Events
Fashion Week San Diego Runway Shows
Oct. 17. The (fashion) show must go on! Nab a front-row ticket to Fashion Week San Diego’s 2020 virtual runway shows, hosted by local meteorologist Jodi Kodesh. The live broadcast at Luce Loft downtown will showcase nine designers, each of whom will debut a 10-piece collection for the first time—including Scheherazade by Dijana Fiorentino (pictured), L’Atelier Couture by Olivia Romero, L Label Loves Emvee Bikinis, Kelly Leanne Apparel Designs, Bea Cruz PH and more. Viewers are encouraged to make a pajama party (with cocktails!) out of the evening. 6 p.m. $40. fashionweeksd.com
National Pasta Day
Oct. 17. A day devoted to our favorite carb? Count us in! Buono Forchetta Encinitas is our pick for celebrating. The restaurant is known for its Napolitano-style pizzas, but the scratch-made-daily pastas and homemade sauces (try the carbonara or pesto) are equally swoon-worthy. Choose from traditional spaghetti, penne, fettuccine, pappardelle and bucatini; or favorites such as the lasagna Bolognese and seafood risotto—plus gluten-free and vegetarian options. Pair with a glass of vino and enjoy on the quaint patio. L, D daily (see website for hours). 250 N. Coast Hwy., Encinitas, 760.704.8070. buonaforchettanc.com
Sun Up Cheetah Safari Tours
Ongoing. “Seeing spots” is a good thing with San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s new experience. The private, two-hour tour (for groups of up to four household members) includes an early-morning stroll through the park before it opens to visitors. Guests will be introduced to various wildlife; get a rare opportunity to see a cheetah run at top speed; and enjoy brunch at The Watering Hole at Kijamii Overlook—boasting the best views in the park. See website for reservations. Tickets are $449 per group. 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, 619.718.3000. sdzsafaripark.org
Food + Drink
Spiro’s Greek Cafe
Now Open. Step into a small slice of Santorini and feast on house-made Greek cuisine at this taverna-inspired, fast-casual eatery in La Jolla. (It’s the second location for the Chaconas family, which has owned and operated Spiro’s in Coronado since 1995.) The menu is loaded with Mediterranean fare such as gyros, falafel, fresh pita bread, Greek mezes, kabob platters, moussaka (baked eggplant), tabouli salad and more. Save room for house-baked desserts such as baklava and rice pudding; plus Greek beers and wines. Open daily 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 909 Prospect St., La Jolla. spiroscuisine.com
Weekend Brunch at Break Point
Now Open. This casual hangout located just steps from the ocean recently launched a weekend brunch menu that has us drooling. Choose from macadamia-nut pancakes topped with toasted coconut (pictured), hearty breakfast burritos, traditional chilaquiles and more. Our pick: the breakfast sandwich with your choice of bacon or sausage, egg, cheddar cheese, tomato and chipotle aioli on brioche—with a side of hash browns or tater tots. Chase it with fun brunch libations such as the Blueberry-Passionfruit Sour. Sa-Su 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 945 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach, 858.274.4018. breakpointpb.com
Weekend Brunch at Campfire
Now Open. The Bloody Mary Verde (pictured)—made with tomatillo, jalapeño and apple—sets the tone for Campfire’s new menu of creative takes on brunch classics. The striking indoor/outdoor restaurant is known for its campground-inspired decor and globally inspired, wood-fired dishes. New brunch offerings by executive chef Andrew Santana follow suit—with entrees such as the banh mi tartine; hearth-cooked brick chicken; brisket & grits; and roasted carrots served over a sauce-like burnt porridge, with almonds and fermented honey (better tried than described). Sa-Su 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 2725 State St., Carlsbad, 760.637.5121. thisiscampfire.com
Fall Treats at The Gluten Free Baking Co.
Now Available. North Park’s beloved bakery debuts an assortment of fun fall flavors in the form of muffins, mini loaves, donuts, pastries and more. Choose from muffins such as carrot raisin, lemon poppyseed and banana chai; zucchini, banana, pumpkin and cranberry bread; stuffed apple donuts and vanilla donuts with pumpkin glaze; and other festive daily specials. You’ll also find Halloween-themed baked goods; as well as candy-apple-making kits and “crazy candy cupcakes.” And did we mention it’s all gluten-free? Tu-Su 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. 4594 30th St., North Park, 858.270.9863. thegfbakingco.com
Arts + Culture
San Diego International Film Festival
Oct. 15-18. Presenting 70 films from 65 countries, the festival—one of the top stops on the independent film circuit—has been reimagined this year. Movie lovers can watch documentaries, shorts and features online at the new Virtual Village—which includes a digital map where users can explore live-streaming activities and screenings, and interact with filmmakers around the world. You can also watch films on the big screen with the Festival Drive-In Movies at Westfield UTC experience, for which the mall has transformed its parking lot. See website to purchase passes. 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, UTC. sdfilmfest.com
Concerts at Del Mar Highlands Town Center
Oct. 16-17. Who else misses live music? The outdoor dining and shopping experience at Del Mar Highlands just got a little livelier with the center’s lineup of family-friendly concerts every weekend in October. Take in live performances in the open-air upper plaza, spanning classical music, jazz and more. On Friday night, enjoy music by guitarist Jose Molina (pictured); with singer and guitarist Mike McGill performing on Saturday. Face coverings required and social distancing enforced. 6-9 p.m. each night. Admission is free. 12925 El Camino Real, Del Mar, 858.793.5757. More Info
Mainly Mozart Festival Orchestra Concerts
Oct. 17-24. Taking over the main parking lot of the Del Mar Fairgrounds, this drive-in concert series comprises the largest gathering of all-star concertmasters and principal players in North America—from the New York Philharmonic to the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Highlights include performances of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons and Piazzolla’s The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires on Saturday; and legendary saxophonist Charles McPherson (pictured) performing with his band and a few special guests on Sunday. 7 p.m. each night. See website for full lineup and to purchase tickets. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. mainlymozart.org
Photo credits: Spiro’s by Kimberly Motos. Campfire by Devin Castañeda. Mainly Mozart by Antonio Porcar. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and individuals featured.
