San Diego

Weekend roundup

May 6-9

Events

Late-Night Movie Screenings at Rooftop Cinema Club Embarcadero

Begins May 7. Enjoy city views and movie screenings—from recent box office hits to cult classics—on the fourth-floor terrace of the Manchester Grand Hyatt throughout the summer. The experience includes a state-of-the art projector, headphones and deck chairs; plus snacks available for purchase. Beginning this weekend, guests can enjoy late-night screenings—with Scream slated for Friday, and Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy on Saturday. See website for tickets and full schedule. 10:30 p.m. 1 Market Place, downtown. rooftopcinemaclub.com

Just Get Wet Grand Opening

May 8. Calling all divers and ocean lovers! Just Get Wet has opened its official brick-and-mortar headquarters. The company offers free-diving, line diving and spearfishing classes; plus surfing and snorkeling meetups and other social events. The community-focused space will be used to teach free-diving course work, rent gear, sell apparel and more. Grand opening festivities include limited-capacity dive and sail trips—including a sunset sailboat tour. Advance registration required. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Event entry is free; dive and sail trips are donation-based ($50 suggested). 3719 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach. Register

Food + Drink

Cocina de Barrio

Open. They had us at “popsicle margaritas.” Spotlighting recipes and flavors of Oaxaca, the Mexican restaurant by chef Jose J. Flores features authentic dishes with fun twists. Favorites include the grilled Pacific oysters; braised short ribs with mole negro; and toasted masa cakes with lamb birria and refried beans. Added bonuses: an ample alfresco dining patio, a vast selection of tequila and mezcal, and plenty of plant-based dishes. And don’t miss the pineapple-upside-down pancakes for weekend brunch. D Tu-Sa; Br Sa-Su (see website for hours). 3707 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest, 619.677.2770. cocinadebarrio.com

La Doña OB Cantina

Open. Feast on delectable Mexican fare at this mostly outdoor cantina. Chef Gabby Lopez—who was born and raised in Tijuana—has incorporated family recipes from Guadalajara and Nayarit. Dishes include beef-birria-queso tacos, chicken-tinga enchiladas, citrus-and-garlic-marinated arrachera steak and more; plus churros with chocolate-coffee sauce for dessert. To drink: traditional margaritas and specialty cocktails such as the Donkey Kick with Hornitos Blanco tequila. Open daily (see website for hours). 1852 Bacon St., Ocean Beach, 619.269.6144. ladonaob.com

Fireside Lounge

Open. Nestled in the Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, this all-outdoor lounge feels like its own magical world. The spacious lawn features private fire pits (perfect for toasting marshmallows), personal cabanas, craft cocktails, small plates and live music. Menu musts include the hanger-steak tartare with egg-yolk emulsion; the s’mores kit (for two); and the whiskey-based Almond Emery cocktail with homemade orgeat and orange bitters. Another perk: Canine guests are welcome. See website for hours. 5300 Grand Del Mar Court, Del Mar, 866.305.1528. granddelmar.com

Nick’s Del Mar

Open. You can’t miss the glass-walled building standing tall at the north end of One Paseo—home to the new location of Nick’s (originally established in Laguna in 2008). The striking space boasts an island-style, indoor/outdoor bar, an ample dining patio and an exhibition kitchen. On the menu: bacon-deviled eggs, market-style salads, burgers and sandwiches; plus entrees such as pan-seared Chilean sea bass, baby-back pork ribs and buttermilk-fried chicken. Wash it all down with the jalapeño-watermelon margarita. Open daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 3377 Del Mar Heights Road, Suite 300, Del Mar, 858.345.2127. nicksrestaurants.com

The Waverly

Open. The all-day cafe has mastered the art of beachy-chic dining—boasting a breezy decor with elegant European touches by sister duo Design 4 Corners; and progressive American cuisine by chef Brian Redzikowski. Our menu picks: the fried-egg brioche sandwich with American cheese and bacon for breakfast; the pork-shoulder rice bowl with avocado and salsa verde for lunch; and Mary’s chicken tikka masala with house-made naan bread for dinner. Save room for the cheese course and butterscotch pudding for dessert. Tu-Su 9 a.m.-10 p.m. 2005 San Elijo Ave., Cardiff, 760.230.1682. thewaverly.com

Weapon

Open. Chef Phillip Esteban debuts Liberty Public Market’s newest culinary offering. Inspired by his affinity for Japanese culture and cuisine, the casual outpost and “listening bar” serves ramen, chirashi rice bowls and its signature bone broth. Dishes incorporate sustainably caught seafood from Tuna Harbor Dockside Market and local veggies. Menu highlights: the tonkotsu ramen with pork-bone broth; and the Weapon Bowl (pictured), filled with a variety of seafood served over sushi rice. Th-Sa 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Su-W noon-6 p.m. 2820 Historic Decatur Road, Liberty Station. More Info

Arts + Culture

Art of Tim Cantor Gallery

Reopened. At age 15, classical/surrealist artist Tim Cantor saw one of his paintings hung in the White House. His work later graced the cover of rock band Imagine Dragons’ Smoke + Mirrors smash-hit album, as well as the group’s music videos. Now celebrities worldwide collect his work. Inside his Gaslamp gallery, you’ll find Cantor’s darkly ethereal, dream-like, oil-on-canvas paintings (pictured: Nostalgia); plus limited-edition prints, writings, original conceptual art and more—many of which depict and are inspired by his wife, Amy. Sa-Su noon-6:30 p.m. 527 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.235.6990. timcantor.com

Museum of Us

Reopened. Located in Balboa Park’s historical California Plaza, the museum (formerly the Museum of Man) is known as much for its architecture as its exhibitions—you can’t miss the landmark California Tower. Focusing on cultural anthropology, its exhibits explore the human experience throughout history and now. Currently on view: PostSecret, featuring handmade, postcard-style pieces of art revealing secrets shared by San Diego locals; Living with Animals; Adventure Kids in Egypt; and Monsters. W-Su 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $19.95 adults; $16.95 children (ages 6-17). 1330 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.239.2001. museumofus.org

Photo credits: All images are courtesy of the businesses and venues featured.

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