Culture Check #002

Bar at Yu Me Ya Sake House, Encinitas

Place setting at Yu Me Ya Sake House, Encinitas

It's about time for another Culture Check! People are already starting to think about Spring and Summer, and there are tons of local San Diego events to check out. So here we go....

I think I'll start off with a new social event in town. El Take It Easy is teaming up with City Beat to start up a series of movie days that are centered around food. That's right: movies AND food! There's NO admission, so just bring enough money for a few afternoon beers and some yummy snacks :) This all takes place at El Take It Easy every Saturday in February at 2:00pm. Get more event info here and here.

While we're talking about food, I'm going to take the chance to introduce a sake house that I went to not too long ago and enjoyed. City Beat just happened to do a piece on them. It's called Yu Me Ya Sake House in Encinitas. The place is tiny. very tiny. So go early or be prepared to wait! The food was delicious, but what I liked most was the atmosphere. Very cozy! See City Beat's full review here.

So maybe you're not in the mood for going out for full meals (gasp!). Introducing... POP Thursdays at MOPA. You won't find burritos or sushi rolls here, but there is a cocktail hour to keep your belly happy :) Once you've had a few drinks and strolled through the open photo galleries, head into the theater for the main event screening. The next POP Thursday is on February 17th, where Easy Rider will be screened at 8:00pm (cocktail hour starts at 7:00pm). Get more info here.

Now that you're belly is full, you're drunk, and you've had your fill of movies, get intellectual! If you always thought that design and science were completely unrelated fields, check out the ANFA Interfaces lecture series. This 3-part lecture series looks at the connections between Neuroscience and Architecture. All lectures are free and open to the public! The first one is on March 2 at 6:00pm at Museum of Contemporary Art in SD. Get more info here.

Now, it's not my favorite "holiday", but I can't ignore Valentine's Day. So here are a couple of quick ideas:
If you have someone to cuddle up and celebrate with, why not FEEL your way through dinner?! Get your minds out of the gutter... I'm talking about Dining In the Dark! I haven't tried this yet, but it seems like a fun and totally unique way to have dinner out. While there are places all over the country that host these events, The US Grant Hotel hosts it in San Diego. Get more info here.

Are you anti Valentine's Day and looking for a way to celebrate your singlehood?? You're in luck! Head over to Proper Gastro Pub on the 14th for a celebration of non-commitment. Among their drink specials is (my favorite) the "Screw U Driver". Special deals for those that wear black or bring in a picture of an ex. :) Get more info here.

One closing thought... don't forget that it's Museum Month in San Diego! Grab a free card at Macy's to receive 50% off over 40 museums throughout the city. Get full info here.

Ok, lots of events are going on, so get out there and get cultured!
:-)

~n