Events
North Park Thursday Market
Jan. 7. 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. Some of our favorite finds include: floral bouquets from Hidalgo Flowers; citrus fruits, eggs and avocados from R&L Farms; baked goods from Haciendita Bakery; handcrafted Mexican salsas from Sabor a Baja; and coffee beans from Wipeout Coffee. Strict safety protocols enforced (see website). 3-7:30 p.m. North Park Way (between 29th and Ray streets), North Park, 619.289.8909. northparkfarmersmarket.com
Botanic Wonderland
Extended through Jan. 16. Hooray for more nights of lights! The San Diego Botanic Garden has extended its seasonal lighting experience to select evenings this month. Stroll among 37 acres of beautifully lit gardens—including the conservatory, Toni’s Treehouse, the rainforest, waterfall, Lawn Garden and more. The property’s plant collection will be illuminated as never seen before; plus theatrical laser lighting and fire pits to help keep guests warm. Advance reservations required and social distancing enforced. See website for dates and ticket pricing. 5-8 p.m. 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, 760.436.3036. sdbgarden.org
Whale Watching with Halcyon Seas Charters
Ongoing. It’s winter whale season! And what better way to enjoy whale watching than from aboard a 70-foot, luxury yacht? Halcyon Seas offers custom, private-charter adventures along San Diego Bay, Mission Bay and the SoCal coastline; plus day trips, special-occasion cruises, luxury getaways and more. Our pick: a day trip, (either a half-day or up to eight hours), which includes a licensed captain, meals, snacks and premium drinks for up to 12 guests. Be on the lookout for gray whales, humpbacks, dolphins and other marine life. See website for pricing and safety guidelines. 619.913.9219. halcyonseas.com
Food + Drink
“Extraordinaire” at Jeune et Jolie
Jan. 8-10. Feast on fabulous French fare from the comfort of home with Jeune et Jolie’s weekend dining experience. “Extraordinaire” comprises a five-course dinner by chef Eric Bost. The menu changes often, but recent dishes have included cured salmon with dill and artichoke; pithivier filled with chicken, pork, sweetbread, chestnuts, mushrooms and turnips; and white-chocolate mousse for dessert. Add-ons include libations, chilled blue prawns and a hunk of decadent French black truffle. Order online for curbside pickup. Meals start at $55 per person. 2659 State St., Carlsbad, 760.637.5266. jeune-jolie.com
Smokey and The Brisket
Now Open. Savor barbecue straight from the in-house smoker at this new eatery by restaurateur Alberto Morreale. The menu boasts slow-cooked specialties such as prime brisket, pulled pork, spareribs and sausage links; along with house-made sauces and sides such as jalapeño cornbread and coleslaw. Or choose from an array of flatbreads, sandwiches, rotisserie chicken and bread pudding for dessert. And be sure to ask about the Flintstone-approved “Dino” smoked beef rib and the “Cowboy Caviar.” Tu-Su 11 a.m.-9 p.m. for takeout. 5465 Lake Murray Blvd., La Mesa, 619.439.6544. smokeyandthebrisketsd.com
Lunch at Cloak and Petal
Now Available. Known for its Japanese tapas, specialty sushi rolls, craft cocktails and dramatic cherry blossom tree commanding the center of the bar, the trendy spot now serves lunch. Choose from bento boxes (we love the shrimp tempura and katsu chicken); sushi rolls, such as the La Jolla with spicy tuna, jalapeño, yellowtail, avocado and spicy chile sauce; Japanese-fried chicken; sweet corn soup; and more. Cloak and Petal also offers sushi platters and family meals. L, D daily for pickup and delivery. 1953 India St., Little Italy, 619.501.5505. cloakandpetal.com
Winter Menu at Louisiana Purchase
Now Available. Enjoy a taste of the Big Easy at this beloved outpost, revered for its authentic New Orleans cuisine. The menu by chef Quinnton Austin (aka Chef Q) features gourmet renditions of gumbo, po’ boys, sweet-potato cornbread and southern-inspired libations. Daily chef’s specials this winter include jerk crab legs, blackened catfish over crawfish pasta, fried lobster cakes, the famous Hanks seafood potato (if you know, you know!), and barbecue beef ribs. Fried-chicken fans will love the Voodoo Box. W-Su for curbside pickup. 2305 University Ave., North Park, 619.255.8278. Order Online
Winter Treats at Le Parfait Paris
Now Available. Find comfort food in the form of elegant Parisian pastries at this bakery and cafe—the mother ship for macarons in San Diego. The meringue confections are handcrafted daily and come in such flavors as garden rose, lavender honey and Sicilian pistachio. Or choose from many specialty cakes, fruit tarts, crepes, quiches and more. We also love the breakfast box filled with bread and croissants, and the prosciutto sandwich for lunch. See website for hours and ordering options. 555 G St., Gaslamp Quarter; Liberty Public Market, 2820 Historic Decatur Road, Liberty Station. leparfaitparis.com
Arts + Culture
North Coast Rep’s Necessary Sacrifices
Now Playing. North Coast Rep’s West Coast premiere—originally commissioned by Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C.—has been extended by popular demand. Written by Richard Hellesen and directed by David Allenstein, the two-man show stars Ray Chambers as Abraham Lincoln and Hawthorne James as Frederick Douglass. The men come together at the height of the Civil War in a riveting dialogue—based on two documented meetings between them—addressing the war, politics, peace and courage. Tickets for the streaming production are $35 per device for a 48-hour viewing period. northcoastrep.org
San Diego Museum of Art Virtual Exhibit Tour
Upcoming | Jan. 11. Although the museum remains temporarily closed, art lovers can still explore its exhibits virtually. Take a docent-guided, 50-minute tour of Anything Goes: An Era of Abstraction—20th Century Art. The exhibit examines works in the museum’s permanent collection that encapsulate the revolution of art in the 20th century—namely its bold departures from traditional subject matter and techniques. One such example is The Shadows (pictured), a 1966 oil painting by Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte. Reserve your spot in advance. 10 a.m. Free. sdmart.org
Photo credits: Jeune et Jolie by Devin Castañeda. North Coast Rep by Aaron Rumley. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues featured.
