Pistachios Appear on Menus Across San Diego

Semifreddo al Pistacchio from Bencotto Italian Kitchen

January 16, 2015

Pistachios are going to be big in 2015 and have already been popping up on menus across the country. Though tiny, pistachio nuts pack a big punch when it comes to flavor and chefs around the world are beginning to take note. We've rounded up a few menu options from San Diego restaurants that feature these tasty, green nuts, which are also high in fiber, potassium-rich and heart-healthy. We also have an easy-to-follow recipe for Pistachio Crusted Salmon Sandwich from Draft South Mission Beach that cooks can easily replicate at home!

Humphreys' Chef Paul Murphy to Appear on The Food Network's Guy's Grocery Games | Sunday, January 25

Chef Paul Murphy with his daughter, Meghan, and wife, Elizabeth

January 16, 2015

San Diego’s very own Chef Paul Murphy of Humphreys Restaurant on Shelter Island returns to The Food Network on Sunday, January 25. Chef Murphy will be put to the test on the series premier of The Food Network’s Guy’s Grocery Games. The episode is centered on families with each competitor part of a team with two of their family members.

Petco Park to Host 2016 MLB All-Star Game

January 15, 2015

The San Diego Padres have launched into 2015 with a bang. While securing a handful of top tier players this past December, the Padres also made a bid to host the 2016 MLB All-Star Game. At the center of the pitch was the projected economic benefit of having the game in San Diego, including the five days of fan activities surrounding the event. In exciting news for our city, Major League Baseball announced today that the 2016 All-Star Game is officially coming to Petco Park.

Yakitori Yakyudori Robbed at Gunpoint | Kearney Mesa Restaurant Latest Victim in Series of Robberies

January 15, 2015

According to San Diego Police Lieutenant Steve Shaw, two gunmen robbed the very popular Yakitori Yakyudori restaurant, located at 4898 Convoy Street in Kearny Mesa, as the restaurant was closing down at 11:47pm on Wednesday night, January 14, even pistol-whipping a worker in the head with a handgun causing minor-injuries. The bandits also robbed several employees of personal belongings before fleeing out of the back of the location. SDPD believe that the details of the armed robbery at Yakitori Yakyudori may be linked to a robbery that occured at a Little Caesars in Rancho Bernardo earlier that day, as well as a string of ten similar armed robberies that have taken place in the San Diego area since December 15.

Oscar Wilde Irish Gastropub Takes Over Former Gossip Grill Location in Hillcrest

January 15, 2015

Construction is currently underway at 1440 University Avenue to transform the former-Gossip Grill location into Oscar Wilde Irish Gastropub, anticipated to open on January 22. The restaurant and bar will be operated by the same owners as The Harp in Ocean Beach. Expect an ample local craft beer selection and a focus on Irish delights such as shepherd's pie and Irish coffee. Gossip Grill has moved to 1202 University Avenue. 

Our Top 7 Picks for San Diego Restaurant Week | Taking Place Sunday, January 18 through Saturday, January 24

January 14, 2015

We’ve scoured the seemingly unending list of options for the winter installment of San Diego Restaurant Week 2015 and narrowed them down to our top seven dinner picks (though lunch is also offered at many locations). Since there are seven days of dining deals taking place from Sunday, January 18 through Saturday, January 24, we thought it best to pick one eatery for each day of the week based upon the location and amenities of the eatery (we’re suckers for a beautiful view), the value and menu options.

Grand Opening Alerts - Inland Tavern in San Marcos, Bottlecraft Redo in Little Italy and Karina's Mexican Seafood Downtown

January 14, 2015

There are at least three new establishments opening this week in San Diego. Inland Tavern has taken over the former Penny Lane Pub in San Marcos and will offer beach-inspired fare and ambiance starting on Thursday, January 15. The new and improved Bottlecraft Beer Shop & Tasting Room has moved a couple blocks north into the Olea building at 2252 India Street and will open to the public on Saturday, January 17, offering 25 brews on tap and many more in bottle. Karina's Mexican Seafood will open its 4th outpost of its Mexican mariscos eatery at 925 B Street in downtown San Diego on Thursday, January 15.

Bailiwick Goes Dark in the Gaslamp

January 14, 2015

Bailiwick, the cocktail and brunch house that opened two years ago at 756 Fifth Avenue in San Diego's Gaslamp, has closed - a representative from the company confirmed today. Bailiwick opened its doors in January 2013, revamping the space previously occupied by the short-lived Alambres Mexican. There is no word yet on who or what will be taking over the beautiful building, but we'll be sure to let you know when we find out more.

Dine With Your Dog to Benefit a Good Cause on Woofer Wednesdays at The Wine Pub in Point Loma

January 14, 2015

Wednesdays just became San Diego’s night to dine with the dogs - and for a cause. Point Loma’s dog-friendly wine bar, The Wine Pub, announced The Rescued Dog as the sole beneficiary of its Woofer Wednesday - a weekly special in which ten percent of every person’s check who dines in with a dog benefits the chosen organization.  To inaugurate its 2015 Woofer Wednesday beneficiary, The Wine Pub will release a unique menu featuring three items suitable for both pups and their humans, available to all two and four-legged guests who dine at The Pub on January 21.

2015 Brings New Menu to East Village's Table No. 10

January 13, 2015

Executive Chef Jason Gethin has rolled out their new menu at Table No 10 for the winter season that now features small dishes, such as the Pig Ear Tostada, Grilled Texas Quail and Charred Octopus, served with fried caper berries, grilled lemon, olive oil and oregano gremolata. New larger plates consist of the California Rabbit and Grits, the Buffalo Rib Eye Tomahawk and the Smoked Pork Collar, served with cranberry beans and cauliflower.

North County Beer Festival to Take Over Moonlight Amphitheater in Vista on Saturday, January 24 | Win 2 Tickets

January 13, 2015

On January 24, from 1-5pm, Chef DK Catering is throwing the inaugural North County Beer Festival at the the beautiful Moonlight Amphitheater in the quiet hills of the Brengle Terrace Park in Vista. Enjoy over fifty beers from San Diego’s premier craft breweries, while vibing to three local bands as they perform throughout the day. We have two tickets to give away to one of our readers. Read on for more details and be sure to enter our raffle!

Bottega Americano to Host Campari Cocktail Classic Bartender Competition on Tuesday, January 20

January 12, 2015

Bottega Americano in San Diego's East Village is set to host the city’s best bartenders in a mixology competition on Tuesday, January 20, at 9pm. Sponsored by the Italian spirits producer Campari, the “Campari Cocktail Classic” will give mixologists from the area’s top bars and restaurants, including Kettner Exchange, Polite Provisions, The Lion’s Share and more, a chance to shake or stir their way through three rounds before being named the best in town. Spectators are invited to watch the action and enjoy food and drink specials.

Coffee and Cats | The Cat Café Offers Fresh Roasted Java and Adoptable Felines

The Cat Cafe GM Tony Wang

January 12, 2015

Cat ladies unite!!! Want to get all hyped up on caffeine and pet some cats?!? Now you can at The Cat Café, now open at 472 3rd Avenue in Downtown San Diego’s Marina District, offering patrons locally roasted coffee and the opportunity to interact with adoptable cats. Part of a strange, spreading global phenomenon of cat-filled coffee houses, The Cat Café is the first of its kind in America's Finest City.

Grotto Climbing & Yoga Opens in San Diego

January 11, 2015

Grotto Climbing & Yoga is San Diego’s newest indoor climbing and yoga facility, grand opening yesterday at 4460 Alvarado Canyon Road in Mission Valley. Grotto aims to inspire all levels of climbers and fitness enthusiasts to thrive in a modern and unique environment and features climbing and yoga to reinforce a mind-body connection through similar types of movement, as the integration of both practices are known to promote balance, increases core strength, calms the mind and stretch the body for greater range of movement and flow.

RECIPE: Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Raspberry Syrup from The Lodge at Torrey Pines

January 10, 2015

The Lodge at Torrey Pines' house restaurant A.R. Valentien took to Facebook to share the now-not-so-secret recipe for one of their most popular breakfast items - Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Raspberry Syrup. Head in to this iconic restaurant and try these for yourself, then see if you can replicate.

Welcome Foie Gras Back to California at Wrench & Rodent on Monday, January 26 and Kitchen 4140 on February 2

January 9, 2015

If you're friends with any California chef or foodie, you're well aware that the two and a half year ban on foie gras in California was lifted this past Wednesday by a federal judge. Chefs salivated at the chance to resume serving that fatty, bloated duck or goose liver. Chef Chad White had foie on his menu over at Común Kitchen & Tavern within minutes of the announcement, already holding a side stash that was received as a holiday gift from Chef Hanis Cavin of Carnitas' Snack Shack. Many other local chefs are scrambling to add the French delicacy back to their menu, as the ingredient is poised to become more popular that ever. In celebration of the return of foie, Chef Daniel Barron (formerly of La Valencia Hotel) has organized two separate, multi-chef-prepared, six course foie feasts on Monday, January 26, at 6pm at the Wrench & Rodent and Bull Taco dining rooms in Oceanside and another Welcome Back Foie Gras dinner on Monday, February 2, at Kitchen 4140 in Clairemont.

Milles Fleurs Celebrates 30 Years With $30 Prix Fixe Menu All January

January 8, 2015

January 2015 marks thirty years since restauranteur, Bertrand Hug, opened Mille Fleurs in beautiful Rancho Santa Fe. Over those three decades, Mille Fleurs’ innovative menu has received national media attention and awards including “Top 25 in America” by Food & Wine Magazine, “Best Restaurant in San Diego” by the New York Times and one of the “Top 100 Best Restaurants in America” by OpenTable. Since 1985, Hug has been dedicated to providing ultimate dining experience while using the freshest ingredients from Chino Farms. This January, Mille Fleurs will celebrate this milestone with a special $30 prix-fixe menu as well as a selection of wines for $30 a bottle. The menu itself will have a retro feel to it and will feature original menu items created by Chef Martin Woesle.