Fig Tree Cafe Liberty Station Turns One!

August 14, 2014

Nearly one year ago, Fig Tree Café planted roots at Point Loma’s Liberty Station. To celebrate its one-year anniversary this month, owner Johan Engman is treating guests at the Liberty Station location with their choice of either a glass of champagne or a dessert to share at the table. The anniversary offer is valid only for patrons dining in from August 25 until August 27 at Fig Tree Café in Liberty Station.

Chef Jaison Burke No Longer with The Pearl Hotel | Former San Diego Bay Wine & Food Fest Honoree to Leave San Diego

Chef Jaison Burke

August 13, 2014

Chef Jaison Burke announced on his Facebook page that he is leaving his position at The Pearl Hotel in Point Loma. Burke has been The Pearl's executive chef since 2011, but later this month, he'll be starting at Ojai Valley Inn and Resort in Ventura, CA. Burke was an integral part of the launch of The Pearl's taco shop - Tacos Perla in North Park. He was also the People's Choice winner for Chef of the Fest at the 2012 San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival.

Lagunitas Brewing Company and Sessions Public Partner for Smokey Beer Dinner | August 21 at 7pm

August 13, 2014

On Thursday, August 21, Sessions Public is partnering with the always popular Petaluma-based Lagunitas Brewing Company for a special Lagunitas ‘Smoke Sessions’ Beer Dinner that craft beer lovers won’t want to miss. Beer advocates will unite at the Ocean Beach/Point Loma neighborhood spot, already beloved for its craft beer variety with 20 rotating brews always on tap. Lagunitas Marketing Director Chris Meyers will be making the trip down from Petaluma to educate guests on each of the several beers being paired throughout the night.

Kona Kai Resort & Marina Renovates 'Vessel' | See Inside the Refreshed Shelter Island Mainstay

August 13, 2014

Shelter Island's Kona Kai recently completed a $22 million refreshment and is ready to delight guests with an intimate SoCal experience in a fresh environment of casual elegance, where nautical chic meets beach bungalow. Travelers will experience brand new guest rooms, revitalized in-room amenities, a refreshed pool and meetings spaces, and a completely renovated lobby and waterfront restaurant - Vessel.

Flower Hill Promenade to Host Wine & Cheese Tasting with Venissimo Cheese & Wine Connection | Thursday, August 28

August 13, 2014

Del Mar’s premier outdoor shopping district, Flower Hill Promenade, will offer a fun, interactive wine and cheese around the world pairing adventure on Thursday, August 28.  Featuring neighbors Venissimo Cheese and Wine Connection, the wine and cheese pairing event will include TWO courses in ONE - wine 101 + cheese 101.  Attendees will enjoy six perfect pairings while learning the basics of pairing fine wine with fabulous cheese with the help of experts from both worlds.  The class will be held at Venissimo Cheese from 6-8pm and guests can sign up here for $60 per person and also receive a 10% discount on any in-store purchase the night of the class.

Del Mar's Sea & Smoke Gets a Bar Update

August 12, 2014

Chef Matt Gordon's third restaurant, Sea & Smoke, located in Del Mar's Flower Hill Promenade has just completed a facelift on their bar, including a menu update with new cocktails and food. The lower level bar has been updated with a golden-hued paint color (an exact match to their mule mugs), outdoorsy wall paper, new lighting, new art work and new wall decor to welcome guests looking for a chic but comfortable place to sip cocktails and nosh on Chef Gordon's American brasserie fare. The bar and happy hour menu now includes several more items from Sea & Smoke's wood-buring oven and sustainable kitchen including Chef Gordon's Niman Ranch burger ($11.50 during Happy Hour), the Solace watermelon salad ($9 at happy hour), the oysters Del Mar ($12 during happy hour) and Mary's chicken liver pate terrine ($8 during happy hour).

Get Your Thai Fix During Thailand Week Starting September 1 | Sample San Diego's Best Thai Food at Special Preview Event Held August 15 in Escondido

August 12, 2014
By Megan Gallagher | SanDiegoVille Contributor

If pad thai, drunken noodles and coconut soup are among your favorite meals, you’re going to want to mark your calendar for September 1 – 7 when Thailand Week rolls into San Diego. The program was created to promote the wide variety of Thai food in America, and involves hundreds of “Thai Select” restaurants throughout the United States, including many in Southern California. During the week, these restaurants will be offering a 15% discount to diners in an effort to encourage restaurant goers to explore all of the tastes of Thailand. As promotion leading up to Thailand Week, on Friday, August 15, more than two dozen Thai eateries throughout San Diego will show off their culinary chops in an effort to earn their very own “Thai Select” status recognition from Thailand.

Stone Brewing Co. Releases Stone 18th Anniversary IPA: The Hoppiest Golden-Brown IPA on Earth

August 11, 2014

Eighteen years ago, beer geek entrepreneurs Greg Koch and Steve Wagner launched Stone Brewing Co., selling the first keg of Stone Pale Ale to San Diego County brewpub Pizza Port. Since unleashing that inaugural brew, Stone has earned a reputation for making bold, flavorful and hop-centric beers. What better way to celebrate yet another year of grand-scale accomplishments (and announcements) than by releasing an elegantly hoppy beer? Stone 18th Anniversary IPA is an imperial IPA dry-hopped exclusively and abundantly with El Dorado hops. Beginning today, this one-time specialty ale will start arriving in 22-ounce bottles and on draft at retailers, restaurants and bars in select markets nationwide.

Closing Alert - Acme, Wet Willies and Veg-N-Out

August 11, 2014

Acme Southern Kitchen is no more in the East Village after only 8 months in business. The always-empty Wet Willies frozen daiquiri bar in downtown San Diego was put out of its misery, and the vegetarian eatery Veg-N-Out is closing its doors in North Park at the end of the month.

San Diego Coastkeeper Announces its Annual Seaside Soiree | Proceeds from September 10 Event Will Protect Fishable, Swimmable and Drinkable Waters in San Diego County

August 11, 2014

On September 10, San Diego Coastkeeper hosts its annual Seaside Soiree to raise money and celebrate swimmable, fishable and drinkable waters in San Diego County. This year marks the 17th annual Seaside Soiree where guests, supporters, board members and staff gather to celebrate the importance of protecting San Diego’s underwater treasures and healthy waterways. Taking place at the Scripps Seaside Forum in La Jolla, participants will mingle inside and outside and enjoy an oceanfront view with a spectacular sunset. The event, which runs from 6-9pm, promises a roaming buffet, cash bar, auction and opportunity drawing, interactive educational booths, fishy dance moves and fun.

Solana Beach's The Curious Fork to Offer Wide Array of Cooking Classes this August & September

August 10, 2014

In addition to offering diners healthy cuisine with fresh seasonal ingredients daily, The Curious Fork — the brand new local café and hybrid culinary space in Solana Beach at 512 Via de la Valle - is now offering a full schedule of exciting, educational cooking classes this summer in its intimate, state-of-the-art demo kitchen. A great way to spend an evening with friends, a party idea for your group or your next social outing, these interactive and practical classes range from the Cooking Essentials Class that helps any novice learn their way around a kitchen to the Weekly Farmer’s Market class that guides shoppers through the mysterious world of organic shopping and healthy meal options. Other highlights include Guest Chef Minh Nguyen’s special healthy-living interactive dinner with an emphasis on raw ingredients, and The Curious Fork’s Executive Chef Kai Peyrefitte teaching Organic Baby Puree methods, Knife Skills techniques, and a special Aphrodisiacs class.

Jazz and Fashion Come Together for “Unforgettable - Splendor in the Night” | August 23

August 10, 2014

Anna Danes and the Boudoir Divas present “Unforgettable - Splendor in the Night,” featuring a live performance of timeless jazz standards by Solana Beach-based Anna Danes and her band as well as an evening gown fashion show by acclaimed designs by Jose Maria. Against the backdrop of Boudoir Divas’ glamorous studio, Danes will unveil her first music video, “Splendor in the Grass.” The event is August 23 at 8pm. Cost is $35 and a percentage of proceeds will benefit local women’s charities. Boudoir Divas is located at 10025 Huennekens Street, San Diego.  For more information or to purchase tickets, visit annadanes.com.

Famous Film Critic Jeffrey Lyons Named Host of the 13th Annual San Diego Film Festival | September 24-28 Event To Become One of the First Stops on the Independent Film Circuit for Academy Award Contenders

Jeffrey and Ben Lyons

August 9, 2014

The San Diego Film Festival has announced today that nationally renowned film critic Jeffrey Lyons is returning as host of the 13th annual festival, with his son Ben Lyons also joining him to support with festival duties. Jeffrey Lyons, who also appeared last year, will not only host the festival but will help program individual screening titles and honorees at the awards tribute. The festival will run from September 24-28 in San Diego and La Jolla.

Chandler's Restaurant in Carlsbad to Offer Julia Child's Celebration Dinner August 14-16

August 9, 2014

The iconic Julia Child would have celebrated her 102nd birthday this August 12, and in honor of her wonderful life and feisty spirit, Chef Pascal Vignau of Chandler's Restaurant at Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort & Spa has planned a memorial prix fixe menu. Drawing upon his French roots and techniques, menu highlights include baked escargot, beef bourguignon, and warm apple tarte tatin. Julia Child's celebration menu is available August 14, 15 and 16 for $45 per person or $65 with wine pairings. For reservations, call (760) 683-5500.

Celebrate National S'mores Day this August 10 at These 5 San Diego Locations...No Campfire Needed!

The Duck Dive offers the full s'more experience

August 8, 2014

They're ooey, gooey and oh so sweet; when was the last time you had a s'more? This deliciously nostalgic campfire dessert gets its time in the spotlight on August 10, National S'mores Day! Ever wondered why it's called a s'more? That's because after you have one bite, you'll always want "some more" of this tasty treat. Celebrate S'mores Day at these five San Diego spots.

Le Parfait Paris - a French Authentic Patisserie - Set to Open August 11 in the Gaslamp

August 8, 2014

A team of French SDSU & USD graduates are ready to open Le Parfait Paris in downtown San Diego on Monday, August 11. The young and dynamic Parisian crew aims to deliver the highest quality products. In addition to a pastry shop and bakery, Le Parfait Paris will have cafe seating, allowing customers to purchase freshly made products and sit down to enjoy numerous beverage options. Le Parfait will be open late to serve San Diego’s lively nightlife, offering a filling yet healthy alternative to partygoers.

Polite Provisions to Offer Agave & Mezcal Cocktail Class on August 11

August 7, 2014

In the latest installment of Polite Provisions' Spirit Society - a series of interactive and educational cocktail classes taught by guest bartenders gathered from the country's top cocktail establishments - San Francisco's Agave and Mezcal master, Ryan Fitzgerald takes the stage to teach cocktail enthusiasts how to mix up drinks like the pros with this two hour, hands-on introduction to agave basics.