“With rebranding, [I] want to expand the offerings past waffles,” she says. The new name, Good Measure, will come with a broadened menu for a more versatile brunch experience and a community space to host guest chefs, collaborations, and pop-ups. As the former owner of experiential pop-up dinner series Cow by Bear, Solomon says it’s essential for her to provide a space for up-and-coming chefs in the same way she felt supported when she was just starting as a young entrepreneur. “There’s strength in numbers,” she says. “Everyone brings something to the table.”

Solomon and her business partner Jess O’Shae purchased Atypical from the original owners earlier this year, but Solomon will be the sole owner and operator once the new iteration launches in December or January. “There is a lot of gray area right now,” she laughs. Once open, she plans to offer brunch Thursdays through Sundays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and host events on weekends as often as possible, and says she’ll expand evening hours in the future.

She also plans to add more visible signage—a necessity for the tucked-away space. Guests will still enter through the back of the laundromat, though, but Solomon says she’ll add more obvious invitations to enter. The vibe will be “bright, colorful, a kind of mid-century modern aesthetic,” she says, with lots of greenery. 

San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events

Family Utopia Kids & Coffee Opening in Carlsbad

Finally, a place where the “are kids allowed here?” debate falls silent! Kids & Coffee, an 11,500-square-foot indoor playspace and cafe, opens on Saturday, November 9 in Carlsbad. During the pandemic, full-time workers and new parents Vivian Ho and Ken Li experienced a structural lack of family support in their community, so they decided to launch a resource for caregivers and their children. 

“Kids & Coffee is unique in a sense that we are one: fostering a safe space for early childhood development, two: we provide a platform and community for the caregivers, and three: we provide the educational resources that the modern parent needs,” says Ho. Mostra Coffee will be the sole coffee provider to the cafe, which will also serve light bites like flatbreads, pastries, sandwiches, and other health-conscious offerings. I personally am ready to try the “Little Beans, Big Dreams” signature coffee blend (but yes, there will eventually be some beer and wine for the adults as well).

Beth’s Bites

• ‘Tis the season for booze and candy pairings, and there’s no one I trust more than Karen Barnett at Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant to guide me on this journey. I’m eyeing the gummy bears with La Flaca, but I certainly wouldn’t turn down a Butterfinger with a Cadillac margarita.
• Say it with me—Board & Brew is finally coming to Mission Valley! The neighborhood is about to get a whole lot tastier. Also, the chain has been around for 45 years?! We love a sandwich success story.
• Lola 55, the Bib Gourmand-recognized taco shop in East Village, is opening its new concept, L55 Tacos, in Westfield UTC this weekend. Well, sort of. It’s technically a friends and family soft opening on Friday, November 1, but all I hear is tacos are coming…
• Goodbye, sweet sushi—Hive Sushi Lounge in East Village closed without warning earlier this week, taking with it the home of Omakase by Ambrely’s pop-up series. Chef Ambreley says she’s looking for a new location to relaunch her concept elsewhere, so drop her a DM if you have a lead.

Have breaking news, exciting scoops, or great stories about new San Diego restaurants or the city’s food scene? Send your pitches to [email protected].

The post Atypical Waffle Rebranding As Good Measure appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

When his business partner Adam Cook, who also owns Bluefoot Bar & Lounge in North Park, saw the old Coo Coo Club property for sale, Gerde said he immediately knew what he wanted to build. “I was like, if you did a country bar in East County, it would go over pretty well.” Fast forward two years, and Neon Moon will open on Wednesday, October 30 in Lakeside.

Gerde originally hails from Washington State and says that roadside bars he’d stop at when driving through rural areas of Montana and Idaho inspired him. But he wanted to create something thoughtful, “a bar that feels transportive,” he explains, driven by quality cocktails and ambiance.

Cook is no stranger to early entry into burgeoning neighborhoods, either—when he opened Bluefoot in 2006, North Park had hardly begun to emerge as a destination for locals, much less tourists. Now, it’s known as one of the hippest neighborhoods in the country, recognized by outlets like Forbes and Travel Mag.

They formally acquired the space around 18 months ago, with Cook and Sarah McAlear as principal owners, Gerde as an operating partner, and Sina Kennedy as another partner. They had to completely gut it to create a 21+ concept partially inspired by ’70s and ’80s country bars in Texas.

Inside features a lounge area with a working fireplace, along with a stained oak bar and crushed velvet orange chairs for a lived-in living room feel, explains Gerde. He handled much of the design, inspired by elements like his dad’s old Chevy pickup. 

“The seating area has green vinyl booths, and I mirrored the stitch pattern off of one of my dad’s old trucks,” Gerde says. “Then you work your way down to the dance floor, three steps from the bar and lounge area with a checkered floor.” A disco ball and velvet paintings lead past two pool tables before getting to the outside patio.

“It looks like a really well-done backyard patio,” he promises, with another fireplace, string lights, corn hole, darts, and passionfruit vines growing along a hog wire fence. “The outside also has a full working bar… everything that’s available inside is available outside,” he explains.

Cook and Gerde brought on Nickey Bakke to manage the bar program, which will incorporate her experience at places like the tiki sensation Tonga Hut in Los Angeles, Market in Del Mar, and South Congress venue The Continental Club in Austin, Texas. Neon Moon will offer four draft cocktails, a typical menu, 10 draft beers, and at least 25 cans and bottles. 

Expect tiki-inspired offerings, riffs on classics like an Old Fashioned and espresso martini, and novelties like a Rattlesnake margarita inspired by Bali Hai’s famous Mai Tai and served in a chilled mug. It’s made with anejo tequila, mezcal, agave nectar, lime, and Everclear because “what’s more country than Everclear?” he laughs. “High-proof neutral spirit? Absolutely.” 

Gerde says he hopes Neon Moon will be different in a neighborhood lacking specific product-driven places to hang out but seems familiar to everyone who walks in. “I think that when they get there, they’ll feel like they’re in another place in time,” he says. He hopes to be a part of the area’s evolution as well. “I think East County is going to change,” he muses. “There’s plenty of room out there.”

San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events

San Diego Beer Week Begins This Friday

Friday, November 1, kicks off the 16th annual San Diego Beer Week, hosted by the San Diego Brewers Guild. The 10-day event takes place at breweries, bars, restaurants, and brewpubs across the county to celebrate local, independent, craft beer, starting with a virtual kick-off toast at 7:30 p.m. Be sure to check the Guild’s website for a calendar of activities and social media for pop-up events and more opportunities to partake.

Don’t miss the annual Capital of Craft IPA collaboration beer, a West Coast IPA available on draft and in cans at all Guild member breweries during Beer Week. Festivities wind down at the Capital of Craft Beerfest on Saturday, November 9, behind Kilowatt Brewingon Clairemont Mesa Boulevard. Get your tickets to the 21+ event here. 

Beth’s Bites

• “Cancer bad, cocktails good” seems universally agreed upon by those who imbibe for a cause. On Friday, November 1, head to Understory Bar for the Susan G. Komen Sip for a Cause with F&K Spirits to raise money and awareness of breast cancer. 
• It’s hard to know what news is real right now, but it appears that Pancho Villa in North Park is, in fact, actually closing. Get your tortillas while you still can.
• Nightlife venue and Asian-inspired restaurant AKA is now open at 611 Fifth Avenue, with plenty of plates, cocktails, and sexily-lit moodiness. 
• Free pizza, anyone? Mr. Moto is teaming up with the YMCA to offer a free pizza every Monday in November to raise money for the YMCA’s Solidarity Journey, a program aiming to end youth homelessness across San Diego. More information is available here, and yes, some exclusions apply.

Have breaking news, exciting scoops, or great stories about new San Diego restaurants or the city’s food scene? Send your pitches to [email protected].

The post Country Cocktail Bar Neon Moon Opening in Lakeside appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

American Sampler Sando

Smallgoods

This artisan La Jolla deli, voted “Best Sandwiches” in town by our readers, makes a killer version of an Italian sub with all US-produced inputs. It’s got mortadella from San Francisco, Golden Nugget ham, finocchiona salami, sheep milk Alpine cheese, local Big Bill on the Hill’s mustard, mayo, baby arugula from Fred’s Urban farm, and Breadbar seeded loaf slices. It’s perfect. —JB

Chawanmushi

Omakase by Ambrely

Savory Japanese egg custard, known as chawanmushi, isn’t often served outside traditional Japanese restaurants in the US. Chef Ambrely Ouimette‘s spin on the classic dish showcases her experience behind the sushi bar, using eggs, celery tsukudani, and maitake mushrooms. One blissful bite transported me straight back to a ryokan in Kyoto. —BD

Turon Crème Brülée Latte

Mostra Coffee

One could argue that coffee culture is jumping the shark wearing a DayGlo tutu. Blame Instagram. If a drink doesn’t look like it’s headed to the Met Gala, it’s getting booted from the menu. The camera caffeinates first, after all. Enter this crunchy sugar-crusted, jackfruit-syruped, housemade-banana-milked Lady Gaga of a beverage in Bankers Hill (among other locations). It knows its angles, secretly loves paparazzi, and tastes like it went to private school. —MH

Chicken Fried Rice

Cross Street Chicken And Beer

A restaurant that shares a parking lot with a Ralphs might not inspire culinary confidence, but Del Mar plays by its own real estate rules. The Korean fried chicken at Cross Street (also in Convoy) is crispy and comforting. Get it on sandos, in salads, or alongside fluffy fried rice with a perfectly runny egg. Plus, an easy grocery run after. Win-win. —MH

Fig Leaf Old Fashioned

Roma Norte

The menu at this Seaport Village hotspot is encyclopedic, but ask the bartenders to bring you their favorite and you may get this ceramic teacup full of intrigue. You’ll need to leave the small talk at home-with butter-washed bourbon, fig leaf cordial, and cacao bitters, this slow sipper is made for deep conversation. Make sure you’ve done your reading. —MH

Local Sheepshead “Zarandeado”

Vistal Bar + Restaurant

Great things rarely come from restaurants that require staff name tags, but the seafood program at this fine-dining-establishment-meets-airport-lounge in the Intercontinental lobby is doing flavorful things with a top-notch locally caught fish program. Pretty cool considering the US imports upwards of 80 percent of its seafood. This dish is Tommy Gomes-supplied local sheepshead (whitefish, bouncy on the palate), baked Nayarit-style, then sauced (but not drowned atop poblano polenta. Memorably good, no name tag required. —MH

Panang

World Curry

I’ve always been tickled by World Curry‘s concept: curries from cuisines all over the planet-including the cozy Thai panang-available in one laidback restaurant. (Side note: Someone should do the same thing with different cultures’ fried chicken.) Though the longtime PB institution closes its doors in December, there’s still time for spicy excursions. —AR

Piña Colada Slushie

Bay Hill Tavern

With gloomy skies outside and my friends locked in to a football game on one of several TVs in Bay Park’s Bay Hill Tavern, summer couldn’t feel further away… until a vacation vessel of sweet slush lands on the table. It’s not a poolside cabana, but it’s close, and, since it’s sweetened only with pineapple juice, the cocktail won’t trigger Vegas-esque sugar headaches. Touchdown? —AR

Pad Thai

Sab Lai Thai Kitchen

Would I recommend taking your partner’s parents to dinner by simply plucking a restaurant name off a map? No. But it worked out, and now you don’t have to repeat my folly. Sab Lai is an underrated (see: not crowded) joint serving satisfying noodles and stir-fries in the Gaslamp. A friendly spot for pre-gaming a bar hop, fueling up for Petco concerts, or wooing the in-laws. —AR

Beef Carpaccio

The Amalfi Llama

Opened in March, Amalfi Llama at Westfield UTC is all about Patagonian live-fire cooking techniques mixed with Italian ingredients. It’s one of the few places in San Diego using this method to cook meat, adding that delicious charred flavor to the dishes. While all of the cuts are worth a try, don’t skip the beef carpaccio as an app. It’s incredibly thin slices make you feel like you’re eating clouds, and what’s not to love about that? —NM

No-Loko

J & Tony’s Discount Cured Meats and Negroni Warehouse

I recognize that the zero-proof version of an espresso martini is simply a latte. But the No-Loko at this East Village haunt endlessly streaming The Sopranos is complex enough to earn its spot on the cocktail menu. Café de olla syrup, coffee concentrate, cold brew, grated cinnamon. Don’t fuhgeddaboudit. —AR

Creamy Chicken Ramen

Tajima Ramen

Cooler weather means one thing: ramen season. Tajima on Adams Avenue is no-frills in the right ways. A solid joint to drop in for a quick hit of soup like vou’d stop for a quick beer (they have both). Sit at the bar and watch the kitchen cranking out an impressive number of to-go tubs while sipping on creamy chicken broth that isn’t just rich, it’s wealthy. Come on, thermostat, drop. —MH

Mini Burritos

John’s Market

Sequestered in the cuts of Solana Beach, John’s serves up some of the most soul-nourishing, family-recipe Mexican this side of Tecate. The mini burritos ($2.75) with housemade refried beans taste like a morning in some small coastal town 3,000 miles south. Machaca, chorizo, you can’t miss. Simple, made with amor. A true Mexican market with handwritten prices, hidden in a residential neighborhood. Oro. —MH

Kraken Roll

Ototo Sushi Co.

On the south end of Liberty Station, where the parking is plentiful and the patios are quiet, Ototo (also in Clairemont) anchors an oft-forgotten corner of Point Loma, next to an old landlocked Navy training ship. Bringing work or a book along for happy hour when the sun is out? Very SD. The Kraken is a can’t-go-wrong choice: yellowtail, cucumber, and avocado topped with more tuna, crispy onions, and garlic soy. —MH

The post 15 of the Best Food & Drinks to Try This November appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Eric Manuel (Pizza Kaiju) and Robert Alfonso (Cafe Indonesia) partnered together previously to launch Ewa ‘88 at Market on 8th, but when they had to vacate the space earlier this year, they knew they wanted to stick together and expand their collaborative efforts. They brought on two new partners: Winter Smiley of Homegrown Youth Collab, a cross-border collective to nurture creativity for young people, and Mike Simpson, Alfonso’s lifelong friend.

Alfonoso says multiple eateries will all fall under the Pizza Kaiju umbrella, including Yoshuku Diner, Ultra Coffee & Donuts, and a bar area with 20 taps. “It’s kind of one big vision under one roof,” says Manuel.

The diner, inspired by Alfonoso’s childhood in Japan, will feature homestyle Japanese dishes like katsu curry, hambagu (hamburger steak), and spaghetti napolitan that riff on the idea of yoshoku, or a Japanese interpretation of Western-style cuisine.

“What we’re doing is we’re taking the Japanese interpretation of what the west should look like, and we’re bringing it back where we’re trying to interpret what they think the west looks like—here in the west,” Alfonoso explains. “It’s kind of flipping it back again.” 

Mostra Coffee will be the exclusive coffee provider for Ultra Coffee & Donuts, named for Ultraman, the fictional superhero who battles kaiju (Japanese monsters like Godzilla). “Ultra Donuts is going to feature a rotating menu of curated brioche donuts—we’re looking to have maybe four or five, with a steady rotation of new flavors every two weeks,” explains Alfonoso.

Pizza Kaiju’s original menu of New York-style and Detroit-style pizzas will make their comeback, along with weekly specials and rotating chef collaborations. Manuel says collaboration will be a cornerstone of the space, with plenty of pop-ups and guest chef opportunities already in the works. Through that aspect of the business, Smiley says the group hopes to add to the already rich culture in Barrio Logan, where their door will remain open for the community. 

“Having a space where we can basically post up and do our programming, and have the community come through and experiment and find their voice—whether through performances or workshops or different events—that space is here for them.”

The new Pizza Kaiju hopes to open in December at 1985 National Avenue in Barrio Logan.

San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events

An’s Tianguis Pops Up Twice This Month

We’re in the Golden Age of restaurant collaborations, and when two entities like An’s Gelato and Puesto join forces, I have to assume that deliciousness will follow. On Saturday, October 26, from noon to 3 p.m. and Tuesday, October 29 from 5-9 p.m. at Puesto’s Mission Valley location, guests can sample four new collab flavors, including Rebozo (Fresas con Lemon Verbena Crema), Sarape (Double Mexican Mint Chocolate Chip), Morral (Flan), and Huipil (Mango with Passion Fruit Jam), as well as a unique gluten-free blue corn waffle cone. Reservations are needed for Saturday (available here), while Tuesday is open to all. 

Beth’s Bites

• Two big wins for San Diegans at the VinePair Next Wave Awards this year! Derek Gallanosa (GOAL Brewing) took Brewer of the Year home, and Erick Castro (Gilly’s House of Cocktails) captured Drinks Professional of the Year. Congrats to them both on the well-earned recognition.
• Big City Bagels continues its slow spread across San Diego with 12 satellite locations. However, only their second brick-and-mortar bagel and coffee house is coming to 4152 30th Street in the former Solomon Bagels & Donuts space. The grand opening is slated for the first week of December, just ahead of the company’s 30th anniversary on December 26.
• Halloween is coming up fast, and Hangar 76 in Oceanside is ready. The space’s resident brewery, Tipping Pint Brewing, is holding a Halloween Swashbuckler Soiree on Saturday, October 26, starting at 1 p.m. Expect food, beer, tarot reading, a costume contest, live music, and more. I’m not 100 percent sure if that means a pirate will be the one reading your fortunes, but I guess we’ll have to show up to find out. 

Have breaking news, exciting scoops, or great stories about new San Diego restaurants or the city’s food scene? Send your pitches to [email protected].

The post Pizza Kaiju Opening Collaborative Space in Barrio Logan appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Estudillo says rumors of the restaurant’s imminent closure are entirely false. “This news made me a little bit stressed,” she says, gesturing to the line of hungry patrons stretching down the block. “Everybody asks, ‘Are you going to close?’ No, I’m not going to close. Not yet.”

Las Cuatro Milpas is San Diego’s oldest Mexican restaurant and has remained with the Estudillo family since its opening. Its tacos and tortillas are legendary and have been featured in the Netflix series Taco Chronicles, this magazine, and many, many others. 

Today, Estudillo’s sister Margarita Hernandez owns the restaurant, while the property remains in the hands of a shared family trust. Estudillo says that when her sister wants to sell the business, it’ll be her decision, as they are the last generation of descendants who wish to run the restaurant. But, she adds, she doesn’t foresee that happening soon—and not to the church next door, who has made repeated offers to purchase the property over the years. 

The family first heard news of their business closing on Monday when Estudillo’s daughter Beatrix showed her the unsubstantiated story posted on a local blog. “Not true,” she says firmly. But the incorrect story sparked hysteria across social media, inundating the family with calls, media inquiries, and questions from patrons. Beatrix had to create an Instagram account to keep up with the chaos. Even walking down the unusually long (even for them) line to get inside this morning, multiple people said they came to eat specifically because they heard it was closing. It was stressful, says Estudillo. And completely avoidable.

When they do sell—something that Estudillo says will probably happen in the next couple of years—it will be the property only and not the business itself. That day will mark the end of an era, but that day is not today.

The post Las Cuatro Milpas Is Not Closing—We Asked appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

From fresh seasonal produce, mouthwatering baked goods, and award-worthy cheeses to live entertainment and drinks served in coconuts, these farmers markets have something for every San Diegan. Here are 13 of the best, spanning from Coronado Island to Del Mar.

San Diego Farmers Markets Weekly Schedule

Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday

Monday 

Welk Certified Farmers Market – Escondido

Small but undeniably charming, Welk Resort’s farmers market offers certified organic produce, specialized chocolate italian ice, guacamole, and sweet potato pies against a picture-perfect resort setting. The market also features family-friendly activities such as scavenger hunts and raffles. And, because of its size, vendors will often remember you the next time you visit. 

• When: 3–7 p.m. 
• Where: 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido

Tuesday 

Coronado Farmers Market

One of the longest-running farmers markets in San Diego County, Coronado Farmers Market may be small, but don’t count them out just yet as your new Tuesday night routine. Each week, the market features fresh, locally sourced fare with views of San Diego Bay and the city skyline. Grab some berries, cheese, assorted roasted nuts, and flowers (for good measure), then pick a spot along the waterfront to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

• When: 2:30–6 p.m.
• Where: Coronado Ferry Landing, 1201 First Street at B Avenue, Coronado

Pacific Beach Tuesday Certified Farmers Market

Am I raving about this market because I just moved to Pacific Beach, and it’s only a street over, serving as my lifeline for food? Maybe. But let me tell you, nothing beats this market after a morning of swimming and a quick bike ride. Plus, this market offers three plant-based pop-ups, from the delicious and generous sushi rolls at Vegan Mirari to the flavorful vegan Mexican food with fishless fish tacos and tripe made from cauliflower and mushrooms. Acai bowls, hummus dip samples, Moroccan perfumes, bikinis, and fresh ocean air—what more could you ask for?

• When: 2–6 p.m.
• Where: 4500 Bayard Street from Garnet Avenue to Hornblend Street, Pacific Beach

Otay Ranch Farmers Market

A food lover’s paradise, this market is packed with an impressive selection of not only American food, but international fare, as well. With treats like chicken tikka masala, Thai coconut sundaes, and Jamaican jerk chicken, the options are so diverse that you could visit every week for months without eating the same thing twice.

• When: 4–7 p.m.
• Where: 2015 Birch Road and Eastlake Boulevard, Chula Vista

Wednesday

Little Italy Farmers Market

“Mangia Bene. Eat well. Be well.” That’s the slogan of the Little Italy Wednesday Mercato, where you can discover artisan foods and local crafts in the beautiful Piazza della Famiglia. Sip a cappuccino as you enjoy cheese and jalapeño tamales, pasture-raised eggs, oysters, baked croissants, and much more, all from California’s finest farmers, every Wednesday (and Saturday).

• When: 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
• Where: 501 West Date Street from Kettner Boulevard to Front Street, Little Italy

Ocean Beach Certified Farmers Market

Not only was the OB Farmers Market my first as a San Diegan, but it’s remained one of my all-time favorites. It feels like a thrift store and a traditional farmers market had a prodigy love child. With local musicians handing out their mixtapes, true vintage race car jackets, and grilled cheese sandwiches the size of your face, this farmers market essentially doubles as a party on the beach.

• When: 4–7 p.m. (October–March); 4–8 p.m. (April–September)
• Where: 4900 Newport Avenue from Cable Street to Bacon Street, Ocean Beach

Thursday

North Park Farmers Market

Rain or shine, the North Park market shows up every Thursday with guava empanadas and unique artwork from over 65 local vendors. Bring friends, family, or kids, or even take a solo trip—the North Park community is ready to welcome you with open arms. It’s like a grocery store, but with a really big heart. Bonus: Verbatim Books, one of San Diego’s favorite bookstores, is just down the street.

• When: 3–6 p.m.
• Where: 2900 North Park Way from 30th Street to Granada Avenue, North Park

Oceanside Certified Farmers Market

Ready for a double header? Oceanside offers a must-visit morning farmers market and a sunset market every Thursday. Fill your reusable bag with organic honey and fresh-cut bouquets, then return later for New York–style pizza, roasted tri-tip, eclectic shopping, and live entertainment, all while basking in the pinks and oranges of the sunset. 

• When: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.; 5 p.m.–9 p.m.
• Where: 500 Pier View Way & Coast Highway, Oceanside; 401 Pier View Way, Oceanside

Friday

La Mesa Village Certified Farmers Market

They won me over when I heard there’s a “sweet potato man.” In the heart of downtown La Mesa, this market is the area’s go-to local spot, featuring an “inverted” layout that connects vendors with shoppers and nearby restaurants. Just a short walk from the trolley, you’ll find a small hot food alley with hand-sized bao buns and unexpected entertainment like a magician and face-painting.

• When: 3–7 p.m.
• Where: La Mesa Boulevard from Palm Avenue and Allison Avenue, La Mesa

Saturday

Del Mar Certified Farmers Market

Established in 1986, the Del Mar Farmers Market is the second-oldest in the region. As a certified nonprofit, it features East African cuisine, pesticide-free produce, French vinaigrettes, and potted herbs, all while supporting local organizations. Its location along the Coastal Highway offers an unbeatable backdrop for an ideal day of shopping.

• When: 12–4 p.m.
• Where 1050 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar (at Civic Center) 

Poway Farmers Market

History with flair. The Poway Farmers Market boasts a rustic, relaxed atmosphere where you’ll find waffle sandwiches, poultry, pet treats, crepes, Scottish dishes, and the finest local wines. If you’re looking to enjoy an iced cinnamon roll and take a train ride, this market has it all. 

• When: 8–11 a.m.
• Where: 14134 Midland Road at Temple St Poway

Sunday

La Jolla Open Aire Market

With nearly 150 vendors specializing in garlic-sauced stuffed hashbrowns, embroidered collared shirts, beautiful bouquets, and just about everything else, this market makes for a Sunday morning worth writing a song about. Plus, all proceeds benefit La Jolla Elementary public school. 

• When: 9–1 p.m.
• Where: 7300 Block of Girard Avenue at Genter Street, La Jolla

Hillcrest Farmers Market

Oh, the crimes I would commit to go here every Sunday… Hillcrest Farmers Market is San Diego’s largest and oldest, with over 175 vendors and more than 10,000 visitors each week. Stretching down the street, every stand offers an incredibly wide range of goodies, from goat milk soaps to mango coconut sundaes. And there’s almost always live local bands or performance art.

• When: 8–2 p.m.
• Where: 3960 Normal Street from Lincoln Avenue to University Avenue, Hillcrest

Tips for Navigating a Farmers Market

Make a wish-list

I know, there’s nothing more stressful than planning out your groceries for the week. That’s where a wish list comes in. Think of products you’d ideally love to buy but aren’t locked into—it’s a farmers market, after all. They might not have exactly what you’re looking for, but isn’t that when the best surprises magically fall into your hands? Regardless, it’s good to have a rough idea of what you want. 

Do a walk-through first

Those apples and cranberries aren’t running away—it’s okay. I always recommend doing a full walk-through of the market first. Get a sense of the vendors and see which items on your list are actually available. If you’re heading to the market during peak season, expect it to be busy. Don’t jump the gun—take a deep breath and enjoy the experience.

Know what’s in season

Believe it or not, peaches aren’t in season in October… but that’s okay, because you’re after the best locally produced food in San Diego. Knowing what’s in season helps you plan meals and navigate the market like a season-ed regular. 

Ask questions

I’m betting you’re not a farmer (though, if you are, skip this section). If not, it’s completely acceptable that you may not know what that speckled vegetable is or be aware of which obscure fruits are in season. Luckily, one of the best parts about farmers markets is that you can usually try most products before you commit and chat with the vendors to learn more about what they’re selling. Consider spending time at their booth building a connection with them. Who knows? You might make a friend or get a great recipe recommendation. 

BYO(R)B: Bring your own reusable bag

Most farmers markets don’t offer plastic shopping bags. (I learned this the hard way, but it’s for the best!) Bring your own bags, crates, baskets—whatever reusable carry-on you prefer. I’ve even seen shoppers drag around mini coolers for their refrigerated products. Anything goes!

The post A Guide to San Diego’s Farmers Markets appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Launching any independent business means taking huge risks, financially and emotionally. After 3.5 years (specifically, post-Covid years), the pair recently decided to put the brewery up for sale. 

Kim says they didn’t know what to expect when it came to operating their brewery. He’d never worked in the service industry before. “We were eager to make our stamp on the San Diego craft brewing scene,” he explains. But after nearly four years of running a business, he says the reality of ownership blindsided them. “We’re lucky to get more than a few days off a month,” he says. The work-life balance worked—until it didn’t. “We decided we wanted to go back to being employees somewhere else. A regular schedule seems more sense to both of us right now.”

Ataraxia’s 3.5-barrel turnkey brewhouse for sale comes with four seven-barrel fermenting vessels and a seven-barrel Brite tank with an annual output capability of 350 barrels annually. The 50-person tasting room and 15-tap system are also included in the package, with lots of space for parking and hosting events. Once the new owner gets a license, Kim says they could start brewing and serving immediately. 

Until a severe offer comes through, the partners say Ataraxia will continue business as usual, even as they transition away from brewing. Kim is working again as a project manager for a tech consultancy firm, while Rudy looks to put his civil engineering degree to work. 

San Diego’s craft beer scene made it through the pandemic years relatively unscathed, but every boom has its fizzle. It’s now clear the local industry has leveled out to a new normal, as opposed to the unsustainable growth of the 2010s, and Ataraxia isn’t the only brewery operation for sale right now (Bolt Brewery) or recently sold (Helia Brewing). New breweries are still opening steadily (Weir Beer) and growing (Karl Strauss). Considering that around 20 percent of small businesses fail in the first year, making it this far remains an accomplishment that the duo should—and does—feel proud of. 

“The word ‘ataraxia’ itself means tranquility, and we feel that our tasting room really encapsulated that feeling,” says Kim. “There is a lot to be proud of with the time we had, and the community and friends we made along the way is atop of that list.” 

He adds a piece of quick advice for aspiring brewery owners hoping to follow in their footsteps. “You are capable of accomplishing and enduring more than you think you are capable of, and the journey to finding that out is worth everything. Rudy agrees. “Follow your dreams!”

Serious inquiries can be sent to [email protected]. 

San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events

Portland’s Le Pigeon Joins Two Ducks on Monday, October 21

San Diego is preparing to receive a PDX infusion when local pop-up series Two Ducks hosts Portland-based Le Pigeon on Monday, October 21. Chefs Danny and Dante Romero will collaborate with James Beard Award-winning chef Gabriel Rucker and chef Dana Francisco for a one-night-only pairing experience with Oregon and French wines alongside Southern California and Mexican-influenced dishes. Reservations are now available here.

City Tacos Partners Up With Papalo

Gerry Torres, owner of City Tacos, has partnered with his next-door neighbor—chef Drew Bent and his La Mesa barbecue hot spot, Papalo. “Our collaboration is going to take Papalo to new heights,” says Torres, saying they plan to refine the menu with new items, including vegetarian options and monthly chef’s specials, as well as catering options and future expansion opportunities. Papalo’s hours will also be more consistent: Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. “This is the start of something big,” Torres promises.

Beth’s Bites

• Weir Beer is opening in Vista. The soft opening period starts on October 18, with the grand opening following on November 1. Check their Instagram for details about the official celebration, which includes a costume contest.
• Speaking of grand openings, Torque Coffee is the latest coffee shop to hit the San Diego scene at 3459 El Cajon Blvd and will host their grand opening extravaganza on October 20. Stop by from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for drinks, lots of vegan/vegetarian bites and non-alcoholic cocktails, music, and more. 
• After many twists, turns, and different addresses, the newest outpost of Tuetano Taqueria is now open at 216 Third Avenue in Chula Vista. Welcome home, Priscilla Curiel!

Have breaking news, exciting scoops, or great stories about new San Diego restaurants or the city’s food scene? Send your pitches to [email protected].

The post Kearny Mesa Brewery Ataraxia Aleworks Goes Up For Sale appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Searching for saganaki? Hit Greek town on the Danforth. Thali? Head to Little India in the east end. Momos? Parkdale’s Tibetan dumplings come fried or baked. Craving sweets? Little Portugal slings pastéis de nata, the tiny, cinnamon-dusted offspring of a créme brulée and a tart. And shumai? There are two Chinatowns downtown and four more in the Greater Toronto area. The range of food options speaks to the diversity of the city, as do its hotels, which bear their own global influences.

The Shangri-La Toronto, for instance, nods to the traditional décor of the hotel chain’s Hong Kong hometown in its sleek and expensive guest rooms. Its onsite spa, however, draws upon the Middle East, while the hotel restaurant, Bosk, offers Northern Italian food by way of Canadian produce.

For a hipper vibe, go with the historic Broadview Hotel in the east end. It has a lively rooftop restaurant with a view and rooms equipped with quirky wallpaper and vinyl record players. Or choose the Gladstone House on Queen West, one of Toronto’s oldest hotels. A refresh brought local art and funky mood lighting to contrast the building’s exposed brick walls.

To do Toronto right, start at Kensington Market. On a food tour from Chopsticks & Forks, I learn that Kensington began as a Jewish market. By 1931, 80 percent of all Jewish people dwelling in Toronto lived in and around the Kensington Market neighborhood just west of downtown, most from Eastern Europe. After the second World War, however, waves of immigration brought people from all over the world—from Asia, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, and beyond.

These days, two synagogues call the area home alongside a cultural collision of many different communities. As you explore the market’s streets, you may hear a Bob Marley song emanating from one door, someone playing an accordion down the street, and an old man busking on an erhu (akin to a Chinese fiddle) on the corner. In less than three hours, we sample foods from nine countries and five continents, passing vintage clothing boutiques, bulk spice stores, butchers and cheese shops, specialty markets, and bohemian cafés along the way. After a smoked trout bagel sandwich from NU Bügel—a bakery started up by two Venezuelan friends—I scarf Jamaican food at Golden Patty, then wash down bites from Chilean-owned Jumbo Empanadas with a bright yellow Peruvian soft drink called Inca Kola. At Koi Japan Sushi, I nibble salmon avocado sushi, wrapped in tofu instead of seaweed and sprinkled with flakes of 18-karat gold. We finish our tour with a stop for a cookie and a rooibos tea at Fika Café, a Swedish coffee shop with a cozy room in the back where one wall is papered with open books.

And Kensington is just one of many markets in the city. St. Lawrence Market was the city’s first, beginning operations in 1803. Now spread over three buildings, it’s hopping with people picking up fresh fruit and vegetables; visiting seafood stalls, bakers, and butchers; and buying local favorites, like the peameal bacon sandwich.

Of course, food choices aren’t merely sequestered in the city’s markets. There are almost 9,500 restaurants in Toronto, including more than 80 Michelin-recognized spots, so visitors can’t run out of places to explore, even if they try.

At Adrak Yorkville, a fine-dining Indian restaurant, the rani kachori my husband and I share resembles a dispatch from Barbieland, its yogurt sauce dyed bright pink with beetroot and its crispy, puffed puri shell stuffed with veggies and adorned with edible flowers.

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The next night, we dine on an outdoor patio at Viaggio, an Italian restaurant near the west end’s Polish turned-hipster Roncesvalles Village. We began with the panzanella, the implied stodginess of a bread salad made light and refreshing with the addition of heirloom tomatoes, buffalo mozz, and wild leeks. It stands in perfect contrast to our next plate, the mafaldine, a rich tomato-based ragu with bone marrow, sausage, and rapini. And then dessert: tiramisu pancakes drenched in a warmed espresso syrup and topped with mascarpone mousse and a dash of cocoa.

The following week, we bike downtown to the Northern Thai spot PAI, where we descend a staircase into a labyrinth of connecting rooms with colorful flags draped from the ceiling. Our meal begins with the plum mule cocktail, a sweet, spicy take on the Moscow mule with plum wine in the mix.

A couple of nights later, I end up at BB’s Diner, an unpretentious Filipino restaurant bearing cozy booths and stools perched around an omakase-style bar. I start with the G&T—made with a cordial based on calamansi, a citrus native to the Philippines—then dig into the Adobo fried chicken with pineapple habanero sauce.

Toronto, truly, is a great place to get full. But while food tells you much about a city’s culture, Toronto’s diversity is also something you can see, feel, and hear.

The city loves its street festivals, from celebrations of salsa dancing on St. Clair and the Polish festival on Roncesvalles to the Ukrainian Festival on Bloor West and the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, the largest of its kind in North America. The colder months bring an ice sculpture fest, light shows, and winter markets.

Toronto’s more than 60 galleries and museums, too, reflect the breadth of the city’s cultures. Venture beyond standbys like the Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario, and Museum of Contemporary Art to wander lesser-known but equally fascinating spaces such as the Aga Khan Museum, which showcases Islamic art and artifacts amid stunning, rectilinear architecture. The museum also hosts lectures and poetry, music, and dance performances, including the Duende Flamenco Festival, taking place November 14 to 17.

The newly opened Toronto Holocaust Museum was intentionally designed, says Marketing and Communications Director Michelle Fishman, as a “contemplative space” where visitors are invited to “approach the content through the lens of their own unique immigration experiences, efforts at acculturation, [or] lived trauma.” Across town, the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto offers free tours, giving visitors the chance to explore the city’s Indigenous Canadian roots.

Wellness opportunities also abound, accommodating more customs and budgets than other towns might. An hour-long Thai massage on Bahn Thai Spa’s traditional floor mats will set you back a mere 100 Canadian dollars (about 75 US bucks), while those seeking decadence can invest hundreds into a facial with French ingredients at Hotel X’s fancy Guerlain spa. At the South-Western Bathhouse, tucked in a back alley on the side of a strip mall in Mississauga, you can unwind the Russian way, sweating in a cedar parilka or Finnish sauna and indulging in the strangely soothing charms of a venik, essentially a whipping with a bundle of tree branches. Throw back a shot of vodka, cup of tea, or hearty bowl of goulash before you leave.

Then, relaxed and fortified, find the nearest map, close your eyes, and point. Chances are, wherever your finger lands, Toronto provides the opportunity to explore a multitude of cultures mere steps away.

The post A Guide to Toronto’s Diverse Culinary Scene appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

But San Diego is on the case.

This April, UC San Diego was awarded a $7.35 million multidisciplinary grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support research that helps us better understand marine contaminants in the era of climate change. With the goal of ensuring safe, healthy, and equitably accessible seafood for all, UCSD’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography reestablished the Scripps Center for Oceans and Human Health (SCOHH), partnering with various schools and science centers to bring the project to life.

The five-year grant funds the studies of eight principal investigators, along with scientists, postdoctoral researchers, and staff. It’s critical work on a planet where ocean temperatures have soared two degrees over the course of the last century—and where fish, though rich in nutrients like selenium and omega-3 fatty acids, increasingly carry harmful pollutants.

In 2019, marine biogeochemist Dr. Amina Schartup determined that mercury concentrations might increase when fish (including Atlantic bluefin tuna, swordfish, and cod) change their diets, a possible consequence of rising sea temps. As part of the grant, Schartup’s team will examine how climate change affects the marine food web and, subsequently, seafood health.

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Oceanographer Dr. Anela Choy will work with Schartup to chart models to simulate the cycling of methylmercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs, industrial chemicals banned in the US in 1979) and explore potential human exposure under different climate change scenarios.

“We need to understand the food pathways [of potentially harmful metals in the animals] … that end up on our dinner plates,” Choy says.

Another of SCOHH’s research programs, co-led by Scripps marine biologist Dr. Amro Hamdoun and Dr. Geoffrey Chang, professor at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at UCSD, will examine the process by which chemicals enter animals’ cells. Using sea urchins as models because their genome is similar to that of humans, Hamdoun will study how pollutants accumulate in sea creatures at the molecular level and, in turn, are absorbed by the people who consume them. Eventually, the team hopes to understand how organisms (including humans) survive or adapt to contaminants and how we might protect ourselves from seafood pollutants.

The aim of all this work is to help San Diegans make informed choices about the food they eat. “Through work with a community advisory team, we will be reaching out to different groups, including the fishing and aquaculture community, agencies that manage and set guidelines related to healthy ecosystems and seafood, the food system (including chefs, nutritionists, and consumer groups), and other scientists,” says Dr. Theresa Talley of California Sea Grant, Scripps Institute of Oceanography.

“We will collaboratively build an understanding of each group’s information needs surrounding environmental health literacy [so we can help] fill those needs.”

Among those stakeholders are local immigrant groups like the United Women of East Africa. “Certain fishes like mackerel [are] part of immigrant culture,” says National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries ecologist and Scripps professor Dr. Sarah Mesnick, who is leading the community engagement program alongside Talley. “We need to educate and learn from each other on which fish may be a healthier option. Or that you could use the entire fish, from head to tail, which immigrant communities have been doing for generations, thereby reducing waste and increasing sustainable consumption.”

Feedback from community members will help NSF, NIH, and governments understand how to replicate SCOHH’s programs elsewhere in the state and, someday, the country—so everyone can have cleaner seas and safer seafood.

The post UCSD Studying The Links Between Global Warming & Pollutants in Fish appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Some of San Diego’s most loved local coffee shops are standing up to the eternal summer vibes with unique autumnal drinks that can help you feel a bit cozier, regardless of the UV. And I don’t mean just your classic PSL—these cafés are going a step further with their creative concoctions. Here are 10 festive favorites.

Toasty Ghosty Latte

Clairemont Coffee

Clairemont Coffee is a cozy, woman-owned and -operated neighborhood joint located at the top of the Bay Park hill. Amid the shop’s colorful murals, local art, and hanging plants, you can sip one of seven unique, fall-themed drinks. A couple include the Candy Corn Latte (with honey, caramel, and brown sugar) and the Boogieman Matcha (which blends matcha and blueberry). But the real winner is the Toasty Ghosty Latte, made with vanilla bean, white chocolate, and marshmallow. If you’re lucky, you might just get a little, white marshmallow-fluff ghost painted on the inside of your cup.

Dirty Pumpkin with Salted Maple Cold Foam

Dark Horse Coffee Roasters

At Dark Horse Coffee’s several San Diego County locations, “Dirty Pumpkin” is more than just a risky costume idea. The drink blends together mocha and pumpkin, which you can (and should) top with the brand-new salted maple cold foam for a full cornucopia of fall flavors. If you’re more of a night owl, you can still enjoy your sip under the moonlight, as the shop’s South Park outpost doesn’t close until 9:30 p.m.

Cold Brew with Apple Butter Cold Foam

Genteel Coffee

If you’re a fan of minimalistic, cool-toned, plant filled spaces, Genteel Coffee in North Park is your dream come true. Despite its pinky-up name, Genteel is a laid-back neighborhood gathering spot where you can cool down the warm fall weather with a cold brew topped with apple butter cold foam. The perfect blend of rich java and sweet-tart apples, it’ll make you feel like you’re walking through an apple orchard in Ugg boots. 

Cranberry Chai Sparkling Cider

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters

What began as a humble coffee shop in the Bird Rock neighborhood has now grown to be a favorite local chain with eleven locations around the county. This fall, Bird Rock Coffee Roasters brought back its classic spiced pumpkin latte, as well as sparkling cranberry chai and sparkling apple cider teas to enjoy if you still want to hold onto iced-tea season. The sparkling cranberry chai—concocted with housemade chai concentrate and real cranberry juice—is a personal favorite and tastes like a fizz-ified Thanksgiving (in the best way).

Black Sesame Chai Cold Foam Cold Brew

Jaunt Coffee Roasters

You may run out of breath ordering this drink at Jaunt Coffee Roasters, but it’s worth the wordiness. While the cold brew is terrific on its own (not too acidic or bitter), what knocks my socks off is the black sesame chai cold foam. It’s sweet and a little spicy—honestly, I could eat it with a spoon. Next time, Jaunt, skip the glass. I’ll just open my mouth and you can pour the cold foam right in. 

The Original Market Spice Latte

Seven Seas Roasting Co. 

There are several versions of the classic Seattle-based, cinnamon-orange Market Spice tea, but Seven Seas Roasting Co. took matters into its own hands with a one-of-a-kind, Market Spice–inspired blend of warm fall spices made in house. Baristas combine the mix with the coffee shop’s signature espresso, a touch of cinnamon, and freshly grated orange zest on top. You can also enjoy other fall menu items, such as the Dark Chocolate Raspberry Mocha, Pumpkin Pie Smash Latte, and Toasted Toffee Viennese.

Not Your Basic PSL

S3 Coffee Bar

If you’ve been reading this list and keep saying to yourself, “Sounds good, but it still doesn’t feel enough like fall to me,” I raise you S3 Coffee Bar’s pumpkin spice latte—served in a real, carved-out pumpkin. This isn’t the most practical way to drink a hot coffee (especially without spilling), but logistics be damned, coffee in a pumpkin might just inspire a world of new beverage containers. I vote vodka in a potato next.

To Die For

Selva Coffee House

Maybe you’re not a fan of fall and instead wish you were sipping a drink on a tropical island somewhere. Fair enough. Any diehard summertime lovers can escape the gloomy season by heading to Selva Coffee House, located inside Terra Bella Nursery. You get the best of both worlds at Selva: You’ll be surrounded by lush greenery while chugging one of nine fall-themed drinks, such as the To Die For. Pumpkin syrup, espresso, milk, pumpkin cloud cream, and graham cracker crumbles come together for this deliciously sweet and cozy drink.

Roasted Japanese Pumpkin Latte

Provecho! Coffee Co.

I’m nothing if not a convenience lover, but there’s something to say about harvesting your own vegetables from the garden and roasting them for soups, stews, and… coffee? Latino-owned coffee roastery Provecho! Coffee Co. is shoving a big, orange hand in the face of artificial pumpkin syrups by roasting its own kuri pumpkins and kabocha squash in its outdoor stone-floor pizza oven. The result is a rich, slightly earthy cup of coffee that you can top with pumpkin cold foam and pair with a pumpkin concha.

Slow Dance

Mnemonic Coffee

Mnemonic is one of the new kids on the SD java block—it’s only been open since summer 2023. But the queer, woman-owned coffee and zero-proof drink shop has quickly become a neighborhood favorite, located just west of Balboa Park. Mnemonic released four seasonal drinks, but one that you won’t find anywhere else is the Slow Dance. The sip has a cold brew concentrate base and is mixed with Topo Chico, molasses (wait, hear me out), spiced simple syrup, and a dried orange garnish. Not only does it pack a punch with fall flavors and caffeine, it matches the Halloween color scheme.

The post 10 of the Best Fall Drinks to Try at Local Coffee Shops appeared first on San Diego Magazine.