El Agave Restaurant to Open its Second Location in Del Mar Plaza This Spring

March 16, 2014

El Agave Restaurant and Tequileria, a landmark of Old Town, is set to open its long-awaited sister restaurant, El Agave Del Mar, in Del Mar Plaza at 1555 Camino Del Mar by mid-March 2014. This second location occupies the former Flavor space and will feature the El Agave menu’s same authentic items with a breathtaking rooftop ocean view. El Agave Del Mar is dedicated to authentic Hispanic Nouvelle cuisine and is the only restaurant of its kind to be located in North County.

Paint Your Heart out at Del Mar's Mia Francesca to Support ArtReach | Sunday, March 23

March 15, 2014
              
San Diegans who have a penchant for painting can create their own masterpiece while benefiting arts education in schools on Sunday, March 23 from 2-5pm at Mia Francesca in the Del Mar Highlands Town Center. Proceeds will support ArtReach free visual arts education workshops in local K-6 schools that have no resources for art. An ArtReach artist will help guests paint a “Flower Close Up” step-by-step. No experience is necessary to participate, all art materials are included in the ticket price of $45, and attendees will be able to enter raffles for theatre tickets and more.

La Jolla Brewing Company Revives the Neighborhood Beer Scene | An Upscale Brewpub Takes Hold

March 14, 2014

Having revamped the old LJ Brew House, the brand spanking new La Jolla Brewing Company has taken helm with an entirely new concept for the prime location on Fay Avenue. The restaurant has been reimagined from the ground up, and managing partner Leigh Gibson (of Dirty Birds and soon-to-open Pillbox Tavern in Solana) has developed an upscale pub menu that appeals to all tastes. Complemented by an experienced brewer, a devout connection to San Diego's burgeoning craft beer scene, and a full bar, expect LJBC to become a longtime destination establishment and a favorite neighborhood watering hole among locals.

Chef Kyle Bergman to Join Team at Paradise Point Resort & Spa

March 13, 2014

Chef Kyle Bergman once again took to Facebook to make the important announcement that he is joining Executive Chef Amy Dibiase at Paradise Point Resort & Spa.  Bergman is no stranger to cooking at San Diego resorts, as his resume includes tenures at La Valencia and most recently The Lodge at Torrey Pines, in addition to a head chef role at North Park's Ritual Tavern.

Bertrand at Mister A's Unveils New Happy Hour

March 13, 2014

Just in time for spring and summer, Bertrand at Mister A’s has announced a new bar menu featuring drink specials, dessert, health-minded plates and a range of fresh seafood.  Mister A’s new happy hour menu has also received a seasonal touch, and is now comprised of bar menu favorites and novel small plates. Mister A’s happy hour is offered Sunday-Thursday from 2:30-6pm, and bites range between $7-10 and include chicken liver pate spread across a grilled baguette, an on-trend toffee-pecan ice cream sandwich flanked in chocolate chiffon and more - all served up with a view!

Slater's 50/50 is Ballin' | The March Madness Burger Bracket is Almost Here!

March 12, 2014

Southern California burger-mastermind, Slater's 50/50 is getting into the March Madness spirit with it's own March Madness Burger Bracket, allowing guests  to vote online for their favorite burgers in an NCAA-style tournament. The bracket features some of Slater's most popular Burgers of the Month from the past, coming out of the "vault" for a limited appearance. Guests will be able to cast their vote for their favorite vintage burger in head-to-head competitions, narrowing down the field to the Elite Eight and ultimately, the Final Four. The Final Four burgers will be featured in each of Slater's six (soon to be seven) SoCal locations throughout May to celebrate National Burger Month. Based on sales of each of the Final Four burgers, Slater's will pick the winner. The online voting will coincide with the NCAA Sweet 16 round starting March 27.

Carlsbad's West Inn and Suites Expands Farm to Offer New Farm-to-Table Dining Experience

March 12, 2014

The West Inn & Suites in Carlsbad has expanded its vegetable and fruit farm from one to three acres in order to create an authentic farm-to-table experience by supplying its West Steak and Seafood and Bistro West restaurants the freshest ingredients to include in their culinary creations. Executive Chef Eugenio Martignago’s farm-inspired dishes have become daily specialties at each eatery, offering guests a seasonal menu experience each time they visit. The three-acre plot of land is currently producing a harvest with more than 35 different vegetables, herbs and fruit.

Marina Kitchen to Host the Sta. Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance Wine Tasting & BBQ Dinner | March 30-31

March 11, 2014

Marina Kitchen at the San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina is partnering up with the Sta. Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance to host an afternoon of wine tasting and a BBQ dinner to follow on Sunday, March 30. Twenty member wineries will be on-site pouring wines, discussing the unique characteristics of wines grown in the Sta. Rita Hills American Viticultural Area, and sharing their passion for the Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays produced from Sta. Rita Hills’ vineyards.

Papa Luna’s Empanadas Opens Downtown Just in Time for National Empanada Day

March 11, 2014

In honor of National Empanada Day, Papa Luna’s will be offering San Diego customers a buy one  get one free deal on empanadas (limit one per customer). The promotion will be available Monday, April 9 at both their Pacific Beach store as well as in their new downtown location, which recently opened in late February at 1050 Columbia Street.

San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter Introduces “Eat-Drink-Park” Offer for Padres Fans

March 10, 2014

Just in time for baseball season, the San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter is bringing back its Eat-Drink-Park special, a new way for game-goers to enjoy an evening of baseball paired with dining, drinks and complimentary valet parking just 90 steps from the Padres’ Petco Park. The hotel’s Eat-Drink-Park promotion offers complimentary same-day valet parking to guests who spend a minimum of $25 at the San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter’s Soleil @k or Latitude Lounge. The offer extends throughout the hours of the day’s baseball game, giving guests stress-free parking as they enjoy an evening of dining, drinks and the Padres. The offer is valid on home game days, does not account for overnight parking and is subject to space and availability.

An Evening of Brews, Views and Chews at Tom Ham's Lighthouse's Green Flash Beer Pairing Dinner | March 26

March 10, 2014

Green Flash Brewing Co. and Tom Ham’s Lighthouse have teamed up to provide a five-course, sit-down dinner featuring five of Green Flash’s unique brews paired with unique dishes prepared by Tom Ham’s head chef Lance Repp on Wednesday, March 26 at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse.

Stone Brewing Co. to Donate $100,000 from Sale of Matt's Burning Rosids Imperial Cherrywood-Smoked Saison

March 9, 2014

In 2013, Stone Brewing Co. suffered the loss of a close friend, team member and exceptional brewer, Matt Courtright. After exploring several ways to honor his memory, Stone decided there was no better way than to brew one of his most recent beer recipes and release it nationally for all to enjoy. Matt’s Burning Rosids Imperial Cherrywood-Smoked Saison is currently available in 22-ounce bottles and on draft in select markets across the U.S. To further pay tribute to Matt’s memory, Stone is donating $100,000 to two non-profit organizations close to Matt’s heart and contributing to The Matt Courtright Memorial Brewing Scholarship, all made possible by proceeds from the sale of his beer.

San Diego Celebrity Chefs Support Neighborhood House Association Child Nutrition Awareness Initiative | Lend Your Support on March 23

March 8, 2014

The Neighborhood House Association (NHA) is celebrating 100 years of service throughout 2014, and as part of the celebration, is commemorating a century of building healthy families and communities by hosting a culinary demonstration and charity fundraiser. Celebrity chefs from around San Diego will join NHA in its efforts to promote healthy eating habits and highlight the NHA innovative and award winning approach to child nutrition. The event will take place Sunday, March 23 from 1-5pm at the NHA Central Kitchen located at 1929 Hancock St. San Diego, CA 92110.

Chula Vista's Venga Venga Announces Noches De Venga to Liven Up the Weekends

March 8, 2014

Recently opened by world-renowned celebrity chef and restaurateur Richard Sandoval, Venga Venga Cantina and Tequila Bar in Otay Ranch Town Center is spicing up Friday and Saturday nights with the introduction of Noches de Venga. With over 100 tequilas and mezcals offered on the bar menu and an exposed tequila cellar in the spacious lounge area, Venga Venga provides a natural setting for late night dining, drinking and dancing.

Prepkitchen La Jolla Finishes New Patio Just In Time for 5th Anniversary

March 7, 2014

After nearly eight weeks of construction, the wait (and rain) is over as Prepkitchen La Jolla’s unveils a charming new outdoor patio just in time for its Five Year Anniversary.  The spacious, fully-revamped space provides guests with a relaxed setting where they can linger over the artisanal items on Chef Ryan Johnston’s inventive menu.  Offering a quaint respite from the daily grind, the sleek new facade serves as a bridge between the restaurant and the neighboring stores that surround Sycamore Court, an area that has seen little change over the last decade.

Patio, Please - Four Beach Restaurants With Killer Views

March 7, 2014

Whether it’s catching rays on that perfect sunny day, watching the sunset as you sip your Sea Breeze, or dining under a blanket of stars, patios make for a great experience. Need a date location or brunch spot for a group of friends? We’ve got you covered with this list of four amazing beach patios, one to fit every style.

New Restaurant Don Chido Opens This May - Bringing Handcrafted Mexican Cuisine to Downtown San Diego

March 6, 2014

RMD Group, the development and management team behind recognized venues including FLUXX and Side Bar, along with Ken Lovi, founder and CEO of Knotty Barrel Gastropub, and Chef / Partner Antonio Friscia (of Stingaree and formerly Gaijin), announced the May opening of Don Chido, an authentic, stylish Mexican eatery taking over the former Fred's Mexican space in the heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter.  Together, RMD Group, Ken Lovi and renown San Diego chef, Antonio Friscia, create a powerhouse team that will surely elevate the social dining scene in downtown San Diego with their new venue.