San Diego

Weekend roundup

March 11-14

Outdoor Fun

LowKey Outside Comedy Show

March. 13. LowKey San Diego presents an evening of laughter under the stars with this socially distanced, outdoor comedy show—staged on the backyard lawn of the Movement Warehouse. The lineup includes performances by comedians Erik Griffin, Ian Edwards (pictured), Matt Rife and Paul Elia. Masks are required, and temperature checks will be given prior to entry. Guests may bring their own beverages. (See website for all details.) Shows are scheduled for 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., with seating 30 minutes prior. Tickets start at $30. 1425 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach. More Info

Ruocco Park Market

March 13. 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 made-to-order vegan dishes, barbecue, paella, waffles, kettle corn and desserts. Shop for crafts, jewelry, homewares and more made by local artisans; enjoy live tunes by local musicians; and relax in the shade under provided umbrellas. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free entry. 585 Harbor Lane, downtown. More Info

“Dinner & a Movie on the Bay: The Sequel”

March 14. Hornblower Cruises and Events takes movie night to the next level with the reopening of its outdoor floating cinema series. Watch a screening of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle from your own private table; while dining alfresco aboard the Sapphire Sky Deck. (Bring a warm jacket.) The evening includes a dinner entree and popcorn; plus beer, wine, cocktails and dessert available for purchase. See website for Hornblower’s strictly enforced “SafeCruise” procedures. 5:30-8 p.m. (5 p.m. boarding). Tickets start at $48. Pier 1, Hornblower Landing, 1800 N. Harbor Drive, downtown, 855.253.7943. hornblower.com

Food + Drink

Tidal

Reopens March 12. There’s just something magical about sitting on the bayfront dining deck at Tidal, especially at sunset. Outfitted with ample, well-spaced seating, a fire pit and a “private beach house” vibe, the deck boasts 180-degree views of Mission Bay. To dine, the restaurant offers locally sourced seafood and entrees such as a smoked half chicken and barbecued pork spareribs. Sunday brunch shines with chilaquiles and brioche French toast with orange mascarpone. F-Sa 5-9 p.m.; Su 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Paradise Point Resort, 1404 Vacation Road, Mission Bay, 858.490.6363. paradisepoint.com

San Patricio Celebration at SideYard BBQ

March 13. Every year, Mexico honors the heroes of El Batallón de San Patricio—a unit comprised largely of Catholic-Irish immigrants who fought alongside the Mexican Army in the Mexican-American War of 1846-48. Outdoor eatery SideYard BBQ by HottMess will pay tribute with a special menu of Mexican-Irish mashup dishes—such as smoked brisket tacos with cheddar-mashed potatoes and mole. Guests can also enjoy live performances by Irish folk band Finnegan Blue and the Rose Academy of Irish Dance. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 1735 National Ave., Barrio Logan, 619.650.2251. sideyardbyhottmess.com

National Pi Day at Landini’s Pizzeria

March 14. Celebrating the mathematical constant “pi” with a pizza pie? Now that equals delicious! Landini’s Pizzeria is offering special deals exclusively on Sunday for $3.14 (the first three digits of pi). Enjoy a draft beer and a slice of one of its signature New York-style pizzas—which include the Sopranos pie, La Picante and Rustica—for $3.14 at the Little Italy locale; or two slices of pizza for $3.14 at Liberty Public Market. Each location opens at 11 a.m. 1827 India St., Little Italy, 619.238.3502; 2820 Historic Decatur Road, Liberty Station, 619.310.5380. landinispizzeria.com

Weekend Brunch at El Cruce + 241

Now Open. An authentic Baja culinary experience awaits at this new cocina. Spotlighting seafood and local ingredients, executive chef Charleen Sandoval oversees a menu of oysters, ceviche, octopus tacos, lamb burgers, house-made flan and more; plus Baja wines and craft beers. The eatery also offers a new weekend brunch service, offering dishes such as black-bean enfrijoladas with lamb chorizo, scrambled eggs and cotija cheese; and chilaquiles de chile morita topped with a fried egg. Open daily (see website for hours). 2431 Third Ave., Chula Vista, 619.349.2389. elcrucechulavista.com

Carnitas’ Snack Shack

Reopened. Burgers, beers and bay views equal the perfect trifecta. Nestled along the embarcadero, the outdoor bar and grill boasts spacious seating with views of San Diego Bay—serving cocktails, beer, and a pork-centric menu of hearty sandwiches, burgers, tacos, burritos, soft-serve ice cream and more. Try the Triple Threat sandwich if you dare; it’s loaded with pork loin schnitzel, pulled pork and crispy bacon. And the signature carnitas tacos with corn tortillas are divine. No reservations needed. Th-Su 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; F-Sa 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. 1004 N. Harbor Drive, downtown, 619.696.7675. carnitassnackshack.com

Arts + Culture

Puccini – Live from Florence

March 14. Actor/musician extraordinaire Hershey Felder stars in San Diego Rep’s dynamic streaming production. Puccini centers on a young musician who is smitten with the world of opera—namely legendary composer Giacomo Puccini’s Madama ButterflyLa bohème and Tosca—and finally gets to meet his idol. Filmed and performed in the city of Lucca, Italy (where Puccini was born), the show features several opera luminaries as its special guests: tenor Charles Castronovo, soprano Gianna Corbisiero and baritone Nathan Gunn (pictured L-R); plus soprano Ekaterina Siurina. 5 p.m. $55 per household. 619.544.1000. sdrep.org

Maritime Museum of San Diego 

Reopened. Ahoy! One of our favorite slices of San Diego culture has reopened. Docked along the north embarcadero, this floating nautical museum is home to one of the larger collections of historical sea vessels in the U.S.—including the world-famous Star of India, an iron-hulled sailing ship built in 1863. Become immersed in more than 500 years of seafaring history—from dockside ship tours to insightful exhibits to San Diego Bay cruises and more. See website for safety protocols and to purchase tickets. Sa-Su 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1492 N. Harbor Drive, downtown, 619.234.9153. sdmaritime.org

St. Patrick’s Day Fun

The Irish Julep St. Paddy’s Day Pop-Up

March 12, 13 and 17. Calling all lads and lasses! The Julep venue will transport guests to the Irish countryside—transforming into a Celtic-themed pop-up restaurant, retail and entertainment experience. The fun includes a whimsical backdrop of rainbows and rolling fields of flowers and clovers; authentic Irish cuisine and themed libations by Snake Oil Cocktail Co.; fountains of green beer; live Irish music; a retail shop featuring Gaelic trinkets; and an emcee directing the debauchery. Reservations required. Dinner seatings are limited and begin at $85. 1735 Hancock St., Midtown, 619.754.4041. julepvenue.com

Festive Treats at The Gluten Free Baking Co.

Upcoming | March 16-21. Satisfy your sweet tooth with the bakery’s gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options, which range from breakfast to dessert. Highlights include holiday-decorated cupcakes, cookies and doughnuts. This means lots of green in the form of frosting, sprinkles and shamrock toppers. The bakery’s usual daily offerings will also be available—including bread, muffins, bagels, pastries and more. St. Patrick’s Day treats will be available in the shop’s bakery case for same-day pickup, on a first-come, first-serve basis. (Call or visit website for custom preorders.) 4594 30th St., North Park, 858.270.9863. thegfbakingco.com

St. Patrick’s Dinner at Covewood

Upcoming | March 17. The new flagship restaurant at San Diego Mission Bay Resort is offering alfresco dining and an Irish-inspired meal. Feast on traditional shepherd’s pie, made with lamb sirloin, baby peas, carrots, caramelized onions, celery, whipped Yukon gold potatoes and a rosemary demi-glace. Pair it with a porter from local brewer Latitude 33; or choose from festive libations such as the St. Patrick’s Jameson Irish Sour, Jameson Irish Smash, Leprechaun’s Mimosa, Shamrock Sipper and Guinness by the pint. 5-8 p.m. 1775 E. Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay, 619.275.7922. missionbayresort.com

Triton Charters St. Patrick’s Day Cruises

Upcoming | March 17. Test the luck of the Irish with an afternoon of bay breezes, skyline views and a seat aboard a luxurious, 75-foot catamaran. Triton Charters’ signature vessel is outfitted with a wraparound bar, comfy seating for up to 60 people, an advanced sound system, a dance floor and more. Festivities include live music, dancing, raffle prizes and plenty of green beer. Cruises depart at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., with limited tickets available. See website for details, safety guidelines and pricing. 2700 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island, 844.587.4866. triton-charters.com

Photo credits: SideYard BBQ by Jeff Jones. Landini’s Pizzeria by Elsye Jones. The Gluten Free Baking Co. by Lindsay Kreighbaum. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues featured.

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