Finding Zen in San Diego

Around the 1880's San Diego became home to an influx in Japanese immigrants.  This new wave of citizens brought with them a new culture, exotic food, and a more effective way to fish, which transformed the existing fishing industry.  Today San Diego is home to a large Japanese community, and their influence can be found in our food, the arts, even landscape design.   

Sushi chefs in Japan train for years before they are allowed to prepare and serve this famous Japanese dish.  The Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park is currently running "Tokyo Fish Story," an insightful portrayal of the unique world of Japanese cuisine, where the chef is the artist.  It's the story of one of the most successful, traditional sushi chef's in Tokyo, and how he is slowly losing customers to flashier restaurants.  This modern-day fable about one's legacy and the art of perfection runs until June 26th, and tickets start at $29.  

"Mingei" is a Japanese folk art movement that started in the 1920s, and is what inspired the creation of the Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park.  For the last year and a half the museum has concentrated on folk art from around the Americas, but their latest exhibit, "Mingei of Japan," circles back to the museum's roots.  On display are treasures, both old and new, from the museum's collection, some which have never been seen before.  The exhibit celebrates the art of everyday life in Japan, from exquisitely hand-painted kimonos to one-of-a-kind baskets and pottery.  To follow along the folk art theme, there are also folk paintings depicting the animals, vegetation and people of Japan.  The exhibit closes on October 2nd, and tickets start at $7.  

Balboa Park is also home to a more permanent display of Japanese art, in the Japanese Friendship Garden.  These gardens date back to the 7th century and were found in palaces (meant for aesthetic pleasure) and Buddhist temples (used for mediation).  In Japanese rock gardens, often called "Zen" gardens, the white sand represents water and paths are carefully constructed for visitors to follow composed landscapes.  The Japanese Friendship Garden has been designed to promote serenity, contemplation and meditation.  All plants and trees have been carefully selected to thrive in the San Diego climate, and free tours are available once you enter.  Tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for military, students, and seniors, and children under 6 are free.  There are extended hours for the summer months, but check their website HERE, as the Garden will close early on certain days for events.  

For a taste of Japan, there are plenty of delectable options to chose from.  Here are some of our picks for three very different styles of Japanese food:

Sushi Ota, in Mission Bay, is famous for its authentic and locally sourced sushi and sashimi.  Regular customers can't get enough of the salmon belly and different variations of toro.  Situated in an unassuming strip mall, this small gem of a restaurant is very popular and reservations are highly recommended.  

Those who love the feel of a playful Japanese steakhouse, with entertaining chefs grilling teppanyaki cuisine, will love Fuji Japanese Steahouse & Sushi (911 Camino Del Rio S, San Diego).   Guests will feast on delicious food, enjoy the talented chefs flipping and spinning their cutlery, and rarely have to wait to be seated.  We suggest you visit soon before this local restaurant becomes more well known. 

Ramen is a staple in Japan and almost every region in the country has their own variation of the dish.  In Pacific Beach JINYA Ramen Bar will serve traditional ramen noodles topped with sliced meats, seasoned eggs and a variety of veggies.  The welcoming staff will help you with any questions you might have if you're new to this tasty noodle dish.   

Book a stay with Mission Bay Vacation Rentals and then begin exploring all the Japanese culture in San Diego.  There is plenty to do, see, and of course, eat.         

Shakespeare in San Diego

There are so many ways to spend a beautiful San Diego evening, one of which is to spend an evening out at an amazing restaurant and then at one of the greatest theaters in the county. Built in 1935 (after the Globe Theatre in London, where Shakespeare himself saw many of his plays performed), The Old Globe Theatre is a San Diego staple.  Also called the Simon Edison Centre of the Performing Arts, the beautiful tudor replica is made up of three stages, and is located in the heart of Balboa Park.  The Globe always has spectacular productions, and the next two months’ productions are going to add to its stellar reputation. 

This week, until July 26th, is the Shakespearean comedy Twelfth Night a classic tale of mixed identity, romance with a proper dose of hilarity.  This play is light-hearted fun and truly showcases ‘The Bard’s’ talent for elaborate word play.  Famed stage director Rebecca Taichman has created imaginative, modern sets that are visually stunning and will transept you to a magical world full of merry and wit. 

Starting on July 1st to August 2nd is the entertaining and uproarious Cole Porter musical, Kiss Me Kate, a modern take on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.  Filled with toe-tapping tunes, clever dialogue and lively dance numbers, this production has been newly staged by Tony award-winning director, Darko Tresnjak.  This is one of the greatest musical comedies ever staged and you won’t want to miss your chance to enjoy it.  

But, before you catch a show, you’ll want a delicious pre-theater meal and The Prado, located a short walk from the Globe, is the perfect choice.  Dine on creative small bites like the Seared American Kobe Beef Sushi Roll and entrees like the Pan Roasted Sea Bass while gazing at the Japanese Gardens.  They are known for having the prettiest outdoor dining space in San Diego. 

After the show, you might be craving something sweet, and Extraordinary Desserts (also close to the Globe) is the place to go.  Choose one of their decadent desserts like the Blueberry Cheesecake Coffee Cake, the  Salted Caramel Chocolate Tarts or the Creme Brûlée Aux Fruits Rogues — tart shells painted with white chocolate then filled with vanilla creme brûlée and topped with a fresh berry (yum!).  If you’re craving something savory, try the sea salt kettle chips or the avocado bruschetta.  They absolutely live up to their name, and they’re open until midnight on Friday and Saturday. 

If you want to grab a cocktail after the show and like to keep things very casual, then visit Nunu's, a local dive bar that’s been around for over 50 years.  This watering-hole is near the theater, always has great tunes playing, and sometimes you can catch cast members hanging out after a performance at The Old Globe.  Nunu’s is known for its cozy booths, friendly staff, and hearty bar (fried) food.  This joint isn’t fancy, but it is fun.

We can’t think of a better way to spend a night in San Diego than eating dinner al fresco, catching a play at our favorite theater, and ending the night with either dessert or hanging out with locals at an old-fashioned dive bar.  At Mission Bay Vacation Rentals we love any excuse to hop over to Balboa Park, which is just a few minutes away.  And if Shakespeare could see this Globe Theatre, we're sure he would have packed his bags and moved in a heartbeat.