Top Chefs from Both Sides of the Border to Battle at Baja California’s Batalla Culinaria on October 18 & 19 | 3 Friendly Culinary Competitions to Take Place at Tijuana's Biennial Conference - Tijuana Innovadora 2014

September 24, 2014

Some of the best chefs from both sides of the border will come together this fall to battle it out Iron Chef-style! Legendary chefs, as well as the new generation they are inspiring, will face off in the border region’s premier gastronomic event - “Batalla Culinaria,” which features some of the culinary innovators from Mexico and San Diego squaring off in three friendly battles on the weekend of October 18 and 19 in Tijuana’s Caliente Racetrack grounds. It’s all part of the biennial conference, Tijuana Innovadora 2014, which showcases innovation in technology, industry and culture over 10 days of events.

Union Kitchen & Tap Encinitas and lululemon Present Boxers & Beers | Monday, September 29

September 24, 2014

On Monday, September 29, Union Kitchen & Tap in Encinitas and lululemon presents Boxers & Beers, an event organized for San Diegans to check out lulu's new boxers. Starting at 6pm, take a look through the new line and shop for other lululemon apparel also! Social Hour (aka happy hour) specials will also be available all night while perusing through the boxers and clothes. No reservations or RSVPs required. Union Kitchen & Tap is located in Encinitas at 1108 South Coast Highway 101 (on the corner of J Street).

Blue Smoke Sushi Lounge Opens in Fashion Valley Mall this Friday, September 26

September 23, 2014

Blue Smoke Sushi Lounge officially opens to the public for lunch and dinner this Friday, September 26 at 11:30am, kicking off its grand opening weekend with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Blue Smoke is an izakaya-style small plates eatery with a lounge-like feel located in Fashion Valley Mall - the sister restaurant to the highly successful Blue Ocean Robata and Sushi Bar in Carlsbad. The menu features robata grilled items, specialty rolls, sashimi and entrees. The highlight of Blue Smoke is the table-side service and interactive dining that brings the kitchen out to the dining room with dishes like hot stone ishiyaki /wagyu beef, fresh tofu made/coagulated table-side and chili-orange chocolate fondue.

Sessions Public Debuts Chicken 'n Waffle + Bottomless Mimosa Wednesdays | New Line Up of Daily Specials Introduced in Point Loma

September 23, 2014

Who says you have to wait for the weekend to enjoy all the gluttony and indulgence typically characterized by brunch?  Wait no more, tomorrow Sessions Public in Point Loma is launching its brand new Waffle Wednesdays - offering guests their always popular Chicken ’n Waffles and Bottomless Mimosas.  For $22 customers can now enjoy a heaping plate of Fried Chicken, Sausage Gravy and Eggs with all-you-can drink (responsibly and within reason) mimosas.

Spike TV's Tattoo Nightmares to Host Preview Event at BASIC | Sept 30

September 23, 2014

On Tuesday, September 30, BASIC urban kitchen + bar in downtown’s East Village neighborhood is teaming up with Spike TV’s reality series, Tattoo Nightmares Miami, for a special episode preview and tattoo competition staring one of the show’s famed tattoo artists, Reese Hilburn of the locally owned Lucky’s Tattoo Parlor on Broadway in downtown San Diego. The event welcomes those looking to showcase their own tattoos to compete for the best male tattoo, best female tattoo and the grand prize best overall. Winners will receive a $50 gift certificate to Bar Basic, with the grand prize consisting of a $200 gift certificate to Lucky’s Tattoo Shop to be tattooed by Reese Hilburn herself. Sponsored by Jägermeister, attendees age 21+ can enjoy Jägermeister’s newest flavors, signature cocktails and take home some swag.

Enjoy a Complimentary Italian Aperitivo at Broadstone Little Italy this Thursday, September 25

September 23, 2014

It’s time to enjoy the end of summer and what better way than like an Italian! Broadstone Little Italy, the hip residential living destination located on Kettner Street in downtown Little Italy, is opening their doors to the public for an authentic Italian Aperitivo on Thursday, September 25, from 6-8pm in Broadstone's Yacht Club! Experience how the Italians celebrate happy hour with complementary appetizers from Monello, select cheeses from The Cheese Store of San Diego and hand-selected wine and beer. Enjoy all of this while experiencing the lavishing lifestyle at Broadstone.

See Inside Some of the Most Spectacular Homes in All of San Diego | The 2014 San Diego Modern Home Tour Opens Doors This Saturday, September 27

September 23, 2014

For its 2nd visit to sunny San Diego as part of its Fall 2014 tour that includes stops in Texas, Colorado, New Mexico and Canada, Modern Home Tours will offer attendees the opportunity to explore nine state-of-the-art homes in the San Diego area that exemplify avant-garde architecture and exquisite living. On Saturday, September 27, tourgoers can get the inside scoop from homeowners on what it’s like to live in a such a contemporary house in America's Finest City and talk to the architects to find out where they got their inspiration. This is every San Diegan’s chance to see what's inside ‘that unique, cool house you always drive by...’ Not only will you learn about the cutting edge of home design while on our tours, but you might even get an idea or two for your next home project!

City Council Approves Resolution Urging Mayor Faulconer to Move on a Strong Climate Action Plan

September 23, 2014

After hundreds of thousands of demonstrators from around the world united this past Sunday to urge policy makers to take action on climate change, the San Diego City Council on Monday joined the City’s Environment Committee in adopting a resolution urging Mayor Faulconer to reduce pollution and prepare the city for the impacts of climate change by finalizing the draft Climate Action Plan. According to Environmental Health Coalition, today’s Council recommendation was another demonstration of the continued demand for climate action citywide and a reminder of Mayor Faulconer’s inexplicable failure to advance the plan.

The 33rd Annual Adams Avenue Street Fair Returns this Weekend | Enjoy the Free Neighborhood Music Festival this September 27-28

September 22, 2014

The Adams Avenue Street Fair, Southern California’s largest free, two-day music festival, will celebrate its 33rd anniversary this Saturday, September 27, from 10am-10ppm, and Sunday, September 28, from 10am-7pm, on Adams Avenue, located in the Normal Heights community of San Diego. Over the past 32 years, the Adams Avenue Street Fair has featured the best in local, regional, national and international artists - many of whom are Grammy Award nominees and winners, as well as Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees.

Romesco's Features Baja Wine Tastings to Compliment Half Price Tapas | Thursday, September 25

September 22, 2014

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast ready to invigorate your palate or a novice looking for a more subdued Thursday night out, we have the event for you. On Thursday, September 25, Romesco Mexiterranean Bistro will be hosting the next tasting for the Baja Wine Club. The event will feature wines from Valle de Guadalupe, Ensenada and take place at the Bonita eatery from 6:30 to 8:30pm and includes six tastings. The award-winning tapas created by Javier Plascencia will also be half off so you have no reason not to snack while you swirl, sniff and sip throughout the night. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

Roy's Launches Martini Mondays at Both San Diego Locations

September 22, 2014

On Mondays, Roy’s guests can now enjoy a select specialty cocktail and appetizer for $6 each all night long at both the San Diego locations. The current cocktail and app duo is the Pacific Rim Cosmotini (recipe included here) and Misoyaki Butterfish Lettuce Wraps. On Oct. 6, the featured items refresh to the invigorating Asian Pear Martini and Crispy Pork & Steamed Buns. Visit Roy's La Jolla and Roy's San Diego Waterfront downtown for delicious Pacific rim cuisine!

New Belgium Brewing’s Tour de Fat to Stop in San Diego on September 27 for a Day of Bikes, Beer and Bemusement

September 21, 2014

It’s a great way to celebrate the end of summer, complete with costumes, bikes, music, performers, contests and beer. New Belgium Brewing’s Tour de Fat is coming to Golden Hill Park in San Diego on Saturday, September 27. The daylong event is free, yet all donations and proceeds from beer and merchandise sales go to San Diego-area non-profits. In total the 2013 season raised nearly $536,000, with the San Diego stop bringing in more than $40,000. This year, all funds raised in San Diego will go to San Diego County Bicycle Coalition and San Diego Mountain Biking Association.

Ponte Winery Celebrates California Wine Month at 12th Annual Grape Stomp on Sunday, September 28

September 21, 2014

California Wine Month is in full swing and the Vineyard Pavillion at Ponte Family Estate in Temecula is celebrating with its annual Grape Stomp from 4-9pm on Sunday, September 28. Now in its 12th year, the event takes a fun, competitive approach at teaching attendees about the art of winemaking. Teams of two will stomp, eat, drink and dance the night away as they compete for special prizes. A separate competition is held for children, making the 12th Annual Grape Stomp the perfect harvest event for families.

Mission Beach Celebrates 100 Years with Centennial Festival | Saturday, Sept. 27

September 20, 2014

After one hundred great years, Mission Beach's one year of celebrations will culminate with the  Centennial Festival & BBQ Competition on Saturday, September 27, from 11am-7pm. This free festival will take place between Belmont Park and Ventura Boulevard - spanning the seven-acre park and beyond onto the streets of Mission Beach. Over 15,000 are expected to attend the Mission Beach Centennial Festival. The event will include a fashion show, live music, a walking museum, a sanctioned barbecue competition, a craft beer garden from Draft and more.

14 Spots to Indulge for San Diego Restaurant Week | September 21 - 26

September 19, 2014

San Diego Restaurant Week is back for its 10th year, starting this Sunday, September 21, and lasting through the week until Friday, September 26. Foodies have the option to dine on multi-course, price fixed lunch and dinner option all over town - from some of the hottest new restaurants in the city, to some of its most exclusive dining destinations, with many eateries creating their prix fixe menus to highlight their most popular items. We've rounded up some of the best Restaurant Week participating eateries from all over San Diego County, so keep reading and make your reservations today!

Thrillist Throws Epic Weekend of Events at the Hard Rock Hotel

Brian Malarkey and Thrillist CEO Ben Lerer

September 23, 2014

This past weekend, Thrillist took over the Hard Rock Hotel in downtown San Diego to host their biggest event of the year - Hotel Thrillist.  The popular online publication flew in about 100 people, including clients, influencers, press and friends of the brand as well as invited local readers to partake in the festivities. Featuring an elegant tasting event, a poolside pig roast and a wild dance finale, Thrillist showed San Diego that they definitely know how to party!

13th Annual San Diego Film Festival Returns with Exciting Line Up of Events and Feature Films | Win 2 Festival Film Passes

September 18, 2014

The San Diego Film Festival, produced by the San Diego Film Foundation, returns for its 13th edition, taking place September 24-28, all over San Diego with an exciting line up of events, panels and special screenings of over 100 films. We have all the information on this year's festival and even a pair of passes (a $500 value!) for one of our readers - keep reading for all the details and be sure to enter our raffle.