San Diego | plants

dining
athens market taverna
inexpensive, (619) 234-1955.
join the secretaries and stock­brokers on their lunch breaks at this downtown find serving up convincing greek goods like stuffed grape leaves and moussaka.

broken yolk cafe
inexpensive, (858) 270-0045.
put away the camera so you won’t look like a tourist at this casual, primarily local hangout. in addition to the usual breakfast and lunch offerings are the standout create-your-own four-egg omelets.

chive
moderate, (619) 232-4483.
a contemporary, urban vibe pervades this eatery in the popular gaslamp quarter, including menu items such as hudson valley foie gras and niman ranch pork porterhouse. we try to save some calories for dessert, particularly ones like the fresh strawberry tart with basil-scented cream and pistachio gelato.

attractions
cabrillo national monument
(619) 557-5450.
this scenic coastal park boasts a panoramic view of the san diego skyline. in january and february, you can often spot migrating pacific gray whales.

quail botanical gardens
(760) 436-3036.
the rolling hills of encinitas are a perfect backdrop for the garden’s approximately 4,000 species of rare and endangered plants from around the globe.

san diego museum of art
(619) 232-7931. outdoors there’s a fabulous sculpture garden, indoors a notable collection of spanish baroque and renaissance paintings, as well as asian artifacts, contemporary california art, and more.

nightlife
jimmy love’s
(619) 595-0123.
one of the city’s largest clubs, spanning two floors of a beau­tifully restored 125-year-old space, jimmy love’s features live entertainment nightly.