Forget Every Reason to Skip Dessert on October 14 | Celebrate National Dessert Day at These Five San Diego Restaurants

Table No. 10 Strawberry Shortcake

October 11, 2014

In ancient cultures, the very first desserts required minimal effort or preparation since people were more worried about the nutritional factors of food to survive. Today, Miriam-Webster defines dessert as a usually sweet course or dish (as of pastry or ice cream) usually served at the end of the meal. On October 14, forget every reason to skip dessert and indulge at the following San Diego restaurants to celebrate National Dessert Day. There’s a food holiday for everything these days, but this one isn’t one to forget or skip!

Experience a Taste of Grand Avenue in Escondido at "The Wedge 2014," an Artisan Cheese Festival | Win 2 Tickets to Attend

October 10, 2014

Enjoy a delicious afternoon of cheesy indulgence in Escondido at The Wedge 2014, taking place on Saturday, October 25, from 1-5pm. Presented by the Escondido Downtown Business Association, this self guided tasting tour unites local food purveyors, brewers and wineries for a taste of Grand Avenue where participants can enjoy cheese inspired samples from 30+ tasting stops, which will include local restaurants, bars and wineries. We have 2 tickets to The Wedge to giveaway to one of our readers. Read on and be sure to enter!

All Day Brunch Bar, Crushed, Opens in Pacific Beach on October 13

October 8, 2014

Taking over the space previously occupied by Ciro's Pizzeria and Beerhouse in Pacific Beach, the all-day-brunch concept, Crushed, plans to soft open on Monday, October 13. The restaurant intends to maintain a dedication to San Diego's craft beer scene and offer an array of brunch-inspired dishes, all priced under $10.

Former NFL Player and Food Network Star Team Up for San Diego's First Vegan Market | Sol Cal Café to Open October 14

October 9, 2014

Opening at 910 J Street in San Diego's East Village on Tuesday, October 14, is Sol Cal Café - San Diego’s first vegan market café and juicery with a built-in naturopathic doctors office. Created by former NFL great, Jacob Bell, and Food Network’s celebrity chef, Anne Thorton, Sol Cal will serve fresh cold-pressed organic juice, single source organic coffee, teas and elixirs, a full menu of grab-n-go salads, sandwiches, soups, tacos, wraps and vegan-ly delicious ice cream and desserts.

Bake Sale Bakery Offers "BAKE!" Classes Starting October 15

October 9, 2014

The new Bake Sale Bakery, located at 815 F St. in the heart of East Village, will introduce a series of baking classes covering a variety of topics and techniques taught by owner and operator, Terryl Gavre (Banker's Hill Bar, Cafe 222), and head baker Kathleen Shen. “BAKE!” will debut from 6 to 8:30pm on Wednesday, Oct. 15. The class will allow bakers of all levels to join Gavre and/or Shen to learn recipes, instructions and professional tips in a fun and friendly environment.

Stone Brewing Co. Names Richmond, Virginia, as Future Home for New Brewery and Destination Restaurant

October 8, 2014

San Diego-based Stone Brewing Co. has announced that it has signed a formal letter of intent with the City of Richmond, Virginia, signifying the company’s interest in building its East Coast facility in the city’s Greater Fulton Community. Subject to local approvals, Stone plans to invest $74 million to construct a production brewery, packaging hall, destination restaurant, retail store and its administrative offices. Construction of the facilities will occur in phases. The brewery is anticipated to be operational in late 2015 or early 2016, with Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens opening a year or two after that. Ultimately, the company will employ more than 288 people.

Golden Hill's Counterpoint Introduces Dark Dining Series

October 8, 2014

On Monday, October 13, come on out to Golden Hill for the inaugural Blackout @ Counterpoint - a series that will take place on the second Monday of every month.  As the name implies, the lights will go out right at 7pm and the intimate neighborhood restaurant and bar will be illuminated by candlelight alone.  Well known cocktail guru Bryan Dietz will be filling in behind the bar as part of Blackout @ Counterpoint’s guest bartender series.  He’ll be putting together three specialty cocktails for the evening including the Spanish Fly (Mezcal, Fernet-Branca, Mexican Coca Cola and Lime) and the Italian Mule (Ginger Beer, Peach Bitters, Fernet-Branca and a Lime Wheel Garnish) with optional food pairings from Counterpoint Executive Chef Rose Peyron.

Pendry San Diego Commences Construction | New Lifestyle Hotel Debuts in San Diego's Historical Gaslamp Quarter

October 8, 2014

The Robert Green Company and Montage Hotels and Resorts commenced construction of Pendry San Diego, hosting a groundbreaking ceremony today for local officials and community members. Located at the epicenter of the historic and energetic Gaslamp District, Pendry San Diego will be built on the site bordered by 5th Avenue, 6th Avenue and J Street. A few blocks from the home of the San Diego Padres, Petco Park and the San Diego Convention Center, Pendry San Diego plans to be "the region's most stylish urban destination for leisure and business travelers."

Cohn Restaurant Group Breaks Ground on Biggest Project Yet | $10+ Million Dollar, 24,000 Square Foot Indoor/Outdoor Restaurant, Lounge and Event Center on Harbor Island

David & Leslie Cohn

October 8, 2014

Today, David and Leslie Cohn, on behalf of their expansive Cohn Restaurant Group, broke ground on their most ambitious project to date, a $10+million, 24,000 square food indoor/outdoor restaurant, lounge and event center on Harbor Island at the former location of Reuben E. Lee. Located at 800 Harbor Island Drive, the Port of San Diego property is adjacent to Cohn Group's Island Prime and C Level. Currently dubbed 880 Harbor, the project is being developed by Sunroad Harbor Island, Inc. and Graham Downes and Gensler architectural firm and is anticipated to open spring 2015.

5th Annual Spring Valley Tailgate & BBQ Festival on Oct. 26 to Support Local Youth Sports

October 7, 2014

For the fifth year in a row Cali Comfort Restaurant & Sports Bar is showing its commitment to the community by bringing back the annual Spring Valley Tailgate & BBQ Festival on Sunday, October 26. Taking place between 10am and 5pm, this sizzling community event will take over the streets surrounding the locally loved restaurant as up to 30 teams vie against one another in an extreme barbecue competition. Funds raised at this family friendly event, initiated each year by Cali Comfort Restaurant and the Spring Valley Chamber of Commerce, will benefit important youth sports programs in the Spring Valley area.

Harvard Cookin' Girl to Host Iron Chef Inspired Knife Fight on Monday, October 13

October 7, 2014

Two of San Diego’s up and coming chefs will duel it out on October 13, from 6-9pm, at Knife Fight, an Iron Chef style competition hosted by Harvard Cookin’ Girl and sponsored by San Diego’s finest food suppliers. Chef Mikel Anthony and Counterpoint Executive Chef Rose Peyron will be cooking up two courses that will be judged by some of San Diego’s top culinary experts, including William Bradley of Addison and Tommy Gomes of Catalina Offshore Products. The dishes will be judged on taste, presentation and originality. The winner will then receive a golden ticket to the World Food Championship in Las Vegas, securing a spot for a chance to win $100,000.

Strangers Unite Over Farm Fresh Produce at The Wine Pub | 4-Course Organic Dinner on Saturday, October 11

October 6, 2014

The farm-to-table trend has foodies buzzing. Now, Point Loma’s favorite wine bar invites folks to discover organic produce gone gourmet at its Community Dinner on Saturday, October 11, from 6-8 pm. For this dinner, The Wine Pub will collaborate with Farm Fresh To You, an organic produce delivery service in California, to present seasonal foods paired with wine. Thirty people will join an organic produce expert and Chef Malissa Sorsby, who will guide guests through the farm-to-table process emphasizing the importance of taste, nutrition, quality, freshness and sustainability.

Draft Brings the Best of Mission Beach | Belmont's Newest Beer Bar Offers Everything One Could Want and More

October 5, 2014

Mission Beach's newest enclave, Draft, offers panoramic views of Mission Beach and the Pacific Ocean, prime people watching on San Diego's Ocean Front Walk, nearly 70 beers on tap and tons more in bottles and cans, a 31 foot television screen, a beautifully designed interior, and a chef-driven menu in a historic location. Really, what's there not to like about Belmont Park's newest dining venture? We recently got all up in it for an evening of brews, views and chews, so keep reading, then venture off to experience for yourself!

'Jersey Boys' Returns to City Where it All Began | Hit Musical to Play Limited Engagement at San Diego Civic Theatre from October 21-26

October 5, 2014

The San Diego engagement of the Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award-winning hit musical JERSEY BOYS, the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, will play at The San Diego Civic Theatre from October 21-26. The cast of Jersey Boys will be led by Nicolas Dromard (Tommy DeVito), Keith Hines (Nick Massi), Hayden Milanes (Frankie Valli) and Drew Seeley (Bob Gaudio) as The Four Seasons, with Barry Anderson and Thomas Fiscella. San Diego has a close relationship with Jersey Boys, as the musical got its start at the La Jolla Playhouse before going on to become a Broadway sensation, before touring the world and setting up shop in Las Vegas.