The Inaugural San Diego Bacon Fest Creates Controversy By Being Awesome

September 7, 2013

It has been one week since sweet smokey smells of bacon wafted through Liberty Station. The Inaugural Hormel Black Label Bacon Fest was organized to honor National Bacon Day, and that it did, as some of the best chefs, breweries, wineries and spirits manufacturers joined other vendors and a sold-out crowd of swine belly enthusiasts for a day of celebrating America's favorite meat product. Well, not everyone's favorite - animals rights activists and other PETA protestors lined the walkway into the event, forming an ironic 'welcoming party' boasting signs meant to shame festival goers for their participation in the gluttonous display. Though I always love seeing citizens exercising their First Amendment, it only made me hungrier.  After all, meat is murder; tasty, tasty murder. (credit to this guy's shirt ---->).

San Diego Spirits Festival | Showcasing the SD Cocktail Scene

September 6, 2013

Cervantes Magana doing his thing.

By Megan Gallagher | SanDiegoVille Contributor

Some people prefer vodka, some tequila, some rum, and all were welcome at the 5th annual San Diego Spirits Festival - a showcase of the latest and tastiest liquors available on the market. The unique event, named as one of the top 5 cocktail festivals in the United States by Fodors.com, gave patrons a chance to wet their whistle, with everything from shots of high-quality whiskey to fruity vodka concoctions. The San Diego Spirits Festival highlights the cocktail and culinary community and the talented bartenders and chefs who are shaking up San Diego's vibrant scene. We had our chance to get tipsy at the two-day event and it's safe to say that our palates were elevated - pre-mixed margaritas and Smirnoff just won't cut it anymore.

The ¡Latin Food Fest! Is Coming September 12-15 | Grand Tasting Event to take place at Broadway Pier on Sept. 14

September 6, 2013

The ¡Latin Food Fest! will take over San Diego with an array of exciting events from September 12-15.  Featuring classes, seminars, tastings, special dinners, and a host of premier offerings, the inaugural Latin Food Fest will kick off its 10 city tour starting in America's Finest City. In anticipation of this occasion, SanDiegoVille will be posting details about the Latin Food Fest's special events, starting with the Grand Tasting, set for Saturday, September 14!

Brazilian Steakhouse Fogo de Chão Now Open in Downtown San Diego | Marking its 20th U.S. location in heart of Gaslamp

September 5, 2013

Award-winning Fogo de Chão (pronounced fo-go dèe shoun), the authentic Southern Brazilian steakhouse, recently opened its 20th U.S. location in San Diego on 6th Avenue in the heart of the city’s historic Gaslamp Quarter inside the Borders Building. The restaurant’s dining experience is based on the centuries-old gaucho tradition known as churrasco, the art of roasting meats over an open fire. A prix fixe menu features freshly grilled meats carved tableside, as well as an extensive salad bar and authentic Brazilian sides.

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery | All Ready to Open in Del Mar Highlands Towne Center

September 4, 2013
 
Hailing from Denver, but known locally for its Hillcrest location, Snooze, an AM Eatery has earned a reputation as one of the hottest breakfast spots around (and, according to Zagat, one of the best restaurants in SD in 2013). Soon North County residents will be able to get their fix a little closer to home, as Snooze has taken over IHOP's former location in Del Mar Highlands Town Center and is scheduled to open on Friday, September 6.  We recently sampled the new Snooze and can attest that they are consistent and remain ready to satisfy their customers with approachable food executed with care and a flexible menu that's ready for the most creative customizations.

Indigo Grill Gets New Look & Menu

September 4, 2013

After 12 years as a leading name on the radar of many local diners, the Indigo Grill is about to get a fresh, modern look and an innovative menu to go along with it.  The Cohn Restaurant Group is pleased to announce notable San Diego designer, Michael Soriano, has been retained to reinvent the iconic space as it steps up to meet the growing needs of the vibrant and bustling Little Italy neighborhood.

Annual Del Mar Taste & Art Stroll Returns This Fall with Original Artwork, Culinary Offerings and Fun for the Whole Family | October 6

September 3, 2013

The Del Mar Village Association will host the Del Mar Taste & Art Stroll on Sunday, October 6. Held in the heart of the charming village of Del Mar, this annual event includes a free art stroll, ticketed restaurant tasting, live music, and a new Fido Festival for the family pooch.

Headliners Announced for the 32nd Annual Adams Avenue Street Fair | September 28 & 29

August 31, 2013

The Adams Avenue Street Fair, Southern California’s largest FREE two-day music festival, will celebrate its 32nd anniversary on Saturday, September 28, from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, and Sunday, September 29, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, on Adams Avenue, located in the Normal Heights community of San Diego. The Street Fair offers fantastic music for all-ages, all weekend, and includes over 90 live music acts on 7 stages,  four beer gardens, giant carnival rides and 300 craft & food vendors.

Make a Pit Stop at the Truck Stop - Pacific Beach’s Newest Breakfast Spot Takes Over Space Formerly Occupied by The Eggery

August 30, 2013

By Megan Gallagher | SanDiegoVille Contributor

When The Eggery closed down on Mission Boulevard after more than 26 years in business, breakfast lovers across San Diego mourned. Yelpers expressed their disappointment and recounted times when they had driven hours to enjoy the popular breakfast spot’s eggs Benedict, and the great customer service they received. Now, new owner Aaron Phillips is hoping to fill the void left behind, and then some. The Truck Stop, a place for “breakfast, BBQ and craft beers” had its soft opening earlier this month and is setting its sights on becoming another beloved San Diego breakfast hot spot.

New Belgium Brewing’s “Tour de Fat” Rolls into San Diego on September 28 for a Day of Bikes, Beer and Bemusement

August 28, 2013

If dressing freaky, riding bikes, listening to bands and drinking beer are things you like, then don’t miss the most FUN fundraiser around…Tour de Fat is coming back to town! New Belgium Brewing, the Fort Collins, CO based maker of Fat Tire Amber Ale and other award-winning beers, is bringing the 14th annual Tour de Fat to San Diego on Saturday, September 28 in Balboa Park.

Andaz San Diego Says Goodbye to Summer with Fortune’s Labor Day Weekend Rooftop Pool Party | Sunday, September 1

August 28, 2013

Andaz San Diego will wave goodbye to summer with a Fortune 421 Labor Day Weekend rooftop pool party on Sunday, September 1 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Partygoers can expect a can’t-miss afternoon of celebrating with San Diego’s hottest socialites and scene-chasers as they sip on Andaz cocktails and listen to the beats of talented DJs. After sunset, pool party guests are encouraged to stay as the Andaz rooftop space, recently renovated and renamed RoofTop600 at Andaz, transforms into an outdoor lounge and San Diego’s leading DJs spin into the night.

San Diego Sports Medicine Foundation Honors Tony Gwynn at its 12th Annual Taste at the Cove | September 5

August 27, 2013

Celebrating its 12th year as La Jolla Cove’s premier event, the annual fundraiser, Taste at the Cove, returns Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013 to honor heavy hitters in the sports and medical fields. Presented by Cymer, with title sponsors Wells Fargo and Viejas, this first-class event will bring guests food, fashion, one-of-a-kind auction items and professional athletes. As San Diego Sports Medicine Foundation’s (SDSMF) signature fundraiser, Taste at the Cove will honor one community legend and one medical champion. The five-star charity event will be held at Scripps Park at La Jolla Cove.

Enjoy Delectable Dishes from San Diego’s Finest Neighborhood Eateries at the 21st Annual Taste of Downtown | Thursday, September 26th

August 24, 2013 

Bring your appetite because the 21st Annual Taste of Downtown is back and better than ever! On Thursday, September 26 from 5 - 9PM, The Downtown San Diego Partnership and presenting sponsor Co-Merge are coming together to bring you a fabulous selection of over 50 of Downtown, San Diego’s most delicious eateries throughout the neighborhoods of the Gaslamp Quarter, Financial District, East Village and Horton Plaza.

Roseville Cozinha Honors Point Loma's Fishing History the Best Way It Can - Through Fresh & Delicious Offerings Presented with Pride

August 23, 2013

From the 1920s through the 1960s, San Diego was known as the Tuna Capital of the World. Though initiated by the Chinese and Japanese in the early 1890s, the tuna industry became dominated by the Portuguese and Italians in the early 1920's and they held their reign for decades to come.  Roseville Cozinha owner Michael Alves is a descendant of Point Loma's deeply rooted fishing tradition, and his restaurant pays homage to that history with everything from the food to the decor.

The Spirits of Mexico Festival Celebrates 10 Years in San Diego | September 17-21

August 23, 2013

The Spirits of Mexico Festival will celebrate its 10-year anniversary this fall when it returns to San Diego from Sept. 17 to 21. The annual festival, a five-day celebration of all things agave, has several new events this year in honor of the anniversary and will give attendees an opportunity to sip the newest and best tequila and mezcal on the market. The image of tequila has drastically evolved over the past ten years from a cheap drink found at college parties to a more sophisticated drink for sipping and tasting, and the Spirits of Mexico Festival is the event to experience, first hand, current tequila trends and appropriate tasting techniques.

Back on The Map - Guests Rediscover Tom Ham’s Lighthouse After Major Remodel to Design and Menu

Photo by Derek Plank courtesy of Tom Ham's Lighthouse

August 22, 2013

Following a $3.5 million renovation, designed by the late architect Graham Downes, Tom Ham’s Lighthouse now features a new interior design, menus, a bayfront bar – and still one of the best views in San Diego. The only restaurant in the country with a fully functioning U.S. Coast Guard lighthouse, Tom Ham’s Lighthouse has remained a San Diego institution for over 40 years on the tip of Harbor Island.

Three Innovators From Distinct Hospitality Backgrounds Join Together to Launch Waypoint Public in North Park | Take over space formerly occupied by The Linkery

August 21, 2013

Set to open doors in early October in one of San Diego’s most booming neighborhoods, Waypoint Public, is North Park’s newest casual bistro and bar devoted to celebrating California culture, cuisine and great beer. Founded by a team of hospitality industry veterans - John Pani, Brian Jensen, and Chef Amanda Baumgarten - this dynamic trio has teamed up as partners, each with their own distinct area of expertise, to take over the former Linkery space on the corner of 30th Street and North Park Way.

Davanti Enoteca to Host Winemakers Dinner with Highly Acclaimed ZD Wines on August 28

August 21, 2013

Davanti Enoteca in Little Italy will offer a six course winemaker dinner with award-winning ZD Wines on Wednesday, August 28. A meet and greet will take place at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by the dinner between 7 and 10 p.m. This evening will provide guests the rare opportunity to experience varietals from Napa Valley’s ZD Wines paired with rustic Davanti Enoteca courses thoughtfully crafted for the occasion.

Now In its Fifth Year - San Diego Spirits Festival Returns Ready to Shake Up America's Finest City | August 24-25

August 20, 2013

San Diego is more than just sun, sand, beach-life and craft beer!  With a nationally prominent nightlife scene and craft cocktail bars popping up throughout the area, San Diego is one of America’s most trendsetting cities for spirits.  In its fifth year, the San Diego Spirits Festival is expanding and will take over the Port Pavilion on the Broadway Pier for the weekend of August 24 & 25. The two-day celebration merges the three elements of a perfect time - cocktails, culinary creations and culture, and is sure to please the palates of everyone from the serious mixologist and professional chef, to the novice culinary enthusiast and regular cocktail drinker.  With live entertainment, bartender battles, chef shakedowns and demonstrations, burlesque, live music and even a fashion show, the 5th annual San Diego Spirits Festival will be the best version yet!