Events
National Drink Wine Day
Feb. 18. Isn’t every day National Drink Wine Day? Evidently, it’s officially acknowledged on Feb. 18. Our pick for celebrating: The Rose Wine Bar. This adorable neighborhood hangout and bottle shop specializes in natural wines and handmade comfort food—both served on its outdoor patio and to-go. Into reds, whites, bubbles or can’t decide? The knowledgeable staff can help you find your new vino crush. Even better, join The Rose’s wine club and receive several bottles a month, along with perks and discounts on retail wines. See website for hours. 2219 30th St., South Park, 619.281.0718. therosewinebar.com
Steve Poltz’s 12th Annual 50th Birthday Bash
Feb. 19. Beloved local musician Steve Poltz is turning 50 … yet again! A longtime headliner at the Belly Up concert hall, the singer, songwriter and guitarist—who cofounded indie-rock group The Rugburns, collaborated with Jewel on hit songs such as “You Were Meant for Me,” and released 13 solo records—will perform a livestream concert from the Belly Up’s main stage. The fun includes special guests and a chance to purchase limited-edition shirts designed by illustrator Scrojo—known for his prolific work in the music, surf and skate industries. 7 p.m. $20. Tickets
Food + Drink
“Fish Friday” at Fish Shop
Feb. 19. Every Friday during Lent, the Pacific Beach location of Fish Shop (which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary) is highlighting a different fish ‘n’ chips dish. On the menu this Friday: fried red snapper with French fries and all the accouterments. Guests can also order from the expansive menu of fresh fish—including salmon, swordfish and albacore—and tacos. We suggest the famous TKO Taco—with grilled mahi-mahi marinated in the eatery’s special seasoning, topped with tropical mango salsa—best enjoyed on the pet-friendly patio. Open daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 1775 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach, 858.483.1008. thefishshops.com
Kenzi Coffee & Tea Garden
Now Open. Brought to you by the same team behind Subterranean Coffee, this new community-oriented outpost serves coffee, tea, pastries, smoothies, acai bowls and more. Order sips such as organic Guatemalan coffee, the honey-lavender latte and oat-milk cappuccino from the cafe’s walk-up window; and enjoy to-go or on the sidewalk patio. We love the minimalist, urban feel of the space; and the assortment of loose-leaf teas and creative coffee drinks. Must-try bites include the bacon-and-egg empanadas and vegan doughnuts. Open daily 7 a.m.-3 p.m. 1763 Elm St., Suite C, Bankers Hill, 858.581.9460. thekenzi.com
Mister A’s
Reopened. How we’ve missed those sweet bird’s-eye views from 12 floors up! Dine on French-infused American cuisine on this iconic fine-dining outpost’s famed wraparound patio—boasting views of the downtown skyline, bay, Balboa Park, and incoming aircraft about to land at Lindbergh Field. Dishes include beef carpaccio with white-truffle oil, hazelnut-crusted seabass, Maple Leaf Farms duck breast and Georges Bank scallops; plus an outstanding wine list. Come for cocktails on the terrace starting at 4 p.m., with dinner service beginning at 5 p.m. Reservations only. Tu-Su. 2550 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill, 619.239.1377. asrestaurant.com
Girl Scout Cookies and Beer at Duck Dive
Now Available. Girl Scout cookie season is here, and Duck Dive is having some fun by pairing these nostalgic treats with flights of local beer. For $12, guests can sample Societe Brewing’s Belgian blonde ale, The Harlot, paired with the Lemon-Up cookie; Pizza Port’s Chronic amber ale, paired with the caramel-coconut Samoa; Mother Earth’s Cali Creamin’ vanilla-cream ale, paired with the peanut-butter Do-si-do; and Modern Times’ Black House coffee-flavored beer, paired with the classic Thin Mint. Th-F 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sa-Su 9 a.m.-10 p.m. 4650 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach, 858.273.3825. theduckdive.com
New Menu at Communal Coffee
Now Available. We love the South Park outpost of this local coffee shop—from its service counter in the form of an adorable vintage trailer; to its onsite artisanal retailers offering home wares, bath products, gifts and fresh flowers. Enjoy hot and cold coffee drinks, such as the rose-vanilla latte and iced flower latte; plus teas, juices and seasonal sips such as the blackberry-lavender latte. The new food menu includes locally made baked goods, avocado toast, bagel sandwiches, chia pudding, seasonal dishes and more. Open daily 7 a.m.-5 p.m. 2221 Fern St., South Park, 619.313.0679. communalcoffee.com
Arts + Culture
Art of Elan SDMA Pop-Up Performance
Feb 19. The San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA) presents a special virtual pop-up performance by Art of Elan—a boutique outfit that produces visual, interactive, classical concerts. Titled Abstract and Allegory, the 15-minute concert illuminates works in SDMA’s Masters of Photography: The Garner Collection. The exhibit showcases 100-plus photographs spanning different movements and subjects—by artists such as Ansel Adams, Berenice Abbott, Margaret Bourke-White and more. The concert explores the power of transformation, featuring music by South Korean composer Unsuk Chin. Free. sdmart.org
Waves of Feminism Exhibit at Liberty Station
On View. The Women’s Museum of California has unveiled a three-panel art installation, Waves of Feminism: Women Who Persisted, located along the building’s exterior walls. Made possible by the Arts District Collaborative Grant awarded by the NTC Foundation, the vinyl-canvas mural captures three distinct eras of feminism and the notable leaders of each wave—dating back to the 1780s. The museum encourages guests to ponder what the fourth wave of feminism could and should look like. Museum hours: W-Su 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Exhibit is free. 2730 Historic Decatur Road, Arts District Liberty Station. Exhibit Info | Arts District Liberty Station
May S. Marcy Sculpture Court & Garden
Reopened. This tranquil oasis nestled adjacent to the San Diego Museum of Art’s west wing—complete with views of the landmark California Tower—has reopened to the public. Also home to the open-air gastropub Panama 66 (which has reopened for outdoor dining), the property houses a unique collection of 19th- and 20th-century contemporary sculptures by notable artists such as Alexander Liberman, Henry Moore, Louise Nevelson and David Smith. The garden is also available for private, socially distanced weddings and events (see website). Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free entry (masks required). 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park. sdmart.org
Photo credits: Art of Elan SDMA Pop-Up by Ansel Adams, “Moonrise Over Hernandez,” 1941, from the collection of Cam and Wanda Garner; © The Ansel Adams Publishing Rights Trust / courtesy of San Diego Museum of Art. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues featured.