The Fabric Is Unraveling | Three Chefs Depart from Brian Malarkey's Enlightened Hospitality Group in the Wake of Gingham Closure

June 20, 2013

Chef Brian Malarkey and nightlife guru, James Brennan, the duo behind Enlightened Hospitality Group (EHG), have been popping up restaurants like they're going out of style, but are they spreading themselves too thin?  In a span of three years, the group has opened five San Diego restaurants (Searsucker, Burlap, Gingham, Gabardine & Herringbone), as well as two out-of-state Searsucker locations in the past year (Scottsdale and Austin).  But growth doesn't mask struggles. Two weeks ago, Gingham closed and was sold to the Cohn Restaurant Group.  Last week, Burlap shut its doors to reopen in July as another Searsucker restaurant.  Gabardine is struggling and is resorting to online deals and extravagant specials, and this week alone EHG lost its three star chefs:  Herringbone Executive Chef and Top Chef alum Amanda Baumgarten,  EHG's pastry chef Rachel King, and Burlap's Executive Chef Anthony Sinsay.  We get to the bottom of the chef exodus and pontificate over the future of the fabric named restaurants.

Progressive Insurance San Diego International Boat Show Makes a Splash June 20-23, 2013

June 19, 2013

The Progressive Insurance San Diego International Boat Show, formerly the San Diego Yacht & Boat Show, cruises into Harbor Island June 20-23 for four days of fun on the water. As the region’s premier summer boating event, the 2013 boat show provides attendees an all-access pass to discover the boating lifestyle and a chance to shop the newest boats and marine accessories. More than 100 vessels, from entry-level family cruisers and personal watercraft to luxury motor and sailing yachts, plus a new selection of superyachts, will be docked in the marina and parked on land for visitors to browse, board and buy.

Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens - Liberty Station Now 'Officially' Open

June 19, 2013

The location has been open to the public for over a month now, but Stone is rather reserved with announcing their new ventures until fully complete.  Stone Brewing Co. is thrilled to announce that its second decidedly eclectic restaurant, Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station, is (finally!) open in what use to be the Naval Training Center in the Point Loma neighborhood of San Diego. The brewery restaurant opened its doors May 15th and recently finished construction of its garden, marking the completion of the entire facility.

"We Laughed, Literally, THE WHOLE Time!" | SAVOR: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience

June 18, 2013

By Lois Lewis | SanDiegoVille Contributor and Mother Extraordinaire 

For the past five years, the Brewers Association of America has hosted SAVOR: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience in Washington, D.C., but this year they brought the event to the Big Apple to honor small and independent craft brewers. Being that New York City is the culinary capital that we were raised in, we at SanDiegoVille knew we had to seize the opportunity to cover such a diverse sampling of 'hometown' beers paired with gourmet bites in a dynamic setting, so we sent our east coast correspondents and lovers of beer to survey the scene and sample some of the 76 beers of 39 different styles, hailing from 31 different states, representing all regions of the country, all paired with gourmet tastes. Read on for the ReCap!

How Do You Kill An Oyster? Tickle It To Death With Your Tongue! Oysterfest Returns to San Diego for its 4th Installment

June 18, 2013

Saturday, June 15th was another gloriously-epic, sunny San Diego day at the Embarcadero Marina Park for San Diego's Fourth Annual Oysterfest.  Throngs of people flocked to this beautiful bayside locale to imbibe, indulge and rock out...and that they did.  Oyster's were shucked, sucked and swallowed as musicians enticed the crowd with sweet rhythms.  Another lively day by the bay!

Sammy's Woodfired Pizza and Stone Brewing Co. Put on Excellent Beer Master Dinner

Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens Liberty Station
Brewing Master, Kris Ketcham

June 17, 2013

On Thursday, June 13th, Sammy's Woodfired Pizza in Liberty Station teamed up with Stone Brewing Co. for a continuation of its monthly Beer Master Dinner series, featuring 4 courses of Sammy's original dishes paired with selections from Stone's line up of renown brews ($40 with tax and tip include). Although not in attendance, Stone's resident cicerone and affionado of all things beer and food, Dr. Bill Sysak, lined up the pairings, which were presented by Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens - Liberty Station Head Brewing Master, Kris Ketcham. The night was filled with surprises, new friends were made, and we all got good and tipsy while stuffing our face with a dance of liquid & solid deliciousness.  Read on!

The La Jolla Brewhouse Under New Ownership | Will Be Reborn as La Jolla Brewing Company

June 16, 2013

By Megan Gallagher | SanDiegoVille Contributor

San Diegans looking for another craft brew option won’t have to wait very long. La Jolla Brewing Company has announced plans to open its doors this August. The new brewery and restaurant will take the place of the beleaguered La Jolla Brewhouse.

Westfield UTC to Host Uncorked Wine Walk and Concert Featuring Michelle Branch

June 15, 2013

Westfield UTC will pair perfectly with some of Temecula Valley’s finest wines at the upcoming Uncorked Wine Walk taking place on Saturday, June 29th from 4-8pm at Palm Plaza in the heart of Westfield UTC. This inaugural event, taking place in the heart of the newly renovated shopping center, will feature a self-­‐guided wine tasting tour throughout the shopping center, small plated bites from fine culinary vendors like Seasons 52 and Sam the Cooking Guy, and a concert with guest performances by Grammy Award-­‐winner Michelle Branch and singing/songwriting duo Brandon & Leah featured on “Keeping Up with the Kardashians”.

Get the Ultimate Ballpark Experience at the 8th Annual Philly Invades Petco Park | Tuesday, June 25th

June 14, 2013

The fine folks at Ciro's Pizzeria & Beerhouse and RMD Group are once again ready to blitzkrieg Petco Park for the 8th Annual Philly Invades Petco Park, taking place when the Phightin' Philadelphia Phillies take on the San Diego Padres on Tuesday, June 25th! If you haven't been on one of Ciro's annual trips, it's the Philly sports PHAN event of the year and includes all-you-can-consume EVERYTHING unlike any other ballpark experience.  So whether you're a Phillies fan, a Padres fan, or just a fan of fun, check out what is sure to be an incredibly good time.

The Newest Member of the Kiwi Family, Queenstown Public House, Kicks Off Summer Brunch!

June 14, 2013

Queenstown Public House, the newest member of the “Kiwi family” of restaurants (San Diego’s Raglan Public House and Bare Back Grill) has unveiled its summer brunch menu complete with kiwi-inspired breakfast, sangrias and mimosas.  With its large al fresco dining, Queenstown Public House has created a line up of meaty creations, amongst traditional favorites such as chicken and waffles.

Don’t Miss The Best of The Californias At The 2nd Annual Baja Bash | Saturday, June 15th

June 13, 2013

Wildcoast is hosting an evening of celebration of the shared coastal conservation successes of Southern California and Baja at the 2nd Annual Baja Bash, and marking the occasion with the best chefs, beer, and wine from both sides of our border, San Diego and Baja California.  On Saturday, June 15th at the beautiful Port Pavilion at the Broaday Pier, starting at 6:00PM, enjoy a Baja-inspired tasting menu designed by world renowned Baja California and San Diego Chefs, including regional wines, beer and tequila, and live music by San Diego’s own B-Side Players.

San Diego Chapter of California Restaurant Association Presents Gold Medallion Awards to Local Eateries

Fred Glick of Phil's BBQ receives
Restauranteur of the Year Award

June 13, 2013

The San Diego County Chapter of the California Restaurant Association (CRA) hosted its 29th annual Gold Medallion Awards Banquet (full results below), San Diego’s most prestigious restaurant honors, on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at the Town & Country Resort Hotel. This industry awards gala is a highly celebrated peer-to-peer awards dinner in San Diego recognizing worthy and exceptional restaurants and industry partners in the region. It is an opportunity for members to acknowledge their fellow restaurateurs for their business practices, concepts, and achievements in more than 40 award categories.

Fish Public Now Open in Kensington | Former Kensington Grill to Offer Seafood Centric Fare

June 13, 2013

Kensington's hottest new neighborhood eatery, Fish Public is now officially open to the public. Owner and longtime local business owner, Tracy Borkum, opened doors on Tuesday evening, June 11th, to eager anticipation from the surrounding foodie community.  The new eatery has recently released Executive Chef Jordan Davis's new menu for the concept that took over the Kensington Grill. The lineup features seafood-centric fare with an emphasis on fresh catches from both Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Below you can find the full list of beverage and cocktail offerings and in addition, some details on FP's weekly happy hour specials which kick off this week!

Treat Your Original Superhero Right | Father’s Day Happenings and Specials All Over San Diego

June 13, 2013

With Father’s Day just around the corner, a few San Diego hot spots are offering extra special treatment so you can honor dear old dad. Whether he’s an outdoorsman or a guy who likes the finer things in life, any dad will appreciate a good meal and a good deal.  Check out SanDiegoVille's Round Up and let us know where you'll be taking Dad on his special day!

The 10th Annual 48 Hour Film Project Returns to San Diego | Registration Now Open

June 13, 2013

The 10th Annual 48 Hour Film Project returns to San Diego on the weekend of July 12 - 14, 2013. Amateur, novice and professional filmmakers from all over Southern California and Mexico will compete to see who can make the best short film in only 48 hours. The winning San Diego film will go up against films from around the world for the title "Best 48 Hour Film of 2013". Winning films are also eligible to be screened at the Cannes Film Festival.

San Diego SausageFest Returns to LoungeSix Wednesday, June 19th | Ten Chefs Battle For Best Sausage In Town

June 12, 2013
 
Ten battling restaurant chefs put their best meat recipe forward while the public blind votes on the best sausage at SausageFest 2013 on Wednesday, June 19th at Hotel Solamar's rooftop lounge, LOUNGEsix. Each year, San Diego's meat masters attempt to cut the competition for rights to the best sausage in town. In this exciting and outrageous cook-off, chefs enter their favorite sausage recipes, from Chorizo to Bratwurst, to present to the public for a winning vote. Come out on June 19th, and see who will be left high and dry, and who will smoke the competition and become the Sausage King of San Diego for 2013.

The Steakhouse at Azul Offers Amazing Value With New Patio Menu and Happy Hour Specials

June 11, 2013

Summer has nearly arrived, meaning longer days and warmer nights.  Fortunately for us San Diegans we have all year to lounge in the sun, but with more daylight hours, now is the perfect time to gather loved ones and friends for an evening on The Steakhouse at Azul La Jolla’s patio where a new lounge menu awaits, not to mention some sinfully good specialty drinks and amazing happy hour offerings.

Ballast Point Brewing up Third Location in Little Italy

June 10, 2013

Director of R&D/Specialty Brewer Colby Chandler

By Megan Gallagher | SanDiegoVille Contributor

Never a dull moment in the San Diego craft beer scene! Ballast Point has announced that another location is in the works, set to open in Little Italy in late summer 2013. The 9,000-square-foot facility on India Street will serve as the breeding ground for the company’s latest brewing experiments in a bold new move to expand their already popular selection of beers.

The Hake Kitchen & Bar Debuts on Prospect St. in La Jolla

June 9, 2013

The Hake Kitchen & Bar will open this June on Prospect Street in La Jolla, bringing a fresh new dining concept to the seaside town’s main drag.  The Hake offers modern interpretations of simple dishes inspired by global brasseries in an attractive, relaxed environment. This new “neighborhood brasserie” will become a gathering place for locals to enjoy inspired cuisine, a welcoming atmosphere and sophisticated service.