Awards

In May 2019, The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) awarded the 2019 National Medal Award to two San Diego museums, The New Children’s Museum in downtown and the Barona Band of Mission Indians’ Barona Cultural Center and Museum in San Diego’s East County. The 2019 National Medal is the nation’s highest honor for museums and libraries and annually recognizes only five museums in the U.S. The IMLS is the federal agency whose mission it is to advance, support and empower America’s museums, libraries and related organizations through grant making, research and policy development.

In April 2019, 25 San Diego County breweries won 71 of the 287 awards given at the 2019 Los Angeles International Beer Competition. The top medal winners from San Diego included Papa Marce’s Cerveceria from Carlsbad, Thorn Brewing from Barrio Logan and Deft Brewing from the Morena neighborhood. Overall, roughly a quarter of all awards were given to San Diego breweries, including 26 of the 97 gold medals.

In June 2019, San Diego’s Addison restaurant in the Fairmont Grand Del Mar resort received a Michelin star for the new 2019 California guide, and eight local restaurants received Bib Gourmand status, a category established by Michelin in 1997. Bib Gourmand spotlights restaurants that Michelin inspectors rated highly for offering quality meals at affordable prices. San Diego’s designees offer a diversity of cuisine and culinary trends and are Campfire,Cucina Sorella, Cucina Urbana, El Jardin, Juniper & Ivy, Kettner Exchange, Lola55, and Solare.