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Fabulous treasures await you at Diane Powers’ Bazaar del Mundo Shops, voted “Best Place to Buy a Gift In San Diego” by the readers of CityBeat magazine. Located at the north entrance of historic Old Town, the charming village marketplace is overflowing with carefully selected fashions, accessories, folk art, colorful home accessories, artisan jewelry and crafts, handwoven textiles, and so much more. Many are one-of-a-kind collectibles. The Shops also feature an intimate courtyard where guests can read or relax by a sparkling fountain. Steps away, shoppers are invited to nibble on antojitos (appetizers), savor festive gourmet platters or linger over the legendary birdbath margaritas at the award-winning Casa Guadalajara Mexican restaurant. bazaardelmundo.com

4133 Taylor St.
San Diego , CA 92110
(619) 296-3161

Savor the sights, sounds and flavors of Mexico at Casa de Bandini, set at the Forum Shopping Center in Carlsbad. Filled with the fun and flair of the original Casa de Bandini in Old Town, proprietor Diane Powers’ second-generation North County venue welcomes guests onto its lush patio or inside its colorful dining room filled with traditional Mexican folk art. Start with a specialty margarita or try a signature tequila from the Cantina. Made with an emphasis on flavor and freshness, enjoy award-winning seafood dishes, traditional combination plates, creative and healthy Mexican salads, and much more, while listening to the lively music of the house Mariachi band, Cielito Lindo. casadebandini.com

1901 Calle Barcelona
Carlsbad, CA
(760) 634-3443

Experience sun-splashed days and chile-inspired nights at Casa Guadalajara, Diane Powers’ popular Old Town restaurant known for festive décor, strolling mariachis, breezy outdoor dining and famous birdbath margaritas. Dishes reflecting the vibrant flavors of Mexico include sizzling fajitas, tantalizing handmade tortillas and award-winning seafood selections made fresh to order. Beautiful dining rooms and a patio reminiscent of a gracious Mexican hacienda await you. Old wooden gates, sparkling fountains, colorful Talavera tiles, and al fresco dining under a grand centuries-old California pepper tree create a truly memorable experience. casaguadalajara.com

4105 Taylor St. • Old Town

619-295-5111

Enjoy a memorable night out at Cygnet Theatre, staging critically acclaimed musicals and plays at its new location and permanent home at Arts District Liberty Station.

In September, the curtain rose on Cygnet’s brand new home at The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center at Arts District Liberty Station. Nicknamed “The Joan” for the late local philanthropist Joan Jacobs, the state-of-the-art complex will include a 280+-seat proscenium theater, as well as a 150-seat flexible studio space, acoustic elements, ADA accessible seating, a rehearsal space, open air lobby, two elegant bars, three landscaped patios, ample restrooms, and parking. The world-class venue is a result of a unique nonprofit partnership between Cygnet Theatre and NTC Foundation, who joined forces in 2022 to renovate and restore historic Naval Building 178 at Liberty Station. The project broke ground in early 2024 and has resulted in a stellar cultural center ready to serve more patrons than ever before.

For the holidays, Cygnet welcomes the return of “A Christmas Carol” (Nov. 26-Dec. 28), adapted from Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of hope and redemption. The company also features an all-singing, all-dancing show “Cygnet’s A Magical Holiday: Christmas at the Joan” (Dec. 10-28).

The new year will see a pair of San Diego premieres: “Somewhere Over the Border” (Feb. 18-March 15, 2026) a moving musical about a young girl’s journey to build a better life; and “The Lehman Trilogy” (March 25-April 19, 2026), a thought-provoking saga tracing the rise and fall of the Lehman Brothers, from immigrant beginnings to the heights of Wall Street power.

The season closes on a joyful note with “The SpongeBob Musical” (June 10-July 5, 2026), the colorful story about SpongeBob SquarePants’ attempts to avert a volcanic eruption that could potentially wipe out all life in Bikini Bottom. Fun for audiences of all ages, the show celebrates friendship, optimism, and the power of community.

Since taking flight in 2003, Cygnet Theatre has grown into one of San Diego’s leading theatre companies known for producing adventurous, entertaining and thought-provoking productions year round. Its name is a reference to the Swan Theatre, a prominent competitor to Shakespeare’s Globe.

Patrons enjoy comfortable seating from all vantage points, state-of-the-art lighting and sound, and free parking. Restaurants and shops — in both Old Town and at Liberty Station — are just steps away. View the complete 2025/26 season and buy tickets by calling the Box Office at (619) 337-1525 or online at cygnettheatre.org.

FOR ADDITIONAL 15% OFF TICKETS CLICK HERE

Located in Point Loma / Liberty Station

2880 Roosevelt Road
San Diego, CA 92106
619-337-1525
Visit Website

By Cathy Hendrie
PassPort to San Diego

Around the world, Afternoon Tea bespeaks an honored tradition of elegance and refinement. Fine china, lacy linens and glove- and hat-adorned patrons add grace and polish to the occasion, whether it’s for a light meal or for a more formal affair, such as a shower, graduation or birthday.

Fortunately for San Diegans, the same experience can be enjoyed at The Grand Tea Room, a full-service tea room and gift shop in downtown Escondido. The venue, which also offers patio dining, is where my friend Cynthia and I were lucky enough to spend an early spring afternoon (pre-Covid-19). We were welcomed by smiling owner Louisa Magoon, whose love for tea resulted in the opening of the business in 2011.

Before we sat down, we donned a couple of fancy hats — free to borrow for tea time — to more properly enjoy the English ambiance. The cozy salon, adorned with painted murals and crystal chandeliers, felt more like a beautifully appointed living room, providing the perfect setting for a relaxing experience. We then pored over the delectable menu, filled with a choice of the shop’s 45 tantalizing teas, and our ultimate choice to share: the classic, triple-tried Grand Tea.

And, oh what a presentation. Generously sized tea pots containing freshly steeped flavors such as the robust French Caramel Crème Brûlée and refreshing Mango flanked the centerpiece triple tower — three glass plates containing assorted tea sandwiches, scones, quiche, shepherd’s pie and petite desserts. We had each started with fresh fruit and tomato basil soup, and this culinary main course tickled our already happy palates! Of course, we couldn’t consume it all and were able to take home the sweet treats. We did, however take advantage of sampling other teas — a nice offering.

While we chose The Grand Tea for the occasion, we could have opted for the lighter Cream Tea that includes fresh fruit, a scone, lemon curd and preserves, and a pot of tea; or the Garden Tea, which adds the finger sandwiches and a savory. While the menu is ever-changing, basic tea sandwiches like chicken salad and cucumber are always served.

The venue’s elegant tea service takes place three times per day, Tues.-Sat., now on the pretty patio. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are also welcome. Also, order “Tea to Go” to enjoy at home or at the office! Planning on a traditional afternoon tea party? Place your order for the weekend, and The Grand Tea Room will have it ready for you. Gift certificates are also available by phone at (760) 233-9500.

Also don’t miss taking home a tea-themed memento or any of the 46 loose leaf teas on the shelves in the gift shop.

For a spot of Afternoon Tea served in style, make your way to The Grand Tea Room in the historical downtown district of Escondido, 145 W. Grand Ave. The tea room is open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Call (760) 233-9500 or visit thegrandtearoom.com.

Gather at this family-founded tradition dishing up Mexican favorites in a festive atmosphere since 1976. Order any number of satisfying specialties, such as the Chicken Tortilla Soup, Carne Asada, Chili Rellenos, or Nopales (cactus prepared in a spicy tomato and chile serrano sauce). Tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, tostadas and burritos also anchor the mouthwatering menu. Norte has a spacious dining room enhanced by decorative tile, Southwestern paintings and pottery, a full bar where guests can catch a game on TV, plus two sunny outdoor patios dotted with umbrella-topped tables. Located next to the Carlsbad Village Inn, and placed next to the Pacific, the restaurant is the perfect locale to celebrate a birthday or anniversary or chat with friends, and stroll by the ocean after lunch or dinner. The popular Happy Hour takes place 4-9 p.m. Mon.; 4-6 p.m. Tues.-Fri. and 3-6 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Toast to good times with a cold Mexican beer, cocktail or a choice of tasty margaritas. Open at 11:30 a.m. Mon.-Fri; 11 a.m. Sat.-Sun. Catering and online ordering available. norterestaurant.com