SanDiegoVille: May 2012

Notes from the 3rd Annual I Love Poke Festival | Bringing Hawaiian Culture to Sunny San Diego

May 31, 2012

We had the delightful opportunity to cover the 3rd annual I Love Poke Festival along the picturesque shores of Shelter Island at the Bali Hai restaurant. The event was a remarkable foodie festival highlighting Hawaiian cuisine and sharing Hawaii’s colorful culture with us “mainlanders,” including a competition amongst San Diego’s top chefs who were all vying to create the best poke dish in America’s Finest City.

May 30, 2012

I believe that every great neighborhood in the world must have an Irish pub. It’s really a fascinating truth. There is something about the laid-back-no-nonsense approach of Irish taverns that appeals to everyone, everywhere. Although Pacific Beach is a community inundated with bars, Brewley’s Pint differentiates itself from the crowd as the only Irish pub in the area – but with a refreshing twist. With an ample selection of beer and wine, daily happy hours and specials, frequent live music, and tons of games at your disposal - including darts, pool, shuffleboard, board games, and a giant Jenga - Brewley’s offers PB something pleasantly distinct from its neighbors, in a classic old world pub setting.

May 30, 2012

Hey all you soccer fans - this June, soccerloco, the online and specialty retailer of premium and exclusive soccer gear, will host a series of special viewing parties for the 14th playing of the UEFA Euro 2012; beginning with the Italian national team’s group stage match against defending champion Spain on June 10, 2012.

May 30, 2012

With “The art of eating healthy” as their slogan, the people of Hillcrest and San Diego are in for a treat. The newly opened Pita Jungle offers an eclectic blend of fresh ingredients, creative energy, and good times. Pita Jungle is now open in Hillcrest at 1045 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103.

Where the Wild Things Are Food & Wine Classic | Chula Vista Nature Center, June 2nd

May 29, 2012

“Then from far away across the world he smelled good things to eat, so he gave up being king of the wild things.” ~Where the Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak

This coming Saturday, June 2^nd, imbibe alongside wildlife and enjoy food from local restaurants, plus cooking demonstrations, music and live and silent auctions at the newly rebranded Living Coast Discovery Center’s (formerly the Chula Vista Nature Center) “Where the Wild Things Are: Food & Wine Classic”, a fundraiser to benefit the center.

May 29, 2012

The I Love Poke Festival returns to San Diego’s Bali Hai Resort tomorrow, May 30, 2012, from 6 to 9 p.m. This third annual foodie fest and competition celebrates Hawaiian culture and lifestyle, and pits fifteen of San Diego’s top chefs against one another in a competition to discover who can create the best poke in the city.

Phil's BBQ | Worth the Line and Then Some

May 29, 2012

By Sean Jackson | Food Reporter

I'm gonna preface this by saying that I am assuming that you like barbecue. So for all the haters out there that don't like BBQ and then do nothing but complain about Phil's, keep it to yourself. If on the other hand, you appreciate the work that goes into the ambrosia known as BBQ, you'll understand where I'm coming from. I shouldn't have to say anything since the line around the building almost every business day silences most critics.

San Diego's Celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey Opens Fifth Restaurant Concept | Welcome to Herringbone

May 25, 2012

Chef Brian Malarkey

Scheduled to open 'softly' to the public today, May 25, 2012, Herringbone will be the fifth San Diego culinary installment by Enlightened Hospitality Group, helmed by local Celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey and hospitality visionary James Brennan. The opening of Herringbone marks what is said to be the final piece in Enlightened Hospitality Group’s “big three,” completing the trilogy alongside the successful Searsucker and Burlap (not to mention Gingham and Gabardine).

May 23, 2012

As a food reporter, one of the worst things to encounter (besides a hair on your plate) is a conflict between two events that you really want to cover, in this situation, yesterday's Coast of Pacific Beach Restaurant Walk and the barleymash official grand opening party. Here at SanDiegoVille.com, we were determined to tackle both events, so, as any resourceful and motivated reporters would, we fasted all day and made magic happen. We would hop on our bikes and cruise between the 25 restaurants in PB, then hop on the 5 south to downtown to imbibe at our newest favorite Gaslamp hotspot, barleymash. And in tribute to Sacha Baron Cohen's latest film, it was "great success!"

The Westin Gaslamp Quarter Opens New Italian Restaurant, Pinzimini

May 22, 2012

The Westin Gaslamp Quarter has completed the final phase of its $25 million property-wide renovation with the opening of the hotel’s new restaurant and bar, Pinzimini (pronounced “pin-zuh-MEE-nee”). Only the third Westin hotel to introduce the brand’s new signature restaurant, Starwood Hotels & Resorts will continue to roll-out the concept with two more Pinzimini locations planned to open within the next year.

May 21, 2012

Tomorrow, May 22nd, is barleymash's Grand Opening Party down in the Gaslamp, and SanDiegoVille.com has an extra pass for two people to go to the private pre-party from 7-9pm featuring a hosted bar (FREE BOOZE!!!), complimentary food selections, and entertainment by DJ Spider.

If you want to enter the contest, just "Like" our Facebook page, search for the post announcing the contest, and in 10 words or less in a comment to that post, tell us what is your favorite thing about San Diego. That's it! The winner will be announced at 3:30pm tomorrow and we'll meet you at barleymash to give you your ticket. Good luck!

Anchorman Sequel Teaser Trailer Released!!

May 21, 2012

San Diego's favorite newsmen return in the teaser trailer for Anchorman: The Legend Continues. Allegedly, the teaser trailer is significantly different than the one that ran over the weekend in front of "The Dictator." Check it out below!

May 19, 2012

Food Network sensation, Crepes Bonaparte, arrived in San Diego on May 18 as the city’s newest roving culinary la carte, serving the ultimate go-to in French street fare. SanDiegoVille.com is excited to welcome the newest addition to our thriving food truck community.

Regular Menu at Oscar's (under construction)

May 17, 2012

I must disclose my reluctance to tell the 'Ville about Oscar's Mexican Seafood for fear that the lines may get longer, thereby increasing the overall (albeit comparatively minimal) wait on my thrice-weekly visits to one of San Diego's newest, and inarguably best taco shops. But, being a loyal San Diegan dedicated to the community-at-large, I decided to put my selfishness aside. Without hesitation (gulp), I now reveal the deliciousness that we've all been waiting for.

May 17, 2012

Celebrate the fourth anniversary of the PB party spot, Pacific Beach AleHouse, with a pig roast and luau on Thursday, May 17. There will be food and drink specials, featuring their homebrewed Anniversary Ale. Doors open to the public at 10 p.m. with $3 you-call-its until closing time. So grab your beer goggles and grass skirts and head to Pacific Beach AleHouse for a sensational shindig. For more information, contact 858-581-BEER or visit http://www.pbalehouse.com/events.html.

PACIFIC BEACH ALEHOUSE

721 Grand Avenue at the corner of Mission Blvd. in Pacific Beach

(858) 581-BEER (2337)

pbalehouse.com/

O.B. Beach Ball Festival!!!

May 17, 2012

We may have had our heads in the sand, but we sure are sorry we didn't let you all know about this Ocean Beach extravaganza sooner! Beginning Wednesday through this Sunday Ocean Beach is hosting OB Beach Ball, a smorgasbord of a festival, featuring a 70 foot Ferris wheel, bikini contests, beer gardens, volleyball tournaments, a Hodad's hamburger-eating contest, a 135 foot long slip n' slide, live music galore, and so much more!!!!

AND if you don't trust yourself on a bike after a few craft beers, you can just jump on the free PB to OB shuttles, operating from 10am till 9pm. They leave every ½ hour from 710 Beach Club in PB and drop you at the OB Boardwalk, adjacent to “Beach Ball." See ya there!

Cohn Restaurant Group Opens Doors to Vintana in Escondido on May 21st

May 17, 2012

After nine cumulative months of construction, the city’s most visible restaurant collective is gearing up to unveil their most anticipated concept to date—Vintana. The massive new $2.5 million joint venture from the Cohn Restaurant Group and Judy Jones-Cone, owner of The Centre at Lexus Escondido, is set to open its doors to the public on May 21, 2012 and is on track to break the mold of “traditional dining” as the first restaurant and luxury entertainment destination of its kind in the inland North County region.

May 16, 2012

By Bunny Anderson, Nightlife Reporter for Examiner.com

Over the summer I packed up my life in Denver, Colorado and ventured out west to make my home in sunny San Diego. While the idea of constant sunshine, surf, and beaches was highly appealing to me, my heart was breaking a little because I had to leave not only my amazing friends but my favorite restaurants and watering holes, including my go-to brunch heaven Snooze.

May 16, 2012

For those wanting to avoid the crowded beaches and rooftop pool parties this Memorial Day weekend but don't want to miss out on the grilled food experience, BICE Ristorante in the Gaslamp is a fantastic option with their special Grigliata (everything's grilled) menu.

May 16, 2012

For the first time in the event’s three-year history, the I Love Poke Festival, taking place May 30th from 6 to 9 p.m. at Bali Hai Restaurant, will auction off one of its coveted judging spots for charity, via eBay Giving Works and MissionFish. This auction will begin on May 16th and extend for ten days, ending on Saturday, May 26 at 7:00 p.m.

May 16, 2012

The San Diego Sicilian Festival returns to the streets of Little Italy this Sunday, May 20th, for its 19th installment.

May 14, 2012

In February, Nightclub & Bar Magazine officially announced the winners of the 2012 Nightclub & Bar Awards naming the Grant Grill 'Hotel Bar of the Year.’ To celebrate their success, the Grant Grill is hosting a 'Hotel Bar of the Year' Award Party.

May 13, 2012

On May 22^nd, make your way to the beach and discover the best eats in Pacific Beach at the upcoming Coast of Pacific Beach Restaurant Walk. Bring your appetite as this popular annual event continues to grow and will offer a great variety of food choices by over 20 local restaurants as well as special deals from local retailers as you stroll past the shops, all for only $20 presale!

May 11, 2012

Next week San Diego celebrates American Craft Beer Week (this is different than Beer Week, which is later in the year). Below is some info on the jubilation and a round-up of several local establishments dedicated to offering the proper way to celebrate the flourishing local craft beer scene.

May 11, 2012

The I Love Poke Festival has announced an impressive lineup of competing chefs who, along with participating restaurants and food vendors, will be present at this large-scale Hawaiian food and culture-fest, taking place May 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Bali Hai Restaurant on Shelter Island.

May 10, 2012

Eat, drink and be merry with Mom this Mother’s Day. It’s all about family at these San Diego restaurants.

May 9, 2012
Food Photos by Kiera McGill

The menu quotes the late Julia Child and reads, “You don’t have to cook complicated or fancy masterpieces, just good food from fresh ingredients.” Though I may argue that the London Burning cocktail and puttanesca sauce are in fact masterpieces, Prepkitchen definitely makes good, simple food from the freshest ingredients.

May 9, 2012

Ciro's Pizzeria and Beerhouse in Pacific Beach will be celebrating its one year anniversary today, Wednesday, May 9th from 11am to close.

May 8, 2012

An interesting new company has decided to make its national launch right here in San Diego. DinnerDate is a small group dating service that’s making San Diego restaurants the main ingredient for singles seeking new relationships. Below is a full description about who they are and what they have planned for America’s Finest City. Since their April launch, they have had over 1500 people sign up with a profile and DinnerDaters are already meeting one another at restaurants and events!

May 8, 2012

By Bunny Anderson, Nightlife Reporter for Examiner.com

If the ho-hum of the work week has you down and you are looking for some hump day stimulation for the brain, grab your smarty pants friends and head on over to Guava Beach Bar & Grill for Trivia Wednesdays, hosted by Americas Finest Trivia. Guava Beach provides a fun, chilled out atmosphere right in the middle of Mission Beach (3714 Mission Blvd.) Trivia usually gets started around 8pm but I would suggest getting there early to claim prime seating.

May 8, 2012

West Inn & Suites, an 86-room independently owned and operated boutique hotel in Carlsbad, has joined Stash Hotel Rewards, the largest loyalty program for independent hotels in the United States.
Accepted into the Stash Hotel Rewards program because of its top TripAdvisor rating in Carlsbad, leisure and business travelers can now earn and redeem points in a rapidly increasing network of independent hotels across the country.

FIVE San Diego Restaurants Make the National Top 100 Brunch List!

May 7, 2012

Brockton Villa's Brunch View

94th Aero Squadron, Brockton Villa, Humphrey's Restaurant, R-Gang Eatery, and Tom Ham's Lighthouse

Just in time for Mother's Day, OpenTable announced the 2012 Diners' Choice Award winners for Best 100 Restaurants for Brunch in the United States. These awards reflect the combined opinions of nearly 5 million reviews submitted by verified OpenTable diners for more than 12,000 restaurants in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Karl Strauss Crew with their Gold
for Best Irish Style Red

May 7, 2012

Brewers from around the world received awards from an selected international panel of judges in the 2012 Brewers Association World Beer Cup in San Diego. The ninth bi-annual competition had the strongest field of entrants on record, with 799 breweries from 54 countries and 45 U.S. states entering 3,921 beers in 95 beer style categories. This was a 17.7% increase over 2010. The entries were eligible for gold, silver and bronze awards in their respective categories. Judges presented a total of 284 awards.

May 7, 2012
Mira Mesa recently welcomed its newest Korean fusion restaurant with the opening of Fuze Restaurant and Lounge. Located at 9379 Mira Mesa Blvd., the 3,300 square foot restaurant will be open daily for lunch and dinner.

May 7, 2012

Le Dîner à San Diego, Southern California’s inaugural spontaneous flash “pop-up picnic” dinner feast to occur on May 25th, has announced a partnership with San Diego’s leading and most exclusive fine dining catering company, Campine. Dubbed “a culinary + cocktail conspiracy,” Campine is helmed by Chef/Partner Andrew Spurgin formerly of Waters Fine Catering, Antonio Friscia of the famed nightclub and event venue Stingaree, and celebrity chef Brian Malarkey, Chef/Owner of Searsucker, Burlap, Gingham, Gabardine and the upcoming Herringbone.

May 5, 2012
Food Photos by Kiera McGill

Pacific Beach can be a lot of fun, but it is certainly not known as the most refined neighborhood of San Diego. Well, there’s a new hotspot in town looking to add a touch of style and grace to PB. Duck Dive has moved into the spot previously occupied by Hennessy’s Tavern and is doing its best to class-up a neighborhood saturated with dive bars, tattoo parlors, and surf shops.

Happy Cinco de Drinko! From Victory to Debauchery | 150 Year Anniversary

May 5, 2012

Ahh....Cinco de Mayo...a day to don a sombrero, sip on margs, eat a burrito, dance La Curcaracha, and soak up some sweet Mexican-style sun!

May 5, 2012

Raise your hand if you love freshly baked bread! What about brownies? Pizza? What if you thought you could never enjoy any of these delicious dishes again? This fear is a reality for the rising population of Americans who suffer from Celiac’s Disease, an auto-immune disorder triggered by the gluten protein found in wheat, barley and rye.

May 4, 2012

Last night, SanDiegoVille.com got the opportunity to attend the invite-only soft opening of what is sure to be the Gaslamp's newest hot spot, barleymash. The food was tasty, the design was stylish, and the beer selection was filled with unique crafts, just how we like it.

Rob Machado Photography Launch at Bliss 101 in Encinitas | May 5, 2012

May 3, 2012

Surfing Legend, Rob Machado

Bliss 101 is the setting for the launch of pro-surfer Rob Machado’s photography this Saturday, May 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. Bliss 101 will become the first and only local gallery to offer the surfer’s photography, a collection of images from Machado’s worldwide travels as well as his life in Encinitas and Cardiff, for sale to the public.

'Supermoon' of May 5th Likely To Outshine Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower This Weekend

May 3, 2012

On the evening of Saturday, May 5, 2012, the moon will pass by the Earth at the closest it will be in 2012. Known as a "supermoon", this month's full moon may be substantially larger and brighter than usual, and may even cause some wild occurrences. Scientists also refer to the event as a "perigee moon."

Performance 360: Train. Eat. Play. in Mission Beach

May 3, 2012

Tucked away on the bay in Mission Beach is a small gym quietly growing a big community. If you haven't been to Performance360 for one of their indoor or outdoor classes, you are missing out on a completely unique fitness experience. P360 boasts San Diego's only indoor/outdoor combination of waterfront training and their short, intense workouts will leave you spent, but craving more.

May 3, 2012

Red Light District, Gaslamp’s new and seductive Dining Room and Social House, is looking for San Diegans to nominate their husband as “San Diego’s Best” this Father’s Day. One lucky father will win the ultimate VIP package.

TMZ is reporting that Junior Seau has been found dead in his home in Oceanside, and initial reports indicate that it may have been a suicide, as a gun was found at his side. We'll keep the rest of SanDiegoVille apprised as the story progresses.

VIDEO: The "One Thing" You Have to do in San Diego

This guy surely makes his way around SDVille, and we're going to have to agree on his one thing that visitors must do while in San Diego. Check it out and let us know if you agree.

May 1, 2012

The 3rd Annual San Diego OysterFest returns to the Marina Embarcadero North by Seaport Village on Saturday, June 16th for a day of beer, music, and food. This year, the event maintains its local focus with live bands and beer from area microbreweries, as well as plenty of fresh West Coast oysters and food offerings from a variety of San Diego restaurants.

Mother's Day Brunch at Brigantine Del Mar | One Last Chance Before the Remodel!!

May 1, 2012

Sunday, May 13^th 2012 is special for two different reasons this year. The first, it’s Mother’s Day of course! The second, is that May 13^th marks the last day the Brigantine in Del Mar will be open before their much anticipated remodel gets underway. What better way to celebrate Mother’s Day then having brunch at The Brigantine Del Mar for one last go?! Sounds like an ideal spot if you ask me.

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