Tattoos, Tacos & Women Taking Over

READER’S RECS

Welcome to Reader's Recommendations, where our community of food-loving locals share their favorite hidden gems, must-try spots, and neighborhood staples that make our city's culinary landscape truly special. Whether you are new to San Diego or you've been eating your way through the 619 since birth, this column is your chance to discover (or rediscover) San Diego through the taste buds of your neighbors who know where the good stuff is hiding. Here’s this week’s picks I’ve chosen:

• From David → Sandbox 🍕 Catch a sports game and grab some pizza/wings!

• From Joyce → Alexanders 🍝 For my Italian lovers.

• From Courtney → Monarch 🍸 Popular during sunset. Nice outdoor patio spot.

• From Abby → Puesto 🌮 Critically acclaimed tacos & great service!

• From Chris → Lucy Ethiopian 🇪🇹 A hidden gem everyone should try.

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THE DIGEST

International Women’s Month: 5 Women-Led Businesses to Support!

San Diego stands at the forefront of female entrepreneurship, with California leading the nation in women-owned businesses. This International Women's Month, Area 619 is spotlighting five exceptional women-led ventures that exemplify the innovative spirit and determination driving our local economy. By supporting these businesses, readers can make a meaningful impact while discovering some of San Diego County's hidden gems.

Dudley’s Bakery

Lydia Bilic exemplifies how women business leaders often approach success not just as profit-makers but as community caretakers, making Dudley's more than a destination for exceptional breads and pastries—it's a testament to how female entrepreneurship can nourish both body and community spirit.

Nahomie’s Cafe & Deli

When faced with the choice between launching her dream business and caring for her mother during illness, Nahomie's Cafe & Deli founder Lizzette Amaya demonstrated the profound balance of priorities that defines many women entrepreneurs' journeys. This Nayarit, Mexico native—who already co-owns a successful La Mesa restaurant with her husband—finally opened her National City sandwich, wrap, and coffee haven in August 2024.

Mujeres Brew House

All women leadership team led by Carmen Velasco-Favela. It’s a celebration of women in a traditionally male-dominated industry and their brewery highlights cultural heritage.

Daydream Escondio

At Daydream Escondido, Mei Bautista has cultivated more than just a boutique—she's created a vibrant marketplace where local artists and creators flourish under her visionary leadership!

Lucky Cat Tattoo

In North Park's vibrant arts district, Lucky Cat Tattoo stands as a powerful testament to diversity in entrepreneurship, founded and operated by women, queer individuals, and people of color who've created an inclusive sanctuary for self-expression. Lucky Cat reimagines spaces where art, identity, and community intersect to create something truly transformative.

WHATS HAPPENIN’

• Casa Familiar, Thursday 3/6 🌶️ I can't wait to stuff my face with tamales while my mind gets blown at Casa Familiar's 18th annual International Women's Day Exhibition today, where over 30 brilliant female artists will prove the future is female and absolutely delicious.

• Casa de Pico, Thursday 3/6 🌴 I'm already drooling at the thought of Casa de Pico's Patrón Tequila dinner today, where $65 buys you four boozy beverages and a three-course Mexican feast that'll have you saying "one more shot" faster than you can lick the salt off your margarita glass.

• Seaworld Seven Seas Food Fest, Friday 3/7  🐳 Dive into SeaWorld's Seven Seas Food Festival where your taste buds can travel the globe without needing a passport.

• Motown, Friday 3/7 🎵 I'm ready to get my groove on at CCAE Theatricals' "Motown: The Groove That Changed America" where powerhouse singers and a 20-piece orchestra will have me belting out Supremes lyrics like I'm Diana Ross herself.

• Eric Bellinger @ House of Blues, Friday 3/7 🎵 Catch world renowned R&B singer Eric Bellinger at the House of Blues this Friday. Doors open at 8 pm.

• San Diego Seals vs Vancouver Warriors, Friday 3/7 🥅 Grab a hotdog and enjoy a fun lacrosse game at Pechanga Arena at 7:30 pm.

• Gaylord Pacific Convention Center Career Fair, Friday 3/7 💼 Over 800 positions up for grabs across guest services, restaurants, housekeeping, and more. The hiring extravaganza kicks off at Southwestern College's Library.

• North Park Vegan Market, Saturday 3/8 🥦 Over 60 diverse vendors offering a wide range of plant-based foods, including pizza, burgers, sushi, donuts and more at North Park Mini Park starting at 12 pm.

• Stone’s International Women’s Day Beer Dinner, Saturday 3/8 🍻 Celebrate International Women's Day the right way at Stone Brewing's Liberty Station feast this Saturday, where $85 gets you plenty of duck carnitas and craft beer.

• LCD Soundsystem, Saturday 3/8 🎹 Dust off your indie dance moves and head to Gallagher Square this Saturday where LCD Soundsystem will make you feel simultaneously cool and old while you pretend to know all the lyrics to their new single "x-ray eyes".

• Stavros Halkias, Saturday 3/8  😂 See Greek comedy legend Stavros Halkias bring his infectious cackle to the Civic Theatre this Saturday, where $49 buys you a front-row seat to watch a man who somehow makes juvenile humor feel like high art.

• WNDR After Dark, Saturday 3/8 🖼️ Support the sisterhood at WNDR Museum's International Women's Day market this Saturday, where $32 gets you live art, vinyl beats, and shopping from female-owned businesses.

• Hot Chocolate 15K/10K/5K, Sunday 3/9 🍫 I’m lacing up my running shoes for the Hot Chocolate Run this weekend where I'll be pretending the $73 registration fee is for the race and not just an elaborate excuse to inhale chocolate fondue at 9 a.m.

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