Cohn Restaurant Group Turns La Jolla Strip Club into New Concept - Draft Republic - Opening Today

November 14, 2014

At 4:44 pm today, another new member of the Cohn Restaurant Group family will open to the public. Located in UTC, Draft Republic is a casual beer garden located where La Jolla Strip Club once stood and features a gastro pub menu, including house-made sausages and entertainment such as ping pong, billiards, shuffle board, and Foosball along with 14 flat screen TVs and 100’ projection screen.  

The Death For Food Controversy | Event Currently Cancelled Due to Petition and Threat of Boycott

November 13, 2014

Once upon a time, there was an event called Death For Food that was planned to take place on Sunday, November 23 at Suzie's Farm in Chula Vista. Jaime Fritsch was to bring his meat-awareness movement to San Diego and for the cost of admission, participants would witness a lamb slaughtered and butchered, then used to prepare a 5 course farm feast. For an additional cost, one would have been able to choose to harvest and butcher a pasture-raised chicken or turkey to bring home. This event will never come to fruition, at least not at Suzie's, because as of this writing, nearly 2,000 petitioners successfully effectuated the cancellation of Death For Food, with many threatening to boycott the farm if the event took place.

Tons of Chances to Win Tickets to San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival Events

November 12, 2014

The 11th annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival is almost upon us. We've already narrowed down our top 5 picks from the schedule of events for Southern California's largest epicurean extravaganza. Now it's time to give away some passes. We have a boatload of tickets to various classes and presentations. Be sure to enter, because you have a pretty great chance of winning!

RUMORVILLE: Fig Tree Cafe Owner to Take Over North Park's Western Steakburger For New Concept Breakfast Republic

November 11, 2014

North Park's Western Steakburger space will soon be taken over by Johan Engman of Fig Tree Café to be transformed into Breakfast Republic to open in 2015 (two locations are reportedly in the works). Engman purchased the 1600 square foot building located at 2730 University Avenue and records show that plans are underway for this new concept. Engman currently co-owns and operates three Fig Tree locations - Pacific Beach, Hillcrest and Liberty Station, and also recently opened Café Cantata, a coffee shop in Del Mar. Western Steakburger remains open.

AD Nightclub Launches Dinner Club Series | Enjoy Five Courses with Chef Charles Andres on November 13

November 11, 2014

AD Nightclub is starting it's dinner club, an ongoing dinner series featuring high-profile guest chefs, taking flight this Thursday, November 13 when Chef Charles Andres of Roy's La Jolla takes 50 lucky diners on an exclusive culinary adventure through the South Pacific and Asia. A multi-sensory experience, fresh and modern flavors will be accompanied by complementary lighting, visuals and music.

Former Moondoggies to Become Backyard Kitchen & Tap

November 10, 2014

The former Moondoggies location at 832 Garnet Avenue in Pacific Beach is currently being renovated by Garnet OMG, LLC, to be transformed into Backyard Kitchen & Tap. Behind this project is entrepreneur Eric Leitstein, an owner and partner of the Union Kitchen & Tap locations, PB Fish Shop, Pacific Beach Alehouse, Sandbar Sports Bar and Hermosa Beach Fish Shop. We don't have any more information at this point, but we'll be sure to let you know when we do.

Green Flash Brewing Co. to Acquire Alpine Beer Company | San Diego-Based Craft Breweries Celebrate Strength in Unity

Chuck Silva, Pat McIlhenney and Mike Hinkley

November 10, 2014

It's another Beer Week miracle! At Alpine Beer Company this morning, Green Flash founders, Mike and Lisa Hinkley and Alpine Beer Company founders, Pat and Val McIlhenney announced that their breweries will expand on an agreement from last year to join forces. Although Green Flash will essentially acquire Alpine, each company views the agreement more as a partership, as each will remain independently operated and maintain its distinct brand and culture. 

Don't Miss the Grand Opening Celebration for the North Embarcadero | Public Invited to Celebrate the Visionary Plan’s First Phase Completion on Saturday, November 15

Photo courtesy of Port of San Diego

November 9, 2014

In the past year, the the San Diego Bay Embarcadero area has received an amazing and most exciting renovation. It started with the completion of The Headquarters at Seaport Village, then the gorgeous Waterfront Park and now, get ready to welcome the completely new North Embarcadero. To celebrate, the Port of San Diego will host a grand opening celebration for the North Embarcadero Visionary Plan Phase I completion on Saturday, November 15, from 12-4pm. This free family event will take place on San Diego’s new and improved “front porch” at the foot of West Broadway and Harbor Drive and feature roving musical entertainment, music ensembles, street performers and exhibitors to delight community members as they explore the improvements to San Diego’s newest public meeting space. A formal ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony will be held at 3:30pm

Celebrate the Grand Opening of OB Warehouse with Cohn Restaurant Group and Pacific San Diego Magazine on November 12

November 8, 2014

On Wednesday, November 12, from 6-9pm, the Cohn Restaurant Group and Pacific San Diego Magazine are throwing a grand opening celebration for OB Warehouse, featuring an exciting presentation of world food in a surreal setting. For the $15 ticket price, enjoy complimentary menu tastings, 2 drinks, live DJs and even in-house tattooing by Bearcat Tattoo.

Our Top Five Event Picks For the 11th Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival | November 16-23

November 7, 2014

The San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival is less than 10 days away! We've covered the week-long event for the past three incarnations, and although the schedule varies year after year, we have a good idea of what to expect. We've looked over the lineup of over 20 meals, demos, classes and festivals taking place from November 16 to 23 and have picked our top 5 events for the 11th revival of Southern California's largest epicurean extravaganza.

George's Executive Chef Trey Foshee to Open Galaxy Taco in La Jolla

November 6, 2014

The rumors are true - George's at the Cove Executive Chef and partner Trey Foshee and owner George Hauer have plans for an upscale, taco-centric Mexican eatery. The owners of George's are about to get a piece of the taco bubble when Galaxy Taco unveils three blocks from the beach in La Jolla Shores at 2259 Avenida de la Playa as early as Spring 2015. According to Food & Wine Magazine, Foshee will "serve a variety of tacos, from battered fish to carne asada with smoked bone marrow."

Cheeba Hut to Bring Toasted Sandwiches to Pacific Beach | Opening November 8

November 6, 2014

This Saturday, November 8, the marijuana-themed toasted sandwich chain, Cheeba Hut, is launching its second San Diego location at the former Bite of Boston space, situated at 4651 Mission Blvd in Pacific Beach. After taking over the spot about a month ago, the place is already remodeled with a hip, tiki-stoner motif and even a full mural honoring nearby Ocean Front Walk, featuring the local legend, Slomo, in all his rollerblading tai chi glory.

Slater's 50/50 to Host Events at Both San Diego Locations in Honor of Beer Week | November 11-13

November 6, 2014

Slater's 50/50 is a fixture at nearly all of San Diego's beer festivals and the restaurants are known to have one of the most expansive line ups of San Diego craft beers on tap at all times. So it's no surprise that they're embracing San Diego Beer Week by hosting pairing dinners at both their Liberty Station and San Marcos locations, as well as fundraisers to benefit local pet rescue organizations and beer trivia competitions. We've received the menus and schedule for Slater's line-up of beer week events, keep reading and make your reservations!

Mission Bay's Catamaran Resort to Bring Modern Restaurant Concept to Pacific Beach

Chef Steve Riemer

November 5, 2014

Construction is underway at Evans Hotels' Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa where a multi-million dollar restaurant renovation and expansion is occurring to rebrand and modernize the hotel's in-house eatery, formerly named the Atoll Restaurant. An entirely new 'chef-driven' concept will be introduced in 2015 in hopes of elevating the rising culinary scene in Pacific Beach and the surrounding areas. The new, yet-to-be-named concept will operate under the direction of experienced Executive Chef Steven Riemer, who has led Catamaran's in-house restaurants since 2011.

SILO in Makers Quarter To Host Craft Beer + Bites - Beer Week Edition on Thursday, November 13

November 5, 2014

On Thursday, November 13, from 6 to 9pm, East Village's SILO in Makers Quarter will host its third Craft Beer + Bites event for its Beer Week Edition in collaboration with San Diego State University College of Extended Studies Business of Craft Brewing Program celebration, benefiting the San Diego Brewers Guild. Enjoy craft beer from 15 local breweries in a custom tasting glass along with grub from some of San Diego’s best food trucks.

Red's Saloon in Pacific Beach Hosts Free Weekly Wednesday Comedy Night Featuring Renown Performers

November 4, 2014

Have you heard about Reds Saloon’s weekly comedy night? Located below The Wood, Reds is Pacific Beach’s only country bar and it turns into a hot spot for free comedy each Wednesday night. Reds hosts some of today’s hottest comedians who have performed on Comedy Central, late night talk shows and more. Doors open at 8pm, local comics start the night at 9pm and headliners take the stage shortly thereafter. Reds also offers specials like late night happy hour until 11pm and half-priced bottles of wine until close each Wednesday.

Green Flash Brewing Company Brings Rare Brews to The Pig Pen for SDBW | Carnitas’ Snack Shack to Host 6th Annual Green Flash Smokeout on Sunday, November 9

November 4, 2014

Get ready for the ultimate San Diego Beer Week Sunday BBQ when San Diego's legendary pork haven, Carnitas’ Snack Shack, hosts the 6th annual Green Flash Smokeout on Sunday, November 9, from noon to 4pm at its North Park location. This free-to-attend event gives patrons the chance to enjoy rare Green Flash Brewing Company craft beers, fresh Ironside Fish & Oyster oysters, delicious offerings from Carnitas' roving BBQ company, Smokehouse Kings Smoked Meats, and all in all good fun as NFL football streams on the large screen.