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At Your City Block we strive to reinvent blighted lots, in turn enhancing communities and the surrounding areas.

We do so by looking for Activators within the community that exhibit a passion for creating and can create memorable experiences; one such group of activators being the artists that call San Diego home.

Recently we called upon three artists to repaint parts of the venue, thus creating a new experience for our guests and the surrounding community as they pass by the venue. Below is a little bit of info about each artist and their work.

Photos by Javier Luna

Maxx Moses:

Maxx Moses brings his artwork to Your City Block to transform the blank surfaces into a dream-like reality. His tools are spray paint and acrylics. His inspiration is life, which he views as an ever-changing natural canvas of chaos and order.

As his artist vision and identity evolved, so did his relationships with art and neighborhoods.

Maxx has emerged as a Graffiti Artist from New York whose grown into an international muralist. He also educates through workshops, has written a play (Graffiti Life, the color of my soul) and is currently working on an interactive outdoor kaleidoscope with students from Sweetwater High School.

As a professor, his curriculum is innovative and unpredictable which is engaging.

For this project Maxx brings his creative process named Concrete Alchemy, defined by Maxx Moses as “transforming blank spaces into objects of beauty”. A new art movement where spontaneity is the essential element.

Maxx States ”This process of creativity nourishes and supports the ideas of individuals. This, in turn, cultivates, enhances and transforms our communities

Carly Ealey:

Carly Ealey is a self-taught fine artist, muralist, and photographer based out of San Diego, California. Carly prefers acrylic ink on wood panels when painting small, and a combination of acrylic paint and aerosol when working on large-scale murals.

Carly is passionate about the ocean and has participated in and produced mural festivals for Pangeaseed Foundation’s Sea Walls in collaboration with her artist organization, Cohort Collective.

With a natural inclination to painting the familiar figures of women in her work, she is drawn to the seductive and celestial while exploring an introspective view of human existence, spirituality, and the natural world.

Carly Ealey – The Seeker

Carly gives a little insight into her piece on 13th Street ‘The Seeker’ stating    “The Seeker was inspired from my studies on the Law of Attraction and specifically about choosing the mind’s focus. The center of attraction is up to you. Your vibrations ripple outward to create your reality”

Austin Reed:

Austin Reed is an International American Contemporary artist known for his unique fusion of styles referencing from city streets, graffiti, and abstract influence.

Each of his artworks is inspired the composition and imagery of city life. Incorporating elements of street views and abstract layering into his varied compositions, Reed combines conceptual photography references and cityscapes, along with poetics to explore an eclectic range of media.

When beginning each painting, Reed uses the compositions of the cityscapes as a guide for the underlying color blocking. He then transforms that rather linear view with emotionally driven gestural expression, adding movement and life to the artwork.

By The Dogumentor

The holidays are sneakily approaching and that means it’s time to visit loved ones, gorge on delicious comfort food, and travel of course with your dog because let’s face it, they’re the truly important people in your life you want to voluntarily be with. In fact, a 2017–2018 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), reported about 37 percent of pet owners travel with their pets every year! Let’s take a look at a couple tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable traveling vacation for your furry best friend.

Health and Safety

Plan an appointment with your veterinarian for a health check up. Ease your mind and make sure all vaccinations are up to date. Remember to bring shot records with you and that health certifications are required for airline travel.

Trying new food in an unfamiliar place will be the last thing your pup wants to do. Packing your hound’s regular chow will help their gut be less overstretched.

It’s always comforting to have an emergency plan. What if your dog ingests a strange object? Have the number of the nearest 24 hour emergency hospital in your cell phone. It would also help to keep in hand your local veterinarian’s number just in case the professionals need to consult with each other.

Know for certain whether your pooch has the right temperament to travel. It will be fun for no one if your dog is yapping away the whole trip. Not to mention it’ll skyrocket their stress levels and that’s just not worth it. Keep in mind if traveling through airlines, some require your pup to be well behaved/fly quiet. You know your doggie better than anyone else so if it doesn’t seem like they are fit to travel there’s always other alternatives like trustworthy dog resorts or sitters.

Crate:

A cozy crate will be where your canine will spend a lot of time in. For them to be truly comfortable their enclosure must be big enough for your furry friend to stand, turn, and lie down. Ventilation should be accessible on opposing sides. Lastly be sure to bring Fido’s favorite toys, treats, and blanket to bring a piece of home with them.

ID:

Every owner’s nightmare would be to lose their fur-child, especially in a temporary location. Here are ways to increase the chances of recovery in the rare event it happens:

1. Have a tag on your dog’s sturdy leash and collar with their name, your name, and a phone number as well as proof of rabies shot.
2. Make sure Fido is microchipped. Most shelters by default include a microchip but if you’re not sure, consult with your veterinarian to see if one is needed or if there’s new information to be added.
3. Have a recent photo of your pooch. Not only is it great for bragging rights, but it’ll aide in the search process (social media, email, flyers, etc.).
   

Remember, the first trip will always be the ruff-est. As you both get more experience traveling together, it will become more fun each time. These are a few things to keep in mind before hitting the road or jumping on a plane with your dog. The most important thing is to have fun while traveling with your best friend as you both take on the world together.

Source:

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/complete-guide-to-traveling-with-your-dog/

[A message from Shane, your host of SMOKED: A LIVE EXPERIENCE happening Friday Nov 16 at Quartyard.]

Howdy friends!

We’re fixin to show y’all city slickers a good ole fashioned family style BBQ this Friday under the East Village stars.

The bandwagon has been collecting some mighty fine cuts and ingredients to serve up a belly bubblin’ feast. Here’s a sneak peak of what Chef Tommy & Chef Ivan have cooking under the smoke:

• Whole Pork Asado locally sourced from the Bloom Family Farms in Alpine, California.  
• A Western twist on Moroccan Chicken Tagine
• La Caja China Pork Belly Skewers, Green BBQ
• Sides galore including  Jalapeno Cornbread, Elote, Watermelon Salad, and Ranchero Beans.  
• And a whiskey infused dessert you do not want to miss.

Thirsty?  Of course you are.  We’ve called in delicious libations from our pals at Buffalo Trace Whiskey, Santa Margherita Wines, and East Village brewmaster Benny is serving up some pints from 10 Barrel Brewery.

Some helpful tips on the night: the feast is outside so wear layers.  There will be heaters on site.  Camping attire encouraged.  Come very very hungry. 

Get there at 6pm to pick your spot and meet your dinner mates, dinner starts at 7pm and entertainment from Blue Deux will be going ’til 10pm.     

Grab your friends and family and secure your seat if you haven’t already, limited seating is available. 

by Marcel Reyes

Chef Tommy Fraioli and Justin Navalle have been homies for almost twenty years. From the time they were teenagers, they’d always cooked for their friends and had barbecues. Both went on to manage venues: Tommy became Executive Chef at 10 Barrel Brewing, and Justin became Managing Partner of Quartyard.  So when the opportunity to produce an event with the San Diego Wine & Food Festival arose, the old friends knew that it had to be a backyard-style barbecue just like the kickbacks they hosted in times past, with the addition of Chef Ivan Munoz.

The collaboration will be SMOKED: A LIVE FIRE EXPERIENCE. Chef Tommy Fraioli and Ivan Munoz will curate a four-course family style BBQ dinner, in campfire fashion. Open flame cooking, meat smoking, beer and whiskey pairings will make the mouth-watering night a belly-pleaser. To complement the cuisine, guests will enjoy a bluegrass concert performance under the East Village stars.

In keeping with fine dining’s everchanging daily menu featuring seasonal bests, the top secret menu will remain under wraps and subject to change, in order to ensure that all ingredients are as fresh as possible. The chefs are focusing on techniques. One possibility is using an asado cross to roast a whole animal over open coals. “It’s gonna be hot, juicy meat in your mouth,” Tommy promises.

“Food and hospitality is everything to me,” Ivan says. “It’s brought me friends, family, and some of my best times and biggest challenges…It’s my life.”

Given that all have careers in hospitality, it’s the sense of sharing, feasting, and connecting over food in a casual, pleasant setting that is at the heart of SMOKED. In a more sit-down dining concept, Justin and Tommy will deliver the same spirit of hospitality that they have always enjoyed offering to their friends. “It’s appropriate that we’re having this event in November, not only because that’s the week of the festival,” Justin says, “but because we would always cook Thanksgiving meals for friends in town who couldn’t make it home to be with their family.”

“Tom and I are best friends,” Justin explains, “and we moved to San Diego with zero dollars. We would make dinners for our house full of roommates with a few dollars spent and a camping gas grill, because we didn’t have gas in the house at the time.  That was years ago. We both landed in East Village and that’s where we also met Ivan, pitmaster at The Deck in Moonshine Flats, he makes the bombest smoked barbecue in the city.”

“Justin and I have been friends for 18 years now,” Tommy says, “so whenever he has asked me to help cook at an event he’s putting on, I’m always down. I’m excited to collaborate with Ivan for the first time and help each other experiment with new techniques.”

Ivan Munoz, protégé of Chef Hanis from Carnitas Snack Shack, and who also manages Smokehouse Kings Catering/Barbecue team, thinks East Village is more than just an emerging neighborhood. “It’s also a culinary destination that is always thriving,” Ivan says.

“Tommy and I met in Folsom Prison,” Ivan jokes, “no actually, we have many mutual friends, both industry and personal. This will be our first collaboration, but it will definitely be the first of many, I’m sure. It’s a true honor to be invited to work at this great venue alongside another very talented chef, so I’m sure you will taste the passion and love in our food.”

The group is no stranger to San Diego Food & Wine Festival, a week celebrating local culinary talent. Tommy Fraioli has won “Chef of the Fest,” in 2012, and joined forces with Justin when curating SMOKED. Quartyard had been a venue for the Festival since it opened, and this year the urban park was approached again. But Quartyard’s new space—it moved a block down and reopened April 2018—has a smaller footprint, meaning the event called for a more intimate vibe and an upscale, unique experience. Knowing they wanted the best possible barbecue menu, they roped in Ivan Munoz. They knew they wanted a seated, multi-course dinner in an innovative urban space with a casual backyard vibe. Justin will be decking his venue out to have glowing lanterns and flickering candle-lit farm tables for soft-lit, rustic campground ambience. The band Bleu Deux will be jammin’ out the bluegrass to complete the folk vibe.

“My best memories growing up are my parents and neighbors opening their garages and everyone would cook and my dad would play music,” Justin reminisces, “and I wanted to recreate that feeling of comfort, family, community, and the delicious, memorable meals that remind you of home. The kind of cooking that brings you back to firing up the smoker or grill with your loved ones for a long night of beer, tunes, and laughs.”

SMOKED: A LIVE FIRE EXPERIENCE tickets are now available,  early purchase is encouraged as limited seating is available.  

SMOKED is a part of The San Diego Wine and Food Festival’s more than 40 events throughout the week that all culminate at the epic Grand Tasting, November 17, on the stunning Embarcadero Marina Park North.

Put your paws up because #YourCityBlock is having a dog costume contest!  Mark your calendars for BYOD: Halloween Edition which will kick off on October 21st from 2 to 7 p.m.

For those early birds please join us from 10-11am for a free Doga (Dog Yoga) session. Veterinarian and certified Yoga instructor, Dr. Nel Chu will be hosting a ‘DOGA’ session for up to 20 pups and their owners. RSVP is required here if interested attending.

Join other dog lovers as you further deepen the connection between your furry best friend in a whole new fun and creative way. Donations will be accepted and will be gifted to our non-profit of choice, Rescuing Cujo. Pawmaste!

Our host, Rescuing Cujo, will be on-site speaking about their organization on how they believe all dogs can be saved and provided with loving homes. There is no cover but any loose Washington’s (or Benjamin’s) will be gladly accepted at the door and online.

Dress (your pup) to impress! There will be not one but five categories to compete in. An impressive lineup of awesome prizes will be given to the winners regardless on what they place. We also will have small and big dog categories to give Fido a fair chance.

Best

Cutest

Original

Matching with owner

Amazing vendors will also be on site so you can stroll with your furry best friend and check out spooktacular stuff from dog beer,  pupcakes, apparel for dog lovers and more!

For those early birds please join us from 10-11am for a free Doga (Dog Yoga) session.

Veterinarian and certified Yoga instructor, Dr. Nel Chu will be hosting a Doga session for up to 20 pups and their owners. We highly encourage you to RSVP here if interested, limited space is available.

Join other dog lovers as you further deepen the connection between your furry best friend in a whole new fun and creative way. Donations will be accepted and will be gifted to our non-profit of choice. Pawmaste!

Your friend,

The Dogumentor

Do you love all things fresh and local?

How about awesome live music, plant-based food and summer drinks?

If you do then head over to San Diego’s first ever Fresh Fest at Quartyard August 11th!  Enjoy summer vibes at a community centered space in the heart of East Village while sippin’ on vegan cocktails.

Still need convincing? Check out three more reasons YOU should check out Fresh Fest.

1. Local, live music

Fresh Fest’s line-up includes San Diego reggae favorites, Maiz and KUSH, along with the up-and coming bluegrass/folk duo the Fuzzy Ustins. Local DJ’s from Tribe of Kings and TRC will keep the beats going spinning roots reggae, dance hall & hip-hop tracks.

2. Vegan food!

Try foods inspired by international cuisine! Fresh Fest is hosting 7 plant-based food vendors including El Veganito (Mexican), Tahini (Middle Eastern) and Sabor Piri-Piri (Mozambique). Have a sweet tooth? Try Get Fluffed Up’s gourmet organic cotton candy – our favorite flavor is the watermelon!

3. Boozy Booch

Kombucha is all the craze in the health scene so combining it with alcohol makes it all the better! Boochcraft did just that by creating a high-alcohol kombucha available in several fresh and fruity flavors. Plus, it’s brewed locally in Chula Vista!

Tickets are still available here, make sure to get them before they expire…

San Diegans!

It’s warming up once again and it’s marvelous. At Quartyard we absolutely adore dogs and want them to enjoy our dog run as much as possible, so we came up with three easy tips to help keep the fun going.  

We also recently added umbrellas and a belly table for added shade and a place to put your drinks!

1. SO FRESH & SO CLEAN 

Before you enter the dog run, try letting Fido stroll the block in hopes they’ll relieve themselves before entering. Although it’s not required to do so, it is very much appreciated as it will help minimize undesirable odors; even more so since summer is here and the high temperatures will intensify those doggy smells. The park is cleaned three times daily with a mix of odor fighting liquids, as well as a utilized gravity transfer flow system for the dog run.

It’ll be a lot easier to maintain if we can all get our pups to go potty before they set paw.

2. PAW PATROL 

It’s a grand sight to see as much as 50-250 dogs come through #YourCityBlock throughout the day. When the dog run is busy (7 or more dogs), reconsider bringing toys to avoid unnecessary aggression and fights. The majority of altercations between pups are involve toys and we would love to see less of that.  

On a similar note, if you know your dog isn’t a fan of crowded spaces it may be a good idea to let the crowd thin before bringing him/her into the run.

3. STAY WITH YOUR PET

Last but not least, please stay with your dog when in the dog run. We know it happens sometimes, the paw-rents step out to grab a drink and forget about their pup. This mistake tends to get your furry child on edge and could potentially lead to a dog brawl. By the time the owners rush back to break it up, it has gone on too long. This could easily be prevented by staying with your pup. Try to see it from Fidos perspective: you’re in a completely new area with a lot of strangers and the person you love the most in the entire galaxy just left you behind. A rush of emotions ensue. Please make things easier for everyone by being inside the dog run while your fur-baby is having fun.

These tips we think can help everyone enjoy #YourCityBlock. We hope to see you and your pups having a blast with fellow dog lovers. Check Quartyard’s calendar and their Instagram on the regular to stay up to date about new information, weekly dog run hours, and special events for your dogs!

Please read the rules and regulations of the Quartyard Dog Run and feel free to contact us on our Instagram messenger if you have any other suggestions on how we can make the dog run a positive experience for you and your furry best friend!

At Quartyard we celebrate a wide variety of communities and we are always curious to discovery what other groups of creatives are out there.

So when Founder Ashley Shifflett approached us about her workshops, NICHE, Please!, that brings together people curious to learn a new skill we were happy to play host.

Still unsure what Niche, Please! is? We will let Ashley explain further

What is Niche-Please? 

Niche, Please! unites San Diego’s curious minds with talented experts in a range of topics from lifestyle trends to alternative art. Whether you want to learn a new skill or improve a current one, our short, in-person workshops connect you with local professionals that want to share their passion.

Where did the idea or inspiration come from? 

I’m always eager to up my game in the latest trends but never have time to either a) teach myself or b) sign up and take formal classes. I’m also always seeking something fun and unique to do. So I decided to bridge the two together. Learning can be fun, accessible and un-intimidating. Plus, it’s an alternative for the typical night-out – kick back with a cocktail in hand and enjoy the experience. It’s a win, win!

What can participants expect from the first activation? 

Mai Tran, a professional modern calligrapher, will teach students the basic techniques of brush lettering from when and where to add the proper amount of pressure on the pen to all of the possible lettering styles. Once she completes her lesson and allows everyone to practice on their own, each person will create masterpiece with their favorite quote. Participants will get to take their guide sheets and brush pens with them to continue practicing their new skill at home!

What makes a Niche-Please experience different than other interactive art classes? 

With a rotating schedule of topics and locations, each experience will be unique. As we speak, our team is crafting a broad line-up of unconventional topics. With classes like sushi rolling, Instagram photography or beach waves and buns, there’s something for everyone!

When did you start getting interested in art classes and what do you want participants to leave with? 

Ever since I was a child, I’ve been creative and adventurous. My favorite classes were the ones that would allow me to apply my artistic ability and individuality. This is exactly what I want others to experience in our classes. Unleash your inner genius. Who knows, maybe you’ll discover a talent you never knew you had. But above anything else, have a damn good time!

Anything else you would like to add? 

With this brand new initiative, we are seeking ideas and inspiration from the public. If you have a suggestion for a new class or if you are a talented expert that is passionate about sharing your niche, please let us know! And to all of those that can’t wait to take a class, sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear about newly released classes. Visit www.niche-please.com to find out more!

Good day neighbors!  For the next six months we will be picking a furry friend of Quartyard and awarding them a “Dog Of The Month” award!  (think grade school but for dogs).  We thought it’d be a fun way to feature local pet vendors and of course… your pets!  One lucky pup will be chosen by myself, The Dogumentor every month!

So what does the Dog of the Month award at #YourCityBlock include?

Hold on to your tails because the lineup is pretty rad if we do say so ourselves:

1. Ento Bento treats is designed for dogs with allergies and sensitive stomachs. Sweet potato is good for digestion and crickets are good for dogs with allergies compared to chicken and beef. Entobento will be providing one bag of their grain-free treats!

2. The crew at SUP Pups teaches you and your pooch how to stand up paddleboard on the calming waters at Liberty Station. SUP Pups will be providing a lesson with a certified SUP instructor! This will include a human and dog life vest, paddle board rental, 1 hour lesson, Go Pro action photos, and be led by owner Samantha and her dingo Jack.

3. Urban Dog Solutions has come to save the day (and your carpet) to anyone looking for a backyard alternative. They offer an affordable subscription service to deliver a real grass pee patch for your pup. Once a week a staff member will quickly visit to return and replace the used patch. Urban Dog Solutions will be providing a gift certificate for their services!

4. Have to go out for the weekend? Don’t feel guilty because Doozydog Club will make sure your pup is having as much fun as you are (maybe even more). With cool amenities like 24/7 live cam to check in on your fur child, you’ll have peace of mind knowing they are being exceptionally cared for. Doozydog Club will be providing providing a certificate good for 5 days of dog daycare!

5. Everyone in East Village knows the amazing staff at Earthwise Pet Supply. They offer the widest variety of all-natural, grain-free, and raw pet foods, as well as quality treats, and personalized affordable grooming. Earthwise Pet Supply will be providing one dog wash and leash!

6. You know you can trust a brand of dog food when they make humans test the grub to make sure everything is on point. The Honest Kitchen provides human-grade pet food products for dogs and cats. Their gourmet recipes are 100% natural and gently dehydrated. The Honest Kitchen is providing a 2lb box of food, a tray of their single serve cups, and a bag of Cuddles treats!

On top of all these pawsome prizes Quartyard will also will be providing a silicone collapsible dog bowl to take when you adventure with Fido. A photo frame will also be gifted to the winning dog so you can hang their photo and make all your friends and family see what a star you have.

So how does your dog become Dog of the Month?

FIRST: Follow Quartyard & The Dogumentor on Instagram!  

SECOND: Come on down to #YourCityBlock at 1301 Market Street to be around our East Village furry friends!  Join us on Sunday May 20th for Quartyard’s Grand Opening for Dogs!  BYOD will also feature live music and a bunch of dog friendly vendors.

I’ll be choosing the photo and can’t wait to meet new canine (and human I guess) friends at #YourCityBlock!

-The Dogumentor 

Jazz On Tap returns to Quartyard for it’s third annual concert featuring a wealth of awesome jazz bands.  Anchored by San Diego favorites Gilbert Castellanos, Sure Fire Soul Ensemble, and the Matt Smith Neu Jazz Trio, Jazz on Tap is primed to be a concert filled with quality music from start to finish!

Expect New Orleans style jazz parades complete with beads, eclectic worldly sounds from the Monette Marino World Jazz Ensemble, and an orchestra performance by the Jazz Katz Orchestra!

In order to accommodate all the culture we will be extending the venue boundaries to allow for more guests and food trucks!

This event is presented by the non-profit foundation, Water For People, and we can’t wait to welcome them back to #YourCityBlock!  This all ages event takes place Saturday, April 21st and tickets are only $10 pre-sale and $15 at the door!

Get your tickets today: HERE

We find much importance and happiness in supporting the local art communities that exist within San Diego.  With that notion, we strive to implement artworks by #YourCityArtist on a rotating basis to interact with the guests of the venue.

To kick off the artwork at #YourCityBlock, San Diego native Jonny Alexander brings his nature inspired artwork to our art wall.

Having recently returned to San Diego from Detroit where he spent two years as Master Printer for 1xRun, Jonny is excited to create more studio and public mural work for the people of San Diego.

Tackling the massive container canvas, we called upon the talents of abstract artist Brittany Segal.

The abundance of detail in her work and size of the pieces leads to two different viewing perspectives: a pulled back observation of the work as a whole or a close observation of the intricate turmoil of details.

Lastly, all this artwork would not be possible without the continued support of Artist & Craftsman located at 3804 Fourth Ave.  Artist & Craftsman is an employee owned art store that has been helping facilitate the work of local artists since 2000.

If you’re in need of supplies for your next project or information on how best to create the vision that’s in your mind, the staff at A&C are the best in town for such.

Hi neighbors! I’m so excited to be back at Quartyard curating your draft list and hanging out behind the bar (except when I’m saying hi to your dog) for all your beverage needs.

Pretty much a part of Quartyard since the beginning, I take great pride in the concept and am thrilled to make some new memories with all of you.  During the closure, I was traveling around the country working the music festival scene and can’t wait to share with you some GREAT beer finds I had the pleasure of coming across.  Along with some new goods, you’ll see plenty of our favorite local breweries which we will absolutely continue to support here at Quartyard.

We have been hard at work building #YourCityBlock and we can’t wait to serve you some cold ones.  As they say, all work and no play make Jack a dull boy… so let’s drink.

It’s the beginning of Spring and that means longer days of sunshine, Padres home games, dog meetups and glorious BEER.

Here’s my top 4 must have drinks for our opening:

1: Alesmith .394 

It’s April in San Diego..need we say more? Baseball is back! Although Spring gets us excited for so many special release beers in general, there is one beer that sets the tone for everything, our beloved .394 San Diego Pale Ale. This hoppy pale is loved by all and definitely a staple on the tap list. For ALL Padres home games you can find .394 on tap here at Quartyard. See you for pre and post game!

2: Mason Ale Works Respeto Mexican Lager 

There’s no denying the continuation of the Mexican style lager boom happening in SD. We will be having a dedicated line to craft lagers and are currently loving Mason Ale Works Respeto. In fact we blew threw our kegs by 2pm on our first official day of business Sunday.. So apparently you are too! Respeto will be back for the grand opening party have no fear. You’ll see packaged Lagers as well, keep a lookout on our display self!

3: Melvin 2×4 DIPA

AKA “the best damn DIPA in the world”. East Village get excited because Melvin Brewing (Alpine, Wyoming) will be opening a brew pub this summer right in our hood. We wanted to introduce them to you with a bang with this absolutely delicious DIPA. This is a MUST drink beer for our party on the 13th!

4:  Quartyard Mule 

Good news! We are upping our libation game for our cocktail lovers out there. A new cocktail list will be debuted the week of the grand opening party. Although our house craft on draft moscow mule isn’t new, it’s absolutely coming back with the new location. Refreshing with an extra kick, thanks to Top Hat ginger beer, this crushable vodka based mule is topped with bitters, fresh mint and lime. Classic mule indeed, but why leave a good time to find a good time!?

Be sure to grab your ticket to #YourCityBlocks grand opening event on Friday April 13th!

Cheers!

Great news! We are thrilled to announce #YourCityBlock is back and so is the dog run! Thank you for bearing with us as we prepared the final touches to welcome back the community.

We hope you and your dogs will create furr-tabulous memories. Also, make sure to keep the pups hydrated as San Diego starts warming up.

You asked and we listened! Some new improvements we’ve integrated are a new cleaning system that will include daily sanitizing the dog run and brief cleaning breaks, to avoid the paw-ful smell that used to linger at the previous site!  

We are still deciding what the cleaning schedule will be, but rest assured there will be a courtesy warning before we briefly close the gates of the dog run.

 The gates will be open for Fido from 8am-10pm. Please make sure to read the dog rules posted at the entrances in full to ensure everyone will have a grand time.

In addition, The Dogumentor will be contributing pawsome dog reads for all to enjoy and  you may just learn a thing or two!

If you are wondering what/who is The Dogumentor let me introduce myself. My name is Brandee and I am a photographer who is passionate about documenting dogs.

It’s a Dogs of San Diego theme and over the past two years I have met over 2,000 puppies!  That is paw-sibly one of my top life achievements.  Some favorite spots to photograph are at Quartyard and Grape St. Dog Park.

I’ll be frequenting #YourCityBlock and we are in the works of creating a monthly contest where your pup can be chosen as Quartyard’s Dog of the Month!

I will be choosing the winner and the prizes will consist of a variety of dog related products (TBA) for your winning pup. Plus you’ll have bragging rights on both Quartyard and The Dogumentor’s social pages!

For starters on how your pup can be a Dog of the Month be sure to follow Quartyard and  The Dogumentor on Instagram.

More details on this rad opportunity to follow. Thanks for stopping by and can’t wait to meet more pups at #YourCityBlock!

We are thrilled to welcome a newish edition to the Quartyard family!  You may recognize the owners, Ashley Kaye and Chris Mitchell, as they were two of our favorite baristas at the former cafe, Meshuggah Shack.  

Together, they created Seahorse Coffee.  

Seahorses like to travel in pairs and we are stoked that they swam their way to #YourCityBlock.   

We sat down with Ashley and Chris to learn about their caffeine fueled dreams and aspirations.  

Where’d the name Seahorse Coffee come from?

Ashley:  Chris and I have been friends for 10+ years. Over that time we’ve gathered a large group of closely knit friends, we call our group the Seahorses.  It evolved from a joke someone made at the pool and just kind of stuck. As far as nature is considered, the seahorse is a bit of an odd critter, so are we.

I like to think we all end up finding our tribe as we travel through life, the kooks found each other and called themselves seahorses.

Chris: When we were kicking around ideas for names, Seahorse came up and there was no letting go. Our buddy Chad made a sweet seahorse souvenir poster for an epic Summer Solstice pool party and it was a really strong image. I am still really inspired by that poster even 6 or 7 years later.

Ever make coffee for a celebrity?  If so, what’d they order?

Ashely: Brandon Maurer (the relief pitcher for the Padres 2017) used to come by the Meshuggah Shack at Quartyard before home games to get our cold brew. We called it Maurer Power. It took us a few visits before we worked out who he was, super cool low key dude, I’m sad he got traded.

Chris: Brandon was definitely a celebrity highlight at the last Quartyard location. When I started serving coffee at Peet’s like 18 years ago, I had the pleasure of pouring drip coffee for Rob Halford fairly regularly. He is pretty metal.

Describe the vision of Seahorse Coffee in 6 words or less.

Chris: Locally roasted smiles… also dogs!

Grossest thing someone has put in their coffee?

Ashley: Vodka…Whiskey is the obvious choice.

What specialty drinks should we be excited about?

Ashley: I’m excited about the ‘Big in Japan’ (and you should be too) it’s a Raspberry White Mocha with whip cream and a Pocky stick!

What is the most amount of espresso shots you have had in one day?

Ashley: When I was first learning to pull shots my teacher had me taste all of them. I probably had the equivalent of 8 or so shots that day.

What are your hours?

Ashley: We are open at 7 in the morning for now, quitting in the afternoon as needed.

What is the best way to stay in touch with Seahorse Coffee?

Chris: Ash is on top of the Facebook account and I try to keep up with the Instagram.

Facebook: @seahorsecoffee Instagram: @seahorse_coffee

Have you ever looked a seahorse in the eyes?

Chris: Every day brother, every day.

Stop by Seahorse Coffee for those morning goods!

The time has come to order the cranes and say goodbye to a wonderful two years of music, art, dogs, and community. Although we are saddened to close this chapter in Quartyard’s journey, we cannot wait to see what the future holds for Quartyard’s new location on 13th and Market, coming late 2017.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, #YourCityBlock will be throwing a blow-out farewell party on Friday, June 2nd from 6-11PM that all are welcome to. Our celebration will feature everything Quartyard is known for- live music, art, local vendors, food trucks, and of course, great beer.

Pre-sale tickets will be available this Saturday, 05.20 at 11am, so be sure to snag yours and come party with us!

Facebook Event Page: http://bit.ly/2rAzWha

Since Quartyard’s inception in 2014, it has served as a platform on which members of the San Diego community can immerse themselves in arts, music, and culture in a sustainable and outdoor environment.

As anticipated, the lease on the space Quartyard occupies has ended, but Your City Block isn’t leaving yet! Quartyard will remain open until the beginning of summer, and will re-open at our new location on the corner of 13th and Market in late 2017.

Our new space will feature everything you love about Quartyard – including a dog park, beer garden, on-site eatery, coffee shop, and more!

Everyone on the RAD Lab and Quartyard team would personally like to thank our supporters who have watched us carry out our vision over the years. We are eager to start this brand new chapter with our community.

– Your City Block