Fig Tree Café | Liberty Station's Latest Incarnation of Quintessentially Californian Cuisine

January 23, 2014

By Ryan Bridge | SanDiegoVille Contributor

Over the last couple of years I have found myself returning to Liberty Station time and again, and it seems like every time I make the trip another great restaurant has miraculously sprung up. It began in 2011 with Slater’s 50/50 – the idea of eating a burger with a patty made up of half ground beef and half ground bacon truly awakened my inner carnivore. Then, Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens opened in May 2013, and I considered myself lucky to be within a short drive to a number of unique Stone brews and growler fills. This weekend I made my way back to Liberty Station to enjoy a wonderful brunch at the recently opened expansion of Fig Tree Café, and I'm happy to say that I’ve found yet another reason to return to the former Naval Base.

Chef Javier Plascencia's Romesco Mexiterranean Bistro | 'Baja Med Cuisine' Translates to 'Amazing'

January 21, 2014

'Baja Mediterranean' or 'Baja Med,' for short, has become an increasingly broad term (much like 'Mediterranean') to describe the modern, high-end, culturally diverse cuisine, prepared from locally sourced ingredients, coming from chefs of Baja California, Mexico. Although many a chef has adopted the term to label their individual concoctions of Mexican and Mediterranean influences and ingredients, it's Chef Javier Plascencia and his family that are centrally responsible for the term's manifestation. The man has reached legend status in Tijuana and Baja, especially among in-the-know foodies and those within 'the industry,' and his double-digit restaurants are known as some of Mexico's best. Romesco Mexiterranean is Javier's only American-based establishment, located in Bonita, just a 15 minute drive south of downtown San Diego.  This unassuming corner unit in Bonita Shopping Center has been a San Diego dining destination since opening in 2006, and for those seeking elevated and inspired cuisine from one of the region's most renown chef's, this is his closest spot.

Karl Strauss Collaborates with UC San Diego Extension to Offer Scholarships for Local Brewers

January 15, 2014

Karl Strauss Brewing Company is proud to support the next generation of local brewers by joining forces with UC San Diego Extension. Karl Strauss is celebrating 25 years of crafting the San Diego beer scene by offering two scholarships to UC San Diego Extension’s Brewing certificate program in 2014. “When we started the industry here in San Diego 25 years ago, we had no idea the craft beer culture would expand into what it’s become today,” says Matt Rattner, President, Karl Strauss Brewing Company. “We are looking forward to helping a new crop of San Diego brewers get their start with this amazing program at UC San Diego Extension.”

Dock Up to Pacific Beach Fish Shop For Some of the Freshest Catch in Town

January 14, 2014

You can't miss the 17 foot marlin dangling on the corner of Garnet and Kendall as you cross into the heart of Pacific Beach.  Since 2010, PB Fish Shop made a reputation for itself by offering the freshest catch from its laid-back and inviting location. Offering an al fresco bar alongside a large, glass-encased outdoor seating area and embracing an approach that encourages meal customization, the "Fish Shop" has become a local favorite due to its simple access to delicious seafood...and local craft beer, of course.

Kings of Leon Add Chula Vista Date to 2nd Leg of the 2014 Mechanical Bull Tour Presented by Klipsch Audio | Saturday, March 22

January 13, 2014

Kings Of Leon today announced a Chula Vista date at Sleep Train Amphitheatre for the second leg of their American tour in support of their latest album, Mechanical Bull.  The band will perform at the Sleep Train Amphitheatre on Saturday, March 22 during the second leg of the 2014 MECHANICAL BULL TOUR.  Produced by Live Nation and presented by Klipsch Audio, this leg will feature opener Local Natives.  Tickets for the Chula Vista date go on sale January 17 at 10am thru the Live Nation mobile app and at livenation.com.  All other dates listed below are on sale now.

Chef Brian Malarkey and James Brennan Sell Majority Interest of Enlightened Hospitality Group to Hakkasan Ltd. | Stingaree Also Purchased

January 13, 2014

It's no wonder that Enlightened Hospitality Group has been shedding dead weight as of late (closing Gabardine & Searsucker Scottsdale last week). The group previously helmed by nightlife guru James Brennan and local celebrity chef Brian Malarkey has sold majority stake in the company to Abu Dhabi based Hakkasan Ltd. Hakkasan has also completed a full acquisition of Stingaree nightclub.

SanDiegoVille's Best Bites of 2013 | A Year in Review

January 10, 2013

We came, we saw, we ate everything in sight! The year 2013 is now a distant memory, but we remain compelled to honor the delicious offerings that made the year memorable.  From mollusks to misoyaki, 2013 was quite delicious for SanDiegoVille, so prepare to salivate. Here are our best bites of the year!

San Diego Magazine Hosts “Get Fit” Launch Party | January 24 from 7-9pm

January 10, 2014

Tickets are now on sale for San Diego Magazine’s Get Fit party, celebrating the January issue and launch of the new monthly “Move” column. Hosted at Fit Athletic Club in Downtown San Diego on January 24 from 7-9pm, attendees will get the chance to dine on hosted bites from downtown restaurants and enjoy complimentary drinks while watching live demos of fitness classes. Mingle with local wellness experts, learn about new products to improve your health and tour San Diego’s premier athletic club.

Best Spots to Watch The Chargers Game This Weekend

January 9, 2014

With the big Chargers game this weekend, luckily, the heart of America's finest city has a plethora of football offerings and places to watch the big game. From food to cocktail menus, we've run down San Diego's best hot spots to watch the Chargers game this weekend. Grab your Bolo tie, gear up, and get ready for a great game at these local establishments!

Malarkey's Gabardine Closes Its Doors in Point Loma | Enlightened Hospitality Losing Steam in San Diego

January 8, 2013

In the wake of the 'soft' opening of Herringbone at the Mondrian Hotel in Los Angeles on New Years' Eve, we've received information from a Gabardine insider that the Point Loma seafood house has shuttered early on in 2014, closing its doors for good after service this past Sunday, January 5.  Chef Brian Malarkey and nightlife entrepreneur James Brennan's Enlightened Hospitality Group has seemingly lost its stronghold on the San Diego restaurant scene, with 5 restaurants dwindling to 3 in less than a year's time.  Has the fabric brand of restaurants become too big for its britches or "too LA" for San Diego in 2014?!?

Coyote Ugly to Open in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter on February 5 | Bartender Auditions are Set for January 25th and 26th

January 8, 2014

Things are about to get ugly in San Diego. Coyote Ugly Saloon founder Liliana "Lil" Lovell announced today the most famous bar on the planet is opening on February 5 in the historic Gaslamp Quarter. The popular chain’s first Southern California outpost will be located at 820 5th Avenue, taking over the space previously occupied by Frauds and Swindlers. In order to find the appropriate staff (see photo to right), Lovell will host auditions for bartenders on January 25 and 26 from noon to 5 p.m. at the saloon.

Gaslamp Quarter’s Beloved Jimmy Love’s To Emerge as “New Venue” Spring 2014

January 8, 2014

Jimmy Love’s, located at 672 Fifth Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter, will be closing its doors Monday, January 13 to undergo an extensive conceptual and design renovation and reopen Spring 2014 as a new venue. Jimmy Love's will be celebrating their final weekend before closing this coming Sunday, January 12, with a party with the Gaslamp Quarter community Friday & Saturday, and a final Closing Party, invite only, on Sunday, January 12.

Encore Champagne Bar & Dining Room Set to Open Its Doors on January 15 | The Highly Anticipated Encore Gaslamp Will Kick Off 2014 With a Sparkling Debut

January 7, 2014

The first champagne-centric destination to launch in San Diego, Encore Champagne Bar & Dining Room is officially set to open on Jan. 15, 2014. The Gaslamp District’s newest, most buzzed about venue, will feature an extensive selection of fine champagnes and sparkling wines, from classic to rare vintages, accompanied by a full bar of classic cocktails, craft beer and a variety of seasonal champagne cocktails.

Local Chef Jonathan Hale of Prado to Represent San Diego at Super Bowl XLVIII's 'Taste of the NFL'

January 6, 2014

Highly acclaimed local chef Jonathan Hale of the award-winning Prado Restaurant is bringing his culinary expertise across the country to New York for the 23rd Annual “Taste of the NFL”.  Hale is honored to be the only San Diego chef selected for this year’s “Party with a Purpose” – an annual strolling food and wine experience that takes place in the host city of the Super Bowl each season in an effort to raise awareness of hunger issues throughout the country.

Dlush Opens First Campus Flagship Lounge at UCSD's Price Center

January 6, 2014

Dlush, San Diego-based luxury beverage and food brand, is set to open a campus flagship lounge on Monday, January 20 inside UC San Diego’s Price Center. Dlush’s 2,000 sq. ft. location at center-court inside the UC San Diego Price Center will serve the 38,000 students and faculty, and an estimated 18,000 daily visitors. A coveted location, campus leaders selected Dlush over mainstream national brands as part of a larger campus initiative set to align with local, creative, socially innovative brands.

Fiesta De Reyes Celebrates 5 Years in Old Town With Special Offerings All Month Long

January 5, 2014

Fiesta de Reyes is celebrating its fifth year of being in business with a month full of special offers and discounts for its customers. Located in the northeast corner of the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, Fiesta de Reyes includes two authentic Mexican restaurants, Casa de Reyes and Barra Barra Saloon, and 19 locally owned shops. The dining and shopping plaza pays tribute to early California with festive live Mexican music and folklorico dancing.

SEA180° Coastal Tavern Now Open In Imperial Beach

January 1, 2014

Located just steps from the sand and minutes from Mexico, David and Lesley Cohn of The Cohn Restaurant Group, along with Chef and Partner Ken Irvine, are pleased to announce the official opening of SEA180° Coastal Tavern, a new multi-million dollar South County dining destination. As part of Pier South, the $28 million boutique hotel launching at a later date, SEA180° has opened its doors to the public for lunch and dinner, with breakfast coming soon.