Green Flash Concert Series | Birch Aquarium at Scripps | Things to Do in San Diego 2017

Green Flash Concerts at Scripps Aquarium 2017

Each summer Birch Aquarium transforms its Tide Pool Plaza into an outdoor music venue unlike any other for the Green Flash Concert Series. These lively monthly concerts, presented in partnership with 101.5 KGB, STAR 94.1, and Belly Up Entertainment, provide the ultimate Southern California music experience while supporting a good cause. 

The concert series, which is for ages 21 and up, combines live music with panoramic ocean views. Keep an eye out for a real “green flash,” a rare optical phenomenon caused by refraction of light as the sun sets on the horizon.

The view, the setting, the music, this is what San Diego summers are all about!

The 2017 Green Flash Lineup:

Wednesday, May 17

Johnnyswim

Johnnyswim is an American folk, soul, blues, and pop music duo consisting of singer-songwriters Amanda Sudano and Abner Ramirez.

Wednesday, June 21

Cracker

Cracker has been described as a lot of things: alternative rock, Americana, insurgent country, —even punk and classic rock. Led by vocalist David Lowery and guitarist Johnny Hickman, the band has brought us genre bending songs such as "Low,” “Euro-Trash Girl" and “Get Off This."

Wednesday, July 19

Steve Poltz

Playful singer-songwriter and San Diego legend Steve Poltz returns for a clever, creative, and fun-filled evening. Always quirky and unpredictable.

Wednesday, Aug. 16

Milo Greene

Milo Greene is an L.A.-based Cinematic Indie-pop band with four members doing double-duty as singers and songwriters.

Wednesday, Sept. 20

Pine Mountain Logs and Venice

The Pine Mountain Logs' repertoire of high energy classic hits range from Led Zeppelin to the Jackson Five, Tom Petty, TLC, Aerosmith, Outkast and more, with surprise bridges and choruses around every corner.

Venice’s sound is at once familiar and fresh, their classic rock and folk influences — such as Crosby Stills & Nash, Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell and Stevie Wonder — apparent in their pop sensibilities.

All concerts are held from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and are general admission and standing room only. Savory bites, craft beers, and wines are available for purchase. Tickets are available for pre-purchase for $30.95 for members, $35.95 for the general public (convenience fees may apply). Walk up tickets are $41.95. Season passes are also available for $140 for members and $154.95 for general public.

Admission includes the concert, entrance to all aquarium exhibits, and parking. Green Flash Concerts are made possible by Subaru, Rock Bottom, French Gourmet, Bank of America, Korbel, Jackson Design and Remodeling, Sobieski Vodka, and EventAvision. Proceeds support exhibits and educational programming at Birch Aquarium at Scripps. 

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit aquarium.ucsd.edu.

Ben & Jerry's FREE Cone Day at Seaport Village, April 4, 2017

Free ice cream cone at Ben and Jerry's, Seaport Village, April 4, 2017

YEA! FREE ICE CREAM CONE AT BEN AND JERRY'S AT SEAPORT VILLAGE, APRIL 4, 2017!

Ice cream lovers can head to Ben & Jerry’s at Seaport Village (the only store location in San Diego) for the 38th annual Free Cone Day happening next Tuesday, April 4. From 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., guests can get a free scoop of their favorite flavor. In the spirit of giving back, Ben & Jerry’s will also partner with The San Diego Youth Services to collect donations that day and raise awareness about their local programs.

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WHERE:  SEAPORT VILLAGE, SAN DIEGO (859-A West Harbor Drive San Diego, 92101)

WHEN:  APRIL 4, 2017, FROM 10 AM TO 9 PM

WHAT AGAIN?  FREE ICE CREAM CONE!  

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For the past 38 years, Ben & Jerry’s has opened Scoop Shops to dish out free ice cream to fans, thanking them for being so uniquely awesome. The tradition has continued to grow, beginning in the small state of Vermont, and now spanning across the globe. Come join in on the company’s long-time tradition of thanking fans for their commitment and ongoing support.

The company was founded on the idea that business has not just the opportunity, but also the responsibility to give back to the community. Free Cone Day is a long standing tradition when it comes to benevolent acts, and as Jerry said, "If it’s not fun, why do it?" The annual anniversary merges the two founding principles and demonstrates that giving back to the community is just as sweet as free ice cream.

Don't miss it!  Free Ice Cream Cone at Ben & Jerry's, Seaport Village, San Diego

"We love getting involved with and giving back to our communities.  It’s amazing what we can do together over shared values and several scoops of ice cream," said Michelle Alcantar, Owner/Operator, Ben & Jerry’s of Seaport Village. Ben & Jerry’s has been a longtime advocate of social causes like marriage equality and climate justice, and ensuring that their ice cream is made in the best way possible which includes sourcing Fairtrade and non-GMO ingredients.

Ben & Jerry’s continues to deliver on the chunky and funky flavors fans have grown to love and expect. In addition to dishing out the chunks and swirls, Ben & Jerry’s of Seaport Village will partner with local organization San Diego Youth Services to spread the word about their mission to improve the lives of homeless, runaway, abused, and at-risk youth.

So the biggest question is, what flavor will you have on Free Cone Day? 

Old Mission Beach Athletic Club to Host First-Ever Craft Beer Festival & Over the Line Tournament at Mariner’s Point on May 20th and 21st, 2017

OVER THE LINE RETURNS WITH CRAFT BEER, MAY 20TH, 2017

Put your toes in the sand with a drink in your hand at the only local beer festival on the beach!

The Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (OMBAC) is taking its renowned Over the Line (OTL) Tournament to the next level this year. The organization will host its first-ever Craft Beer Festival on Saturday, May 20 in conjunction with the first rounds of Over the Line at Mariner’s Point on May 20-21—because nothing gets you warmed up for bat like a cold one. Players are invited to bring their bats, balls and most creative team names to the tournament, while spectators watch the games and enjoy local craft brews, cocktails, and bites for a cause.
 
On Saturday, May 20 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., sip craft beer from many of San Diego’s top breweries and enjoy fare from local food trucks. Breweries will include Aztec Brewing, Belching Beaver, Benchmark Brewing, Bolt Brewery, Dos Desperados, Fall Brewing, Helms Brewing, Indian Joe Brewing, Iron First Brewing San Diego, Ironfire Brewing, Left Coast Brewing, Resident Brewing, Second Chance Brewing, and more to come. Cutwater Spirits, from the band of liquid pioneers behind Ballast Point, will also be selling craft cocktails onsite.
 
General admission, including the four hour beer tasting, for guests ages 21+ is $30 with advance online purchase via Eventbrite, or $40 at the gate on the day of event.
 
The OTL Tournament will host 125 teams in a double elimination format. The first rounds will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 20 with winning teams returning from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 21. Tournament divisions include: Men's Pro; Men's Open; Men's Masters; and Women's Open. The entry fee is $120 per team and will increase as the tournament fills up.
 
This two-day event is a precursor to the 64th Annual World Championship Over the Line Tournament set for July 8/9 and July 15/16 at Fiesta Island, Mission Bay Park, San Diego.
 
For more information on OMBAC charities, please www.ombac.org/omcharities/ and for general inquiries, contact us at info@ombac.org. Get social with OMBAC on Facebook at @ombac and on Instagram at @ombacsd.
 
About Old Mission Beach Athletic Club
OMBAC is a 501(c) 4 non-profit organization that focuses on amateur sports, youth athletics, and local charities. OTL is the main fundraising event. Past recipients of OMBAC’s fundraising and donations included UCSD Cancer Research, Jr. OTL Scholarships, Wounded Warrior Foundation, Huntington’s disease, Bikes for Kids, Jr. Lifeguard Foundation, Cancer Walk, Marine Family Christmas Fund, Alpha Project, Meals on Wheels, Hospice, Pacific Beach Youth Group, San Diego St. Patrick’s Day Parade, San Diego Blood Bank, OMBAC Rugby, OMBAC Lacrosse and OMBAC Water Polo. For more information, visit www.ombac.org, Facebook or Instagram.

Visit San Diego on a Budget with a GO SAN DIEGO CARD

Get close to the animals at San Diego Safari Park

Unlike a lot of vacation towns, San Diego lives up to its hype of having a ton of world class attractions and things to do.  The problem is a family could go broke trying to squeeze everything in.  Just getting into the San Diego Zoo will set you back $58 per adult and Legoland is a whopping $95!  But thankfully there is a way to visit San Diego on a budget and still see it all - just get a Go San Diego Card and get access to 40 top attractions for one low price.

Here's the deal:

• 1 day pass to 40 attractions:  $84 adult, $89 child
• 2 day pass:  $125, $110
• 3 day pass:  $189, $169
• 5 day pass:  $235, $199
• 7 day pass:  $265, $229

With the pass you can roam San Diego like a rock star, stopping in at any number of attractions from the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, Legoland, or USS Midway.  Hop on a Harbor Cruise, pop into the museums at Balboa Park, visit the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla, even go whale watching or ride the roller coaster at Mission Beach.  Feeling adventurous?  Take a day trip to Knott's Berry Farm.  Why not, it's included!  Want the complete list?  It's right here in pdf format.

And if you get the 3, 5 or 7 day ticket you'll get FREE admission to SeaWorld, normally $93 per person. 

To get a Go San Diego Card just click here to order and then show it on your phone or print it.  And you might want to add on the 2 day Hop On, Hop Off Trolley tour for only $39/$25, normally $78/$38. It's a great way to get around San Diego and to see the sights.

So get yourself and your family a Go San Diego Card.  It's Local Wally approved!

Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine - San Diego's BEST Seafood Restaurant at the Pendry Hotels & Resorts

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Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine

Address: 435 Fifth Ave #2, San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: (619) 738-7200

At a Glance:  Hip, trendy, noisy, lively seafood restaurant that will make you think you were transported to a Las Vegas hotspot.  Food quality top notch, one of San Diego's best new restaurants.

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I'll admit it - San Diego's Gaslamp has never been my first choice for a dining destination, mainly because so many of the restaurants are geared towards tourists and conventioneers.  But that's changed now that Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine has opened, smack in the heart of the Gaslamp.

The menu is creative, thanks to Executive Chef Jose “JoJo” Ruiz, notably thechef de cuisine at San Diego’s Ironside Fish & Oyster Bar, one of my favorites in Little Italy.  He focuses on creating modern and creative dishes, some "sharable" and others full size entrees. 

The seafood is ultra fresh and sustainable, like this fabulous bite of salmon.  A lot of times sushi is disappointing outside of actual sushi restaurants but no worries here.  Grab a seat at the bar, order up off the raw menu, happy happens in San Diego.

Equally impressive was the New York Steak Tataki, lovely bites of thinly sliced ultra premium beef served in a garlic Ponzu sauce.  Delightful!

As for entree's, the NY steak was insane, 20 oz. of deliciousness that, dare I say, beats Ruths' Chris and Flemings.  Tender, perfectly cooked, and spiced and sauced to make this one of the most satisfying and decadent steaks you will ever eat.  I love steak so trust me on this - this is one hellava good steak!  They also have duck, chicken, pork chops, scallops, and fresh catch seafood options.  No one goes home hungry.

Sides are a la carte and prepared with the same sort of care and quality as the rest of the dinner.  In other words, really good stuff and bit enough to share. 

Lionfish in San Diego is the real deal, a hip and upscale dining experience that should delight both locals and visitors.  It's fun, it's happening, it's the new hotspot in the Gaslamp that deserves your attention and appetite.

Local Wally

Old Town Mexican Cafe Review: Where to Find Good Mexican Food in San Diego

Old Town Mexican Cafe in San Diego

OLD TOWN MEXICAN CAFE - 2489 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110 - (619) 297-4330

Quick Overview:  Probably the best Mexican food in Old Town San Diego, their specialty is their carnitas (tender pork) and handmade tortillas.

Tip:  For the most authentic experience sit on the right side of the restaurant, the original seating with booths and colorful decorations. The left side was originally their patio seating, now converted into more dining area. It's sunnier but has less ambiance.

Old Town Mexican Cafe Bar

REVIEW:  OLD TOWN MEXICAN CAFE

Buses drop off tourists, lines out the door, Food TV hosts gushing, but is the food at Old Town Mexican Cafe really any good?  After all, it's located in San Diego Old Town, arguably one of the most touristy places in all of San Diego.

I used to dine here all the time back when I first moved to San Diego to go to SDSU. Back then I was not a Mexican food expert by any means. Heck, I ate canned tamales and Taco Bell (disclaimer: I still would eat canned tamales if you put them in front of me). When I first started coming here you could get a heaping plate of carnitas, slow cooked pork served up with a plate of onions, cilantro, cups of roaring hot salsa, and a plate of handmade tortillas, for $5.50. I was poor, the food was great, life was good.

Carnitas at Old Town Mexican Cafe

Today that plate costs around $15. That's still a good price but was it as good as my memories? Well, perhaps. The beans were great and unlike some who knock off points for melted cheddar cheese instead of Mexican cheese I'm cool with that.  Tasty, good.  As for the carnitas you can order them cooked different ways, from deep fried chunks to pan fried crispy. I ordered crispy, a mistake as the meat was dry and no longer succulent but the crispy edges were tasty. I think the non-crispy version would be better, or the deep fried chunks. And yes, they have horrible plating by today's standards but this is how it has always looked and it's always been more about the food than the presentation here.

You wrap the whole thing up in a handmade tortilla. Wait, let me tell you about these things. If you've only eaten supermarket tortillas get ready because these extra thick tortillas are the bomb, really delicious. Stuff them with meat and all the fillings and top with salsa and you are good to go.

I forgot to tell you. When they bring you the chips (really great chips, by the way, and free with every meal which is cool) make sure you ask for the hotter hot sauce. The salsa on the left is the hot one and is really tasty. The salsa fresca on the right is good but not quite hot enough, so mix it up and go to town.

Margarita at Old Town Mexican Cafe

You should also get a Margarita.  House margaritas in most restaurants are not very good so upgrade to a Cadillac. I don't remember the price but it wasn't bad and the margarita surprisingly strong, I had two and regretted it later but enjoyed the ride nonetheless.

Mexican Ribs at Old Town Mexican Cafe

I also ordered the Mexican Ribs, about the same price as the carnitas. I used to love these ribs, cooked on a rotisserie and spiced up with a delicious salty blend. Well, I knew I was in a bit of trouble when they brought out a side of BBQ sauce. And the ribs, while tender, had none of the great spices I was expecting but rather tasted like baby backs tossed on a gas grill. Meh. Don't get these, but the rice, yeah, the rice was really good.

OLD TOWN MEXICAN CAFE REPORT CARD 2017

Tourist Recommendation:  A

Local Recommendation: B

Ambiance:  B+

Food Quality: B+

Margarita:  A

Wally Comments: I still like Old Town Mexican Cafe and would not hesitate to go back with friends from out of town. There's a nice ambiance here and the food authentic enough to please everyone. The portions are good, the tortillas and margaritas worth the wait. For locals I'm not sure I would wait in the long lines and instead just head up the hill to Ponce's or go to North County to Fidels or Tony's Jacal but overall Old Town Mexican Cafe is a solid pick for authentic Mexican food in San Diego.

La Jolla Seals: The first seal pup of 2017 has been born!

The Seal Conservancy is happy to report that the first pup of the season was born at Casa Beach on February 4, 2017!  But, wait - there's more! Mara and Jenny, two more pups, were born on February 5! Soon, these pups will be popping up all over the beach. If you missed the first few births, there is still plenty of time to witness the beauty of a live birth or watch pups and moms nursing, swimming, or being playful. Under the safe and peaceful conditions of a closed beach, we can reasonably expect there to be 40 - 50 successful seal pup births at the rookery this year, with the majority of births between February and late March.

Harbor seals are pregnant for 9 - 11 months? If pregnant seals have a safe place to rest before birth, then it is very likely that the average newborn pup will be born full term and weighing 20 - 24 pounds. It is very important that once this pup is born, the mother is undisturbed for 24 hours and is able to bond with the pup. Once the mom and pup have bonded, the newborn will nurse from its mother for one month before it is weaned and ready to swim and hunt on its own.

The chain is up and the beach is closed for the 2017 harbor seal pupping season, but this almost did not happen because of on-going litigation. Please visit our Latest News webpage to stay informed of the news at Casa Beach.

Follow the pup births at Casa Beach by checking in our Pup News 2017 page. We try to keep track of each birth as it occurs - sometimes 3 or 4 in one day - and update our page with details and photos of the newborn pups.

Islands Restaurant: Now Serving Paradise Bikini Beach Menu (and great burgers)!

I watch what I eat.  But I'm very weak when it comes to choosing between deliciousness and low calorie options.  I know, restaurants claim their healthy options are muy bueno, but I've been tricked before. I've ordered salads thinking they were topped with cheddar cheese only to find out its carrots.  And don't get me started on cauliflower mashed "potatoes" or noodles made out of squash.

So I must admit when I saw that Island's Restaurant, San Diego's own burger joint chain, was now offering a lower calorie menu they dubbed Paradise Bikini Beach, I was highly skeptical.  I mean, in my world paradise is not low cal, it's deep fried. But there I was, staring at the healthy menu and trying, really trying, to make a good decision.

The options are slim (no pun intended).  A veggie taco, a Greek salad, a Turkey Burger, and chicken tacos.  I eliminated the veggie taco immediately as it seemed exactly what I did not want in a taco.  Turkey Burger sounded good but I think it's wrong to get a burger with a salad instead of fries so that was out.  I like salads but not as an entree so that was out.  That left the chicken tacos.  Hmmm, what to do, what to do?

And then I looked over at the standard menu.  Big fat juicy burgers with bacon, cheese, sauce, and fries!  Fries!!!  Buffalo wings, onion rings, fried fish tacos!  I mean, there in front of me was temptation.  Do I order the healthier dinner or do I go with something I know I will love?  I had to make a decision and it had to be a good one.  My wife ordered first - she went chicken tacos.  Good call.  Now my turn.  I. Am. Weak. 

I did what I had to do.  I ordered the Malibu burger - a juicy burger cooked medium (still pink) with Applewood Bacon, American Cheese, Onion, Lettuce, Tomato.  And I ordered it smothered with Thousand Island dressing.  Fries?  Of course, do you think I'm crazy not to get an order of delicious hand cut fries??? 

I was feeling a tad guilty when my burger arrived, a giant plate of wholesome deliciousness. But my wife seemed happy as well.  What?  She liked her low cal option?  Gimme that!  I took a bite and you know, it was a pretty darn tasty bite! In fact, if you did not tell me this was a low cal option I would never know.  The chicken was nicely seasoned, the salsa fresca was as good as you'll find in any San Diego taco shop (meaning quite good), there was even cheddar cheese on the tacos.  And the tacos were full sized, not the trendy "street tacos".  They came with a side of beans, not bad, not bad at all.  In fact, while I still think that Veggie Tacos are a crime I give Islands a lot of credit for making a low calorie taco dinner that tastes as good as the real deal.

So we were both happy, my wife with her tacos and me with my burger.  Of course, my wife ate a few of my fries and I let her. I did feel a little guilty, after all.

San Diego's BEST Ocean View Restaurants Review: Eddie V's Prime Seafood in La Jolla

EDDIE V'S PRIME SEAFOOD

(858) 459-5500    1270 PROSPECT STREET, LA JOLLA, 92037 (MAP)

ROMANTIC, ELEGANT, FULL OCEAN VIEW, JAZZ AT NIGHT, ACTIVE COCKTAIL BAR, CLASSY SAN DIEGO DINING, GREAT LUNCH SPOT

Eddie V's in La Jolla - San Diego's BEST Ocean View Dining

I get asked a lot where to go for San Diego's BEST ocean view restaurant dining. In the past I had my usual suspects - George's at the Cove's Ocean Terrace, Marine Room, Jake's Del Mar - but now I have to add Eddie V's in La Jolla, the perfect combination of stunning views, elegant dining and exquisite food.  Think I'm overstating this?  I'm not!

Let's start with the location in La Jolla.  The view is full on ocean, located right above the La Jolla Cave Store (aka Sunny Jim Cave). Waves splashing, seals barking, we're talking full on unobstructed view, one of the best in all of San Diego.  How good is the view?  How about this?

How's this for a view?  Eddie V's in La Jolla.

When you're done staring at the view you'll be equally impressed with the menu. I love Eddie V's for lunch because unlike so many ocean view restaurants the prices are downright reasonable. Get a burger - I mean a really great Wagyu burger with bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and fries- for $14! And this isn't a "back at the bar" special, this is white tablecloth, ocean view dining.  Or try the Maine Lobster Tacos, two full size, fully loaded tacos, for $19.  Yes, full size, not silly "street tacos".  That's a great deal anywhere in San Diego, even without a view.  Let me put it this way - whether you're a San Diego local or an out of town visitor, you have to come here for lunch.

So lunch it is.  I started my meal with some oysters. I love that they have plenty of oyster options. If you don't know what you want then have the waiter bring out a selection.  The oysters were fresh, clean tasting, a perfect start with a glass of sparkling wine.

And I love appetizers!  And Crab Cakes!  And Asian inspired food!  So when I saw Jumbo Lump Crab Cake and Kung Pao Calamari, well, you know I had to get them both. Let's start with the crab cake.

Is that not perfect?  The Jumbo Lump Crab Cake at Eddie V's is perhaps my most favorite, a large serving with virtually no fillers. Crispy exterior, moist fresh crab, a spicy Remoulade sauce, if you love seafood you need to get this. Simply the best. Ever.

Next up was the Point Judith Calamari, served Kung Pao style with crispy rice noodles and cashews.

Nice, crispy calamari on top of a bed of even crispier and crunchier noodles, big enough to share with a group of four. I liked it, though if I had to choose I'd stick with the crab cake.  Still, I give Eddie V's an A for effort and my wife loved, loved, loved it.  But by now I was thinking of my entree.

That's right baby, I went for the Steak Frites! The steak was a 10 oz PRIME ribeye (this was lunch, after all) served up with a variety of truffle scented mushrooms and a side of crispy Parmesan-Chive French Fries. Oh, there was a salad as well but who cares about that when you have a giant steak and fries in front of you?  And yes, Eddie V's lives up to the PRIME in its name, the steak was perfectly cooked, tender, very delicious.  Dinner portions are even larger - 22 oz bone-in ribeye, anyone? 

My wife was a bit more responsible with her order, getting the Parmesan Lemon Sole with lemon garlic butter. Very light, crispy exterior, and very fresh.  Good one!  I've heard from others that the Hong Kong style sea bass is outstanding - next time.

Now for some reason we ordered a side of Crab Fried Rice with mushrooms and scallions.  I mean, I don't know what we were thinking as we already had enough food on the table to feed an Army. But wow, was this good. A bit decadent, a bit rich, a huge portion, really nice addition but oh so stuffed by now.

At night the menu changes up a bit, prices edge up into the $30's but it's right in line with San Diego's dining scene. Live jazz every night in the ocean view bar, Eddie V's in La Jolla doesn't miss a beat and nails it on view, ambiance, service, and food quality. It surely has to be one of San Diego's best Ocean View restaurants and one of our best places to eat overall!  Go there, spend some time at the bar or savoring the view, Eddie V's is one of the quintessential San Diego restaurant experiences.

EDDIE V'S LA JOLLA:  Best Ocean View Dining in San Diego, Classy and Elegant, Best lunch value in La Jolla, best place to impress a date, romantic dining, Best Views.

HARRAH’S RESORT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA UNVEILS NEW BREWERY, SR76

The Concept Marks Southern California’s First Tribal-Owned Brewery

Harrah’s Resort Southern California has announced the opening of SR76, a new 5,000-square-foot brewery situated adjacent to the resort and casino. The first tribal-owned brewing concept in Southern California’s burgeoning beer scene, SR76 is inspired by the ten-thousand-year ancestry of the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians and named after State Route 76, the original footpath along the San Luis River that led the tribe to the coast each season. The same road will now guide beer-lovers east from the Pacific to the brewery.

All of the beer offered at SR76 is produced onsite by Brewmaster Brian Scott and is exclusive to the brewery. The brewhouse was custom-built by Marks Design & Metalworks to maximize efficiency of the brewing process, and is comprised of American-made stainless steel sourced from Vancouver, Washington. A long-time resident of Escondido, Scott has held roles at Firehouse Brewing, Mission Brewery and Karl Strauss, and formerly served as vice president and then president of the San Diego Brewer’s Guild. Together, Scott and the Rincon Economic Development Corporation (REDCO), imagined a vision for SR76, one that would reflect the rich history of the tribe’s culture with beer that highlights the agriculture of the 5,000-acre reservation.

“The pathway that gave SR76 its name provides inspiration for the beer itself,” said Scott. “We thought to ourselves, ‘what can we take, from along that path, that would make for an interesting approach to beer?’”

Over the course of a year, Scott will produce up to 20 diverse brews that will be rotated seasonally, with at least four styles offered per season. Scott describes his beers as approachable, well-built and balanced, with intriguing undertones of flavor. To round out the first menu, he created four beers:

• Temet (“Sun”): a light and approachable Kolsch-style ale with citrus and spice notes, the SR76 flagship brew
• Supul (“One”): a delicate Apricot Saison that is refreshingly tart and earthy, with slight notes of apricot
• Hellhole Pale Ale: an American style pale ale, named for Valley Center’s Hellhole Canyon, with citrus notes in the aroma and a clean hop finish
• Paradise Creek Wheat: a full-bodied German Style Weissbier with strong notes of banana and clove that support its rich and fluffy carbonation

Beyond the tasting room, many restaurants within the resort will also serve beers created specifically to pair well with various cuisines.  

"Our partnership with SR76 is an extension of our commitment to the local community and a tribute to the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indian history," said Darrell Pilant, general manager of Harrah's Resort Southern California. "As a cultural hub that celebrates authenticity, Harrah's Resort Southern California is proud to offer guests a unique, world-class beer tasting experience in an upscale taproom setting."

Built by W.E. O’Neil Construction, SR76 is spacious and welcoming, with a modern design and open floor plan that allows for an easy view of the brewhouse. The tasting room was designed by San Diego-based Interior Design and Architecture firm, Community. A Design Collective, to offer a relaxing reprieve from the excitement of the resort and casino. Inspired by nature and the native culture of the tribe, the team used natural textures, like wood, to represent the earth, and paint colors like orange and blue to represent elements like fire and water – both the San Luis River and Pacific Ocean. Outfitted with comfortable contemporary furnishings, such as inviting leather couches in a spacious lounge area, the aesthetic of the space is modern with a tranquil vibe.

SR76 will be open for tastings and tours Wednesday and Thursday from 2pm-8pm; Fridays from 2pm-10pm; Saturday from 12pm-10pm; and Sunday from 12pm-5pm. Flights are $7 and single pints are $6.