For Visitors or Staycationers - Thanksgiving Dinner Options at Beautiful San Diego Hotels

November 9, 2012

Why not escape kitchen duty this year and enjoy a bountiful Thanksgiving feast with family and friends—surrounded by the tropical beauty of Mission Bay—in celebration of America’s favorite holiday?  Whether you're traveling to San Diego, in search of your very own staycation, or just want a great meal without any of the work, check out these Thanksgiving dining options as a few of the nicest hotels in San Diego.

Our Journey South of the Border | 36 Hours in Baja California, Mexico

Just do it!!

November 8, 2012

Not only do we glorify all the beautiful culture and good times offered in and around our city and county of San Diego, we also enjoy exploring all of the surrounding areas, including our neighbor to the south, Baja California, Mexico.  On our first of what will be many journalistic journeys south of the border, we explored the towns of Rosarito, Puerto Nuevo and Ensenada to check out some of the more renowned spots.  Getting there was easy, and the cruise down coastal route 1 is eerily akin to a drive north  – a bizarro Big Sur, if you will, but trade the greens for desert and Anchor Steams for Sols.  All in all it was a relaxing and delicious escapade into Mexico, and though the return to U.S. took more than 2 hours in line (because we didn't adequately inform ourselves), we highly recommend foregoing the stigmas, slanders and stereotypes and seeing Mexico for yourself.

Sprinkles Cupcakes to Donate to Red Cross' Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund for All Proceeds from November 12th

November 8, 2012

This Monday, November 12th, all 10 Sprinkles stores nation-wide will be donating 100% of the proceeds from their Red Velvet Cupcake (that will be adorned with a red cross) to the Red Cross' Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund.  Similar promotions raised $25K in March 2011 for the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief Fund and $20K in January 2010 for the Haiti Relief Fund.  Sprinkles Cupcakes is located at 8855 Villa De La Jolla Drive at the Shops at La Jolla Village.

Don't miss you chance to stuff your face with cupcakes knowing that you're supporting an honorable cause.  

San Diego Brewers Guild Festival | Sipping Suds with the Mayor at the Broadway Pier

November 7, 2012

It was a gorgeous San Diego day for the grand kick off to the 4th Annual Beer Week - The Brewers Guild Festival - at its new venue, the Port Pavilion at the Broadway Pier.  We stuffed our faces with Slaters 50/50, drank plenty of delicious beer, and had the chance to hob nob with the likes of Mayor Jerry Sanders, Sam the Cooking Guy and even Stone CEO Greg "the Beer Jesus" Koch (who essentially refused a picture with me - I don't blame him!).  Let's recap and show you all some pictures so you know what you missed, whether you blacked out or simply didn't attend.

Getting Our Uber On | Trying out a new trend in transportation

November 7, 2012

We drove a Car2Go down to the 4th Annual San Diego Brewers Guild Festival, and after 3 hours of beer sampling, driving home to Pacific Beach was not an option.  We tallied up $40 in Uber promotional credits at various events around town, so we thought we'd give this 'high end car service' a try.  We concluded that Uber is way nicer than taking a cab, far more convenient, and it comes out to about the same price, so why not embrace this new trend in transportation?

March of Dimes Takes on Child Health Issues at 2nd Annual "A Night at the Speakeasy" Signature Chefs & Mixologists Gala | November 8th

November 7, 2012

Can you imagine a day when all babies are born healthy?  Support the Second Annual Fundraising Gala to benefit the San Diego-Imperial Division of the March of Dimes Foundation and help to actualize this day!  March of Dime’s Second Annual Gala Fundraiser, “A Night at the Speakeasy,” will team San Diego’s top chefs and cocktail mixologists for an evening of gourmet food tastings, fabulous prohibition-breaking libations, and special auction experiences – all in a setting that reflects the glamour and revelry of the roaring 20’s. The festivities take place from 5:30 to 9:30 pm, Thursday November 8, 2012, at the historic El Cortez Apartment Hotel located at 702 Ash Street, 92101.

The Kebab Shop Announces Two More Locations to Open December 2012 | Mission Valley and Rancho Bernardo to become fifth and sixth San Diego locations

Kebab Shop in Mira Mesa

November 6, 2012

Downtown San Diego’s favorite Euro-Turkish eatery, the Kebab Shop, announced its plans to open its 5th and 6th locations in Mission Valley and Rancho Bernardo. The two new locations, which will feature The Kebab Shop's casual cuisine with a European influence, are set to open in December 2012.

Dirty Birds Helping Out Its East Coast Brethren | Hurricane Sandy Fundraiser Set for November 8th

November 5, 2012

San Diego is filled with east coast transplants that now call America's Finest City home. Leigh Gibson, co-owner of both Dirty Birds in Pacific Beach and The Commons downtown, is formerly of Long Island, NY, and being that Dirty Birds itself employs many East Coast transplants, the restaurant will be holding a Hurricane Sandy fundraiser specifically to benefit the people of Rockaway, NY (one of the hardest hit areas by the storm), via the Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego this Thursday, November 8th from 8pm to 12am.

Orfila Vineyards & Winery Presents 1st Annual Escondido Gourmet Food Truck Festival | Sunday, November 18th

November 4, 2012

Orfila Vineyards & Winery is teaming up with some of San Diego's favorite food trucks for the first ever Escondido Gourmet Food Truck Festival to take place on Sunday, November 18th from 12 noon to 6:00 pm.  This family friendly event is free for all ages and will feature ten gourmet food trucks right alongside Orfila's tasting room.

Whiskey Girl Launches Whiskey Pairing Dinners

November 4, 2012

On November 1st, Gaslamp hotspot Whiskey Girl launched a new Whiskey Dinner series, giving guests a delicious opportunity to explore whiskey. Each month, Executive Chef Brad Hightow will custom create a prix-fixe tasting menu, pairing new and unique dishes with a variety of whiskeys.

Celebrity Owned Fat Sal's Deli Set To Debut on Garnet Avenue in Pacific Beach

November 3, 2012

Growing up in New Jersey only a short distance from Rutgers University Campus in New Brunswick, I had my fair share of  'fat sandwiches' as made famous by the Rutgers' "Grease Trucks."   So when we saw that a small eatery named Fat Sal's Deli was moving into the location previously occupied by the less-than-impressive Maria Juana's Cafe on Garnet Avenue in Pacific Beach, we at SanDiegoVille had to get to the bottom of it!  What we found is that this east coast inspired, gluttonous deli is the brainchild of actor Jerry Ferrara (Turtle from HBO’s hit show Entourage) and two of his lifelong friends.

Get “Between the Bread” for National Sandwich Day | November 3rd

November 3, 2012 

Whether it’s a BLT, Reuben, Dagwood, Club, or an open-faced panini, the sandwich is a favorite of Americans everywhere. As National Sandwich Day (November 3) approaches, say hello to the hearty and satisfying sandwich varieties that San Diego has to offer. From barbecued pulled pork to smoked salmon, you’ll never have to settle for a subpar sandwich again!

The Barking Lot Dog Rescue To Host Celebrated Musicians for Concert Event at Mission Brewery | Saturday, November 3rd

November 2, 2012

Stacy Parmer, Founder of The Barking Lot, a San Diego all breed, no kill dog rescue, announced today the Rock & Roll Over! Unleash The Sounds! concert event for animal welfare. The first of its kind, the fundraiser event is set to take over the cul-de-sac in front of the famed Mission Brewery in downtown San Diego, Saturday, November 3rd from 3:00 – 10:00 pm, with proceeds benefitting The Barking Lot.

Phil's BBQ Celebrates San Diego Beer Week with Featured Brewery Nights and Special Taps | November 6-9th

November 2, 2012

Seriously, is there a better combination than beer and barbecue?  Personally, we don't think so.  Don't miss four nights of San Diego's finest craft beer breweries along with San Diego's favorite BBQ during San Diego Beer Week 2012 at Phil's BBQ.

San Diego Is Casting Its Vote | Election Specials Around Town

November 2, 2012

"Every time you spend money, you're casting a vote for the kind of world you want."~Anna Lappe

Election Day is rapidly approaching.  Whether you're a liberal or conservative, Republican or Democrat, Klingon or Romulan, it doesn't matter after a few drinks and some tasty grub, and a spirited election year means election cocktails and restaurants are casting their vote for either red or blue...or something in-between with these election-themed specials at some of your favorite San Diego spots.

Keep Your Mustache Entertained This November With Movember Fundraisers at El Dorado and CUCINA urbana

Movember 1, 2012

There are two fantastic fundraisers happening this November benefitting the Movember Foundation brought to you by CUCINA urbana and El Dorado Cocktail Lounge. Annually, Movember’s month-long campaign encourages men to sprout their best mustaches, seek sponsorship for their Mo-growing efforts, and raise awareness for men's health.  El Dorado Cocktail Lounge is bringing music and mash potatoes out for its Mashes and 'Staches event, while CUCINA urbana is making dessert upper lips for its guests.  Check out all the details right here on SanDiegoVille, get that mustache started, and, of course, Stay Classy San Diego!!

RA”ck The Vote at RA | RA Sushi Offers Complimentary California Roll to Voters on Election Day

November 1, 2012 

On Election Day 201 - Tuesday, Nov. 6th - RA Sushi will be rolling out a campaign of their own. Whether you back Obama or Romney, with any tab of ten dollars or more, guests wearing their “I Voted” sticker will receive a complimentary California Roll. Popular with both parties, the California Roll features crab meat, cucumber and avocado; wrapped in nori and white rice ($6.50).

Pizza Port on Tap for Table 926 Beer Dinner on November 7th

October 31, 2012

Table 926 and Pizza Port will present an evening of farm-to-table dishes and a selection of San Diego’s favorite brews on Wednesday, November 7 from 6 to 10 p.m. as part of San Diego Beer Week.  During the “beer hour” starting at 6 p.m., guests will sip Pizza Port’s Abraham Drinkin Wheat and Miniature Gruyere and Mortadella Grilled Cheese Sandwiches on brioche.

Roll Into Autumn with an Interactive Sushi Class at Cafe Japengo

October 31, 2012

Have you ever wanted to learn how to make your own sushi rolls?  Learn from trained professionals on Saturday, November 3rd as Cafe Japengo will host a sushi making class from noon to 2 p.m. Executive Sushi Chef Jerry Warner will lead a hands-on session during which he will share the secrets of sushi making.