Hope you’re hungry. The best things to do in San Diego this weekend include a packed platter of food- and drink-related events (including a hockey-and-beer extravaganza and a Fallbrook festival for all things avocado), plus Earth Day happenings, an Asian film festival, and disco concert complete with roller skates. And, for those of you who scored tickets to this year’s sold-out Brunch Bash, we’ll see you there in your best Sunday attire!
Matsu owner and executive chef William Eick teams up with local chefs Davin Waite (Wrench and Rodent, The Plot, Shoots Fish & Beer) and Keith Lord (The Shed, Stratejē Fourteen) for a special benefit dinner this Tuesday, raising funds for local chef Aarti Sanghavi as she recovers from breast cancer. The trio of San Diego culinary giants will cook up an elegant six-course tasting menu of Baja-Indian cuisine at Matsu; there will also be a fully vegetarian meal available, as well as an optional wine and sake pairing for $75. Reservations are $225 per person for parties of 1 to 4 with seatings from 4 to 9 p.m. All proceeds from the dinner will go to Sanghavi. 626 South Tremont Street, Oceanside
Pucks & Pints
April 20
The sixth annual Pucks & Pints charity hockey game and festival arrives this Saturday with an afternoon of activities on and off the ice. Staff members from several local breweries will take to the rink at 12:30 p.m. at Pechanga Arena to compete for bragging rights. Afterwards, competitors and spectators alike can enjoy a 21-plus beer and BBQ festival across the street at Modern Times Beer from 2 to 5 p.m, featuring an all-you-can-eat feast from Phil’s BBQ and unlimited samples from local craft breweries. The San Diego Gulls will face off against the Coachella Valley Firebirds at 6 p.m. to cap off the festivities. Tickets for Pucks & Pints cost $65 and provide entry to all three festival activities. All proceeds will benefit five selected local nonprofits, including the Boys & Girls Club of Greater San Diego. 3500 Sports Arena Boulevard, Midway
North Park Salsa Fest
April 20
The third annual North Park Salsa Fest invites local restaurants to go head-to-head in a heated salsa taste testing at North Park Mini Park this Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. This community food festival includes live music, food trucks, a beer garden, kids’ activities, dance performances, plus salsa samples from several SD eateries. Attendees will vote to award one the prestigious honor of “Best Salsa.” Entry to the festival is free, but tickets must be purchased for the salsa tasting. Get a tray of tortilla chips and salsas from each participating business for $15 online or $20 at the door. 3812 29th Street, North Park
Orange Wine Party
April 20
Vino Carta Wine Shop and Bar will host an orange wine tasting, exploring the styles, grapes, and origins of orange wine, also known as amber wine. Orange wines originate from white wine grapes. Unlike with whites, the grape skins are not removed, resulting in a creamsicle-colored sip with a typically dry, strong taste and fruity aromas. Local oenophiles can stop by the shop’s Little Italy location between 2 and 6 p.m. to sample 12 orange wines for $35. Reservations are not required. 2161 India Street, Little Italy
Fallbrook Avocado Festival
April 21
Whether you prefer to spread avo on toast or mash it into guac, all avocado lovers are invited to revel in the beauty of the versatile green berry (yes, berry!) this Sunday at the Fallbrook Avocado Festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees can sample avocados from a row of artisan vendors, purchase their own avocado tree, explore a variety of contests (including an avocado attire competition and an avocado car race), and shop avocado-themed merchandise, from plushies to earrings. You can also enjoy food vendors, a beer and wine garden, a kids’ zone, and performances from local musicians at this free fest. East Alvarado Street & South Main Avenue, Fallbrook
Concerts & Theater in San Diego This Weekend
FREAK OUT! A Disco Extravaganza
April 20–21
The San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus’ new spring show FREAK OUT! A Disco Extravagaaanzadraws divine inspiration from the glittery disco days of New York City’s Studio 54. Boogie on down to the Balboa Theatre for a pair of shows (Saturday night at 7 p.m. and Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m.) and take in the irresistible sounds of disco as the chorus hits the dance floor in sequins and roller skates. Tickets for FREAK OUT! are available starting at $26.50. 868 4th Avenue, Gaslamp
Courtesy of the Museum of Contemporary Arts San Diego
Festivals and Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend
Forecast Form: Art in the Caribbean Diaspora, 1990s–Today
Opens April 18
The Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla showcases the work of more than 20 artists in this imaginative new group exhibition opening this Thursday. On display through July 28, Forecast Form uses changes in weather as a metaphor to understand how the evolution of art in the Caribbean diaspora is a result of the Caribbean region’s rapid political and economic changes dating back to the 1990s. The artists depict their personal experiences and connections with the Carribean while weighing the transformative concepts of identity and place within contemporary art. 700 Prospect Street, La Jolla
San Diego Asian Film Festival Spring Showcase
April 18–25
Beginning this Thursday, Pacific Arts Movement’s 13th annual San Diego Asian Film Festival Spring Showcase will show more than 15 films from Asian filmmakers over eight days at Ultrastar Cinemas. Standout events from the festival lineup include Saturday’s free Asian and Asian American Poetry Jam on Saturday, featuring a live reading from San Diego Poet Laureate Jason Magabo, and Sunday’s screening of Through Tibetan Eyes: the Films of Pema Tseden, which examines pioneering late director Tseden’s depictions of Tibetan life and his impact on world cinema. Ticket options include individual screening passes ($15) and all-access passes ($110), which come with entry to all films, receptions, happy hours, and more. 7510 Hazard Center Drive Suite 100, Mission Valley
San Diego Earthfest
April 20
This free Earth Day celebration from Vegan Food Popup invites San Diegans to explore 140 eco-friendly food, product, and service vendors—along with a variety of environmental, conservation, and animal rescue groups—on the lawn at Park Boulevard and Presidents Way at Balboa Park. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., San Diego EarthFest will also feature an international food court, live music and DJs, environmental speakers and demonstrations, yoga and wellness classes, and kid-friendly activities. A portion of proceeds will be donated to local nonprofits. Reserve your free spot here. Park Boulevard, Balboa Park
Chicano Park Day
April 20
The 54th Chicano Park Day takes place this Saturday in the heart of Barrio Logan from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s celebration recalls the spirit of resistance that led to the creation of Chicano Park 54 years ago, when the local Chicano community rallied to occupy the land beneath the then-newly built San Diego-Coronado Bridge for 12 days following years of displacement, mistreatment, and broken promises. Chicano Park Day 2024 will feature traditional music and dance, including Danza Azteca Chichimeca and ballet folklórico; a custom car show; guest speakers; arts and crafts vendors; and a special flag raising ceremony. 1949 Logan Avenue, Barrio Logan
Courtesy of the City of Coronado
More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend
La Jolla Concours D’Elegance Motor Car Classic
April 19–21
Car collectors and automobile admirers can check out all kinds of luxurious cars, from classic Porsches to limited-edition Chryslers, at the 18th annual La Jolla Concours D’Elegance Motor Car Classic. The festivities begin on Friday night from 6 to 10 p.m. with a VIP party at Ellen Browning Scripps Park, where attendees can enjoy an upscale evening with jazz, cocktails, and bites from more than 20 local restaurants, plus a live auction, entertainment, and vintage automobiles. Additional highlights include Saturday’s free Porsches on Prospect in La Jolla Village and Sunday’s main event, which brings more than 200 vehicles to the La Jolla Cove Lawn from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1100 Coast Boulevard, La Jolla
Resident can show their appreciation for Mother Nature by teaming up with I Love A Clean San Diego for their annual Creek to Bay Cleanup Day this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at one of more than 100 San Diego County cleanup locations. Stretching from Rainbow to Tijuana, this Earth Day tradition encourages community members to roll up their sleeves and fight pollution in and outside of the city. At each location, a trained volunteer will lead a team in collecting and disposing of trash. Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toed shoes, bring water and sunscreen, and sign up ahead of time here. Citywide
Coronado Flower Show
April 20–21
The largest tented flower show in the country returns, bringing two days of floral festivities (Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to Spreckels Park. Now in its 102nd year, the Coronado Flower Show includes a variety of educational lectures, landscape displays, and floral competitions. Standout home and business gardens in Coronado will receive awards. The event will also feature live music, a food pavilion, and a wine and beer garden. Tickets to each day of the show are $10 per person. Orange Avenue & 6th Street, Coronado
Ryan Hardison is a freelance arts and entertainment writer and recent graduate of San Diego State. When he's not staring at his laptop, he's likely eating an adobada burrito or getting sunburnt at the beach.
Is there any food more quintessentially San Diegan than the California burrito? That was a rhetorical question since the French fry-stuffed, flour tortilla-wrapped torpedo of carne asada bliss came into being in the 80s (either invented by Lolita’s or Santana’s, depending on who you ask). But now, Vietnamese-Mexican pop-up Một Bánh Mì may be giving the longtime champ a run for its money.
Một Bánh Mì’s original California banh mi takes cues from both cultures, using traditional Vietnamese baguettes from Paris Bakery filled with carne asada and garnished with cilantro-jalapeno crema, Vietnamese mayonnaise, pickled vegetables, cilantro, cucumber, jalapenos, and of course, French fries.
“It’s so San Diego—it’s so us,” says Desmond Bui, pop-up founder and owner with partner Marisol Santiago. “It really encapsulates the Vietnamese-American and Mexican-American journey and identity here.”
Both grew up in San Diego. Bui is Vietnamese. Santiago is Mexican-American. The sandwich makes utter personal sense.
Neither of them cooked professionally before launching Một Bánh Mì earlier this year, when they popped up for the first time at Convoy Rising for Lunar New Year. But after seeing the rise of the local Vietnamese coffee scene with shops like Saigon Coffee, Chance’s Coffee, and Em Coffee House, Bui knew there was an opportunity for a new generation to put a fresh spin on Vietnamese food in San Diego.
While there are plenty of places to grab a banh mi around town (K Sandwiches, Ba Le French Sandwich Shop, Lee’s Sandwiches, and so on), we’ve yet to hear of a California banh mi. Firsts are being firsted.
“Banh mi is regarded by top chefs as the best sandwich in the world,” says Bui. (Side note: I concur.) And after discovering overlap between Mexican and Vietnamese cuisines through common ingredients like cilantro, lime, jalapeno, white onion, and pickled vegetables, they began planning a menu.
Courtesy of Một Bánh Mì
Một Bánh Mì also serves Bánh Mì Đặc Biệt (Vietnamese cold cuts), Bánh Mì Thịt Nướng (grilled lemongrass pork banh mi), and Bánh Mì carnitas de hongos (mushroom pâté banh mi), along with some specials like Thịt Nướng tacos (grilled lemongrass pork) and hopefully soon, al pastor trompo banh mi (marinated pork shaved off a spit) and charcoal-grilled adobada.
Other banh mi shops Americanize names for English-speaking audiences—for example, listing “grilled chicken sandwich” instead of Bánh Mì Gà Nướng. Not Một Bánh Mì. If you’re not sure how to pronounce something, Bui says they’re happy to help. It’s an educational opportunity, he explains, as well as a chance for them to be “unapologetically Vietnamese and Mexican.”
Part of the immersive experience is playing Vietnamese tunes from the ‘60s and ‘70s.
“When you think of universal languages, what are ways when you travel or meet a different group of people that you can still find common ground and connect and feel like we’re a lot more alike than we are different?” Bui asks. “Food and music.”
The musical element is part of Một Bánh Mì’s greater vision. They’d like to evolve into a lifestyle brand and media company, with merch, jars of pickled vegetables, you name it. Eventually, they’d like to open a brick-and-mortar somewhere in Mid-City. In the meantime, they’ll continue to pop up at places like Mixed Grounds and Chance’s Coffee, or wherever they can. (Bui called Provecho Coffee their “dream collab,” hint hint.)
San Diego bartenders have been making serious waves over the past few years, and it looks like 2026 is carrying on that momentum. Dominique Muñoz, bar lead at Polite Provisions, just nabbed a top spot on Punch’s Best New Bartenders 2026 list. She’s hardly new to the game, having been behind the stick for nearly a decade and founding the Sirens and Spirits collective to elevate women and nonbinary bartenders in the industry, but it’s fabulous to see some (well-deserved) San Diego representation on the short list. Congrats to Muñoz—we can’t wait to see what you do next.
Speaking of awards, Tribute Pizza just earned a prize of its own. The North Park pizza palace hit #38 on the 50 Top Pizza list this year (for the fourth year) right before its 10th anniversary on June 2. Here’s to another decade of delightful pies, ridiculously good Caesar salads, and the weird-to-have, but delicious-to-eat Sichuan spicy noodles.
But the recognition doesn’t stop there. San Diego’s only three-Michelin-starred restaurant Addison by William Bradley (which is freshly re-open after a thorough renovation) just made San Diego history by being the first restaurant in the city to make it on North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list at #31. Considering there are something around 70,000 restaurants in North America (if not more)—I’d say landing in the top 50 is pretty monumental.
San Diego has one of the highest concentrations of people in the African diaspora, including one of the nation’s largest East African populations behind Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. To celebrate the huge diversity of cuisines from countries like Somalia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and beyond, head to the annual San Diego Soul Food Fest on August 1 at the North Park Mini Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Soul food’s roots come from the American South, where generations of enslaved people made do with what resources they had; today, it’s a celebration of culture, cooking, and community. I, for one, am salivating at the thought of getting some legit collard greens and fried catfish.
In lieu of catfish, I just might pop over to Bica in Normal Heights on June 20 for the Tuna Takedown, where chefs from Kingfisher, Mabel’s Gone Fishing, Ironside, À L’ouest, Fish Guts (plus a few more) will go full nose-to-tail on a 150-pound bluefin tuna. That’s about as fresh as it gets, and with beer, wine, and a DJ on top of that, I’m hard-pressed to make any other plans that night.
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Beth Demmon is an award-winning writer and podcaster whose work regularly appears in national outlets and San Diego Magazine. Her first book, The Beer Lover's Guide to Cider, is now available. Find out more on bethdemmon.com.
Just as seasons for the Clippers and Sockers come to a close with Fan Appreciation Nights, a new set of 162 games will begin for the Padres on Opening Day. The return of Padres baseball also means the Friar faithful can check out Margaritaville Hotel’s Padres’ Kickoff Rooftop Party and the celebratory East Village Block Party. Those who prefer an outing at the theater over a day at the ballpark can see local productions of The Lehman Trilogy and Matt & Ben or the debut of works by women+ playwrights at the Lamoise New Works Festival. Plus, fans of live music can see Lang Lang, Digable Planets and fifteen San Diego County choirs in concert this week.
Padres’ Kickoff Rooftop Party at 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar
March 26
A few blocks from the Padres’ home opener at Petco Park, fans can say cheers to the new season during the free Padres’ Kickoff Rooftop Party at Margaritaville Hotel. This Thursday from 3-7 p.m. at the hotel’s 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar, patrons can catch a set from DJ Chino of iHeart Radio Channel 93.3, plus enjoy photo ops, lawn games, mini golf and Padres merch for sale from The Finnish Long Drink. There will also be a themed game day menu, featuring items like the Grand Slam Philly Fries and the dragon fruit-infused Ballpark Paloma. RSVP here.
Take a gastronomic trek around France with Little Frenchie this Sunday at 6 p.m. during the Tour de France Wine Dinner. This four-course prix fixe meal will feature complimentary wine pairings and emphasize the unique culinary strengths of four French regions: Lyon, Provence, Burgundy and Normandy. Guests will be guided through the significance and history of the evening’s pairings by Rafael Peterson of H. Mercer Imports. Reservations are $150 per person.
1166 Orange Avenue, Coronado
Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend
Lang Lang at Jacobs Music Center
March 26
Chinese pianist Lang Lang is among the world’s most well-known classical musicians, with his talents taking him everywhere from the Grammy Awards, to private shows for heads of state, to multiple Olympic opening ceremonies. His mastery of the keys, done with wonderful enthusiasm and dexterity, leaves no awe-inspiring detail behind. This Thursday (7:30 p.m.), Lang Lang will play a selection of recognizable pieces from Mozart, Liszt and Beethoven in concert at Jacobs Music Center. Tickets start at $95 for this concert.
1245 Seventh Avenue, Downtown
Digable Planets at Belly Up
March 27 & 28
The melding of jazz and hip-hop has rarely sounded sweeter than on Digable Planets’ second album Blowout Comb. Though it proved to be their final project, it eternally cemented the group as one of the forebears of jazz rap, alongside acts from the Native Tongues movement like A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul. In celebration of Blowout Comb’s 30th anniversary, Digable Planets will perform back-to-back nights at Belly Up, where they’ll be joined by San Diego artists Ric Scales (Friday) and Blame One (Saturday). Tickets start at $60 for both concerts.
143 South Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach
San Diego Writers Festival
March 28
Aspiring writers and readers ranging from casual to voracious can enjoy a day of literary panels, workshops and readings this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the 7th annual San Diego Writers Festival. Held at the Coronado Public Library and Coronado Performing Arts Center, this year’s event will feature best-selling and emerging writers of romance, mystery, historical fiction and more. The lineup includes talks covering trauma, spirituality, and artistry in the age of AI, and a keynote discussion with novelist Jodi Picoult. RSVP for the free festival here.
640 Orange Avenue & 650 D Avenue, Coronado
San Diego Sings! Festival at The Conrad
March 28
Fifteen San Diego County choirs will fill The Conrad with vocal harmony during this Saturday’s San Diego Sings! Festival. Organized by the Choral Consortium of San Diego, audiences can catch performances by the San Diego Women’s Chorus, Encore Vocal Ensemble and the San Diego Children’s Choir. The performers will be split into three concert performances (11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m.) inside Baker-Baum Concert Hall. Tickets are $23 for each of the three concerts.
Ryan Hardison is a freelance arts and entertainment writer and recent graduate of San Diego State. When he's not staring at his laptop, he's likely eating an adobada burrito or getting sunburnt at the beach.
San Diegans can take advantage of this weekend’s mid-70s forecast by spending time outdoors, attending new plays and exploring cultural events. Admire the beauty of mother nature during the five-day San Diego Bird Festival and the seasonal opening of The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. Watch new productions of contemporary and classic theatrical stories, including Beetlejuice at Civic Theatre and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at Scripps Ranch Theatre. Plus, celebrate international food, cinema, and culture with Artifact at Mingei’s United by Grains dinner, the Oceanside International Film Festival and San Diego Chinese New Year Fair.
Why settle for one cuisine when you can dine on a world of earthly treasures? For its next themed dinner, Artifact at Mingei has drawn inspiration from the museum’s new Farm to Craft exhibition to cultivate a menu with vast international influence. Artifact at Night: United by Grains will consist of a five-course dinner, with optional beverage pairings, featuring global essentials like North African freekeh, Eastern European oat kvass and Mexican red corn tamales. Reservations are $80 for Mingei members and $89 for non-members; seatings can be reserved online for this Friday between 5-8:30 p.m., with seven dining slots still available.
1439 El Prado, Balboa Park
Calienté Latin Music and Spirits Fest
February 28
Spend your afternoon dancing to salsa tunes and trying top-shelf spirits during the biannual Calienté Latin Music and Spirits Fest, returning to The Sinclair on G Street this Saturday from 2-5:30 p.m. Hear banda, bachata, merengue and more, with performances by local Latin artists, while sampling a lineup of bites, mixed beverages and premium brands of tequila, mezcal, vodka and beer during this 21+ event. General admission is $39 and includes spirits sampling.
643 G Street, Gaslamp
Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend
Oceanside International Film Festival at Star Theatre
February 25–February 28
Watch dozens of short films and a handful of independent features at the Star Theatre during the 15th annual Oceanside International Film Festival. The festivities begin Wednesday with a red carpet reception and screening of the documentary Desert Angel and conclude Saturday with an interview and Q&A featuring director Catherine Hardwicke, followed by the award show finale. Ticket options include single-day film screenings passes for Thursday-Saturday ($18 each), opening night ($25) and closing night ($30) admission, and the all-festival block pass ($86).
402 North Coast Highway, Oceanside
San Diego Bird Festival
February 25–March 1
It’s a bird … it’s a plane … oh wait, it is a bird! This Wednesday-Sunday, spread your wings and soar during the San Diego Bird Festival. Taking place primarily at Marina Village Conference Center, attendees can join field trips, take expert-led workshops, shop the Red Bird Bookstore, and bid on silent auction items to support the San Diego Bird Alliance. Register online to build your festival schedule, with 145+ activities—many of which are free or low-priced—to choose from. Plus, Saturday (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) will be free community days, with a host of family-friendly programs and activities open to the public.
1936 Quivira Way, Mission Valley
Brahms Festival at Jacobs Music Center
February 27–March 7
Conductor Rafael Payare and the San Diego Symphony Orchestra will dissect the brilliance of German composer Johannes Brahms through its Brahms Festival, beginning Friday at Jacobs Music Center. Over five concerts, audiences will hear several spellbinding pieces from this Romantic Era innovator, including A German Requiem (Friday at 7:30 p.m. & Sunday at 2 p.m.), plus Symphonies No. 1 & 2 (Saturday at 7:30 p.m.), No. 3 (March 7) and No. 4 (March 6). Each performance will be introduced through pre-concert talks led by the Symphony’s Creative Consultant Gerard McBurney. Tickets range from $42 to $125 for each concert.
1245 Seventh Avenue, Downtown
Fido Fest
February 28
Dog parents, enthusiasts and prospective owners can spend their Saturday afternoon roaming Santee’s free annual Fido Fest at Town Center Community Park East. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be dog agility courses, pet costume contests, a wellness zone, a donation drive and a vendor village with an array of pet-friendly items, services, and most importantly, treats. Attendees can also observe demonstrations, enjoy arts and crafts, snap a photo with the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile and peruse an adoption alley with over 20 local shelters.
Ryan Hardison is a freelance arts and entertainment writer and recent graduate of San Diego State. When he's not staring at his laptop, he's likely eating an adobada burrito or getting sunburnt at the beach.
For Executive Chef Emily Brubaker, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa feels like home. She grew up just a mile-and-a-half away from the 400-acre property and fondly recalls walking the golf course perimeter as a kid. Though her ambitions led her away from San Diego for nearly two decades in which she honed her craft in some of the highest of high-profile Las Vegas restaurants—including triple Michelin-starred Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand—they ultimately brought her back to North County.
Courtesy of Omni La Costa
Today, the classically French-trained chef, who’s fresh off a victory on NBC’s Yes, Chef!, judged by Martha Stewart and José Andrés, oversees Omni La Costa Resort & Spa’s seven distinct dining concepts. Her goal is to elevate the resort’s culinary program with her creative, hyperlocal ingredient-driven approach while maintaining the Spanish- inspired flavors and fresh California coastal cuisine that are the bedrock of its culinary identity.
“The San Diego food scene is really growing, and in North County alone, it’s really exploded in the last five years,” Brubaker says. “There are Michelin stars, beautiful tasting menus, craft bakers, and all this food—when I was growing up in La Costa, it was fish tacos. Now there are really cool things popping up, and I’m so happy to be here to see where it’s going to go.”
Brubaker gives chefs de cuisine at each individual restaurant autonomy, however, her influence is evident across the resort.
For example, lobby restaurant Bar Traza serves as Omni La Costa’s culinary centerpiece and features bold Spanish flavors in a lively, social atmosphere. Brubaker overhauled the menu to be more consistent and centered on casual bites with that signature vibe. Think smoky paprika, vibrant citrus, and Spanish meats and cheeses.
At VUE, the focus is on seasonal offerings, California coastal cuisine, and Baja-inspired dishes. She and Chef de Cuisine Cameron Dixon change the menu biannually, which heading into summer, will highlight farm-fresh produce and hyperlocal ingredients—the resort even has its own herb garden and honeybee hives.
Courtesy of Omni La Costa
Poolside dining options are leaning into the country’s 250th this summer with a selection of classic American dishes with an Omni La Costa twist. And Bob’s Steak & Chop House (Brubaker is a trained butcher) offers a classic steakhouse experience with elevated service.
The chef and company also plan menus for special events at the resort where her creativity can really shine. For an upcoming National Ski Association dinner, the banquet hall will be transformed into an Alpine-themed winter wonderland complete with a snow machine, savory sausages, and melty, decadent raclette. A recent dinner was built around the Carlsbad Flower Fields and each course was matched to a color of ranunculus (Did you know pink dragonfruit are grown in North County? You do now.).
“It’s my zen to be in the kitchen playing with food,” Brubaker says.
Omni La Costa’s culinary program is a key part of the resort experience. And with Brubaker’s leadership, it’s becoming a draw for visitors and locals alike.
“These aren’t just hotel restaurants, these are restaurants that you should go to. They’re destinations, and I’m really hoping for the future that’s where we’re going,” Brubaker says.
Courtesy of Omni La Costa
Brubaker is also channeling her experience on Yes, Chef! into the culture at Omni La Costa—more emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, empowering her staff to share constructive critiques, and embracing different perspectives. Alongside her leadership role, Brubaker has become an advocate for mental health in the hospitality industry, serving as chief ambassador for the Burnt Chef Project and serves on the Board of Advisors for the Apex Culinary Program, where she mentors and develops future talent.
Despite some preemptive eulogizing, the latest Brewers Association statistics estimate that though craft beer’s national volume is down 5 percent, it’s still a $72.5 billion industry. It ain’t going anywhere; just normalizing.
In San Diego, it seems like the ones who are chugging mightily along are the ones who offer more than just beer. Craft Coast, for instance. The brewery and taco stand opened its first brewpub in Oceanside in August 2020 and its second in San Marcos in April 2024. Both locations feature their own beer and Baja-style tacos, mulitas, and bowls.
Blake Masoner, one of the three co-founders with Lars Erickson and Brian Gillen, says he and his partners built a business plan on the premise of caring equally about the quality of the beer as the tacos. Food is no longer an option for a fledgling brewery’s survival. It’s essential.
“The days of business park breweries are limited, I think,” he says, noting they intentionally keep it simple.“In-N-Out doesn’t give everything to everybody for a reason, because they’re good at what they’re good at.”
His time at Pizza Port’s brewery was inspiration—a business model that survived on craft beer and pizza since the ’80s.
Craft Coast has had a successful five years in North County, where all three founders are lifelong locals. After one failed attempt to snag a spot in Encinitas in 2021 (followed by a successful bid in late 2023), they’ll open its first spot in the neighborhood this summer at 476 S. Coast Highway 101 in the former Filiberto’s space where the owners spent many late nights filling up on tacos.
The roughly 3,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor space (located directly underneath the Encinitas arch) will open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, with possible late-night hours on weekends. The dozen or so taps will include Craft Coast’s five core beers (Agua Baja Mexican lager, Shootz Mahalo hazy IPA, Old West American IPA, XPA extra pale ale, and Sunset Market prickly pear sour with a rotating fruit) along with other collaborations and seasonals, plus canned and bottled non-alcoholic options and a selection of recently released to-go cans.
Expect the same food menu as the first two locations, plus a fully built-in salsa bar (my literal dream) designed by Ralitsa Kombakis of Studio Rallou. If the name sounds familiar, she also designed the soon-to-open À L’ouest French brasserie by chef Brad Wise (Trust Restaurant Group) in North Park.
Masoner says while the team likes to grow slowly, they’re committed to prioritizing their home zone of North County. If (and when) they open another brewpub, this is where they hope to stay.
“We’ve spent a lot of time living in Encinitas,” he says. “We always said if this building ever comes up, we should get it and do something. Then we established Craft Coast and here we are, five-and-a-half years later.”
Craft Coast opens this summer at 476 S. Coast Highway 101 in Encinitas.
When Matteo (somewhat suddenly) closed in South Park in December, it already had a succession plan in place. Angela Catania, who owns nearby Carbon Angela’s Kitchen, took the keys and announced Bedda in January. Bedda, which means “beautiful” in Sicilian, will not be an Italian restaurant—so don’t expect pizza or pasta, but do expect all-day dining, plus a deli and market and nighttime bar with cocktails and wine. Personally, I’m always glad when an uber-visible corner restaurant doesn’t stay empty for too long. I’m already counting down to its opening in mid-February.
Beth Demmon is an award-winning writer and podcaster whose work regularly appears in national outlets and San Diego Magazine. Her first book, The Beer Lover's Guide to Cider, is now available. Find out more on bethdemmon.com.
An audial mashup of Beethoven and Beyoncé, the historical handcraft exhibition Staying Power and the annual Kook Run are just a few of the highlights in this weekend’s event roundup. Experience the filmography of Georges Méliès through a larger-than-life retrospective or take in the soothing vibraphone of Joel Ross during one of his Good Vibes concerts. See classic theater productions revolving around newly married couples, with Barefoot in the Park showcasing the humorous side of marital relations and Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler representing a tale of manipulation. Plus, sports fans will have chances to cheer for the Mojo, the Sockers and San Diego FC, who will host Pumas UNAM for their first 2026 match.
Enjoy a sophisticated tea time with your loved ones inside the Lobby Lounge at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, with Valentine’s-themed afternoon tea happening every weekend in February. Feel the sweetness of Saint Valentine with a curated menu of teas, pastries, petit fours and finger sandwiches. Reservations can be made from noon to 3:30 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $110 per person for adults, $65 for children and include a 20 percent gratuity.
5300 Grand Del Mar Court, Del Mar
Le Salon de Musiques Concert #5 at La Jolla Woman’s Club
February 8
La Jolla Woman’s Club will host the fifth concert of Le Salon de Musiques’ 2025-26 season this Sunday from 4-7 p.m. Following an introduction from musicologist Adam Gilbert, the Azura Trio—consisting of Duncan McDougall on violin, Yejin Hong on cello and Tony Bai on piano—will perform chamber music pieces by Rachmaninoff, Bortkiewicz, and Arensky. After the show, guests will get to converse about the music while dining on a high tea buffet and Champagne from De La Vin Catering. Tickets are $120 for the general public and $69 for students.
7791 Draper Avenue, La Jolla
Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend
Joel Ross: Good Vibes at The JAI
February 5
Though it’s been decades since the likes of Thelonius Monk, Wayne Shorter and Grant Green were the ones making waves on Blue Note Records, the label remains a hotbed for jazz virtuosos. This Thursday, local jazz fans can catch one of Blue Note’s most ascendant acts, vibrationist Joel Ross, who will lead a six-piece band for two shows (5:30 & 8 p.m.) at The JAI. Ross’ fifth album as a bandleader, the biblically-inspired Gospel Music dropped Jan. 30, rich with luscious tracks like “Wisdom is Eternal (For Barry Harris),” an ode to bebop pioneer Barry Harris. Tickets range from $55-$62 for Good Vibes.
Steve Hackman’s Beethoven x Beyoncé at Jacobs Music Center
February 6
On paper, a 19th century composer and a 21st century popstar may not share many similarities, but Steve Hackman sees Ludwig van Beethoven and Beyoncé as a match made in musical heaven. During Beethoven x Beyoncé this Friday (7:30 p.m.) at Jacobs Music Center, Hackman will conduct a fusion of two era-defining musicians, combining 15 Beyoncé tracks with the orchestral movements of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7. The musical ensemble will include the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, a live band and vocalists Kaylah Sharve, Malia Civetz and Brayla. Tickets range from $61 to $78 for this concert.
1245 Seventh Avenue, Downtown
Benise: 25 Years Of Passion! at Balboa Theatre
February 7
Spanish guitar aficionado Benise will celebrate a quarter century of romantic strumming this Saturday (7 p.m.) at Balboa Theatre during his 25 Years Of Passion! tour. Known for his widespread Nights of Fire! collaboration with PBS, Benise’s stage show is a beacon of world music, with drummers, dancers and the fiery rhythms of samba, flamenco, salsa and much more. Tickets start at $41, and VIP soundcheck packages, which include premier seats, a meet and greet with Benise and a private soundcheck experience, are also available.
868 Fourth Avenue, Gaslamp
Right in the Eye at Balboa Theatre
February 8
See a vivid homage to French filmmaker and cinematographer Georges Méliès this Sunday (2 p.m.) at Balboa Theatre. Created by Jean-François Alcoléa, Right in the Eye is a passionate tribute to one of cinema’s earliest pioneers expressed through live performance and glorious film footage. This concert pairs a dozen films from Méliès’ oeuvre—showcasing his mastery of special effects—with an expansive score that features instruments ranging from piano and percussion to the aquaphone and theremin. Tickets range from $26 to $69 for Right in the Eye.
Ryan Hardison is a freelance arts and entertainment writer and recent graduate of San Diego State. When he's not staring at his laptop, he's likely eating an adobada burrito or getting sunburnt at the beach.
National Philanthropy Day, presented by PNC Bank, Celebrates the Best of Philanthropy in San Diego
The 53rd Annual National Philanthropy Day Takes Place on November 21. Join us from 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the new Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center!
Once yearly, AFP San Diego joins with others worldwide to celebrate National Philanthropy Day (NPD), a special day set aside to recognize the great contributions of donors and nonprofits that enrich of our community and the world. San Diego’s NPD is one of the largest and most successful in the U.S., attracting nearly 900 participants, including philanthropists, nonprofit leaders, CEOs, board members, development professionals, and business, community, and civic leaders.
Sponsorship proceeds from National Philanthropy Day are reinvested in education, training, scholarships, career development, and the advancement of fundraising professionals throughout San Diego. These resources and training provide fundraising professionals with the tools necessary to support our region’s diverse array of nonprofit organizations, which rely on charitable giving for close to half of their annual revenues.
The National Philanthropy Day Honorees are selected by the NPD Honorary Committee, a group of highly respected, diverse nonprofit and business leaders. Our 2025 Honorees include:
Outstanding Development Emerging Leader – Taylor Thompson Self-Nominated
Outstanding Development Professional – Sharyn Goodson Nominated by: AJ Steinberg & Jeanne Schmelzer
Outstanding Organization for IDEA – Accessity Self-Nominated
Outstanding Philanthropic Institution – Life Science Cares San Diego Nominated by: Blair Search Partners
Outstanding Philanthropist – Dan & Phyllis Epstein Nominated by: CSU San Marcos & KPBS
Outstanding Student Volunteer – Camden Hall Nominated by: Curebound
National Philanthropy Day San Diego provides an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of giving and to celebrate the selfless contributions of individuals and organizations across the region. We look forward to celebrating with you!
Sponsorship opportunities and individual tickets are available. Please visit www.afpsd.org for more information.
