Chef Amy DiBiase Leaves The Shores and Returns to Paradise Point Hotel & Spa

March 14, 2013

Chef Amy DiBiase has joined Paradise Point Resort & Spa as executive chef to help launch a new dining concept at the Mission Bay hotel slated for later this year. DiBiase, who previously worked as Chef de Cuisine at the hotel’s signature restaurant Baleen from 2006 to 2008, re-joins the team after recently serving as Chef de Cuisine at The Shores Restaurant in La Jolla.

California Kebab Closes at SDSU to Focus on Cali Kebab & Beer Garden in Pacific Beach

March 14, 2013

California Kebab, a popular fast-casual restaurant located directly next to San Diego State University, has closed.  California Kebab opened next to the SDSU campus in 2009 as a healthy alternative to the abundant fast food options in the area. The small Mediterranean style restaurant quickly gained in popularity among students and faculty alike because of its unique menu options, focus on fresh ingredients and house-made sauces.

Live the Life of Pi on National Pi Day | March 14h

3.14

Break out the calculator today.  No, you haven’t missed Tax Day yet, it is National Pi Day. Make 3/14 the best day of the week by rewarding yourself with some local “pi.” Since just about the only folks excited by 3.14159265….(ad nauseam) are the geeks from The Big Bang Theory, we’ve rounded up some options for pi that will have you celebrating the mystical mathematical symbol which represents a the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter, π.

Local Spirit Savants Celebrate Alchemy's 4 Year Anniversary with Month Long Fête

March 13, 2013

Come celebrate the kickoff to Alchemy Restaurant's 4 year anniversary celebration this Thursday, March 14th, and enjoy tray-passed street food, craft cocktails designed by Blind Tiger Cocktail Co., beer from the Societe Brewing Co., sparkling wine, a photo booth and birthday tee shirts.  Executive chef Ricardo Heredia along with co-Managing partners Ron Troyano and Matt Thomas of Alchemy and mixologists Adam Stemmler and Jason O’Bryan of Blind Tiger Cocktail Co. will come together to start a month long celebration, joining hop-philes Travis Smith and Doug Constantiner of Societe Brewing Company and Segura Viudas Wines in honor of Alchemy’s four year anniversary.

Yes, We've Been, Finally | Snooze, An A.M. Eatery

March 13, 2013

Since opening its doors in late 2011, we at SanDiegoVille have been asked innumerable times for our opinion of one of San Diego's trendiest eateries.  We were forced to explain that we heard rumors of two hour long brunch lines, so instinctively avoided this hotspot - that is until Zagat voted Snooze, An A.M. Eatery one of the top 10 restaurants in San Diego. We finally realized that we must overcome our aversion to waits and see what all the fuss was about.  The fuss was justified.  Breakfast is coined the most important meal of the day, and it has been reinvented and reinvigorated by the coming of Snooze to San Diego's Fabulous Hillcrest.

Sustainable Seafood Gala | A Successful Kick-Off to Sustainable Seafood Week

March 12, 2013

Sablefish offering from Javier Plascencia of Mision 19

On Thursday March 7th, Sea World San Diego hosted the 28th Annual Sustainable Seafood Gala, an evening of enchanting culinary delight with sustainable seafood dishes prepared by local chefs.  Participants were offered amazing bites from some of the areas most reknowned chefs all while learning about the movement toward using only sustainable seafood, which is defined as "seafood that is harvested and/or produced in a manner that minimizes bycatch and impacts on surrounding ecosystems, while maintaining or creating economic viability for those who depend on the industry."  At the gala, participants imbibed on offerings from Balast Point and Snake Oil cocktails, while chefs used sustainable seafood proteins to create some awe-inspiring dishes to showcase their menus for the current Sustainable Seafood Week. 

In Anticipation of Zane Patrick's Day | An Interview With Zane Lamprey

March 7, 2013
 
In anticipation of the 4th Annual Zane Patrick's Day set to take place on March 16th at McFadden's Restaurant and Saloon in the Gaslamp District, SanDiegoVille interviewed the one, the only, the famed drinking ambassador, Zane Lamprey. If you don't know Zane, check out "Drinking Made Easy" and "Three Sheets,"   and read below to get better acquainted.

Learn to Roll Like the Pros at Roppongi's Monthly Sushi School

That's going on my resume!

March 6, 2013

On the first Saturday of each month, Roppongi Sushi & Asian Fusion Restaurant in La Jolla offers a most entertaining and enjoyable Sushi School where attendees learn the art of spinning rolls while sampling unlimited sake, followed by a 2-course lunch.  After customizing and eating your own spicy tuna and California rolls, participants are treated to an elegant salmon dish, followed by a palate cleansing sorbet dessert, then sent home with their own sushi making kit and a nifty certificate - all for $40 per person!  Mark your calendars and add a new culinary skill to your collection.

Starstruck In Miami | A Weekend at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival

March 4, 2013
By Cody Lewis | SanDiegoVille Contributor

The opportunity to cover a full weekend of the Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting at the 12th annual South Beach Wine and Food Festival was both unexpected and exciting. After all, there are dozens of different foods to try, unlimited booze, and Food Network celebrity chefs hosting live shows and mingling with the crowd, all right on the beautiful South Beach sand in blistering Miami, Florida.  And yet, even with the incredible nature of this event in mind, the paradise that awaited me at SOBEWFF was shocking.

St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center presents 15th Annual Morning Glory Brunch | Saturday, April 13th

March 3, 2013

St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center’s 15th Annual Morning Glory Brunch will brighten the lives of San Diego families and residents while raising funds and awareness for the organization that changes the lives of many. The popular brunch will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on St. Madeleine’s campus at 2119 E. Madison Avenue in El Cajon.

San Diego's Whole Foods Markets Each to Open Unique Brewpub Restaurant

Just a sampling of the taps at The Trifecta Tavern at Del Mar
Whole Foods Market

March 2, 2013

"Kids - Mommy & Daddy are running to the grocery store!"  "Honey, let me know if you want me to pick up anything from Whole Foods!"  These phrases will become far more prevalent as food shopping takes on a whole new appeal.  Local Whole Foods Markets are embracing San Diego's craft beer scene and opening up unique brewpub restaurant concepts in each of San Diego's locations - Hillcrest, La Jolla, and the newly opened Del Mar.  By the end of next week, patrons will be able to grab a bite and brew before, during, or after their shopping experience, from right inside the market.

Sloppy's Burritos To Bring Sustainable and Locally Sourced "Flash-Grilled" Burritos to Hillcrest

March 1, 2013

Sloppy’s Burritos is opening in Hillcrest this month.  This quick-serve, healthy restaurant, features a simple, yet highly customizable menu of burritos, salads and bowls made with organic, locally sourced ingredients. The 1,100-square-foot restaurant takes an innovative “flash-grilling” approach and has a strong emphasis on sustainability and simplicity. Sloppy’s Burritos will open Saturday, March 2, 2013 and is centrally located in Hillcrest at 3884 Fourth Avenue and features modern Southern California décor with indoor and patio seating for 32.

Bleu Boheme's Daily Happy Hour is 60 Minutes of Félicité

February 28, 2013

It was 4:55pm on a Tuesday. Seven people were lined up in front of us on the corner of Adams Avenue and Kensington Drive in Normal Heights (maybe Kensington?). The simple fact that there was a line made me salivate with excitement.  It was our first time at Bleu Boheme, and though we've received positive recommendations in passing, we weren't expecting a queue for the daily, hour-long happy hour, especially during the week. Within the hour, it all made sense.

Bear Mountain Hosts 4th Annual War of Rails | March 1st to 3rd

February 27, 2013

Bear Mountain is hosting the 4th Annual War of Rails presented by Under Armour that will take place this weekend, March 1-3, 2013. This event brings top freestyle skiing professionals from all over the world together to compete for a $30,000 cash purse. The professionals will take to the sky with outrageous tricks and impressive agility. Bear Mountain makes for the perfect place to showcase the raw talent of these competitors and the unique design of features in this exciting contest.

Gaslamp Quarter Association to Unveil Gaslamp Quarter Archway Refurbishment at Re-Dedication Ceremony and 21st Anniversary Reception | Thursday, February 28th

February 26, 2013

Serving as one of San Diego’s favorite photo backdrops for 21 years, the Gaslamp Quarter Archway at 5th Avenue and L Street will come to the forefront as its complete rehabilitation is unveiled. The Gaslamp Quarter Association invites any and all to the presentation of the Gaslamp Quarter Archway’s highly anticipated refurbishment and re-dedication ceremony at the base of the Archway this Thursday, February 28th at 5:30pm, as well as a celebration of its 21st anniversary with a reception to immediately follow at 6:15pm to be held at Dick’s Last Resort, located at 345 4th Avenue, with a back entry also on 5th Ave., not far from the archway.

Photo Video West Returns to the Del Mar Fairgrounds | The West Coast’s Largest Educational Photography Expo Returns to San Diego April 27-28, 2013

February 25, 2013

Tickets for Photo Video West, the largest educational photography expo on the West Coast, are now on sale.  The action-packed two-day event takes place April 27-28, 2013, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in O’Brien Hall and serves as a forum for photographers of all levels to learn, share, network, and expand their photographic abilities, said Ken Lost, co-producer of Photo Video West.

Any Given Sunday | Forget the End of Football With These San Diego Brunch Offerings

Chicken and waffles at Uptown Tavern

February 24, 2013

It’s been a couple weeks since the NFL season had its grand finale in New Orleans but for some of us the season has been over much longer than that (sorry Chargers fans). Has the lack of football left you feeling empty? Look on the bright side, several San Diego eateries are stepping up to help fill the void. Football will be back eventually, but in the meantime create a new Sunday tradition at one of these hot brunch spots.

Transforming the Market Halls Into an Authentic Farm to Cart Festival | The San Diego Public Market Presents Street Food Market 2013

February 23, 2013

Cultures the world over have been served by tiny, portable kitchens that turn out hot, fresh food designed to be eaten in the street.  On Sunday, March 24th, some of San Diego and Baja’s best chefs will come together to honor that age-old culinary tradition at the inaugural Street Food Market at the San Diego Public Market.

Uptown Tavern Makes Brunch Chic in Hillcrest

February 22, 2013
By Laurel Vozely | SanDiegoVille Contributor

Situated on University Avenue, amidst the hustle and bustle of Hillcrest, Uptown Tavern is establishing itself as a neighborhood hot-spot, despite its difficulty shedding locals’ familiarity with the space’s former occupant, Ono Sushi.  Not only is there buzz about the dinner menu, but positive word of Uptown’s weekend brunch spread my way, so I had to try it. After all, who does brunch better than San Diegans?