R Gang Eatery | Classic Americana Cuisine Refined

January 11, 2013

Known for its popular 6 days a week brunch and its craveable housemade tater tots, Hillcrest's R Gang Eatery is headed by the charismatic Top Chef Season 5 Alum, Richard Sweeney, and has gained critical acclaim for its unique take on classic comfort food. Dubbing his cuisine "Retro-American fare," Chef Sweeney takes familiar staples of culinary Americana and sophisticates and refines, while at the same time keeping his dishes accessible and welcoming. We recently stopped by R Gang for dinner and enjoyed the homey eatery as well as the comfort coma that followed.

Sneak Peak | Downtown's Gang Kitchen Unveiled

January 12, 2013

By Heather Reineke

Amongst a slew of rustic-themed restaurants emerges an establishment that's sure to bring some edge to San Diego's gastronomy scene. Gang Kitchen is an attractive Asian-fusion restaurant in the Gaslamp area of downtown that unsealed its doors on Wednesday, January 9th for a private Grand Opening event that surely impressed!

San Diego Unites to Fight ALS | Local Philanthropists Join at Premier Concert Fundraiser January 19th

January  11, 2013

Flying for a Cure - Reach New Heights to Cure ALS is an upcoming philanthropic event taking place on Saturday, January 19th, featuring a private dinner and an intimate concert with a 'surprise' musician (advertised everywhere but here so find out with a few clicks!). Honoring retired Captain John Constans and his personal battle with the devastating disease that affects 35,000 families nationwide, this event will capture local tastemakers and award winning musicians for the utmost charitable purpose.

Local Chefs Rock Out to Raise Money and Awareness for Domestic Violence 3rd Annual Battle of the Chef Bands - January 28th

January 10, 2013

On January 28th, North County's beloved music venue Belly Up Tavern will be the setting as local San Diego chefs will toss aside spatulas and knives, substituting them for guitars and drum sticks in the 3rd annual Battle of the Chef Bands.  In support of the Center for Community Solutions, chefs will rock out with their bands, old and new alike, showcasing their musical, rather than culinary, abilities.  The battle of the bands between chefs and restaurant teams provides local chefs, who already do so much for local charities, to boast another set of incredible skills while raising awareness of domestic violence and promoting this year's Chef Showdown - a long-running culinary competition and fundraiser.

Busalacchi’s A Modo Mio | Enjoying Traditional Sicilian Fare Chef Busalacchi’s Way

January 5, 2013

Situated on Hillcrest’s vibrant restaurant row, A Modo Mio (translated “my way”) offers an authentic Italian dining experience and traditional food offered Chef Joe Busalacchi’s way.  The Busalacchi family has long been known by San Diegans for their seven other Italian restaurants, and A Modo Mio will definitely impress with its comfortable, contemporary and homey feel and its delectable cuisine.  On a recent visit, we dined on a 4-course price fixed menu for an incredible value of $35/pp, and we must say that we were more than satisfied by the experience, the ambiance and the enjoyable dishes.

Connecticut Native & San Diego Pizzeria Owner, Jon Mangini, Celebrates National Pizza Week this January by "Raising the Dough" for Newtown, CT

January 3, 2013

The natural progression into the New Year brings forth excitement, and for some disdain, for the next approaching holiday celebration – Valentine’s Day. However, for true foodies around the country, the coming of January provides a different reason to rejoice, with one of the most important culinary holidays of the entire year -- National Pizza Week.  The week long celebration takes place annually throughout the second week of January and this year will be celebrated from Sunday, January 6th to Saturday, January 12th.

SanDiegoVille's Chef of the Year for 2012 | Anthony Sinsay, Executive Chef at Burlap

January 1, 2013

We first had the pleasure of meeting Chef Anthony Sinsay last year as he was outgrowing his post as executive chef of Harney Sushi. Last September, after gorging Sinsay's seven course molecular gastronomy-inspired take on regional tailgate fare for the Old Town Harney location's 'Nook Dining' experience, we sat with the young chef, finished off the several remaining beers at the table, and shot the breeze with our laid back, newfound friend. Since that night, we've seen Anthony at countless events and always appreciate and admire his passion, attention to detail, patience with the culinary process, and of course, his knowledge and demonstrated technique. Chef Sinsay is chosen as SanDiegoVille's Chef of 2012 for reasons far beyond our friendship. The guy knows food. Now manning the kitchen at Brian Malarkey's Burlap in Del Mar, Sinsay continues to shine, as he does flawlessly in any environment. Everything he produces is beautiful, tasty, and well thought out. He is a humble man, but his dishes sing another story.

Our Year In Review | Most Memorable Tastes of 2012

January 1, 2013

Holy Macaroni! We ate A LOT in 2012! Perusing our restaurant and event profiles shows that we had a pretty big year of eating, imbibing, and all around good times. We've reviewed our year in food and now we share with you a few of our favorite things. Check out our list and be sure to give some of these items a try. You'll thank us later.

Uptown Parking District Launches Comprehensive Parking Plan for Hillcrest

December 21, 2012

Many neighborhoods promote they have plenty of parking but it is not often that a neighborhood will go to the lengths that Hillcrest has gone to make it easy for consumers to find abundant parking. The Uptown Parking District has been working for over a year to create a comprehensive parking plan that will not only be friendly to the consumers but will also make it easy to find just the right parking spot next to the business you are visiting.

Sammy's Woodfired Pizza & Grill Brings Back Original Menu & Recipes in Response to Customer Requests

Sammy's Chinese chicken salad

December 21, 2012

After launching a new menu last summer, which included removing dishes, updating recipes and adding new items, Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill has announced plans to bring back its original menu in response to customer requests. Sammy’s has returned to serving it’s menu of globally inspired classics and original recipes that guests have come to love over the last 23 years.

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.