The Spirits of Mexico Festival Celebrates 10 Years in San Diego | September 17-21

August 23, 2013

The Spirits of Mexico Festival will celebrate its 10-year anniversary this fall when it returns to San Diego from Sept. 17 to 21. The annual festival, a five-day celebration of all things agave, has several new events this year in honor of the anniversary and will give attendees an opportunity to sip the newest and best tequila and mezcal on the market. The image of tequila has drastically evolved over the past ten years from a cheap drink found at college parties to a more sophisticated drink for sipping and tasting, and the Spirits of Mexico Festival is the event to experience, first hand, current tequila trends and appropriate tasting techniques.

Back on The Map - Guests Rediscover Tom Ham’s Lighthouse After Major Remodel to Design and Menu

Photo by Derek Plank courtesy of Tom Ham's Lighthouse

August 22, 2013

Following a $3.5 million renovation, designed by the late architect Graham Downes, Tom Ham’s Lighthouse now features a new interior design, menus, a bayfront bar – and still one of the best views in San Diego. The only restaurant in the country with a fully functioning U.S. Coast Guard lighthouse, Tom Ham’s Lighthouse has remained a San Diego institution for over 40 years on the tip of Harbor Island.

Three Innovators From Distinct Hospitality Backgrounds Join Together to Launch Waypoint Public in North Park | Take over space formerly occupied by The Linkery

August 21, 2013

Set to open doors in early October in one of San Diego’s most booming neighborhoods, Waypoint Public, is North Park’s newest casual bistro and bar devoted to celebrating California culture, cuisine and great beer. Founded by a team of hospitality industry veterans - John Pani, Brian Jensen, and Chef Amanda Baumgarten - this dynamic trio has teamed up as partners, each with their own distinct area of expertise, to take over the former Linkery space on the corner of 30th Street and North Park Way.

Davanti Enoteca to Host Winemakers Dinner with Highly Acclaimed ZD Wines on August 28

August 21, 2013

Davanti Enoteca in Little Italy will offer a six course winemaker dinner with award-winning ZD Wines on Wednesday, August 28. A meet and greet will take place at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by the dinner between 7 and 10 p.m. This evening will provide guests the rare opportunity to experience varietals from Napa Valley’s ZD Wines paired with rustic Davanti Enoteca courses thoughtfully crafted for the occasion.

Now In its Fifth Year - San Diego Spirits Festival Returns Ready to Shake Up America's Finest City | August 24-25

August 20, 2013

San Diego is more than just sun, sand, beach-life and craft beer!  With a nationally prominent nightlife scene and craft cocktail bars popping up throughout the area, San Diego is one of America’s most trendsetting cities for spirits.  In its fifth year, the San Diego Spirits Festival is expanding and will take over the Port Pavilion on the Broadway Pier for the weekend of August 24 & 25. The two-day celebration merges the three elements of a perfect time - cocktails, culinary creations and culture, and is sure to please the palates of everyone from the serious mixologist and professional chef, to the novice culinary enthusiast and regular cocktail drinker.  With live entertainment, bartender battles, chef shakedowns and demonstrations, burlesque, live music and even a fashion show, the 5th annual San Diego Spirits Festival will be the best version yet!

Get a Sneak Peek of San Diego Restaurant Week at #SDRWTaste2013 on Thursday, September 12 at the Port Pavilion

August 20, 2013

San Diego Restaurant Week returns in September, and with it comes the 2nd Annual #SDRWTaste2013, a premier tasting event to kick off the start to San Diego Restaurant Week (and one of our favorite events of last year)! #SDRWTaste2013 is an exclusive first look at what San Diego Restaurant Week September has to offer, which will take place during the week of September 15-20, 2013. #SDRWTaste will take place on Thursday, September 12, 2013 from 5:00-9:00 PM at the picturesque Port Pavilion at the Broadway Pier, where people from all over San Diego will gather to celebrate San Diego Restaurant Week and indulge in some of the finest foods and beverages!

Enjoy Exquisite Dining Deals from All Over San Diego at San Diego Restaurant Week 2013 | September 15-20th

August 20, 2013

San Diego Restaurant Week takes place this year from Sunday, September 15th to Friday, September 20th, 2013, and brings the city’s vibrant food scene to life for one week of delicious dining, showcasing the freshest ingredients, most flavorful dishes and tastiest culinary gems that San Diego has to offer!

Westfield North County Invites San Diegans to "Unlock the Fun" for Winning, Fashion Forward Back-to-School Looks

August 19, 2013

Westfield North County (WNC) is welcoming the back-to-school season with its ‘Unlock the Fun’ fashion event, helping teens and tweens “unlock” the hot styles and trends for the new school year. San Diego-based national style expert Jennifer Rosson, founder/owner of Style Your Life and an elite Stylist For Hire hand-picked by “What Not To Wear's” Stacy London, will be on-hand to offer her personal styling tips. As a part of Westfield’s exciting back-to-school style campaign, shoppers will also have the opportunity daily to unlock an interactive locker display for exclusive deals, with the chance to win exciting prizes including an iPad Mini, gift cards and concert tickets to some of the hottest acts in music today.

Heart of Pacific Beach Restaurant Walk Returns Wednesday, Sept. 11

August 19, 2013

Sample some of the best eats in central PB at the Heart of Pacific Beach Restaurant Walk on Wednesday, September 11 from 5-9PM. Get your tickets and be sure to bring your appetite, as this popular annual event continues to grow and will offer a large variety of food choices and beer sampling from local restaurants, as well as special deals from area retailers as you stroll past the shops - all included for the meager $20 ticket price!  This event is a legitimate value and always makes for such a fun evening, so gather your friends and family and get your tickets.

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.