Meet Mariana Cardenas. She owns The Balboa South in Chula Vista. And the story of why she owns it is all the proof you need that humans are good. The Balboa was a must-stop on our Stone Delicious IPA Tour with Stone Brewing, highlighting the restaurants, people, and dishes that shape San Diego.
Mariana was a janitor for the Navy in Chula Vista. Worked her way into the kitchen. Thrived there for 16 years. Even became executive chef of the region. Mid-pandemic, she left and took a job at The Balboa South. After four months, the owner called her into his office. He asked her if she wanted The Balboa. “Of course I like working here,” she replied. Did she want to OWN it, he said. “Sure,” she laughed. “But I can’t afford that, I’m on government assistance.”
He gave her The Balboa. Flat out gave it to her. She treated the place as she would her own. She was someone to believe in. Mariana went home and told her five kids the news. Then she called the government assistance programs and informed them the Cardenas family no longer needed help.
Mariana has done right by The Balboa. Its burgers are as leviathan as ever. Doesn’t matter if you’re not the type to take photos of your food. You’re gonna take a photo.
Burgers this massive deserve companions that can measure up. And Stone Delicious IPA fits the bill. This is a big beer that doesn’t drink like one. Delicious IPA’s lemony, refreshing notes provide contrast with the intense savoriness of a pastrami-topped burger, so it cleanses your palate just a tad in between bites.
Stone Brewing created the ultimate food pairing beer (man, Stone Delicious IPA is really, really good) and asked us to use it to highlight some of our favorite local restaurants. The mighty moms and pops. Yes, we’d love to do that, we said.
Today, Troy Johnson celebrates the art of grandma’s lasagna at Mediterraneo in Alpine. Grandma Anna, specifically. Brought with her from Sicily, and now three generations of her family have honored that recipe. It’s got that pillowy, herby ricotta. The tangy sauce. Al dente noodle sheets. Cheese that’s a good inch thick, Dalmatian-spotted from the oven. Crispy-crackly edges. Curled shards of basil on top.
Mediterraneo is up near the treeline of San Diego. Great for a stop after a hike. At the front of the house you’ll see Gian Paolo Croce, grandson. A master of hospitality. In the kitchen: Enzo, his dad. Smile on. Glasses askew.
And here’s why Stone Brewing’s Delicious IPA works with Grandma Anna’s lasagna: it has subtle citrus notes, which are perfect for grainy foods like pasta. The herbal hops are like another great herb in the tomato sauce.
This super-sippable IPA is on tap at Mediterraneo and in restaurants across San Diego.
We’ll visit another one in our next stop on the Delicious Tour: an unfairly photogenic burger at Balboa South.
Meet Scott Yeng. One of our favorite San Diego success stories. He and his brothers own The Holding Company in Ocean Beach, a beloved restaurant and bar with a view that’s straight off a postcard. It’s an always-packed watering hole after dark, where the vibes are good and the drinks are strong. A mecca for brunch and for live music. And one of the stops on our Stone Delicious IPA tour, celebrating San Diego restaurants and the people behind them.
Scott invited us behind the curtain, into THC’s kitchen. Here he cooks intuitively, from the heart, stirring together flavors from his past. As a child, his family escaped war-torn Cambodia; after a series of refugee camps, they landed in California and put down roots in Ocean Beach. Scott’s culinary style–an effortless improvisation, a patchwork of cuisines–comes from watching his mom in the kitchen. She’d scrape together any ingredients she could find and somehow create a masterpiece.
Scott carries this ethos with him: he’s known to show up with comically obscure ingredients for his team of culinary talents to experiment with. Sometimes their creations end up on the menu, which Scott describes as a true fusion. Not strictly Cambodian food, not just Chinese—there’s a sprinkling of Thai in there, too, and a pinch of Vietnamese. His mom’s recipes inspired many of the dishes. Like this Sizzling Beef. It’s marinated in secrets. Seared in a fiery wok. Plated with pride on a skillet, alongside caramelized onions, rice, and a lime-garlic-pepper sauce.
Stone Brewing created their Stone Delicious IPA to pair perfectly with dishes like these. Sweet specialty malts and citrus-forward hops, designed to sing alongside spicy foods. A sippable, smooth beer, best enjoyed with good company, great food, and an ocean breeze.
Welp, they did it. The brewers at Stone Brewing have spent a couple decades trying to create the ultimate food-pairing beer, and Stone Delicious IPA is it. They used citrusy hops (like a squeeze of lime or lemon in pho), and sweet specialty malts that play well with spicy foods. To celebrate, We’re taking Delicious on the road to shine a light on some of the dishes and people we love. This month’s spotlight: the primavera pizza at Amalfi Cucina Italiana from six-time World Pizza Champion, chef Marcello Avitabile, in San Marcos. Flour imported from Naples, San Marzano tomato sauce, marinated zucchini and eggplant, decadent buffalo mozzarella, EVOO, fresh basil—baked, blistered, melted, and burbled in his angry-hot Stefano Ferrara oven (that’s one famous oven). A total veggie dreamboat that pairs beautifully with Delicious IPA.
The brewers at Stone have spent a few decades trying to brew beer that pairs perfectly with food. And, unless our mouths broke at some point, we think they did it. Stone Delicious IPA has citrusy hops (like a squeeze of lime or lemon on your tacos), and sweet specialty malts that sing with spicy foods. It’s the ideal dance partner for whatever you’re eating. Like, say, this birria flatbread Stone’s chefs came up with—chewy-fluffy browned bread, béchamel sauce, slow-cooked beef birria, melted mozzarella, pickled red onion, sliced jalapeños, chile de árbol salsa, sprinkled with Cotija cheese. Try them together at either of the national beer parks they call Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens (Escondido and Liberty Station).
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Studio S
OCTOBER 22, 2026
Milan Design + Build Helps San Diegans Remodel Their Homes
The San Diego home remodeling company works on full homes, kitchens, bathrooms, home additions, ADUs, garages, landscapes, and hardscapes.
Most homeowners want two things before they commit to a remodel: a realistic sense of cost and a clear picture of what the finished space will look like. Milan Design + Build helps deliver both through its online remodeling estimator and personalized design consultations, supported by a showroom experience and 3D renderings.
“The online estimate gives homeowners a starting number in about a minute, and the showroom and 3D renderings let them see materials and layouts before anything is built,” says David Noriani, CEO of Milan Design + Build. “Keeping design, permits, and construction with one team helps us manage expectations and keep everyone working toward the same vision.”
Courtesy of Milan Design
Modern design is a particular focus for Milan, with an emphasis on clean lines, natural light, functional layouts, and carefully selected materials. The team adapts each design to the homeowner’s lifestyle and the character of the property. Milan Design + Build combines thoughtful design with construction expertise, creating spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful.
The online estimator covers kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, full-home remodels, and ADU construction. At Milan’s showroom on Carroll Road, visitors can review real materials, finishes, and design options, meet the design-build team, and discuss project scope, budget, and timing. Consultations can also be held virtually for homeowners who prefer to start remotely.
At Milan Design + Build, one integrated team works on the entire project. Design and construction aren’t divided between separate firms. The process begins with a consultation and feasibility review, followed by design, space planning, and 3D renderings developed from detailed measurements and digital scans. The team also coordinates architectural plans, structural engineering, city approvals, and material selection, with construction overseen by a dedicated project manager.
Homeowners can explore their remodeling options, get an initial estimate, or request a design consultation at MilanBuild.com.
Association of Fundraising Professionals San Diego To Recognize 11 Honorees at 54th Annual National Philanthropy Day in November
This year’s theme, 'Impact Through Philanthropy,’ spotlights the impact of individuals, businesses and community organizations throughout San Diego County.
“Impact through Philanthropy isn’t just a theme; it’s what we see every day in San Diego’s diverse communities,” said Ingrid de Llamas, CFRE, IAP, AFP San Diego chapter president. “The honorees show what’s possible when intention meets generosity, leadership and dedication come together. We’re honored to celebrate the honorees alongside our presenting sponsor, PNC Bank.”
“Philanthropy is one of San Diego’s great strengths—not just because of this community’s generosity, but because of what happens when people unite around the belief that our region can be better,” said Mark Stuart, President & CEO of the San Diego Foundation and Honorary Committee Chair for National Philanthropy Day. “National Philanthropy Day lets us recognize the donors, volunteers, fundraisers, and organizations who turn that belief into action, strengthening lives throughout our community. Celebrating them reminds us all of the extraordinary power we have when we work together.”
Eleven honorees, including eight individuals and three organizations, were selected from scores of nominees submitted from throughout San Diego County. Honorees were selected through a rigorous vetting process by AFP San Diego’s Honorary Committee.
2026 National Philanthropy Day Honorees:
Outstanding Development Professional, Emerging Leader – Miguel Lopez, CFRE (San Diego Foundation)
Outstanding Development Professional, Mid-Career – Amie Brown, CFRM (Meals on Wheels San Diego County)
Outstanding Development Professional, Career Achievement – David Hanses (Scripps Institution of Oceanography)
Outstanding Organization, IDEA – The San Diego LGBT Community Center
Outstanding Grantmaking Organization – David C. Copley Foundation
Outstanding Philanthropic Business or Corporation – Maya’s Cookies
Outstanding Student Volunteer – Chris Zheng (Casa de Amistad)
Outstanding Volunteer – Dr. Suzanne Afflalo (A Healthier Me)
Outstanding Volunteer – Fred Davis (Serving Seniors)
Outstanding Philanthropists – Mel & Linda Katz
Special Lifetime Achievement Award – Ingrid de Llamas, CFRE, IAP
National Philanthropy Day Supports AFP San Diego’s Empower Fund
Beyond recognizing local philanthropic leadership, National Philanthropy Day supports the Empower Fund, powered by U.S. Bank, which provides scholarships, educational opportunities and professional development for nonprofit leaders.
In its inaugural year, AFP San Diego raised $28,000 for the Empower Fund through National Philanthropy Day, with a goal of $50,000 in 2026. Contributions directly support educational initiatives for nonprofit professionals throughout the region. Donations are accepted year-round.
AFP San Diego’s National Philanthropy Day is made possible through the generous support of Presenting Sponsor PNC Bank, Empower Sponsor U.S. Bank, Focus Sponsor Sanford Institute of Philanthropy at NU and dozens of partners. View the full list of 2026 sponsors.
Event Details
Friday, Nov. 13, 2026 | 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Manchester Grand Hyatt, 1 Market Place, San Diego, CA 92101
Tickets and partnership opportunities are available at AFPSD.org – NPD 2026! For more information, contact Fiona King at 619-538-6605 or [email protected].
About AFP San Diego
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) San Diego Chapter has supported fundraising professionals and nonprofit leaders throughout San Diego County since 1974. Through professional education, mentorship, networking and leadership opportunities, AFP San Diego connects people at every stage of their careers while advancing ethical and effective fundraising practices. With more than 350 local members and connections to a global network of fundraising professionals, AFP San Diego invests in the people behind philanthropy to strengthen nonprofits and the communities they serve. Learn more at AFPSD.org & follow AFPSD on LinkedIn
In the last several years, there’s been a surge in FDA approvals for what’s known as oral oncolytics. Oral oncolytics are targeted cancer therapies that come in tablet, capsule or liquid form that patients can take at home, rather than in an infusion clinic. Scripps physicians have seen exponential growth using this approach, with patients citing convenience as a major quality-of-life enhancement in their cancer treatment. This approach also allows treatments to be customized based on specific genetic mutations and a patient’s unique disease biology. Find out more about oral oncolytics here.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
Unio Specialty Care is a multi-specialty practice specializing in urology, gastroenterology, and radiation oncology.
Unio’s Radiation Oncology team—Dr. Donald B. Fuller, Dr. Tahir Ijaz, Dr. Reza Shirazi, and Dr. Siavosh Vakilian—combines extensive clinical experience with a commitment to personalized cancer care. The RO team treats cancerous and non-cancerous conditions using precision therapies including SBRT, IGRT, and the CyberKnife® S7 System, the only system of its kind in Southern California. Their expertise spans prostate, breast, lung, gastrointestinal, pancreatic, and central nervous system cancers, as well as low-dose radiotherapy for osteoarthritis.
In 2026, Dr. Shirazi and Dr. Vakilian were recognized as San Diego Top Doctors, joining Dr. Fuller and Dr. Ijaz, who have previously received this distinction.
Faces of Healthcare 2026: San Diego Fertility Center
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
Susanna Park, MD; Sandy Chuan, MD; Brooke Friedman, MD; Said Daneshmand, MD; Valerie Flores, MD; Bryn Willson, MD
At San Diego Fertility Center, parenthood starts with personalized, cutting-edge care. Nationally recognized physicians offer individualized plans spanning IVF, PGT, egg donation, surrogacy, Gentle IVF, fertility preservation, and LGBTQ+ family building. Newsweek ranked them among America’s Best Fertility Clinics in 2026: top 6% of 450+ clinics nationwide, and best in San Diego.
“Remind yourself you are not alone! You don’t have to have all the answers before you walk through the door,” says Dr. Friedman. “Our job is to listen, explain your options, and guide you toward what makes sense for you. Because fertility care isn’t one-size-fits-all — and building your family should feel like your journey, supported every step of the way.”
Faces of Healthcare 2026: North County Cardiovascular Specialists
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
At NCCS, both doctors take a personal, traditional approach to cardiovascular care. Patients speak directly with their physicians and build lasting relationships with doctors who know them.
“We became doctors to care for patients, not to run a business,” says Dr. Kabra, who trained in England and the United States and leads the practice’s office-based cardiac care. Dr. Rajamanickam, an interventional cardiologist trained under renowned Dr. Samin Sharma, shares the same philosophy.
Guided by evidence-based medicine, they tailor care to each patient’s unique history, physiology, lifestyle and goals. Both are respected, well-reviewed physicians and four-time Top Doctors.
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3142 Vista Way, Suite 206, Oceanside, CA 92056 760-224-7776
