New, Now, Next: December

What’s New Chef JoJo Ruiz and Clique Hospitality have just opened Temaki Bar in the heart of Encinitas on South Coast Highway 101, offering handrolls, sushi, and sake. Known for upscale Serea at the Hotel del Coronado and Lionfish at The Pendry, Ruiz wanted a more casual spot that continues his commitment to seafood sourcing and sustainability that earned him kudos from the James Beard Foundation. Belly up to the bar at Temaki and order freshly made starters that include beef tataki and a tuna poke bowl, then select from ten kinds of sashimi, six cut rolls, and a dozen handrolls. My fave: Dre’s Pop N’ Rock with pop rocks, bang bang shrimp, and mango. Wash it all down with a “Sake Bomb.” Inspired by the community’s surfing roots, the colorful space features an art installation of Rob Machado Surfboards designed in collaboration with artist Todd DiCiurcio, who hand-painted murals on each wall. Temaki doesn’t take reservations, but you can add your name to an online waitlist at temakibarsushi.com or on OpenTable.   Andrea Naversen

What’s Now Celebrate the bounty of the season at Avant, Rancho Bernardo Inn’s signature restaurant, with a festive culinary experience. Helmed by Chef de Cuisine Sergio Jimenez, the tasting menu features a four-course dinner and optional wine pairings, with many of the ingredients plucked straight from the Inn’s expansive chef’s garden. Menu items include lobster bisque with marigold and tarragon, and an edible “flowerpot” filled with gnudi (gnocchi-like dumplings) topped with a bread crumb “soil” abloom with edible flowers and herbs. Savor the Snake River Farms Wagyu Zabuton with bok choy and nasturtium and save room for decadent sweet potato pie with chocolate mint and mint blossoms. Sommelier Joe Baumgardner is known for his “nose,” expertly picking perfect wine pairings, and mixologist Jason Sorge concocts creative libations. Reservations are recommended. 858.675.8500, ranchobernardoinn.com   Andrea Naversen

What’s Next Music lovers, rejoice! In February 2023, the San Diego music scene will add a world-class, 1,900-person-capacity concert venue, The Sound, with eight-time Grammy winner Ziggy Marley set to kick off the festivities with a special performance on February 3. Located at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and operated by Solana Beach-based Belly Up Entertainment, The Sound is a state-of-the-art space that adds an exciting mid-sized venue option for San Diegans. Envisioned and developed by California’s 22nd District Agricultural Association, the new venue will host an eclectic range of public and private events. Built inside the mission-styled Surfside Center on the Fairgrounds’ east side, The Sound seamlessly integrates current design into its historic architectural roots. “So many great bands have played the Belly Up throughout the years, and now The Sound provides a really cool next step for these bands as they grow,” says Steve Goldberg, co-owner of the Belly Up. Sign up for updates, show announcements, presales, and more online. thesoundsd.com   Mia Park

NTC Foundation has announced its partnership with Cygnet Theatre in the renovation of historic Naval Building 178 at Arts District Liberty Station, which will become The Joan and Irwin Jacobs
Performing Arts Center, and Cygnet Theatre’s permanent home. The building will be renovated for adaptive reuse — a $38.9 million project brought to life with the unique partnership between both organizations as well as generous lead donors including Joan and Irwin Jacobs, for whom the performing arts center is named. The project will restore historic elements of the building and integrate two state-of-the-art theatres and support spaces, among other enhancements. Currently at 77 percent of the fundraising goal, NTC Foundation and Cygnet Theatre is seeking philanthropic community support to fulfill the remainder of the necessary funds to complete the project. The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center is slated to open in late 2024. building178.org   Mia Park