Recap of the Medaglia d'Oro Media Luncheon with Top Chef Antonia Lofaso

Chef Lofaso during her cooking demo at FESTA!

October 18, 2012

On Sunday, October 14th, a select group of media were invited to enjoy a delicious Italian meal during Little Italy FESTA!  The private luncheon, hosted at Bencotto Italian Kitchen, featured the charming celebrity Top Chef Antonia Lofaso.  Invitees learned about Chef Antonia's new online recipe book, part of her collaboration with Medaglia d’Oro, in which she created a host of recipes that incorporate espresso in surprising ways (well beyond tiramisu!).  Our three course meal prepared by Bencotto's Chef Fabrizio Cavallini featured Maglia d'Oro products in each serving and was an excellent example of how the coffee bean can be incorporated into many different dishes and flavors.

San Diego's Top Chef Brian Malarkey to Join Anthony Bourdain and others as Culinary Mentors on ABC's New Reality Series "The Taste"

Chef Brian Malarkey

October 17. 2012

San Diego's culinary bad boy Brian Malarkey has announced today that he has been retained by ABC television network to be a mentor on the new cooking competition reality program "The Taste," joining the likes of No Reservations host Anthony Bourdain.  Brian Malarkey is the famed former Top Chef behind San Diego restaurants Searsucker, Burlap, Gingham, Gabardine, and Herringbone.

Hotel Solamar's Jsix Restaurant | How Food Should Be

October 17, 2012

Neither my mind nor my pen could keep up as Chef Graves rapidly described the intricacies of his dishes.  Persimmon carpaccio??  Vanilla poached pears?  Crispy parsnips? House cured salmon?!  These items seemed like second nature to Jsix's executive chef Christian Graves, but to me, the thought process and attention to detail implemented into each of Graves' layered flavor profiles were so mindfully crafted and uniquely artistic that I couldn't help but do a double take of some of the ingredients used and techniques mastered.  It was an experience unlike any other as my partner and I enjoyed an amuse plus three savory courses at the preview of Jsix's fall dinner menu offerings.  Each dish was beautiful, delicious and evidently well thought through by one of the most innovative and eco-conscious chefs in San Diego.

Restaurant Halloween Specials Around San Diego

October 16, 2012

We always tell potential visitors that Halloween is a great time to come to San Diego, as our city knows how to do it right. This Halloween, there are plenty of events around America's Finest City, including some taking place at Session's Public in Ocean Beach, Quality Social in the Gaslamp, and East Village's BASIC urban kitchen + bar and El Dorado Cocktail Lounge.  Check out the lineup, and feel free to email SanDiegoVille with any questions, comments or concerns.

Tracy Borkum of Urban Kitchen Group Announces CUCINA enoteca to Open in Del Mar | May 2013

Tracy Borkum

October 15, 2012

As a leader in San Diego’s culinary landscape for the last seventeen years, proprietor and restaurateur Tracy Borkum announces a major addition to her nationally acclaimed Urban Kitchen Group with CUCINA enoteca, a two-story, 7,000 sq ft restaurant and wine shop projected to launch in North County in May 2013. Borkum—one of the city’s most notable female hospitality innovators—reveals that this new multi-million dollar project will be her most elaborate San Diego venue yet, and will be located in the former Chevys Fresh Mex location at Del Mar’s Flower Hill Promenade.

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...