San Diego

Weekend roundup

January 13-16

Events

North Park Thursday Market

Jan. 13. Grab fresh flowers, organic produce, artisanal foods, pantry items, CBD products, clothing, jewelry and more at this weekly alfresco market—showcasing more than 30 local vendors—plus live music while you shop. Some of our favorite finds: floral bouquets from Hidalgo Flowers (pictured); citrus fruits, eggs and avocados from R&L Farms; bread from Hommage Bake House; salsas and tortillas from Ruth’s No. 5; and coffee beans from Motherland Coffee. See website for safety protocols. 3-6:30 p.m. North Park Way (between 29th and Ray streets), North Park. More Info

“Inside Look” at SeaWorld

Jan. 15-16. A wayward sea lion made national news recently when he wandered onto busy State Route 94. The SeaWorld San Diego Rescue Team safely returned him to the water. SeaWorld’s “Inside Look” program (offered weekends through Jan. 30) lets park guests connect with SeaWorld team members to learn firsthand about such rescues; plus all the dedicated animal care that happens behind the scenes. Activities include sea rescue screenings, an educational orca presentation and a scavenger hunt. Access is included with park admission. See website for hours and tickets. 500 Sea World Drive, Mission Bay. seaworld.com

Seaside Cinema

Ongoing. Fancy an alfresco winter date night? Enjoy an evening at the movies with Seaside Cinema—an intimate film-watching adventure on the beach. The company does all the work; simply choose your experience. For example, the “Classic Cinema” experience includes projector setup, blankets, stadium-style seats, pillows and movie treats. Or pick “Bali by the Bay,” which includes a grazing board of cheeses, bread, fruit and more to snack on while watching your favorite movie bayside. Experiences also can be tailored for small groups and special occasions. See website for details and pricing. seasidecinemasd.com

Food + Drink

Wine and Food Tasting at Cork & Knife

Jan. 14. Wine connoisseurs and foodies are invited to this special evening at Cork & Knife. Central Coast vintner Double Bond will be on hand, pouring selections from its boutique vineyard—including its signature grenache blanc, rosé and La Vista zinfandel. All will be served with a special pairing menu crafted by chef Amy DiBiase, with dishes such as chicken-liver mousse, Humboldt Fog goat-cheese mac, and beef short rib with polenta and pomegranate gremolata. No RSVP needed; open to the public. 5:30-8 p.m. $28 per person. 6106 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, 858.703.1484. corknknife.com

New Breakfast Menu at Firehouse

Now Available. Because the day’s most important meal should also be the most delicious, Firehouse American Eatery & Lounge has expanded its breakfast menu. Executive chef Brian Redzikowski has dreamt up new dishes such as the Firehouse Benny (pictured) with Black Forest ham; chilaquiles with feta and house-made salsa; and chocolate-vanilla-cream pancakes. Leaning toward a lunch-style dish? Try the new grilled balsamic salmon with wild-mushroom risotto. All pair nicely with a mimosa and ocean views. Open daily (breakfast served until 3 p.m.) 722 Grand Ave., Pacific Beach, 858.271.3100. firehousepb.com

La Doña OB Cantina

Open. This indoor/outdoor cantina is a breath of fresh air in Ocean Beach. You’ll find delectable Mexican fare here, thanks to chef Gabby Lopez—who was born and raised in Tijuana and has incorporated family recipes from Guadalajara and Nayarit. Feast on beef-birria-queso tacos, chicken-tinga enchiladas, citrus-and-garlic-marinated arrachera steak and more; plus house-made coconut flan and churros with chocolate-coffee sauce for dessert. To drink: margaritas and specialty cocktails such as the Vaya con Dios (pictured). Open daily (see website for hours). 1852 Bacon St., Ocean Beach, 619.269.6144. ladonaob.com

Saltwater

Open. With its blue-hued seating and nautical touches, Saltwater looks and tastes like a Mediterranean retreat. The seafood-focused restaurant features an impressive ice display showcasing fresh catches; plus a glass-enclosed wine room promising the perfect pairing. The menu includes pistachio-crusted tuna with caponata-grilled polenta and mint sauce, Maine lobster fettuccine and seared scallops; plus caviar, a raw bar and ocean-inspired cocktails such as the Reef cucumber-mint martini. Carnivores will love the bone-in filet mignon. Open daily 4-10 p.m. 565 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.525.9990. saltwatersandiego.com

Arts + Culture

Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

Jan. 14-March 6. The works of Dutch post-Impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890) come to life in this awe-inspiring exhibit—presented by Keurig at the Wyland Center at Del Mar Fairgrounds. Created by Mathieu St-Arnaud of Montreal’s Normal Studio, the walk-through experience showcases more than 300 of Van Gogh’s masterpieces via 3D technology. Projection-wrapped walls of shapes, lights and colors dance and morph into the artist’s famous landscapes, flowers, cafes and portraits—all set to a symphonic score. See website for tickets. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar. vangoghsandiego.com

Balboa Park Photo & History Tour

Ongoing. How well do you know Balboa Park, aka the “Crown Jewel” of San Diego? Tour guide Kris will take you on a fun exploration of the city’s 1,200-acre park, whose iconic architecture and buildings date back to the Panama-California Exposition of 1915-16. You’ll learn little-known facts about its development over the decades; as well as view photos taken 100-plus years ago in the same spots where you’ll be standing. Tours are offered regularly (see website for schedule). $20. Meet at the front steps of San Diego Museum of Art, Plaza de Panama, Balboa Park, 619.504.9474. Tickets

Meyer Fine Art Gallery

Open. Tucked in the heart of Little Italy’s art and design district, Meyer Fine Art has showcased 19th-21st-century artwork since 1978—and in a comfortable, pretension-free gallery space. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started, art-buying is easy and accessible here. The gallery specializes in original graphics, limited-edition prints and other works on paper. Highlighted artists have included Salvador Dali (pictured), Clay Walker, Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Jean Kazandjian and more. Tu-Th 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; F-Sa 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 2400 Kettner Blvd., Suite 104, Little Italy, 619.358.9512. meyerfineartinc.com

Photo credits: Firehouse by Joann Van Noy. Beyond Van Gogh by Gayaman Visual Studio / courtesy of Paquin Entertainment Group. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.

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