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Travel to the home of fast cars and slow food — Modena, Italy — without leaving San Diego! Thanks to Elisa and Michele Borelli, guests can enjoy authentic fare complemented by Modena’s famous culinary import — its prized balsamic vinegar — at the couple’s warm and inviting South Bay restaurant: Balsamic Italian Kitchen in Imperial Beach. Opening in 2022 to rave reviews, the venue features a menu reflecting Elisa and Michele’s homeland of Emilia Romagna, known for Parmesan cheese, prosciutto and other cold cuts. These regional delicacies are celebrated in each dish they serve. Main-course selections include homemade pastas Vecchia Modena and Lasagna Classica, and the crispy-crust Roman-style pizzas, which the Borellis have named after Modena’s iconic stars. The Ferrari pizza, for example, comes with mozzarella, mortadella, pistachio, and arugula; and the Big Luciano, a tribute to Modena-native and opera legend Pavarotti, is topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, ham, sausage, and mushrooms. Bottles of traditional balsamics from Modena grace each table, inviting patrons to drizzle the condiment on bread, salads, gelato, and even crème brûlée. Brunch/Lunch, a Happy Hour, and an extensive list of Italian wine leave patrons proclaiming “Molto Buono!” Visit balsamicokitchen.com or call (858) 294-3183.

Located in Imperial Beach

91 Palm Avenue Suite 101
Imperial Beach , CA 91932
(858) 294-3183
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Score one-of-a-kind finds at this shopper’s paradise, a warehouse-sized bazaar brimming with vintage and new clothing, antique, mid-century and modern furniture, housewares, imports, jewelry, art, garden items, and cool knick-knacks. Located at San Diego’s Liberty Station and already a standout, the store hosts 150 individual vendors selling handmade and handpicked items ranging from retro jeans and jackets to gorgeous area rugs to throw pillows and hundreds more carefully curated local goods. Explore each beautiful booth, dream of the possibilities, and take home that something special. All selections have wallet-friendly price points, leaving room for a return trip. Open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Also ask about Second Saturdays — a vintage market featuring sellers and artists from all over the region — coming soon! seahivestation.com.

Treat yourself to one of Oceanside’s top attractions. Tour Sea Hive Marketplace, bringing childhood memories back to life. Conveniently located between Orange County and San Diego, Sea Hive is North County San Diego’s premier shopping destination. With 13,000 sq. ft., we are proud to provide creative space for over 100 small businesses to showcase their wares, including vintage, modern, new, and artisan-made items.

OPEN EVERY DAY

Sea Hive Marketplace

1555 SOUTH COAST HIGHWAY

OCEANSIDE, CA, 92054

760.547.5706

Experience good things in small packages at this condensed version of four Sea Hive marketplaces throughout San Diego County. The 6,000-square-foot Mission Valley store is packed with modern, artisan-made, and vintage items from 50 individual vendors, such as ItsSewBoho (pictured), creating pouches, fanny packs, scrunchies, keychains, totes, and much, much more. Wander in, feel the warm vibe and explore each display, table and nook adorned with handcrafted jewelry, art, handbags, knick-knacks and gifts for almost any occasion. Wall art, curated women’s clothing, children’s apparel, scented candles, dried flower bouquets and vases, charcuterie boards and novelty socks highlight the eclectic selection. Pop by this shopper’s paradise, also carrying seasonal decor and ready-to-wear ensembles, from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun. Sea Hive Mini

Grab an espresso or hang out while savoring specialty coffees at this sunny seaside cafe on the upper level of Carlsbad Village Faire. Enjoy fresh pastries, 100 percent natural ice cream, made-to-order sandwiches (everything from turkey & avocado to fresh veggie wraps), smoothies, cakes and pies. A favorite of locals for 28 years and a laptopper’s paradise, the shop offers free WiFi, a coffee and tea refill, and a relaxed atmosphere in which to work or play games. Welcoming staffers and outdoor seating overlooking the quaint fountain courtyard below complement the experience, making Vinaka well worth the visit. Stop by for takeout or call (760) 720-7890 for a pickup order. vinakacafe.net

Vinaka Cafe
300 Carlsbad Village Dr., Ste. 211, Carlsbad • (760) 720-7890

Start feline fine at this coffee and cat lovers’ paradise, serving up hot drinks and snacks along with playtime purrs in downtown San Diego. Guests make a reservation online for a one-hour visit with cuddly, heartwarming kitties who hang out in a bright room filled with fluffy beds, toys, cat trees and scratching posts. Admission includes a food or drink item. Once inside, patrons may pet and play with about a dozen cats or simply gaze blissfully in their direction. Most of these furry bundles of love are adoptable from The Rescue House, a nonprofit dedicated to helping homeless kitties find loving homes. The Cat Café is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Walk-in guests are accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. For a paws-itively delightful adventure, book an appointment “meow” at The Cat Café here.

302 Island Ave Suite 101, San Diego, CA 92101

catcafesd.com

Phone: (619) 786-2289