San Diego History Center Hosts History Happy Hour With Stone Brewing Co. and Soda & Swine | November 1

October 21, 2013

San Diego History Center’s History Happy Hours are a public program that have been running in congruence with the exhibition Bottled & Kegged: San Diego’s Craft Brew Culture.  Each month the center invites a brewer to speak for about 30-45 minutes to a group of about 150-200 people, sample their beer, see the exhibition, and eat amazing food from the city’s coolest restaurants. On November 1 from 5:30-7:30pm, the SDHC will be teaming up with Stone Brewing Co. and Soda & Swine.

Memelas & Thai Bistro Celebrates 2 Year Anniversary With Charitable Giving | November 8

October 20, 2013

Memelas & Thai Bistro in Chula Vista marks its 2-year anniversary on Friday, Nov. 8, 2013 with a nonprofit partnership. A portion of the day’s proceeds will go to Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, a local nonprofit organization committed to seeing that every child with a physical deformity is given the opportunity to have positive self image through the gift of reconstructive surgery, and related healthcare services. Memelas & Thai Bistro opened its doors in November 2011 to serve up Thai-Mex and rock. Guests who walk through the doors at Memelas encounter a mix of Mexican food, Thai food, and rock and roll music.

Carlsbad's West Inn & Suites to Host 7th Annual Holiday Event and Toys For Tots Drive | December 5

October 19, 2013

The West Inn & Suites hotel in charming Carlsbad will host their 7th Annual Holidays at West Village celebration and Toys for Tots drive on December 5, 2013. Each year, the hotel opens its doors to spread holiday cheer throughout the Carlsbad community and North County region. Hosted together with Bistro West and West Steak and Seafood restaurants, the free holiday celebration invites friends and families to enjoy a multitude of festive activities. This year’s event will feature cookie decorating, face painting, chestnut roasting, horse drawn carriage rides and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Complimentary seasonal treats by West’s executive chef Eugenio Martignago will accompany an offering of spirits and warm beverages.

Andaz San Diego to Host Masquerade-Themed Official Maxim Halloween 2013 Party on October 31 | Three Levels of Entertainment and Special Appearances by Maxim Models

October 18, 2013

Andaz San Diego is in for a happy Halloween as Maxim Magazine takes over the luxury hotel for one of a limited number of official, nationwide Halloween 2013 bashes. Maxim presents: the Dos Equis Masquerade at Andaz San Diego will take place Thursday, October 31 between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m.  This highly-anticipated red carpet party, presented by Dos Equis, will transform the Andaz hotel into a thrilling tri-level experience complete with costumes, cocktails and devilishly hot models.

La Fête Magnifique! | The New Children's Museum Throws Lavish Feasting in Versailles Fundraiser

October 17, 2013

The New Children's Museum closed for a month to prepare the 3 story space for its fourth interactive exhibition - Feast: The Art of Playing With Your Food.  On Thursday, October 10, the museum reopened in grandiose fashion. Generous donors (many fashioned as French aristocrats) dished out $500 a plate to be whisked away to a time long ago for a dramatic six course meal at the VIP patron's exhibit preview and dinner, appropriately coined 'Feasting in Versailles.' Featuring a themed performance by Grammy nominated Sacha Boutros, a Pink Carpet reception and cocktail hour, 6 courses of amazing culinary offerings from some of the areas most prominent chefs, a riveting live auction, a dessert buffet and tours of the new exhibition, this was an evening unlike any other and a magnificent reopening for one of the area's most interactive and progressive museums.

BO-Beau Kitchen + Garden Now Open in La Mesa Village | The Cohn Restaurant Group Expands to East County with its Popular French Comfort Concept

October 16, 2013

The Cohn Restaurant Group is proud to announce the opening of La Mesa’s BO-beau kitchen + garden at the space formerly occupied by Gingham. With this new expansion, Operating Partner Michelle Kveen and Partner Deborah Scott join David & Lesley Cohn to cater to the unique needs of the La Mesa neighborhood, while also presenting many of the same core values that led to success at the original location in Ocean Beach.

Salt & Cleaver | A Sausage Party in Hillcrest

October 16, 2013

By Ryan Bridge | SanDiegoVille Contributor

When I heard that a spot in Hillcrest had opened up in May that served artisan sausages, featured a killer beer selection, and cooked using local, Suzie's Farm organic ingredients, I had to check it out. Salt & Cleaver, located on 5th Street between University and Robinson, brings a new perspective to the age-old craft of sausage making. Executive Chef Carlos SanMartano, who for the last couple of years had been working closely with local celebrity chef Brian Malarkey, demonstrates his ability in the kitchen and brings a global and sumptuous twist to elevate our meat-stuffed favorite pastime.  After scanning the menu several times online in anticipation for our dinner at Salt & Cleaver, I had developed a serious craving for sausage that I was eager to satisfy.

Waypoint Public Now Open | Partners, John Pani, Brian Jensen and Amanda Baumgarten Present North Park's Newest Neighborhood Bistro & Beer Bar

October 15, 2013

Having opened doors 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 former Top Chef Amanda Baumgarten, this dynamic trio, each with their own distinct area of expertise, has taken over the former Linkery space on the corner of 30th Street and North Park Way.

El Dorado Cocktail Lounge Celebrates Half A Decade | Party With the Gang on November 5

October 14, 2013

Humbly located amidst the hustle and bustle of Broadway Street along the outskirts of downtown’s East Village neighborhood, El Dorado Cocktail Lounge opened doors in 2008 as one of the city’s very first bars solely devoted to the art craft cocktails. To celebrate half a decade of success, on Tuesday, November 5th, the four founders of El Dorado will reunite behind the bar for the first time since year ONE to stir, shake and strain amongst their closest friends and family. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. El D will throw a not-to-be-missed happy hour as a special thank you to all who have helped them along the way. The night’s lineup of classic hand crafted creations will consist of their top six cocktails over the last five years. The memorable event will come complete with a star-studded step and repeat, complimentary bites from a handful of CH Projects’ eateries, sets from EL D’s favorite local DJs, roving photography and a nostalgic slideshow.

Third Annual Baja California Culinary Fest Honors Regions Innovative Cuisine, Unique Flavors and Prominent Chefs | Oct. 24-27

October 13, 2013

The third annual Baja California Culinary Fest will celebrate the region’s artisanal food, premium wines and craft beers being produced throughout the Mexican state, Oct. 24-27. Featuring special dinners, tastings, cooking classes, competitions and entertainment, the region’s distinctive gourmet fare will take center stage with 25 of Baja California’s culinary stars and top sommeliers. A significant driver of tourism, Baja’s cuisine was recently declared an intangible cultural heritage to the state by the World Tourism Organization (WTO).

San Diego Brewers Shine at the Great American Beer Festival | Local Breweries Receive 11 Medals at The Largest Commercial Beer Competition in the World

October 12, 2013

The 2013 Great American Beer Festival (GABF) is taking place this weekend in Denver, CO and the competition just wrapped up, awarding 252 medals to some of the best breweries in the United States. Presented by the Brewers Association, GABF is the largest commercial beer competition in the world and a symbol of brewing excellence. In its 27th year, the 2013 competition surpassed all previous participation records, setting the bar high. San Diego Brewers did well at this year's event, receiving an astounding 11 medals in various categories.

San Diego Beer Week Returns for its Fifth Installment | Nov. 1-10

October 11, 2013

Mayor Jerry Sanders tapping the cask at the 2012 Brewers Guild Fest
Photo by Tim King

From Friday, November 1 through Sunday, November 10, breweries and restaurants will host over 600 events ranging from cask nights to beer dinners in honor of the 5th annual San Diego Beer Week (SDBW). SDBW is the largest craft brewing event in Southern California and has doubled in size since it's inaugural year in 2009, from 9,000 attendees to 20,000 in 2012. For the first time, SDBW will kick-off with a two-day main event that includes the VIP Brewer Takeover and San Diego Brewers Guild Festival. The week's festivities conclude with the Beer Garden at the Lodge at Torrey Pines, a gourmet beer and food pairing event that will showcase 24 breweries with 12 local chefs.

All in the NeighBEERhood | Supporting Local Breweries & Growing the Craft Beer Culture

October 10, 2013

Don't miss the chance to join local brewers and craft beer enthusiasts on Tuesday, October 22 from 6-9:30pm for “All in the Neighbeerhood,” a triple-tap takeover at the new San Diego Brew Project (inside Fifty Seven Degrees wine warehouse) hosted by Craft Company.  This exclusive event will provide beer lovers with the opportunity to taste some of Modern Times' exciting new beer recipes as well as special guest breweries Acoustic Ales and Amplified Ale Works, all while vibing to live music, participating in live craft beer art (you can take your masterpiece home!), raffling off cool merchandise from local breweries, playing games, goodie bags, and more!

San Diego Coastkeeper and SeaWorld Team Up to Keep Mission Bay Beautiful | Don't Miss Clean the Bay Day on Oct. 26

October 9, 2013

San Diego Coastkeeper and SeaWorld are teaming up to keep Mission Bay beautiful with the 2nd annual Mission Possible: Clean the Bay Day on Saturday, Oct. 26. Participants can bring their boat, kayak or paddleboard to join the on-water effort, either on their own or as a team with family, friends or coworkers. Those who cannot participate on the water can join the shoreline cleanup. Organizers will award prizes, including yearlong passes to SeaWorld, beluga interactions, penguin tours and more. The cleanup will take place on Mission Bay from 8-11am. Food from Rubio’s, prizes and fun will complement the cleanup throughout the morning at Rose Marie Starns South Shores Park. 

Eight of San Diego's Best Chefs Converge for an Opus to Swine | The Heavenly Hog Fall Pig Out Takes Over La Valencia Hotel This Friday, October 11

October 8, 2013

This Friday, October 11th, eight of San Diego's top chefs will join forces at the historic La Valencia Hotel for a hog wild event unlike any other. The inaugural Heavenly Hog Fall Pig Out will feature eight courses of porky goodness, as each of the eight chefs blindly selected a part of the pig to feature in his dish, ensuring nothing goes to waste. And if eight courses of swine weren't enough, each dish will be paired with a boozy beverage of the chef's choosing, enabling each chef to fully craft the experience for their course.

Simply Local | A New Merchant Marketplace Boasting Art, Culture & Community

October 7, 2013

By Megan Gallagher | SanDiegoVille Contributor

As much as the push to buy local and organic products, and support local businesses is alive and well in San Diego, the truth is that it can be difficult to follow that mantra because you cannot always fulfill all of your needs in one place. After all, there is no “mall” for local products, and travelling from merchant to merchant can be time consuming. Unfortunately, it is simply more convenient to cover ground in a supermarket or a big-brand store. Local entrepreneur Brian Beevers is looking to change all of that. Beevers, who operates three farmers’ markets throughout San Diego, has just announced plans for Simply Local, a local merchant emporium offering locally made products.

Bang Bang Rocks Our World | Much More Than Just Ryan Gosling's Pretty Face

October 6, 2013

If you know about Bang Bang, you've undoubtedly heard of the shrine to Ryan Gosling in one of the women's bathroom stalls.  It has been plastered on the U-T, on Eater.com, and on the social media pages of every starry-eyed socialite in town - even being featured in stories by the Hollywood Reporter and LAist.  Upon inspection, there are even lipstick smatterings on most of the photos, which is both unsanitary and borderline demented.   We're here to tell our readers that there is far more to Bang Bang than a silly stall, as the eatery is artistically designed and offers delicious Japanese-fusion fare in a fun and hip setting.

Suzie’s Farm Hosts First Annual “Dia De Los Muertos” Celebration | November 2

October 5, 2013

Suzie’s Farm is thrilled to welcome the San Diego community to the inaugural Dia De Los Muertos celebration at its new outdoor event space, The Grove. Guests will exalt the endless cycle of life and death at the family-friendly event featuring traditional Mexican food prepared by acclaimed local chefs, holiday inspired artwork by local artists, craft cocktails and live entertainment. On Saturday, November 2 from 6-10pm, participants will gather at the beautiful 2-acre outdoor event facility for a fun celebration of the Day of the Dead.

San Diego’s 9th Annual Chef Showdown | A Heated Competition to Benefit the Center for Community Solutions

October 4, 2013

WINNING TEAM: Evgeny Anisimov, Jeff Josenhans, Scotty Wagner,
Amy Dibiase (team captain), Lori Sauer and Percy Oani.

By Megan Gallagher | SanDiegoVille Contributor

San Diego’s top chefs and mixologists showcased their competitive sides last week at this year's Chef Showdown, using their culinary chops and creativity in an entertaining battle for the title, raising over $150,000 in support of the Center for Community Solutions. The 9th annual Chef Showdown took place on September 26 at the NTC Promenade at Liberty Station and was not only a showcase of culinary talent, but also an evening of celebration and support for a center dedicated to the prevention of sexual assault and domestic violence in San Diego.