Dave Chappelle Returns to the Spotlight | Comedian Sells Out 6 Shows at San Diego's Spreckels Theater

October 25, 2013

He's been on hiatus from the limelight since 2005, but the packed Spreckels Theater couldn't tell during any of Dave Chappelle's 6 sold out shows on the weekend of October 18-20.  The comedian, best known for his hit Comedy Central sketch series - The Chappelle Show - and his stoner classic, Half Baked, didn't show any signs of being out of the game as he had the historic theater rolling with laughter over the course of his hour-plus sets.  We attended the final San Diego show on Sunday, October 20 at 10pm and, although we were fearful that Chappelle would be exhausted after his marathon of performances, he was beyond energetic for his hilarious finale.

Enter SanDiegoVille's Spa Gregorie's Goodie Bag Raffle | SoCal Spa Offers Sampling of Its Favorite Items For One Lucky Winner

October 25, 2013

SanDiegoVille is raffling off a bag full of goodies from Spa Gregorie's!!   Now in its 15th year with locations in Del Mar, Newport Beach and Rancho Santa Margarita, Spa Gregorie’s is known for elevating the traditional luxury spa experience with a unique blend of professional services designed to enhance the lives of each client. Spa Gregorie's boasts recognition from Spa Finder Reader’s Choice for “Favorite Day Spa,” as well as the honor of “Favorite Day Spa” by American Spa Magazine in their Professional’s Choice Awards. We have a nifty little kit of some of their favorite items to show one lucky winner how Spa Gregorie's can enhance your life.

Feasting in Wonderland | Art Inspired By Food Paired With Food and Cocktails Inspired By Art

October 24, 2013

Feast: The Art of Playing With Your Food debuted to the public on October 13 at The New Children's Museum. On the eve of the grand opening, the museum offered up its 3 art-filled floors for the 6th annual benefit, Feasting in Wonderland, inviting participants to be among the first to explore the thirteen interactive exhibits, each installation paired with a local chef who translated inspiration from the art into a delicious donated dish, as well as a mixologist who coupled an inspired craft cocktail.

The 13th Annual Dos Equis XX Monster Bash Block Party Take Over the East Village and Offers $5,000 Cash Costume Contest | Saturday, October 26

October 24, 2013

This Saturday, October 26, 2013, the 13th Annual Dos Equis XX Monster Bash presented by Malibu Black will take over the streets of East Village transforming over eight blocks of San Diego’s downtown neighborhood into one of the most spectacular Halloween events in both San Diego County and the West Coast.  Between 6pm and midnight, attendees will enter through the Gates of Hell at 8th and Island Avenues and party on with the undead on the streets of Island, 7th, and 8th Avenues.

Amplified Ale Works Celebrates One Year on November 1 | Cali-Kebab's In House Brewery Kicks Off Beer Week With Anniversary Party

October 23, 2013

Amplified Ale Works will be kicking off San Diego Beer Week on November 1 celebrating their one-year anniversary. Since their opening last November inside California Kebab & Beer Garden in Pacific Beach, brew masters JC Hill and Cy Henley have brewed more than 15 different beers and the microbrewery has gained a solid fan base.

Stone Brewing Co. To Host Wide Array of Events for San Diego Beer Week 2013

October 22, 2013

Stone Brewing Co. will celebrate San Diego Beer Week November 1 through 10 with a slew of beer-centric events at both Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens locations. Rare beer with breakfast? Brewmaster luncheons? Dinners with craft beer pairings? Here’s what Stone has on tap for Beer Week 2013.

San Diego History Center Hosts History Happy Hour With Stone Brewing Co. and Soda & Swine | November 1

October 21, 2013

San Diego History Center’s History Happy Hours are a public program that have been running in congruence with the exhibition Bottled & Kegged: San Diego’s Craft Brew Culture.  Each month the center invites a brewer to speak for about 30-45 minutes to a group of about 150-200 people, sample their beer, see the exhibition, and eat amazing food from the city’s coolest restaurants. On November 1 from 5:30-7:30pm, the SDHC will be teaming up with Stone Brewing Co. and Soda & Swine.

Memelas & Thai Bistro Celebrates 2 Year Anniversary With Charitable Giving | November 8

October 20, 2013

Memelas & Thai Bistro in Chula Vista marks its 2-year anniversary on Friday, Nov. 8, 2013 with a nonprofit partnership. A portion of the day’s proceeds will go to Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, a local nonprofit organization committed to seeing that every child with a physical deformity is given the opportunity to have positive self image through the gift of reconstructive surgery, and related healthcare services. Memelas & Thai Bistro opened its doors in November 2011 to serve up Thai-Mex and rock. Guests who walk through the doors at Memelas encounter a mix of Mexican food, Thai food, and rock and roll music.

Carlsbad's West Inn & Suites to Host 7th Annual Holiday Event and Toys For Tots Drive | December 5

October 19, 2013

The West Inn & Suites hotel in charming Carlsbad will host their 7th Annual Holidays at West Village celebration and Toys for Tots drive on December 5, 2013. Each year, the hotel opens its doors to spread holiday cheer throughout the Carlsbad community and North County region. Hosted together with Bistro West and West Steak and Seafood restaurants, the free holiday celebration invites friends and families to enjoy a multitude of festive activities. This year’s event will feature cookie decorating, face painting, chestnut roasting, horse drawn carriage rides and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Complimentary seasonal treats by West’s executive chef Eugenio Martignago will accompany an offering of spirits and warm beverages.

Andaz San Diego to Host Masquerade-Themed Official Maxim Halloween 2013 Party on October 31 | Three Levels of Entertainment and Special Appearances by Maxim Models

October 18, 2013

Andaz San Diego is in for a happy Halloween as Maxim Magazine takes over the luxury hotel for one of a limited number of official, nationwide Halloween 2013 bashes. Maxim presents: the Dos Equis Masquerade at Andaz San Diego will take place Thursday, October 31 between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m.  This highly-anticipated red carpet party, presented by Dos Equis, will transform the Andaz hotel into a thrilling tri-level experience complete with costumes, cocktails and devilishly hot models.

La Fête Magnifique! | The New Children's Museum Throws Lavish Feasting in Versailles Fundraiser

October 17, 2013

The New Children's Museum closed for a month to prepare the 3 story space for its fourth interactive exhibition - Feast: The Art of Playing With Your Food.  On Thursday, October 10, the museum reopened in grandiose fashion. Generous donors (many fashioned as French aristocrats) dished out $500 a plate to be whisked away to a time long ago for a dramatic six course meal at the VIP patron's exhibit preview and dinner, appropriately coined 'Feasting in Versailles.' Featuring a themed performance by Grammy nominated Sacha Boutros, a Pink Carpet reception and cocktail hour, 6 courses of amazing culinary offerings from some of the areas most prominent chefs, a riveting live auction, a dessert buffet and tours of the new exhibition, this was an evening unlike any other and a magnificent reopening for one of the area's most interactive and progressive museums.

BO-Beau Kitchen + Garden Now Open in La Mesa Village | The Cohn Restaurant Group Expands to East County with its Popular French Comfort Concept

October 16, 2013

The Cohn Restaurant Group is proud to announce the opening of La Mesa’s BO-beau kitchen + garden at the space formerly occupied by Gingham. With this new expansion, Operating Partner Michelle Kveen and Partner Deborah Scott join David & Lesley Cohn to cater to the unique needs of the La Mesa neighborhood, while also presenting many of the same core values that led to success at the original location in Ocean Beach.

Salt & Cleaver | A Sausage Party in Hillcrest

October 16, 2013

By Ryan Bridge | SanDiegoVille Contributor

When I heard that a spot in Hillcrest had opened up in May that served artisan sausages, featured a killer beer selection, and cooked using local, Suzie's Farm organic ingredients, I had to check it out. Salt & Cleaver, located on 5th Street between University and Robinson, brings a new perspective to the age-old craft of sausage making. Executive Chef Carlos SanMartano, who for the last couple of years had been working closely with local celebrity chef Brian Malarkey, demonstrates his ability in the kitchen and brings a global and sumptuous twist to elevate our meat-stuffed favorite pastime.  After scanning the menu several times online in anticipation for our dinner at Salt & Cleaver, I had developed a serious craving for sausage that I was eager to satisfy.

Waypoint Public Now Open | Partners, John Pani, Brian Jensen and Amanda Baumgarten Present North Park's Newest Neighborhood Bistro & Beer Bar

October 15, 2013

Having opened doors 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 former Top Chef Amanda Baumgarten, this dynamic trio, each with their own distinct area of expertise, has taken over the former Linkery space on the corner of 30th Street and North Park Way.

El Dorado Cocktail Lounge Celebrates Half A Decade | Party With the Gang on November 5

October 14, 2013

Humbly located amidst the hustle and bustle of Broadway Street along the outskirts of downtown’s East Village neighborhood, El Dorado Cocktail Lounge opened doors in 2008 as one of the city’s very first bars solely devoted to the art craft cocktails. To celebrate half a decade of success, on Tuesday, November 5th, the four founders of El Dorado will reunite behind the bar for the first time since year ONE to stir, shake and strain amongst their closest friends and family. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. El D will throw a not-to-be-missed happy hour as a special thank you to all who have helped them along the way. The night’s lineup of classic hand crafted creations will consist of their top six cocktails over the last five years. The memorable event will come complete with a star-studded step and repeat, complimentary bites from a handful of CH Projects’ eateries, sets from EL D’s favorite local DJs, roving photography and a nostalgic slideshow.

Third Annual Baja California Culinary Fest Honors Regions Innovative Cuisine, Unique Flavors and Prominent Chefs | Oct. 24-27

October 13, 2013

The third annual Baja California Culinary Fest will celebrate the region’s artisanal food, premium wines and craft beers being produced throughout the Mexican state, Oct. 24-27. Featuring special dinners, tastings, cooking classes, competitions and entertainment, the region’s distinctive gourmet fare will take center stage with 25 of Baja California’s culinary stars and top sommeliers. A significant driver of tourism, Baja’s cuisine was recently declared an intangible cultural heritage to the state by the World Tourism Organization (WTO).

San Diego Brewers Shine at the Great American Beer Festival | Local Breweries Receive 11 Medals at The Largest Commercial Beer Competition in the World

October 12, 2013

The 2013 Great American Beer Festival (GABF) is taking place this weekend in Denver, CO and the competition just wrapped up, awarding 252 medals to some of the best breweries in the United States. Presented by the Brewers Association, GABF is the largest commercial beer competition in the world and a symbol of brewing excellence. In its 27th year, the 2013 competition surpassed all previous participation records, setting the bar high. San Diego Brewers did well at this year's event, receiving an astounding 11 medals in various categories.