Here are some of the best indoor activities in Orange County for when the temperatures start to rise. Browse the list below and enjoy while staying safe!
Julia San Román, “Glimmer, Lichens and Flouds” (oil on canvas), 60 inches by 48 inches
1. CULTURE DIVE
On display through April 25, California artist Julia San Román will showcase her vibrant contemporary works in a solo exhibition at Sparks Gallery in downtown San Diego. While the artist moved to the United States from Madrid to pursue her PhD in biology, her childhood love of art never left her. Additionally educated in studio art and art history, San Román has now dedicated her life to painting, creating whimsical works featuring bold interpretations of sky scenes, the human form, birds, flowers and more. “My subjects, though always evolving in form, are constant: the human figure interacting with nature, and, most significantly, birds—in flight, at rest and in relation to the figure,” she says. “Birds in clouds, for me, have become the liberating icon, the ever-present emphasis on the spirit taking flight.” Her Glimmer series steps beyond these subjects to focus on multicolored lines bursting forth from clouds and skyscapes, seen in the piece shown here. 530 Sixth Ave, San Diego
San Diego Museum of Art, Juan Sánchez Cotán and Cauleen Smith: Mystical Time and Deceptive Light
Don't miss beautiful video composition Juan Sánchez Cotán and Cauleen Smith: Mystical Time and Deceptive Light, which was inspired by one of the most treasured works in the museum’s collection, Juan Sánchez Cotán’s “Still Life with Quince, Cabbage, Melon and Cucumber” (ca. 1602). Behind the premiere presentation—also available virtually on the SDMA website—is contemporary artist Cauleen Smith, who became captivated by Cotán’s highly recognized 400-year-old still-life painting. “The video features an ever-changing palette of light seen through a reconstruction of Cotán’s windowsill,” says Brown. Through Sept. 6, SDMA, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park
San Diego Museum of Art, Rembrandt and Printmaking
On view through April 18 is Rembrandt and Printmaking in the Netherlands, a series of approximately 20 etchings—some of which have never been seen before—from the iconic draughtsman, painter and printmaker, and, arguably, the greatest innovator in the history of art. “Rembrandt constantly made changes in his etching plates and experimented with the medium at various stages of the print run, resulting in different versions,” shares Michael Brown, SDMA’s curator of European art. “He delighted in intentional accidents, disrupting the medium’s acid process, producing unprecedented effects of darkness and shadow. As a result, each of Rembrandt’s prints is an entirely unique work of art.” From the moving nocturnal scene of “Descent from the Cross by Torchlight” (1654), which accentuates dramatic lighting, to the raw emotion behind “Rembrandt’s Mother with Her Hand on Her Chest: Small Bust” (1631) to his best-known etching, “Self-portrait Etching at a Window” (1648), where he is seen hard at work adding details to an etched copper plate using a drypoint needle, each of Rembrandt’s etchings is an individual stroke of genius that, unlike contemporaries, is not reproductive of his paintings. Through Sept. 6, SDMA, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park
2. TASTE THE TOWN
Taking over the former Patio on Goldfinch space, La Puerta is opening its second location in Mission Hills, a dream come true for owner Merritte Powell who calls the neighborhood home. Patrons can now enjoy La Puerta’s popular Sinaloan-inspired fare, top-notch 100% blue agave tequilas and mezcals, beer, an expanded wine list and three varieties of blended cocktails from the brand that’s become beloved over the past 12 years at its original outpost in the Gaslamp Quarter. Menu standouts include its signature street tacos, gourmet tacos —we’re partial to the taqueso pollo and Viva Mexico—plus its epic 1-pound burritos. Try the Southern Cal (pollo asada, bacon, french fries, grilled onion and poblano, jack cheese, crema and guacamole) for a taste of why the West Coast does burritos best.
Imbibe spirits you can feel good about thanks to Barrio Logan’s ReBru Spirits, a sustainable microdistillery brand highlighted by gin, vodka and Sweetcane peppermint whiskey derived from high-quality, out-of-code and overstocked craft beer. The brainchild of Dennis O’Connor, co-founder of the award-winning Thorn Brewing Co., and master distiller Neil Lotz, the forward-thinking company utilizes a proprietary process that took years to perfect and continues to keep its impact on the environment as a focal point of its brand DNA. Its 40,000-square-foot facilities are also teamed with the brand-new Sideyard BBQ by Hott Mess and the forthcoming Hott Mess Wood Fired Pizza, opening in April, to offer food and drink experiences that work in tandem to ultimately achieve zero waste. Now, that’s eco-friendly. 1735 National Ave., 619.650.2251
New executive chef Kyle Pierce has ushered in a fresh dinner menu at this Little Italy mainstay. Start with wood-fired grilled oysters or fried cauliflower before diving into entrees like fire-roasted lemon garlic chicken and frites, confit duck leg tacos, or bone marrow with fresno chili relish and toasted milk bread. The weekend crowd will also love brunch favorites including the Millennial Benney (made with three poached eggs, smashed avocado, roasted tomato and cheese sauce) or the decadent Breakfast Board featuring pancakes, bacon, biscuits, fresh fruit, granola, softboiled eggs and more. Come hungry! 675 W. Beech St., Little Italy, 619.269.2202
Located within the InterContinental San Diego, Garibaldi has added new seasonal dishes to its dinner menu and launched brunch as a permanent weekend offering. Settle in on the charming waterfront rooftop patio as you sip mimosas and nosh on a fregola and roasted garlic frittata; Sardinian limoncello crespelles with sweetened ricotta, walnuts and candied orange syrup; or ’nduja foccacia with pecorino toscano, arugula and Castelvetrano olives. 901 Bayfront Court, Ste. 1, Downtown SD, 619.436.1081
Liberty Station newbie The Presley is livening up its mornings with the debut of Saturday and Sunday brunch. Breakfast fans will delight in menu highlights like steak and eggs Benedict featuring a smoked tomato hollandaise sauce; orange and ricotta pancakes slathered in cranberry butter; and The Presley’s Breakfast Sando, stacked with applewood-smoked bacon, an over-easy egg, arugula, avocado and pesto aioli on a croissant. 2855 Perry Road, Point Loma, 619.877.1800
Finally, chef Brad Wise is embracing the season’s cooler temperatures and warming up diners with new shareable dinner plates. Begin with the Little Gems salad—which arrives topped with a hard-boiled duck egg—before indulging in wood-fired or smoked meat and seafood offerings. Spiced pork tenderloin, smoked and braised lamb shoulder, Baja striped bass crudo finadene and Big Glory Bay salmon are all paired with an innovative variety of fresh veggies. 3752 Park Blvd., Hillcrest, 619.795.6901
3. SHOP 'TILL YOU DROP
Whether you’re ready to jet set across the country or pack up the car for a local road trip—head to our “America the Beautiful” feature for destination ideas—stop by the new Briggs & Riley store at Westfield UTC to upgrade your luggage collection. Founded in 1993 by Richard Krulik in Hauppauge, N.Y., the myriad offerings include an expansion system that allows you to add more, then compress your goods into place, ensuring you can bring that extra pair of shoes and backup outfit options. Don’t miss its bestselling Baseline collection featuring rolling carry-ons, trunk spinners, totes, duffels and more in a variety of colorways. Westfield UTC
Founded in 2014 by local designer Alexia María Esquer, luxury eveningwear brand Alexia María embodies all things romance and sophistication. Esquer keeps her vision of a bespoke approach to tailoring at the center of the brand, resulting in unmatched craftsmanship and artistry evident in every piece. Operating predominantly as a madeto- order label, Alexia María collections—known for their signature use of bows—can be shopped online or at Saks Fifth Avenue after being handcrafted at their Southern California atelier. 1261 Prospect St., Ste. 2, La Jolla
With roots in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood, this high-end footwear brand has since spread its wings far and wide, with a presence in Dubai, Qatar, Mexico and the Caribbean. What started as a sandal line featuring handmade Italian leather and Swarovski crystals became an international fashion brand known for its quality accessories and custom-made footwear designs. Even so, Azzurra Capri finds the time to give back, and has partnered with FIDM to provide apprenticeships to local fashion students for the last five years. La Plaza La Jolla, 7863 Girard Ave., Ste.110, La Jolla
After owner Jillian Sassone’s grandmother Mary passed away, she sought to breathe new life into her family heirlooms by reworking them. Out of this idea, Solana Beach-based company Marrow Fine Jewelry was born. By utilizing existing gems from her clients, Sassone is able to create meaningful one-of-a-kind pieces. Her collection also includes existing designs, from engagement rings to fine jewelry that’s delicate enough for daily wear. She especially loves collaborating with locals, calling North County “an incredible community to be a part of—it’s small enough where you see familiar faces every day, which we love.” One Paseo, 3665 Caminito Court, Ste. 720, San Diego
For this Solana Beach-based luxury handbag brand, style is an art that demands equal parts form and function, beauty and utility. Virgil James’ timeless handbags team uncompromising quality with artistic integrity and classic design. “Local is all about inspiration,” says founder Jay McGoodwin. “San Diego has the vibe and community that makes creativity a natural process.” Innovation lies in every bag, seen in the Fantasia No. 8, which offers style and versatility through its interchangeable handpainted panels and expresses elegance through its vintage-inspired design. 214 North Cedros Ave., Solana Beach
4. LET'S GET PHYSICAL
Train like basketball greats Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James at DBC Fitness, a Miami-based boutique training facility that recently opened its second location in Carlsbad. Co-owned by founders David Alexander and Donnie Raimon with San Diego native Casey Parlett, the upscale gym features a proprietary training system utilizing engineering and physics to create unique programs with an emphasis on biomechanics and movement. What’s more is that you won’t find machines at DBC, which stands for dumbbells, barbells and cables. Instead, classic equipment teamed with the use of your own muscles and body weight produce premium results for fitness junkies of all levels of experience. If it’s good enough for LeBron, it’s good enough for us! 6102 Avenida Encinas, Ste. H, Carlsbad
Photography by: IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE, PHOTOS: COURTESY OF JULIA SAN ROMÁN; BY JEFF JONES; BY JACKIE GALLARDO; BY SARAH ATT AR/DBC SAN DIEGO
