By Jessica Dearborn | SDUN Reporter

University Heights is a 125-year-old community made up of historic homes, businesses old and new, and a neighborhood rich with cultural dynamics.

Alongside the long stretch of Park Boulevard are vendors and neighbors that have created a niche for themselves, defining their own, carving out that which defines them and although a part of the San Diego community at large, University Heights has established their own definition of arts, food and culture.

Beginning eight years ago, Judy Riffle, an organizer with the University Heights Arts Association, initially began this community event as an open studio to allow local artists in the area an opportunity to showcase their work in a personal way by opening their homes and studios to the public.

Five years ago, Riffle decided to combine the artist showcases with a taste event, to allow a new audience and highlight the various restaurants and other venues within the community.

Although a small locality, University Heights is filled with more than what meets the eye at a quick glance. Restaurants, art studios and coffee shops are all humbly spread up and down Park and El Cajon Boulevards that are surely missed when not looking.

“People enjoy the open studio tours and patrons have enjoyed it being a more personal experience,” Riffle explained.

A variety of established and expanding businesses participated in the day’s successful event that offered a collective of colorful and entertaining experiences.

Red House Pizza (4615 Park Blvd.)

Among the many establishments that participated was Red House Pizza, which is celebrating its second year in business. They have pizzas that are named after some of the streets in the University Heights area. One of their most popular pizzas is the Park–vegetarian pizza prepared for the most health-conscious of pizza consumers–topped with broccoli, roasted roma tomato, zucchini, caramelized onion, and olives. They also serve up a mean gluten-free variety of pizza and pasta.

Also worth mentioning is the friendly staff working that day: Upbeat server Sarah Twamley and Chef Cindi Hoang brought customer service and the pizza experience to a new plateau.

Muzita Bistro (4651 Park Blvd.)

Another restaurant that participated in the event was award winning – Muzita Bistro, which offers authentic Eritrean/Ethiopian cuisine. Their website instructs patrons to “Throw away the fork and use your hands, the traditional way! This is food and African hospitality at its best.”

This hospitable bistro offers a new experience that tenders a curious exploration into what the neighborhood has to offer.

Diversionary Theater (4545 Park Blvd. #101)

If it’s entertainment you’re looking for in University Heights, Diversionary Theatre offers a night without compromise when searching for culture. Previewing October 24 and running from November 2 through November 17 is She-Rantulas From Outer Space – in 3D. Director and co-writer Ruff Yeager describes it as, “Something to the like of the B-horror films from the 1950’s, a psychological thriller, and humorous.”

Yeager has filled many different roles in San Diego’s theater community, also working as a professor of Theater at Southwestern College. His most successful play locally has been Bronze, which won the San Diego Theater Critics Circle Award in 2006 for best new play.

“As a gay man, I enjoy being able to be creative in a place that supports that aspect of my life,” Yeager said about developing projects for Diversionary Theatre. “[It] allows creative freedom, lack of judgment, and unconditional acceptance.”

University Heights contains hidden gems and a historic culture within the entirety of all that San Diego presents. Along the streets, there are places for every palate and every walk of life, ranging from restaurants and coffee shops to art galleries. Spend a day devouring what all things old, new and eclectic that this flourishing community has to offer.

For a complete list of the vendors and artists that participated in the University Heights Arts Open – Taste of University Heights, go to: bestofuniversityheights.com.

Volunteers are what make this event successful and Riffle is always open to inquiries. Contact Riffle at [email protected] on how to volunteer. For more information on future events visit uharts.org.