Outdoor Fun
Moonlight Cinema at One Paseo
June 5-26. Enjoy a family-friendly movie night under the stars with One Paseo’s June cinema series, taking place every Saturday throughout the month. The schedule includes Raya & the Last Dragon this Saturday; Wonder Woman on June 12; Moana on June 19; and The Princess Bride on June 26. The fun unfolds on the lawn behind Harland Brewing Company. Take advantage of special offers from One Paseo’s restaurants and turn the evening into a picnic. Bring your own blankets and chairs. Movie admission is free. 7 p.m. 3725 Paseo Place, Del Mar. onepaseo.com
The Gondola Company
Open. If you squint really hard and use your imagination, the Coronado Cays can (almost) transform into the canals of Venice with this romantic experience. Book a cruise for two (or up to six passengers) aboard a Venetian-style gondola for a 50-minute tour through the Silver Strand’s luxury marina community. Packages include a wine-tasting tour, which includes chocolate truffles; and a proposal package, complete with a dozen red roses and other special touches for “popping the question.” W-Su (see website for required reservations). 503 Grand Caribe Causeway, Coronado, 619.429.6317. gondolacompany.com
Rancho Valencia
Open. Tucked away in Rancho Santa Fe, this Forbes Travel Guide five-star resort is the place to be for all things alfresco—spanning 45 acres of olive groves, gardens and trails. Guests can take outdoor fitness classes; ride Italy-imported Pinarello bikes; play tennis on one of 18 courts (including two European red-clay courts); practice their downward dog in the outdoor yoga pavilion; relax poolside in a private cabana; dine at the Pony Camp outdoor tent; and indulge in open-air treatments at The Spa. See website for pricing. 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, 858.759.6246. ranchovalencia.com
Food + Drink
Anniversary Brunch at Monzu Fresh Pasta
June 5. The acclaimed eatery celebrates its third anniversary this week. Owners Aldo de Dominicis Rotondi and Serena Romano are champions of the “slow food” movement and have trained with master pasta makers. Their organic sauces and pastas—including the Cestino Spaghetti al Tartufo (pictured)—are scratch-made daily; along with Italian flatbreads and desserts. The cafe is offering an exclusive anniversary brunch service on Saturday, featuring a spaghetti frittata, the classic Italian pastry Sfogliatelle Napoletane and more. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 455 10th Ave., East Village, 619.255.5032. monzufreshpasta.com
American Pizza Mfg.
Open. Love to cook (but secretly, not really)? This adorable “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 10 signature pies (we love The Hallmark margherita pizza) or build your own. Pastas include lasagna and mac ‘n’ cheese; plus salads, ice cream and a giant chocolate-chip cookie. Tu-Su 3-8:30 p.m. 7402 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla, 858.246.6756. americanpizzamfg.com
J & Tony’s Discount Cured Meats and Negroni Warehouse
Open. Known for its gourmet deli delights, craft libations and natural wines, this low-profile East Village gem packs a punch with its hearty name and big-city style. Congrats to J & Tony’s for being honored as one of Esquire magazine’s “Best Bars in America for 2021.” It’s the only San Diego bar to make the list—a standout for its urban-oasis vibe, selection of cured meats, Negroni cocktails, Italian sandwiches and distinctive small plates. (Canned fish served with Pringles chips, anyone?) Open daily 8 a.m.-10 p.m. 631 Ninth Ave., East Village, 855.634.7664. prosciuttoboys.com
Lumi
Open. A modern, Japanese-inspired, rooftop oasis awaits at Lumi—RMD Group’s stunning 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 whisky. Menu favorites: Back’s signature yellowtail pizza, the salmon ceviche, rock shrimp tempura (pictured), and surf ‘n’ turf sushi roll with king crab and New York strip steak. (And ask about Naso 9—Lumi’s signature mystery box, unveiled tableside.) To drink, try the Suntory Toki Highball cocktail. Tu-Su 5-11 p.m. 366 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.329.5864. lumirooftop.com
Not Not Tacos
Open. In a town that takes its tacos VERY seriously, we love that “Sam the Cooking Guy” (aka food personality Sam Zien) has fun with his take on them. Not Not Tacos is serving up such favorites as the Korean short-rib taco, marinated lamb taco with tzatziki sauce, mashed potato taco, and decadent Sam’s Cheeseburger taco (pictured) with crispy onions. If you dare, try The Best of Sam, which includes tater tots, a taco of the month and six specialty tacos. Open daily (see website for hours). Little Italy Food Hall, 550 W. Date St., Little Italy, 619.269.6725. notnottacos.com
Arts + Culture
A Thousand Ways (Part Two: An Encounter)
Begins June 3. Presented by La Jolla Playhouse, this one-of-a-kind immersive experience is so popular that its first installment, Part One: A Phone Call, sold out. Created by theater-making duo Michael Silverstone and Abigail Browde of 600 Highwaymen (pictured), the digital adventure invites participants to rethink what they know about others and themselves … in real time. Participants (who are total strangers) are paired together and seated in an empty room and separated by plexiglass—and then must follow prompts on a set of note cards. Recommended for ages 16 and older. Tickets are $25. lajollaplayhouse.org
Becoming Dr. Ruth
Upcoming | June 9-July 4. Now age 92, Karola Ruth Westheimer, long known as “Dr. Ruth,” is famous for her tiny stature and career as an outspoken sex therapist, author and media personality. But there’s much more to her story—including losing her family in the Holocaust, her emigration from Germany to Israel, and her astonishing and complex journey to fame. North Coast Rep delivers this streaming one-woman show about her life, written by Mark St. Germain and starring Tovah Feldshuh—a six-time Tony and Emmy nominee. Take a seat inside Dr. Ruth’s virtual living room. $35 per single viewing. northcoastrep.org
Photo credits: Monzu Fresh Pasta by Arlene Ibarra. J & Tony’s by James Tran. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues featured.
