Events
Comic-Con International
July 21-24. Calling all villains and superheroes! The world’s largest comic book and popular arts convention returns to the San Diego Convention Center. Badges for the sold-out event are hard to come by. For those lucky enough to score one, expect four days filled with dynamic exhibits, anime, movie stars, film panels, an art show, a children’s film festival, after-parties around the city, and more. For those who didn’t nab a pass, grab a seat on the sidewalk patio of a restaurant downtown for some memorable people-watching, celeb-sighting and Comic-Con-themed cocktails. 111 W. Harbor Drive, downtown. comic-con.org
Del Mar Races Opening Day
July 22. Giddy up! The Del Mar Racetrack hosts the first leg of its 2022 dual season of thoroughbred horse racing, beginning on Friday. Thousands of attendees will place their bets and dress in their finest track attire (think: seersucker suits and fancy hats). While Opening Day is officially sold out, tickets for the Official After Pony Party at Rancho Valencia Resort nearby are still available (see link). And plan now for the rest of the season, which includes Four O’Clock Fridays, the TVG Pacific Classic on Sept. 3 and Closing Day on Sept. 11. (The second leg of the season launches in November.) 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. dmtc.com
Opening Day After-Party at L’Auberge Del Mar
July 22. The place to “see and be seen” after Opening Day at Del Mar Racetrack, L’Auberge Del Mar hosts its signature annual soiree on the property’s stunning ocean-view grounds. The exclusive event—whose sponsors include Moët & Chandon, Epsolon Tequila and Red Bull—includes gourmet fare, dancing and live entertainment, and top-shelf libations. (Consider making a staycation out of the it and book a guest room for the night.) Dress to impress. 5 p.m.-midnight. $300 per person (21+ only; private cabana rentals available separately). 1540 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, 858.386.1336. Tickets
Ruocco Park Promenade Market
July 23. You’ll find creative street food, coffee, artwork, music and more at this outdoor market by the bay—nestled between Tuna Harbor Dockside Market and the USS Midway naval aircraft carrier on the south embarcadero. Presented by San Diego Food Markets, the event includes culinary offerings such as wood-fired pizzas, Mexican fare and desserts. Shop for crafts, jewelry, homewares and more made by local artisans—all while enjoying live tunes by local musicians and relaxing under large umbrellas offering shade. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free entry. 585 Harbor Lane, downtown. More Info
Food + Drink
The Cottage Encinitas
Now Open. The La Jolla brunch institution of 30 years has a new sister. Welcome to The Cottage Encinitas, a casual outpost serving SoCal comfort cuisine. This means hearty plates fresh from the griddle: lemon-curd-stuffed brioche French toast with fresh berries; cinnamon-swirl-buttermilk pancakes; and lemon-ricotta pancakes. Or choose from an array of omelets, Benedicts, hashes and scrambles; as well as classics such as the Morning Glory Sandwich with a fried egg, bacon, smoked gouda and lemon aioli on sourdough. See website for hours. 127 N. El Camino Real, #H, Encinitas, 760.854.4212. cottageencinitas.com
Jeff’s Beach Burgers
Now Open. Jeff Jacobs (owner of Rancho Valencia Resort) loves a good burger by the beach … so much so that he opened his own eatery near his La Jolla Shores home. The menu is straightforward and tasty—featuring a quarter-pound hamburger or cheeseburger, a veggie burger and the half-pound El Jefe Burger. A grilled chicken sandwich and hot dog are also available; plus a kids menu; sides like curly fries and onion rings; and milkshakes (try the Jeff’s Bubblegum Shake). Open daily 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 2134 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla, 888.535.2227. jeffsbeachburgers.com
Summer Dishes at Cesarina
Now Available. Known for its build-your-own pasta bowls and full vegan menu, beloved trattoria Cesarina is offering seasonal summer dishes inspired by chef Cesarina Mezzoni’s recent travels. Try the Prosciutto e Melone Insalata, Polpo Fichi e Basilico, Pappardelle al Sugo di Spuntature, and the rigatoni with Marinella sauce (pictured). To drink: cocktails like the Lo Spritz Granat and Parenti Serpenti; and the Bellissimo Chianti—Cesarina’s first private-label wine. Enjoy all in the quaint dining room or on the dog-friendly garden patio. See website for hours. 4161 Voltaire St., Point Loma, 619.226.6222. cesarinarestaurant.com
Arts + Culture
The Remarkable Mister Holmes
July 20-Aug. 21. Notorious detective Sherlock Holmes and his new assistant sleuth their way through 1890s London in North Coast Rep’s world premiere of this “madcap” musical comedy-meets-murder mystery. Based on the book by Omri Schein and David Ellenstein—with lyrics by Schein and music by Daniel Lincoln—the fast-paced production pays homage to the original tales by Arthur Conan Doyle, who created the namesake character in 1887. Bart Shatto (pictured) stars as Holmes; Ellenstein directs. See website for showtimes and tickets. 987 Lomas Santa Fe, Solana Beach, 858.481.1055. northcoastrep.org
Dial M for Murder
July 21-Aug. 28. Originally written by English playwright Frederick Knott (pictured) in 1952, The Old Globe’s commissioned world-premiere adaptation by Jeffrey Hatcher is a new version of Alfred Hitchcock’s masterful murder-mystery thriller. Drama and chilling plot twists abound in Dial M for Murder—a “murder for hire” gone wrong—after a jealous husband suspects his wife of having an affair. The play unfolds at the Globe’s intimate White Theatre, offering 360-degree stage views. Stafford Arima directs. See website for showtimes and tickets. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
Pretty Woman: The Musical
Upcoming | July 26-31. The 1990 blockbuster starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere has been made into a Broadway musical; and it’s coming to San Diego Civic Theatre in a flashy production that promises to be: “Big. Huge.” Directed and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell and produced by powerhouse Paula Wagner, the musical stars Adam Pascal as Edward Lewis and Olivia Valli as Vivian Ward (pictured L-R)—with an original score by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance; along with the smash song “Oh, Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison and Bill Dee. 1100 Third Ave., downtown. broadwaysd.com
Photo credits: Cesarina by Arlene Ibarra. The Remarkable Mister Holmes by Aaron Rumley. Pretty Woman by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
