Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp Unmasks New Look for 2013 | 19th Annual Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp Tuesday, February 12th

January 29, 2013

After nearly twenty years, San Diego’s longest running Mardi Gras street festival, Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp, is shaking things up to debut an all new Fat Tuesday extravaganza unlike any that came before it. The 19th Annual Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp, taking place on Tuesday, February 12, 2013 from 5:00pm to 11:00pm, will embrace the musical traditions that have been part of the Gaslamp Quarter story since the early 1900’s in the heart of Downtown San Diego, elevating the event to the next level in 2013, while continuing to give event goers lasting memories with new experiences.

Get The Ultimate San Diego Public Market Experience at the Taste of the Market Event | Sunday, February 10th

January 27, 2013

Don't miss the chance to join local farmers and esteemed chefs on Sunday, February 10th from 4 pm to 6:30 pm for Taste of the Market at the new San Diego Public Market.  This exclusive event will provide participants with a look at some of the artisan foods and dining experiences that will occupy the market later this year.  Local chefs including Andrew Spurgin, Melissa Mayer, Trey Foshee, Chad White, Pete Balistreri, Katie Grebow and more will use local farm ingredients at tasting stations while market purveyors will offer a preview of what's to come.  Enjoy live music and tours of the 92,000 square foot market property and support the creation of San Diego's very own Public Market.

Little Italy Association Presents the 10th Annual Carnevale 2013 | Saturday, February 9th

January 27, 2013

Reminiscent of Venice, Italy, San Diego’s Little Italy community brings an artsy evening full of whimsical surprises with vignettes of entertainment at the 10th Annual Little Italy Carnevale on Saturday, February 9th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.  This family friendly experience is based off Italian traditions and is free to attend thanks to presenting sponsor Alliance Residential Company and support from Buon Appetito, Kettner House, Craft & Commerce and many others.

Flying For A Cure | An Inspiring and Successful Fundraising Gala

January 26, 2013

Photo by Monica Hoover

Last Saturday evening, hundreds of generous San Diegans gathered at the picturesque Hyatt Regency La Jolla Aventine to raise funds for ALS research (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease) at an event tokened Flying For A Cure.  The evening's playful flight theme took a cue from honoree John Constans' 30+-year career as a Navy, PSA and US Airways pilot and honored his love for life by embracing a more casual and fun-loving approach to the festivities. The evening led off with the chill vibes of the Paul Cannon Band and featured an exclusive performance by internationally acclaimed musician and San Diego-native, Tristan Prettyman.

Cabrillo Advisors Foundation Presents the 3rd Annual San Diego Wine Affair Premier Wine Event to Benefit Rady Children’s Hospital and San Diego Social Venture Partners

January 25, 2013

The Cabrillo Advisors Foundation is pleased to announce the third annual San Diego Wine Affair on Thursday, February 7, 2013 starting at 6:00 p.m. The highly anticipated soiree, to be held in the La Jolla Ballroom of the prestigious Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, will benefit Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego and San Diego Social Venture Partners. The evening will unite over 300 wine enthusiasts with more than 30 top-rated California winemakers, and will feature fabulous food, lively entertainment by Dawn Mitschele and world-class silent and live auctions.

Sneak Joint Surprises Everyone With Closing | Sneaks Away Without Paying Devastated Employees

January 23, 2013

The aptly named Sneak Joint "closes for the holidays" - only never to reopen or pay employees' salaries due and owing, leaving former-staff disheartened and distraught over the disrespect demonstrated by the owners' blatant failure to compensate or even notify their devoted and dependent employees of their closing - especially in light of approaching Christmas and the New Year.

Karl Strauss Celebrates 24 years with Changing of the Barrels Event | Saturday, February 2nd

January 23, 2013

Karl Strauss Brewing Company is celebrating 24 years of pioneering San Diego’s local beer scene.  When the company first opened its doors on February 2, 1989, no one knew if craft beer would take off.  Now, with Karl Strauss helping to lead the charge, San Diego has become internationally recognized as a hotbed for craft beer culture and innovation.  Karl Strauss is celebrating this milestone with its third annual Changing of the Barrels event and the debut of its 24th Anniversary Flanders- style ale.

Jsix Launches 'Weekday Play' | Gaslamp Restaurant Offers Five New Reasons to Head Downtown

January 22, 2013

Jsix, one of San Diego’s leading culinary destinations, has expanded their list of nightly happenings Monday through Friday. After a successful launch of nightly specials like Whiskey and Cigar Night at LOUNGEsix, Weekday Play at Jsix offers tourists and locals reasons to top off their evenings at the restaurant as well. Weekday Play includes specials on local brews, craft cocktail and wine flights, and customizable signature martinis. Raise a glass to five new ways Jsix spices up nightlife in America’s Finest City.

Celebrate Craft Beer at the Inaugural San Diego Winter Brew Fest | Feb. 8th at the Port Pavilion at the Broadway Pier

January 21, 2013

On Friday, February 8th, embrace the cooler weather and get your craft beer fix on at the inaugural San Diego Winter Brew Fest at the Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier.  Grab your tickets to this newcomer to the San Diego craft beer festival circuit and you'll receive a commemorative glass and have a chance to sample unlimited brews from San Diego's best breweries and beyond. The Port Pavilion is a picturesque and unique venue in San Diego's beautiful bay (adjacent to the USS Midway), making for the perfect environment to sip brews while enjoying live music and snacking on San Diego's favorite food trucks.

What Are You Doing for the 2013 Presidential Inauguration | Inauguration Libations Around San Diego

January 20, 2013

With all the pomp and circumstance that will certainly surround Monday’s 57th Inauguration Ceremony in Washington D. C., it got us thinking…about the Commander in Chief’s libation of choice.  As Inauguration Day is set for Monday, January 21st, we took a look at some former presidents’ favorite drinks and where they would be able to find them here in San Diego.

Bencotto Italian Kitchen is First in San Diego to Earn International Accolades with a “Q” Rating for Best in Class for Authentic Italian Quality Dining

January 19, 2013

Bencotto Italian Kitchen is proud to announce its receipt of the coveted “Q” (Quality/Qualità) rating from the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West, an award giving San Diego’s “Best Italian Restaurant” global recognition as a truly authentic Italian restaurant. Bencotto is one of the first restaurants in San Diego to be given this world-renowned identification.  

2013 San Diego Half Marathon Features New Downtown Finish and Addition of "5K" Race | March 10th

January 19, 2013

Start shaping up and hitting the pavement, because the San Diego Half Marathon is returning to downtown SD on Sunday, March 10th, revamped, rearing and ready to go!!   Registration is open for the San Diego Half Marathon - a one-of-a kind race and fundraising event with 100% of its net proceeds benefiting local charities.  Building on a hugely successful inaugural race, the 2013 event will feature the same amazing start on Tony Gwynn Drive under the Omni Sky Bridge and will follow a signature scenic course that showcases San Diego’s beautiful bayfront and historic communities.

Matt Gordon - Chef and Owner of Urban Solace and Solace & The Moonlight Lounge - to Open New Concept in Del Mar | Sea & Smoke, An American Brasserie

Chef Matt Gordon

January 18, 2013

San Diego Chef and restaurateur, Matt Gordon, will open his first new concept early this summer in Del Mar. Creator of Urban Solace in North Park and Solace & The Moonlight Lounge in Encinitas, Gordon will introduce his third restaurant - Sea & Smoke, An American Brasserie.

Jaime Partners Announces Successful Completion of Celebrity Chef Kevin Roberts' Kamikaze 7 Sushi Restaurant for March 2013

Chef Roberts

January 18, 2013

Jaime Partners, the San Diego-based, highly regarded and experienced project management company, is announcing the successful completion of Celebrity Chef Kevin Roberts’ Kamikaze 7 sushi restaurant opening in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter in March 2013. Former Next Food Network Star contestant and host of BBQ Pitmasters, Kevin Roberts, selected Jaime Partners to manage his new 2000 square foot restaurant project, Kamikaze 7, set to open to the public in Downtown San Diego in March 2013. Roberts is also an executive chef, author and national spokesperson, most notably for Franks Red Hot and Yuengling Beer.

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.