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Beeside Balcony's La Jolla location recently rebranded its speakeasy to The Honey Pot Lounge. Transitioning away from a bar speakeasy toward more of an exclusive lounge setting, The Honey Pot Lounge offers an array of honey-based cocktails and food, along with a live DJ every Friday and Saturday night. All cocktails are made with honey harvested from Chef/Owner Christophe Cevasco's bee farm in Vista, while the food menu consists of the Bee's Cheese Plate, Chicken Lollipops with tzatziki sauce, Steak Skewers with a balsamic reduction, Meatballs, Petite Beet Salad, Berry Bleu Salad, Filet Sliders, Truffle Fries, and Oysters Cote D'Azur made with wilted arugula, garlic, feta cheese, Pernod cream sauce, shallots, lemon, and herb breadcrumbs. Fitstop La Jolla recently opened at 7547 Girard Avenue. Owned by husband and wife team Cassie and Ryan Gans, the Fitstop method combines strength training, functional fitness, and conditioning in a class-with-coach format that teaches members "how to gain strength, how to record their progress and how to always keep getting better every day," Cassie says. Members participate in the 50-minute classes in small groups or pairs, cycling through demo, group warmup, workout, and cool-down components. Steps away, Soul Plunge, offering cold plunges, sauna services, yoga, and breathwork, is scheduled to open this month at 7463 Girard Aveue. "Cold plunging has been studied for the physical effects on the immune system and muscle recovery, but the mental health benefits are just now being researched," says Mia Heck, who co-founded the business with her husband, Matt. "When you cold plunge, your body releases hormones and dopamine like when you work out. That can be a reset button for your mental health." L55 Tacos, a new concept from Frank Vizcarra, founder of Michelin Bib Gourmand-honored Lola 55, will also open this month, at Westfield UTC. The 2,800-square-foot restaurant will serve Lola 55's burritos, bowls, and salads, and a new lineup of gourmet tacos created by chef Daniel Soto, formerly of two Michelin-Starred Pujol in Mexico City. What's Now Ambrogio by Acquerello has become the first San Diego County restaurant this year to earn entry to the California Michelin Guide. The 30-seat restaurant was co-founded in fall 2022 by Milan-born San Diegans Andrea Burrone and Giacomo Pizzigoni, who co-own the popular local chain of Ambrogio15 pizzerias, and chef-partners Silvio Salmoiraghi and Choi Cheolhyeok, who helm the Michelin-Starred Acquerello restaurant near Milan. The all-Italian chef team at the Fay Avenue restaurant re-create the artful dishes that earned Acquerello a Michelin Star, but the dishes often feature California produce, seafood, and other fresh ingredients. Buy tickets now for "Currents," The Gala at MCASD on September 7, taking place at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla and expected to sell out. Attendees will have the opportunity to bid on a one- of-a-kind custom-matched pair of 10-carat each mint tourmaline cushion drop earrings set in 18-karat gold with white and natural colored diamonds. Donated by John Matty Co., the earrings are valued at $30,000. What's Next The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival will return to the heart of La Jolla Village September 28 to 29 for its 16th year, showcasing regional and international fine art, exquisite wines, craft beer, and spirits — all complemented by a family-friendly atmosphere and a commitment to community enrichment. More than 160 artists will present their works in a diverse array of mediums, including painting, sculpture, jewelry design, fine glass, ceramics, woodwork, mixed media, and photography. This year's featured artist is Roy Kerckhoffs, a renowned photographer and mixed media artist whose work highlights the beauty that exists in human-made wooden, concrete, and steel structures contrasting with soft organic forms from nature. An all-star lineup of live entertainment and music will keep the energy high throughout the weekend, with dance performances, interactive installations, a two-day silent auction, and pet adoption stations. Proceeds from the event will support the San Diego Unified School District, helping to fund essential programs and initiatives. MIA PARK AMBROGIO BY ACQUERELLO: PHOTO BY VINCENT KNAKAL L55 TACOS: PHOTO BY KIMBERLY MOTOS FITSTOP LA JOLLA: ELIZABETH O'GUIN PHOTOGRAPHY BEESIDE BALCONY: PHOTO COURTESY OF BLACK X MARKETING Fitstop La Jolla Beeside Balcony L55 Tacos John Matty Co. Ambrogio by Acquerello @ranchandcoast RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE AUGUST 2024 45