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The best in entertainment, attractions, shopping and dining

The Far East meets West at the Convoy District’s clever new watering hole: Realm of the 52 Remedies—an Asian-inspired, 1920s-style speakeasy offering craft cocktails and Korean and Chinese-infused small plates. Designed by Michael Soriano, “the Realm” is tucked inside Common Theory gastropub. Step through a stark white room resembling a futuristic Asian apothecary, which leads guests through an enchanting corridor and unfolds into an opulent oasis of glittering silk lanterns, a glowing jade bar, private seating in the shape of a giant lotus flower, and earthy wood and foliage accents. The drink menu is sectioned by “Recipes for Your Ailments” with creative concoctions such as the Jade Empress and Troubled Empire; and “Modern Remedies Around the World.” Or go traditional with “Prescriptions From the Old Days,” offering classics such as the Manhattan. To eat: lobster croquettes, quail knots, fried eggplant with jalapeño, crispy sunchokes and local veggie crudite. 4805 Convoy St., Kearny Mesa, 858.256.0441

Unbeatable bay views and beloved chefs form the foundation of Vistal, the much-anticipated culinary flagship of the new InterContinental San Diego hotel. Nestled on the third floor of the 400-room hotel, the spacious restaurant radiates a contemporary, oceanchic vibe—complete with a 30-seat bar, an expansive dining terrace overlooking the waterfront, a palette of light wood finishes and cool blue hues, and sea life-inspired artwork. In the kitchen, noted chefs Paul McCabe (Kitchen 1540) and Amy DiBiase (Tidal) have created a refined, seafood-heavy coastal menu, highlighted by hyper-local catches and produce (read: menu subject to change accordingly). Recent offerings have included pickled black cod, garlic-butter ahi belly, sheep’s milk ricotta gnudi with local lobster, Salmon Wellington and crispy-skin white sea bass. For an added treat, reserve the 14-seat chef’s table near the kitchen, which offers large exhibition windows—perfect for peeping the chefs working their magic. 901 Bayfront Court, third floor, downtown, 619.535.0485

Another culinary foray anchored at the InterContinental San Diego hotel, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse is a $10 million, two-story stunner. It’s the upscale chain’s first San Diego location, and no expense was spared—from the jaw-dropping glass chandeliers and light fixtures, to the glass-enclosed wine wall, to the million-dollar San Diego bay views from the upstairs dining room and ground-level dining patio. With Executive Chef Brian Christman helming the kitchen, expect a refined steakhouse experience—premium seafood, hand-cut steaks and sommelier-paired wines from a vast vino inventory. To start, the jumbo lump crab cake with Cajun-lobster cream sauce is perfection; as is the seared wagyu beef carpaccio. Steaks include a 45-day dry-aged prime rib-eye and Japanese A5 wagyu. Or opt for broiled lobster tail carved tableside, Ora king salmon with crab hash, or the daily fresh catch. The warm banana bread pudding makes for a sweet finish. 901 Bayfront Court, Suite 105, 619.272.5060

Mission Federal ArtWalk celebrates 35 years of making fine art accessible.

What began as a modest art fair in 1984 has flourished into the largest fine art festival in Southern California—showcasing more than 350 local, national and international artists. Celebrating its 35th anniversary, Mission Federal ArtWalk will draw more than 120,000 locals and visitors to Little Italy, April 27-28, when artists will present every medium—painting, sculpture, photography, jewelry, glass, metal, woodwork, drawing and more. Guests can meet the artists and enjoy a host of festivities, including interactive art installations, street art, live music and dance performances, food vendors and kids’ activities. New this year, ArtWalk has partnered with Rerip— an outfit that repurposes surfboards—to create a fundraising art project for Art- Walk’s nonprofit partner ArtReach, which provides art education in schools across San Diego County. ArtWalk artists, along with musician Jason Mraz, will transform surfboards provided by Rerip into works of art that will be auctioned off at the festival. Another highlight this year: the “Ocean Tunnel”—a 120-foot-long walk-through tunnel at the Piazza della Famiglia, created by students at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography. Masterpieces abound this year. April 27-28, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., India Street, between Fir and Beech streets, Little Italy, artwalksandiego.org

Theatre Box adds some Hollywood movie magic—and a sugar rush—to the Gaslamp.

A prime piece of Gaslamp Quarter real estate is buzzing once again. Shuttered in early 2016, the landmark movie theater long known locally as the Pacific Gaslamp 15 (and then Reading Cinemas) has reopened as Theatre Box—a stunning, 73,000-square-foot entertainment complex. Those who remember the old theater will be amazed by its monumental makeover. The modern venue looks and feels very “Hollywood glamor”—housing TCL Chinese Theatre's first luxury dine-in-cinema, with eight state-of-the-art movie theaters complete with reclining leather seats; Sugar Factory American Brasserie restaurant and bar; a candy shop with 450 types of confections; a gelato bar and cafe; and the Chocolate Lounge eatery and cocktail/dessert bar. (Opening late spring: rapper Pitbull’s iLov305 Rooftop Bar & Garden; and Nick Cannon’s Wild ’N Out Sport Bar & Arcade.)

True to its name, the 14,000- square-foot Sugar Factory boasts a menu designed for the die-hard sweet tooth—themed cocktails and goblets rimmed with candy, “insane milkshakes,” sundaes, banana splits, hot chocolate and dessert coffee drinks, chocolate fondue and more. For groups who really want to splurge: Sugar Factory’s famous King Kong Sundae, priced at $99, serves 12 people. It’s a true beast—made with a whopping 24 scoops of ice cream covered in dark chocolate, caramel and strawberry sauces; caramelized banana; marshmallows; chocolate chip cookie chunks; a whole glazed donut; a red velvet cupcake; white chocolate strawberry curls; gummy bears; Reese’s Pieces; Oreo cookie crumbs; rainbow and chocolate sprinkles; graham cracker crumbles; waffle cones; unicorn pops; candy necklaces; whipped cream; gummy cherries; and sparklers. There’s savory fare, too, including sliders, salads, gourmet sandwiches, “monster burgers,” entrees such as steak frites and chicken ‘n’ waffles; plus a full brunch menu served daily until 4 p.m.

The Theatre Box cinemas—showing the latest mainstream movie releases—also feature dine-in food and cocktail menus. Afterward, enjoy an actual tower of brownies and a nightcap in the Chocolate Lounge. Willy Wonka has nothin’ on this whimsical den of decadence. Care for a milkchocolate-dipped Mudslide Martini, anyone? 701 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, theatrebox.com