SanDiegoVille Street Artist Profile - JT Estrela - Sandcastle Artist of Ocean Front Walk in Pacific Beach

July 31, 2013

By Ryan Lewis | SanDiegoVille Art Director and Contributor

Against a backdrop of rolling waves and San Diego sun on the peak mainline of the PB boardwalk, a low-key 'dude' in his 30s scratches away at a grand, nearly 1-ton sand-packed sculpture of an ornate conch shell. A ball cap, sunglasses, and dark tan are the uniform of a man spending full days on the outskirts of prime beach real estate, lugging carts filled with buckets of sand and seawater up from the surf and sculpting large and very temporary modern artworks.

On the Move: No Longer 'On the Bay', ArtWalk @NTC Liberty Station Takes Place Aug. 24 & 25th

July 30, 2013

ArtWalk San Diego @NTC Liberty Station (ArtWalk @NTC), in moving to a stunning new location this year, introduces an event developed as much for devoted art connoisseurs as for San Diego’s aficionados of free festivals. On Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., NTC at Liberty Station will welcome 100+ artists, a dozen live musicians, and variety of food and interactive art activities. ArtWalk @NTC offers free parking, complimentary admission for all ages and abundant seating for to this festival’s live musical performances and extensive art exhibits.

Andaz San Diego and Pacific Magazine present a Girls’ Night Out Shopping Extravaganza on August 22

July 29, 2013

Andaz San Diego has partnered with Pacific Magazine and Sassy City Chicks to present Girls’ Night Out, a signature Andaz Salon event, on August 22 from 5 to 10 p.m. During this evening, Andaz San Diego’s chic wine bar and expansive rooftop will transform into a bi-level event featuring the latest women’s fashions, complimentary spa treatments, beauty giveaways, specially crafted cocktails and more – in one central location - the luxurious Andaz San Diego hotel.

Celebrate National Chicken Wing Day on Monday, July 29

July 28, 2013

Whether it is snack time, game day or happy hour, it is likely that chicken wings are on the menu. This all-American finger food is enjoyed for a variety of occasions, often times coated in hot sauce and usually served with cool bleu cheese.  It’s only right that a food this popular be recognized with a holiday. This year, we celebrate National Chicken Wing Day on July 29.

San Diego IndieFest 8 Returns with Eclectic Line Up | August 16-18

July 26, 2013

San Diego IndieFest is back for its 8th incarnation! After a hiatus due to the birth of their son, San Diego IndieFest creators/ producers Alicia Champion and Danielle LoPresti have been busy creating a renewed look and format for IndieFest 8, still featuring the kind of roster you've come to expect— filled with formidable indie revolutionaries to excite and inspire. SDIF is still family friendly, wildly eclectic and offers a wide array of visual art, activities, film and of course, tons of music.  Headliners Cake, Talib Kweli, Best Coast and Gilbert Castellanos are among over 100 other artists and films who will be showcasing throughout the 3 day festival.  To take advantage of San Diego’s awesome summertime weather, IndieFest has moved to August 16-18, and has expanded its music program to two days, kicking off on Friday, August 16, including a Red Carpet Media Event at the Film Stage with doors opening at 5PM.

El Agave Restaurant and Tequileria to Open New Location At Del Mar Plaza | Old Town Favorite Takes Over Space Previously Occupied By Flavor Del Mar

July 25, 2013

El Agave Restaurant and Tequileria will bring traditional “Hispanic-Mexican” cuisine, award-winning tequilas, and indigenous flavors to Del Mar Plaza, taking over the sprawling space previously occupied by Flavor Del Mar. Since 1996, El Agave has been serving San Diegans their trademark “Mexican Nouvelle Cuisine” from their original location in Old Town. The new Del Mar location, El Agave’s third in San Diego, will also feature a comprehensive tequila museum stocked with over 2,000 premium tequilas. Scheduled to open in November 2013, El Agave will be open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week, and will feature a special Happy Hour menu and tequila tastings.

Mike Hess Brewery Partners with San Diego's New Zealand-Themed Restaurants to Celebrate Launch of North Park Tasting Room | August 15th

July 24, 2013

San Diego’s New Zealand-themed restaurants Bare Back Grill, Raglan Public House and Queenstown Public House, have partnered with Mike Hess Brewing for its Aug. 15th launch party. All three Kiwi-inspired restaurants will be hosting brew-centered blowouts in celebration of Mike Hess Brewing’s premier craft production brewery and tasting room debut in North Park.

 

Chef Matt Gordon’s Newest Restaurant Concept, Sea & Smoke, Officially Opens its Doors on July 24th

July 23, 2013

San Diego chef and restaurateur, Matt Gordon, will officially unveil Del Mar’s newest American-style brasserie - Sea & Smoke - to the public on July 24, 2013.  Sea & Smoke is Gordon’s third restaurant, following award-winning Urban Solace in North Park and Solace & The Moonlight Lounge in Encinitas.

Karl Strauss Brewing Debuts New Tasting Room at Main Brewery | Set to Open to the Public on July 27th

July 22, 2013

By Megan Gallagher | SanDiegoVille Contributor

Karl Strauss Brewing Company is pulling back the curtain on their 32,000+ barrel per year operation – and in a big way. After 24 years in the beer business, the not-so-micro brewery will open the doors of a tasting room at its main brewery in the unsuspecting location of Bay Ho for the first time on Saturday, July 27th. We recently got a sneak peek of the scene at the company’s preview party on July 13th, and we’ve got to say, we’re liking what we see.

Combining 10 Breweries, 10 Restaurants and 10 Farms to Promote Regional Sustainability | Don't Miss the Brew Rendezvous on Sunday, July 28th

July 18, 2013

On Sunday, July 28th, join Community Health Improvement Partners (CHIP) for BREW Rendezvous, a social beer and food fundraiser  featuring San Diego’s top brewers, restaurants, and farms, with proceeds supporting CHIP's non-profit efforts to promote a healthy, more sustainable, regional food system. Brew Rendezvous will be a deliciously fun event, pairing 10 breweries, 10 restaurants, and 10 farms together for a beer and local food extravaganza at the Handlery Hotel in Mission Valley.

Lucky Bastard Saloon Now Open in the Gaslamp Quarter

July 16, 2013

Located in San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter, Lucky Bastard Saloon has taken over the space formerly occupied by Cremolose, and pays tribute to the area’s storied Stingaree district, which historically offered a wealth of colorful entertainment and diversions. Saloons were the destination of choice to enjoy a stiff drink, flirt with dance hall girls or engage in a game of chance for gambling gunmen and tourists alike. If good fortune was on their side, they earned the distinction of “lucky bastard.”

PB Landmark, Tavern, Reopens with First-Ever Menu, New “Tap Tables” and More

July 15, 2013

Tavern at the Beach, a Pacific Beach-area institution, has recently reopened after having been closed for renovations since early April of this year. Formerly called Tavern at the Beach, and now known as just “Tavern,” the bar underwent major renovations over the past few months. The addition of a full-service kitchen and an entirely new upstairs floor, utilized for office space, are just two of the many upgrades Tavern fans can’t see.

Final Casting Call for The Bachelor to be Held at San Diego's Paradise Point Resort & Spa | Friday, July 26th

July 14, 2013

Don't miss your last chance to audition for the new season of “The Bachelor” on ABC.  The search is on for eligible women who are ready to find true love on the new season of the hit reality show.  One lucky man is given the opportunity to find the woman of his dreams in the popular primetime romantic reality series.  Those who feel they possess the charm, style, class and charisma to become America's next leading lady or leading man are invited to Paradise Point Resort & Spa in San Diego to meet with the show’s casting producers.

The Craft & Commerce Crew Plan to Open New Concept in Little Italy

July 12, 2013

From CH Projects, the culinary collective formerly known as Consortium Holdings, a new concept is underway as they've recently taken over a 4,500 square foot space in the heart of downtown’s oldest continuous neighborhood, Little Italy.  The new venue, located at 1654 India Street, is slated to be one of the group’s most ambitious concepts yet. The project details are currently under wraps, but the build out is in the early stages of construction with a projected opening date in early 2014.  The building itself was previously occupied by the former wrought-iron gate-makers, Ironside.  Having occupied the space for decades, the 1920s-era structure is the last industrial space in the immediate area to be redeveloped.