Tis the Season for Holiday Cocktails! Check Out the Seasonal Spirits Being Offered Up Around San Diego

The Frostini from The Commons

December 20, 2012

Baby, it's cold outside!!  Although San Diego is known for its craft beer, there is a thriving craft cocktail scene that is growing, and restaurants all over town are getting in the holiday spirit with specialty cocktails ready to warm you up this holiday season.  Check out our list of special cocktails and grab 'em while you can.

Doomsday Drinkers, Party Like There’s No To-Maya

December 19, 2012

This Friday, gather friends together to toast the end. The end of a cycle in the 5,125 year old Mayan calendar, also interpreted as the end of the world, is bringing about chaos and concern. Who are we to question mass hysteria? To celebrate, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite gathering places for communal cocktails with friends:

Monello Now Open For Breakfast and Brunch in Little Italy

December 19, 2012

Monello, the newly opened “naughty little brother” to San Diego’s “best Italian restaurant,” Bencotto Italian Kitchen, is now offering a Milan-inspired breakfast menu six days a week.  Co-owners Valentina Di Pietro and Guido Nistri will wake up San Diego with home-baked classic Italian goods and regional breakfast favorites

This New Year’s Eve, Where's Your Party At? | The Most Epic Round Up of New Year's Eve Parties and Specials All Around San Diego

December 17, 2012

So, in making it past the last day of the Mayan calendar, we have a lot to celebrate going into the new year, as survival is definitely cause for jubilation.  While sending off 2012 stylishly might depend on your budget or entertainment preferences, it is best to devise a plan early and determine the perfect place to ring in the New Year.  We have compiled info on all the best New Year's Eve parties and specials all around San Diego, so check out our, albeit super long, list.

We've been so kind to section off the NYE parties and specials by area for your convenience.  Pick wisely.

Full Moon Proposal During the Most Romantic Movie Ever at the Full Moon Drive-In, Pacific Beach

December 17, 2012

“The Notebook” wasn’t the only love story playing on the big screen at Full Moon Drive-In last Saturday, December 15th.  Before the feature film got rolling at this Pacific Beach theatre, a short video began to play. The film showed a man asking a couple parents for their daughter’s hand in marriage, much to the surprise of that young woman, who was in the crowd for what she thought was a “girls night out”.

After Raising $5,000 In First Fundraiser, Dirty Birds to Host Second Rockaway Hurricane Relief Fundraiser | Thursday, December 20th

December 16, 2012

Dirty Birds in Pacific Beach is once again hosting a Rockaway, NY Hurricane Relief fundraiser this Thursday, December 20th, where proceeds from 7 pm to midnight will go towards the victims of Hurricane Sandy.   Dirty Birds is well known for it’s award winning wings, but it also features a great menu of other items and of course, cold beer on tap. During the fundraiser, Dirty Birds will be offering $3 U-Call-Its and $8 pitchers of icy cold beer.

San Diego Restaurant Week Returns for Its First Installment of 2013 | January 13-18, 2013

December 15, 2012

San Diego Restaurant Week kicks off its annual winter installment from Sunday, January 13th to Friday, January 18th, 2012, bringing the city’s vibrant food scene to life for one week of delicious dining, showcasing the freshest ingredients, most flavorful dishes and tastiest culinary gems that America's Finest City has to offer! Home to some of the world’s most delectable restaurants and master chefs, San Diego proudly welcomes back San Diego Restaurant Week where you can choose from over 180 of San Diego’s most delightful and delicious eateries for a price fixed lunches or dinners at great value.

Pacific Beach Holiday Parade Lives on Rain or Shine | Saturday, December 15th from 1-3pm

December 14, 2012

On Saturday, December 15th, rain or shine, don't miss out on the Pacific Beach Holiday Parade taking place along Garnet Avenue from 1-3 pm and featuring 80 floats.  Saved from extinction this year by the Beach and Bar Guild and some sizable donations, the tradition continues as the PB Holiday Parade is one of the oldest in San Diego.  To celebrate the continuation of the annual PB tradish, this year's theme is "Holidays Past and Present."

What You Missed at the 3rd Annual Bikes, Boards and Brews Event | An Intimate and Entertaining Food and Craft Beer Gathering

December 14, 2012

Held on the afternoon of Saturday, December 8th on the bay front lawn of the Catamaran Resort & Spa, the 3rd Annual Bikes, Boards and Brews event showcased local breweries, businesses, and some of Pacific and Mission Beach's best eateries.  Unlike other larger beer/food events in San Diego, Bikes, Boards and Brews was an intimate affair with everyone having a blast in a beautiful setting, all while imbibing on America's Finest craft beer in the city that is setting the bar, rocking out to soulful rhythms and munching on tasty treats.  See what you missed and be sure to get your tickets early for next year's Bikes, Boards and Brews event.

Top of the Market | Approachable Elegance and Some of the Freshest Seafood in Town

December 13, 2012

San Diego’s Top of the Market has long been beckoning me to its lofty perch overlooking San Diego's Big Bay, boasting what is known among San Diegans as one of the finest seafood destinations our city has to offer.  Fine dining is what was expected and received - white linens, polished black tie service, knowledgeable sommeliers, and exquisite cuisine.  What was not expected, however, was the total lack of pretentiousness and the completely laid back yet lively vibes exuded from everyone from the hostess to the smiling servers to the chefs to the patrons.  Everyone was there to enjoy good food without the fuss and sometimes intimidating nature of ‘fine dining’ establishments, and for that we were immediately appreciative.

Don't Miss the Toys for Tots 1st Annual Gourmet Food Truck Festival THIS WEEKEND | Saturday, December 15th

December 12, 2012

Locals will bring their appetites to Mira Mesa for the 1st Annual Toys for Tot Gourmet Food Truck Festival to sample over a dozen of Southern California’s finest mobile foods. The festival will be held Saturday, December 15th from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and showcase the gourmet food truck movement that has recently hit the scene.

Stone Vertical Epic Release Event and Dinner Pairing at Burlap in Del Mar | Thursday, December 13th

December 11, 2012

Stone Brewing Co.'s last release of its famed Vertical Epic Ale will be celebrated Asian Cowboy style at Burlap in Del Mar this Thursday, December 13th. Because its the final release, Burlap's Executive Chef Anthony Sinsay wanted this to be an "EPIC" event so he invited fellow San Diego chefs Paul McCabe of La Valencia, Joe Magnaneli of CUCINA Urbana, Hanis Cavin of Carnitas Snack Shack & Rachel King of baKING Co. to help send this brew out with a bang!  Each chef will run a brew station and be paired with a release year! Five years, five beers and five chefs! This will indeed be epic!

Gang Kitchen, Opening Tonight in Downtown San Diego

December 10, 2012

Southern California Restaurateur, Jon Mangini announces the opening of a new 5,000 square foot concept in the heart of downtown San Diego. Mangini—who is best known for launching multi-million dollar projects such as BASIC Urban + Kitchen & Bar (2006) in the East Village and URBN Coal Fired Pizza (2009) in North Park—has garnered acclaim for his casual neighborhood eateries, which feature an industrial warehouse aesthetic and New Haven-style pizzas. However, Mangini’s newest endeavor takes on an entirely new direction by implementing an edgy approach towards Asian cuisine. The venue, located at 345 6th Avenue, will open doors tonight, December 10th, and is appropriately called “Gang Kitchen”, which translates to “steel” in Mandarin.

Make-A-Wish Presents 2nd Annual 'So You *WISH* You Could Skate'

December 10, 2012

On Wednesday, December 12th, high profile local media personalities and San Diego celebrities will go head to head at the Hotel Del Coronado’s beachside ice skating rink for a one-of-a-kind ice skating competition to raise awareness for Make-A-Wish Foundation's 7th annual national Season of Wishes holiday campaign and overall goal to spread hope, joy and love this holiday season.

Andaz San Diego to Host Four New Year's Eve Parties Under One Roof

December 9, 2012

Andaz San Diego and Ivy Nightclub will launch into 2013 with a New Year’s Eve bash providing party-goers with multiple venues and acclaimed DJs as they celebrate in style. Beginning December 31 at 9 p.m., the evening is primed with a dynamic lineup of imported electronic musical entertainment, including leading DJs Drop The Lime from New York City and GRUM from Scotland. Guests will enjoy the best talent possible as they celebrate in the Ivy Nightclub, Ivy Wine Bar, spacious 5,300 square foot Ivy Studio and sky high Ivy Rooftop, offering panoramic views of the city.

Gourmet Goodies for the Holidays at Flower Hill Promenade

December 8, 2012

With the holiday season in full swing, Flower Hill Promenade is the perfect place to shop this year for the not-so-average party favors. Home to some of San Diego's premier retail brands, peruse the local goodies and be the stand-out-guest or one-of-a-kind host at all of the seasons' upcoming holiday festivities. These luxury boutiques offer unique gift ideas for any occasion encouraging shoppers to spice up the "Season of Giving" with something special this year.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Tour | A Hideously Glorious Downtown Barcrawl

December 7, 2012

On Saturday December 15th, local legend and happy hour aficionado, King of Happy Hour is partnering with Miss Molly Presents to host the 2012 Ugly Christmas Sweater Tour from 2pm-7pm. This self-guided tour of 9 great downtown locations will begin at Taste & Thirst where you can pick up your badge before embarking on your boozey journey around town. So get digging through grandma's closet or the local Goodwill, find the ugliest possible Christmas sweater and help spread some good ol' holiday cheer!

Cafe Japengo Offers Prix Fixe Menu and a Duo of Staycation Packages this New Year's Eve

December 7, 2012

Cafe Japengo, the award-winning sushi and Asian fusion restaurant located in the Aventine lifestyle complex, has announced a special New Year’s Eve prix fixe dinner in addition to two all-encompassing packages for New Year’s Eve celebrators. Packages will include the staycation-style “Japengo Dine and Stay” and “Dance and Stay” options.

Malts, Hops and Curds, Oh My! Andaz to Showcase Craft Beer and Artisanal Cheese Pairings at December 13th Andaz Salon Event

December 6, 2012

On December 13th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Andaz San Diego will host its final Andaz Salon event of 2012: Malts, Hops and Curds, a craft beer and artisanal cheese pairing event to be held in the Ivy Wine Bar. This event will offer guests an up close and personal look at two much-loved local companies: Green Flash Brewing Co. and Venissimo Cheese.