This past weekend I made a trip the San Diego Spirits Festival on Broadway Pier.
I only went to the Grand Tasting on Sunday, because I wanted to see the Festival when it was filled with people, but there were smaller events all weekend, including a Burlesque Speakeasy party.
The Grand tasting was a little bit like a booze trade show, a little bit like a barbecue at a friends house, a little bit like an outdoor concert, and a little bit like Garnet Avenue on a Friday night.
The inside of Broadway Pier, I think it is technically called the Pavilion, was lined with two rows of alchol vendors, giving away samples of their products and other free things. I tried a low calorie margarita mix so I could take home a t shirt that says, “Does this cocktail make my ass look big?” I also stopped by the Ballast Point table to see what liquors they had ready and the Sailor Jerry Booth, where my husband and I posed for a photo wearing captain’s hats. Yes, it will be our Christmas card this year.
Outside, at the back of Broadway Pier, two food trucks were parked on the large open space to feed the tipsy, and there was a stage where a few bands played. We took a break from posing with the gigantic Kah tequila skull and enjoyed the sunshine and some people watching.
I guess we were there at a bad time because I didn’t see any bands play and I only caught the end of one of the bartender’s challenges. A crowd watched three of the finalists mix drinks and announce the ingredients but the liquor bottles on the bar were so tall I couldn’t see anything without sneaking around the back. The highlight was when one bartender announced their cocktail was called, “My Night Cap is a Mexican Sombrero.” I think that is funny.
This is the festival’s third year in operation, and I’m sure it will be back next summer. It was a fun, low-key way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I would have appreciated it more if I was in the business of selling alcohol and I wanted to meet vendors, or if I was in the business of day drinking on a Sunday, and I had a ride home.
I’m sorry, I forgot to find out why this bed was there.
