San Diego Chefs Unite for Charity Shuck-a-Thon on National Oyster Day | Ironside Oyster Hosts 5 Local Chefs to Benefit 5 Local Charities on August 5

July 29, 2014

To find out who's the baddest mother-shucker in SoCal, head to Ironside Fish & Oyster for an oyster throwdown like no other. Presenting Ironside's 1st ANNUAL SHUCK-A-THON, 5 chefs will go head to head to benefit 5 deserving charities using the best bivalves from Baja California. To celebrate National Oyster Day on Tuesday, August 5th, Executive Chef Jason McLeod welcomes five of the area's most notable chefs to join him and take a turn behind the raw bar for an epic oyster shucking competition from 5pm-10pm. For those who like it raw, Ironside Fish & Oyster will be serving up Baja's famed Kumiai Oysters donated by Farm Fresh Shellfish for just a buck apiece during the competition. Though more convincing is probably not necessary, let us remind you that it's all for charity, for shuck's sake.

La Jolla Strip Club Shutters | Cohn Restaurant Group's Northern Grill-Your-Own Steak Concept Is, Well, Done

July 29, 2014

The Cohn Restaurant Group took to social media today to announce the permanent closure of grill-your-own-steakhouse, La Jolla Strip Club, which opened in December 2009. Based on the graphic posted, the space located at 4282 Esplanade Court in UTC will be used for an unannounced replacement restaurant concept by the Cohn Group. Gaslamp Strip Club remains open.

Cocktail Maven Lindsay Nader and CH Projects Opens 'JUICE' in San Diego's East Village Neighborhood

July 29, 2014

In partnership with beverage hospitality veteran Lindsay Nader, San Diego’s powerhouse hospitality collective, CH Projects (Ironside Fish & Oyster, Craft & Commerce, Polite Provisions) is proud to open doors to their newest concept, JUICE. A contemporary take on the conventional juice bar experience, the 1,100 square-foot shop is located in the heart of the East Village neighborhood at 871 G Street and introduces a ninth concept to CH’s growing repertoire.  Cocktail maven Lindsay Nader, JUICE’s operating partner, is recognized as one of the nation’s shining stars within the spirits and beverage industry. A bartender, cocktail writer (Food & Wine, Los Angeles Magazine) and former brand ambassador, this triple threat has racked up an impressive roster of experience at some of the nation’s most respected bars and restaurants and will bring a welcomed, healthful element to CH’s growing brand — employing her world-class bartending skills to offer more balanced, flavorful & nutrient rich juices.

Napizza’s 2nd Location in San Diego's North County to Open This Week | Popular Little Italy Eatery Expands to 4S Commons Town Center in Rancho Bernardo

July 29, 2014

Napizza is going to make some bellies very happy in 4S Ranch. With an ever-increasing following of customers who crave the restaurant’s pizzas and organic salad bar, co-owners Giulia Colmignoi and Christopher Antinucci are now expanding their fast-casual concept with a second location in North San Diego County. Set to open in this Friday, August 1, Napizza will be welcomed to the 4S Ranch neighborhood, which is known for its family-friendly appeal and nearby corporate business centers.

Want to Get Screamed at by Chef Gordon Ramsey? FOX's 'Hell's Kitchen' is Now Casting

July 28, 2014

FOXʼs hit cooking series Hell's Kitchen is back again as Chef Gordon Ramsay looks for the best of the best to work beside him in the hottest kitchen on Earth! The nationwide casting call started July 14, and the show is in search of Americaʼs culinary elite who not only have the skills but the stamina to cook alongside the renowned, Chef Ramsey. San Diegans interested in applying can head to Le Cordon Bleu restaurant in Hollywood on Monday, August 11 to apply at the closest open call.

Enlightened Hospitality Group to Open Searsucker in Santa Monica at New Beachfront Enclave

July 28, 2014

San Diego's Enlightened Hospitality Group, started by San Diego's own Chef Brian Malarkey and James Brennan - now majority-owned by Hakkasan Group - is expanding it's fabric family of restaurants to Santa Monica's new luxury residential development, Ocean Avenue South, just one block from the Pacific Ocean. This is the second venture for EHG in Los Angeles, with the first being Herringbone at the Mondrian Hotel and the fourth Searsucker location nationally.

Cohn Restaurant Group's OB Warehouse World Kitchen Set to Open August 7

July 28, 2014

Based on signs visible from the eatery's exterior, the Cohn Restaurant Group's latest venture, OB Warehouse, is set to open to the public on Thursday, August 7, at 4:44pm. Located on Newport Avenue in the heart of Ocean Beach, OB Warehouse will offer global-inspired cuisine sourced from a range of influences. This will be the second Ocean Beach restaurant and 20th dining venue in San Diego County for the Cohn Group.

The Baja Best Fest to Showcase Best of Mexican Peninsula on Saturday, August 2 in Rosarito

July 28, 2014

This Saturday, August 2, from noon-12am, don't miss the best of Baja California, Mexico, at the Baja Best Fest, a festival celebrating art, wine and food, featuring some of the region's most acclaimed wineries, restaurants, chefs and breweries. Held at the new Baja California Center just north of Rosarito, the festival will fulfill your 5 senses and feature wine, craft beer, gourmet coffee, regional food, live music, fine arts, film and dance. SanDiegoVille is raffling off 2 tickets to the event (an $80 value)! Just input your email below to enter and read on for more details.

Enter for a chance to win 2 passes to the Baja Best Fest!

5 Reasons Why the Comic Con Convention Kinda Sucks

July 28, 2014

Comic Con International San Diego, or "The Con," as it is known to insiders, is the biggest pop culture convention in the world. Being a "nerd" at heart, I was like a kid on Christmas when I received a message in my inbox saying that I had been approved for a press pass to this year's event (which I had to apply for by mid-December 2013), which would be my first year ever attending. I began reviewing schedules, making notes and planning what events, panels and displays to attend. I picked up my pass as soon as I could the Wednesday before the official opening. I got my Superman costume, drove my car2go downtown and managed the crowd to finally penetrate the exclusive convention. Now, after attending my first Comic Con, I have to share with you how disappointing it was.

Fun for the Four Legged and Their Two Legged Companions at Cardiff's "Dog Days of Summer" Fest | Saturday, August 9

July 27, 2014

Cardiff-by-the-Sea is ready to celebrate man’s best friend! Set in this beautiful beach community, this annual one-day street fair for dogs and dog lovers is set for Saturday, August 9, from 10am-5pm on Newcastle Ave, Aberdeen Drive and Liverpool Drive in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. The 9th annual Dog Days of Summer is hosted by Cardiff 101 Main Street, and is expected to draw 10,000 four-legged friends, their fans and family members. 

The Great Horror Campout is Coming to Terrify San Diego on August 15 & 16

July 27, 2014

The Great Horror Campout will be hitting San Diego this August 15 and 16, taking place at Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center! From Ten Thirty One Productions, the creators of the incredibly popular Los Angeles Haunted Hayride, the Great Horror Campout is a “choose your own adventure” overnight summer camp experience unlike any other. With Mark Cuban recently investing in the company, the biggest deal in Shark Tank history, this year’s Great Horror Campout will be even more frightening.

The Patio on Lamont Fancy Schmancy Picnic Wine Dinner Takes Place, August 5 | Pacific Beach Favorite Continues Wine Dinner Series With Summer Theme

July 26, 2014

The Patio on Lamont’s upcoming “Fancy Schmancy Picnic” specialty wine pairing dinner will take place on Tuesday, August 5 at 5:30pm.  In celebration of the beautiful summer weather and in continuation of a monthly wine dinner series, wine aficionados and food lovers alike can rejoice with The Patio on Lamont’s wine dinner featuring jazzed-up picnic cuisine. The Patio will serve fun takes on all-American picnic classics, including Surf and Turf Deviled Eggs, Escargot Pasta Salad, a Lobster-Pork Belly BLT, Wild Boar Ribs with grilled watermelon BBQ sauce and a sweet selection of baked fresh pies. Additionally, each course is paired with hand-selected wine ranging from a Sparking Ribolla, to a rich Charbono.

Mark Your Calendars, Dinner Is About to Get Finger Lickin’ Good | 7 San Diego Spots to Celebrate National Chicken Wing Day on July 29

La Jolla Brewing Company

July 25, 2014

Whether you like them spicy hot, sticky sweet or cooked to a smoky crisp—there’s just something irresistible about chicken wings. This all-American finger food is a go-to snack for any occasion, often times smothered in hot sauce and served with bleu cheese (or ranch in California!). Since Americans consume more than 25 billion chicken wings each year, it’s only right that a food this popular is recognized with a holiday. Celebrate National Chicken Wing Day this July 29, and every day, by heading to these local establishments. Hope you’re hungry!

Over 400 Disabled Students to Benefit from Haute Fashion in San Diego | St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center 37th Haute with Heart Fashion Show and Luncheon Takes Place on Saturday, August 16

July 24, 2014

St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center will host its 37th Haute with Heart Fashion Show on Saturday, August 16 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, located at 1 Park Boulevard San Diego, CA 92101. This year’s event, titled “Fashion on Pointe,” is a ballet-themed fashion show inspired by SMSC student John Agostini’s painting Ballerina, available for viewing at the event.