There are several new happening spots in the 92101 ZIP code. Here are two that are worth checking out this holiday season. The scene in Little Italy is about to get more colorful with the opening of UnderBelly. The unusual name is a tribute to traditional Japanese ramen houses, specifically paying homage to the prized porcine underbelly cut, favored by Tokyo’s revered gods of ramen. The happy hours have a great deal for beer lovers. From 4 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, the local draft beers are buy one, get one free. The creative juices behind this new addition come from Consortium Holdings, best known for bringing us a number of other downtown eclectic spots like Neighborhood, Craft & Commerce, Noble Experiment and El Dorado. Although there are countless varieties of ramen noodles served throughout the world, each is traceable to one of four basic foundations — and as such, three to four regional options (always including a vegan alternative) will be available along with assorted toppings, pork buns, gyoza and light appetizers. One of the walls at UnderBelly features a 15-foot living version of Andy Warhol’s portrait of Mao Zedong, created by Black Lotus using more than 3,200 individually planted succulents. In an era where large plasma TV screens can be found at most bars, the owners of UnderBelly say they’re trying to swim upstream. Their philosophy is that a space should inspire conversation and foster charisma, thoughtful dialogue and ideas. We’re looking forward to warming up a cool night with this new dining adventure! At the recently unveiled Hotel Palomar, Saltbox Dining & Drinking is an innovative, gastro-lounge located at 1047 Fifth Ave. City dwellers may recognize this address as the former Suite & Tender at the Se San Diego. Led by executive chef Simon Dolinky, this chic restaurant has a fun, approachable feel that’s all about sharing. “Our dishes are meant to be shared and encourage interaction and conversation. The cocktails work in tandem with the food to enhance the overall dining experience,” said Dolinky. Foodies will enjoy Dolinky’s appreciation for local San Diego purveyors and farm-fresh ingredients. Some of the standout dishes we sampled include the Brussels sprout salad, shrimp ceviche tacos and the short rib grilled cheese featuring manchego cheese and sauce piquante. One of our favorite dishes was the lobster corn dogs — the perfect blend of fresh lobster flavor combined with a sweet and crunchy corn-breaded exterior complemented with a tasty homemade ginger remoulade. After guests wrap up dinner, they can always head downstairs to Saltbox Lounge featuring an impressive cocktail list that runs the gamut from Prohibition-era classics to Saltbox originals. ¡Queremos escuchar de ti! Another hidden gem in Little Italy is Kettner Nights, the bi-monthly popular art walk event that takes guests through the businesses and studios on Kettner Boulevard. This month, the event will be held Nov. 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. Take a creative photo with you and one of the artists in a freeze-frame action or dance pose. The best picture wins two tickets to a Downtown Amazing Race/ Scavenger Hunt and a guided hike through the canyons near Bankers Hill and Balboa Park. Email us your photos at [email protected] — Marc & Darlynne Menkin are the co-owners of Where You Want To Be Tours. Many of their tours and teambuilding scavenger hunts feature secret Downtown areas. www.wheretours.com.