Events
“Summer and Songs” at The Village at PHR
July 8-Aug. 19. Head to The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch (PHR) every Thursday for an evening of live music at this outdoor concert series, featuring award-winning local musicians. Classically trained at Chapman University, singer-songwriter Celeste Barbier is the first to perform this week—covering popular jazz, pop, folk and blues hits from the past 100 years. The series lineup also includes Lee Coulter (pictured), Justin Froese, Gaby Aparicio, Hullabaloo, Lola Kristine and Evan Diamond. See website for full schedule and details. 6-8 p.m. Free. 13490 Pacific Highlands Ranch Parkway, Carmel Valley. summerandsongs.com
San Diego Bayfest
July 10. Enjoy live reggae music and San Diego Bay views with the return of this popular festival—presented this year by Koi CBD. Musical acts include Dirty Heads (pictured), Sublime with Rome, Fortunate Youth, The Aggrolites, KBong and Denm; plus DJ sets by Unite, Scooter, Greyboy, Who and Green T of Sleeping Giant Music. Fuel up with fare from local taco stands and food vendors; plus craft beer and cocktails. Noon-10 p.m. General admission is $50 per person, with VIP packages available for $250. Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Hwy., downtown. sandiegobayfest.com
The PettyBreakers Concert at Belly Up
July 11. Live music returns to North County’s legendary concert hall, highlighted by an evening of classic rock tunes. The PettyBreakers take over the Belly Up stage for A Tribute to Tom Petty—fronted by Ozzie Mancinelli, who portrays Tom Petty in the show. Formed in 2010, the San Diego-based band has grown into a nationally touring production—performing on AXS-TV’s hit show, The World’s Greatest Tribute Bands, in 2014; and headlining the National League Baseball All-Star Game in 2018. 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.) Tickets start at $21. 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach, 858.481.8140. bellyup.com
Food + Drink
Flamenco Dinner Show at Cafe Sevilla
July 10. Spice up your Saturday night with dinner and flamenco dancing at this beloved Spanish eatery (a Gaslamp Quarter staple since 1987). Cafe Sevilla presents a two-part flamenco performance, starring seasoned dancers who were trained in Spain; along with a three-course dinner featuring its award-winning Paella Valenciana. Add-ons include a tapas menu, wine and a full bar. Advance tickets are required and include entry to the restaurant’s nightclub. 6:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m., with communal-style seating assigned upon arrival.) $89.50 per person. 353 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.233.5979. Tickets
Wine Tasting at Vin de Syrah
July 10. Open to both newbies and oenophiles, this isn’t your typical wine-tasting experience. Sniff, swirl and snack on light bites inside this subterranean brasserie—known for its whimsical “down the rabbit hole” decor and expansive wine inventory. Gather beneath botanical chandeliers at the tasting table for a fun and educational experience led by Vin de Syrah’s two in-house (and unconventional) sommeliers—complete with three full glasses of wine and food pairings. Book tickets fast (only 16 spots available). 7-8:30 p.m. $74 per person. 901 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.234.4166. More Info
Bencotto
Open. The Italian word for “perfectly cooked,” Bencotto is known for its build-your-own pasta dishes, savory sauces, cured meats, artisanal cheeses, Italian wines and rich desserts—all served in a modern, airy setting inside the glass-and-concrete walls of Little Italy’s Q Building. We also love the new bay-view dining patio; scratch-made pastas tossed in its giant Parmesan cheese wheel; complimentary bites served during happy hour (Tu-F 3-5 p.m.); and the popular half-moon ravioli stuffed with crab (pictured). D nightly; L Tu-Su (see website for hours). 750 W. Fir St., Little Italy, 619.450.4786. lovebencotto.com
Poseidon Restaurant
Open. This North County destination for seafood, libations and ocean views is the embodiment of idyllic SoCal dining. Book a table on the ample beachfront patio, which boasts panoramic views of the Pacific. Menu highlights include daily fresh catches, scallops, steamed clams, steaks and salads; plus wine, craft beer and cocktails. Weekend brunch is especially lovely here, featuring dishes such as macadamia-coconut-crusted French toast; and the slow-cooked, pork-belly Benedict with a smoked-paprika biscuit. L, D Tu-Su; Br Sa-Su (see website for hours). 1670 Coast Blvd., Del Mar, 858.755.9345. poseidonrestaurant.com
White Rice
Now Open. Chefs Philip Esteban and Jan Tejada present Liberty Public Market’s newest dining concept. Designed as a sari-sari (a corner bodega in the Philippines), the 600-square-foot eatery occupies the market’s largest space—offering ample onsite seating. Inspired by traditional Filipino cuisine, the menu features dishes such as the Filipino Spaghetti bowl (pictured) with hot-dog Bolognese, egg noodles, cheese and herbs; and the Pinoy BBQ plate with a grilled chicken skewer, sous-vide egg, pickled veggies and garlic rice. Open daily 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 2820 Historic Decatur Road, Liberty Station. ricebowlsforall.com
Arts + Culture
Eden Espinosa in Concert at The Old Globe
July 9-11. Featuring Broadway stars in intimate performances at the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, The Old Globe closes out its alfresco An Evening With ... summer concert series. This weekend, get to know musical theater veteran Eden Espinosa. Among her many credits, Espinosa is known for her roles as Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway and in Los Angeles and San Francisco; as Maureen in the closing company of RENT on Broadway; and as Sadie in The Old Globe’s world-premiere musical Rain (pictured). 8 p.m. Tickets start at $29. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
“Interstellar Vibration: A Cosmic Sound Voyage” at Fleet Science Center
July 10. Explore the wondrous world of “sound healing” with this unique multisensory experience at the Fleet’s iconic Heikoff Giant Dome Theater. Sit back, relax and bask in ethereal soundscapes, whose frequencies synchronize with your brain waves to soothe you into a deep state of calm. Your hosts include Lindsay Roach, a sound healer and reiki practitioner; Leah Lipson, creator of multifaceted sound journeys; and violinist Jamie Shadowlight (pictured). 7:30-8:30 p.m. (suggested for ages 8 and older). Tickets start at $35. 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.238.1233. More Info
Photo credits: White Rice by Shannon Patrick. Eden Espinosa by Jim Cox / courtesy of The Old Globe. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues featured.
