With Chef Rich Sweeney on Board, Florent Restaurant & Lounge to Replace the Gaslamp Quarter's Jimmy Love’s This Spring

February 11, 2014

The revamp of Jimmy Love's will result in an entirely new restaurant concept. Florent Restaurant & Lounge is set to occupy the former Jimmy Love’s space at 672 Fifth Avenue in the Historic Gaslamp Quarter and is anticipated to open sometime this Spring. With its name derived from the historical Florentine architecture of the historic 1874 “Old City Hall” building, the split level venue will celebrate San Diego’s immense culinary and nightlife scene with a creative collaboration by celebrity Chef Rich Sweeney and San Diego’s premiere designer Michael Soriano of Onairos Design.

Ketchup No More at Stone Brewing Co.'s World Bistro and Gardens

February 10, 2014

"Face it, for most people ketchup is a culinary crutch. It’s the thing people glob onto otherwise perfectly good food just as much as they do the stuff that’s at the bottom of the culinary echelon." ~Greg Koch

Stone Brewing Co.'s outspoken CEO Greg Koch has taken to the world wide web to announce that starting on Wednesday, February 12, 2014, Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens in both Escondido and Liberty Station will no longer serve ketchup of any kind.  Although Stone had done away with the polarizing red condiment in commercial form upon opening (making their own, healthy version in house), Mr. Koch has detailed in a quite long-winded and convoluted blog post why Stone will refuse to serve even that any longer.  So why the discrimination? Because ketchup bashing is cool?!

The Headquarters to Debut Weekly Farmers' Market Starting in May

February 9, 2014

The newly opened dining and retail destination adjacent to San Diego's Seaport Village - The Headquarters at Seaport District - is getting into the farmers' market game. Come this March 2014, The Headquarters will be holding a weekly, certified farmers' market, to take place each Sunday from 10am-2pm, competing directly with the popular Hillcrest Farmers' Market , which takes place at the same time.  The Headquarters Farmers' Market will be organized by Brian's Farmers' Markets group (crew behind Simply Local) and will be located at 789 West Harbor Dr. Follow on Facebook and call 619-795-3363 for more information.

Staycation at The Rosarito Beach Hotel | Close to Home Comfort Combines With Otherworldly Culture at this Historic Destination

February 8, 2014

It's been a Baja California, Mexico destination for 88 years, hosting such celebrities as Marilyn Monroe, Orson Welles, Katharine Hepburn, and even Britney Spears.  The Rosarito Beach Hotel is 30 miles from downtown San Diego, but the feel transports visitors to another world.  This self enclosed resort offers prime access to some of Baja's best nearby attractions, while also featuring everything one could want from the comfort of a beautiful beachside hotel.  With its many amenities, its commitment to hospitality and service and by providing guests a FastPass for rapid reentry back into the US, the Rosarito Beach Hotel & Resort is a prime destination for Californians looking to staycation in style while also experiencing the rich and unique culture of a whole other country.

Valentine's Day in San Diego | A Round Up of Local Specials in Honor of Love !

February 7, 2014

With all the candy hearts, rose specials and abundance of red and pink, it’s hard to forget that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.  SanDiegoVille wants to make planning your romantic outing easy so we've listed specials from all around town - from hotel stays, to delicious dinners, to unique and fun date ideas. With spectacular scenery, sun-drenched beaches, world-class restaurants and luxury resorts, San Diego is the ideal destination for romance this Valentine's Day.

2nd Annual Winter Brew Fest Celebrates Craft Beer at the Hall of Champions in Balboa Park | February 22

February 5, 2014

Has the mild San Diego winter brought you down? Do you frequently wish you were shoveling your driveway? Do you long for the days of icy steps and layers of clothing? Well let's all drink some beer, forget our lack of seasons and embrace our beautiful city! The 2nd Annual Winter Brew Fest returns to San Diego to take place the Hall of Champions in Balboa Park on Saturday, February 22.  A celebration of craft beer from San Diego and beyond, guests will get the chance to sample the best craft brews, including limited releases, all while enjoying live music by Soda Pants and Headshine, as well as a special menu of sandwiches and more from Balboa's on-site cafe.

Creative Cookie Company - The Cravory - Set to Open in Point Loma Just In Time for Valentine's Day

February 4, 2014

The Cookie Monster would lose his sh!t over The Cravory.  Already having a reputation for cooking up some of the most creative cookies in San Diego, The Cravory has finally announced the opening date for the first brick and mortar location at 3960 W. Point Loma Blvd. The cult cookie company that has been selling their wild cookie flavors online since 2009, but the first cookie shop, designed by Michael Soriano, will open on Valentine's Day, next Friday, February 14, and every person that comes to the store on the opening will receive a free cookie with purchase.

Battle of the Chefs Bands Rocks the Roof Off Belly Up Tavern to Benefit the Center for Community Solutions

Josh Koppelman  & Sam The Cooking Guy

February 3, 2014

On Monday, January 27, San Diego's culinary industry joined together at Belly Up Tavern to rally as fellow restaurant industry insiders rocked the roof off for a packed house.  Hosted by Sam 'The Cooking Guy' Zien and Josh Koppelman of DiningOutSD, Battle of the Chef Bands is an annual fundraiser where bands made up of restaurant employees and chefs compete battle of the bands style to benefit the domestic violence awareness efforts of the esteemed Center for Community Solutions.  

ALTITUDE Sky Lounge’s Newest Addition, City Sights, is Now Open to Public | West Coast’s highest rooftop lounge now boasts nearly 360-degree views from 22 stories up

A first look at City Sights

February 2, 2014

Following several months of anticipation, ALTITUDE Sky Lounge has announced that City Sights, an addition to the popular rooftop bar, has opened its doors to the public. As a result, the West Coast’s highest open air rooftop lounge now enjoys nearly 360-degree views of downtown San Diego and the San Diego Bay, making the ALTITUDE Sky Lounge an even more impressive social scene for tourists and locals seeking stunning vistas and elevated drinks. Construction was completed in late December 2013.

Party Like the Wolf of Wall Street for $50,000 at FLUXX Nightclub

February 1, 2014

In celebration of Oscar-nominated ‘Best Picture’ Wolf of Wall Street, the award-winning FLUXX Nightclub invites partygoers to experience a decadent and lavish lifestyle like Jordan Belfort, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, with its special Wolf of Wall Street Party Package.

Get Lucky During Chinese New Year with the Grand Opening of Lucky Liu's

January 30, 2014

Lucky Liu’s, an authentic Chinese restaurant, opens a half a block from the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum just in time for the Chinese New Year! Lucky Liu’s soft opening on January 20, proved that downtown San Diego was seeking its first authentic Chinese restaurant paired with a relaxed, upscale setting. To honor the year of the horse, Lucky Liu’s will be celebrating the 32nd Annual San Diego Chinese New Year Food and Cultural Fair on Third Ave and J Street in downtown San Diego. The event takes place on Saturday, February 8 and Sunday February 9, 2014, with live performances and cultural displays. Lucky Liu’s will be providing free samples and chances to win prizes from 11am - 5pm to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year with the San Diego community.

Can You Beat the Pancake Monster? Celebrate Brian's 24's 5 Year Anniversary With A Food Eating Challenge to Benefit San Diego Humane Society

January 29, 2014

Brian’s 24, the only 24-hour restaurant in downtown San Diego, is celebrating their 5 year anniversary on Thursday, February 6. This family-run restaurant is honoring their father who passed in 2010.  His children (current owners/operators, Brian and Andrea) jokingly say “Dad always loved the dogs more than us!” To mark the occasion, they’re doing the Pancake Monster Challenge ($29.99 to enter – free if you finish) from 6am-noon with all proceeds going to benefit the San Diego Humane Society.

All February Chefs Battle for Taco Glory at The Blind Burro

January 27, 2014

Throughout February, The Blind Burro in San Diego's East Village will pit some of the area's best chefs against one another for a taco throwdown tournament unlike any other.  Top San Diego & Tijuana chefs will face off every Taco Tuesday in February from 6 - 8PM to compete for the title of BEST TACO. Patrons are invited to try each one and cast a vote for whose taco was best!

Karl Strauss Celebrates 25 Years of Crafting the San Diego Beer Scene with Changing of the Barrels Event | Saturday, Feb. 8

January 25, 2014

Karl Strauss Brewing Company is celebrating 25 years of crafting the local San Diego beer scene. The company opened San Diego’s first craft brewery on February 2, 1989 and more than two decades later it continues to pioneer with its innovative beers, cask offerings, and West Coast Pub Fare. Karl Strauss is celebrating this milestone anniversary with its annual Changing of the Barrels event on Saturday, February 8, from 6-9pm. Guests are invited to experience the company’s new tasting room and beer garden at the main brewery in Pacific Beach. The event will feature 20 award-winning and limited edition beers on tap, brewery tours, food, live music by Brothers Grim, commemorative glassware, and a souvenir bottle of 25th Anniversary Barrel-Aged Doppelbock.