Bencotto Italian Kitchen is First in San Diego to Earn International Accolades with a “Q” Rating for Best in Class for Authentic Italian Quality Dining

January 19, 2013

Bencotto Italian Kitchen is proud to announce its receipt of the coveted “Q” (Quality/Qualità) rating from the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West, an award giving San Diego’s “Best Italian Restaurant” global recognition as a truly authentic Italian restaurant. Bencotto is one of the first restaurants in San Diego to be given this world-renowned identification.  

2013 San Diego Half Marathon Features New Downtown Finish and Addition of "5K" Race | March 10th

January 19, 2013

Start shaping up and hitting the pavement, because the San Diego Half Marathon is returning to downtown SD on Sunday, March 10th, revamped, rearing and ready to go!!   Registration is open for the San Diego Half Marathon - a one-of-a kind race and fundraising event with 100% of its net proceeds benefiting local charities.  Building on a hugely successful inaugural race, the 2013 event will feature the same amazing start on Tony Gwynn Drive under the Omni Sky Bridge and will follow a signature scenic course that showcases San Diego’s beautiful bayfront and historic communities.

Matt Gordon - Chef and Owner of Urban Solace and Solace & The Moonlight Lounge - to Open New Concept in Del Mar | Sea & Smoke, An American Brasserie

Chef Matt Gordon

January 18, 2013

San Diego Chef and restaurateur, Matt Gordon, will open his first new concept early this summer in Del Mar. Creator of Urban Solace in North Park and Solace & The Moonlight Lounge in Encinitas, Gordon will introduce his third restaurant - Sea & Smoke, An American Brasserie.

Jaime Partners Announces Successful Completion of Celebrity Chef Kevin Roberts' Kamikaze 7 Sushi Restaurant for March 2013

Chef Roberts

January 18, 2013

Jaime Partners, the San Diego-based, highly regarded and experienced project management company, is announcing the successful completion of Celebrity Chef Kevin Roberts’ Kamikaze 7 sushi restaurant opening in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter in March 2013. Former Next Food Network Star contestant and host of BBQ Pitmasters, Kevin Roberts, selected Jaime Partners to manage his new 2000 square foot restaurant project, Kamikaze 7, set to open to the public in Downtown San Diego in March 2013. Roberts is also an executive chef, author and national spokesperson, most notably for Franks Red Hot and Yuengling Beer.

Brian Malarkey to Host Viewing Party of ABC's THE TASTE at Searsucker | January 22nd

The Taste Judges/Mentors

January 17, 2013

Come get a "taste" of ABC's new hit reality cooking competition, The Taste, at Searsucker San Diego to celebrate the premiere episode Tuesday, January 22nd!  Starring San Diego's very own Celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey as a judge / mentor, Searsucker will host appetizers and cocktails in the bar and lounge area from 7:30 - 9:30pm to celebrate the premiere with Brian Malarkey himself! With the episode airing on surrounding TVs, Brian will be open for conversation and media interviews throughout the night as well as celebrate the premiere episode of his new hit show.

I Dream of Cheesesteak | Alex's Brown Bag Does It Right

January 16, 2013

I can't stop thinking of that delicious sonovabetch! Filled with perfectly seasoned beef, firey cherry peppers (our substitution), onions, mushrooms, and topped with gooey mozzarella, our cheesesteak from Alex's Brown Bag inside Latitude 32 was surely one of the best sandwiches we've eaten since moving to San Diego from NJ three years ago.

San Diego Electric Run Presented by Zico Coconut Water Anticipates 11,000 Participants | February 2nd

January 16, 2013

After the enormously successful inaugural Electric Run in Orange County, the Electric Run is heading south to San Diego on February 2nd, the second stop in a nationwide tour and the first ever Electric Run in San Diego. 11,000 participants are expected to run to over one million watts of light and sound on the visually stunning 5k course at the Del Mar Racetrack, to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of San Diego.

Taste of the NFL | Local Chef Reps San Diego at Super Bowl 47

January 15, 2013

One of San Diego's favorite chefs is hitting the road - Super Bowl bound! This year's Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans will be host to "Taste of NFL"'s 22nd annual fundraiser on February 2nd, aptly named The Party with a Purpose, and Executive Chef Jonathan Hale of The Prado Restaurant was selected as the sole representative of San Diego and the Chargers. The event is an annual strolling wine and food experience that takes place in the host city of the Super Bowl each season to raise awareness and support fundraising efforts that target hunger issues throughout the country.

Sneak Peak | Blind Burro in the East Village

January 13, 2013

Totally converting the space previously occupied by the Fleetwood, The Blind Burro is the newest baby from Good Time Design, who has solidified its stronghold on the 7th and J area with this acquisition (they also own neighboring Bub's, Block 16, Cat Eye Club, and Lucky's). On Thursday, January 10th, the East Village newby hosted invitees to sample some of its classic Mexican-inspired offerings including tray passed appetizers and delicious specialty cocktails. It was a fun time around friendly faces, and I even got the chance to do my first oyster/mezcal shooter! Check out this sneak peak into what is sure to be one of Downtown's newest hot spots.

R Gang Eatery | Classic Americana Cuisine Refined

January 11, 2013

Known for its popular 6 days a week brunch and its craveable housemade tater tots, Hillcrest's R Gang Eatery is headed by the charismatic Top Chef Season 5 Alum, Richard Sweeney, and has gained critical acclaim for its unique take on classic comfort food. Dubbing his cuisine "Retro-American fare," Chef Sweeney takes familiar staples of culinary Americana and sophisticates and refines, while at the same time keeping his dishes accessible and welcoming. We recently stopped by R Gang for dinner and enjoyed the homey eatery as well as the comfort coma that followed.

Sneak Peak | Downtown's Gang Kitchen Unveiled

January 12, 2013

By Heather Reineke

Amongst a slew of rustic-themed restaurants emerges an establishment that's sure to bring some edge to San Diego's gastronomy scene. Gang Kitchen is an attractive Asian-fusion restaurant in the Gaslamp area of downtown that unsealed its doors on Wednesday, January 9th for a private Grand Opening event that surely impressed!

San Diego Unites to Fight ALS | Local Philanthropists Join at Premier Concert Fundraiser January 19th

January  11, 2013

Flying for a Cure - Reach New Heights to Cure ALS is an upcoming philanthropic event taking place on Saturday, January 19th, featuring a private dinner and an intimate concert with a 'surprise' musician (advertised everywhere but here so find out with a few clicks!). Honoring retired Captain John Constans and his personal battle with the devastating disease that affects 35,000 families nationwide, this event will capture local tastemakers and award winning musicians for the utmost charitable purpose.

Local Chefs Rock Out to Raise Money and Awareness for Domestic Violence 3rd Annual Battle of the Chef Bands - January 28th

January 10, 2013

On January 28th, North County's beloved music venue Belly Up Tavern will be the setting as local San Diego chefs will toss aside spatulas and knives, substituting them for guitars and drum sticks in the 3rd annual Battle of the Chef Bands.  In support of the Center for Community Solutions, chefs will rock out with their bands, old and new alike, showcasing their musical, rather than culinary, abilities.  The battle of the bands between chefs and restaurant teams provides local chefs, who already do so much for local charities, to boast another set of incredible skills while raising awareness of domestic violence and promoting this year's Chef Showdown - a long-running culinary competition and fundraiser.

Busalacchi’s A Modo Mio | Enjoying Traditional Sicilian Fare Chef Busalacchi’s Way

January 5, 2013

Situated on Hillcrest’s vibrant restaurant row, A Modo Mio (translated “my way”) offers an authentic Italian dining experience and traditional food offered Chef Joe Busalacchi’s way.  The Busalacchi family has long been known by San Diegans for their seven other Italian restaurants, and A Modo Mio will definitely impress with its comfortable, contemporary and homey feel and its delectable cuisine.  On a recent visit, we dined on a 4-course price fixed menu for an incredible value of $35/pp, and we must say that we were more than satisfied by the experience, the ambiance and the enjoyable dishes.