In Case You Missed It: San Diego Good News for Sunday, July 14
Instead of our regular feature looking at five 'good news' stories from the previous week, we share our preview for Comic-Con 2019!
By NBC 7 Staff ••
To help make sure you stay informed, each Sunday we revisit five stories from the previous week and capsulize them in this digest. Today's collection highlights our coverage of the upcoming Comic-Con 2019! Locals, brace yourself for the invasion (and find out how you can have fun outside of the convention center)!
Let's face it. Each year it gets increasingly difficult to secure the coveted San Diego Comic-Con badge. But there's good news, superhero apprentices! During SDCC, the Gaslamp Quarter becomes a wonder-filled arena of immersive experiences, events and photo-ops to coincide with the convention -- and many don’t require a badge. Here are just a few ways to celebrate your fandom in San Diego without a ticket to the main event.
The four-day event, from July 18 to July 21, 2019, is stacked with guests and panels from top movies and shows. Segments from Marvel Studios, "Game of Thrones," "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," and so on, will keep guests on the edge of their seats the entire weekend.
AP
This image released by HBO shows from left to right Maisie Williams, Isaac Hempstead Wright and Sophie Turner in a scene from the final episode of "Game of Thrones" Williams and Hempstead Wright are slated to take part in a panel in Hall H on Friday.
Getty Images
Look for Sir Patrick Stewart in San Diego as "Star Trek: Picard" cast members come together for the series’ first Comic-Con.
Courtesy of Coachella
James McAvoy will attend a panel on "His Dark Materials" on Thursday at San Diego's Comic-Con.
NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
Composer Lin-Manuel Miranda (seen here with Jimmy Fallon on June 18, 2019) is scheduled to take part in a panel on Thursday concerning "His Dark Materials."
Getty Images
Ruth Wilson shown at the 73rd Annual Tony Awards on June 09, 2019 is scheduled to take part in a panel regarding "His Dark Materials" at Comic-Con 2019 in San Diego on Thursday.
NBC7 &Telemundo20
Clark Gregg will be part of a Marvel's Avengers panel on Thursday, at Comic-Con San Diego. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
Massachusetts Legislature
Ming-Na Wen will be part of a Marvel's Avengers panel on Thursday, at Comic-Con San Diego. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
PA Images via Getty Images
Nathalie Emmanuel (left) played Missandei of Naathand and Jacob Anderson played Grey Worm in HBO's Game of Thrones. They are scheduled to take part in a panel Friday in Hall H. (Photos by Liam McBurney/PA Images via Getty Images)
Seth Rogen is scheduled to take part in a panel regarding "The Preacher" at Comic-Con 2019 on Friday.
NBC
Sonequa Martin-Green will discuss the new "Star Trek: Discovery" season when she appears Saturday at Comic-Con in San Diego. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images)
HBO
Evan Rachel Wood is one of the castmembers of "Westworld" who will be talking about the upcoming third season at the special panel on Saturday.
Getty Images
Actor Aaron Paul (L) seen with former co-star Bryan Cranston is slated to attend the "Westworld III" panel at San Diego's Comic-Con on Saturday. (Photo by Andrew Toth/Getty Images)
The area surrounding the San Diego Convention Center will become "Comic-Con pass holders only" during the annual pop-culture convention again this year -- meaning cars, scooters and other mobility devices will not be allowed. Read up on how to get from there to here in this overview.
One of the world’s largest pop culture conventions means traffic in San Diego. Here’s what you need to know about closures near the convention center.
Capes, costumes and masks are expected as thousands arrive in San Diego for the special convention so some businesses have crafted special cocktails and treats with a Comic-Con vibe. See what we're talking about here.
Theatre Box
Downtown San Diego’s swanky movie theater, Theatre Box (701 Fifth Ave.), plans to offer a meaty lineup of specials inspired by 2019 San Diego Comic-Con International, including the Captain America Burger, from July 18 through July 21. This dish features black angus beef topped with Vermont white cheddar, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, crispy onions, and Sugar Factory sauce, all between a blue brioche bun. The Captain America Burger costs $21 and will be available in Sugar Factory American Brasserie – the restaurant at the movie theater – and at TCL Chinese Theatre at Theatre Box, meaning patrons can eat it from the comfort of their luxury recliner, while watching a movie. By the way, other Comic-Con items on the menu at Theatre Box include The Deadpool Wrap (a tomato tortilla filled with crispy chicken, romaine lettuce, parmesan, croutons, and buffalo dressing), The Wonder Woman Salad (quinoa, kale, tomato, cucumber, carrots, mint, basil and lemon vinaigrette); The Shazam! Hot Dog (topped with aged cheddar cheese and relish, served on a brioche bun) and the Hulk Sliders (Sugar Factory’s classic mini burgers served on green-colored buns with American cheese, crispy onions, and Sugar Factory sauce).
The Cravory
The Cravory, a beloved bakery in Point Loma and Carlsbad, will roll out special cookies just in time for Comic-Con, bringing them to a special pop-up shop outside The Cat Café on Third Avenue in downtown San Diego. The Cravory spokesperson Collin Smith told NBC 7 fans can expect best-sellers with a superhero twist (and boasting cool wrappers), including the “Red Flash Red Velvet,” the “Choc-Tham City Ultimate Chocolate Chip,” and the “Kryptonite Cookie Monster.” Smith said while the Comic-Con cookies will be sold at The Cravory shops during the convention, the best place to snag the sweets will be on the patio in front of The Cat Café from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., July 18 through July 21. The café is less than a half-mile away from the San Diego Convention Center. Smith said the cookies will sell for $2.50 each; anyone wearing a Comic-Con costume will be treated to a buy one/get one deal. Smith said Comic-Con is always big business for The Cravory. He’s been baking Comic-Con cookies for the past 10 years and told NBC 7 he enjoys being a small part of San Diego’s biggest event.
Theatre Box
Downtown San Diego’s swanky movie theater, Theatre Box (701 Fifth Ave.), plans to offer a meaty lineup of specials inspired by 2019 San Diego Comic-Con International, including the Captain America Burger, from July 18 through July 21. This dish features black angus beef topped with Vermont white cheddar, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, crispy onions, and Sugar Factory sauce, all between a blue brioche bun. The Captain America Burger costs $21 and will be available in Sugar Factory American Brasserie – the restaurant at the movie theater – and at TCL Chinese Theatre at Theatre Box, meaning patrons can eat it from the comfort of their luxury recliner, while watching a movie. By the way, other Comic-Con items on the menu at Theatre Box include The Deadpool Wrap (a tomato tortilla filled with crispy chicken, romaine lettuce, parmesan, croutons, and buffalo dressing), The Wonder Woman Salad (quinoa, kale, tomato, cucumber, carrots, mint, basil and lemon vinaigrette); The Shazam! Hot Dog (topped with aged cheddar cheese and relish, served on a brioche bun) and the Hulk Sliders (Sugar Factory’s classic mini burgers served on green-colored buns with American cheese, crispy onions, and Sugar Factory sauce).
Tocaya Organica
There’s really nothing more San Diego than tacos. Over at Tocaya Organica’s Gaslamp location (755 Fifth Ave.), Comic-Con fans can snag several specials now through July 22, including the Comic-Con Combo: two tacos, one side and one agua fresca for $9.95.
The Blind Burro
The Blind Burro (639 J St.) in downtown San Diego will usher in Comic-Con with a couple of special cocktails. The “Avengers”-themed Pomegranate Power Stone Margarita features Partida Blanco tequila, Pama liqueur, lime juice, pomegranate agave syrup and a salted rim garnished with a lime wedge and pomegranate seeds.
Brew30
Hulk smash! Manchester Grand Hyatt, located on Harbor Drive just to the north of the Comic-Con action at the convention center, is joining in the celebration with cuisine and drink themed after pop-culture characters. The Incredible Hulk Burger can be found at Brew30.
Brew30
When "Hulk hungry" this is the burger he goes for. A green bun is stacked high with two beef patties, lettuce, two slices of cheese, guacamole and more glorious toppings. To try out the Hulk Smash Burger, visit Brew30 in the Manchester Grand Hyatt from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. from July 18 to 21.
Bleu Bohème
In uptown San Diego’s Kensington community, Bleu Bohème (4090 Adams Ave.) will offer a superhero-inspired cocktail dubbed the “Femme d'Araignée,” or Spider-Woman. The $14 drink is made with rye whisky, Ramos Pinto fine ruby port, lemon juice and simple syrup, and is topped with soda water.
Bibigo Kitchen
Bibigo Kitchen (7007 Friars Rd., #357B) in Fashion Valley will be pouring an “Iron Man”-themed cocktail in honor of Comic-Con from July 19 through July 21. The $8 “E.D.I.T.H.” (Even Dead I Am The Hero) is described as Korean cocktail featuring chilled tropical soju sunrise, pineapple and grapefruit juice.
The Blind Burro
The Blind Burro will also mix up this “Star Wars”-themed margarita for Comic-Con: Finn’s F’in Spicy Margarita made with Partida Blanco tequila, Ancho Reyes Verde, lime juice, jalapeno syrup, serrano chiles and a tajin rim garnished with a lime wedge and half of a serrano chile.
Primavera Ristorante
Over in Coronado, Primavera Ristorante (932 Orange Ave.) is drawing on inspiration from the classic “Super Mario” characters for its Comic-Con offerings. The Italian restaurant will offer Mario-themed dishes including Super Mario Brothers Meatballs: house-made pork and beef meatballs stuffed with creamy ricotta and served with house-made marinara, available for $12. Also on the menu: Mario Marsala featuring sautéed chicken breast with fresh mushrooms in Marsala wine sauce, priced at $28. At the bar, patrons will find the $14 Luigi Martini mixed with gin, dry vermouth, Cointreau, grenadine and orange juice.
Death by Tequila!
Up in San Diego’s North County, Death by Tequila! (569 S. Coast Hwy 101) will offer patrons a cocktail inspired by “Avengers” supervillain Thanos. The drink is made with lime, mezcal, Ancho Reyes and citrus dragonfruit purée, garnished with an orange peel.
Sally's Fish House & Bar
Jedis need a break from the con, too. Enjoy some seaside views of the San Diego Bay at Sally's Fish House & Bar and enjoy some Star Wars-themed sushi using lightsaber chopsticks. Diners can catch the special menu from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. from Thursday to Sunday. The restaurant is closed from 3 to 5 p.m. as the kitchen switches from lunch to dinner.
El Chingon
El Chingon, the Mexican restaurant located at 560 Fifth Ave. will be mixing up three cocktails inspired by “Star Wars” and available from July 18 to July 21. First up: the $25 Vader-rita, made with agave blanco tequila, fresh lime juice and organic agave nectar, topped with a paleta ice cream and served in a goblet. There’s also the Palpatine’s Paloma featuring El Jimador blanco tequila, fresh lime, salt and choice of Jarritos, and Kylo’s Kooler, made with Azuñia blanco tequila, house-made watermelon cordial, lime and tajin. Both of those drinks cost $12.
Mezé Greek Fusion
Mezé Greek Fusion (345 Sixth Ave.) in downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter will offer the “Darth Revan Cooler,” a $13 cocktail made with RumHaven coconut rum, fresh lime, pineapple, mint, vanilla and allspice. Also on the menu: “Grey Jedi Jungle Juice” made with Dobel Diamanta GBOD single-barrel tequila, mango purée, Ancho Reyes verde, fresh lime and R&D fire bitters.
Prohibition
Downtown’s Prohibition (548 Fifth Ave.) plans to mix up a few Jedi-inspired cocktails for Comic-Con including “Use the Force Luke!” a combination of Dobel añejo tequila, lime, honey and R&D bitters. The drink costs $14.
Himmelberg's
One of the East Village’s newest restaurants, Himmelberg’s, a rock-and-roll style eatery at 10th Street and J Avenue, will feature four SDCC-inspired cocktails starting on July 15 and through the convention’s run. nThe Stay Puft is a chocolatey concoction that pays homage to “Ghostbusters” on its 35th anniversary. This cocktail is made with Screwball whiskey and crown royal, butterscotch and Godiva chocolate. It is served with a delicious graham cracker and chocolate-dipped rim and, of course, a toasted marshmallow.
Himmelberg's
The bar’s three other cocktails are inspired by Marvel characters. First, the green-colored World Breaker is inspired by Hulk’s ultra-powerful transformation. It’s fitting for this strong drink, made with vodka, rum and Midori-based cocktail topped with pineapple juice.nIs Hulk any match for Thanos, though? The purple Mad Titan cocktail based on the Marvel supervillain is made with blackberry-infused bourbon, Demerara syrup, lime juice and orange bitters. Himmelberg’s next drink pays its respects to a legendary man in the Marvel Universe, Mr. Tony Stark. The Tony Stark Eulogy is fittingly served in a glass of champagne for a toast goodbye to the character who started 10 years of Marvel movies. It is made with Rittenhouse rye whiskey and orange liqueur and topped with champagne.
Grant Grill
The Grant Grill has stirred up six other delectable concoctions, inspired by the seven kingdoms. One is Cersei’s Scottish Egg, which is topped with a mini crown fit for the queen of King’s Landing. Other cocktails include The Imp and the Mountain, which is two drinks in one; The Red Wedding; the White Walker; the King of the North; and the Red Wedding.
The Grant Grill
Want to know what it’s like to drink like Queen Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen, First of Her Name, the Unburnt, Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Breaker of Chains, and Mother of Dragons? Then you’ll want to try The Mother of Dragon’s cocktail at the Grant Grill at the U.S. Grant Hotel (326 Broadway). This steamy concoction is served from a dragon’s egg.
Rustic Root
You’ve been on many quests this Comic-Con but how about the quest for relaxation? Unwind from a busy day at the convention center with some Infinity Stone cocktails at Rustic Root, in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter and just steps away from the action (535 5th Ave.)
Le Parfait Paris
The French Bakery, Le Parfait Paris, is getting a little nerdy this Comic-Con. Each day, The confectioner will be making by hand superhero-shaped dark chocolates topped with a dusting of edible gold powder. The chocolates will be used to adorn some of the bakery’s pastries throughout the convention’s run.
The Cat Café invites patrons to “get away from the chaos of Comic-Con” with these laid-back, by-reservation-only escapes to kitty paradise. "People can get away, chill, and relax in the AC with friendly cats," the owner said. "We call it 'purr-rapy' or 'purr-therapy.' Petting a cat really destresses you."
