Gridiron Gourmet: Top 5 Tailgating Picks from San Diego's Best Butchers

August 25, 2012

For rabid fans across San Diego County, the coming of September means one thing: football season - aka tailgate season! Back in the day, tailgate parties were simple affairs, but as years passed, menus and setups evolved. San Diego’s one-stop shop for all your culinary tailgate needs, Iowa Meat Farms & Siesel’s Meats, has dished out their top five picks for the gourmet griller - promising to make your tailgate spread the most talked about grub at the game!

Bartender Battles, Chef Demonstrations, Ron Jeremy and More | Shake It Up This Weekend at the San Diego Spirits Festival

August 24, 2012

If you want to dive deep into the world of sensational spirits and creative cocktails, check out the 4th Annual San Diego Spirits Festival this weekend, August 25-26th. The two-day celebration merges the three elements of good times - cocktails, culinary and culture, and is likely to please the palates of everyone from the serious mixologist, professional chef, to the novice culinary enthusiast and the cocktail drinker.

What We Eat and Why We Should Eat Organic Whenever Possible

August 24, 2012

“To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.” ~ François de La Rochefoucauld

Mmmm, food. We all need it, we all love it, but what are we really ingesting on a daily basis? A recent study of ancient remains has found that cancer is a man-made disease fueled by the excesses of modern life, specifically the result of pollutants and poor diet. Could that be true? Coupling that potential revelation with a burgeoning series of events, including: massive egg and meat recalls due to salmonella and E. coli outbreaks; a recent study linking pesticides in food to autism and ADHD; the debate over labeling genetically modified foods and evidence showing the danger of GMOs; the success of food-production documentaries such as Food, Inc. and The Future of Food; and the heated debate on allowing the first genetically modified meat into the American food market, we thought it necessary to take a closer look at what goes into the cultivation and production of our foods and what that means to us.

Let the Games Begin with San Diego Sports Medicine Foundation's 11th Annual Taste at the Cove Event | September 6th

August 24, 2012

Celebrating its 11th year as one of La Jolla Cove’s premier events, the annual fundraiser, Taste at the Cove, is returning Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012 for its most anticipated year yet. The first-class event will bring guests food, fashion, one-of-a-kind auction items and world-class athletes, including Olympians. As San Diego Sports Medicine Foundation’s (SDSMF) signature fundraiser, Taste at the Cove will honor community legends and one medical champion. The five-star charity event will be held at Scripps Park at La Jolla Cove.

A Barn Yard of Feast and Fun | Recappin' the First Annual Bates Nut Farm Gourmet Food Truck Festival

August 23, 2012

San Diego's summer heatwave was at its pinnacle as we headed up Interstate 15 to the winding country roads leading to Valley Center for the 1st Annual Bates Nut Farm Gourmet Food Truck Festival.  As usual with most inaugural events, we had limited expectations, but we quickly found ourselves sweatily skipping from food truck to food truck, to petting zoo, to vendor, and back to food truck again.  The festival was a great success, and based on the attendance (and the increasing popularity of the food truck movement), this will be an event that will return for many years to come.

North PB's Table 926 Launches “9-2-6 Social Hour” and New Patio Seating

August 22, 2012

Critically acclaimed Table 926, located on the emerging restaurant row in north Pacific Beach, is giving locals something extra to cheer about with the launch of its “9-2-6 Social Hour” served Tuesday through Friday from 5 to 7 p.m.  We have the scoop on what's being offered, and we'll soon have a restaurant profile to give you our take on dining at Table 926.

San Diego Top Chefs Take a Stand Against Domestic Violence at Dueling Culinary Competition for the 8th Annual Chef Showdown

August 21, 2012

Center for Community Solutions (CCS) will host its signature event of the year on Thursday, September 13 at Liberty Station in the NTC Promenade.  Formulated in the style of other head-to-head cooking competitions, the 8th Annual Chef Showdown is always a foodie-favorite occasion.  Proceeds from this one-of-a-kind culinary event will benefit programs and services of CCS, a San Diego nonprofit that provides prevention and intervention support for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse.

Stone 16th Anniversary IPA and Stone Enjoy By 09.21.12 IPA Recently Released

August 20, 2012

If you love Indian Pale Ales as much as we do here at SanDiegoVille, you're gonna be pleased as punch to know that Stone Brewing Company has recently released two new IPA's to add to their already awesome collection.  Behold Stone 16th Anniversary IPA and Stone Enjoy By 09.21.12 IPA!!!

San Diego’s 2nd Annual Beer-Con to Host National Beer Experts, Tap Haven & Celebrity Panelists August 24-25th

August 18, 2012

Beer-Con, San Diego’s only craft beer conference, is set to take place on August 24th & 25th, promising exclusive access to the top names in the industry.  With expert presentations and panel discussions on all things relevant to the American craft beer movement, participants are likely to learn something from the best in the business of beer.  Between informative discussions, giveaways, and an extensive beer garden officially dubbed “Tap Haven,” you’re likely to have an experience unlike any other.

RECAP: The Lexus Grand Tasting at the L.A. Food & Wine Festival | Hot Times in the City of Angels

Inside the Lexus Grand Tasting

August 17, 2012

Summer was in full swing as we made our way north to Los Angeles to cover the grand finale of the 2nd Annual L.A. Food & Wine Festival - day 2 of the Lexus Grand Tasting event.  Even with $300 in complimentary passes, we were reluctant to get in the car and venture to the traffic hell that is L.A. on such a hot day.  I know, we're jaded now!!!  (SD rules!) Regardless, we stayed true to our word, as we had readers and publicists to answer to, and you know what, we're happy we did.  This is the story of our experience.

Marine Corps Recruit Depot Announces 11th Annual Bootcamp Challenge | September 29th

August 17, 2012

The Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) has set Saturday, September 29th for its 2012 Bootcamp Challenge, a popular and competitive athletic event taking place annually during San Diego's Fleet Week.

Quality Social's New Cocktail Lineup | The Tales Behind the 'Tails

August 16, 2012

Any bartender will tell you, there's usually a good story behind their cocktails.  As Quality Social introduces a new lineup of six hand-crafted libations, we're taking the time to tell the tale behind the 'tails of this new fresh-faced cocktail program.  The new libations are priced at $10 each.  Stop by Quality Social (QS) and give them a try, then see if you can make 'em yourself.

Urban Solace Celebrates Five-Year Anniversary | Sunday, August 19th

August 16, 2012

Urban Solace will welcome friends, foodies and neighbors to enjoy drinks, light fare and music in celebration of its five-year anniversary on Sunday, August 19 from 6-9 p.m.  This charming North Park hotspot is known for its sophisticated, Southern-inspired comfort food that has been satisfying diners for half a decade now.

Shake, Stir, and Mix It Up at the 4th Annual San Diego Spirits Festival | August 25-26, 2012

August 16, 2012

We are less than two weeks away from all the stirring, swirling, shaking and gyrating that will liven up our great city when the 2012 San Diego Spirits Festival returns.  Taking place on Saturday, August 25th and Sunday, August 26th, this preeminent West Coast cocktail, culinary and cultural event is where the world of craft spirits, high profile liquors and fine foods converge to make a splash on our sunny San Diego bay.

Jsix Restaurant and Coronado Brewing Company Go Whole Hog to Bring a Unique Social Dining Experience to San Diego

August 14, 2012

On September 27th, Jsix is pairing with Coronado Brewing Company for a whole animal dinner that pushes the boundaries set by other dinners of its kind. Guests will not only get to try whole roasted pig, but goat and other varieties of meat as well.

Feeding America San Diego Announces Inaugural Benefit Gala, 'Sunset Soirée,' with Sheryl Crow and Larry King

August 13, 2012

Both Larry King and Sheryl Crow will be live from La Jolla as Feeding America San Diego invites community leaders, philanthropists, and humanitarians to its inaugural fundraising gala, the "Sunset Soirée," set to take place at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club on Saturday, October 13.  Sure to be an unforgettable evening under the stars in La Jolla with Master of Ceremonies Larry King, Guests will take in a sunset on the beach while sipping fresh cocktails, experiencing delectable cuisine, and enjoying an exclusive performance by nine-time Grammy winner Sheryl Crow.

An Unexpectedly Awesome Evening at Grocery Outlet with Sam the Cooking Guy

S. to the C.G. letting it be known!

August 10, 2012

Energy peaked when the twenty or so media stooges ran around Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, all scrambling to compile their list of items with the goal of saving the most mullah.  Customers were questioning our actions while employees tried to guide us to certain products, not knowing our intention was not to get what tastes best but to search for which items were most deeply discounted below retail value.  Our team only took second place (saving $80+), but fortunately, our consolation prize was a 5 course meal prepared by local celebrity cook and author, Sam "The Cooking Guy" Zien.

Isola Pizza Bar – Authentic from the Vine

August 9, 2012

Inspired by and named after his Italian grandmother, owner and chef Massimo Tenino has launched Little Italy's newest addition, Isola Pizza Bar.  We had the recent opportunity to experience the authentic offerings and very much enjoyed the friendly service and scrumptious fare.  Va bene, partiamo!

Stone Brewing Co. Fans Score with New Four Packs of Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale, Stone Ruination IPA and Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale

August 8, 2012

Score one…or four that is, for Stone fans. Beginning this week, Stone Brewing Co. is offering Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale, the most popular Black IPA on Beer Advocate, in packs of four 12-ounce bottles. Previously, the deep-black-yet-amazingly-hoppy beer was only available in 22-ounce bottles and on draft. Stone Ruination IPA and Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale will also be offered in four-packs.