2012 San Diego Film Festival Announces Awards

The SDV Award for Best Event of the Fest goes to...
The Almost Famous Block Party!!!

October 5, 2012

The San Diego Film Foundation announced the winners of the competitive categories for the 2012 San Diego Film Festival last Saturday night, September 29, at the awards ceremony hosted at Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar San Diego. The winners for features and documentaries were chosen from 32 narrative and 16 documentary films. Shorts winners were chosen from 64 selections in competition. Over 1300 films were submitted to this year’s Festival from 55 countries. The Festival was also host to 11 World premieres, 16 West Coast premieres and 4 US premieres. Film programming was led by Program Director, Tonya Mantooth.

Andaz San Diego and Ivy Nightclub to Host Official Maxim Halloween 2012 Party | Saturday, October 27th

October 4, 2012

Andaz San Diego and Ivy Nightclub will welcome Maxim Magazine on Saturday, October 27th for one of a limited number of Official Maxim Halloween 2012 parties nationwide. This highly-anticipated red carpet bash, hosted by Jim Beam Devil's Cut, will offer guests a Heaven & Hell themed experience as Andaz San Diego transforms its impressive tri-level nightclub to replicate the idea of a subterranean Hell and sky-high Heaven, with the middle level converted into a thriving Garden of Eden.

Cheers to Five Years! Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival Presented by FOOD & WINE Celebrates its 5th Anniversary October 11th–14th, 2012!

October 3, 2012

It just so happens that this year's New York City Wine & Food Festival coincides with my scheduled trip to NYC.  Kismet?   I think so!  In going over the history of the festival and the event schedule, I thought it only pertinent to share with the 'Ville all the details about the 5th Annual Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE, just in case any diehard foodies want to join me at, let's say, The Grand Tasting Event .

The Neighborhood Celebrates Five Year Anniversary with Beer Garden Event for Charity | October 20th

October 2, 2012

As a respected cornerstone of San Diego’s now nationally recognized beer movement, East Village’s Neighborhood eatery and beer bar is taking it to the streets to host one of the most highly curated beer gardens the city has ever seen while raising funds for a local creative nonprofit. The party will serve as a thank you to the people who have supported them throughout the years, but most importantly, to acknowledge the progress our local beer, social, and culinary culture has made over half-decade since opening.

RA Sushi Introduces New Menu Items, Reverse Happy Hour Specials and Additional Cocktail Selections

Holy Shishito!!

October 2, 2012

RA Sushi Bar Restaurant in Downtown San Diego has rolled out updated dinner and beverage menus, adding a new selection of appetizers, shareable creations, and specialty cocktails. In addition to the new menu, the vibrant downtown eatery recently introduced a reverse happy hour that offers late night food and drink specials.  We'll be profiling the new menu right here on SanDiegoVille in the next week or so, but until then, check out a preview of some of RA's new offerings.

9th Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival Offers Weekend Getaway Packages at Extra Savings

October 1, 2012

Wine and food lovers are invited to explore all that America's Finest City has to offer this fall with culinary vacation packages from San Diego's hottest hotels during one of the nation's largest food and wine celebrations. November 14-18, 2012 kicks off the 9th Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, a weeklong culinary classic that brings together the nation's top wine and culinary talent, 70 of San Diego's trendsetting chefs and restaurants and over 170 wineries, breweries and spirit purveyors. The hotel and ticket packages include tickets to a selection of the week's events in addition to stays at some of San Diego's favorite destination hotels for an extended epicurean experience, said Michelle Metter, co-producer of the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival.

The Historic Julian Apple Days Festival Set to Welcome in Autumn October 6th & 7th

September 30, 2012

Fall is in the air, maybe not in San Diego proper, but venture northeast for Julian’s historic Apple Days Celebration on October 6th and 7th at Menghini Winery, and you'll see proof that there are seasons in San Diego.  This autumnal event features apple displays, music and dancing, an antique tractor display, children’s games and activities, gold panning demonstrations, a beer and wine garden, food and merchandise vendors, contests, and, of course, apple pie.  The festival runs from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., both Saturday and Sunday.

Do Meatless Monday on World Vegetarian Day | October 1st

September 30, 2012

Monday, October 1st is World Vegetarian Day.  Whether you’ve been a vegetarian for years, or just decided to join this Meatless Monday craze, local restaurants will be offering delicious options to celebrate going meatless.  From juicy portobello mushroom sandwiches to flavorful salad entrees, you won’t be sacrificing on taste when you cut out the meat.

Be Frightfully Fabulous at the 12th Annual Dos Equis XX Monster Bash Block Party! Saturday, October 27th

September 29, 2012

On Saturday, October 27, 2012 San Diego Monster Bash will take over the streets of the Gaslamp Quarter and East Village transforming over eight blocks of San Diego’s downtown neighborhood into a spectacular Halloween block party.  Between 6:00 PM and Midnight attendees can enter through the Gates of Hell at 6th Avenue and Market, party on with the undead on Island Avenue, and venture into some of the rowdiest parties the East Village has ever seen.

Morning Parade Joins The Wombats for October 1st Show at House of Blues

September 28, 2012

UK artists, Morning Parade, are proud to announce live dates as special guests of Smashing Pumpkins and The Wombats this October/November.  This news comes hot on the heels of their network television debut on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno which kicked off of an extensive tour with The Wombats. 91x presents Morning Parade and the Wombats will visit House of Blues in Downtown San Diego on Monday, October 1st.

Local Powerhouse Entrepreneur Christine McDannell Launches Second Business: A Stress Relieving Wellness Spa - Eco Chateau

September 28, 2012

What does one do when their Presidency of the San Diego chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners ends and they have newfound time on their hands? They launch another business, of course!  Powerhouse entrepreneur, Christine McDannell, is at it again with the launch of her new wellness spa, Eco Chateau, in the heart Mission Valley.  Join Christine for a celebration of all five senses at the grand opening party on September 30th from noon to 4p.m. Enjoy a showcase of available services from colon hydrotherapy, massage, skin care and waxing, infrared sauna, foot detox, eyelash extensions and organic spray tanning.

Art Everywhere! Don't Miss the Old Town San Diego Art Festival | Saturday, October 6th & Sunday, October 7th

September 28, 2012

Watch as the streets of Historic Old Town San Diego transform into an art extravaganza at this year’s Old Town San Diego Art Festival. On Saturday, October 6, 2012 and Sunday, October 7, 2012 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, the Old Town Chamber of Commerce invites you to experience a world full of colorful art, live music, international food and exotic wines. Stroll down San Diego Avenue as the streets will be filled with a variety of artists, food, wine, and entertainment. The festival features an array of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, furniture, and has something for everyone.

San Diego's Favorite Celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey Launches First Cookbook - COME EARLY, STAY LATE

September 27, 2012

Celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey, Executive Chef and Partner of Enlightened Hospitality Group, which manages and operates Searsucker, Herringbone, Burlap, Gingham, Gabardine and soon to open Searsucker Scottsdale, is launching his first cookbook titled Come Early, Stay Late.  Brian, most notable for his playful twists on classic recipes, invites readers along his personal journey of discovery, building confidence and the elegance of simplicity all while emphasizing that his food is and always has been about taste and bringing good people together.

Bird Rock's Beaumont's Turns a New Leaf this Fall with New Design, New Chef and New Menu

Chef George Morris

September 26, 2012

After seven years maintaining a reputation as Bird Rock’s go-to spot for locals and visitors alike, Beaumont’s Eatery is elevating its image with a wave of fresh changes. The restaurant not only welcomes Chef George Morris and an array of new menu additions, but will also embark upon an interior redesign project to be completed November 1st. While each alteration is meant to enhance the restaurant’s overall atmosphere, owners Dave and Megan Heine are passionate about upholding the tried-and-true energy that has earned Beaumont’s loyal following and revered reputation for the past seven years.

FESTA! to Embrace Little Italy with a Celebration of All Things Italian | Sunday, October 14th

September 25, 2012

The Little Italy Association (LIA) presents the largest Italian festival on the West Coast with its 18th annual FESTA!, an all day celebration of  Italian food, culture and entertainment in San Diego’s famous Little Italy neighborhood, taking place on Sunday, October 14th from 10am to 6pm.  Along with the featured chalk art event "Gesso Italiano," and an Italian Motorsport exhibit, the festival will also include over 150 food, art and retail vendors, "Italian Table" cooking and prep demonstrations for Italian dishes, a beer and wine garden, a stickball exhibition and bocceball tournament, a Top Chef meet and greet, and much, much more!

"People Water" Launches in California at the San Diego Film Festival

September 25, 2012

People Water is pleased to announce that it is bringing its bottled water to southern California, which will only strengthen its mission of being a leading provider of eco friendly products providing clean water to thousands of people globally.  In conjunction with its launch in SoCal, People Water has been named the official water provider of the 2012 San Diego Film Festival and is a presenting sponsor of the event, which will be held September 26th through September 30th. CEO Ken Bretschneider and founders Jef Holm and Cody Barker will attend the event to discuss the company’s clean water projects, and People Water will officially be available for sale in southern California at the end of October.

The 31st Annual Adams Avenue Street Fair is THIS WEEKEND! | September 29th & 30th

September 24, 2012

The 31st annual Adams Avenue Street Fair will be held this weekend, Saturday, September 29th, from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, and Sunday, September 30th, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, on Adams Avenue, located in the Normal Heights community. Known as Southern California’s largest, free, two-day music festival, the Adams Avenue Street Fair offers fantastic music for all-ages, all musical tastes, all weekend long!  Don't miss out on one of San Diego's longest running events!

Oktoberfest is "German Specialty Month" at Mille Fleurs

September 24, 2012

This October, Chef De Cuisine Martin Woesle takes restaurant patrons to his homeland of Germany with Mille Fleurs’ month-long Oktoberfest celebrations. Throughout October, Mille Fleurs will host “German Specialty Month” and will offer traditional German cuisine, as created by Woesle and his traditionally German approach.

The 4th Annual Fifth Avenue Auto Showcase is cruising into town October 14th

September 23, 2012

Traffic will halt this fall with the extravagant display of horsepower and ingenuity at the 4th Annual Fifth Avenue Auto Showcase. Car enthusiasts from all over San Diego County will flock to the historic Gaslamp Quarter to take over 5th Avenue from E Street to L Street on Sunday, October 14th, 2012 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This timeless event is free and open to the public and will showcase high-performance automobiles and motorcycles ranging from the traditional classics to lavish luxury modern vehicles.