Events

Opening Day at Del Mar Racetrack

Nov. 11. The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club launches its fall Bing Crosby Season with Opening Day on Friday—when thousands will head back to Del Mar Racetrack for an afternoon of “bettin’ on the ponies.” Racing season runs through Dec. 4 and features special events such as the Uncorked Derby Days Wine Festival on Nov. 12; Taste of the Turf Club every Sunday; and much more. Gates open at 11 a.m. on Opening Day (first race at 12:30 p.m.). See website for tickets; free admission to veterans with military ID. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, 858.755.1141. dmtc.com

S.D. Bay Wine & Food Fest’s “Grand Decant”

Nov. 11. Running through Nov. 13, the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival returns in all its pre-pandemic glory—filled with myriad culinary events, top restaurants, celeb chefs and libations purveyors. The Grand Decant on Friday is a highlight—unfolding at Carruth Cellars’ new Liberty Station location for an evening of wine tasting. Top sommeliers, wineries and vintners from California and across the U.S. will be on hand—staged in a walk-around setup and pouring both domestic and international labels. 6-9 p.m. $85 per person. 2875 Dewey Road, Building 177, Liberty Station. Tickets

S.D. Bay Wine & Food Fest’s “Grand Tasting”

Nov. 12. The signature event of the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival is back! The culinary showcase brings together premier restaurants, chefs, wineries, beer and spirit purveyors, and gourmet food companies along the bayfront at Embarcadero Marina Park North. Featured chefs include James Montejano, Claudia Sandoval, Flor Franco, Robert Alcocer and DuVal Warner; plus beverage brands like Whistle Pig and Marston Family Vineyards. Noon-3 p.m. $200 general admission; $250 early admission (11 a.m.); $400 VIP (11 a.m. admission and access to exclusive tastings). 400 Kettner Blvd., Embarcadero. Tickets

Food + Drink

Polo Steakhouse

Now Open. At this modern new steakhouse with North County coastal vibes, delight in superior-quality seafood and steaks overseen by executive chef Judd Canepari; and a wine collection of more than 1,000 bottles—curated by sommelier Feliciano Perez, general manager and fellow sommelier Michael Pickering, and owner Mayur Pavagadhi. Must-try dishes include the escargot appetizer with bone-marrow herb butter; the prime Angus tartare; and any of the steak cuts (of course), from filet mignon to American wagyu. Tu-Su 4:30-9 p.m. 4980 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad, 760.930.9100. polocarlsbad.com

Temaki Bar

Now Open. Translating to “hand roll,” this new outpost by Clique Hospitality and chef Jojo Ruiz serves just that—made-to-order hand rolls loaded with salmon, yellowtail, blue crab and other fresh catches. Order rolls individually or in sets of up to five; plus starters like the Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice; sashimi and nigiri; cut rolls such as the Lobsta Queen; and beer, wine and sake straight from the barrel. The casual-cool hangout features a wraparound bar and artwork by Todd DiCiurcio and Rob Machado. Open Tu-Su beginning at 11 a.m. 575 Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 760.704.8888. temakibarsushi.com

Omakase Dining at Glass Box

Now Available. When it comes to omakase (chef’s choice), in chef Ethan Yang do we trust. You’ll find him at Glass Box at The Sky Deck at Del Mar Highlands Town Center. The eatery is an actual, large glass box with a sushi bar tucked inside—serving traditional sushi preparations, specialty rolls, Asian-fusion dishes and creative cocktails. Book a seat at the bar and let Yang spoil you with his omakase creativity—with courses that range from nigiri to smoked toro belly to matcha cake for dessert. 12841 El Camino Real, Suite 203, Del Mar, 858.289.4800. glassboxsd.com

Arts + Culture

Emanuel Ax in Concert at The Shell

Nov. 12-13. Music is in the air this weekend, when San Diego Symphony presents two special evenings as part of its popular Jacobs Masterworks series. Renowned pianist Emanuel Ax (pictured) joins the Symphony and maestro Rafael Payare on stage both nights at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. The repertoire includes Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 2; Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 12; and the U.S. premiere of Time by Thomas Larcher—one of Europe’s leading composers. Sa 7:30 p.m.; Su 5 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown, 619.235.0804. theshell.org 

Broadway Musical Hamilton

Through Nov. 20. The fever-pitch phenomenon that is Hamilton returns, presented by Broadway San Diego. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony, Grammy and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical has graced stages nationwide. It centers on the famous yet surprising story of West Indies immigrant Alexander Hamilton, who assisted George Washington during the Revolutionary War and went on to become the nation’s first treasury secretary. Hear a stellar cast take on the show’s groundbreaking soundtrack, which blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap and R&B with historical accuracy. Civic Theatre, 1100 Third. Ave., downtown. broadwaysd.com

The Grinch at The Old Globe

Through Dec. 31. Who better to get us into the holiday spirit than the big, hairy, grumpy green guy? The Old Globe presents the beloved, family-friendly musical, Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas, based on the classic Dr. Seuss book—with book and lyrics by Timothy Mason and music by Mel Marvin. Audience favorite Andrew Polec returns to star in the title role of The Grinch; along with Issa Ally as Cindy Lou-Hou; and an endearing ensemble cast. See website for showtimes and ticket pricing. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org

As You Like It at La Jolla Playhouse

Upcoming | Nov. 15-Dec. 11. Co-directed by Christopher Ashley and Will Davis, Shakespeare’s romantic comedy As You Like It has been reimagined into a very special production at La Jolla Playhouse—billed as “the original rom-com, wild with love and high on joy.” Centered on the lovestruck Orlando and Rosalind, the play features a cast of trans, non-binary and Queer performers in a “celebration of limitless love,” produced in association with Diversionary Theatre. See website for showtimes and tickets. (There’s even an As You Like It Spotify playlist). 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla, 858.550.1010. lajollaplayhouse.org

Photo credits: Hamilton by Joan Marcus. The Grinch (pictured L-R: John Treacy Egan, Andrew Polec and Tommy Martinez in the 2021 production) by Rich Soublet II / courtesy The Old Globe. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.