San Diego Top Chefs Take a Stand Against Domestic Violence at 9th Annual Chef Showdown | Thursday, September 26

August 16, 2013

Center for Community Solutions’ 9th Annual Chef Showdown will take place on Thursday, September 26 from 6-9pm at NTC Promenade in Point Loma.  During this charity event, 10 of San Diego’s top chefs will come together for an entertaining Iron Chef-inspired culinary competition, with proceeds benefitting CCS’ domestic violence prevention and intervention programs and services in honor of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  Last year, this event raised more than $150k that went to efforts to battle domestic violence.

Sonoma's Wine Road is Closer Than We Think | Direct Flights Provide Easy Access to California Wine Country

August 17, 2013

A small group of San Diego foodies met at BiCE Ristorante in downtown San Diego to learn all about Northern Sonoma County's Wine Road, an association of wineries and lodgings in the Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River Valleys of Northern Sonoma County.  What we found out is that San Diegans can affordably access Sonoma's wine country any day of the week in just under two hours.  Our bags are packed, and we're ready to go!!!

Cook Like San Diego's Best Chefs Using "San Diego Chef's Table: Extraordinary Recipes From America's Finest City" | A New Book By Maria Desiderata Montana

August 16, 2013

We've all thought it before: You're in a local restaurant having a love affair with your meal and you exclaim: "I wish I could make this at home!"  Maria Desiderata Montana understands this sentiment, and her new book San Diego Chef's Table: Extraordinary Recipes from America's Finest City is the cure you've been waiting for. Filled with great recipes from some of San Diego's finest chefs, this book allows readers to learn secrets from the culinary professionals all over America's Finest City. Get your copy and learn to make dishes such as the Marine Room's lamb osso buco, Nine-Ten's Jamaican jerk pork belly, Jsix's grilled whole sea bass, and so many more!

48 Hour Film Project Showcases the Best of San Diego Shorts and Awards Best Films of the Year

The crew from Bad and Classic Productions who won
the honors of Best Film and Best Actor

August 16, 2013

By Megan Gallagher | SanDiegoVille Contributor

We laughed, we cried, we nearly jumped out of our seats from fear. This year’s 48 Hour Film Project had a little something for everyone. The red carpet rolled out for the 10th annual showcase on Saturday, August 10th at the Gaslamp’s Reading Cinemas where dozens of actors, filmmakers and film enthusiasts showed up to get a glimpse of the incredible short films put together for this year’s competition, and to find out who would be awarded “Best Film of the Year” and go on to compete internationally for the title of Best 48 Hour Film 2013.

The Best Restaurants and Businesses from America's Finest City All In One Place | San Diego Magazine Presents the Best of San Diego Party on August 23

August 15, 2013

The people have spoken and the votes are in, so now all there is to do is celebrate!  Don't miss the chance to sample and discover  the best restaurants and businesses in the city at San Diego Magazine's Best of San Diego Party, taking place on Friday, August 23 from 6:30-9:30PM at the NTC Promenade at Liberty Station.  This highly anticipated bash features food samplings, regional fine wine, local craft beer and live entertainment.

San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival Celebrates its 10 Year Anniversary | November 18-24

August 15, 2013

Tickets for the 10th Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, Southern California's largest wine and food festival, are now on sale.  The wine and food festival takes the spotlight this November 20-24 for its 10-year-anniversary in what promises to be the its largest celebration yet.  The star-studded event takes place in the heart of downtown San Diego, with over 20 opportunities to satiate enthusiasts' appetites for luxury wine and food throughout the week.

Nearly 40 of Our Area's Best Chefs Converge to Celebrate California Figs | Don't Miss the Inaugural San Diego Fig Fest on September 8 at the San Diego Public Market

August 14, 2013

Figs are erotic. Eating a fresh ripe fig is as near a sexual experience as food consumption can be (unless you're George Costanza).  As the versatility of this flavorful fruit is more courageously explored, the prevalence of its use can be seen across an array of cuisines.  On September 8th, nearly 40 of San Diego and Baja's best chefs and food purveyors will join local wineries and breweries for a celebration honoring California figs. Enjoy fresh and dried figs, delicious fig-influenced recipes, live entertainment and more at the inaugural San Diego Fig Fest held at the San Diego Public Market!

Get Your BBQ on at the Del Mar Racetrack | Don't Miss the Inaugural Del Mar Grill Fest on Saturday, August 17

August 14, 2013

This Saturday, August 17, head to the Del Mar Racetrack for its first-ever BBQ grilling festival - the Del Mar Grill Fest.  Taking place3 at the Seaside Concert area throughout the day, this event will feature offerings from over 25 seasoned BBQ pros and local restaurants.  Watch the races, fill your bellies, and when the ponies are finished running, stay for the complimentary Weezer concert.

Chef Simon Dolinky Out at Hotel Palomar and In at the W San Diego

August 14, 2013

Chef Simon Dolinky will be taking over as Executive Chef of KELVIN at the W San Diego. Previously the Executive Chef of Saltbox Dining & Drinking in the Hotel Palomar, Dolinky has worked with some of the most prestigious and well-recognized chefs in the industry.

11th Annual Chula Vista Rotary Wine & Food Festival Returns to Otay Ranch Town Center | Saturday, August 24 from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM

August 14, 2013

This is the perfect summer escape in the South Bay to pleasure your palate at an ideal outdoor tasting experience. The 11th Annual Chula Vista Rotary Wine and Food Festival provides an opportunity for wine lovers, beer enthusiasts and food experts alike to expand their knowledge with every sip and bite. This delectable event is brought to you by the Chula Vista Rotary Club on Saturday, August 24 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Otay Ranch Town Center.

A Dining and Learning Experience at From Farm to Bay Food and Wine Classic at Living Coast Discovery Center

August 13, 2013

Photo by Dream West Photography

By Megan Gallagher | SanDiegoVille Contributor  

Tourists may flock to San Diego for sites like Sea World, the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park, but there is a lesser-known wildlife destination that’s also making quite the buzz. The Living Coast Discovery Center, formerly the Chula Vista Nature Center, is an organization dedicated to providing environmental education on coastal resource conservation, and instilling a respect for nature and wildlife in people of all ages. Though it’s only a few short miles from downtown, the nature center, which sits on a 316-acare Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and provides visitors a unique glimpse at the wildlife in our environment that we overlook every day. We had the opportunity to check it out during the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year, the From Farm to Bay Food & Wine Classic, where more than 40 local restaurants and eateries showcased their dishes to a sold out crowd, all in the name of keeping the bay beautiful.

An Elegant Night Under the Stars at the 30th Annual Heritage Ball | Saturday, August 17 at 6:00 PM

August 13, 2013

The 30th Annual Heritage Ball will be a starry, magnificent night filled with live entertainment, dancing, delicious food, and a fabulous live auction and opportunity drawing items. This annual Ball will be held on Saturday, August 17 at 6:00 PM, with Executive Director, Father David Gaa, event co-chairs and local community volunteers, Gigi Gleason, and Robbie Hass, as well as the presenting sponsor, Tri-City Medical Center at the helm, guaranteed to be an evening to remember.

The 19th Annual San Diego Festival of Beer Returns Friday, Sept. 20

August 12, 2013

The 19th Annual San Diego Festival of Beer - San Diego’s original beer festival and cancer-fighting fundraiser - returns to downtown San Diego on Friday, September 20 from 6 – 11 p.m. The outdoor event draws beer lovers from around the county together for a great cause, and will once again take over the streets at Columbia and B in Downtown San Diego (across from W Hotel).

The Inaugural Hormel Black Label Bacon Fest to Take Over San Diego's Liberty Station | August 31 from 1-5pm

August 9, 2013

Bacon. Either you love bacon, or you're wrong. What other singular ingredient elicits such desire and excitement?  There are many a food festival in America's Finest City, but this August 31st, for the first time ever, Hormel Black Label San Diego Bacon Fest will make its debut at Preble Field in NTC Park in Liberty Station for a festival centered around America's favorite food. Organized by PushPins Media and sponsored by Hormel Black Label Bacon, this event will unite the masses with San Diego's finest chefs, breweries, eateries, wineries, and distilleries for a day of unlimited indulgence in honor of International Bacon Day.

San Diego Music Thing Announces Kick Off Party with New Politics at Casbah on September 12th | Additional Speakers, Panels and 91x Stage Announced

August 8, 2013

There really is no place to be that tops San Diego, CA on September 13 and 14.  One will be hard pressed to top the talent, learning opportunities and that typically gorgeous weather. The San Diego Music Thing (SDMT) hosts its annual Kick Off Party on Thursday, September 12 with New Politics appearing at The Casbah.  Tickets for the party will be $13.91 and are currently onsale.

Over 1,000 Filmakers Anxious to See Who Will Win the San Diego 10th Annual 48 Hour Film Project | Best of San Diego Screening and Wrap Up Party August 10th

August 7, 2013

The 10th Annual 48 Hour Film Project brought together over 1,000 professional and aspiring filmmakers and film enthusiasts for a high-stress battle to see who could create the best 5-7 minute short film in 48 hours.  This year's event is coming to a close with a Best of San Diego Screening scheduled for August 10th at Reading Cinemas Gaslamp 15, followed by the Wrap Party at SummerSalt Rooftop Pool and Lounge at Hotel Palomar.

Stone Brewing Co. to Host Stone 17th Anniversary Celebration & Invitational Beer Festival

August 3, 2013

Oh happy (hoppy?) day! Preparations for the Stone 17th Anniversary Celebration & Invitational Beer Festival are underway, and this year’s event figures to be the biggest and best yet. On August 16 and 17,  Stone Brewing Co. will set up shop at the California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) campus in North County San Diego to bring fans an epic array of craft beers, all in the name of celebration and charity.  One hundred percent of the profits from the festival will be donated to local charities, including Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos, Fight ALD, Palomar Family YMCA, and Surfrider Foundation.