Events
Backyard Kitchen + Tap Movie Night
July 30. It’s movie night done right at this popular Pacific Beach hang. Backyard’s inaugural weekly movie night launches with a showing of Top Gun on a large projection screen on its extended Sideyard patio. Admission is $10 per ticket and includes a $10 food credit (try the buttermilk-fried Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich), popcorn and $5 Corona beers available all night. Every Thursday, 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of Sideyard. 832 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach, 858.859.2593. backyardpb.com
“Evenings in the Park” at The Prado
Begins July 31. Score some major romance points with a date night at Balboa Park, where The Prado has been transformed into a dreamy outdoor oasis, complete with live entertainment. The new dinner series features a prix fixe “Local Love” menu that changes every week—highlighting French cuisine made with locally sourced produce and proteins (think: mustard-crusted pork chops and mushroom risotto); plus beverage pairings. F-Sa; seating begins at 6 p.m. Reservations required. 1549 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.557.9441. cohnrestaurants.com
Everyday California Surf Lessons
Reopened. Catch a wave once again with Everyday California’s recently reopened surfing lessons—taking place in the calm waters of La Jolla Shores and open to all skill levels. The La Jolla-based ocean adventure company is following strict safety protocols, providing both private and limited-group lessons, stringent cleaning procedures, social distancing and required face masks while on the sand. (See website for all rules and precautions.) Open to ages 5 and older. Prices start at $60 per person. 2261 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla Shores, 858.454.6195. everydaycalifornia.com
Food + Drink
Island Prime Floating Pop-Up
Now Open. This is what happens when a challenge is met with creativity and coastal proximity. Although the popular indoor restaurant Island Prime remains temporarily closed, diners can now enjoy the same refined steakhouse experience alfresco. Cohn Restaurant Group has converted its Harbor Island event venue next to Coasterra into a floating pop-up dining experience. Feast on filet mignon, Kumiai oysters and more aboard a buoyant, 6,000-square-foot deck (seating up to 68 guests), complete with panoramic bay and skyline views. D nightly 5-9 p.m. 880 Harbor Island Drive, Harbor Island, 619.298.6802. cohnrestaurants.com
Lumi by Akira Back
Now Open. A modern, Japanese-inspired, rooftop oasis awaits at Lumi—RMD Group’s stunning new outpost, fronted by Michelin-starred chef Akira Back. The sexy space spotlights sushi, inventive Japanese fare, seafood delicacies, sake and craft libations—with a focus on Japanese whiskies. Menu favorites: Back’s signature yellowtail pizza, the kanpachi ceviche, rock shrimp tempura, and surf ‘n’ turf sushi roll with king crab and New York strip steak. Wash it all down with the Suntory Toki Highball cocktail. W-F 4-11 p.m.; Sa noon-11 p.m. 366 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.329.5864. lumirooftop.com
Seaside Brunch at Serẽa
Now Open. Weekend brunch by the sea? Sold. And you needn’t wake up super early to dine at Serẽa—where executive chef JoJo Ruiz has dreamt up some seriously indulgent dishes to savor on the open-air terrace, boasting views of Coronado Beach. Try the piña colada French toast with roasted pineapple; lobster and chorizo omelet; smoked tri-tip steak and fried eggs with braised-kale-and-potato hash; and daily selection of fresh-caught seafood. Sa-Su 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Hotel Del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, 702.489.2129. sereasandiego.com
The Presley
Now Open. Taking over the space that formerly housed Fireside by The Patio, The Presley is the latest offering from hospitality group Good Time Design. The mostly outdoor venue comprises an ample alfresco dining patio and three bars. Feast on classic American fare—flatbreads, sandwiches, lobster roll sliders and salads—plus entrees such as grilled pork prime rib and horseradish-crusted salmon. We’re also loving the fun cocktails; try the frozen gin fizz or the Dole Whip mimosa. W-Su 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 2855 Perry Road, Liberty Station, 619.877.1800. thepresleysd.com
Arts + Culture
S.D. Italian Film Festival Live Discussion
Aug. 2. The San Diego Italian Film Festival continues its virtual celebrations with another pick of the week: Viva La Libertà. The 2013 movie (translation: Long Live Freedom) is a drama/comedy about a twin (renowned Italian actor and theatrical director Toni Servillo) who impersonates his brother—a politician leading the largest opposition party in Italy as elections approach. Screen the political satire for free on Tubi TV and join the live discussion on Sunday at 11 a.m. Reserve your “seat” online in advance. tubitv.com | sdiff.yapsody.com
Madison Gallery Summer Showcase
On View. Birds, bunnies and butterflies … Oh my! Solana Beach-based Madison Gallery presents its virtual summer showcase: nearly 80 oil paintings by neo-expressionist artist Hunt Slonem. With his works housed in the permanent collections of 250 prominent museums across the globe (including the Guggenheim and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC), the painter, sculptor and printmaker is known for his vivid captures of rabbits, butterflies and tropical birds—drawing inspiration from his own personal aviary of dozens of bird species. View the full collection online. madisongalleries.com
San Diego Zoo “Inside Look” Tours
Ongoing. It’s all about animal attraction at the San Diego Zoo, which remains open but is operating at less than half of normal capacity and with strict safety guidelines (see website). Our suggestion: Go for an upgraded experience by booking a private “Inside Look” tour for up to six household members. Offered daily (including early-morning tours before the zoo opens!), the two-hour experience lets you see the animals up close and learn more about their care and conservation. The zoo (home to 3,500-plus animals) promises a surprise thrill or two along the way. 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park, 619.718.3000. sandiegozoo.org
Photo credits: The Prado by Justin Galloway. Island Prime floating pop-up by Dan Warner. All other photos are courtesy images.
