The popular theme park kicks off its annual Seven Seas Craft Beer & Food Festival<\/strong> on March 7 and continues for nine consecutive weekends through May 3. It spotlights an array of global cuisines and 150 beer options of every style from nearly 30 breweries. Live entertainment across three stages is also part of the event.<\/p>\n New to this year\u2019s list of represented countries are Germany, Spain, Argentina and China. Among the dishes offered from some of those areas are bratwurst, homemade pretzels, and pork belly bao buns. In total, there are 45 food items in the lineup, served from 11 different themed areas throughout the park. Assorted wines and specialty drinks are also available.<\/p>\n Access to the festival requires regular park admission, after which food and drink samples can be purchased a la carte ($5 to $7.50 per food sample) as well as through 10- and 15-item punch cards. They cost $52 and $67 respectively.<\/p>\n In addition, SeaWorld\u2019s \u201cWaterfront\u201d area will be utilized to afford patrons additional seating for eating and drinking while enjoying views of the bay. 500 SeaWorld Drive, 619-222-4732<\/em>, seaworldsandiego.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Bay City Brewing Co.<\/strong> has opened a split-level tasting room in the East Village, where a grand opening is planned from 11 a.m. to midnight on March 16.<\/p>\n Located in an old five-level building, it occupies the ground floor and rooftop, with each of those levels offering 12 beer taps. There is also a kitchen that will make pizzas, wings, salads and breadsticks.<\/p>\n The Point Loma-based brewery was founded in 2015 by Greg Anderson and Benjamin Dubois, both originally from the Pacific Northwest. They\u2019re known for such signature beers as \u201c72 and Hoppy,\u201d \u201cFiesta Island Pils\u201d and \u201cBay City Pale Ale.\u201d 627 Eighth Ave., 619-255-4700<\/em>, baycitybrewingco.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Grabbing national honors by Nightclub & Bar<\/strong> for \u201c2020 Country Bar of the Year\u201d is Pisos Moonshine<\/strong> en el East Village.<\/p>\n The country-rock venue, which spans more than 10,000 square feet across multiple levels, was lauded by the Massachusetts-based resource organization for its \u201chigh energy\u201d and \u201cfully engaged, outgoing staff.\u201d Their specialty cocktails, tap beer list, and smoky barbecue were also cited.<\/p>\n The establishment is promoted as having San Diego\u2019s largest dance floor. Live entertainment by up-and-coming artists are also a draw. 344 Seventh Ave., 619-255-7625<\/em>, moonshineflats.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n The new Venice-themed Saltwater<\/strong> is up and running with a menu that allows guests to potentially start a meal with Osetra caviar from the Persian Sea before progressing to fresh oysters, lobster fettuccine, steaks and lamb chops.<\/p>\n Housed in a prime Gaslamp Quarter address where Blue Point Coastal Cuisine<\/strong> operated for more than two decades, Saltwater seeks to mimic the atmosphere of a yacht drifting through Venice\u2019s Grand Canal. Design details include sleek mahogany walls, faux portholes, and a marble bar.<\/p>\n The restaurant was launched by The San Diego Dining Group, which also runs other Downtown establishments such as Greystone Prime Steakhouse & Seafood, Oseteria Panevino<\/strong>, y Osetra Seafood & Steaks<\/strong>. 565 Fifth Ave., 619-525-9990<\/em>, saltwatersandiego.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n A complete $20 million renovation is slated for Hotel Solamar<\/strong> next year as the 235-room property and its anchor restaurant, jsix<\/strong>, give way to Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Paying homage to the island-escapism fantasies long promoted by singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffet, the project is being spearheaded by Pebblebrook Hotel Trust and Margaritaville Enterprises. Their promoters say the property and re-branded restaurant \u201cwill feature spaces reflecting the Margaritaville state of mind.\u201d We\u2019re told the concept will debut \u201csometime in 2021.\u201d For the time being, Jsix will remain in operation until further notice. 616 J St., 619-531-8744,<\/em> jsixrestaurant.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n A second San Diego location of Holy Paleta<\/strong> has opened in Little Italy, bringing to the neighborhood a vast variety of frozen \u201cpops\u201d inspired by the classic frozen treats found throughout Michoacan, Mexico.<\/p>\n The original shop opened last summer in Bonita. Its newest outlet, still in its soft opening, offers a larger seating area and will serve beer and wine once the license is approved. In addition, flavors unique to this location will eventually be introduced.<\/p>\n The paleta pops come in dairy and vegan varieties. Their flavors run the gamut from hibiscus-guava and tamarind to watermelon, strawberry-basil, pineapple-jalapeno and more. 2040 India St., 619-915-5366<\/em>, holypaleta.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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