07.06.2023

Today’s Forecast

🫖 Tea-ing up something new

The Britannia Tearooms debuting in Midway District

Britannia Tearooms is at the corner of Midway Drive and Barnett Avenue — and nearly ready to open. | Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday

Happy Drink Up Month. Today, we’re spotlighting The Britannia Tearooms, a British-influenced, Victorian-themed tearoom opening Monday, July 31, in the Midway District near Liberty Station.

The business is owned by British expat Selina Stockley, who’s been running Shakespeare’s Corner Shoppe & Afternoon Tea on India Street for 20 years. Her Shakespeare’s location will remain open as a quick-service shop and cafe, but her full tea service will move to Britannia Tearooms. Stockley recently showed us around her new space — let’s peek at her vision.

SD Britannia Tearooms Drink Up 2023 Selina Stockley — Selina Stockley began her tearoom business with Shakespeare’s Corner Shoppe & Afternoon Tea on India Street.
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Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday

The building — formerly the Country Waffles restaurant — stands at 2323 Midway Dr. Stockley says the front yard will feature an English country-style garden, created with help from Walter Andersen Nursery.

Inside, guests will find décor thrifted or donated from across the county, including intricate chandeliers, old clocks, a princess-style carriage, and a carousel horse.

SD Britannia Tearooms Sherlock sitting room — We spy the beginnings of the “Sherlock Holmes"-themed sitting room.
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Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday

Guests can expect Instagram-worthy themed areas like the “Sherlock Holmes” sitting room, “Harry Potter” bathrooms (witches and wizards), and “Mary Poppins” gift shop. There’s also The Lily Pond, a semi-private area attached to the main dining room for larger parties, and The Mad Hatter’s Tearoom, a private party area for 18 or more guests. A small, mushroom-filled garden connects to the party room, dubbed Alice Through the Looking Glass.

The main dining room seats 55 guests and afternoon tea sittings will be available on weekends — 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. — while themed teas will be available select weekdays, 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. As always, reservations are encouraged and walk-ins will be first come, first serve. It’ll be closed Wednesday and Thursday.

Stockley says the kitchen is much larger than her space at Shakespeare’s, so she’ll be cooking up a storm in there.

4 questions with Selina

Asked

For me, proper tea time involves…

A. A big selection of loose leaf teas
B. Scones, piping hot
C. Finger sandwiches
D. Plenty of time to relax, sip, and chat

Spill the tea

Events

Thursday, July 6

One Paseo Kids Happy Hour | Thursday, July 6 | 3-5 p.m. | One Paseo, 3725 Paseo Place, San Diego | Free | Bring the kids to the Carmel Valley shopping hub to enjoy family-friendly entertainment (think magic shows, storytime, bubbles) and snacks every Thursday through Aug. 31.
Standard Fantastic Pictures | Thursday, July 6 | 5-8 p.m. | Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 700 Prospect St., La Jolla | $12 | This monthly screening features a collection of films curated by Standard Fantastic Pictures’ Omar Lopex.
Twilight in the Park Concerts | Thursday, July 6 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Spreckels Organ Pavilion, 2125 Pan American E. Rd., San Diego | Free | This week, the band 3 Car Garage revs up the summer outdoor concert in Balboa Park.

Friday, July 7

Apt 4 Music’s First Friday | Friday, July 7 | 4:30-8 p.m. | Carruth Cellars, 2710 Historic Decatur, Barracks 17, Liberty Station | Free | Enjoy live music from Apt 4’s Music students.
Nat Diego: Natural Wine Festival | Friday, July 7-Sunday, July 9 | Times vary | Locations vary, San Diego | $50-$75 | Learn about natural wine with many samples to taste.
Dan Levy LIVE! | Friday, July 7 + Saturday, July 8 | 7:30 + 9:30 p.m. | The American Comedy Co., 818 Sixth Ave., San Diego | $20 | The comedian seen on NBC, Comedy Central, and MTV will be seen in San Diego.

Saturday, July 8

She Fest | Saturday, July 8 | 12-6 p.m. | Pride Square, 1500 University Ave., San Diego | Free | Celebrate with pride in the heart of Hillcrest while enjoying food, workshops, LGBTQIA+ vendors, community groups, and live music.
Viva La Frida: A Celebration of Life of Frida Kahlo | Saturday, July 8 | 12-8 p.m. | Barrio Logan, 2060 Block of Logan to National avenues, San Diego | Free | Celebrate the artist’s life with art shows, painting classes, flower crowns, games, shopping, and food.

Sunday, July 9

House of France Lawn Program: Bastille Day | Sunday, July 9 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | International Cottages, Balboa Park | Free | The House of France hosts its annual lawn program to celebrate Bastille Day — aka le 14 juillet — with traditional French music, costumes, dance, and food.
Bow Wow & Soulja Boy | Sunday, July 9 | 6 p.m. | 500 SeaWorld Dr., San Diego | $80 | The rappers take the spotlight as part of the 2023 SeaWorld Summer Spectacular Concert Series; the concert is included with park admission.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Civic

San Diego County has unveiled its new logo — a colorful image of downtown’s Administration Building against the ocean, grass, and mountains. The county says the mix of colors “come together in motion to represent new energy.” It’ll be used to complement the county seal adopted in 1937.

Open

Hatsuzakura — a cafe specializing in Japanese comfort food like fried chicken, onigiri, and yakisoba — is now open in University Heights. The new spot is helmed by Sakura Kadoya, daughter of the couple who owns the Michelin-starred Soichi Sushi, which is right next door. Visit Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (Eater San Diego)

Coming Soon

Cue the trumpets. Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s summer horse racing season begins Friday, July 21. While Opening Day is sold out, the season runs through Sunday, Sept. 10 — so you’ve got plenty of time to play the ponies. Find tickets for later this summer.

History

We love an epic concert in San Diego’s live music history, and so does San Diego State University historian Seth Mallios. He ranked the top 10 concerts of all time at SDSU and his top-rated show was Ella Fitzgerald at Peterson Gym on Oct. 1, 1961. Well-played. (SDSU NewsCenter)

Drink

New craft beer alert: Belmont Park and Second Chance Beer Co. have released Coaster Cruisin’ — a nod to the beachfront attraction’s 98-year-old Giant Dipper ride. The West Coast IPA is available on tap at the theme park’s eateries including Draft, Beach House, Belmonty’s, Round Table Pizza, and Midway Snacks.

Ranked

WalletHub rates San Diego as the No. 56 best-run city in the US based on “operating efficiency,” or how city officials manage and spend public funds. San Diego ranked No. 7 in quality of services for residents, getting high marks in health and education. (WalletHub)

Outdoors

Winner, winner. The People’s Choice Award in the Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP) 2023 photo contest was earned by Judy Sprinkles for “Silken Droplets,” her beautiful pic of water drops against the park’s background. MTRP says 447 visitors voted on their favorite in this category.

Arts

Mingei International Museum is showcasing “Student Craft 2023: Seeing Rhythm,” a juried exhibition of 30+ works created by high school students across San Diego County — from ceramic snakes to dresses made of recycled materials. It’s on display through Sunday, Sept. 17; the museum is open Tuesday-Sunday.

Announced

Living Coast Discovery Center will host its 14th annual Farm to Bay fundraiser on Saturday, Aug. 12 — a 21+ food and beverage event featuring animal encounters and live entertainment. Tickets are now available; proceeds will help support the center’s ongoing educational and sustainability programs focused on coastal wildlife.

Plan Ahead

The Forum Carlsbad is gearing up to debut Discovery Days, a free, summer event series focused on STEM activities for families. The San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum will set up rotating, hands-on exhibits in the shopping center’s garden area every Friday, July 21-Aug. 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Shop

If you’re looking to buy a new pair of sunglasses this summer, you’re in luck. Our online store (Six & Main) has you covered with a variety of polarized, floating sunglasses… that’s right they float in the water. Find your perfect pair now.

Sports

🥎 OTL for the win

2023 Over-the-Line World Championships return to Fiesta Island

OTL is just so, so San Diego. | Photo via Duane Bazzel + @ombacsd

OTL. If you’re a San Diegan, you know those three little letters stand for Over-The-Line, the ball and bat sport invented on South Mission Beach in the 1950s that spawned the annual Over-The-Line World Championships.

The Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (OMBAC) hosts the tournament at Fiesta Island Park. This year, it runs on Saturday, July 15 + Sunday, July 16, and Saturday, July 22 + Sunday, July 23. Gameplay starts daily at 7:30 a.m., with men’s and women’s divisions competing until sunset.

Spectators are encouraged to watch for free; there’s a paid parking option if you want to secure a designated spot.

So, what is OTL? Though the sport has its intricacies, the basic rules are clear: games last three or four innings, no one runs bases, and the main goal is to hit the ball “over the line,” ~55-ft in front of the batter.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Monica

From the editor

What’s that smell? A beautiful Amorphophallus titanium, aka a Corpse Flower, recently bloomed for a short 48 hours at the San Diego Botanic Garden and it was spectacular — and very stinky.

Native to the rainforests of Sumatra, when the Corpse Flower blooms, it emits a pungent, rotting, deathly smell. Its rapid bloom cycle changes by the hour, and you can keep up with its progress via the garden’s 24-hour live stream. There’s no “Smell-O-Vision” component here, so you’ll just have to imagine the stench.

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