About San Diego's Embarcadero - Downtown San Diego

The Embrace of the "Kiss"

The work " Unconditional Surrender" known simply as the "Kiss" is by Stewart Johnson II and is based on the famous photo by Alfred Eisenstadt taken in Times Square on August 14,1945, the day Japan announced it's surrender.

This 25 foot foam-urethane statue that is in need of repair will be returned to the foundation that sponsored it's creation.

The statue is very popular with San Diego citizens and tourists alike and the consensus of the San Diego Unified Port District's Art Committee voted to remove this piece by the end of May this year and replace it with a permanent bronze painted version by the end of the year if the funds can be raised by supporters for the project.

San Diego's North Embarcadero Promenade Park

Even with the recession, San Diego is on move to greatly improve the accessibility of the waterfront. The 1st phase of new Embarcadero plan is now under construction. This new waterfront park is expected to be completed in early 2012.

Other new features in the plan for the Embarcadero will include a greatly expanded promenade,a 5600 square foot each, North and South Pavilion and a large pedestrian Broadway plaza.

This area is one my real favorites. This new development will increase accessibility for many more citizens and tourists alike to enjoy the amazing events, visiting and home ported cruise and sailing ships and other major events on the waterfront.

Eighth Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival
November 16-20, 2011

The largest food and wine event in Southern California starts on November 16 and continues for four glorious palate-satisfying, stomach-filling days!

There will be over 800 wines from 170 world-class wineries, as well as other spirits to whet your palate. Couple wine tastings with celebrity chefs, including 70 of San Diego's top chefs, providing cooking classes, and this is an event not to be missed. Even Sam the Cooking Guy will be there! Of course, he lives in San Diego, so we expect him to be there! It might be worthwhile to call in sick for about four days.

If you like auctions, there will be a Big Bottle Auction, and chefs can participapte in Chef of the Fest competition for a $50,000 first prize.

Everything takes place at the Embarcadero Marina Park North at 500 Kettner Boulevard (behind the San Diego Convention Center:

This event is not for the faint of checkbook. Depending on which event you want to go to, tickets start at $45, and tickets for the Big Bottle Auction start at $175. Some events are already sold out. Designated Drivers can get in for at little as $65.

For more information, ticket prices, ticket packages, and to order, visit

World of Wine Events.

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1. San Diego Mission Valley condos for sale — Woodspring (November 12, 2011)
2. San Diego Mission Valley condos for sale — Friars Hollow (November 12, 2011)
3. San Diego Mission Valley condos for sale — Mission Bellwood (November 12, 2011)
4. San Diego Mission Valley condos for sale — The Courtyards (November 11, 2011)
5. San Diego Mission Valley condos for sale — Presidio Place (November 10, 2011)
6. Out & About San Diego — Mingei International Museum annual art sale returns on November 19, 2011
7. Out & About San Diego — Cruise Classic NCAA basketball (North Carolina vs. Michigan State), a new ship christening, and America's Cup, all in San Diego through November 20
8. San Diego Mission Valley condos for sale — Mission Village (November 5, 2011)
9. Out & About San Diego — The new company in town
10. San Diego Mission Valley condos for sale — River Scene (November 4, 2011)
11. Out & About San Diego — Four pictures from Sea Life Aquarium in Carlsbad, California
12. San Diego Mission Valley condos for sale — Rio del Oro (November 2, 2011)
13. Using the law of closure in your marketing
14. San Diego Mission Valley condos for sale — Mission Gate (November 1, 2011)
15. Getting the eyes and the brain working together
16. San Diego Mission Valley condos for sale — River Colony (October 31, 2011)
17. Out & About San Diego — The Marston House: Not your ordinary Craftsman
18. San Diego Mission Valley condos for sale — Union Square (October 30, 2011)
19. San Diego Mission Valley condos for sale — Park Villas South (October 28, 2011)
20. Out & About San Diego — Spooky and scarey Halloween San Diego

Visiting Chilean Naval Training Vessel Gets Some Real San Diego Love !

Throngs of San Diegans wait to board the Chilean Naval Training Vessel, the Esmeralda visiting the Port of San Diego. The lines stretched for as far as one could see for the 2:00PM to 5:00PM on board visit.

So why was I here standing in line? To take photos. Part of my goal is capture these many events that take place in and around San Diego. And it was actually quite an enjoyable experience. I was welcomed aboard by the Navy crew of the Be 43 Esmeralda and I certainly was not disappointed with their hospitality. For this old but beautiful sailing vessel, as the host city, San Diego put out the welcome mat as only San Diego can do. There is little doubt that the young crew may one day want to return to the host city perhaps even to raise their family life in our wonderful city.

As I was completing the tour and getting ready to exit the craft, there was a line to purchase some spirits and wine from their native country, Chili. The women standing in front of me was from Chili and she purchased some Alto del Carmen Pisco Especial 35% Liquor and I figured she knew what she was buying and decided to purchase some myself that I might give away as gifts. Making my way off the ship, she spoke to me and offered some recipes for enjoying the purchase. Her husband said when the Chileans have a party they always includes this special drink that they gave me the recipe for. Making it all the more cool, there was no import or sales tax on those purchases as the ship is sovereign to Chili and while aborad, it would be like visiting their country.

There are a lot of wonderful activities in cities throughout this country and I strive to take in these activities in my travels whenever I can. I truly enjoy experiencing a special experience in a new locale. Today, I want to let everyone in on a little San Diego secret that I have been enjoying for years. I think it is one of the best annual events that this great city has to offer, yet too few people take advantage of. It’s the Summer Pops Series. Now, I know you are thinking that it is just another Summer Pops tour….but in San Diego it is something special. Yes, the music is usually very special….but what makes this event truly magical is its locale. Situated on San Diego Bay at the Embarcadero Marina Park South, this concert series takes place next to the bay with sterling views of the Coronado Bay Bridge, Coronado Islands and the various sailing vessels moored along the Bay. The experience is just as much about the beautiful scenery as it is the beautiful music. If you live in San Diego or are visiting you should check it out. It runs from July 4th to September 4th. Check it out there is something for everyone…everything from the the high end Champagne seats (which Wolfgang Puck caters) to the lawn (typically $20 or less), where families can bring in a picnic. Come check it out!