Events – Page 5 – Island Girl

Caught on Camera: Coronado Art Walk

The Coronado Art Walk didn’t fail to impress. I loved checking out the new artists and enjoyed seeing my old favs. From jewelry to photography, from pottery to paintings, I felt instantly inspired to revamp our art collection and add some new pieces.

It was a toasty 80 degrees out, but that didn’t stop art-lovers and Sunday-strollers from meandering and lingering. Here are a few of my favorite stops.

I absolutely love the surf-inspired art by Joe Vickers. Lots of simple, calming waves and happy, perky beach scenes. The artist says he specializes in acrylic and watercolor over wood (I hope I got that right.)

Check out the whale and the surfer girl below. We need that whale! (The pics below are from Joe’s website, and you’ll see the artist at work.)

I also loved the work by Josh Serafin, below. Lots of surf and island-inspired scenes (are you sensing a theme here?) He specializes in an ancient art form called reverse painting, where the artist applies paint on the back of a sheet of glass, each piece taking weeks or months to finish.

You can get up close and personal with Josh’s art at his website at http://www.artbyserafin.com.

I also enjoyed chatting with Carol Alway who does custom pet portraits. I fell in love with her “Party Pug” (how could you not?) I asked her if she ever paints deceased pets, because I’m in need of a “Party Pekingese.” She says much of the work she does is portraits of dead pets! Who knew. All you have to do is pick a size and email your pet’s photo to her, and she does the rest.

There were far, far too many artist booths to visit with each one individually but everyone had something unique. Please enjoy the rest of the pictures. And if you missed it this year, make sure to come to Coronado Art Walk 2018!

Thanks for reading!

Caught on Camera: Diamonds Are Forever Coronado Schools Foundation Benefit & Auction

Shadow dancers, ice luges and Bond girls…oh my! There was no shortage of sizzle at this year’s 007-themed CSF gala. My only question…how will they top it next year? Check out the pics.

Caught on Camera: Taste of Coronado!

Taste of Coronado was amazing as always! We started at Il Fornaio at 5pm sharp and hit almost every participating restaurant and store from the Ferry Landing to 10th Street. And we didn’t lose a single friend along the way! Take a look.

Nighty-night!

Day Drinkers, Behold! First Annual “Spirits by the Bay Festival” Haunts the Ferry Landing this Saturday

He drinks a whiskey drink…he drinks a vodka drink…

Looking for something to do this weekend? A “spirited,” social event that incorporates the explosive combination of day drinking, mingling and live music? Look no further. The first annual “Spirits by the Bay” Festival comes to the Ferry Landing this Saturday, showcasing San Diego’s finest handmade concoctions from local distilleries. Sounds like a Beer by the Bay, but with hard alcohol. Sold!

“You won’t find any commercial spirits like Captain Morgan or Tito’s vodka here,” claims the event’s website. “The Spirits by the Bay Festival features a wide range of hand-made whiskey, vodka, gin rum, and much more from a variety of local producers.”

Revelers will enjoy sweeping Bay front scenery, awesome live music, nibbles from local restaurants and big plates from food trucks. And don’t forget the sips and samples from local distilleries!

The event runs 1-5pm, with early noon access for VIP ticket holders. Online ticket prices start at $45 and go up to $65 for a VIP ticket. (Ticket prices are higher at the door so be sure to get your tickets in advance!)

Put on by the San Diego Distiller’s Guild and Hearts for San Diego, this event won’t leave you stone-cold sober, so be sure to plan an Uber!

See the website for ticket sales info and more details.

What’s Cooking at Taste of Coronado

I spy with my little eye…bruschetta from Il Fornaio!

Baby sitter? Booked. Tickets? Bought ‘em a week ago. Game plan? Start at the Ferry Landing and work our way south. (Or is it West? Who cares. There’s food!)

It’s that time of year again! Thanks to the ladies of the Junior Women’s Club, Taste of Coronado is ALMOST upon us! (The event is Wednesday, Oct 11^th from 5pm to 9pm.)

We caught up with Jessica Cunningham and Renee Nutter, co-chairs of the event, for the skinny on the big night. Here’s what they had to say.

First off, big news! According to Jessica, there are some brand, spankin’ new stops featured on this year’s “Taste.” This includes the always-exquisite Primavera, (winner of a 2017 “Diner’s Choice” Award from Open Table, grazie!)

We’ll also sample choice bites and nibbles from new hotspot Maretalia (in Vigaluci’s former space) and tempting morsels from the yet-to-be-opened West Pac Noodle Bar (both from Blue Bridge.) And Firefly, home to delicious, artisan pizzas, is buzzing back on the tour!

Look at all the stops! JUST LOOK AT THEM.

But wait…do I smell hops? Something else is brewing. “Blue Bridge is going to feature beer pairings at all their stops,” says Renee. Cheers to that!

Speaking of adult beverages.

“The Tavern is doing drinks,” says Renee. “How does this sound for delicious? Lavender lemonade with Green Mark vodka, house-infused lavender syrup and fresh lemon. They’re also doing the Smoke & Honey…Monkey Shoulder scotch, Xicaru Mezcal, fresh lemon and honey comb.”

Can’t wait to try that one! But what about the food? Which dining stops are we looking forward to the most?

“Il Fornaio is always a favorite, the fried chicken at Claytons, and you can’t miss the bonbons at Mootime,” says Jessica. “I can’t wait to see what the Brig is doing. Actually, a lot of the restaurants are coming up with something new this year, and my mouth is watering thinking about it all!”

We really loved the complimentary trolley last year. Will it be back?

“Yes,” says Jessica. “Three trolleys will be consistently flowing, and we’ve made sure that one is ADA complaint.”

And what event is complete without live music? Turns out Midlife Crisis will be playing at McPs so we can dance off all the carbs. Music to our ears!

“Each year Taste of Coronado gets better and better,” says Jessica. “We still have stops that have been with us from the first year—we are on our eighth year now. Each year there are more choices, better options and a great atmosphere that really showcases our beautiful island.”

Usually need to unbutton my jeans at this point.

The best part? Taste of Coronado won’t take a bite out of your wallet. Tickets are only $45 ($50 the day of) and proceeds go to charity. (This year it’s the Junior Achievement of San Diego County.)

See you on the trolley!