Events
Del Mar Tacos & Tequila Festival
Aug. 26. Tacos, tequila and beer … oh my! This festival at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s Seaside Cabana celebrates all three—showcasing an array of specialty tequilas, margaritas and cervezas; along with tacos from the area’s best taco shops, including Krispy Boys, Munchy Express, Big Boyz Tacos, Taco Fix and Global Tacos Grill. General admission includes entry to the racetrack and access to an exclusive trackside area to watch the horse races, a racing program and tip sheet. VIP tickets include two free tacos and early event entry. 2-5 p.m. $45-$59. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. dmtc.com
Sabor del Barrio
Aug. 27. The first annual Sabor del Barrio (aka “Taste of Barrio Logan”) will showcase the community’s culinary destinations and culture. Explore 36 restaurants, bakeries, breweries and coffeehouses; as well as the Barrio Logan cultural district’s museums and galleries. Participating venues include La Divina Cocina Y Cantina, Thorn Brewing, Panchita’s Bakery, Por Vida, Tacos del Barrio, Fish Guts, Mujeres Brew House, Barrio Dogg, Athenaeum Art Center at Bread and Salt, Church of Herbalism and many more. Noon-4 p.m. $40 per person. 2060 block of Logan Avenue to National Avenue, Barrio Logan. allforlogan.com
Taste of East Village
Upcoming | Aug. 29-30. Eat, sip and stroll your way through East Village at this inaugural two-day event. More than 35 restaurants in the ‘hood will open their doors—offering samples of appetizers, entrees, desserts and beverages. Participating businesses include Ales Tales Tap Room & Kitchen, East Village Brewing, City Tacos (pictured), Lola 55, Lotus Thai, Knotty Barrel, Storyhouse Spirits, Moniker Cocktail Co., Wicked Chicken and more. Ticket holders will receive a Taste Passport at check-in to use as a guide for mapping out all restaurants. 4-8 p.m. each day. $40 per person, per day. eastvillagesandiego.com
Food + Drink
Backyard Bash at Pali Wine Co.
Aug. 27. Pali Wine Co. is hosting a backyard bash to celebrate this year’s release of “Summer Sessions” wines by its brand, Neighborhood Winery. Guests can sample five limited-production natural wines; plus music by DJ Mike White; and a food pairing for each wine by local chefs. Participants include Rob Striker of The Friendly, Yara Lamers of Ironside Fish & Oyster, Carlos Anthony of Herb & Wood, brothers Danny and Dante Romero of Two Ducks, and Berry Good Food Foundation. Noon-3 p.m. $75 (all inclusive). 2130 India St., Little Italy, 619.569.1300. More Info
Long Story Short
Now Open. The former Little Thief Wine Bar space in North Park is now Long Story Short—a new dinner destination by chefs Elliott and Kelly Townsend. The husband-and-wife team—whose cooking portfolio includes Juniper & Ivy, Cowboy Star and Vino Carta Solana Beach—wanted to create a welcoming kitchen and wine bar showcasing the best of California cuisine. The seasonal menu currently offers dishes like local bluefin tuna, corn agnolotti and white seabass crudo; plus regional and global wines and local craft beers. See website for hours. 3017 University Ave., North Park, 619.228.9381. More Info
Patisserie Melanie
Now Open. Embark on a Parisian culinary journey at Patisserie Melanie—a warm, modern new outpost by Paris-trained pastry chef Melanie Dunn. The cafe and bakery specializes in small-batch confections and French pastries, including croissants, macarons and tarts; plus savory quiches, croques and tartines for lunch; and teas and coffee drinks to wash it all down. Come for happy hour and enjoy the “Le Royale with Cheese” burger, cheese and charcuterie boards, and discounts on wine and beer. Tu-Su 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; happy hour T-F 3-6 p.m. 3750 30th St., North Park, 619.677.2132. patisseriemelanie.com
New Summer Cocktails at Civico 1845
Now Available. Travel to southern Italy, sip by sip, at Civico 1845, which debuts several summer cocktails. New offerings by new bar manager Francesca Proietti include the Tropea, made with rum, Amaro Nonino, honey syrup, lime, and orange and chocolate bitters; La Pantera Rosa (pictured), with gin, Select Aperitivo, homemade strawberry syrup, lemon and egg white; the mezcal-based Sogno Oaxaca; and the Civico Old Fashioned. The restaurant also features a dedicated Aperol Spritz bar, and a digestifs menu offering favorites like limoncello. See website for hours. 1845 India St., Little Italy, 619.431.5990. civico1845.com
Arts + Culture
Philippine Cultural Arts Festival
Aug. 26. Head to the heart of Balboa Park to celebrate the culture, music, performing arts and cuisine of the Philippines at this 36th annual festival. The family-friendly fun includes colorful folk and tribal dances by Samahan performers, accompanied by Samahan Rondalla and Kulintang (gong) music ensembles; as well as arts and crafts vendors, revues of traditional and indigenous Filipino attire, Filipino food stations serving classic dishes from lumpia to leche flan, martial arts exhibitions, and other special performers. 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Free admission. Park Boulevard and Presidents Way Lawn, Balboa Park. More Info
Sunday Market LIVE at WNDR Museum
Aug. 27. Known for its interactive digital art installations, WNDR Museum presents Sunday Market LIVE—a “neon disco jungle” themed market where guests can shop while enjoying music and art. The market showcases a curated assemblage of handcrafted wares, such as jewelry from LinkUp and Think Unique, pottery from Made in Choss, and fair-trade cacao from Cacao-Cult. Artist Catherine Dvorak will create a chalk mural live; plus tarot readers, astrologers, immersive “restorative sessions” (think: sound therapy and meditation) and more. 3-8 p.m. $38 adults; $28 kids. 422 Market St., downtown. wndrmuseum.com
Hunter S. Thompson Musical
Upcoming | Aug. 29-Oct. 8. Hunter S. Thompson (1937-2005) is largely remembered for having founded the gonzo journalism movement and for his book Hell’s Angels. But who was he really? La Jolla Playhouse explores the life of America’s counterculture icon in its world premiere, The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical. Based on the book by Joe Iconis and Gregory S. Moss—with choreography by Jon Rua and music/lyrics by Iconis—the musical takes us through Thompson’s career, accompanied by a rock ‘n’ roll-infused score. 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla, 858.550.1010. lajollaplayhouse.org
Photo credits: Civico 1845 by James Tran. WNDR Museum by Tyler Curtis. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
