The 33rd Annual San Diego Zoo Food & Wine Celebration | A Night at San Diego's Most Unique Epicurean Event

Nervous Ness & the Bearded Dragon

September 30, 2013

There are food and spirits events on a monthly basis in San Diego, but at how many do you get the chance to hold a bearded dragon, watch a cheetah play with a dog or take an aerial tram over the whole celebration??  On a perfect September evening, hundreds of food and animal enthusiasts had the unique opportunity to enter the famed San Diego Zoo during after hours, to sip and swirl with the animals, taste delectable delights from over 170 local restaurants, breweries, wineries and spirit companies, and enjoy the playful ambience of the evening, all for the wonderful cause of conservation research. The San Diego Zoo Food & Wine Celebration is one of the city's elite epicurean events, and the 33rd annual fundraiser offered an eclectic mix of food, spirits, music and animal encounters.

Enjoy Art Like Never Before at the Old Town San Diego Art Festival | Saturday, October 5 & Sunday, October 6

September 30, 2013

Watch as the streets of Historic Old Town San Diego transform into an art extravaganza at this year’s Old Town San Diego Art Festival!  On Saturday, October 5 & Sunday, October 6 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, the Old Town Chamber of Commerce invites you to experience a world full of colorful art, live music, international food and exotic wines.  Stroll down San Diego Avenue as the streets fill with a variety of artists, food, wine, and entertainment. Feast your eyes on elaborate displays of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, and furniture while you fascinate your taste buds with delicious cuisine! This event is free to the public, and the Old Town Art Festival offers something for everyone!

Kids Get Free Admission to 38 San Diego Museums this October

September 29, 2013

Based on its huge success in the first two years, the San Diego Museum Council is proud to bring back its popular "Kids Free in October, presented by Time Warner Cable," back for a third year inviting families to enjoy free kids' admission to 38 museums across San Diego County with an adult ticket purchase. To take advantage of the offer, visitors must download their free coupon online for each museum they wish to visit this October.

Sample Over 40 Restaurants and 12 Craft Brews at the 5th Annual Taste of North Park | Saturday, Oct. 5

September 28, 2013

Stroll along the streets of San Diego’s hippest neighborhood while you sample food from North Park’s famous eateries, sip craft brews from San Diego’s best breweries and shop at a wide variety of boutiques and galleries at the 5th Annual Taste of North Park, taking place on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 11am-4pm.  For one ticket price of $35 you will enjoy over 40 restaurants and 12 specialty brews.

Ready to Feast! The New Children's Museum to Host Two Foodie Fundraisers to Launch New Exhibit | October 10 & 12

September 27, 2013

To celebrate the launch of their newest interactive exhibit, The New Children's Museum in downtown San Diego will host two unique fundraisers, each promising an amazing culinary experience. Feast: The Art of Playing With Your Food is the latest thematic exhibition that will be on display starting October 13, and will put food in a new perspective, giving guests the chance to truly engage with the artwork. Before Feast opens to the public, a VIP preview dinner will transport participants back to pre-revolution France on October 10 with the fundraising event, Feasting in Versailles, followed by a trip down the rabbit hole with Feasting in Wonderland, an annual benefit event on October 12.

Barons Market and San Diego Coastkeeper Want Facebook Friends to Eat, Drink and Be Merry | Don't Miss Barons Market Taste for Coastkeeper on Oct. 8

September 27, 2013

Being a Facebook fan of San Diego Coastkeeper and Barons Market has its serious advantages. The clean water nonprofit and local grocery store chain invite their Facebook fans to comment to win spots for an exclusive evening of free local microbrews and all-natural food. Barons Market and Coastkeeper will treat five winning commenters and their guests to Delectable: A Barons Market Taste for Coastkeeper on October 8 at 6 p.m.

Union Bank and the San Diego Chargers Kick Off Game Changers Program to Score Big with Local Charities and Fans | Begins Sunday, Sept. 29

September 27, 2013

As part of its commitment to responsible banking and supporting the San Diego community, Union Bank has partnered with the San Diego Chargers to raise funds for local charities over the course of the Chargers 2013 regular season. Titled “Game Changers,” the fundraising program is part of Union Bank’s ongoing sponsorship of the San Diego Chargers and will benefit programs at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater San Diego, the Armed Services YMCA San Diego and the San Diego Center for Children. As part of the program, attendees will have the chance to win fan prizes, including ticket upgrades, backpacks, merchandise discounts and signed San Diego Chargers memorabilia.

Andaz RoofTop600 to Host “Playboy Ladies of Golf” Model Search and Parties on Sept. 27 and Oct. 4

September 26, 2013

Andaz San Diego and Playboy Golf are pairing up to deliver San Diego a duo of exciting Playboy Ladies of Golf model search parties on Friday, September 27 and Friday, October 4 between 7-9pm Taking place atop the hotel at social hotspot RoofTop600, these two special events are a must for San Diego ladies who think they have what it takes to reach Playmate status. And gentlemen, you know you want to come party and meet Playboy Ladies of Golf too!

California Kebab & Beer Garden and Amplified Ale Works Celebrate Oktoberfest with German Beer and Hear & Trotter Brats | Saturday, September 28

September 25, 2013

Amplified Ale Works will be celebrating Oktoberfest on their ocean view patio at Cali Kebab & Beer Garden in Pacific Beach this Saturday, September 28, offering ten different German beers on draft and beer basted brats from The Heart & Trotter Butchery.

Esquire Network's Brew Dogs Premiers September 24 | First Episode Focuses on San Diego's Craft Beer Scene

September 24, 2013

Brew Dogs - one of Esquire Network's most exciting new shows - premiers tonight at 10pm!  The series features James Watt and Martin Dickie, owners of the UK’s fastest-growing craft brewery BrewDog, as they travel across America visiting different beer towns, celebrating distinctive craft beers and creating their own locally-inspired drafts.  Appropriately, the first stop on the Brew Dogs tour will be San Diego’s very own Stone Brewing Co., further solidifying San Diego's status as the world capital of beer!

Urban Kitchen to Open Del Mar's Newest Hotspot | CUCINA enoteca Opens September 29!

Summer corn stuffed agnolotti

September 24, 2013

A group of San Diego epicureans swarmed the unfinished space in Del Mar's Flower Hill Promenade to get a behind-the-scenes tour of what will soon be the newest restaurant in Tracy Borkum's Urban Kitchen Group.  Although the opening is a bit later than originally anticipated, come September 29, CUCINA enoteca will be a guaranteed North County culinary destination where foodies and socialites flock.  The friendly and cohesive staff is eager to serve up family style, modern Italian fare with the casual California twist that diners have come to know and love from Tracy's restaurants.

Shooting for That Top Spot | Craft Beer Tourism Summit Encourages All San Diego Businesses to Embrace Our Beer

September 23, 2013

On Thursday, September 19, politicians, brewers, restauranteurs, hoteliers, and media members joined together at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens Liberty Station for the San Diego Craft Beer Tourism & Hospitality Economic Summit, a symposium with the summary purpose of encouraging all local businesses to 'embrace and evolve' our position as a craft beer mecca.  Stone Brewing Co. founders Greg Kock & Steve Wagner invited fellow beer enthusiasts, including former mayor and current San Diego Chamber of Commerce President Jerry Sanders, to a discussion about how we can take our city to the next level as the world's top destination for beer enthusiasts.

Over 30,000 Expected at the 5th Annual La Jolla Art & Wine Festival | October 12-13

September 22, 2013

We're less than one month away from one of San Diego's hottest Fall tickets! Named nationally as one of the U.S.' "Top Fall Food & Drink Events" by Eater.com, the non-profit La Jolla Art & Wine Festival is set to take place this year on Saturday, October 12th & Sunday, October 13th. Packed with 2 days of wine, art, music, fun & charity, the entire picturesque village of downtown La Jolla will transform itself into one of the most prestigious art and wine festivals in the country!

Ballast Point Oktoberfest Dinner at Searsucker Del Mar | September 26

September 22, 2013

Just in time for Oktoberfest, Searsucker Del Mar and Ballast Point have teamed up to create a dynamic Oktoberfest-inspired menu that features some of Celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey's unique dishes along with an assortment of Ballast Point's popular brews including Longfin Lager, Sculpin IPA, Ballast Point Oktoberfest and Victory at Sea Porter. The Ballast Point Oktoberfest Dinner will take place on Thursday, September 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the recently opened Searsucker Del Mar (12995 El Camino Real, Del Mar).

Lucky Bastard Saloon Debuts Weekend Brunch Menu

September 21, 2013

Lucky Bastard Saloon’s 38 giant-screen TV’s have already made it ideal for football season, and now the Gaslamp sports bar has launched a full brunch menu to complement every game. Every Saturday and Sunday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., fans can get their brunch fix without resorting to checking ESPN on their phones.

The Tom Ham's Revival | Restaurant Evolves Through Renovations to Menu and Historic Location

September 20, 2013

Photos by Derek Plank courtesy of Tom Ham's Lighthouse

Lately we have been increasingly hearing its name chanted and revered from the mouths of trusted foodies. Tom Ham's Lighthouse has been owned by the Baumann family since the early 1970s, and although the restaurant could have lost itself in complacency and still thrived on its incredible view alone, Tom Ham's chose to undergo a five month, $3.5 Million renovation and picked up the experienced Chef Lance Repp from La Valencia to overhaul the menu.  The stunning result is a patently 'new' restaurant offering some of the freshest seafood in town along with a fantastic craft beer selection and quite possibly the very best view of downtown San Diego.

The Baked Bear Starts Catering Service | First Catered Party is Last 3 Padres Home Games!

September 19, 2013

Take two warm cookies and bring them together with creamy, rich ice cream and you have yourself what many people have dubbed “the best idea ever.” From their Instagram following to their constant line out the door, The Baked Bear of Pacific Beach, has already become a San Diego staple, and now with the launch of a new catering line, partygoers will be able to enjoy The Baked Bear’s scrumptious menu in the comfort of their own fest. With a brand new “Baked Bear” wrapped van and portable refrigerated carts, San Diego will now see The Baked Bear on the go, starting this weekend at Petco Park!

Whole Foods Market Hillcrest 7th Ave Pub Launches Urban Baja Menu

Chef Martín San Román

September 18, 2013

Whole Foods Market in Hillcrest will launch its new Urban Baja Menu created by Season Catering & Events Chef Partner Martín San Román at its 7th Ave Pub starting Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013. Internationally recognized local chef Martín San Román, who has received more than 250 awards from various countries, will be paving the way for a new culinary path for Whole Foods Market Hillcrest, embracing the popular Baja Med style and introducing a large line of regional wines to complement the already lengthy craft beer selection.

Casualization - Embracing the Zeitgeist of an Oppressive Society | Notes from a Loudmouth With an Affinity for Philosophy

Scene from Brooklyn 99

September 18, 2013

San Diego Magazine's resident food critic Troy Johnson has struck up an interesting debate with his article Casual Hex in San Diego, an entertaining and philosophical read on a fascinating subject - the modern trend toward casualizing the dining experience. Bertrand Hug of the legendary San Diego fine dining establishments, Betrand at Mister A's and Mille Fleurs, has already chimed in on the subject, as has Chef Matt Gordon of Sea & Smoke, Urban Solace and Solace and the Moonlight Lounge. As a San Diego loudmouth, I just had to get in on this action, interject, and toss my own two cents into the debate!

Oktoberfest Arrives to Mille Fleurs on September 24

Fresh Chanterelle Mushrooms, Bread Dumpling, Cream Sauce With Parsley 

September 18, 2013

Beginning Tuesday, September 24, Chef Martin Woesle at the renowned Mille Fleurs in Rancho Santa Fe will take guests to his homeland of Germany with Mille Fleurs’ annual Oktoberfest celebration. Mille Fleurs will offer daily specials showcasing a variety of traditional German cuisine through the end of October.

Top Snowboarding Pros Flock to Bear Mountain for 10th Annual Hot Dawgz and Hand Rails | Saturday, Sept. 21

September 18, 2013

Snow in September? Definitely, at the highly anticipated 10th Annual Hot Dawgz and Hand Rails! Impressive lineups of over 40 professional snowboarders from across the world are slated to take part in the annual winter kick-off event at Bear Mountain. The best of the best high-performance athletes will take over the mountain on Saturday, September 21 to showcase their ultimate skills and compete for bragging rights- and $15,000 worth of cash prizes- at the one and only Hot Dawgz and Hand Rails snowboarding competition.

10th Anniversary Spirits of Mexico Main Event Presents More Than 200 Varietals of Tequila | Saturday, Sept. 21

September 17, 2013

Tequila aficionados and budding enthusiasts will have the opportunity to discover hundreds of world-class, agave-based spirits produced in Mexico at this year’s 10th anniversary Spirits of Mexico Festival happening Sept. 17 through Sept. 21 in Old Town, San Diego. The festival’s Main Tasting Event, Sat., Sept. 21, will feature more than 70 brands with more than 200 varietals from well-known to smaller, independent producers, who will provide samples of their best spirits.

Lots in Store at The Chula Vista Bay Shores for the Chula Vista HarborFest | September 21 from 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

September 17, 2013

The City of Chula Vista is thrilled to celebrate Chula Vista HarborFest, at Chula Vista’s beautiful waterfront at Bayside Park. This event will take place on Saturday, September 21 from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM and will feature a wide array of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Free to the public, this year’s harbor side festival will celebrate the Unified Port of San Diego’s 50 year anniversary, featuring three exciting performance stages, engaging educational exhibits with interactive programs offered by the Living Coast Discovery Center, historic seafaring vessels courtesy of San Diego Maritime Museum, playful harbor activities in the water, fishing, exotic wheels and wooden boats, a fantastic Youth Zone, and more! New to this year’s harbor festival are the much anticipated ticketed events including a Sustainable SeafoodFest, Baja Wine Tasting and Craft Beer Garden!

Stone Brewing CEO Greg Koch Pledges to Shave It All for Movember

September 16, 2013

Attention Mo Bros and Mo Sistas of San Diego! Our beloved beer god, Greg Koch, CEO and Co-Founder of the internationally respected Stone Brewing Co. is partnering up with this year's global Movember movement in an effort to raise vital awareness and funds for men's health to combat prostate and testicular cancer. What's to be one of the most EPIC shave-downs this city has ever seen, Koch has pledged his Duck Dynasty-style facial hair to the barbershop clippers come Friday, November 1st for the SHAVE THE DATE Movember kickoff party at Quality Social.  If Greg Koch can raise $15,000 before November 1st, he's pledged to shave it ALL off!!

The Heart & Trotter Whole Animal Butchery Launches its Kickstarter with Whole Animal Dinner at Sea & Smoke | Sept. 16

September 16, 2013

Today, at 10 a.m. local butchers Trey Nichols and James Holtslag joined a legion of young entrepreneurs in the food industry by launching a Kickstarter campaign to help fund San Diego's first whole animal butchery - The Heart & Trotter Whole Animal Butchery! The duo have a goal of $50,000 in order bring about a sustainable, local butcher shop whose meat has never been injected with hormones, chemicals or antibiotics.

The New Children's Museum Commissions 13 New Artworks for Upcoming Food Exhibit - FEAST: The Art of Playing with Your Food | Launch Events October 10-13

September 14, 2013

The New Children’s Museum has confirmed the 13 artists or artist collectives that have been commissioned to create installations for the Museum’s next major exhibition, Feast: The Art of Playing with Your Food opening October 13. The latest in a series of Museum-wide thematic exhibitions designed to help visitors think, play and create, Feast will explore the subject of food through playful, multi-sensory, immersive experiences.

Getting Figgy at the San Diego Public Market | Inaugural San Diego Fig Fest Wows With Brilliant Dishes Demonstrating the Versatility of the California Fig

Dish offered by Chef Bernard Guillas
of the Marine Room

September 13, 2013

California figs were truly honored at the first ever San Diego Fig Fest, which took place on Sunday, September 8 at the outdoor National Plaza of the San Diego Public Market in Barrio Logan.  Over 400 attendees endured San Diego's heatwave to enjoy offerings from some of the finest chefs of Baja and San Diego.  Nearly 40 restaurants and food purveyors joined together to showcase the versatility of the fig, and they did so elegantly with inventive dishes that ranged from crepes, to dumplings, to gazpacho and on, and on, and on.

2013 San Diego Film Festival Announces its First Wave of Films | October 2-6

September 12, 2013

The San Diego Film Festival has announced its line-up for their 2013 event, held October 2 - 6 at two locations - Reading Theater in Gaslamp and ArcLight Cinemas in Westfield UTC Mall in La Jolla.  Featuring more than 100 screenings throughout five days, the festival includes eight categories of film -  Features, Documentaries, Native American, Music, Sports, Fashion, World Issues, and Film Shorts.  Additionally, the San Diego Film Festival will be honoring esteemed filmmaker Judd Apatow for their annual Tribute Gala on October 3rd.

Sinsay's Last Supper At La Villa | Chef Wows Before Return to Malarkey's Fabric Restaurant Empire

September 12, 2013

It has been less than three months since Anthony Sinsay left his position as Executive Chef at Burlap in the Del Mar Highlands Town Center (now Searsucker Del Mar) to take the lead at La Villa in Little Italy, but news broke this week that the young chef will return to Brian Malarkey's fabric brand to take the helm at the highly anticipated Herringbone in Los Angeles (set to open New Years' Eve 2013 in the Mondrian hotel).  We were fortunate to very recently get a sampling of Sinsay's Italian and Mediterranean inspired menu at La Villa (only a couple short days before he left the restaurant), and although we wish Chef Sinsay the best during his tenure in LaLa land, we are more than disheartened to see another talented culinarian depart San Diego for "greener"($$) pastures (we'll never concede that L.A. has anything on SD!).

Davanti Enoteca Named One of the Top 20 Italian Restaurants in the Country by The Daily Meal

September 11, 2013

San Diegans can now taste one of the 20 best Italian restaurants in the country without leaving the city! The Daily Meal has named Davanti Enoteca one of the top 20 Italian restaurants in the nation. Sharing a roster with names like Babbo in NYC, Scampo in Boston & Vincenti Ristorante in L.A. this is a proud moment for restaurateur/chef Scott Harris to have his flagship Davanti in Chicago recognized with such an honor. Scott's family here in San Diego, including wife Dana and the staff at Davanti Enoteca in Little Italy and Del Mar Highlands, are excited to celebrate this with the local community.

Spirits of Mexico Tequila Trail Event Returns to Old Town Sept. 19

September 10, 2013

Tequila Trail, part of the 10th annual Spirits of Mexico Festival, returns to Old Town San Diego on Thursday, Sept. 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. For the price of a $35 ticket, Mexican cuisine and tequila lovers will blaze through the streets of Old Town sampling selections of agave spirits paired with culinary specialties from 10 participating restaurants.

San Diego Zoo Food & Wine Celebration Offers Culinary Delights While Benefiting Wildlife Conservation | Saturday, September 21

September 9, 2013
 
Don't miss the wildest food event in San Diego at the San Diego Zoo Food & Wine Celebration on Saturday, September 21. This event is presented by Cymer and is always a spectacular party not to be missed, as guests attending the annual fundraising can sample culinary delights and sip on beverages from more than 150 of the San Diego area's best restaurants, wineries and breweries and meet exotic animals like a koala and cheetah up close, all while benefiting wildlife conservation efforts.  Don't miss out on one of the most unique and fun food events in San Diego.

Take Me Out to Southpaw Social Club | The East Village's Newest Gastropub Pairs a Prime Park Location with Classic Americana Comforts

September 8, 2013

In June, Good Time Design solidified its stronghold of the East Village with the opening of Southpaw Social Club at the space formerly occupied by El Vitral.  Teaming up with Top Chef alum and chef/owner of R Gang Eatery, Rich Sweeney, as consulting executive chef, the gastropub focuses on social dining with an array of shared plates and modernized, classic-Americana inspired dishes.  With a sophisticated bar list that includes over 30 craft beers, an extensive wine selection, cocktails by Blind Tiger Cocktail Company, and an amazing back patio looking out onto Petco Park, Southpaw is certainly a destination for anyone looking for a fun, yet refined experience in the heart of downtown San Diego.

The Inaugural San Diego Bacon Fest Creates Controversy By Being Awesome

September 7, 2013

It has been one week since sweet smokey smells of bacon wafted through Liberty Station. The Inaugural Hormel Black Label Bacon Fest was organized to honor National Bacon Day, and that it did, as some of the best chefs, breweries, wineries and spirits manufacturers joined other vendors and a sold-out crowd of swine belly enthusiasts for a day of celebrating America's favorite meat product. Well, not everyone's favorite - animals rights activists and other PETA protestors lined the walkway into the event, forming an ironic 'welcoming party' boasting signs meant to shame festival goers for their participation in the gluttonous display. Though I always love seeing citizens exercising their First Amendment, it only made me hungrier.  After all, meat is murder; tasty, tasty murder. (credit to this guy's shirt ---->).

San Diego Spirits Festival | Showcasing the SD Cocktail Scene

September 6, 2013

Cervantes Magana doing his thing.

By Megan Gallagher | SanDiegoVille Contributor

Some people prefer vodka, some tequila, some rum, and all were welcome at the 5th annual San Diego Spirits Festival - a showcase of the latest and tastiest liquors available on the market. The unique event, named as one of the top 5 cocktail festivals in the United States by Fodors.com, gave patrons a chance to wet their whistle, with everything from shots of high-quality whiskey to fruity vodka concoctions. The San Diego Spirits Festival highlights the cocktail and culinary community and the talented bartenders and chefs who are shaking up San Diego's vibrant scene. We had our chance to get tipsy at the two-day event and it's safe to say that our palates were elevated - pre-mixed margaritas and Smirnoff just won't cut it anymore.

The ¡Latin Food Fest! Is Coming September 12-15 | Grand Tasting Event to take place at Broadway Pier on Sept. 14

September 6, 2013

The ¡Latin Food Fest! will take over San Diego with an array of exciting events from September 12-15.  Featuring classes, seminars, tastings, special dinners, and a host of premier offerings, the inaugural Latin Food Fest will kick off its 10 city tour starting in America's Finest City. In anticipation of this occasion, SanDiegoVille will be posting details about the Latin Food Fest's special events, starting with the Grand Tasting, set for Saturday, September 14!

Brazilian Steakhouse Fogo de Chão Now Open in Downtown San Diego | Marking its 20th U.S. location in heart of Gaslamp

September 5, 2013

Award-winning Fogo de Chão (pronounced fo-go dèe shoun), the authentic Southern Brazilian steakhouse, recently opened its 20th U.S. location in San Diego on 6th Avenue in the heart of the city’s historic Gaslamp Quarter inside the Borders Building. The restaurant’s dining experience is based on the centuries-old gaucho tradition known as churrasco, the art of roasting meats over an open fire. A prix fixe menu features freshly grilled meats carved tableside, as well as an extensive salad bar and authentic Brazilian sides.

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery | All Ready to Open in Del Mar Highlands Towne Center

September 4, 2013
 
Hailing from Denver, but known locally for its Hillcrest location, Snooze, an AM Eatery has earned a reputation as one of the hottest breakfast spots around (and, according to Zagat, one of the best restaurants in SD in 2013). Soon North County residents will be able to get their fix a little closer to home, as Snooze has taken over IHOP's former location in Del Mar Highlands Town Center and is scheduled to open on Friday, September 6.  We recently sampled the new Snooze and can attest that they are consistent and remain ready to satisfy their customers with approachable food executed with care and a flexible menu that's ready for the most creative customizations.

Indigo Grill Gets New Look & Menu

September 4, 2013

After 12 years as a leading name on the radar of many local diners, the Indigo Grill is about to get a fresh, modern look and an innovative menu to go along with it.  The Cohn Restaurant Group is pleased to announce notable San Diego designer, Michael Soriano, has been retained to reinvent the iconic space as it steps up to meet the growing needs of the vibrant and bustling Little Italy neighborhood.

Annual Del Mar Taste & Art Stroll Returns This Fall with Original Artwork, Culinary Offerings and Fun for the Whole Family | October 6

September 3, 2013

The Del Mar Village Association will host the Del Mar Taste & Art Stroll on Sunday, October 6. Held in the heart of the charming village of Del Mar, this annual event includes a free art stroll, ticketed restaurant tasting, live music, and a new Fido Festival for the family pooch.