Spent yesterday wandering the streets of downtown la jolla with a good friend. We checked out local artists, met lots of pets up for adoption, people watched, listened to live music, sampled food and wine, and contributed to our local public schools.

The festival is still going on again today, and repeats every year, so there’s still time for you to enjoy.

Here are a few of our favs from the day.

Wandering around the art tents we found a fun little spot run by minute maid and got to sample their agua fresca. Strawberry. Which I really loved, and immediately started composing a sangria around it. So there’s that.

Once in the beer and wine garden, I found some bubbles. There wasn’t any info about the winery they were from; just some info about gifts, so that was a bummer. They were light and crisp and not overly sweet.

Tried some really good anejo from solento. Really enjoyed it. I would have liked to get more of a flavor profile, but they literally only gave you a splash, so it was hard to come up with an idea of what to do with it. But I do think it would pair really well both inside a carnitas recipe and alongside it.

Found so more minute maid. This time we went with the mango. Also excellent. But I still prefer the strawberry.

By far my favorite taste of the day, was this margarita from puesto. That might be due to my current obsession with all things watermelon, but regardless, I’m going to head over there next week to get my fill… and some tacos too, obvs.

We found this excellent ceviche from take the bait seafood bar. Super fresh ingredients, and a generous portion for the ticket.

We were disappointed in the lack of food availible in the beer and wine garden over all. Many of the restaurants that were advertised were nowhere to be found. Perhaps they will be there today. Since you had to purchase tickets to enter, and if you didn’t drink, and wanted to enjoy the music, you were paying for nothing if you couldn’t also use your tickets for food. More food booths would definitely be a positive addition for next years event.

Found another sparkling. This time a prosecco rose varietal. Also delish. I believe this was from LJ crafted wines.

Went back for a second class of sparkling rose, but they were all out.

However… they had an excellent bottled aperol spritz. Which I actually enjoyed more than a non-bottled version, it was less anise heavy, and definitely spritzier.

We tried surfwater, which was an interesting ph balanced water, in a recyclable, reusable container. It was also perfect for the amount of heat we were experiencing.

All in all, it was a great afternoon.