Events
Comic-Con@Home
July 22-26. If only we had superhero powers to stop a pandemic … Alas, for the first time in its 50-year history, Comic-Con takes place virtually this year. We will miss the usual sightings of Spiderman, Wonder Woman and celebrities at the San Diego Convention Center. But on the bright side, the event is also free for the first time. The digital itinerary includes 350-plus panels featuring actors, writers and directors spanning TV, film, comics and video games; plus demos, interviews and more. See website for full lineup. comic-con.org
National Tequila Day
July 24. What better way to celebrate this sacred day than sipping your cares away on a breezy waterfront deck with views of San Diego Bay? Coasterra is our pick for celebrating National Tequila Day—boasting an extensive collection of fine tequilas, hand-shaken margaritas, pitchers and specialty cocktails. Splurge on The Noble Margarita ($16) made with Coasterra’s Casa Noble reposado barrel selection, Grand Marnier, lime juice and agave nectar. The stellar bay views are free of charge. 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. 880 Harbor Island Drive, Harbor Island, 619.814.1300. cohnrestaurants.com
San Diego Sailing Tours
Ongoing. “Coastal distancing” is a thing right now. Make the most of it by booking a private tour of San Diego Bay aboard a classic sailing yacht. Packages range from a two-hour daytime sail, to a fully catered sunset cruise for two, to a private charter for up to six guests. The experience comes complete with your own captain (though you’re welcome to try your hand at some tacking); along with beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres. Cabrillo Isle Marina, 1450 Harbor Island Drive, Harbor Island, 619.786.0173. sandiegosailingtours.com
Food + Drink
Juniper & Ivy
Reopened. It’s all about the great outdoors at Juniper & Ivy—from its new alfresco dining patio to its new menu highlighting outdoor cooking techniques. Welcome to “Under the Stars,” featuring well-spaced seating, twinkling light strands above, and dishes spotlighting summer produce and wood-fired proteins. Think: corn dip with Oaxaca cheese, poblano peppers and grilled toast; a spit-roasted half chicken; and a gourmet spin on s’mores for dessert. Open for dinner W-Su. Reservations only. 2228 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy, 619.269.9036. juniperandivy.com
American Pizza Mfg.
Now Open. Love to cook (but secretly, not really)? This adorable new “bake-at-home” outpost has your back. Order from a menu of freshly handmade pizzas, pastas and more; pick up from the roll-up takeout window; and finish by popping dishes into your oven at home—with specific instructions that average 10-15 minutes in baking time. Try one of seven signature pizzas or build your own pie. Pastas include lasagna and mac ‘n’ cheese; plus a giant chocolate chip cookie for dessert. Tu-Su 3-8:30 p.m. 7402 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla, 858.246.6756. americanpizzamfg.com
California Taco Club
Now Open. Did someone say tacos? This new fast-casual taqueria offers outdoor seating and a walk-up service window, where you can order a variety of tacos, burritos and ceviche. Our picks: the spicy shrimp taco with muenster cheese; the beer-battered oyster mushroom taco with cabbage; and the carne asada burrito. Wash it all down with the house-made horchata. Su-Th 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; F-Sa 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 4465 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach, 619.567.5200. californiatacoclub.com
Dinner at Ranch 45
Now Open. Previously open for breakfast and lunch, the quaint cafe and butcher shop has launched dinner service for patio dining, takeout and delivery—in addition to selling grocery items such as eggs, sugar, wine and produce boxes. The menu features omelets, sandwiches, salads and burgers—all made with locally sourced produce, responsibly raised poultry and beef from Brandt Beef. Or purchase cut-to-order beef, chicken fish and grilling kits to cook at home. B, L daily 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; D Th-Sa 5-8:30 p.m. 512 Via de la Valle, Suite 102, Solana Beach, 858.461.0092. ranch45.com
Arts + Culture
Cinema Under the Stars
July 23-26. A night out at the movies is still possible right now at this intimate outdoor venue, which presents films every Thursday through Sunday. This weekend’s movie: the 1998 Coen brothers comedy The Big Lebowski—starring Jeff Bridges, John Goodman and Steve Buscemi. The theater offers comfy reclining chairs, spaced six feet apart between parties. Masks are required to enter but can be removed when seated. Bring your own blanket. 8 p.m. each night. Online reservations close at 5 p.m. day of screening. 4040 Goldfinch St., Mission Hills, 619.295.4221. topspresents.com
Mainly Mozart Drive-In Concert
July 25. Now this is music to our ears! Mainly Mozart—the first major arts organization in the U.S. to perform classical music to a live audience (since the pandemic hit) on July 11—returns for another live, drive-in classical concert at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. A quintet will perform Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, Barber’s Adagio and more—led by Los Angeles Philharmonic concertmaster Martin Chalifour. 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Admission is free but see website to RSVP. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. mainlymozart.org
ONE Gallery Opening
Now Open. Well, it’s sort of “open,” by appointment only. ONE is a new venue launched by Quint Gallery, showcasing one piece of artwork at a time, with exhibitions changing every three weeks. Its inaugural artwork: Zephyr by San Diego-based artist Robert Irwin—comprising nonelectrified fluorescent light bulbs, wrapped in layers of theatrical gels and placed on top of areas directly painted on a wall. The striking installation is on view through Aug. 11. 7722 Girard Ave., La Jolla, 858.454.3409. quintgallery.com
Photo credits: Ranch 45 by Haley Hill Photography. American Pizza Mfg. by James Tran. Mainly Mozart by J. Kat Woronowicz Johnson. All other photos are courtesy images.
