Brian Malarkey to Host Viewing Party of ABC's THE TASTE at Searsucker | January 22nd

The Taste Judges/Mentors

January 17, 2013

Come get a "taste" of ABC's new hit reality cooking competition, The Taste, at Searsucker San Diego to celebrate the premiere episode Tuesday, January 22nd!  Starring San Diego's very own Celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey as a judge / mentor, Searsucker will host appetizers and cocktails in the bar and lounge area from 7:30 - 9:30pm to celebrate the premiere with Brian Malarkey himself! With the episode airing on surrounding TVs, Brian will be open for conversation and media interviews throughout the night as well as celebrate the premiere episode of his new hit show.

I Dream of Cheesesteak | Alex's Brown Bag Does It Right

January 16, 2013

I can't stop thinking of that delicious sonovabetch! Filled with perfectly seasoned beef, firey cherry peppers (our substitution), onions, mushrooms, and topped with gooey mozzarella, our cheesesteak from Alex's Brown Bag inside Latitude 32 was surely one of the best sandwiches we've eaten since moving to San Diego from NJ three years ago.

San Diego Electric Run Presented by Zico Coconut Water Anticipates 11,000 Participants | February 2nd

January 16, 2013

After the enormously successful inaugural Electric Run in Orange County, the Electric Run is heading south to San Diego on February 2nd, the second stop in a nationwide tour and the first ever Electric Run in San Diego. 11,000 participants are expected to run to over one million watts of light and sound on the visually stunning 5k course at the Del Mar Racetrack, to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of San Diego.

Taste of the NFL | Local Chef Reps San Diego at Super Bowl 47

January 15, 2013

One of San Diego's favorite chefs is hitting the road - Super Bowl bound! This year's Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans will be host to "Taste of NFL"'s 22nd annual fundraiser on February 2nd, aptly named The Party with a Purpose, and Executive Chef Jonathan Hale of The Prado Restaurant was selected as the sole representative of San Diego and the Chargers. The event is an annual strolling wine and food experience that takes place in the host city of the Super Bowl each season to raise awareness and support fundraising efforts that target hunger issues throughout the country.

Sneak Peak | Blind Burro in the East Village

January 13, 2013

Totally converting the space previously occupied by the Fleetwood, The Blind Burro is the newest baby from Good Time Design, who has solidified its stronghold on the 7th and J area with this acquisition (they also own neighboring Bub's, Block 16, Cat Eye Club, and Lucky's). On Thursday, January 10th, the East Village newby hosted invitees to sample some of its classic Mexican-inspired offerings including tray passed appetizers and delicious specialty cocktails. It was a fun time around friendly faces, and I even got the chance to do my first oyster/mezcal shooter! Check out this sneak peak into what is sure to be one of Downtown's newest hot spots.

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.