Local Wally's Guide to San Diego

Local Wally's Guide to San Diego

Birch Aquarium Announces ‘Science Night’ Lineup

Local WallyComment

Wednesday happy hours bring Scripps Science to the forefront beginning July 19.

La Jolla, CA (July 10, 2023) —Birch Aquarium’s Blue Beach Happy Hours just got even better with the addition of Science Nights on Wednesday evenings beginning July 19. 

During Science Nights, guests can sip and snack alongside Scripps Oceanography scientists as they dive into the details of their research in a fun format, perfect for all ages. With topics including sharks, plankton, penguins and heatwaves, guests will get a taste of some of the incredible research taking place at Scripps and talk with the people behind it.

The aquarium’s family-friendly happy hours take place Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings in July and August on Blue Beach, a new space that invites guests to connect with the ocean and each other. Happy Hours take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and include music, outdoor games and stunning ocean views. 

Science Night Lineup: 

Wednesday, July 19
Tarik Benmarhnia and Sasha Gershunov
Join researchers from the SoCal Heat Hub for a discussion on heat waves in coastal Southern California, their health impacts and how we can protect people from extreme heat in a warming world. 

Wednesday, July 26
Jules Jaffe and Peter Franks 
Known for their innovative research on ocean ecosystems, these scientists will discuss new technologies for observing interactions between the living ocean and the physical ocean, including tiny living plankton and micro-turbulence. 

Wednesday, Aug. 2 
Dovi Kacev and Brendan Talwar
If you love sharks, you won’t want to miss these researchers sharing their knowledge of shark ecology, how they track sharks in the wild, and the research that informs protection of habitats and ocean animals. 

Wednesday, Aug.  9 
Dante Capone and Anya Stajner
Learn more about the science happening just off our coast!  Dante and Anya will share their work studying some of the smallest inhabitants of the California Current Ecosystem — plankton — and describe how what happens on land can affect them. 

Wednesday, Aug. 16 
Shailja Gangrade and Jamee Adams
Join Scripps emerging scientists Shailja and Jamee to explore the diverse community of tiny drifters, or plankton, in ocean currents along the California coast and how ocean chemistry shapes their lives.

Wednesday, Aug. 23 
Paul Ponganis, Jessie Kendall-Bar and Tammy Russell
Meet the scientists featured in the Research Station in Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins. Learn about their work studying the extreme physiology of penguins, seals and whales that enables their deep diving behavior and life underwater.

Wednesday, Aug.  30 
Dovi Kacev and Rosa Runcie
Explore the secret lives of sharks with Dovi and Rosa who study the ecology, conservation and management of sharks off the coast of California and western Mexico. 

Blue Beach Happy hours take place Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings through August 30. The Happy Hours are included in the cost of admission, with food and beverage for sale by The French Gourmet. 

Blue Beach features a 4,500-square-foot floor mural depicting the bathymetry (or map of the depth) of the underwater canyons off La Jolla Shores, plus pedal-powered music from Rock the Bike, hammock chairs, and big blue blocks from Imagination Playground — all surrounded by stunning ocean views. It is located on the south plaza near Shark Shores and the aquarium’s famed Shark Head photo op.  

Birch Aquarium is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Labor Day. Tickets are $24.95 for adults and $19.95 for children. Annual Memberships are also available. Please note that advanced reservations are required and the aquarium occasionally closes early for special events. Visit aquarium.ucsd.edu to check the daily schedule and to purchase tickets.

California Wine Festival 2024 - San Diego, Carlsbad - BEST Wine + Food Fest - Ticket and Event info

Local WallyComment

The Park Hyatt Aviara hosts the CA Wine Festival every year in Carlsbad, CA (North San Diego)

I’m all happy as I just returned from the California Wine Festival in Carlsbad, CA, held at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort. This annual event happens every June and while tickets are not yet available for 2024 you need to make room in your busy schedule now to make sure you go. I’m serious, this is really a great event.

CALIFORNIA WINE FESTIVAL 2024, SAN DIEGO EVENT, TICKET INFO AND UPDATES

Hall Wines from Napa giving out pours of their premier wines

VIPs get a table but most people walk from booth to booth to get wine and food samples at the CA Wine Festival in Carlsbad, CA

Gus’s Fried Chicken, rated BEST in America, makes it’s appearance at the CA Wine Festival in Carlsbad

CA WINE FESTIVAL AT A GLANCE

What is it?: It’s a wine and food festival where you get unlimited glasses of wine and food snacks held at the Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad, CA. There are two events, the “rare wines” sunset event held the evening before, and the main event where you walk from booth to booth to get the samples.

When is it?: Held annually in June, tickets for 2024 will be announced soon. Go to their official site to get more info.

How much does it cost?: The Beachside Wine Fest (aka the walk from booth to booth to sip and snack event) is $105 pp, but currently has a $75 early bird deal good until June 13th. Get that ticket!! The Sunset Tasting Event (the classy one) is $140 pp, discounted to $105 for early birds.

Where can I get tickets: Go to their Official Site to get tickets to either of their two events.

With so many Wine and Food Fests in San Diego (along with countless “taste of San Diego” local events, why does the CA Wine Festival in Carlsbad rank as one of my top picks? Because unlike some of the other mega events, the CA Wine Festival is, well, relaxed might be a good way to describe it. With the other events my watch is lighting up saying “CALM DOWN - YOU’RE STRESSED OUT” the moment I try to figure out where to park, but with the CA Wine Fest parking is easy - and free. Nothing makes me more happy than free parking right next to the event.

And while the event isn’t as huge as some of the other wine and food fests in San Diego, it’s big enough. I mean, how much wine can you seriously sample in an afternoon? With ridiculously short lines you can try them all if you are up for that (spit buckets available, and the grass didn’t seem to mind a splash here and there).

If all of this wine was making you hungry you only had to step aside to pick up any number of delectable eats - not “bites”, not “samples”, but full sized tacos, hot out of the oil fried chicken, all you can eat wood fired pizza. This is real food portions, not Costco size samples. And. No. Lines. I like that. Really like that.

I didn’t forget the wine. Obviously there were plenty to keep you busy for the afternoon as you sauntered around the event, took in some live music, and enjoyed the sunshine that was cooled with a coastal breeze. Napa was there, Paso was there, San Diego was there, hey, France was there too and everyone serving was clearly having fun.

And in case you were wondering if this event is WORTH IT, if you’ve been to a Napa winery lately the tastings are running on average $40 per person and even Temecula is charging $20+ per person. So yes, walk to a couple of booths, grab some lunch, how can it NOT be worth it? And that’s not even factoring in how much fun the event is.

Adobe Road Winery at the Carlsbad San Diego CA Wine Fest

So yes, I LOVE the CA Wine Festival in Carlsbad and think you will too. Look, I’m not saying I won’t be at all of the other wine and food festivals in San Diego because each one is fun and unique but I am saying that the CA Wine Fest in Carlsbad definitely has a spot on my calendar next June 2024.

Come back soon for more info on 2024 tickets!

What is the best age for LEGOLAND? Photos and Discount Tickets!

Local WallyComment

Legoland California in Carlsbad / San Diego Area

LEGOLAND AT A GLANCE

Legoland California Resort is a theme park, miniature park, and aquarium located in Carlsbad, California, based on the Lego toy brand.

Address: One Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone: (888) 690-5346

Hours: 9:30 AM to 8 PM

Tickets from $89 - Under 3 is free: Discount Tickets from Local Wally

Legoland says that the park is aimed at kids 2 to 12 but I’d probably make that 4 to 10 as the sweet spot. Younger than that and you have to deal with height restrictions and older than that will get you questions like “Why didn’t we go to Disneyland?” And no, Legoland isn’t like Disneyland. It’s more like a very cleaned up and upscale version of the kiddie parks of long ago, charming even if it does at time seem a bit goofy. I say that in a good way - I mean, I used to work at Children’s Fairyland in Oakland and Legoland has the same spirit of that little storybook park. It’s unpretentious in its aim to give the little kids what they want. And that’s exactly what Legoland does.

Storybook boat ride at Legoland

Kids under 3 are still free at Legoland.

The younger kids will love the rides where they can pilot a boat or drive a car. And while parents might be a bit impatient when the kids go into rooms filled with Legos (“YOU HAVE THESE AT HOME, LET’S GO!”) it’s exactly what the kids want to do.

Legoland, CA

Build your own Lego racing car and send it down the track? Kids love this.

At this age just about anything made of Legos is the best thing ever.

The food at Legoland was surprisingly good. Granny’s Apple Fries were like a deep fried apple pie.

I took my 3 year old grandson who did a good job avoiding all the rides I thought he would love (the ones I wanted to go on) and was addicted to areas like the dinosaur dig where you get a pail and a shovel and search for dinosaur bones. The roller coaster nearby would make it’s loop with screams and he had no interest so I snuck away and hopped on (I needed a break!) and give it a big thumbs up. Perfect for the older kids who want to go on a great coaster by themselves, or for adults seeking a bit of a rush.

Photo by Legoland

The BIG RIDE that every kid gravitates to is NINJAGO and I highly recommend two things - first, that if this is on your list you should go there first as it is the most popular ride. Second, unless you have a kid who knows everything about this ride you need to ask or pay attention to what you are supposed to do because this is a highly interactive ride where you get points. My wife and I got on Ninjago knowing absolutely nothing about it and when the car stopped in front of a giant screen filled with ninja characters, well, let’s just say we scored zero points. This is highly embarrassing for me as I was once the video game king in college back when Centipede was the top game. I demand a do over.

Submarine at Legoland

Mesmerized inside the sub.

There’s a submarine ride where you search for sea creatures that’s super fun and there’s also a cool aquarium area called SEA LIFE you can add on. Other reviewers have said that this isn’t as good as Sea World and I’ll add that for me the Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla is obviously a better sea life experience but that would be missing the point. Kids will LOVE the aquarium at Legoland. Does Birch Aquarium put Legos in with their fish? You already know the answer to that.

Sea Life at Legoland

There’s also a water park but that’s a good time to say we have to do that another day as that’s really a day in itself and I might suggest you try your best to convince your little ones on vacation that the beach might be a better use of time - though if you do end up there you can pat yourself on the back for being a very good parent as the kids will for sure love it and love you for it too. Maybe the beach can wait.

Weird and Crazy San Diego Events 2023! I Mean, Really Strange Events!

Local WallyComment

Tired of doing the same old thing over and over again? Looking for a bit of an adventure, something a bit unique and unusual? Then check out these oddball events coming to San Diego in 2023. From interactive theater where you can expect terrible service to hanging out with a boozy Alice in Wonderland to, what?? Lego shaped burgers??? Very strange, but certainly a bit of fun!

Get Ready For The Roasting Of A Lifetime, San Diego!

No one can escape the wrath of Karen! Karen's Diner Is On TOUR, so come on down for a frosty reception! She's landing at Isa.bella Pizza, Pasta & Craft Beer on 4705-A Clairemont Dr. for THREE DAYS ONLY from July 7th to 9th!Two-hour sessions are available on Friday from 5.30PM to 10.00PM, Saturday from 2.30PM to 9.30PM and Sunday from 2.30PM to 9.30PM.

If you've got a buddy who's a bit up their own ass, you now know where to find us! Maybe it's even to break the first date ice, or give your partner a roasting for not messaging back quickly enough. Whatever it is, we have you covered so sit back and watch the carnage unfold.

Home of 'great burgers and rude service', the diner has big plans to expand into the US in 2023 following the successful opening of the first US diner in St. Louis.Customers can expect plenty of sass, great food and a hefty sprinkle of bad attitude. As Karen's Diner goes, the food is great, the service ungrateful but your experience will be unforgettable.

Don't expect special treatment at this diner because it's all about Karen, and she won't be taking any of your nonsense! Come have some fun and wind the staff up to unleash your inner Karen and see their full Karen potential. Let us know if your name is Karen (who knows if this is a good thing or not) and for the love of Karen don't ask to speak to the manager...

A Pop-Up Boozy Alice In Wonderland Experience Is Opening In San Diego!

Climb down the rabbit hole and join us on an immersive, topsy-turvy cocktail adventure! This magical journey is one you won't want to miss! The immersive, pop-up concept bar is opening on Sixth Ave. on August 10th, running for a limited time only.Join us on a topsy-turvy journey where reality bends, and curiosity reigns supreme. Indulge in an interactive tea party like no other, designed for those who possess an insatiable thirst for wonder.

The Alice on Tour guarantees to be the ultimate tea party, leaving you mesmerised and spellbound.Create your own liquid concoctions under the watchful eye of The Mad Hatter and expect things to get curious and curiouser. Dive down the rabbit hole and into a fantasy world where you will experience firsthand the magic of Wonderland, paint the roses red and devour an 'Eat Me' sweet treat!

Come and explore the magic in the heart of San Diego and join the tea party to end all tea parties! This 90 minute alternate reality experience in Wonderland costs $47pp and includes 2x bespoke cocktails and an 'Eat Me' sweet treat.Family friendly sessions are available for U21's. All other sessions are strictly 21+.

Eat 'Brick' Burgers at a LEGO-Inspired Burger Restaurant Coming to San Diego this November!

The suspension is building...a tasty LEGO-inspired extravaganza is coming to San Diego!Brick Burger is excited to announce a pop-up experience in San Diego this November 18th & 19th. Diners can indulge in the ultimate burger adventure at our immersive and whimsical pop-up location coming to India St. Brick Burger is the perfect weekend adventure for any fans of the building classic!

The pop-up menu features an enticing selection of mouthwatering and inventive burgers, all with a LEGO inspired twist! Different menu options are available including vegan, vegetarian and gluten free.The pop-up space is designed to immerse you in a playful and exciting world of bricks, with colourful brick walls, themed furniture, and even a brick building station where you can let your imagination run wild and create your own brick designs.Food should be fun, and Brick Burger has created a dining experience that truly reflects that.

Let your inner child run wild as you devour the burger of your dreams, surrounded by the colourful and creative world of bricks. Brick Burger is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a playful and delicious dining adventure. Kids are also welcome!

Tickets are available now for $47pp and include 1x burger and 1x soft drink/beer/wine.

San Diego Wine Festival Returns to Carlsbad's Park Hyatt Aviara Resort June 23. 24, 2023

Food Festivals, SD Wine Food Fest, San Diego Wine Food Fest, Things to Do in San Diego, Things to Eat San DiegoLocal WallyComment

CALIFORNIA WINE FESTIVAL CARLSBAD, CA, AVIARA RESORT, JUNE 23, 24, 2023

California Wine Festival, Southern California’s premier wine festival event producer, announces its return to the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort for two days of palm tree-lined tasting events on Friday, June 23 and Saturday, June 24. Guests will be able to try samples from renowned winemaking regions across California, paired with gourmet appetizers from many of North San Diego County’s top restaurants, in addition to experiencing lifestyle exhibitors, live entertainment and stunning, expansive vistas. 

This seriously is one of my favorite events in San Diego. I love that it’s so low key, so easy, so uncrowded with easy access to plenty of wine and food samples. No, it’s not as huge as some of the other better known events but that’s what makes it so great - you want another glass of wine, you just walk up and they pour it for you! No fighting in lines, no being pushed aside, no waving your arms to get someone’s attention, it’s so civilized. And no, you don’t need to get all dressed up! I mean you could, but you don’t have to.

Overlooking lush green landscape beneath string lights at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort’s The Gardens, Friday evening kicks off with a Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting, an intimate experience for wine aficionados. A sparkling wine reception begins the evening of sampling specialty reserve wines and offers tasting room exclusives and limited-production wines hailing from vineyards based in California’s most esteemed wine producing regions. Locals’ favorite North County restaurants will serve delicious hot and cold appetizers to pair with the best-in-class wines. 

Throughout Friday evening, guests will have the ability to participate in a silent auction, bidding on coveted items such as exotic wines, tasting tours and dining certificates. Proceeds from this auction will benefit Golden Rule Charity, an organization dedicated to helping people in the hospitality industry during unexpected hardships.


SATURDAY’S BEACHSIDE WINE FESTIVAL
The ultimate wine tasting experience continues with a Beachside Wine Festival taking place at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort's Heron Lawn on Saturday, June 24th. The al fresco afternoon event will allow guests to improve upon their culinary education and exploration through one-on-one conversations and tastings with culinary and wine talent descending upon Carlsbad from California’s most distinguished wineries and local restaurants. Guests will have the opportunity to experience hundreds of premium California wines and regional craft brews. Fine wines can be paired with artisanal cheeses, breads, olive oil, fresh-cut fruit, decadent desserts and more. The VIP Pavilion will feature a selection of reserve-level wines as well as craft brews along with special seating just a stone’s throw away from the resort’s award-winning golf course overlooking the Batiquitos Lagoon nature preserve.


The festival highlights rare and reserve vintages and well-known bottles from California’s best vineyards based in Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, Temecula and beyond. Notable wineries attending include: Adobe Road Winery, B.io, Bellante Family Winery, Bernardus Winery, BONDLE Wines, Capriccio Sangria, Carol Shelton Wines, Carruth Cellars, Cuvaison Winery, Doffo Wines, Double Bond Wine, Goldschmidt Vineyards, HALL Wines, Halter Ranch, Kessler-Haak Vineyard & Wines, Le Vigne Winery, Lloyd Cellars, Michael Mondavi Family Wines, Miner Family Wines, Navarro Vineyards, New Zealand Wine Navigator, Pasmosa Sangria, Russian River Vineyards, Stonehouse Cellars, Wilson Creek Winery and Wine Guy & Wine Gal.

GOOD EATS TO GO WITH ALL OF THE GREAT WINE!

Top restaurants from North San Diego County and beyond will serve delectable appetizers to accompany the festival’s top-notch wine selections and include: Butterfly Brittles, Carlsbad Cookie Company, Gino Angelini Authentic Italian Sauces, Goufrais Southern California - Cocoa Confection, Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken, Icelandic Glacial, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Kelly’s Croutons, Kerrygold, Marsatta Chocolate, Mendocino Farms, Orfila Vineyards Tasting Room & Kitchen, Ponto Lago, Señor Grubby's and Grubby’s Poke, Seven Barrels Olive Oils and Aged Italian Balsamics, SiSi Cakes and The Real Empanada.

LIVE MUSIC TO SET THE VIBE!

Live entertainment will provide the perfect soundtrack to a relaxing weekend enjoying coastal California living. Friday’s Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting will feature soulful, acoustic melodies from former American Idol finalist, Adam Lasher. Saturday’s Beachside Wine Festival will once again feature Upstream, SoCal’s premier live reggae, calypso, soca and steel drum band.

20 | Twenty Grill: Carlsbad's BEST Restaurant for Ocean View Romantic Dining?

restaurantsLocal WallyComment

Casually elegant dining at 20 | Twenty Grill in Carlsbad

Locals in the know KNOW about this hidden gem, 20 | Twenty Grill, a modern restaurant with a menu that feels more at home in La Jolla than tucked away at the Westin Resort in Carlsbad Using locally sourced ingredients, 20 |Twenty is creating deliciously innovative takes on seemingly simple foods, a delightful synthesis of flavors that surpasses your expectations. You haven’t been? What? Come on, let’s go check it out then.

20 | twenty AT A GLANCE

  • Located in the Carlsbad Westin Resort at 5480 Grand Pacific Drive, Carlsbad, California 92008

  • 760. 827.2500 for reservations

  • Open for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Brunch on Weekends. MENU

  • Happy Hour 4-6,

  • Elegant indoor and outdoor dining at ocean view resort

First, some quick background….

The Westin and the Sheraton are both Marriott properties and share the facilities. Visitors to San Diego know about these two properties mainly due to their proximity to Legoland which is so close that you can walk into the park via a private entrance. The Sheraton dining option is the 7 Mile Kitchen, a casual eatery with burgers, pizza, the usual suspects but all done with a flair for excellence. Pizzas are crave worthy and legit, I’m talking serious pizzas using local ingredients paired with local brews. It’s good, really good!

If you are here on vacation or a local just looking for someplace new to grab breakfast, lunch or a casual dinner, 7 Mile Kitchen would be a great option.

But as good as 7 Mile Kitchen is, tonight I’m going to their flagship restaurant, 20 | Twenty Grill.

Whoa, nice patio with coastal views at 20 } Twenty in Carlsbad

Experience 20 | Twenty Grill with me!

The setting is what you would imagine for a nice resort restaurant in California. Elegant but not stuffy, friendly waitstaff and bartenders, and an outdoor patio that screams Southern California with it’s coastal views. It was unseasonably chilly the day I went which is why the patio was so sparse but on a nice day this is the place to be.

creative tasty cocktails to start

I love fancy cocktails! At home you will find me with a simple Grey Goose martini but when I go out I can’t resist a fancy pants cocktail and 20 | Twenty’s bartender’s creations were like fireworks in a glass. The Black Smoke - the one literally on fire! - is Xicaru Mezcal, blackberries, lime juice, agave nectar, and a rosemary garnish which once lit adds a smokey undercurrent. Very, very nice, but how could I resist the Maple Bacon Bourbon, a take on an old fashioned with a crispy slice of spicy candied bacon as the garnish. Delicious. Next time I might ask for a second piece of bacon on the side. Seriously, can I just get a pound of this bacon?? It was so good.

Next Up: The Battle of the Appetizers

Salmon Crudo at 20 | Twenty in Carlsbad

Smoked Scallops at 20 | 20 in Carlsbad Westin

Local San Diegans love their seafood so I picked the two appetizers that represent. Let’s start with the Velasso Salmon Crudo which featured fresh salmon on top of an incredible chopped avocado flavored with ginger, shallot, tamari, cilantro and EVOO. It was fresh and vibrant, the only thing that would make it better (and even more local) would have been some fresh tortilla chips. I know, I know, the chef probably wasn’t thinking guacamole but I was and even without the chips it was delicious. But seriously, can I get some chips next time? :-)

As good as the salmon crudo was the Smoke Scallops with carrot puree, crispy bussels sprouts and Snake River Farms pork belly with a calamansi glaze was insane, a full blown knocked it out of Petco Park home run. Surprising flavors, excellent textures, fresh scallops, I would be tempted to order this as an entree next time I come.

In the battle of the appetizers no one loses but if I had to pick those scallops just nailed it, case closed.

Here Come the Entrees

Beer Braised Short Rib at 20 | 20

Colorado Rack of Lamp

20 | Twenty’s dinner menu had so many good things on it that it was hard to decide. I went for the Local Beer Braised Short Rib made with Belching Beaver peanut butter stout, served over polenta and surrounded by charred carrots with a pistachio gemolata. It was hearty, the meat tender and succulent, and the portion so large that I didn’t get through half of it before finally giving up. Don’t worry, I put the leftovers to good use, making a mashup of goumet meets El Nopalito tortilla for a very tasty taco.

The Colorado Rack of Lamb sitting on celery root puree and a side of roasted cauliflower salad topped with a concord grape glaze was a perfect balance of sweet and savory, perfectly cooked tender bites of lamb that were mild without the gaminess that sometimes accompanies lamb.

Vegans will love that there’s a wild mushroom risotto with cashew cream, pickled red onions and asparagus tips. I’m not vegan but I might order this next time. Wait, didn’t I already say I was going to order the scallop appetizer as an entree when I come back? Hmmm, OK, I’ll get both of those next time. That’s a pro move for sure.

Let me just sum this up by saying that the food at 20 | Twenty makes this one of the best places to dine in Carlsbad whether you’re a local or visitor.

RESERVATIONS, HOURS, AND MENUS

AND LATER THE NEXT DAY….

20 | Twenty Eggs Benedict

20|Twenty Chilaquilies

There’s more to 20 | Twenty than an elegant dining experience. Our breakfast there was equally impressive with Eggs Benedict, two perfectly poached eggs sitting on top of one of the most delicious slices of smoked ham, and another San Diego favorite, Chilaquiles which is really just an excuse to eat really good nachos with an egg on top. I’m imagining just how good this would be on a sunny weekend morning where you can gaze at the coastal views from the patio with a tropical breeze gently carrying the scent of fresh coffee mixed with bursting orange blossoms.

The best hidden brunch spot? Perhaps, as 20 | Twenty has a complete brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays along with plentiful free and easy parking, something rare along the coast. Did I mention the bottomless mimosas for only $18?

There’s also a HAPPY HOUR at 7 Mile at the Sheraton, a pleasant 2 minute walk as the properties connect, Monday - Thursday from 4:30 to 6PM with $2 off beer, wine and cocktails and all appetizers for $10.

DO AS THE LOCALS DO!

Next time you find yourself with an open afternoon and a sunny day you need to go to 20 | Twenty, grab a table outside on the shady patio, order up some fancy fun cocktails and an appetizer and just marvel about how great it is that you’re here. It doesn’t matter if you’re a local looking for a new place to escape (remember, free parking!) or a visitor who’s trying to escape Legoland, the Sheraton’s 7 Mile and Westin’s 20 | Twenty deserve to be on your list for Best Local Dining.

Westin Official Site | 20 Twenty Official Site

Sheraton Official Site | 7 Mile Official Site

The BEST AYCE Tacos in San Diego | San Diego Food + Wine Fest 2023 Taco TKO

Local WallyComment

Where can you find the BEST tacos in San Diego? Wait. I mean, where can you find the best ALL YOU CAN EAT tacos in San Diego. What are you talking about????

The San Diego Wine & Food Fest is well known as one of the best food festivals in the country. Held every year before Thanksgiving at the large grassy point behind Seaport Village, this year it’s November 8-12, 2023. It’s very cool, I go every year, and it’s totally worth it.

But that’s not what I’m talking about.

MEET THE GRAND FIESTA, AKA san diego TACO TKO

The big event at the San Diego Wine + Food Fest is held on Saturday, this year on Nov 11th. On Sundays the activities at the main event cool down but the heat is definitely ON at THE GRAND FIESTA, sometimes known as the San Diego Taco TKO. Held on a huge open grassy area in Liberty Station, in some ways it’s BETTER than the main food festival because it’s a much more low key event. This means food lines are short, the crowds are manageable, and because of this you can eat as many tacos as you can in a three hour period. So many tacos.

And trust me, the tacos being served are serious tacos and for the most part “full size”. No happy size tiny bites here, the hardest part is not filling up after the second stop. Even the street tacos were big!

Sam the Cooking Guy was the big chef last year and it was cool to see him actually cooking and serving and handing you the food. His Korean Short Rib Taco was my favorite… or was it? I mean, there were so many GREAT tacos that it’s hard to decide.

Full sized delicious Korean short rib taco from Sam the Cooking Guy

Baja California wineries were well represented as well and like the tacos it was unlimited servings. Baja is making some really nice wines. I’m a huge fan of Napa wines (of course, I write Local Wally’s Napa Tourist Guide as well) but Baja is no slouch. Some of these wines were very impressive so get ready to be surprised if you haven’t tasted Mexican wines yet.

And the lines, so short, keep going back, try them all. Cocktails as well. Whatever you want. As many as you want. Did I say already that there were barely any lines? Did I?? I mean, lines shorter than the chicken nuggets shaped liked dinosaurs sample line at Costco.

And there was live music and plenty of space to kick back and just enjoy the sunshine. Last year was my first time and it was so amazing that I think it gives the main event a run for it’s money. Oh sure, the main San Diego Wine + Food Fest is the place to be seen, the setting on the bay is so luxurious, the vibe is so hip, but sometimes you just want to hang out with friends and eat tacos and drink beer all afternoon while listening to live music. Man that sounds good!

And guess what? The Grand Fiesta tickets are only $85! Have you ever looked at your credit card statement after a movie at Cineopolis with one glass of wine and one taco? I just did and it came out to nearly $60, and the movie was terrible! Don’t do that, do this instead. Much tastier, much more fun, much more like a perfect San Diego Sunday.

There’s more info coming on the 2023 event so always check back - until them check out the pics of tacos from last year because I want you to go to this event!


San Diego's Gator By The Bay May 11-14, 2023 | Live Music, Dance, Food at a Glance

eventsLocal WallyComment

San Diego's Gator By The Bay May 11-14, 2023 | Live Music, Dance, Food at a Glance

WHAT IS IT? A multi-day festival held at Spanish Landing, the grassy area on the bay across from the airport that feature San Diego’s version of a Mardi Gras celebration with live music, food, and dancing.

WHEN IS IT? May 11-14, 2023. There are activities everyday. Thursday and Friday are evening events, and Sat and Sun are all day and into the evening.

WAIT. WHAT IS THIS AGAIN? Think of this as an non-stop music festival with multiple stages surrounded by food stands selling authentic New Orleans food (and plenty of other options). Toss in some dance lessons, cooking lessons, pop ups selling typical street fair goodies, and people really getting into it (I mean, really getting into it!) and you have Gator by the Bay.

HOW MUCH IS IT? There are plenty of ticket options but if you just wanted to check it on on a Saturday the tickets are $65 and on Sunday they are $60.

IS IT KID FRIENDLY? Yes, and kids 17 and under are free with a paid adult. Don’t worry, people have fun at this event (yes, there are adult beverages) but tops stay on, if that’s your concern :-)

I DON’T DANCE, WILL I LIKE THIS EVENT? Sure, if you like music and enjoy eating crawfish and other New Orleans delights then a couple of hours strolling the grounds is great fun. Stop for some bites, grab a beer, stand back and listen to some music, sounds like the perfect San Diego day to me.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING? If you plan on listening to music a folding chair is nice - Costco has some that fold small enough to fit into a backpack right now that are perfect for this sort of thing. Or just bring a blanket. Sunscreen, you know the drill.

OK, LET’S BE HONEST, IS THIS CRINGE-Y OR AUTHENTIC? I know where you are coming from - I once booked tickets on what I thought was a Star of India authentic sailing adventure and ended up on a fake pirate ship with “cast members” yelling lots of “ahoy, mateys”. This is not that. I’ve been to New Orleans during Mardi Gras many times and this is about as close as you’re going to get without jumping on a plane. The food is authentic, the music is authentic, and the crowd is just plain crazy (in a very fun way).

Gator By The Bay May 11-14, 2023 - Live Music, Dance, Food - Zydeco, Crawfish, Family Fun

eventsLocal WallyComment

What’s that New Orleans Mardi Gras event in San Diego called again? Oh right, Gator by the Bay. This annual event will be held May 11-14th, 2023, and the family fun event you should not miss!

GATOR BY THE BAY AT A GLANCE:

GATOR BY THE BAY is a music and food festival held on Spanish Landing, the grassy area overlooking the bay next to the airport. Expect delicious and authentic New Orlean’s foods like heaps of boiled crawfish and po’boy sandwiches along with music that will make you think you are back on Bourbon Street.

IS IT FAMILY FRIENDLY? Yes, unlike the real Mardi Gras this is a family friendly event - kids under 17 are let in free with a paid adult. There’s even early bird ticket discounts so get your tix early - here’s the link to all of the ticket prices.

DANCE TO THE MUSIC: With 7 stages of rotating music acts you’re bound to find something that makes you want to get out there and dance. What, you can’t dance? Then take a FREE dance lesson and join in the fun. Here’s the updated line up of music acts.

TAKE A NEW ORLEANS COOKING CLASS: Learn the secrets of authentic New Orlean’s cooking complete with samples at the end.

TRY SOME NEW FOODS: You’ll find all of your New Orleans favorites from spicy crawfish to powdery sugared beignets, come hungry because there is so much you will want to try. PRO TIP: If you are going to get the crawfish (you should) I recommend you bring along some disposable food friendly plastic gloves as they can get a bit messy to eat. I know, this is a bit nerdy but trust me on this! Target has a box of these for less than $5.

MORE GATOR BY THE BAY TIPS!

  1. Bring a small folding chair or blanket if you plan to listen to some music. People come early to stake out their spots so if there is a music act you want to see make sure you plan ahead. Here’s the music line up.

  2. Parking is a bit of a pain so park at Liberty Station and take an Uber in. Or ride your bike in - there’s free bike valet for the first 120 bikes. You could also park at the airport but make sure you make reservations.

  3. You CANNOT bring COOLERS, TENTS, POP-UPs, LARGE UMBRELLAS, OUTSIDE ALCOHOL or PETS. You CAN bring low back lawn chairs, blanket, personal umbrella and one small bottle of water.

  4. Buy your tickets EARLY so you can get the early bird discount.


GATOR BY THE BAY 2023 MUSIC LINE UP: SAN DIEGO'S MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION MAY 11 - 14, 2023

Local WallyComment

Planning Your Visit to San Diego’s Premiere Mardi Gras Celebration, Gator by the Bay, May 11-14, 2023

For the 20th year in a row, San Diego celebrates New Orleans with a four day Mardi Gras celebration on May 11th to the 14th, 2023. Unlike the real Mardi Gras where you have to shield your kids eyes once the beads start tossing, Gator by the Bay is a family friendly event that still retains the authentic vibe of the real thing, especially once the music starts flowing. The event takes place at San Diego’s Spanish Landing, the grassy area on the bay near the San Diego Airport. Here’s some basic info on the event.

PRO TIP: KIDS 17 AND UNDER ARE FREE WITH PAID ADULT

Last year I was a rookie, a lookie loo who came to the event not really knowing what to expect. I ate some crawfish, I got powdered sugar all over my shirt from a freshly fried beignet, and I wandered from stage to stage as the music played. Nothing wrong with that strategy, I had a great time and if you just want to do something unique and different on a sunny San Diego weekend then you won’t be disappointed.

San Diego’s own Mardi Gras Celebration, Gator by the Bay

But I also noticed that those in the know, those who have done this before, brought their own beach chairs and staked out spots at one of the various stages and kicked back sipping a cold one until the music started. Yes, they PLANNED out the day and if you want to get the most of your time at Gator by the Bay you might want to do the same thing.

PRO TIP: BRING A SMALL CAMP CHAIR LIKE THIS ONE YOU CAN GET FROM COSTCO - I HAVE IT AND IT PACKS DOWN SO SMALL AND LIGHT YOU WON’T MIND CARRYING IT. (Not a paid ad, I just love it!)

What kind of music? You can expect Zydeco, blues, Creole and Cajun, rockabilly, salsa, and New Orleans jazz, all punctuated with strolling buskers and even a Mardi Gras marching band as they parade through the crowds.

Gator by the Bay, May 11-14, 2023

GATOR BY THE BAY MUSIC LINEUP PREVIEW

Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience

Thursday

Zydeco Roots, Creole
For nearly 40 years, two- time GRAMMY award winning, 8th generation Louisiana Creole, Terrance Simien, has been shattering the myths and often misinformation about what his indigenous Zydeco roots music is — and is not.

Cedric Watson et Bijou Creole

Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Cajun, Creole & Zydeco

One of the brightest young talents to emerge in Cajun, Creole and Zydeco (Louisiana French) music over the last decade, Cedric Watson is a heralded four-time Grammy-nominated fiddler, singer, accordionist and songwriter.

The Revelers
Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Cajun, Zydeco, Country and Blues

Grammy nominees The Revelers’ sound is a spicy jambalaya of swamp pop, Cajun, Zydeco, country and blues, celebrating the delectable flavor of southwest Louisiana.

Rusty Metoyer & the Zydeco Krush

Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Zydeco

Lake Charles native Rusty Metoyer is one of Southwest Louisiana’s premier stars. Metoyer and his unique brand of Zydeco music raise the bar.

Michael Doucet & Tom Rigney

Sunday

Cajun, Roots, Blues

Two of the finest roots music fiddle players on the planet! Two-time Grammy winner Michael Doucet, along with Tom Rigney, join together for an incredible performance.. Backed by Rigney’s hot band, Flambeau, the show will feature material from their latest album “Roll On”.

People really get into it at Gator by the Bay!