San Diego's Top Neighborhood Eating Blocks | Venture Out and Bounce Around at These Hot Dining Destnations

December 7, 2014

We live in Pacific Beach and venturing out from our neighborhood seems like a helluva process sometimes, so when we do depart the beach we like to maximize our experience by sampling a bunch of spots in one easily walkable area. We've been making it a Sunday tradition as of late, and thought maybe others would benefit from our explorations, so we rounded up San Diego's hottest blocks where you can bounce around to many delicious locations in the same general vicinity.

43rd Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights Brings Holiday Cheer to Bayfront December 14 and 21

December 6, 2014

The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, one of San Diego’s most cherished holiday events, returns for its 43rd year on Sunday, Dec. 14 and 21. This holiday tradition draws more than 100,000 spectators to the shores of San Diego Bay each night of the parade and features about 80 boats, everything from leisure yachts to kayaks, lavishly decorated according to a new theme each year - this year’s theme being “Children’s Stories on the Big Bay.”

North Park's Waypoint Public Welcomes Holidays with Festive Events and Treats this December

December 5, 2014

North Park’s beer-centric neighborhood bistro, Waypoint Public, has a handful of holiday happenings brewing this December - including a “12 Beers of Christmas” series launching Dec 12, offering special holiday brews paired with (free!) curated bites by Executive Chef Amanda Baumgarten. There is also a charity-driven toy drive that the whole family can enjoy with an appearance by Santa on Dec 16, as well as the addition of a few festive sweet treats including a twist on the classic Holiday Yule Log and Hot Apple Cider offered throughout the month of December.

Look Inside the Cohn Restaurant Group's Newest Beer-Centric Restaurant | Draft Republic Brings House-Made Sausage and Craft Beer to La Jolla

Photos by Andrew Jorgensen

December 4, 2014

The grill-you-own steak concept wasn't panning out in La Jolla's UTC area, so the Cohn Restaurant Group recently revamped it's northern most Strip Club and transformed it to the beer-focused Draft Republic, opening its doors on November 14 just across the street from the Westfield Shopping Mall. Featuring innovative American cuisine and 36 craft beers on tap, Draft Republic is a mix of modern Americana design and lively table games with a menu under the direction of Executive Chef Mike Camplin.

Embrace the Holidays at Flower Hill Promenade This Winter Season

December 3, 2014

The holiday season is in full force, and nothing spreads Christmas cheer faster than a personal visit with Santa. On the weekend of December 6 and 7, celebrate this season at Flower Hill Promenade's festive Weekend With Santa event. Then on Saturday, December 13, from 11am - 4pm, Flower Hill Promenade will host a festive Stocking Stuffer Pop-Up Shop in the outdoor courtyard in The ROW Collective, a curated section of the center that houses various local, unique and one-of-a-kind shops. While you're there, be sure to check out Flower Hill's new tenant - The Printed Palette.  Read on for all the details.

La Jolla Favorite Regents Pizzeria Expands into New 4,100 Square Foot Space

December 2, 2014

Regents Pizzeria has expanded into a new 4,100 square foot space adjacent to the bustling La Jolla locale it has occupied for nearly a decade. Boasting a sleek, minimalist design by Los Angeles based Kelly Architects (West Hollywood’s Pizzeria Mozza, Public School), the 125 seat space offers patrons a casual yet elevated setting. After nine years operating out of a building less than half its new size, the popular pizza institution had finally outgrown the space. Much to the excitement of its loyal fans, the sleek new design includes an outdoor beer garden where guests can enjoy one of 32 rotating brews on draft along with 25 artisan pizzas made with dough recipes developed in collaboration with Bread & Cie, as well as a daily pizza crafted from Venissimo Cheese.

Win 2 Tickets to the Toast of Downtown and Sip, Savor and Shop on Saturday, December 13

December 1, 2014

Raise your glasses! It's time to toast to the creative craft cocktail culture emerging in Downtown San Diego. With the holidays just around the corner, the inaugural Toast of Downtown will bring festive good times to Downtown San Diego this winter. On Saturday, December 13, from 1 to 5pm, sample some of the most satisfying nibbles and sips from two dozen bars and restaurants in the Gaslamp and East Village, while taking the opportunity to get some shopping done and enjoy the holiday cheer throughout downtown. We're raffling off a pair of tickets, so read on and be sure to enter.

Tea Time! Celebrate the Season with Westgate Hotel’s Afternoon Holiday Teas

November 30, 2014

In true European tradition, San Diego's Westgate Hotel invites families and friends to experience the hotel’s annual holiday afternoon teas. Both intimate and elegant, afternoon tea times at the hotel feature a live harpist alongside a delightful array of teas, welcoming seasonal beverages, petit fours, house-made canapés and more. The Westgate captures the true magic of Christmas with the Teddy Bear Teas series for kids treating them to an even sweeter time complete with a surprise visit from Santa and his helpers.

350,000 Attendees Expected for 37th Annual Balboa Park December Nights | December 5 & 6

November 29, 2014

San Diego’s favorite kick-off to the holiday season, Balboa Park December Nights will take place for the 37th year on Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6. The beloved holiday event, co-produced by the City of San Diego and the Balboa Park Conservancy, features sparkling lights, multi-cultural music and dance performances, carolers, bell-ringers, choirs, bands and food throughout the Park. In the spirit of the holidays, participating Balboa Park museums open their doors free of charge from 5-9pm both evenings. During December Nights, Balboa Park is transformed into a holiday wonderland with historic Park promenades, plantings and structures adorned with seasonal decorations and lights. More than 350,000 attendees are expected, making this the largest free community festival in San Diego.

One, Two Punch | FLUXX to Host Industry Boxing for Charity Event on Monday, December 8

November 28, 2014

Industry Boxing is back at FLUXX for a third round on Monday, December 8. The downtown nightclub has once again teamed up with Victory MMA to bring you a night of “knockout" fights with their Industry Boxing III.  This fundraising event is designed to raise awareness for local athletic charities that include Boys & Girls Club of San Dieguito, North County Youth Athletic Center and USA Boxing.  The event invites all of the hospitality industry’s heavy hitters to come join FLUXX nightclub and show support.

Double Standard Kitchenetta to Open in the Gaslamp Quarter on December 1

November 27, 2014

Double Standard Kitchenetta will bring American and Italian cuisine to 6th and G Street in Downtown San Diego starting at 5pm on Monday, December 1. Taking over the space previously occupied by The Counter at 695 Sixth Avenue, Double Standard is the first San Diego restaurant concept by David Mainiero, who comes from a family of restaurateurs and also opened NEApolitan Pizzeria & Birreria in Laguna Beach.

Pappy Is Coming to Dinner at Craft & Commerce on December 4

November 26, 2014

Don't miss a rare, one-of-a-kind Pappy Van Winkle bourbon dinner taking place at Little Italy’s Craft & Commerce on Thursday, December 4 at 6pm. The legendary Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery in Lexington, KY is internationally famed for producing some of the most sought after bourbons in existence. While most bars that receive a special allocation choose to stash their supply, the cocktail industry heavyweights behind Craft & Commerce have chosen instead to celebrate theirs with friends. To honor the highly anticipated arrival of Pappy’s 2014 release, Little Italy’s most celebrated cocktail haven will host an intimate Pappy pairing experience, aptly titled “PAPPY’S COMING TO DINNER.”

Fall Off the Wagon with Seasonal San Diego Cocktails at These Ten Locations

November 25, 2014

As late journalist and author Jim Bishop once said, “Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons.” Nothing warms you up and welcomes the chilly season like a good fall cocktail. With a cozy scarf around your neck and one of these locally crafted elixirs in hand, you’ll have to agree. Check out our list of seasonal cocktails from these 10 San Diego locations.

Nine Reasons All San Diegans Should Be Thankful

November 24, 2014 

Have you ever gone around the table on Thanksgiving Day, each person giving thanks for something near and dear to their heart? We thought about how lucky we are to live in America's Finest City and, in the spirit of gratitude, compiled a list of the nine top reasons that all San Diegans should show thanks for this beautiful city we call home.

Chef Duvinh Ta of Jake's Del Mar Wins "Chef of the Fest" at 2014 San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival Grand Tasting

Photo by Denise Jones, Newf In My Soup Photography

November 23, 2014

Chef Duvinh Ta of Jake's Del Mar took home top honors this year from the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, overcoming many other competitors to win the annual "Chef of the Fest" competition at yesterday's Grand Tasting event with his dry-rubbed pork ribs with Samba BBQ sauce and a watermelon radish and zucchini slaw. The annual competition brings San Diego chefs head-to-head in a fierce culinary competition judged by the San Diego Chapter of the American Culinary Federation along with celebrity guest judges.

South and North Park Ready for Epic Chili Smackdown | Don't Miss the 5th Annual SoNo Fest & Chili CookOff on Sunday, December 7

November 22, 2014

Fifteen thousand people are expected to converge on Sunday, December 7, from 11am-5pm, for a neighborhood celebration as the 5th annual SoNo Fest and Chili Cook­off takes over 32nd & Thorn streets, giving San Diegans a chance to buy local, eat local and drink local, all for a good cause. This free holiday event, presented by San Diego Ceramic Connection and the McKinley Elementary School Foundation, promises award­-winning chili as tons of local restaurants face off for chili bragging rights to prove for another year who reigns supreme in the world of chili! There will also be local vendors and food purveyors, an assortment of food trucks, live music from two stages, a craft beer and wine pavilion, a kid zone area  with carnival games and bounce houses and much more.

Forget About Black Friday - Support Our Local Community with Small Business Saturday at URBN Makers on November 29

November 21, 2014

In celebration of the Small Business Saturday movement to support local businesses, URBN Pizza in North Park is hosting URBN Makers on Saturday, November 29, between 12-4pm. URBN Makers will feature a dozen pop-up shops by San Diego creatives and resident North Park artisans, including lifestyle brand West in Motion, up-cycled fashion by Grammatique and jewelry by Flight of Fancy to name a few. The URBN Makers trunk show aims to create a more personal touch to the modern day consumer-driven holiday shopping experience by giving shoppers the chance to enjoy a beer and a slice of URBN’s award-winning pizza while making a start on that holiday gift list, and help support independent retailers in the process.