Dine for Dignity to Help End Chronic Homelessness with Girls Think Tank's 2nd Annual Restaurant Week | November 3-8

October 31, 2014

Next week is Dine for Dignity, Girls Think Tank's second annual "Restaurant Week" of sorts organized to support programs designed to empower people to transition off the streets. Six local restaurants will donate 10 percent of their sales on a specific day of the week to programs including 24/7 public restrooms downtown (coming early next year), a free legal clinic for the displaced, survival backpacks and the Transitional Storage Center, where folks leave their belongings so they can be mobile without the burden of bearing their entire belongings. These programs have led to increase employment and education among San Diego's homeless population.

From the Owner of Slater's 50/50 - S&M Sausage and Meat Set to Open in University Heights on Tuesday, November 4

Photo by John Dole

October 30, 2014

Scott Slater of Slater's 50/50 is ready to launch his newest concept, S&M Sausage and Meat, set to open to the public in University Heights on Tuesday, November 4 at 2pm. Since opening day happens to coincide with election day, as a special opening "promo" on November 4 only,  guests coming in with their "I Voted" sticker can choose their "Safe Word" - either Carl (DeMaio) or Scott (Peters) and receive two free strips of bacon.

Win 2 Premier Access Tickets to the San Diego Brewers Guild Festival | Saturday, November 8

October 30, 2014

Beer Week in America's Finest Beer City is almost upon us. Presented by the San Diego Brewers Guild, San Diego Beer Week takes place from Friday, November 7 through Sunday, November 16, with 9 days of events all over the county. The crown jewel of the festivities is the 12th Annual San Diego Brewers Guild Festival at the Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier in downtown San Diego, taking place on Saturday, November 8. This event is the official kickoff of San Diego Beer Week where ticket holders can enjoy samples from more than 50 San Diego County breweries, all to benefit the Surfrider Foundation, Fight ALD, and the San Diego Brewers Guild. We have 2 premier access tickets (a $110 value) for one of our readers - just enter below!

Enter for a chance to win 2 premier access passes to the San Diego Brewers Guild Festival

L'Auberge Del Mar Welcomes New Fall Bing Crosby Racing Season with Opening Day Bash | Friday, November 7

October 30, 2014

L’Auberge Del Mar will continue its tradition of being the gathering place after the races with the Fall Opening Day After Party to celebrate the inaugural Bing Crosby Season at Del Mar Race Track. On Friday, November 7, the hotel will celebrate the new fall race season with a party in the Living Room and Bleu Bar that combines ocean views with the hottest music by DJ Gabe Vega.

Kettner Exchange Unveils in Little Italy | Get Your First Look Inside

October 29, 2014

The long-awaited Kettner Exchange opens its doors at 2001 Kettner Boulevard in Little Italy today at 5pm. From the crew behind Vin de Syrah and Analog downtown and Firehouse in Pacific Beach, owner and restaurateur Matt Spencer introduces his newest 2 story bar and restaurant concept, boasting progressive American cuisine by Chef Brian Redzikowski and a unique menu of craft cocktails. This $3.6 million project is two years in the making and will have multiple niches for dining and lounging, including the only rooftop lounge and patio in Little Italy with views to San Diego Bay.

Iron Pig Alehouse to Open in Pacific Beach on Thursday, October 30 | A First Look at San Diego's Newest BBQ & Craft Beer Destination

October 28, 2014

A barbecue and craft beer haven is about to heat up the scene in the heart of San Diego's Pacific Beach neighborhood. Iron Pig Alehouse will open to the public on Thursday, October 30 at 1520 Garnet Avenue serving authentic, slow-cooked, smoked, Texas-style barbecue coupled with an extensive craft beer program. Get your first look inside PB's barbecue and craft beer hotspot and start salivating over the menu!

Chefs Chad White and Hanis Cavin Team Up for 5 Courses of Porky Pleasure on November 13 at Común Kitchen and Tavern

October 28, 2014

On November 13, Común Kitchen and Tavern continues its monthly dinner series where Chef Chad White invites a guest chef to team up with him in preparing a multi-course, price fixed meal for ticketed guests. Entitled Mi Casa Su Casa, the next event will be a pork bonanza as Chef Hanis Cavin of Carnitas' Snack Shack will join Chef Chad for 5 courses of piggy pleasure. This is a meal not to be missed.

A Tribute to Local Food Producers at The Red Door's Inaugural Farmers, Friends and Fishmongers 4-Course Dinner | Tuesday, November 4

October 27, 2014

The first in a quarterly series of events designed to galvanize the local food community takes place next Tuesday, November 4, at 5:30pm at The Red Door Restaurant & Wine Bar. Located at 741 W Washington St. in Mission Hills, The Red Door is a restaurant that takes farm-to-table to the highest level, with all ingredients sourced locally and using all meats that are humanely raised. To that end, they're hosting Farmers, Friends and Fishmongers, an intimate dinner series designed to educate the community about who is producing their local food.

Oggi’s New Vista Location to Host Grand Opening Football Celebration on Sunday, November 2

October 26, 2014

Oggi’s will celebrate its newly opened Vista location with a grand opening football party on November 2. Festivities at the newly opened 18th Oggi's location will kick off at 9:30am with raffle prizes including a LaDainian Tomlinson signed jersey, LaDainian Tomlinson signed mini helmet, t-shirts, pint glasses and Oggi’s gift cards. Each guest wearing a football jersey will receive a free order of Oggi’s Stix-pizza dough topped with parsley, mozzarella and parmesan cheese as well as enjoy $5 Oggi’s beers and Bloody Marys throughout the day. The Mighty 1090 street team will also be on hand to give away even more items.

Celebrate Halloween at These Nine Delicious San Diego Spots!

RA Sushi's Black Widow Roll

October 25, 2014

“When witches go riding, and black cats are seen…the moon laughs and whispers, ‘tis near Halloween…” No one knows who said that famous 19th century quote, but fast-forward to Halloween 2014 with our list of haunted happenings from San Diego’s bars and restaurants! Check them out and make your Halloween spooky in a delicious way with these trickless treats!

Hakkasan Group Announces New Concept for Stingaree in Downtown San Diego | Omnia San Diego to Open in Spring 2015

October 24, 2014

Earlier this year, global hospitality company, the Abu Dhabi based Hakkasan Group, bought a majority stake in James Brennan and Brian Malarkey's Enlightened Hospitality Group (Searsucker, Herringbone etc.), which included taking ownership of Stingaree nightclub in downtown San Diego. After much anticipation, Hakkasan Group has announced Omnia San Diego will open in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter in Spring 2015, replacing Stingaree.  The announcement of Omnia to San Diego comes shortly after Hakkasan announced the flagship location to take over Pure Nightclub in Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Javier Plascencia's Bracero to Bring Mexican to Little Italy | Construction Starts Soon for Planned Spring 2015 Opening

October 23, 2014

Chef Javier Plascencia's upcoming Little Italy eatery, Bracero: Cocina Mexicana de Raiz, will start construction at the end of the month. Set to open in Spring 2015, the newest restaurant from the well-seasoned Chef Plascencia will be located at the Ariel Suites in Little Italy and feature multiple dining levels to cater to both casual and fine dining, each including a bar, kitchen and patio and a focus on Mexican spirits, wine and modern Baja fare.

All Treat, No Trick: Karl Strauss Peanut Butter Cup Porter is Back, And This Time In Bottles

Peanut Butter Cup Porter Float, anyone?

October 23, 2014

Just in time for Halloween, Karl Strauss Brewing Company is bringing back its cult-favorite, Peanut Butter Cup Porter. The company is pleased to announce that for the first time, a ridiculously limited amount of the beer will be available in 22oz bottles, in addition to draft offerings in select accounts. Originally brewed as the company’s San Diego Beer Week beer in 2012, Peanut Butter Cup Porter was an instant hit, garnering praise from raving fans across the region. This year, Karl Strauss has ramped up production, more than doubling the amount of beer brewed.

Parq Restaurant & Nightclub to Host Grand Opening Celebration This Saturday, October 25 | Get Your First Look Inside San Diego's Newest Venue

October 23, 2014

Parq Restaurant & Nightclub will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, October 25, from 8-11pm. Celebrities and San Diego notables will savor menu items at Parq Restaurant created by Executive Chef Errol LeBlanc. After dessert, guest will move on to Parq Nightclub and enjoy a musical set by DJ Shift. Rumor has it the Parq grand opening will be attended by numerous celebrities including Jamie Pressly, Karina Smirnoff and Wilmer Valderrama.