It Just Keeps Getting Better | The Del Mar Summer Solstice Welcomes Summer With A Beautiful Evening of Noshing, Imbibing and Dancing On The Pacific Coast


June 24, 2014

We've said it before and we'll say it again, the Del Mar Summer Solstice is atop our list of favorite San Diego epicurian events. It's a microcosm of everything a food festival should include - delicious food, upbeat music, visual and live entertainment, craft beer, fine wine, local spirits - all culminating in an enchanting evening at a gorgeous beachside park. In reality, we've attended a wide spectrum of food, beer, wine and charity events this city has to offer, perhaps the vast majority, and none have topped this year's Summer Solstice at Powerhouse Park in Del Mar, which took place this past Thursday, June 19.

For a value of $75, guests are granted access to the meticulously curated Powerhouse Park, where local restaurants, craft breweries, wineries and vendors join together to present unlimited offerings. A silent auction, live steel drum music, pretty parrots, and even a special paddle out to honor challenged athletes all complement and elevate the magnificent evening.

Chef Matt Gordon's Cajun shrimp with cheesy organic grits
San Diego's craft beer industry was ever present around each bend, with some breweries pouring rare and special brews, like Green Flash's fantastic Linchpin white IPA and The Lost Abbey's Carnevale farmhouse saison. As usual, food was top notch, with some of our favorites being Sea & Smoke's cajun shrimp atop organic cheddar grits, Sbicca's seared ahi tuna with mango relish, Zel's ricotta stuffed squash blossom and Whisknladle's spicy turkey slider.

As in year's past, the event is truly a celebration of longevity, summer and nature, and attendees could not help but embrace the positive vibes abounding. As the sun set and the event drew to an end, everyone seemed thankful to share one of the longest days of the year with new friends and old, all to benefit the vibrant community of Del Mar.

Be sure to mark your calendars for next year's Del Mar Summer Solstice, which always takes place on the Thursday of the week of summer solstice. For more information, visit the Del Mar Village Association online at delmarmainstreet.com and on Facebook at facebook.com/delmarmainst