The 13th Annual Beer & Sake Festival Takes Over Harrah's Resort On Friday, June 5 | Save On Tickets And Enter To Win 2 VIP Passes

May 13, 2015

The Japan Society of San Diego is taking over Harrah's Resort Southern California on Friday, June 5, from 7-10pm, for the 13th annual Beer & Sake Festival, featuring local restaurants serving sumptuous treats along with local and visiting breweries pouring delicious beer, shochu and sake. Enjoy special cultural entertainment including the dynamic San Diego Taiko drum troupe, a whole tuna cutting for sashimi, a ramen-making demonstration and sampling, as well as art booths, a silent auction and a raffle drawing. We're giving away 2 VIP tickets to the event, as well as offering HUGE savings on any ticket type. Read on for the details and be sure to enter to win!

6th Annual I LOVE POKE Festival Takes Over Bali Hai On May 26 | More Than 30 San Diego Chefs Compete For 2015 Title

May 12, 2015

The 6th Annual I LOVE POKE Festival and competition returns to the Bali Hai Restaurant in Shelter Island on Tuesday, May 26, from 6-9pm. The event will gather new and returning San Diego chefs to compete for the title of city's best poke. In addition to a lineup of poke from some of the city's top restaurants, guests will also enjoy island-inspired tastes, music and more.

Two San Diego Companies Raise Money To Give Mexican Orphanage Access To Healthier Food

May 11, 2015

Local small businesses Evolution Healthworks and Illuminate Juice have teamed up to raise funds to create an organic garden at the Casa de la Esperanza Orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico. The project looks to bring healthy fruits and vegetables in a sustainable form to the residents of the orphanage, which sits on the outskirts of Tijuana and is home to over 70 orphans and full-time caretakers.

Planet Rooth Design Haus Debuts Barrel Smoker Dinner Series On Thursday, May 21 | Chefs Plascencia, Franco & Heredia Team Up With Baja Wine + Food For Multi-Course Smoker Dinner

May 10, 2015

Baja Wine + Food & Planet Rooth Design Haus join forces with guest chefs Javier Plascencia, Flor Franco and Ricardo Heredia to bring the debut of the Barrel Smoker Dinner Series on Thursday, May 21, for a multi-course, family style dinner with dishes prepared with the revolutionary iQ Oak Barrel Smoker designed by Swedish master craftsman and event host Gustaf Anders Rooth. This monthly dinner series will continue after this event, celebrated on the third Thursday of every month with leading culinary stars from the area.

La Jolla's The Hake Kitchen & Bar To Host 5 Course Don Julio Dinner | Tuesday, May 19

May 10, 2015

For beer drinkers, it’s not difficult to find a beer-focused event any night of the week here in San Diego. But for those who rather sip on fine tequilas or whiskeys, the dining experiences are a bit more limited. On Tuesday, May 19, The Hake Kitchen & Bar will host a five course dinner with Don Julio. Four of the five courses will be expertly paired with a signature dish from The Hake Kitchen & Bar and the fifth course with a special Don Julio dessert created by The Hake’s talented culinary team.

The '50s Return At The Seventh Annual Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival On May 23

May 9, 2015

More than 30,000 visitors are expected to enjoy samples from local craft breweries, live music and entertainment, a crafter row and artist alley, 300 food and vendor booths, and carnival rides and games for the family at the 7th annual Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival on Saturday, May 23, from 10am to 7pm. The annual street fair will be a celebration of the Santee Chamber's 60th anniversary and will have a 1950's theme with a vintage carnival, a hula hoop contest, and an auction of a 1971 Camaro. You know it - as usual, we're giving away more than just information - enter to win 2 tickets to the Craft Beer Garden!

Shima Japanese Steakhouse Opens In Coronado

May 8, 2015

Shima Japanese Steakhouse has opened its unique and massive door to the public for the first time today, Friday, May 8. Located steps from the shops at the Ferry Landing and with access to the ferry and water taxis, San Diegans will find it easy to venture into a new world across the bay when exploring this fabulous new eatery on the island of Coronado.

Gaslamp Tavern ReOpens Refreshed With New Craft Beer Concept | Quad AleHouse Debuts In The Heart Of Downtown San Diego

May 8, 2015

Gaslamp Tavern will reopen on Saturday, May 9, along with its newest concept, Quad AleHouse, a third story craft beer sanctuary located in the heart of Downtown San Diego. Nestled above the newly remodeled Gaslamp Tavern, the 5,000-square-foot space offers a relaxed respite from the bustling city below. With a rotating selection of 28 craft beers on tap, including one nitro, curated by local beer expert Beau Schmitt, Quad AleHouse is poised to provide both beer aficionados and newcomers with an immersive craft brew experience in the Gaslamp Quarter.

Rustic Root Set To Open On May 8 | Gaslamp Quarter’s Only Dedicated Rooftop Restaurant To Premier In Former Marble Room Location

Photo by Bradley Schweit

May 7, 2015

RMD Group, the development and management team behind recognized venues including FLUXX, along with Ken Lovi, founder and CEO of Knotty Barrel Gastropub, and Executive Chef/Partner Antonio Friscia have announced that Rustic Root will open in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter at the former Marble Room location on Friday, May 8. Following the successful opening of their first venture, Don Chido, which opened in June 2014, Rustic Root is set to become the Gaslamp Quarter’s only dedicated rooftop restaurant.

Experience The Best Of The Beach At The Annual Coast Of Pacific Beach Restaurant Walk On Tuesday, May 19 | Enter To Win 2 Tickets!

May 6, 2015

Discover the best eats in Pacific Beach at the upcoming Coast of Pacific Beach Restaurant Walk, taking place on Tuesday, May 19, from 4-9pm. Bring your appetite as this popular event continues to grow each year and will offer a great variety of food, including offerings from more than 25 local eateries and vendors from the Pacific Beach Tuesday Farmers Market, as well as special deals from local retailers - all for only $20! We're also giving away a pair of passes to attend, so read on and enter the raffle for a chance to win!

In The Wake Of R Gang Eatery's Impending Closure, Chef Rich Sweeney Steps Down As Executive Chef Of Florent Restaurant & Lounge

May 5, 2015

We reported last week that Chef Rich Sweeney's R Gang Eatery will close for business after Mother's Day brunch on Sunday, May 10. Chef Sweeney also surprised his fans by announcing that he will be stepping down from his position as Executive Chef of Florent Restaurant & Lounge. Chef Sweeney, a well-known San Diego chef and contestant on season 5 of Bravo's Top Chef, helped launch Florent Restaurant & Lounge last June and will remain a partner of the Gaslamp Quarter venue. Incoming Executive Chef Brad Hightow, formerly of the University Club Atop Syphony Towers, will take over the reins at Florent later this week.

San Diego's Best Margarita Is Waiting To Be Crowned At The Margarita Month Grand Tasting On Sunday, May 31 | Save On Passes And Enter To Win 2 Tickets

May 5, 2015

On Sunday, May 31, from 12-5pm, over two dozen top San Diego bartenders will be coming together to mix up their own renditions of the Latin American classic cocktail for the Margarita Month Grand Tasting Event. This event takes place at the Horton Grand Hotel and will include over 28 favorite local bars and restaurants from around San Diego, including The Duck Dive, Wonderland, Tavern, Don Chido, True North Tavern and many more - all competing for the title of “San Diego’s Best Margarita.” Yessir - you know it - we're raffling off 2 tickets to attend and promo code SANDIEGOVILLE saves $5 per ticket!! Keep reading and be sure to enter.

Win 2 Backstage Passes To The 6th Annual San Diego OysterFest On Saturday, June 13 | Thievery Corporation To Headline Waterside Concert

May 4, 2015

The 6th Annual San Diego OysterFest returns to the picturesque Marina Embarcadero North by Seaport Village on Saturday, June 13, from noon to 7:30pm for a day filled with the three essentials for a great time - booze, music, and food. This year, the festival offers live bands including headliner Thievery Corporation, as well as craft beer, wine and cockails, as well as plenty of fresh oysters and food offerings from a variety of San Diego eateries. This event spotlights some up and coming bands and entertainers in a festival atmosphere on the beautiful San Diego Bay. We have two backstage passes to the festivities that we're giving to one lucky reader, which usually includes snacks, private bathrooms and an open bar. Read on and be sure to enter!

Chefs Team Up For SD Taco Trade At Puesto | Thursday, May 14

May 4, 2015

Puesto is hosting their second annual taco collaboration dubbed, SD Taco Trade, featuring three of San Diego’s most beloved eateries. All day, only on Thursday, May 14, Puesto will feature three special limited quantity tacos from Azuki Sushi, Nine-Ten and Tender Greens, created by the restaurants’ chefs featuring ingredients found on their menus, wrapped in Puesto’s house-made tortillas with a twist.

San Diego Surf Film Festival Celebrates Fourth Year With Star-Studded Line-Up | May 20-23

May 3, 2015

Rumor has it, The Rolling Stones planned their San Diego concert around the the San Diego Surf Film Festival, which plans to kick off its fourth year with a special tribute to the late Sonny Miller on opening night, Thursday, May 21. The event, which will celebrate the life of the legendary surf cinematographer through an exclusive presentation, will also include special guests. The SDSFF, held at the renowned Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla, will take place from May 20-23 and offer 25 international surf films, a VIP party, dozens of filmmakers and producers in attendance, in-depth Q&As, filmmaker panels, live music, great food, epic surf sessions and raging after-parties.

Treat Mom Right This Mother's Day With One Of These San Diego Specials!

May 2, 2015

With Mother’s Day coming this Sunday, May 10, it’s high time to search for the perfect place to treat Mom this year. Whatever culinary treat Mom wants on her special day, San Diego restaurants and  hotels have all of the bases covered. Check out our round up of Mother's Day specials from all over San Diego County, and be sure to treat momma right everyday!

R Gang Eatery To Close Up Shop On May 10 | Chef Rich Sweeney's 'Baby' To Serve Its Last Brunch

May 1, 2015

Former Top Chef contestant, Rich Sweeney, opened R Gang Eatery at 3683 5th Avenue in Hillcrest in June 2010 and made a name for himself with daily brunch, reinvented comfort food and a unique lineup of house made tater tot concoctions. Sweeney took to Facebook today to make the announcement that R Gang would cease operations after Mother's Day brunch on May 10, continuing to serve dinner Tuesday through Saturday and brunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday until then. Sweeney is also the executive chef and partner at Florent Restaurant & Lounge and previously consulted on the opening of the now-defunct Southpaw Social Club. By his own words, Sweeney has another project in line for his home neighborhood of Hillcrest.