Events

Mainly Mozart Drive-In Concert Series

Sept. 10-13. It’s music to our ears. Mainly Mozart—the first major arts organization in the U.S. to perform classical music to a live audience (since the pandemic hit)—returns for a drive-in concert series at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Welcome to the “Resilience Festival—Celebrating the Strength of the Human Spirit.” Inspired by musicians from The Beatles to Mozart, the series—curated by Zach DePue—celebrates the healing power of music, especially right now. Visit website for safety guidelines and tickets. 6-7:15 p.m. each night. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. mainlymozart.org

Triton Charters

Ongoing. Test your sea legs aboard the city’s newest and largest catamaran—accommodating 100-plus passengers. The 75-foot, luxurious Triton was built to party—outfitted with a 13-seat wraparound bar; comfy seating for up to 60 people; an advanced sound system; and water toys such as wave runners and kayaks. There’s even a large dance floor, a built-in waterslide and a trampoline! Private charters along San Diego Bay come complete with a Coast Guard-certified captain and crew members; as well as full catering and bar packages. 2646 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island, 844.587.4866. triton-charters.com

Birch Aquarium Reopening

Upcoming | Sept. 15. Complete with new one-way pathways and safety procedures, the aquarium officially reopens to the public on Tuesday. Home to more than 6,000 ocean animals and 60-plus aquarium habitats, Birch showcases the groundbreaking research of Scripps Oceanography and UC San Diego scientists; as well as conservation breeding programs; dynamic exhibits (our favorite is Seadragons & Seahorses); and new virtual education programs for youth and school groups. Advance reservations required. $19.50 adults; $15 children (3-17). 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, 858.534.3474. aquarium.ucsd.edu

Food + Drink

Poseidon Restaurant

Reopened. This beloved North County outpost for seafood, libations and ocean views has just reopened. Poseidon is offering limited seating for lunch and dinner on its ample beachfront patio, which boasts unrivaled, panoramic views of the Pacific. Menu highlights include daily fresh catches, scallops, steamed clams, steaks, salads and more; plus wine, craft beer and cocktails. Scoring a patio table here just before sunset is the stuff of California dreams. Reservations required. W-Su 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 1670 Coast Blvd., Del Mar, 858.755.9345. poseidonrestaurant.com

Rusticucina

Reopened. Canine family members are welcome on the alfresco patio at this neighborhood-style Italian cucina. In the kitchen, executive chef Marco Provino is cooking up authentic Sicilian fare, from house-made pastas to pizzas to desserts and more. Our favorites: the decadent lobster lasagna; the spinach-and-fig pizza with mascarpone and crispy prosciutto; the ossobuco entree; and the pistachio tiramisu. And don’t miss the Sicilian pancake for weekend brunch. (Cannolis and chocolate chips are involved!) M-F noon-10 p.m.; Sa-Su 9 a.m.-10 p.m. 3797 Park Blvd., Hillcrest, 619.310.5291. rusticucina.com

Tabu Shabu

Reopened. The traditional Japanese hot pot concept takes a modern turn at this casual haunt. From old-fashioned shabu-shabu—in which thinly sliced veggies and meats such as prime rib and wagyu short rib are boiled in water and served with dipping sauces—to house-made dumplings to build-your-own ramen bowls, Tabu Shabu is a cool dining experience. (There’s just something extra fun about slurping that fragrant ramen broth.) Limited seating; first come, first served. D nightly, beginning at 5 p.m. 3647 30th St., North Park, 619.408.0369. tabushabu.com

Cloak and Petal

New Menu. The reigning Little Italy hotspot for Japanese fare has rolled out a vast new menu. We’re loving the $12 bento boxes; the $8 “afford-a-bowls” ranging from katsu chicken to chashu pork; and the specialty rolls such as the Saucy Boi and Face It, You’re Basic. There’s even an entire section of family-style meals serving up to six people; plus family-style sushi platters to-go. (Pro tip: Sushi rolls are just $10 each Monday through Friday, dine-in only, from 4 to 6 p.m.) Open daily (see website for hours). 1953 India St., Little Italy, 619.501.5505. cloakandpetal.com

Arts + Culture

George Gershwin Alone Live-Stream Performance

Sept. 13. Local actor, singer and pianist Hershey Felder wows once again with his knack for morphing into the greatest musicians in history. In this special live-stream play with music—staged in Florence, Italy—Felder channels George Gershwin. Born to Russian-Jewish immigrant parents, the American composer (1898-1937) penned the opera Porgy and Bess; along with 1,000-plus songs for the stage. His hits include “Someone to Watch Over Me” and “Rhapsody in Blue,” the latter of which Felder will perform in its entirety. Proceeds will benefit San Diego REP. 5 p.m. 619.544.1000. sdrep.org

Lux Art Institute

Reopened. This museum-meets-studio has art lovers rejoicing over its reopening. In addition to Lux’s virtual programs, you can now visit to see artists-in-residence and their exhibits as part of its aptly titled season “A New Territory!” First up: Jamaica native Cosmo Whyte (pictured), whose deeply personal sculptural works depict his experiences in immigrating from Montego Bay to the U.S. His exhibit is on view Sept. 12-Nov. 7. (Find the artist in-studio beginning Oct. 1.) Reserve a free timeslot to visit in advance. 1550 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas, 760.436.6611. luxartinstitute.org

San Diego Museum of Art

Reopened. After a five-month closure, the museum—whose renowned collection of more than 20,000 works dates back to 3000 B.C.—has reopened with new exhibits. Opening Sept. 11, Mary Ellen Mark: Twins features 18 large-format Polaroid photos by the revered photographer, Mary Ellen Mark. Also on view, Rembrandt and Printmaking in the Netherlands showcases nearly 20 of Rembrandt van Rijn’s rare etchings. See website for hours, safety protocols and pricing. (Free admission for frontline workers and first responders.) 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.7931. sdmart.org

Photo credits: Rusticucina by Arlene Ibarra. All other photos are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.