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The A List

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San Diego has powerful women everywhere. So, each July we honor one San Diego Magazine Woman of the Year selected by our publisher. To review the criteria and nominate your selections, click for more details.

May 2007 Events:


From moms to maypoles, arts festivals to Mexican fiestas, San Diego is full of ways to celebrate the merry, merry month of May. Here are 25 of our top choices:

 

#1

 

Que Syrah, Shiraz, Sirah: The future is yours to see in your wine glass at this tasting event at Jack’s La Jolla—as long as whatever you envision includes an Australian, French or American red and a host of tasty appetizers. May 1, 6 p.m. 7863 Girard Avenue, 858-456-8111; www.jackslajolla.com.

#2

Rent: Fans of this award-winning musical need not wait until it comes back to the Civic Theatre, nor do you have to suffer through the less-than-spectacular small-screen version. Rent has made its way to the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, for a three-day run celebrating “La Vie Boheme” in all its eclectic glory. May 2-4, 8 p.m. 340 North Escondido Boulevard, 800-988-4253; www.artcenter.org.

#3

Mommy Hour at the W: Mother’s Day may still officially be 11 days away, but hip San Diego moms have a reason to celebrate early. The W San Diego launches its Mommy Hour, a late-morning “beach” break for moms and their little ones. Specially priced appetizers and drinks will be served at the hotel’s rooftop Beach bar. Children of all ages welcome; children under 5 recommended. May 2, 11 a.m. 421 West B Street, downtown, 619-398-3100; www.whotels.com.

 

#4

Fiesta Cinco de Mayo Celebration: The Bazaar del Mundo shops and Casa Guadalajara restaurant host a weekend full of authentic Mexican food and festivities, including mariachi and troubadour music, folkloric dance and the specialty “Cincorita.” Festivities begin each day at noon and run through the evening. May 4-6, 4133 Taylor Street, Old Town, 619-296-3161; East County revelers can visit Casa de Pico restaurant in Grossmont Center for ballet folklorico dancers and a margarita garden. May 4-6, noon to 10 p.m.  5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa, 619-463-3267; www.bazaardelmundoshops.com.

#5

Muttropolis Cinco de Mayo Fashion Fiesta: Don’t let your furry friends miss out on this month’s festivities. La Jolla’s Muttropolis hosts a fashion show with complimentary dog treats, a best-dressed dog contest and a visit from San Diego Bulldog Rescue. May 5, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 7755 Girard Avenue, La Jolla, 858-459-9663; www.muttropolis.com.

#6

Jeans for Justice: Join Consciously Social at this artistic fashion event that showcases and auctions off one-of-a-kind designer denim. The event, held at Bernard Gardens in Rancho Santa Fe, includes the fashion show and silent auction, entertainment, film screenings from the 2006 San Diego Women’s Film Festival, cocktails and catering. The event honors Sexual Assault Awareness Month and partial proceeds benefit the Center for Community Solutions. May 5, 5:30 p.m. 619-301-3688; www.consciouslysocial.com.

#7

Fiesta Poblana: Who knows the real reason for the Cinco de Mayo revelry? San Diego’s Centro Cultural de la Raza aims to educate on the significance of the celebrated day in history—the Mexican victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla. Participate in the festivities with a chicken mole poblano dinner and dance show honoring Chicano culture. May 5, dinner, 6 p.m.; show, 8 p.m. 2125 Park Boulevard, Balboa Park, 619-235-6135; www.centroraza.com.

#8

Healing Arts Festival: After all the celebrating, you’re likely to need a little R and R. This free event has just the answer to your aching head, body and mind as it offers free massage, acupuncture consultation, yoga, tai chi, classes, musical entertainment, food, vendors and more. May 6, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Park Boulevard and Presidents Way, Balboa Park, 619-261-1418; www.althealnet.org.

 

#9

Stealing Home at The Oceanaire: As you take yourself out to the ballgame, be sure to take yourself into The Oceanaire Seafood Room to enjoy this Gaslamp Quarter restaurant’s happy hour special Stealing Home: three courses for $30. 5 to 7 p.m. weekdays throughout baseball season, whether or not the Padres are in town. 400 J Street, downtown, 619-858-2277; www.theoceanaire.com/SanDiego.

#10

Champagne and Purses: Forget raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens—now these are a few of my favorite things! At this fourth annual Partying for a Purpose event, held at the San Diego Wine and Culinary Center, San Diego women are invited to donate new or gently worn dresses, shoes, jewelry and, yes, purses to provide to teens from the Toussaint Academy for their 2007 prom. Attendees will enjoy complimentary champagne, a martini bar, food, a silent auction and hair and makeup tips. $10 donation suggested. May 9, 6:30 to 9 p.m. 200 Harbor Drive, downtown, 858-229-3663; rsvp@itsallaboutthekids.org, www.itsallaboutthekids.org.

#11

The Marriage of Figaro: San Diego Opera celebrates this “funny, moving and melodious” Mozart comedy about love and marriage with an Opera in the City preshow party at the newly renovated U.S. Grant Hotel. San Diego Magazine presents a fashion showcase at the event, held in the Celestial Ballroom, preceding the opera’s “heavenly” finale. Don’t miss out on the final Opera in the City event of the season—and the chance to wear those bridesmaid dresses that are hanging in the back of your closet! May 11, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Fourth Avenue and Broadway, downtown; Opera begins at 8 p.m. at Civic Theatre, Third Avenue and B Street, 619-533-7057; www.sdopera.com/city.

 

#12

Beach to Brewery Beer and Music Fest: Karl Strauss Brewery’s Pacific Beach location hosts this annual benefit party to save the San Diego shores. Live music, beer tastings, food and free shuttles make this a not-to-be-missed presummer event. May 12, 5985 Santa Fe Street, 858-273-BREW; www.karlstrauss.com.

#13

Family Chocolate Festival: It may be mom’s weekend, but there’s time enough for fun for the whole family. Quail Botanical Gardens invites guests to chocolate tastings, cooking demonstrations, entertainment, activities and more. May 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, 760-436-3036; www.qbgardens.org.

#14

Spring Busker Festival: Seaport Village gets in on the season’s festival action with this free two-day event featuring a variety of unusual street performers competing for a spot on the venue’s regular summer entertainment schedule. Guests cast their votes for the best busker. May 12-13, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. West Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway, downtown, 619-235-4014; www.seaportvillage.com.

#15

Art at the Creekwalk: The city of Vista kicks off its five-month-long arts exhibition with the Mother’s Day Outdoor Fine Art Show, featuring local artists displaying paintings, photography, jewelry, woodworking, pottery and more. The event will continue on the second Sunday of every month through October. May 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vista Village Drive and Wave Drive, 760-402-2446, www.cityofvista.com/departments/parks/adobe.cfm.

#16

Mother's Day: Celebrate the mom in your life—especially if that’s you—at a host of luxurious Mother’s Day offerings around the region. Enjoy brunch at dozens of locations, including the eclectic Southwestern-themed Estancia La Jolla brunch buffet, served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 9700 North Torrey Pines Road, 858-550-1000; estancialajolla.com; the historic 1910-style Abbey hosts an elegant Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch, served at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. 2825 Fifth Avenue, Hillcrest, 619-686-8715; www.hornblowerholidays.com.

Or treat mom to an indulgent day of pampering at the new Spa by Bardot, downtown’s first “urban retreat spa,” which offers the Sweet Treat package, including a 60-minute stress relief massage, an antiaging facial, spa manicure and pedicure, chocolate truffles and champagne. The Mother’s Day Mini Package includes chocolate, champagne, a 30-minute massage and regeneration facial. 855 West G Street, downtown, 888-563-9159; www.spabybardot.com.


 


 


 

#17

Team K.O. Celebrity Golf Classic: San Diego Charger Kassim Osgood’s Team K.O., an Athletes for Education program, hosts this second annual event, which includes a pairings party and silent auction at the Witherby and a golf tournament at Del Mar Country Club. Proceeds benefit school programs throughout the county. Pairings party: May 13, 6:30 p.m. 526 Market Street, downtown. Golf tournament: May 14, 1 p.m. shotgun start. 6001 Clubhouse Drive, Rancho Santa Fe, 619-583-4955; www.afefoundation.org.

From the chefs of Roppongi and Sammy's Woodfired Pizza:

RSVP at afe85@cox.net

#18

Flight Night: Choosing a happy hour spot downtown on the third Thursday of the month is as easy as heading to Horton Plaza, where Napa Valley Grille hosts Flight Night at the Top of the Plaza. Visitors will enjoy a wine flight from Bouchaine Vineyards, appetizers, live music and a preview of spring footwear from Nordstrom. May 17, 5:30 to 8 p.m. 324 Horton Plaza, 619-236-9649; www.westfield.com/hortonplaza.

 

#19

North County Wine and Food Festival: The California Center for the Arts, Escondido, is the host venue for this 12th annual event benefiting the Rotary Club of Bonsall’s selected local and international charities. The event features two stages of live entertainment, wine from more than 40 wineries, catering from more than a dozen local restaurants and a silent auction. May 18, 6 to 11 p.m. 800-249-2024, 340 North Escondido Boulevard; www.bonsallrotary.com/events.html.

#20

Temecula Valley Winery Tour: Leave your car keys at home and join San Diego Uncorked on a bus trip through the Temecula Valley with a visit to Wilson Creek, Falkner and Bella Vista wineries. Departing at 9:15 a.m. from UTC mall, this “daylong event for fun-loving wine novices in their 20s and 30s” features winery tours, education, lunch and, of course, wine tastings. May 19, 9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. 4575 La Jolla Village Drive; www.sandiegouncorked.com.

 

#21

Jewish Arts Festival: The San Diego Repertory Theatre closes its season with the 14th annual Lipinsky Family San Diego Jewish Arts Festival, a month-long collection of Jewish music, dance, theatre, fine arts and food from around the world. Various times, locations and events. May 20-June 25, 619-544-1000; www.sandiegorep.com.

#22

Sicilian Festival: If there’s one San Diego neighborhood that knows how to have a good time it’s Little Italy, where the streets are always alive with the sights, sounds and smells of an international celebration. The 14th annual Festivale Siciliano is no exception. Featuring authentic song, dance and costumes, Sicilian food, vendors, games and rides, this event offers free Sunday fun for the entire family. May 20, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. India Street between Date and Ash streets, 619-469-2206; www.sicilianfesta.com.


#23

North Park Festival of the Arts: North Park adds to the weekend revelry with a festival of its own. This 11th annual free event includes an artists’ village where artisans will create their works, entertainment, food, shopping and more. May 20, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. University Avenue between 30th and 32nd streets, 619-294-2501; www.northparkmainstreet.com.

#24

Culture and Cocktails: The San Diego Museum of Art invites social butterflies and art lovers alike to its cultural mingling event, which occurs in conjunction with the newly opened pre-Raphaelite exhibit, Waking Dreams. Specialty cocktails, deejay music and gallery tours make the evening a hit for a hip crowd. May 24, 6 to 8 p.m. 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park. 619-232-7931; www.sdmart.org.

#25

MayFest: Why wait until October to enjoy a good German celebration? The town of Julian kicks off Memorial Day weekend with maypole dancing, an oompah band, German food and more. May 26-27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 2033 Main Street, 760-765-1857; www.julianca.com.


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Christina Orlovsky
"A" List Editor
Email "A" List event ideas by the 15th of the month prior to the event to
alist@sandiegomag.com

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