Time for seconds. “Tidbits” is a new, semi-regular column from the The San Diego Sun featuring recent special offerings from downtown San Diego’s food, beverage and hospitality industry.
Tidbits is still in the experimental stage. It consists of curated items. Alone, an editor might just ignore each offering. Served up together, these blurbs present an alluring smorgasbord of what’s happening in downtown’s culinary scene. Local bon vivants and curious visitors are all welcome to take a taste. Served with a pinch of snark.
City Tacos – The June taco of the month is the never-before-offered Taco Del Mar. This seafood lover’s taco features smoked tuna, shrimp, squid, and octopus stew cooked with garlic and chili peppers. Didja know: In Spanish, Del Mar means “of the sea.” In English it translates to: “pricey home on a North County beach.” 323 Seventh Avenue, East Village
Cloak & Petal – If you’ve got Wednesday, June 18 marked on your calendar as International Sushi Day, roll over to this Michelin Guide-recognized fusion eatery for, perhaps, a notorious P.I.G., with tuna, yellowtail, candied umi bacon, panko shrimp, krab, avocado and seared spicy aioli. 1953 India Street, Little Italy
Fat Tuesday — Does this frozen cocktail make me look fat? Find out later this summer when the touristy chain opens its first California location downtown at the former site of 25-year-veteran-establishment Henry’s Pub. 618 Fifth Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter
Hasta Manana Cantina – The cantina is turning “uno” and celebrating with a fiesta from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18. The open-to-the-public First Anniversary Bash will feature raffles and giveaways, and don’t be surprised when the giant pińata arrives for a few whacks. 310 Fifth Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter
Karl Strauss Brewing Company – The 36-year-old brewery has launched its first loyalty program. Club Karl members get free appetizers and points for every dollar spent at the restaurant. You should also know The San Diego Sun is raffling off Karl Strauss gift cards to anybody who subscribes to our free weekly newsletter. The campaign is called “Follow The Sun,” which is, uncoincidentally, also the name of a lovely, crisp, 4.2% ABV house lager. 1157 Columbia Street, Core Columbia
Oxford Social Club – Recent name drops from this club inside the Pendry San Diego Hotel include Sammy Hagar (rocker turned canned cocktail peddler) and omnipresent Snoop Dogg. The latest celeb sighting was Grammy-winning rapper Ludacris, who stopped by after his show at The Rady Shell. If you’re looking for a swanky hang, not going to the Oxford would be, well, ludicrous. 435 Fifth Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter
Piedra Santa – New! This Argentinian steakhouse offers a menu centered around premium dry-aged steaks grilled over an open flame. The 3,000-square-foot dining space is complemented by a 1,000-square foot outdoor patio. 555 W. Ash Street
The Whiskey House – The Guinness world-record holder for the most variety of whiskey commercially available (2,467 at official count) will hold its next Whiskey Club event on Wednesday, June 18. Don’t try to drink them all, just go with the four pre-picked selections, paired with charcuterie, steak sliders and wings. 420 Third Avenue, Marina District
Tortuga Pool Bar & Terrace – This rooftop bar at the Omni Hotel San Diego is having an open-to-the-public Tiki Social party from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday June 25. Sample summer-ready cocktails and meet tiki culture and cocktail historian Jeff “Beachbum” Berry. The Tiki Social pop-up will be available at Tortuga all summer long, through September 1. SDSun
Here’s last week’s Tidbits. Have a new or special offering you’d like to see included? Send it in an email to rondonoho@gmail.com.
