTER (formerly San Diego Sports Arena). March 24: Romeo Santos; April 10: Kelly Clarkson; April 28: SoCal Reggae Festival; May 13: Roger Waters: The Wall Live! Call for complete schedule. 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., Midway, 619.224.4171. Map N13 viejas arena at sdsu March 11: Drake; April 15: Rise Against. Call for complete schedule. 5500 Canyon Crest Drive, SDSU, 619.594.0429. Map E3

Sports SAN DIEGO CREW CLASSIC 39th regatta March 31-April 1. University rowing clubs from across the country compete. Crown Point Shores and Lamont Street, Crown Point, 619.225.0300. Map I8 san diego padres Major League Baseball. April 5-8: L.A. Dodgers; April 10-13: Arizona Diamondbacks; April 19-22: Philadelphia Phillies; April 24-26: Washington Nationals; April 30-May 2: Milwaukee Brewers; May 4-6: Miami Marlins; May 7-9: Colorado Rockies; May 16-17: L.A. Dodgers; May 18-20: Los Angeles Angels. Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd., downtown, 619.795.5000. Map Q16

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Attractions + Museums

Bella Stanza www.b e l lastanzag ifts.com

67th annual del mar national horse show April 19-May 6. Prestigious equestrian event includes championship riders, dressage and competitions. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, 858.792.4288. Map X22

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from Tuscany

Lava Stone Table Tops

drew brees CELEBRITY GOLF championship May 17-20. Athletes and entertainment stars compete in this annual charity golf event. La Costa Resort and Spa, 2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad, 760.438.9111. Map V23

Casinos BARONA VALLEY RANCH RESORT AND CASINO More than 2,000 slot machines, 70+ table games, satellite wagering and an all-you-can-eat buffet. Daily, 24 hours. 1932 Wildcat Canyon Road, Lakeside, 619.443.2300. Map D4 CASINO PAUMA Tropically themed complex with more than 35,000 square feet of gaming, 850 slots, 24 table games, poker parlor and non-smoking section.

Daily, 24 hours. 777 Pauma Reservation Road, Pauma Valley, 760.891.7900. Map A4 PALA RESORT AND CASINO Features 2,250 state-of-the-art slots and video machines, 85 Vegas-style gaming tables, eight restaurants and entertainment in two lounges. 11154 Hwy. 76, Pala, 760.510.5100. Map A3 PECHANGA RESORT AND CASINO Video machines, table games, lunch buffet and entertainment center ­featuring live concerts and ­professional boxing.

Alcohol served. Daily, 24 hours. 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula, 951.693.1819. Map A3 HARRAH’S RINCON CASINO Slots paradise. Daily, 24 hours. 777 Harrah’s Rincon Way, Valley Center, 760.751.3100. Map B4

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Little Italy | 619/239-2929

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SYCUAN CASINO Find high-stakes bingo, pai gow poker, slots and four restaurants at this East County gambling hall, plus a 500-seat theater. Daily, 24 hours.

5469 Casino Way, El Cajon, 619.445.6002. Map D5 VALLEY VIEW CASINO High-limit blackjack, 1,750 slots, steakhouse and 24-hour café, free valet parking and separate non-smoking gaming and bar area. Daily, 24 hours. 16300 Nyemii Pass Road, Valley Center, 760.291.5500. Map B4

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VIEJAS CASINO This Alpine casino features more than 2,500 Vegas–style slots, table games, satellite wagering, high-stakes bingo, buffet and six restaurants. Daily, 24 hours. 5000 Willows Road, Alpine, 800.847.6537. Map D5

Attractions BELMONT PARK A beachfront landmark with the ­historic Giant Dipper roller coaster, Wave House, ­Liberty Carousel, a family playland, SoCal’s largest indoor pool, arcades and more. Call for dates and hours. 3190 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach, 858.488.1549. Map I8

All for up to 70% less than retail.

Voted best in San Diego.

BIRCH AQUARIUM AT SCRIPPS Explore one of the U.S.’s largest oceanographic museums, and enjoy a ­spectacular view from the tidepool plaza. Open daily 9 am–5 pm. $14; seniors $10; kids 3-17 $9.50; children 2 and under free. Three-hour courtesy parking. 2300 ­Expedition Way, La Jolla, 858.534.3474. Map U20 cabrillo NATIONAL MONUMENT Exhibits, whale watching, tidepools, trails, the restored Old Point Loma Lighthouse and spectacular views. Daily 9 am–5 pm. $3-5. 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, Point Loma, 619.557.5450. Map L8

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Attractions + Museums LEGOLAND Find 50+ rides and shows and Sea Life Aquarium’s seven-foot-long Lego submarine. Also check out the recently opened waterpark complete with lazy river. Adults $72; kids 3–12 and seniors 60+ $62 (add $11/ticket for admission to aquarium or water park; add $20/ticket for admission to all three). Aquarium-only: adults $20, seniors 60+ $17, kids 3-12 $13. Parking $12–20. Call for hours. 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, 760.918.5346. Map U22 safari PARK (formerly the Wild Animal Park). Take a safari adventure through the 1,800–acre wildlife preserve, home to herds of exotic animals roaming in vast enclosures ­resembling African and Asian plains.

Safari packages start at $42 for adults; ­children 3–11 $32; kids 2 and under free. Cars $10–15. Daily 9-5 pm (‘til 7 pm March 24–April 15, ‘til 6 pm May 26–28). 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, 760.747.8702. Map C3 San diego BOTANIC GARDEN One of the world’s most diverse plant collections. Daily 9 am–5 pm. $12; seniors 60+ $8; kids 3-12 $6; kids 2 and under free.

Parking $2. 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, 760.436.3036. Map V22

Ca rol Ga rdy n e b o u t i q u e & s tu d i o LITTLE ITALY 1840 Columbia Street San Diego, CA 92101 619.233.8066

SAN DIEGO ZOO World-famous zoo has more than 4,000 rare and endangered animals in state–of–the–art environment. $42; kids 3–11 $32; kids 2 and under free.

Free parking. Open daily 9 am-8 pm. 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park, 619.231.1515. Map O17 SEAWORLD The 189-acre adventure park features thousands of marine animals including killer whales plus fish, reptiles and birds. $73; kids 3–9 $65; kids 2 and under free. Parking $14-19. Open daily; call for hours and combo rates. 500 SeaWorld Drive, Mission Bay Park, 800.25.SHAMU. Map I8

Wineries CarolGardyne_WSD_FA10v2.indd 1

bernardo winery Founded in 1899 by Sicilian

6/16/10 4:58winemakers, PM this is the oldest continuously operating

Winery in SoCal. Also on-site: a restaurant, chocolatier and art galleries, including a glassblowing studio. Tastings daily. 13330 Paseo Del Verano N., Rancho Bernardo, 858.487.1866. Map C4

CARRUTH CELLARS Urban winery and tasting room makes wine from Northern California grapes; tastings W-Su. 320 S. Cedros Ave. #400, Solana Beach, 858.847.9463. Map X22 L.A. CETTO The largest winery in Baja’s scenic wine region, which produces 90% of Mexico’s wine. Open daily for tastings; also features olive oil, chocolates and gifts. KM 73.5 Tecate-Ensenada Highway, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico, lacetto.com.

MENGHINI WINERY Boutique Julian winery produces just 4,000 cases of Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon annually. Tastings daily. 1150 Julian Orchards Drive, Julian, 760.765.2072. Map C6 ORFILA VINEYARDS Growing Syrah, Viognier, Muscat Canelli and more, this boutique winery produces about 10,000 cases of Rhone-style wines annually. 13455 San Pasqual Road, Escondido, 760.738.6500. Map C3 PONTE FAMILY ESTATE WINERY This 300-acre vineyard grows mostly Cabernet, Merlot and Chardonnay, plus other Italian varieties; tasting room open daily. 35053 Rancho California Road, Temecula, 951.694.8855. Map A2 THORNTON WINERY Medal-winning sparkling winery is housed in a vineyard-view chateau in Temecula. Tasting lounge open daily; tours on weekends. 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula, 951.699.0099. Map A2 WILSON CREEK WINERY AND VINEYARD Known for its almond champagne, this Tuscan-inspired estate also includes a restaurant and tasting room, both open

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Attractions + Museums daily. 35960 Rancho California Road, Temecula, 951.699.9463. Map A2 wITch cREEk wINERy Two tasting rooms, including one in the heart of Carlsbad, offer samplings of Witch Creek’s full-bodied wines daily, each with a feline-inspired name. 2906 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad, 760.765.2023, Map T22; 2000 Main St., Julian, 760.720.7499. Map C6

Museums calIfoRNIa SuRf MuSEuM Collection of surfing artifacts and memorabilia, plus exhibits about surfing legends. Rare surfing collectibles in museum gift shop.

Daily 10 am–4 pm, Th 10 am-8 pm. Adults $3; seniors/ military/students $1; kids under 12 free. 312 Pier View Way, Oceanside, 760.721.6876. Map S22 MaRITIME MuSEuM Visit the 1863 barque Star of India (world’s oldest active ship), the 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley, the 1904 steam yacht Medea, a Soviet-era submarine and the HMS Surprise, the Royal Navy frigate featured in the film Master and Commander.

Daily 9 am–8 pm. $14; seniors/military $11; kids 6-17 $8; children 5 and under free. The schooner Californian also offers half-day sailing trips ($31-42). 1492 N. Harbor Drive, Embarcadero, 619.234.9153. Map P14

delicious, family-style food and all the fun of an italian gathering.

Open Daily at 11am • Banquet Packages • Party Pans To Go Carlsbad

MINGEI INTERNaTIoNal MuSEuM Exhibits celebrate folk art. Tu–Su 10 am–4 pm. $5–8; children 5 and under free. 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.239.0003. Map O17 MISSIoN SaN dIEGo dE alcalÁ The first of 21 missions stretching north along the California coast, this one was established by Junípero Serra in 1769 on Presidio Hill and moved to this site in 1774. Daily mass in the chapel at 7 am and 5:30 pm and tools and artifacts on display. Visitor’s center open daily 9 am–4:45 pm.

Adults $3; kids/seniors $2. 10818 San Diego Mission Road, Mission Valley, 619.281.8449. Map I12

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Mira Mesa

buCadibeppo.CoM

10749 Westview Parkway • 858.536.2822 san diego | Gaslamp District 705 6th Avenue • 619.233.7272

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MuSEuM of coNTEMpoRaRy aRT SaN dIEGo Renowned for its vast collection and thoughtprovoking exhibits, this museum features post-1950s art spanning many genres and media. Both locations open Th–Tu 11 am–5 pm, third Th 11 am–7 pm. Closed W. $5-10 admission valid for 7 days; ages 25 and under free; free third Th 5-7 pm. 700 Prospect St., La Jolla, Map W19; 1001 and 1100 Kettner Blvd., downtown, 858.454.3541. Map Q15 MuSEuM of MakING MuSIc Vintage instruments, interactive audio and visual exhibits offer dynamic look into the history of American popular music. Tu–Su 10 am–5 pm. $5–8; kids 5 and under free. 5790 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, 760.438.5996. Map U23 MuSEuM of phoToGRaphIc aRTS Collection includes contemporary photography, social documentary and photojournalism. Film screenings, too. Tu-Su 10 am–5 pm., Th 10 am-9 pm. $5–8; kids 12 and under free. 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.238.7559. Map O17 NEw chIldREN’S MuSEuM Downtown’s newest museum, designed just for kids, encourages visitors to touch and interact with exhibits. M-Sa 10 am–4 pm. (Th until 6 pm; closed W); Su noon-4 pm. $10; seniors $5; children under 1 free. Free second Su. 200 W. Island Ave., downtown, 619.233.8792. Map Q16 ocEaNSIdE MuSEuM of aRT Regional and international artists showcased in exhibits ranging from landscape painting to studio furniture, neon sculpture, art quilts and architectural glass. Tu–Sa 10 am–4 pm, Su 1-4 pm. $5–8 (students/military free). 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside, 760.435.3720. Map S22 REuBEN h. flEET ScIENcE cENTER Interactive science galleries invite visitors to explore the wonders of astronomy and physics. Giant-screen films run in

OPEN 7 NIGHTS A WEEK PIANOS NIGHTLY

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Shopping the IMAX Dome Theater. M-Th 10 am–5 pm (open later during holiday breaks), F till 8 pm, Sa till 7 pm, Su till 6 pm. $9.75-11.75 (IMAX films extra); kids 2 and under free. 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.238.1233.

Map O17 SaN dIEGo aIR & SpacE MuSEuM Hot-air balloons, jets and historic aircraft from around the world. Daily 10 am–4:30 pm. $7-17.50 (Space exhibition admission is $12-24), kids 2 and under free. 2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, 619.234.8291. Map P17 SaN dIEGo hall of chaMpIoNS Three levels and 68,000 square feet of sports exhibits and interactive displays form the largest multi-sports museum in the U.S. Daily 10 am–4:30 pm. $4–8; kids 6 and under free. 2131 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, 619.234.2544. Map O17 SaN dIEGo MuSEuM of aRT Diverse collection includes Italian Renaissance and Spanish Baroque works, 19th–20th century American and European paintings and sculptures and a vast Asian collection. Tu–Sa 10 am–5 pm, Su noon-5 pm. $4.50–12; kids 6 and under free. 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.7931. Map O17 SaN dIEGo MuSEuM of MaN Go on a journey of the human experience highlighting our physical and cultural development through permanent and changing exhibits. Daily 10 am–4:30 pm; $5–12.50; children 2 and under free. 1350 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.239.2001. Map O17 SaN dIEGo NaTuRal hISToRy MuSEuM Dinosaur displays, giant-screen films, photography exhibitions and more. Daily 10 am-5 pm. $11–17; children 2 and under free; free for active military first Tu. 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.3821.

Map O17 STuaRT collEcTIoN of SculpTuRE Scattered across the UCSD campus, outdoor art collection includes talking and singing trees, Sun God and more.

Free. Gilman and La Jolla Village drives, La Jolla, 858.534.2230. Map T20 uSS MIdway The world’s largest floating naval-aviation museum has restored airplanes on the flight deck and interactive exhibits inside. Daily 10 am–5 pm. $10–18; military/kids 5 and under free. 910 N. Harbor Drive, Embarcadero, 619.544.9600. Map Q14

Destination Shopping caRlSBad pREMIuM ouTlETS 90 outlet stores (Barneys New York to Polo Ralph Lauren to Banana Republic) in a nice outdoor setting. 5620 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad, 760.804.9000. Map U22 dEl MaR plaza With more than 20 shops, including Banana Republic and Chico’s, and nine restaurants, this gorgeous tri-level boutique shopping plaza overlooks the Pacific Ocean. 1555 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, 858.792.1555. Map X22 faShIoN VallEy Beautiful bi-level, outdoor mall with 200+ shops like Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton and Tory Burch, five department stores, eight restaurants and 18-screen movie theater. 7007 Friars Road, Mission Valley, 619.688.9113. Map J10 ThE foRuM aT caRlSBad Elegant, tree-lined outdoor center with dozens of shops and restaurants, including Anthropologie and Sur La Table. 1905 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad, 760.479.0166. Map V23 laS aMERIcaS pREMIuM ouTlETS Spanish Colonial-style outlet mall has 125+ shops. 4211 Camino de la Plaza, San Ysidro, 619.934.8400. Map F3

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Nightlife oTay RaNch TowN cENTER Shops at this South County mall include Apple and Sephora; there’s also outdoor fire pits, a dog park and a movie theater. 2015 Birch Road, Suite 500, Chula Vista, 619.656.9100. Map F3

Experience a FRESH APPROACH

SEapoRT VIllaGE Picturesque and charming outdoor plaza on the waterfront features 54 one-of-a-kind shops and galleries. 849 W. Harbor Drive, Embarcadero, 619.235.4014. Map R15 VIEjaS ouTlET cENTER Tranquil outdoor mall with 60+ shops (Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, Polo Ralph Lauren) plus restaurants and concert park. 5005 Willows Road, Alpine, 619.659.2071. Map D5 wESTfIEld hoRToN plaza Multi-level outdoor mall featuring almost 200 shops, two restaurants and a food court. Anchored by Macy’s and Nordstrom. 324 Horton Plaza, downtown, 619.239.8180. Map Q16

JOIN US FOR OUR

wESTfIEld uTc Outdoor mall has more than 180 shops, five restaurants and a food court. Located near UCSD, the mall is anchored by Macy’s, Sears and Nordstrom. 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, Golden Triangle, 858.546.8858. Map T21

www.mccormickandschmicks.com

E.

TONY GWYNN DR.

207/floaT Rock ‘n’ roll glamour at the Hard Rock Hotel; two nightspots offer different vibes, from the street-level 207 lounge to the rooftop Float, featuring bottle service in poolside cabanas.

Hard Rock Hotel, 207 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.702.3000. Map Q16

SAN DIEGO 675 L ST. AT THE OMNI HOTEL (619) 645-6545

6TH ST.

Gaslamp Quarter/Downtown/Little Italy

HAPPY HOUR!

5TH ST.

Nightlife

FAMOUS

L ST.

HA

SAN DIEGO CONVENTION CENTER

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4Th & B Local favorite for live music, located downtown adjacent to the Gaslamp Quarter. Call for shows. 345 B St., downtown, 619.231.4343. Map Q16 aNTholoGy Chic three-story venue with amazing acoustics has live jazz, Latin, blues and rock. 1337 India St., Little Italy, 619.595.0300. Map Q15 BaSIc Urban bar in a cool, renovated warehouse near the ballpark serves brick-oven pizzas. 410 10th Ave., East Village, 619.531.8869. Map Q17 BooTlEGGER This spacious, light-filled spot features vintage Prohibition-inspired design accents plus pub grub, flat-screen TVs and more. 804 Market St., East Village, 619.794.BOOT. Map Q17 ThE caSBah Small but legendary rock club has hosted superstars like Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins on their way up. Live music nightly. 2501 Kettner Blvd., Midtown, 619.232.4355. Map P15 douBlE dEucE Country-rock bar features mechanical bull, DJs and dancing downstairs, stripper pole and interactive games in upstairs cocktail bar. 528 F St., Gaslamp, 619.450.6522. Map Q16 EaST VIllaGE TaVERN & Bowl Sports bar and bowling alley near Petco Park also has darts and pool. 950 Market St., East Village, 619.677.BOWL. Map R17 fluXX Ambiance-changing dance club from the design team behind Sidebar and Stingaree. 500 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.232.8100. Map Q16 hENRy’S puB Nightclub and restaurant serves California cuisine and showcases live entertainment nightly. 618 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.238.2389.

Map Q16 houSE of BluES Live rock, blues and pop music, plus Sunday gospel brunch. Call for current shows. 1055 Fifth Ave., downtown, 619.299.2583. Map Q16

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Nightlife THE IVY Vegas-worthy club in the Andaz Hotel has sexy décor and rooftop bar with downtown views.

600 F St., Gaslamp 619.814.2055. Map I8 ON BROADWAY Housed in an old bank, this megaclub still packs in a huge weekend crowd. Where else will you find a dance floor in a bank vault? 615 Broadway, Gaslamp, 619.231.0011. Map Q16 ONYX DJs, jazz and cocktails in bi-level Gaslamp nightpot. 852 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.235.6699. Map Q16 The Shout! house Dueling pianos played by impossible-to-stump musicians. Music ranges from classic rock to contemporary hits. 655 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.231.6700. Map Q16 SIDEBAR DJs, dancing and bottle service at this sexy, modern downtown lounge. 536 Market St., Gaslamp, 619.696.0946. Map Q16 STINGAREE Tri-level dance club and restaurant with rooftop cabanas. Ultra hip nightspot with several house specialty drinks. Dress code enforced. 454 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.544.9500. Map Q16 the tipsy crow A neighborhood bar with three levels including pool tables, shuffleboard and trivia.

770 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.338.9300. Map Q16 Top of the Hyatt Panoramic vistas from the West Coast’s tallest waterfront building. Take in the sunset or enjoy the lights of downtown. 1 Market Place, downtown, 619.232.1234. Map Q15 Vin de syrah Alice in Wonderland-themed subterranean nightspot has eye-popping design, live music, wine and full bar. 901 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.234.4166. Map Q16 Voyeur Punk-inspired Gaslamp bar features DJs, fashion events and on-site boutique. 755 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.756.7678. Map Q16

La Jolla

BARFLY Sports bar by day, DJ/dance club by night in the heart of the village. 909 Prospect St., 858.454.2323. Map W19 Cafe Japengo Beautiful people to go along with the artistic sushi and Asian fusion fare. 8960 University Center Lane, UTC, 858.450.3355. Map T21 Whaling Bar Classic old-school haunt at La Valencia Hotel has an Old World seaside feeling and has played host to a who’s who of La Jolla society. 1132 Prospect St., 858.454.0771. Map W19

North County

Belly up North County’s premier live music venue.

Voted best live music venue and lauded by Rolling Stone magazine. 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach, 858.481.8140. Map X22 Coyote BAR & GRILL Hot live music and cool fire pits. Indoor/outdoor spot offers casual ambience and a view. 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, ­Carlsbad, 760.729.4695. Map T22 EN FUEGO Lively singles vibe and tasty Mexican food served up on this restaurant’s bustling patio. 1342 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, 858.792.6551. Map X22 JiMmy O’s A favorite of sports fans and locals. Choose between the sports bar and the nightclub. 225 W. 15th St., Del Mar, 858.350.3735. Map X22

Beaches

710 BEACH CLUB Steps from the beach, this live music venue has everything from rock to hip-hop.

710 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach, 858.483.7844.

Map H8

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Tours +Transport BaR wEST This 5,000-foot upscale bar and lounge merges downtown chic with the casual attitude of the beach. 959 Hornblend St., Pacific Beach, 858.273.9378. Map H8 huMphREy’S BackSTaGE louNGE Live jazz and blues along with dancing. A longtime favorite located right on the water. 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island, 619.224.3577. Map K8

Presenting professional and award-winning theatre year-round in Vista.

AVO PLAYHOUSE

jRdN “Jordan,” Tower 23’s hip bar, overlooks the ocean and has a variety of signature cocktails and a full raw bar. 4551 Ocean Blvd., Pacific Beach, 858.270.5736. Map K8 SouTh BEach BaR & GRIll Just steps away from the ocean, this bar offers light fare and drinks. 5059 Newport Ave., Ocean Beach, 619.226.4577. Map J8 TuRQuoISE cafE BaR EuRopa This Euro-style wine bar has tapas, cask wines and live music nightly. 873 Turquoise St., Pacific Beach, 858.488.4200. Map H8

IntImate. LIve. theatre.

a modern comedy.

March 22-April 8

Feb. 16-March 11

Moonlight AMphitheAtre

Unmatched. entertaInIng. magIcaL mUsIcaL theatre In the oUtdoors.

Tours + Transport adVENTuRE R.I.B. RIdES Intimate dolphin, whalewatching and sightseeing excursions onboard a Navy SEAL Rigid Inflatable Boat (R.I.B.) with U.S. Coast Guard Captain Ken Manzoni. 619.808.2822.

June 27-July 14 July 25-Aug. 11

BalBoa paRk Free tours about history, architecture, horticulture and botanical gardens. Call for schedule.

Visitors Center, House of Hospitality, 1549 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.239.0512. Map P17 BIplaNE, aIR coMBaT & waRBIRd adVENTuRES Among the airborne tours offered are gentle or thrilling coastal biplane rides for two, you-fly-it air combat, loops and rolls in a WWII warbird. Montgomery Field, 760.930.0903. Map U23 cITypaSS Discount combo packages for the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, SeaWorld, Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure. $276 (kids $229). 888.330.5008, citypass.com. coach aMERIca SaN dIEGo Daily tours of all attractions in San Diego and Mexico. Charter minibuses, fully equipped passenger coaches. 3888 Beech St., downtown, 800.331.5077. Map P16 coRoNado TouRING Walking tour around the historic Hotel del Coronado and neighborhood. Tu, Th and Sa at 11 am. $12; children 3 and under free. Meet at Glorietta Bay Inn, 1630 Glorietta Blvd., Coronado, 619.435.5993. Map L11 coRpoRaTE hElIcopTERS Great views of La Jolla and downtown from the comfort of a private helicopter. Montgomery Field, 800.345.6737.

Map H11 dESTINaTIoN TEMEcula Door-to-door excursions to Temecula Wine Country, including wine tastings, complimentary wine glass, lunch and free time in Old Town Temecula. 28475 Old Town Front St., Temecula, 800.584.8162. Map A2 EXEcucaR Premier luxury sedan service. Sedan and SUV service, flat rates, group services and frequent-flier points and miles with select airlines. 123 Camino de la Reina #200, Mission Valley, 800.410.4444. Map M16 flaGShIp cRuISES aNd EVENTS Daily narrated tours of San Diego Bay plus brunch and dinner cruises, water taxi and more. 1050 N. Harbor Drive, Embarcadero, 800.442.7847. Map Q14 GaSlaMp QuaRTER hISToRIcal fouNdaTIoN Two-hour walking tour of the Gaslamp, Sa 11 am. $10. 410 Island Ave., Gaslamp, 619.233.4692. Map R1

Aug. 22-Sept. 8

Call or click to order.

760.724.2110 1-6 V House Ad_WLA:Layout 1

Sept. 19-Oct. 6

5/2/08 moonlightstage.com 9:31 AM Page 1

BEFORE YOU FLY, SURF.

www.WhereSD.com Discover timely information on current events, restaurants, sights and attractions on the WHERE Magazine website.

where BEC A US E YOU’ V E A RR I V ED

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Tours +Transport GaSlaMp SEGway Guided segway tours of historic neighborhoods including La Jolla and Coronado. Reservations required. 300 G Street., Gaslamp, 619.239.2111. Map R16 hoRNBlowER cRuISES Daily narrated tours of San Diego Bay, plus dinner cruises, yacht charters, whale watching, weddings and events. 1066 N. Harbor Drive, Broadway Pier, Embarcadero, 619.686.8700. Map Q4 la jolla kayak Cave and snorkel tours, bike and kayak rentals, whale-watching excursions and more. 2199 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla Shores, 858.459.1114. Map V20 MaGIcal adVENTuRES Offering hot air balloon flights over Del Mar & Wine Country. 866.ENJOY.US. old TowN TRollEy TouRS of SaN dIEGo Narrated sightseeing tour explores San Diego and Coronado via trolley or “SEAL” (sea and land vehicle).

On-and-off boarding privileges. Call for nearest pickup point and reservations. 619.298.8687.

SaIl SaN dIEGo Enjoy San Diego Bay on afternoon and sunset sails. Snacks, drinks included. Customized accommodations available. 2051 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island, 619.297.7426. Map K9 SaN dIEGo chINESE hISToRIcal SocIETy Walking tour of the Asian Pacific Historic District. Second Tu-Sa 10 am, Sun 12 pm. Reservations required. $2; children free. Chinese Historical Museum, 404 Third Ave., downtown, 619.338.9888. Map R16 SaN dIEGo ScENIc TouRS Daily half-day and full-day tours of attractions in San Diego and Mexico, including the Agua Caliente Racetrack in Tijuana. 858.273.8687.

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SEal TouR This unique amphibious tour explores San Diego Bay and its environs. Departs Th-M from Seaport Village. 619.298.8687. Map Q15 So dIEGo TouRS Culinary, nightlife and bike/walk sightseeing tours geared toward active visitors. 345 6th Ave., East Village, 619.233.8687. Map Q17 Sup coRoNado Group and private lessons in the new sport of stand-up paddleboarding, plus ocean and bay tours. Various Coronado locations, 619.888.7686.

SupER ShuTTlE Runs to and from the airport 24 hours a day. All major cards. Individuals, groups and charters welcome. Earn frequent-flier points and miles with select airlines. 800.BLUE.VAN. Skyy lIMouSINE Upscale limousine and sedan service for the savvy traveler. Call for reservations.

1310 K St., Gaslamp, 619.239.SKYY. Map R17 uNIVERSo BajacalIfoRNIaNo Guided bus tours explore the natural beauty of Baja, including cave paintings and historic missions. 011.52.646.178.2232 or universobc.com. uRBaN SafaRIS Weekend walkabouts of San Diego neighborhoods (or by appointment). 619.944.9255.

Applies to Economy through SUV size vehicles reserved in advance for rentals up to 30 days at participating Southern California locations. Participating locations are available by calling 1 800 rent-a-car. Sorry, this offer is not valid at airport locations. Rates are as posted at time of reservation at enterprise.com or by calling 1 800 rent-a-car. Weekly rates may apply depending on length of rental or for longer rental needs. Rental must end by December 31, 2012. Offer may not be used with other coupons, offers or discounted rates. Vehicles are subject to availability. Standard rental qualifications apply. Offer does not apply to taxes, surcharges, recovery fees, and optional products and services including damage waiver at $14.99 or less per day. Check your auto insurance policy and/or credit card agreement for rental vehicle coverage. Other restrictions, including holiday and blackout dates, may apply. Pick-up and drop-off service is subject to geographic and other restrictions. Void where prohibited. ©2011 Enterprise Rent-A-Car. C02178 01/11 MM

whERE you waNT To BE TouRS Scavenger hunt explores downtown S.D. Walk and bike tours also available.

619.917.6037.

XploRE offShoRE Personalized ocean-rafting on a Navy SEAL-style boat: high-speed sightseeing, snorkeling and evening cocktails on the waterfront. 858.456.1636.

where?

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30 things we love San Diego

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The Snake Oil Cocktail Co. libations at Gaijin Noodle + Sake House. p. 14

Being the hometown of a world-famous artist like John Baldessari. p. 6

The Big Lebowski “Dude” artwork upstairs at Solace & the Moonlight Lounge. p. 44

Picking up vintage-inspired silver jewelry at The Attic on Coronado. p. 21

Browsing the bonsais and petting the resident cat at City Farmers Nursery. p. 10

Catching an art-house flick at Kensington Cinema (4061 Adams Ave., Kensington, 619.283.3227).

Wishing we could furnish our own apartment with the colorful textiles and mod furniture featured at the Mingei Museum’s Finnish design exhibition, Northern Stars (through April 22). p. 62

Shopping Aloha Sunday Supply Co. for surf-inspired fashion done right. p. 23

Taking in a rock show at the Casbah with a cold PBR in hand. p. 64 Teeing off against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean at Torrey Pines Golf Course. p. 32 Pairing a late-afternoon Chardonnay with an artisanal French chocolate at Bon Vin in the Gaslamp. p. 17 Browsing art under the clear springtime sky at ArtWalk. p. 43

where in the world

Poutine, tacos and other latenight porky treats at Carnitas Snack Shack in North Park. p. 5 Sampling hard-to-find beers from all over the world at Bottlecraft (2161 India St., Little Italy, 619.487.9493).

The antelope sliders at the new downtown hotspot The Lion’s Share. p. 4 This crazy miso chocolate dessert at Burlap, one of Chef Brian Malarkey’s ever-expanding line of fabric-themed restaurants. p. 8

WHERE is an international network of magazines first published in 1936 and distributed in 4,000 leading hotels in more than 50 places around the world. Look for us when you visit any of the following cities, or plan ahead for your next trip by visiting us online at wheretraveler.com UNITED STATES Alaska & Yukon, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charleston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Georgia, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Maui, Minneapolis/St. Paul,

The little pockets of counterculture in the beach towns of North County that makes you feel like the ‘60s never ended. p. 24 Browsing the stacks at Warwick’s, the oldest family-run bookstore in the U.S. (7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla, 858.454.0347).

The bespoke menswear at Crow Thief (3009 Grape St., South Park, 619.961.6210), handcrafted the old-fashioned way.

Orange & Park’s modern San Diego map prints, sold at Root 75 (845 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.435.6060).

Getting to see 100-year-old artifacts recovered from the wreck of the Titanic. p. 29 Wandering through the cactus wonderland that is Balboa Park’s Desert Garden. p. 10 Christie Brinkley in Chicago. p. 57 Pork shoulder with polenta at North Park’s tiny Smoking Goat (3408 30th St., 619.955.5295).

Having a surprisingly awesome opera company. p. 3 San Diego Symphony’s Romeo & Juliet program. p. 59

The uplifting, vaguely ‘80sinspired new album by local band Delta Spirit (deltaspirit.net).

The Flower Fields’ 50 acres of ranunculus blooms. p. 10

Breakfast ‘til 2:30, every day at Snooze. p. 5

The green flash at sunset (did you see it?).

New Orleans, New York, Northern Virginia, Oahu, Orange County (CA), Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix/Scottsdale, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, South Florida, St. Louis, Washington, D.C. ASIA Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore CANADA Calgary, Canadian Rockies, Edmonton, Halifax, Mississauga, Muskoka/Parry Sound, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler, Winnipeg EUROPE Budapest, London, Milan, Moscow, Paris, Rome, St. Petersburg

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