Events
PAWS4Thought Fifth Anniversary Party
Sept. 11. It’s “paw-ty” time! All-breed animal rescue PAWS4Thought is celebrating five years of saving lives with a festive fundraiser at Second Chance Beer Company. Bring your pup and enjoy giveaways, vendors, music, contests and an opportunity to meet with trainers. Each adult ticket includes a gourmet sandwich from Grater Grilled Cheese, a pint of craft beer or soft drink, an entry for door prizes and a canine swag bag; plus $5 kids meals available. All proceeds benefit PAWS4Thought. 1-4 p.m. $20. 15378 Avenue of Science, #222, Carmel Mountain Ranch. Tickets
“Harvest for Hope” at Coasterra
Sept. 12. Sample libations and cuisine for a good cause—all while taking in unobstructed bay and skyline views at Coasterra. The Emilio Nares Foundation’s signature event raises funds to provide free programs for low-income families whose children are battling cancer. The area’s top wineries, breweries and restaurants will be on hand—including signature Coasterra stations serving paella, Mexican white corn and ceviche; plus offerings from Crust Pizzeria, Great Maple, Solare Ristorante, Sushi on a Roll, Venissimo Cheese and more. 2-5 p.m. Tickets start at $150. 880 Harbor Island Drive, Harbor Island. More Info
Food + Drink
Camino Riviera
Now Open. Former Mexican eatery El Camino has been transformed into Camino Riviera—a new dining experience by SDCM Restaurant Group (Kettner Exchange and The Waverly). Take a trip to the Yucatán Peninsula by way of chef Brian Redzikowski’s Tulum-inspired menu, with most ingredients sourced locally from Two Forks Farms and Three Boys Fishery. Standout dishes include the grilled Selva prawns, sheepshead fish tostadas and corn ice cream for dessert. The revamped decor features lush tropical foliage and an interior courtyard. W-Sa 5-10 p.m. 2400 India St., Little Italy, 619.685.3381. caminoriviera.com
Pure Taco
Now Open. Taco aficionados will adore this elevated fast-casual concept by the cofounders of Casero Taqueria. The modern outpost serves a range of tacos served on fresh, hand-pressed tortillas—from traditional pastor tacos to green-curry shrimp tacos and pho beef tacos. Or choose from burritos, poke nachos (pictured), salads and bowls (try the chicken-tikka-masala bowl); plus margaritas, palomas and local beers on tap. The space is pretty, too—light, airy and accented with colorful iron stools and artwork. Open daily beginning at 11 a.m. 2742 State St., Suite 102, Carlsbad Village. mypuretaco.com
New Sunday Brunch Menu at Verbena Kitchen
Now Available. North Park’s new urban bistro—with its elegant chandeliers and seasonal small plates by chef Ronnie Schwandt—debuts a new Sunday brunch menu. Feast on spiced shrimp ‘n’ grits, salmon toast, chilaquiles, and French toast with whipped Nutella and roasted strawberries. Specialties include the Canadian BLTish with American cheese, a fried egg and tomato; and the Not Avocado Toast—a stuffed avocado with poached eggs, hummus and cauliflower tabouli; plus specialty brunch cocktails. Beginning at 10 a.m. 3043 University Ave., North Park, 619.269.5776. verbenakitchensd.com
Bourbon Burger Bar
Open. Warning: The next-level, steakhouse-style burgers here are known to inspire the exploding-head emoji. A “ghost kitchen” concept by chef Michael Mina (located inside International Smoke at One Paseo), the outpost serves half-pound, dry-aged, prime steak patties—with toppings such as applewood-smoked bacon, black truffles and aged cheddar—loaded into a toasted brioche bun. Other delights: the BBQ Wild Salmon Burger, duck-fat fries with caviar-topped creme fraiche, and cold-smoked Old Fashioned. Tu-Su 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 3387 Del Mar Heights Road, Del Mar, 619.331.4528. michaelmina.net
Communal Coffee
Open. We love the South Park outpost of this community-oriented coffee shop—from its service counter in the form of a vintage trailer; to its patio and artisanal retailers offering home wares, bath products, jewelry, gift items and fresh flowers. Enjoy hot and cold coffee drinks, such as the rose-vanilla latte and iced flower latte; plus teas, juices and seasonal sips such as the blackberry-lavender latte. The recently expanded food menu includes locally baked pastries, avocado toast, bagel sandwiches, chia pudding, seasonal dishes and more. Open daily 7 a.m.-5 p.m. 2221 Fern St., South Park, 619.313.0679. communalcoffee.com
Arts + Culture
La Cage aux Folles at Cygnet Theatre
Sept. 10-Nov. 7. It’s the musical farce that inspired the 1996 film The Birdcage. Sean Murray directs this new staging—centered on a gay couple whose straight son asks them to lie about who they are to appease the ultra-conservative, right-wing parents of his fiancée … that is until the girl’s parents need their help to survive a political scandal. A fun fact: the gay couple own a drag nightclub in St. Tropez—adding to the hysterical plot twists. See website for recently updated safety protocols and tickets. 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town, 619.337.1525. cygnettheatre.com
Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra Concerts
Sept. 11-18. This weeklong concert series under the stars comprises the largest gathering of concertmasters and principal players in North America. Head to Del Mar Surf Cup Sports Park (formerly San Diego Polo Fields) to catch saxophonist Branford Marsalis (pictured); he performs on Saturday in a special concert commemorating the 20th anniversary of 9/11. The series lineup also includes revered violinist Benjamin Beilman, Haydn & Mozart, the Four Horns and an opera-themed concert on closing night (Sept. 18). See website for full schedule and tickets. 14989 Via de la Valle, Del Mar. mainlymozart.org
S.D. Botanic Garden’s World of Bromeliads
Through Sept. 26. Did you know there are 3,590 species of the flowering plant known as the bromeliad? Learn all kinds of foliage fun facts at San Diego Botanic Garden’s new exhibition—which is staged across its 37-acre campus and inside the new 8,000-square-foot, glass-enclosed Dickinson Family Education Conservatory. Visitors can explore interactive displays—including a station utilizing microscopes to see the biodiversity of organisms living in bromeliad water tanks—plus shop for unique plants at the grower-direct market (on weekends). W-Su 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $10-$18. 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. sdbgarden.org
Photo credits: Pure Taco by Arlene Ibarra. La Cage aux Folles / Cygnet Theatre by Karli Cadel Photography. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
