Simply Local | A New Merchant Marketplace Boasting Art, Culture & Community

October 7, 2013

By Megan Gallagher | SanDiegoVille Contributor

As much as the push to buy local and organic products, and support local businesses is alive and well in San Diego, the truth is that it can be difficult to follow that mantra because you cannot always fulfill all of your needs in one place. After all, there is no “mall” for local products, and travelling from merchant to merchant can be time consuming. Unfortunately, it is simply more convenient to cover ground in a supermarket or a big-brand store. Local entrepreneur Brian Beevers is looking to change all of that. Beevers, who operates three farmers’ markets throughout San Diego, has just announced plans for Simply Local, a local merchant emporium offering locally made products.

Bang Bang Rocks Our World | Much More Than Just Ryan Gosling's Pretty Face

October 6, 2013

If you know about Bang Bang, you've undoubtedly heard of the shrine to Ryan Gosling in one of the women's bathroom stalls.  It has been plastered on the U-T, on Eater.com, and on the social media pages of every starry-eyed socialite in town - even being featured in stories by the Hollywood Reporter and LAist.  Upon inspection, there are even lipstick smatterings on most of the photos, which is both unsanitary and borderline demented.   We're here to tell our readers that there is far more to Bang Bang than a silly stall, as the eatery is artistically designed and offers delicious Japanese-fusion fare in a fun and hip setting.

Suzie’s Farm Hosts First Annual “Dia De Los Muertos” Celebration | November 2

October 5, 2013

Suzie’s Farm is thrilled to welcome the San Diego community to the inaugural Dia De Los Muertos celebration at its new outdoor event space, The Grove. Guests will exalt the endless cycle of life and death at the family-friendly event featuring traditional Mexican food prepared by acclaimed local chefs, holiday inspired artwork by local artists, craft cocktails and live entertainment. On Saturday, November 2 from 6-10pm, participants will gather at the beautiful 2-acre outdoor event facility for a fun celebration of the Day of the Dead.

San Diego’s 9th Annual Chef Showdown | A Heated Competition to Benefit the Center for Community Solutions

October 4, 2013

WINNING TEAM: Evgeny Anisimov, Jeff Josenhans, Scotty Wagner,
Amy Dibiase (team captain), Lori Sauer and Percy Oani.

By Megan Gallagher | SanDiegoVille Contributor

San Diego’s top chefs and mixologists showcased their competitive sides last week at this year's Chef Showdown, using their culinary chops and creativity in an entertaining battle for the title, raising over $150,000 in support of the Center for Community Solutions. The 9th annual Chef Showdown took place on September 26 at the NTC Promenade at Liberty Station and was not only a showcase of culinary talent, but also an evening of celebration and support for a center dedicated to the prevention of sexual assault and domestic violence in San Diego.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County Announces its 2013 Person of the Year – James Brennan, CEO of Enlightened Hospitality Group | Award Ceremony to Take Place at 51st Annual Gourmet Dinner on Oct. 24

Partners in dining
Brian Malarkey (left) & James Brennan (right)

October 4, 2013

Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County (BBBS of SDC) has announced that James Brennan has been selected as the “Person of the Year.” James Brennan, a former Big Brother himself, will receive his award at Big Brothers Big Sisters 51st Annual Gourmet Dinner on October 24, which will be held at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine and sponsored by LPL Financial. This year’s event emcee is Brennan's partner in Enlightened Hospitality Group - Chef Brian Malarkey, winning Mentor/Judge on ABC’s cooking show The Taste, Top Chef finalist, and Executive Chef/Partner of the Fabric of Social Dining restaurants (Searsucker, Gabardine, Gingham and Herringbone).

Pick From San Diego's Largest Selection of Pumpkin Varieties at Suzie’s Farm Pumpkin Palooza | Saturday, October 12

October 3, 2013

Suzie’s Farm Pumpkin Palooza will bring together the families of the Suzie’s Farm and San Diego community for a fun afternoon on the farm. This event is free to attend, and guests can participate in “u-pick” pumpkins and take home the fruits of their labor. Along with a day of pumpkin picking, there will be live music, food, and community organizations.

The Fifth Avenue Auto Showcase Returns to the Gaslamp on Sunday, October 13 from 11:00AM to 4:00PM

October 2, 2013

Come one, come all to celebrate the Fifth Avenue Auto Showcase hosted by the Gaslamp Quarter Association and presented by car2go San Diego! Free to the public, this event showcases extravagant displays of over 150 makes and models of high performance automotive vehicles that are guaranteed to bring viewers to a halt. The 5th anniversary celebration promises to draw out the most enthusiastic automotive aficionados to the historic Gaslamp Quarter this fall, taking over the fabulous stretch of Fifth Avenue from E Street to K Street in Downtown, San Diego on Sunday, October 13 from 11am to 4pm.

New Belgium Brewing’s Tour de Fat Raised More Than $40,000 for Local San Diego Bicycle Nonprofits | World-Class Entertainment and Bicycle Love Brought 6,000 People

October 1, 2013

Tour de Fat, New Belgium Brewing’s traveling festival of bikes, beer and bemusement, raised more than $40,000 for San Diego nonprofits last Saturday, September 28. About 6,000 bicycle and beer enthusiasts came to Balboa Park for the event and 2,000 people participated in the bike parade.

The Spirits of Mexico Main Tasting | Like the Spirits Being Honored, This Event Only Gets Better With Age!

October 1, 2013

By Megan Gallagher | SanDiegoVille Contributor

Usually a night full of tequila is one that we can’t remember, but the Spirits of Mexico Main Tasting Event is one that we won’t soon forget. Held on September 21 in Old Town San Diego, the event was the pinnacle of a celebration of agave-based spirits, known as the annual Spirits of Mexico Festival. This year marked the festival’s 10th anniversary and just like tequila, it seems the event keeps getting better with age.

The 33rd Annual San Diego Zoo Food & Wine Celebration | A Night at San Diego's Most Unique Epicurean Event

Nervous Ness & the Bearded Dragon

September 30, 2013

There are food and spirits events on a monthly basis in San Diego, but at how many do you get the chance to hold a bearded dragon, watch a cheetah play with a dog or take an aerial tram over the whole celebration??  On a perfect September evening, hundreds of food and animal enthusiasts had the unique opportunity to enter the famed San Diego Zoo during after hours, to sip and swirl with the animals, taste delectable delights from over 170 local restaurants, breweries, wineries and spirit companies, and enjoy the playful ambience of the evening, all for the wonderful cause of conservation research. The San Diego Zoo Food & Wine Celebration is one of the city's elite epicurean events, and the 33rd annual fundraiser offered an eclectic mix of food, spirits, music and animal encounters.

Enjoy Art Like Never Before at the Old Town San Diego Art Festival | Saturday, October 5 & Sunday, October 6

September 30, 2013

Watch as the streets of Historic Old Town San Diego transform into an art extravaganza at this year’s Old Town San Diego Art Festival!  On Saturday, October 5 & Sunday, October 6 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, the Old Town Chamber of Commerce invites you to experience a world full of colorful art, live music, international food and exotic wines.  Stroll down San Diego Avenue as the streets fill with a variety of artists, food, wine, and entertainment. Feast your eyes on elaborate displays of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, and furniture while you fascinate your taste buds with delicious cuisine! This event is free to the public, and the Old Town Art Festival offers something for everyone!

Kids Get Free Admission to 38 San Diego Museums this October

September 29, 2013

Based on its huge success in the first two years, the San Diego Museum Council is proud to bring back its popular "Kids Free in October, presented by Time Warner Cable," back for a third year inviting families to enjoy free kids' admission to 38 museums across San Diego County with an adult ticket purchase. To take advantage of the offer, visitors must download their free coupon online for each museum they wish to visit this October.

Sample Over 40 Restaurants and 12 Craft Brews at the 5th Annual Taste of North Park | Saturday, Oct. 5

September 28, 2013

Stroll along the streets of San Diego’s hippest neighborhood while you sample food from North Park’s famous eateries, sip craft brews from San Diego’s best breweries and shop at a wide variety of boutiques and galleries at the 5th Annual Taste of North Park, taking place on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 11am-4pm.  For one ticket price of $35 you will enjoy over 40 restaurants and 12 specialty brews.

Ready to Feast! The New Children's Museum to Host Two Foodie Fundraisers to Launch New Exhibit | October 10 & 12

September 27, 2013

To celebrate the launch of their newest interactive exhibit, The New Children's Museum in downtown San Diego will host two unique fundraisers, each promising an amazing culinary experience. Feast: The Art of Playing With Your Food is the latest thematic exhibition that will be on display starting October 13, and will put food in a new perspective, giving guests the chance to truly engage with the artwork. Before Feast opens to the public, a VIP preview dinner will transport participants back to pre-revolution France on October 10 with the fundraising event, Feasting in Versailles, followed by a trip down the rabbit hole with Feasting in Wonderland, an annual benefit event on October 12.

Barons Market and San Diego Coastkeeper Want Facebook Friends to Eat, Drink and Be Merry | Don't Miss Barons Market Taste for Coastkeeper on Oct. 8

September 27, 2013

Being a Facebook fan of San Diego Coastkeeper and Barons Market has its serious advantages. The clean water nonprofit and local grocery store chain invite their Facebook fans to comment to win spots for an exclusive evening of free local microbrews and all-natural food. Barons Market and Coastkeeper will treat five winning commenters and their guests to Delectable: A Barons Market Taste for Coastkeeper on October 8 at 6 p.m.

Union Bank and the San Diego Chargers Kick Off Game Changers Program to Score Big with Local Charities and Fans | Begins Sunday, Sept. 29

September 27, 2013

As part of its commitment to responsible banking and supporting the San Diego community, Union Bank has partnered with the San Diego Chargers to raise funds for local charities over the course of the Chargers 2013 regular season. Titled “Game Changers,” the fundraising program is part of Union Bank’s ongoing sponsorship of the San Diego Chargers and will benefit programs at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater San Diego, the Armed Services YMCA San Diego and the San Diego Center for Children. As part of the program, attendees will have the chance to win fan prizes, including ticket upgrades, backpacks, merchandise discounts and signed San Diego Chargers memorabilia.

Andaz RoofTop600 to Host “Playboy Ladies of Golf” Model Search and Parties on Sept. 27 and Oct. 4

September 26, 2013

Andaz San Diego and Playboy Golf are pairing up to deliver San Diego a duo of exciting Playboy Ladies of Golf model search parties on Friday, September 27 and Friday, October 4 between 7-9pm Taking place atop the hotel at social hotspot RoofTop600, these two special events are a must for San Diego ladies who think they have what it takes to reach Playmate status. And gentlemen, you know you want to come party and meet Playboy Ladies of Golf too!