Karl Strauss Brewing Company Takes Home 5 Big Wins at San Diego International Beer Competition

June 6, 2013

Karl Strauss Brewing Company won four medals at the highly competitive San Diego International Beer Competition this week, as well as a Gold Medallion from the California Restaurant Association, tying for “Best Brewery."  These impressive wins will propel the company into the busy summer season, where sales are expected to continue at double-digit pace. “Our beer sales were up 30% in May, and these wins just validate all of the hard work we’re doing,” says Paul Segura, Brewmaster, Karl Strauss Brewing Company.  “We know there are a ton of great breweries in San Diego, so it’s nice to get wins like these when you know the bar is set so high.”

Asian Cowboy No More | Celebrate Burlap's Last Brunch on Sunday, June 9th

June 5, 2013

Del Mar's BURLAP, will be closing it's doors on June 10th to undergo a transformation to re-open as Searsucker Del Mar on June 17th. Returning to a focus on approachable food, unique twists on American classics and a 'homey' feel, the Enlightened Hospitality team is excited to bring their award-winning Searsucker to North County with Chef Anthony Sinsay still at the helm of the kitchen.

Del Mar Announces 2013 Summer Concert Series Lineup for Race Track

June 4, 2013

Del Mar has announced the lineup for its 2013 Summer Concert Series featuring the largest list of performers ever for the track’s 20th summer of musical presentations. Among the new acts during the seven-week season are Sammy Hagar, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and two special Latin performances.

In its 10th Year, San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival Partners with Sommelier Challenge International Competition

June 3, 2013

The 10th Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, Southern California's largest wine and food festival taking place November 20-24, 2013, is proud to announce its partnership with the 5th Annual Sommelier Challenge International Wine Competition.  During the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival's event titled The Vault: Reserve Wine Experience & Silent Auction, attendees will have an opportunity to taste Double Gold, Gold and Silver award-winning wines from the competition in an exclusive tasting room, said Michelle Metter, co-producer of the Festival.

Enjoy the Best of San Diego's Newest Craft Breweries at the New Kids On the Block 2 Event at Handlery Hotel

June 1, 2013

From the organizers behind the Mission Valley Craft Beer & Food Festival, don't miss the New Kids on the Block 2 craft beer showcase at the Handlery Hotel in Mission Valley on Thursday, June 27th from 5-9pm.  In its second year, San Diego’s newest brewers will join forces for a night of spotlighting the exciting new beers coming to market.  Admission gains you unlimited tastings of beer and food from numerous stations, as well as live musical entertainment to assure a fun summer night.

Celebrating Two Decades - The 20th Annual Taste of Gaslamp to Feature Veteran Favorites and Fresh Faces of the Gaslamp Quarter | June 8-9

May 31, 2013

The Gaslamp Quarter Association is pleased to announce the list of participating restaurants for the 20th annual Taste of Gaslamp, presented by Samuel Adams, to take place over two days on Saturday, June 8th and Sunday, June 9th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. From the pickiest eater to the veteran gourmand, all are welcome to enjoy this year’s Taste of Gaslamp, featuring 25 Gaslamp Quarter restaurants on each day, as well as a picturesque beer garden presented by Samuel Adams – for guests 21 and older – at Altitude Sky Lounge atop the San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter.

The Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market Presents “5th Anniversary Feast of Flavors” | Saturday, June 8th

May 30, 2013

Foodies, fans and friends of the Little Italy Mercato Farmers Market are invited to be part of half decade anniversary by attending a special ticketed event on Saturday, June 8 at Amici Park, adjacent to the farmers’ market.  Top chefs from Little Italy will create signature dishes in celebration of the Mercato’s five year anniversary at the 5th Anniversary Feast of Flavors.

Noble Experiment Makes Esquire Magazine's Annual List of the Best Bars in America

May 29, 2013

San Diego’s very own speakeasy, Noble Experiment, has landed a coveted spot on Esquire’s annual Best Bars list!  For the eighth year, Esquire’s favorite drinking partner and the world’s foremost cocktail historian, David Wondrich, names the nation’s best places to have a drink. The ever-growing directory of the Best Bars in America is featured in the June/July issue is on newsstands now.

The 13th Annual Taste of Adams Avenue All Set for Sunday, June 30th

May 29, 2013

The 13th annual Taste of Adams Avenue will take place Sunday, June 30 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, along Adams Avenue from Normal Heights to Kensington. This gastronomic trek will feature 30 restaurants, coffee houses, pubs, wine bars and unique eateries in one of San Diego’s hottest and most historic neighborhoods.

Leroy's Kitchen + Lounge Announces New Executive Chef

Chef JC Colón

May 28, 2013

Leroy’s Kitchen + Lounge, a Coronado eatery specializing in eclectic, seasonal cuisine, announces the hiring of Executive Chef JC Colón who will take over the position previously occupied by Gregory Chavez. Leroy’s has carefully selected the accomplished chef to design and execute a new menu that will be a culmination of years of experience, classical training and understanding of San Diego’s burgeoning palate. Having honed his craft at CUCINA urbana and Kensington Grill, Colón is primed and ready to lead the kitchen as executive chef. Guests can expect seasonal updates to local favorites and new items that demonstrate Colón’s finesse.

Check Out These Buns All Month Long | May is National Burger Month!

May 26, 2013

May unofficially welcomes summer with Memorial Day Weekend. As if summertime isn’t enough reason to fire up the grill, it is also National Burger Month. Get out your “Kiss the Cook” apron and dust off the spatula for the return of a backyard legend. Not interested in cooking or cleanup duty? San Diego restaurants offer endless combinations of toppings, sauces, meats and hot and toasty buns. The key to burger bliss this month is just under your nose; check out our sizzling roundup piled high with onions, ahem, we mean options!

The 4th Annual OysterFest Returns Saturday, June 15th | Enjoy a Festival Experience Unlike Any Other in San Diego

May 25, 2013

The 4th Annual San Diego OysterFest returns to the picturesque Marina Embarcadero North by Seaport Village on Saturday, June 15th for a day filled with the three essentials for a great time - booze, music, and food. This year, the festival maintains its local focus and includes live bands, beer from area microbreweries, as well as plenty of fresh oysters and food offerings from a variety of San Diego restaurants.

Root Cellar Catering Co. Announces Official Launch of Weekly Taco Tuesday Events at Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits

May 24, 2013

Root Cellar Catering Co., a San Diego-based family owned and operated catering company that specializes in fresh, seasonal and locally sourced recipes, has announced its official launch of Taco Tuesdays at Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits. Root Cellar Catering Co.’s Taco Tuesday event will begin on May 28th and take place every Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Ballast Point's main brewery on 10051 Old Grove Road in San Diego, CA.  This dynamic duo will pair unique ingredients with local brews for a truly San Diego-inspired Taco Tuesday experience.

San Diego's 4th Annual I Love Poke Festival Announces 2013 Competing Chefs, Participating Restaurants and an Impressive Panel of Judges

May 23, 2013

The 4th Annual San Diego I Love Poke Festival has proudly announced its lineup of competing chefs, participating restaurants and judges for this year’s festival, which is broken up into two sections - Pokeland, where competitors compete for the best poke dish, and Foodland, where some of San Diego's finest chefs and restaurants will be offering up delectable tastes (not limited to tuna) in a diverse food festival. There will also be a special performance by Hawaii’s well-known soul and reggae singers, Kimie and Irie Love. The I Love Poke Festival will take place at Shelter Island's Bali Hai on Wednesday, May 29th from 6:00 – 9:00PM.

Front Burner Holds Delicious Food Festival at Carnitas' Snack Shack | Raises over $3,000 to Support Medical Needs of Kitchen Staff

Casanova's shrimp ceviche and a Societe The Publican

May 22, 2013

On Tuesday, May 14th, foodies and philanthropists flocked to the 2nd Annual Front Burner Fund Food Fest at Carnitas' Snack Shack for a heartwarming fundraiser with the goal of assisting back of the house kitchen staff with necessary health costs and emergency medical needs.   This benevolent charity, founded just last year by several San Diego culinary leaders, has hosted some fun events to raise money and awareness, and this was the kickoff event of the 2013 year. Fifteen chefs, caterers and restaurants were spread out around the crowded outdoor patio of Carnitas' Snack Shack, each offering unlimited tastes of top notch dishes.

Andaz San Diego Heats Up for Summer with Fortune’s Memorial Day Weekend Rooftop Pool Party | Sunday, May 26th

May 21, 2013 

Summer pool season returns to the Andaz Rooftop this Memorial Day Weekend as Andaz San Diego gears up for the first of this year’s can’t-miss Fortune 421 rooftop pool parties on Sunday, May 26 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The temperature will be rising steadily as guests flock to mingle with San Diego’s hottest sun worshippers, experience the beats of talented local DJs and spend the afternoon sipping signature cocktails.

Mille Fleurs Launches Long-Awaited Sunday Brunch

May 21, 2013

This past Sunday, May 19th, Bertrand Hug’s highly-regarded French-Californian restaurant Mille Fleurs in Rancho Santa Fe took further advantage of its al fresco garden patio with the launch of its inaugural Sunday brunch, now being served weekly between 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. This long-awaited brunch menu is the creation of longtime Chef de Cuisine Martine Woesle, who is known for sourcing in-season produce from Chino Farms.