Polynesian Princess, Vacation Village
Don the Beachcomber in its later incarnation as “The Polynesian Princess,” Vacation Village, Mission Bay, San Diego.
What Is Fassionola?
Learn the history of cocktails’ most mysterious ingredient, a passion fruit syrup from the 1930s that touched the lives of druggists, dancers, and dangerous mobsters.
Bowlero Bowling Alley Demolished for New Home Depot
The classic Googie-style Bowlero Bowling Center building from 1957 long stood as the Scottish Rites Event Center until recently. Once the largest bowl center on the west coast, the Skirball brothers’ Bowlero was demolished in the first weeks of July, 2024, to make way...
From the Archives: San Diego’s Neon Alley and Sailors’ Row
Along the downtown streets of San Diego during and after WWII, there were dozens of restaurants, clubs, bars, tattoo parlors — all vying for the enlisted man’s paycheck. A high concentration of them existed in what was known as “Neon Alley” or “Sailors’ Row.” Here are...
From the Archives: The South Seas Cafe, San Diego
From the Archives: Ettore Boiardi
As far as food brand mascots are concerned, did you know that Chef Hector Boyardee was a real person? Born Ettore Boiardi (1897–1985) in Piacenza, Italy, he emigrated to New York City in 1914. He eventually became Plaza Hotel’s head chef, then opened his popular...
Recipe: The Hurricane, 1930
Original Hurricane recipe. For a decade before the rum cocktail as we know it appeared in 1940, the Hurricane was a whisky-based drink!
New Book “Fassionola” Reveals Lost History of Mysterious Cocktail Ingredient
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Half Moon Inn Historic Entrance Renovated
The historic Tiki-Modern porte-cochère at the Half Moon Inn on Shelter Island, San Diego is being renovated. Its deteriorating laminated wood beams were recently damaged by a too-tall truck, requiring its removal. Preservationists and tikiphiles alike asked if it...
Town and Country Convention Center Mosaic Murals by Ben Mayer
Two midcentury glass tile mosaics celebrating San Diego history and industry are once more on display in the Town & Country Resort Convention Center. The designs have been attributed to German artist Benjamin Mayer.
Caesar’s Salad: The Myth of Giacomo Junia
The history of Caesar Salad. Many have claimed to, but who really originated Caesar’s Salad? This article focuses on the myth of Giacomo Junia.
In Remembrance: Classic San Diego Restaurant Closures in 2020
With sadness, we remember some of the classic San Diego establishments that have shuttered in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Restaurants come and go, but when a family favorite closes up, it’s almost like losing a loved one…