Highly Anticipated North County Restaurant AVANT Opens in 2013, Replacing Famed El Bizcocho at Rancho Bernardo Inn

October 15, 2012

Slated to open early 2013, AVANT (Uh-Vahnt), housed in San Diego’s acclaimed luxury resort Rancho Bernardo Inn, will replace El Bizcocho, the legendary restaurant which set the stage for San Diego’s fine dining scene when it opened 44 years ago. The new space represents a $2.5 million transformation, designed to pay proper homage to the culinary history, oenophile roots and legendary ambiance of the original space. The long awaited new restaurant, AVANT focuses on unpretentious, approachable cuisine with homegrown culinary touches paired with handcrafted classic cocktails, local craft beer and boutique wines from around the world.

FEAST! San Diego Reader Brings All the Elements Together at the Gorgeous Broadway Pier | Friday, October 26th

October 14, 2012

On Friday, October 26th, the San Diego Reader will feed your craving for culinary exploration in a whole new way, with the combination of its 4th annual Feast Issue, set to release October 18th, and the first ever Reader Feast Event to take place on October 26th. The Feast event will feature food and drinks from some of the city's best neighborhood eateries, wineries, breweries, distilleries and food trucks. The event will take place at the picture perfect Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier on the scenic San Diego Big Bay.

October's Most Festive Cocktails

Beaumont's Jack-O-Lantern cocktail

October 13, 2012

With the changing colors of October comes the revival of the holiday spirit, and San Diego restaurants and bars are excited to offer festive sips in honor of the season. Below, we have included a variety of cocktails inspired by the month of October, from those sporting the month’s signature ingredient of pumpkin to scary elixirs concocted for spooky Halloween soirees to cocktails featuring autumn's seasonal ingredients:

Ode to Champagne at CUCINA urbana | October 25-28th

October 12, 2012

"Too much of anything is bad, but too much champagne is just right."~Mark Twain.

Raise a flute as the nation bows down to bubbles on Friday, October 26th---the Champagne Bureau USA has designated this special day as a global recognition of the quintessential effervescent. San Diego's acclaimed CUCINA urbana in Bankers Hill will celebrate Champagne Day in true form with a limited-edition tasting and artisan pairing menu. Wine Director, and Level 1 Court of Master Sommelier, Samantha Gabryelski has selected three exquisite champagnes, each with a unique profile, to properly pay homage. $25 for (3) pours available October 25th-28th only.

Art and Fashion Collide at Andaz San Diego | October 18th

October 11, 2012

Andaz San Diego has announced the next installment in its Andaz Salon series of events: Art and Fashion Collide. Beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 18, innovative San Diego art will coincide with a display of stylish creativity in Andaz’ Ivy Wine Bar and Ivy Nightclub.  Fashion and art aficionados are invited to peruse an intriguing display of contemporary abstract art from featured artist Heidi Thompson, courtesy of art critic, collector and acclaimed art dealer Alexander Salazar.  Following this art show, guests can take in the cutting-edge stylings of local menswear designer Maceoo during a fashion show in the hotel’s renowned Ivy Nightclub.

The Patio on Lamont Street Makes Its Much Anticipated Debut in Pacific Beach

October 10, 2012

Featuring a luxurious and natural atmosphere, diverse menu and welcoming spirit, The Patio on Lamont Street in PB aims to set the standard for a true neighborhood retreat.  Combining a menu that uses local, seasonal ingredients; a bar that encourages experimentation and mixes unique cocktails; and warm, earthy décor that features natural materials such as marble, fallen Torrey Pines slabs and vintage crystal, The Patio hopes to delight food, cocktail and wine enthusiasts who seek a new and original culinary experience.

A Spooktacular Line up of Halloween Family Fun is Brewing at Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina

October 10, 2012

Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina has some tricks up their sleeve this Halloween, with a cauldron of spooky activities for all ages.  The perfect fall getaway, families planning to visit the hotel on October 26 and 28 will be treated to a haunting lineup of chills and thrills at a special rate.  Ghoulish fun awaits with eerie waterslides, cabanas clad in spider webs and spine-tingling cocktails. Muaaahahahahah!

Ken Schmidt / Iron Fist / Stone Mint Chocolate Imperial Stout Released October 8th

October 9, 2012

Stone Brewing Co.  released the “Ken Schmidt / Iron Fist / Stone Mint Chocolate Imperial Stout,” a collaboration beer with San Diego homebrewer Ken Schmidt and Iron Fist Brewing Co. from Vista, Calif.  Schmidt was chosen to collaborate with the San Diego breweries after his original creation won the Stone (4th Annual) 2012 March Madness Homebrew Competition & AHA Rally at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens. The winning beer earned Schmidt the opportunity to have his recipe professionally brewed at Stone and distributed across the U.S.

North PB Gem, Table 926, Announces New Pastry Chef and Launches Novel Dessert Menu

Peanut Butter Pretzel

October 9, 2012

Table 926 in North Pacific Beach has announced the newest addition to the restaurant’s lineup of impressive culinary talent: Pastry Chef Sherman Chan. In her new role at Table 926, Chan will lead the pastry department, and has already assisted with the development of the restaurant’s revamped and eclectic dessert menu.

Tasty Wine + Adorable Dogs = Best of Show at the Wine Pub

And the winner for best hair style goes to...

October 8, 2012

Picture this: a crisp autumn breeze, a glowing sunset, a nicely aged glass of wine, and a group of the most charismatic friends on four legs.  Yes, you read correctly…four legs. At the Wine Pub in Point Loma, owner Sandy Hanshaw knows that moments like this are best shared with those closest to you, including your canine companions. Known for their dog-friendly atmosphere, including a unique doggie menu, the Wine Pub is opening their doors to a new breed of event every Sunday in October.

Welcome to the Scream Zone - Del Mar Fairgrounds turns into one of the most frightening attractions in San Diego

October 7, 2012

On Friday, October 5th, the founders of SanDiegoVille were invited to Scream Zone at the Del Mar Fairgrounds for a media party unlike any other we've experienced.   A large group of invitees were shuttled from the Scream Zone entrance on Via De La Valle (NOT Jimmy Durante) to the Race Track entrance where we dined on delicious tacos, enjoyed a hosted bar, and watched as costumed ghouls and goblins entertained the room.  Looking back on it, we were so peaceful.  Then, the horror ensued..... Welcome to the SCREAM ZONE!!

Partying for a Purpose Presents the exclusive Cirque Party | October 13th from 8pm-12am

October 7, 2012

Join Partying for a Purpose for a fall event like no other as a luxurious estate in Fairbanks Ranch will be transformed into the Cirque 2012 extravaganza! Previously held at the Playboy Mansion for nearly a decade, this private event is by invitation only (sorta) for three hundred exclusive guests.  As a reader of SanDiegoVille, you'll have the special opportunity to purchase tickets for this event.  Get the details right here and make your moves to try and get to what is likely to be the party of the year.

The Wine Lover Celebrates its Grand ReOpening as the Hillcrest Destination for Wine Enthusiasts

October 6, 2012

On Thursday, Oct. 11th, The Wine Lover will celebrate its official grand re-opening in the noticeably blossoming neighborhood of Hillcrest. Co-owned by brothers Serge and Nick Chablé, the wine bar and bottle shop is a prime destination for wine lovers and San Diego socials offering an impressive wine selection and concierge sommelier services.

A Quick Update on San Diego Beer Week | November 2-11, 2012

October 6, 2012

San Diego Beer Week is rapidly approaching.   Taking place the week of November 2nd to 11th, San Diego Beer Week features hundreds of events organized to honor and celebrate beer, all in one of the best brewing cities in the world (if not THE BEST).  Keep coming back to SanDiegoVille and we'll be sure to stay on top of all the Beer Week developments - like the ones below...

Stone Enjoy By 11.09.12 IPA Released October 5th

October 5, 2012

After the popularity of the Enjoy By 09.21.12 IPA, Stone Brewing Co. is unleashing the second round of Stone Enjoy By IPA to Colorado and Ohio: Stone Enjoy By 11.09.12 IPA! Like its predecessor, Stone Enjoy By 11.09.12 IPA is devastatingly fresh. Yes, devastatingly. Why? It’s specifically brewed NOT to last. This amazingly fresh double IPA is loaded with hops—11 different varieties, to be exact, giving the beer a massive hop profile and a balanced palate of bitterness and dryness.  If you missed out on the last batch of Enjoy By IPA, don't miss your chance to get your hands on this one, as we have no idea if Stone will continue producing this amazingly delicious (and STRONG) brew.

Del Mar Plaza wins 15 Awards in Annual Reader's Choice 'Best of' North Coast Contest

Del Mar Plaza

October 5, 2012

Del Mar Plaza, located in the seaside Village of Del Mar, has won awards in 15 different categories in the Del Mar Times annual Reader’s Choice awards.  The contest, which features businesses and professional services in Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, Carmel Valley and Solana  Beach, was voted on by readers of the Del Mar Times.

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 .