From the Crew Behind Craft & Commerce, Consortium Holdings Opens Polite Provisions and Soda & Swine in Normal Heights

February 19, 2013

The dual-concept launch of Polite Provisions and sister restaurant, Soda & Swine, puts one of the nation's most respected bartenders, Erick Castro (of San Francisco's Rickhouse and Bourbon & Branch fame), alongside two-star Michelin Executive Chef, Jason McLeod, to bring a renewed spirit of community to a bustling street corner of one of San Diego's most eclectic, burgeoning neighborhoods, Normal Heights. Helmed by Southern California hospitality collective, Consortium Holdings (Noble Experiment, Craft & Commerce, UnderBelly, Neighborhood, El Dorado), Polite Provisions aims to revive and modernize the golden era of the neighborhood drugstore with spirited cocktails prepared with housemade bitters, soda pop, tinctures and syrups, as a nod to those ingredients' medicinal uses. The adjoining eatery, Soda & Swine, features a straightforward menu consisting of two classic staples: meatballs and apple pie, keeping in line with the simplicity of Main Street America.

4th Annual Zane Patrick’s Day Returns to San Diego's McFadden's | Saturday, March 16th

February 18, 2013

Tickets are now on sale for the 4th Annual Zane Patrick’s Day celebration, set to take place on March 16th at McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon in San Diego. This will be the 3rd year that Drinking Ambassador, Zane Lamprey, host of AXS TV’s “Drinking Made Easy,” has celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with fans and party goers in San Diego.  If you've seen Zane's television shows or his stand up performance, you know that this will be a wild and debaucherous occasion.

OB Noodle House | If You Don't Know, Now You Know

February 17, 2013

By Bunny Anderson, SanDiegoVille Contributor and Nightlife Reporter for Examiner.com

Situated just a few blocks from the beach on Cable Street, near the corner of West Point Loma Drive, OB Noodle House has become a beacon of Ocean Beach.  This cozy little restaurant is consistently packed with moppy-haired surfers fresh off the latest set and groups of friends huddled over the eatery's coveted pho soup and other Asian fusion offerings.  And with one of the best beer selections in San Diego offered up at half price on a daily basis, OB Noodle House is THE place to be for happy hour. Craft beer snobs, rejoice! This is the place for you.

SeaWorld to host Sustainable Seafood Gala to Benefit San Diego Oceans Foundation in Conjunction with Sustainable Seafood Week

Culinary Chair Andrew Spurgin's tasting table

February 14, 2013

On Thursday, March 7th, SeaWorld San Diego will host the Sustainable Seafood Gala - a fundraiser to benefit the San Diego Oceans Foundation, bringing together community members, businesses and the fishing and culinary community to educate participants about the best sustainable practices.  Join local chefs, breweries, and vineyards at SeaWorld San Diego’s Dolphin Point and Manta Exhibits for a sustainable seafood celebration and educational experience sure to provide something new for both your mind and palate.

Pacific Del Mar | A New Chef Readies Herself at Del Mar's Seafood Mecca

February 15, 2013

In its 20+ years perched atop Del Mar Plaza, Pacifica Del Mar has solidified its reputation as a fresh fish haven.  This past October, after Chris Idso's decade-long reign as executive chef came to a halt due to his promotion to managing partner, his position was passed along to the young and experienced Stephanie O’Mary-Berwald, whose resume includes tenures at the acclaimed kitchens of renowned chef Todd English and James Beard winning chef, Michael White, as well as a degree from Columbia University.  As food aficionados, we had to make our way to Del Mar to sample some of the new chef's offerings and a glimpse into the future of Pacifica Del Mar.

San Diego's Newest Cocktail House - Bailiwick - Launches a Party Brunch

February 14, 2013

Awaken your senses with mouthwatering grilled oysters and bottomless mimosas  as the Gaslamp Quarter's newest cocktail lounge launches what will certainly become a legendary brunch, complete with morning cocktails, entertainment and spectacular fare. This season, Bailiwick delights San Diego with a weekend champagne-filled brunch, where the party is the main attraction. Bailiwick’s brunch includes a bathtub filled with bubbly, and they lend wooden mallets and Lewis bags for customers to crack ice for their signature or bespoke cocktails.

NOH8 Campaign Hosts First Open Photo Shoot of 2013 at Hotel Solamar | Sunday, February 17th

Kim Kardashian supporting NOH8

February 13, 2013

Join the silent protest against marriage inequality, as this Sunday, February 17th, the NOH8 Campaign will set up its first mobile studio of 2013 at Hotel Solamar from 2pm to 5pm.  The NOH8 Campaign is a photographic silent protest created by celebrity photographer Adam Bouska and partner Jeff Parshley in direct response to the passage of Proposition 8 in California. Photos feature subjects with duct tape over their mouths, symbolizing their voices being silenced by Prop 8 and similar legislation around the world, with "NOH8" painted on one cheek in protest.

A Taste of the Market | Getting A Look at the Future of San Diego's Very Own Public Market Experience

February 13, 2013

Spirits were high as foodies flocked to the new and still-developing San Diego Public Market this past Sunday, February 10th.  At the Taste of the Market event, the soon-to-be-awesome warehouse opened its doors to Kickstarter donors, ticketholders, friends and family for a firsthand, behind-the-scenes glimpse at what the future holds for the 92,000 square foot space located in Barrio Logan.  Although the interior basically remains in its unadulterated, industrial form, chefs, restaurants, and specialty vendors constructed their own unique areas to offer up samples of what we should be ready to expect in the next year in what is sure to become the "Pike Place" of San Diego!

The Patio On Lamont Street | Bitter-sweet in Pacific Beach

February 12, 2013

I soo wanted to fall in love with The Patio on Lamont Street... I imagined long walks up Garnet Avenue in the cool summer breeze, enjoying some Manhattans on the patio while snacking on an array of unique tapas.  Located in my neighborhood of Pacific Beach, the restaurant recently opened in November 2012 after completely overhauling the former space occupied by the Lamont Street Grill.  The Patio was to be unlike any restaurant in Pacific Beach.  Not a raucous sports bar, not a locals' dive bar, not a hipster beach bar, but a bar for the more distinguished folk of Pacific Beach with an appetite for something more upscale - something with class, if you will.  But although the interior is beautifully designed and decorated, on our visit, the food and service fell short.  Being so unique to its locale, The Patio on Lamont will certainly get a pass for slight slip ups, and hopefully these growing pains will subside and the restaurant will reign in and refocus its culinary output.  Missteps aside, The Patio on Lamont Street is worth a visit, even if its merely a stop off to take in the the decor and a delicious handcrafted cocktail before an afternoon at the beach.

Famed Celebrity Chef Jonathan Waxman Unites With Acclaimed Local Chef Trey Foshee For Special Charity Dinner | Saturday, March 9th

Chef Waxman and Chef Foshee

February 11, 2013

Celebrated chef, restaurateur, Top Chef Master and cookbook author, Jonathan Waxman, known for his famous eateries, Jams and Barbuto, will join George’s California Modern executive chef and partner Trey Foshee for an intimate six-course charity dinner on Saturday, March 9th at the private residence of Chef Foshess. The dinner will showcase the seasonal harvest of renowned Chino Farms and the freshest catch from local purveyor Catalina Offshore.

Spike Africa's Fresh Fish Grill & Bar | Recently Raising Its Sails For A Long and Prosperous Voyage

February 10, 2013

Almost two decades ago, Forest Gump stole our hearts.  A year later, Paramount Pictures approached the team from the touristy Rusty Pelican’s with the idea of opening a chain of family-style shrimp restaurants; and soon after, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurants began popping up everywhere.  In 2010, partners Rob and Gordon sold their interest in the Bubba Gump restaurants in a failed effort to retire.  Just a couple years later, their creative minds were itching to do something new, and since was born downtown’s newest fish eatery - Spike Africa's Fresh Fish Grill & Bar.

The Perfect Combination for a Happy Life - The 4th Annual Mission Valley Craft Beer and Food Festival is Coming | Sunday, March 24th

February 9, 2013

There are a lot of food tasting events in San Diego and maybe even more beer festivals, but not many gatherings concentrate equally on both!  This March at the Handlery Hotel & Resort, come for the beer, stay for the food, or come for the food, and stay for the beer!  Either way, get your tickets now for the 4th Annual Mission Valley Craft Beer and Food Festival, as on Sunday, March 24th from 2-5pm (1pm for VIP), 30 breweries, 20 chefs, and 4 bands will join together in serving up the best in local craft beer, rocking out some SoCal music, and providing gourmet bites from some of San Diego's best eateries.

SummerSalt Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Palomar to Kick Off Mardi Gras With First-Ever Crawfish Boil | Sunday, February 10th

February 8, 2013

This Sunday, February 10th, venture to downtown San Diego's Hotel Palomar as SummerSalt Rooftop Pool and Lounge, Saltbox and “Boil Master” Simon Dolinky will put on its inaugural “Crawfish Boil” as a celebration of N'Orleans' Mardi Gras culture.

A Day At Big Bear | Our Journey From Sand to Snow

All in a day's work!

February 7, 2013

We had heard the glorious tale of San Diego winters many a time - taking a surf while enjoying the warm sun on the beach in the morning only to be zipping down a snowy mountain by afternoon. As with the elusive green flash, we remained skeptical.  After recently receiving a travel package for Big Bear Mountain Resorts, we decided that it was time put this beautiful So-Cal dichotomy to the test.  We made sure to visit the beach prior to our nearly 3 hour drive to Big Bear, and sure enough, you can play in the warm sand only hours before throwing a snow ball at your significant other (sorry Ness!).  We spent two wonderful nights on Big Bear Lake, skied Snow Summit Mountain, and enjoyed some tasty bites along the way.  Check out our experience and make some memories of your own!

For All the Lucky Lads and Lasses – The 18th Annual Miller Lite shamROCK is Back | Sunday, March 17th

February 6, 2013

Celebrate Sunday Funday the Irish way at the 18th Annual shamROCK event!  In celebration of shamROCK falling on a Sunday, the doors will be opening early to welcome over 20,000 Irish revelers into the streets of the Gaslamp Quarter.   The 18th Annual Miller Lite shamROCK 2013, presented by Jameson Irish Whiskey and The Field, will take place on the most sacred party day of the year, St. Patrick’s Day, Sunday, March 17th, 2013 from 2:00 p.m. until Midnight.  Destined to be the largest Irish Celebration on the West Coast, this green bash will feature live Irish bands on the main stage, a 150-foot Irish Pub on the street, over 80,000 square feet of green Astroturf and two DJ Stages with amazing talent and much more!

All You Need Is Love: 2013 Valentine’s Day in San Diego

February 5, 2013

All restaurants step up their game on Valentine’s Day and anyone is welcome to indulge in food glory. So on this V-Day enjoy some of San Diego’s finest foods and celebrate however you’d like!  Time to break out the Valentine’s Day menus!  Check out SanDiegoVille's assortment of San Diego restaurants’ Valentine Day (plus the weekend after, week of and then some) options from all over the county.  Local eateries have San Diegans swooning over specials that prove food is love.

Pacific Beach Takes to the Bus To Showcase Craft Beers

February 4, 2013

To help introduce patrons to an even larger variety of beers, as well as like-minded restaurants and bars in the PB area, Bare Back Grill bar manager, Rory Farrell, has organized the PB Craft Crawl.  Similar to Point Loma’s Drink The Point and North Park’s Drinkabout events, the PB Craft Crawl is a free chartered bus that takes patrons from Bare Back Grill to other local taverns and restaurants that cater to the craft brew crowd.  In addition to BBG, other locations on the PB Craft Crawl include Ciro's Pizzeria & Beerhouse, Tap Room, Cali Kebab, and the High Dive in Bay Park.