Orchids & Onions Awards Ceremony

So many days, we rush around our city without really taking a distinct look at all the architectural wonder that surrounds us. How many times have we passed a striking building without taking the time to just appreciate it for what it really is? Or dined in a restaurant without looking up from our plate? However, it’s not all beauty that we see, for the city is full of “onions” as well.

Orchids & Onions, a fundraising program brought to us by the San Diego Architectural Foundation, is focused on bringing attention and public discourse to San Diego’s cityscape. Locals are encouraged to participate through public nominations in categories such as historic preservation, architecture, landscape architecture and interior design, as well as the People’s Choice Vote.

Once the nominations are in, we can take a look at how San Diegans really feel about specific architectural aspects of our city. The winners will then be decided by a jury of artists and design professionals, with the event culminating in a grand awards ceremony and silent auction. The Orchids & Onions event not only celebrates the best architecture in San Diego, but also amicably points out the worst (the onions, if you will).

This year, the Orchids & Onions Awards Ceremony will be taking place on October 27th at 5pm. A pre-party and silent auction, designed by Bells & Whistles and Terri Mitchell, will take place at the Westfield Horton Plaza Event Space. The pre-party will include specialty drinks and hors d’oeuvres. The silent auction is full of unique treats, ranging from a Buenos Aires vacation to a Joe Montana hand-signed helmet, all available at low priced starting bids.

This year’s nominees include Pier 32 Marina on San Diego Bay, Cosmopolitan Hotel & Restaurant Restoration, El Take It Easy (pictured), La Jolla Elementary School’s Girard Welcome Plaza, County of San Diego Ramona Branch Library, Kaiser Permanente La Mesa Solar, Murals of La Jolla and many others. Last year’s Orchids included beauties such as Vin de Syrah, The Q, Urban Corps, Hillcrest Mural by Shepard Fairey, and St. Bartholomew’s Chapel.

The Orchids & Onions Awards Ceremony will be hosted by Grant Barrett and will start at 8pm at the Balboa Theatre in downtown San Diego. Tickets are available for $40 for SDAF members, with the price rising to $45 at the door. For nonmembers, the price is $50 in advance and $55 at the door. For more information, visit orchidsandonions.org.

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