Getting Figgy at the San Diego Public Market | Inaugural San Diego Fig Fest Wows With Brilliant Dishes Demonstrating the Versatility of the California Fig

Dish offered by Chef Bernard Guillas
of the Marine Room

September 13, 2013

California figs were truly honored at the first ever San Diego Fig Fest, which took place on Sunday, September 8 at the outdoor National Plaza of the San Diego Public Market in Barrio Logan.  Over 400 attendees endured San Diego's heatwave to enjoy offerings from some of the finest chefs of Baja and San Diego.  Nearly 40 restaurants and food purveyors joined together to showcase the versatility of the fig, and they did so elegantly with inventive dishes that ranged from crepes, to dumplings, to gazpacho and on, and on, and on.

2013 San Diego Film Festival Announces its First Wave of Films | October 2-6

September 12, 2013

The San Diego Film Festival has announced its line-up for their 2013 event, held October 2 - 6 at two locations - Reading Theater in Gaslamp and ArcLight Cinemas in Westfield UTC Mall in La Jolla.  Featuring more than 100 screenings throughout five days, the festival includes eight categories of film -  Features, Documentaries, Native American, Music, Sports, Fashion, World Issues, and Film Shorts.  Additionally, the San Diego Film Festival will be honoring esteemed filmmaker Judd Apatow for their annual Tribute Gala on October 3rd.

Sinsay's Last Supper At La Villa | Chef Wows Before Return to Malarkey's Fabric Restaurant Empire

September 12, 2013

It has been less than three months since Anthony Sinsay left his position as Executive Chef at Burlap in the Del Mar Highlands Town Center (now Searsucker Del Mar) to take the lead at La Villa in Little Italy, but news broke this week that the young chef will return to Brian Malarkey's fabric brand to take the helm at the highly anticipated Herringbone in Los Angeles (set to open New Years' Eve 2013 in the Mondrian hotel).  We were fortunate to very recently get a sampling of Sinsay's Italian and Mediterranean inspired menu at La Villa (only a couple short days before he left the restaurant), and although we wish Chef Sinsay the best during his tenure in LaLa land, we are more than disheartened to see another talented culinarian depart San Diego for "greener"($$) pastures (we'll never concede that L.A. has anything on SD!).

Davanti Enoteca Named One of the Top 20 Italian Restaurants in the Country by The Daily Meal

September 11, 2013

San Diegans can now taste one of the 20 best Italian restaurants in the country without leaving the city! The Daily Meal has named Davanti Enoteca one of the top 20 Italian restaurants in the nation. Sharing a roster with names like Babbo in NYC, Scampo in Boston & Vincenti Ristorante in L.A. this is a proud moment for restaurateur/chef Scott Harris to have his flagship Davanti in Chicago recognized with such an honor. Scott's family here in San Diego, including wife Dana and the staff at Davanti Enoteca in Little Italy and Del Mar Highlands, are excited to celebrate this with the local community.

Spirits of Mexico Tequila Trail Event Returns to Old Town Sept. 19

September 10, 2013

Tequila Trail, part of the 10th annual Spirits of Mexico Festival, returns to Old Town San Diego on Thursday, Sept. 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. For the price of a $35 ticket, Mexican cuisine and tequila lovers will blaze through the streets of Old Town sampling selections of agave spirits paired with culinary specialties from 10 participating restaurants.

San Diego Zoo Food & Wine Celebration Offers Culinary Delights While Benefiting Wildlife Conservation | Saturday, September 21

September 9, 2013
 
Don't miss the wildest food event in San Diego at the San Diego Zoo Food & Wine Celebration on Saturday, September 21. This event is presented by Cymer and is always a spectacular party not to be missed, as guests attending the annual fundraising can sample culinary delights and sip on beverages from more than 150 of the San Diego area's best restaurants, wineries and breweries and meet exotic animals like a koala and cheetah up close, all while benefiting wildlife conservation efforts.  Don't miss out on one of the most unique and fun food events in San Diego.

Take Me Out to Southpaw Social Club | The East Village's Newest Gastropub Pairs a Prime Park Location with Classic Americana Comforts

September 8, 2013

In June, Good Time Design solidified its stronghold of the East Village with the opening of Southpaw Social Club at the space formerly occupied by El Vitral.  Teaming up with Top Chef alum and chef/owner of R Gang Eatery, Rich Sweeney, as consulting executive chef, the gastropub focuses on social dining with an array of shared plates and modernized, classic-Americana inspired dishes.  With a sophisticated bar list that includes over 30 craft beers, an extensive wine selection, cocktails by Blind Tiger Cocktail Company, and an amazing back patio looking out onto Petco Park, Southpaw is certainly a destination for anyone looking for a fun, yet refined experience in the heart of downtown San Diego.

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.