RECAP: The Lexus Grand Tasting at the L.A. Food & Wine Festival | Hot Times in the City of Angels

Inside the Lexus Grand Tasting

August 17, 2012

Summer was in full swing as we made our way north to Los Angeles to cover the grand finale of the 2nd Annual L.A. Food & Wine Festival - day 2 of the Lexus Grand Tasting event.  Even with $300 in complimentary passes, we were reluctant to get in the car and venture to the traffic hell that is L.A. on such a hot day.  I know, we're jaded now!!!  (SD rules!) Regardless, we stayed true to our word, as we had readers and publicists to answer to, and you know what, we're happy we did.  This is the story of our experience.

Marine Corps Recruit Depot Announces 11th Annual Bootcamp Challenge | September 29th

August 17, 2012

The Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) has set Saturday, September 29th for its 2012 Bootcamp Challenge, a popular and competitive athletic event taking place annually during San Diego's Fleet Week.

Quality Social's New Cocktail Lineup | The Tales Behind the 'Tails

August 16, 2012

Any bartender will tell you, there's usually a good story behind their cocktails.  As Quality Social introduces a new lineup of six hand-crafted libations, we're taking the time to tell the tale behind the 'tails of this new fresh-faced cocktail program.  The new libations are priced at $10 each.  Stop by Quality Social (QS) and give them a try, then see if you can make 'em yourself.

Urban Solace Celebrates Five-Year Anniversary | Sunday, August 19th

August 16, 2012

Urban Solace will welcome friends, foodies and neighbors to enjoy drinks, light fare and music in celebration of its five-year anniversary on Sunday, August 19 from 6-9 p.m.  This charming North Park hotspot is known for its sophisticated, Southern-inspired comfort food that has been satisfying diners for half a decade now.

Shake, Stir, and Mix It Up at the 4th Annual San Diego Spirits Festival | August 25-26, 2012

August 16, 2012

We are less than two weeks away from all the stirring, swirling, shaking and gyrating that will liven up our great city when the 2012 San Diego Spirits Festival returns.  Taking place on Saturday, August 25th and Sunday, August 26th, this preeminent West Coast cocktail, culinary and cultural event is where the world of craft spirits, high profile liquors and fine foods converge to make a splash on our sunny San Diego bay.

Jsix Restaurant and Coronado Brewing Company Go Whole Hog to Bring a Unique Social Dining Experience to San Diego

August 14, 2012

On September 27th, Jsix is pairing with Coronado Brewing Company for a whole animal dinner that pushes the boundaries set by other dinners of its kind. Guests will not only get to try whole roasted pig, but goat and other varieties of meat as well.

Feeding America San Diego Announces Inaugural Benefit Gala, 'Sunset Soirée,' with Sheryl Crow and Larry King

August 13, 2012

Both Larry King and Sheryl Crow will be live from La Jolla as Feeding America San Diego invites community leaders, philanthropists, and humanitarians to its inaugural fundraising gala, the "Sunset Soirée," set to take place at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club on Saturday, October 13.  Sure to be an unforgettable evening under the stars in La Jolla with Master of Ceremonies Larry King, Guests will take in a sunset on the beach while sipping fresh cocktails, experiencing delectable cuisine, and enjoying an exclusive performance by nine-time Grammy winner Sheryl Crow.

An Unexpectedly Awesome Evening at Grocery Outlet with Sam the Cooking Guy

S. to the C.G. letting it be known!

August 10, 2012

Energy peaked when the twenty or so media stooges ran around Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, all scrambling to compile their list of items with the goal of saving the most mullah.  Customers were questioning our actions while employees tried to guide us to certain products, not knowing our intention was not to get what tastes best but to search for which items were most deeply discounted below retail value.  Our team only took second place (saving $80+), but fortunately, our consolation prize was a 5 course meal prepared by local celebrity cook and author, Sam "The Cooking Guy" Zien.

Isola Pizza Bar – Authentic from the Vine

August 9, 2012

Inspired by and named after his Italian grandmother, owner and chef Massimo Tenino has launched Little Italy's newest addition, Isola Pizza Bar.  We had the recent opportunity to experience the authentic offerings and very much enjoyed the friendly service and scrumptious fare.  Va bene, partiamo!

Stone Brewing Co. Fans Score with New Four Packs of Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale, Stone Ruination IPA and Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale

August 8, 2012

Score one…or four that is, for Stone fans. Beginning this week, Stone Brewing Co. is offering Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale, the most popular Black IPA on Beer Advocate, in packs of four 12-ounce bottles. Previously, the deep-black-yet-amazingly-hoppy beer was only available in 22-ounce bottles and on draft. Stone Ruination IPA and Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale will also be offered in four-packs.

Heading North to the 2nd Annual Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival

August 8, 2012

This Sunday, SanDiegoVille founders will be heading north to LaLa Land, joining the likes of San Diego's very own Brian Malarkey and many other celebrity chefs in attendance at the Lexus Grand Tasting event at the 2nd Annual Los Angeles Food and Wine Festival.

URBN Coal Fired Pizza Proudly Announce a Barrel-Aged Collaboration with Hess Brewing Company Taking Place August 23rd

August 8, 2012

Creating buzz among San Diego brewmasters and beer geeks alike, North park’s URBN Coal Fired Pizza and San Diego’s first licensed nano-brewery, Hess Brewing Company, have teamed up to create a highly anticipated, limited edition whiskey barrel-aged imperial stout, dubbed TORULUS, which will be exclusively released to the public in a collaborative tasting event held at URBN on Thursday August 23rd, in the midst of Hess Brewing’s 2nd Year Anniversary Week.

The Commons to Take Over Lincoln Room's Old Spot in the Gaslamp This Fall

August 8, 2012

This fall San Diego’s Downtown Gaslamp Quarter will welcome The Commons, a neighborhood bar true to its name – a common place for friends to gather.  The concept behind The Commons is simple, drawing inspiration from America’s iconic bars and traditional watering holes centered on friendly service, offering simple but best-in-class bar fare and drink favorites in an approachable and laid-back environment.

Karl Strauss Opens 7th Brewery Restaurant in 4S Ranch

August 7, 2012

After much anticipation, Karl Strauss has opened its seventh brewery restaurant in the north inland San Diego community of 4S Ranch, just west of Rancho Bernardo. This is the company’s first brewery restaurant to open in more than ten years.