New, Now, Next: October

What’s New Fresco Cocina, the much anticipated second offering from restaurateur Linda DiNitto, has hired powerhouse chef Chris Idso to helm the kitchen. Located in the heart of Carlsbad Village, Fresco Cocina is a culinary homage to DiNitto’s cultural roots. Born in Venezuela to Italian parents, she successfully curated a concept and space that felt truly authentic to her Italian background in her first Carlsbad restaurant, 264 Fresco. “My restaurants are a direct reflection of my culture and experiences,” says DiNitto. Executive Chef Idso brings decades of experience to Fresco Cocina’s kitchen, with previous posts at Pacifica Del Mar, Water Grill, and Estancia La Jolla. His fresh and playful menu draws inspiration from Latin America’s vibrant cuisine with dishes from Peru, Venezuela, Brazil, and Uruguay such as small plates (Braised Short Rib Empanadas, Venezuelan Tequeños, Shrimp & Octopus Cocktail) and larger plates that highlight bold flavors found in traditional Latin dishes (Whole Roasted Huachinango Veracruz, Peruvian Lomo Saltado, Roasted Chilean Seabass Pibil). frescococina.com

Wine lovers, rejoice! Carruth Cellars has returned to Little Italy with a new tasting room at the boutique Carté Hotel. Steps from the Embarcadero waterfront, the new tasting room offers Carruth’s award-winning California-style wines with a menu featuring the winery’s signature customizable cheese flights and exclusive Carté Hotel menu items such as Ahi Poke, Cacio E Pepe, and the Carté Burger. carruthcellars.com

What’s Now Outdoor enthusiasts once again have the rare opportunity to take a stroll on the iconic Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier as part of the 2022-2023 Outdoor Adventures programming at Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. During Sunset Pier Walks, guests will join Birch Aquarium naturalists on an exclusive walking tour of Scripps Pier — normally closed to the public — to learn about fieldwork being conducted by Scripps Oceanography researchers. The 90-minute tour features hands-on science stations where participants can scoop up plankton, examine samples under the microscope, dissect a squid, and learn about local shark research. Sunset Pier Walks run on select Saturdays and Sundays through November 5. Look for more outdoor excursions, including Tidepooling Adventures, to follow in the coming months. birchaquariumprograms.com

In the Valle de Guadalupe in Baja, Nancy Silverton, renowned chef and event founder/host, will be joined by Rick Bayless, Aarón Sánchez, Gabriela Cámara, Ori Menashe, Burt Bakman, Neal Fraser, Frank Ostini, David Castro Hussong, and many of the biggest culinary talents in Mexico on October 22-23 when the Valle Food & Wine Festival returns. The two-day feast will take place at Bruma to celebrate the unique Mexican wine region, support the local community through charitable contributions, and welcome food and wine lovers to experience local food, wine, art, and culture. Each day features approximately 25 chefs and 20 winemakers. In addition to the food, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy craft brews, artisan cocktails, art, live music, and more. vallefoodandwinefest.com

Mindful of our collective global future, EcoFest Encinitas is back on October 9 from 10am to 4pm at Cottonwood Creek Park. This free family-oriented event will include recycled art, poetry, project displays by local school districts, a bike rodeo, and more. Electric cars and traditional and e-bikes will be available for test rides and on display with a bike valet that will offer parking for attendees. Acclaimed Lama Monk Tashi Norbu will share a moment of peace while creating original artwork for EcoFest and reciting mantras with singer Michael Pascal. The event will be rounded out with local food, music, and a Libations Lounge with Pure Project, California Wild Ales, Burgeon Beer Company, Black Plague, and more. ecofestencinitas.net

What’s Next Del Mar’s beloved Beeside Balcony is readying for the debut of a new location in La Jolla slated for later this month. The 2,400-square-foot space previously home to Sushi on the Rock will dazzle diners with creations by Executive Chef/Owner Christophe Cevasco, a third generation chef of Spanish and Italian descent with four decades of cooking experience in restaurants around the world including Le Cirque, Eiffel Tower, and Valentino’s in Las Vegas and locally as a managing partner of Eddie V’s Prime Seafood in La Jolla before opening his own Beeside Balcony and Cevasco’s concepts in Del Mar. “It’s time I come back to La Jolla,” says Cevasco. “The ocean views put together with exceptionally tasty dishes are sure to satisfy locals and visitors alike. I feel very fortunate to be able to bring Beeside down to La Jolla and I know the team is looking forward to it.” beesidebalcony.com