Duck, Duck...Duck | The Five Chef Societe II - Duck Tales Takes Off on December 5 at Handlery Hotel

November 18, 2013

The wild bunch behind the Mission Valley Craft Beer & Food Festivals are at it again.  On December 5 at The Handlery Hotel, five of San Diego's top chefs will converge for a special duck dinner paired with the fantastic Belgian-inspired beers from Societe Brewing. The Five Chef Societe II - Duck Tales is an event not to miss - the evening will start with hors d'oeuvres from Chef Matthew Morrison of Stone World Bistro & Gardens Liberty Station, and will continue with 5 duck-focused courses from Chef Daniel Barron of La Valencia Hotel, Chef Hanis Cavin of Carnitas Snack Shack, Chef Rich Sweeney from R Gang Eatery/Southpaw Social Club, Chef Matt Richman from Table 926, and the host-chef of the evening, Chef Karl Prohaska of Handlery Hotel.

Growler Freedom | California Breweries Can Now Fill Blank and Obscured Beer Containers In Accordance With New Law

November 16, 2013

Taking home 1-3 liters (and maybe up to 5 gallons) of your favorite San Diego beer may soon be a bit less cumbersome.  For far too long, the Alcoholic Beverage Control board (ABC) insisted that California law mandated that breweries could only fill growlers bearing their own distinct logo, i.e. a different growler bottle for every brewery.  With over 70 breweries in San Diego county, all those bulky bottles could take up a lot of cabinet space for the avid beer fanatic. Fortunately, this year, ABC revised its interpretation of the law to permit outside growler fills...but the requirements were still hazy.  Would you have to obscure the old label, or could you just cover it up with, say, duct tape?  Due to the confusion, most California breweries continued their refusal to refill outside/non-native growlers. Recently a law has been passed to clarify the growler confusion, and with that, Stone Brewing Co. revised its policy and will now fill blank and "completely obscured" growlers at all of their locations (no, not at the airport). Will the rest of San Diego's breweries follow suit?

The Headquarters is Ready to Open at San Diego's Seaport Village | New Destination Includes Nearly 30 Dining, Retail and Entertainment Establishments

November 15, 2013

This Monday, November 18, The Headquarters at Seaport Village will open to the public, offering cuisine for every palate with sumptuous indoor and al fresco dining at San Diego’s premier seaside shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Terramar Retail Centers has already unveiled its widely-anticipated collection of top restaurants for The Headquarters, including Mario Batali's Pizzeria Mozza, The Cheesecake Factory, Puesto, Eddie V’s, Seasons 52 and more.  The Headquarters is a $40 million adaptive re-use and renovation of the Old Police Headquarters building into an approximately 100,000-square-foot retail, dining and entertainment destination.

San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter Announces Plans to Open 'City Sights' at ALTITUDE Sky Lounge

November 14, 2013

San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter hotel has announced the addition of new venue “City Sights” to the hotel’s famed ALTITUDE Sky Lounge, the highest rooftop bar on the West Coast at 22 floors above street level. The expansion of ALTITUDE Sky Lounge to include City Sights will result in nearly 360-degree views as well as an ability to enjoy year-round gatherings and events on the hotel’s award-winning rooftop. City Sights is expected to complete construction in mid-December 2013.

An Inspirational Tour of Mexico's Valle de Guadalupe During the 3rd Annual Baja California Culinary Fest

November 13, 2013

There are very few places where one may feel truly at home, and on October 27, during the 3rd Annual Baja California Culinary Fest while touring through the gorgeous Valle de Guadalupe, SanDiegoVille founders experienced a feeling not felt since our very first visit to San Diego - a beckoning, a longing and a welcoming.  Along with a group of travel media, we ventured southeast to 'The Valle,' sipping, swirling and noshing as we explored many diverse and beautiful locations, including Malva at Viñedos Mina Penélope, Deckman's En Mogor at Mogor Badan vineyard, Almazara Gastrobar at Rancho Olivares, Encuentro Guadalupe, Latitud 32 at El Cielo, and finally to Chef Javier Placencia's Finca Altozano where we were treated to a wholesome 'family style' meal. It was a day we will never forget, and we are honored to share it with our readers!

Cohn Restaurant Group Introduces New Pizza, Salad & Rock N' Roll Concept to Oceanside | ZIGZAG Pizza Pie To Cater To Growing Fast-Casual Market

November 12, 2013

The Cohn Restaurant Group is pleased to announce ZIGZAG Pizza Pie, an all-new, quick-service restaurant in Oceanside. Located on the same block as their popular beachfront restaurant, 333 Pacific, ZIGZAG seats 60, and returns the group back to its original roots in fast-casual dining. The Cohn Restaurant Group first debuted in 1982 with Rory’s, a ‘50s style hamburger and hot dog joint located on Mission Gorge. Now, more than 30 years and 15 restaurants later, having developed outstanding chef-driven and fine dining concepts throughout the Southern California area, they’re re-joining the fast-causal market, adding to their diverse roster of award-winning venues.

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights Announces Theme for 42nd Annual Parade | December 8 & 15, 2013

November 11, 2013

The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights announced today the theme for the 42nd annual holiday parade, scheduled for the evenings of Saturday, December 8 & 15. Participants in this year’s cherished holiday event will decorate their boats according to the chosen theme, “The Big Bay Toy Parade.”

Whiskey Girl Turns Eight!!! Celebrate With Them on November 13

November 10, 2013

Whiskey Girl is turning eight years old and to celebrate the milestone, they are hosting an 8th Anniversary Party on Wednesday, November 13.  Whiskey Girl is one of the longest running venues in the Gaslamp and has been listed in Nightclub & Bars Top 100 in 2012. The fun and festivities begin at 7pm by invitation only, and the party is open to the public at 9pm.

Local Businesses Support La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival | December 8

November 8, 2013

The newly formed non-profit La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival Foundation announces it is able to keep the tradition alive for the 56th annual event.  The parade and holiday festival, which draws over 25,000 people a year, will kick off Sunday, December 8, 2013 at 2 pm. The theme this year is “Christmas in the Surf and Sand.” In honor of their 50 years, the WindanSea Surf Club has been named Grand Marshal of the event.

Scavenging Around San Diego | Exciting Fun at The Great Urban Race

November 7, 2013

By Megan Gallagher | SanDiegoVille Contributor

Arriving at the Great Urban Race on Saturday morning, our team (Team SugarRush based on our candy-themed costumes), was full of anticipation and excitement about what was going to happen over the next few hours. Perhaps one of the greatest elements of the race is that you really don’t know what to expect going into it, so it is anybody’s game. We had researched clues and challenges given in previous races and eagerly wondered, “will we have to eat something strange?”, “will we have to solve a Sudoku puzzle?”, and “is there actual running involved?” The answer to all of those questions, as we found out throughout the afternoon, was yes.

The Ugly Sweater Run Makes Its First Visit to San Diego | Nov. 30

November 6, 2013

Bringing light to a very serious matter... horrible holiday sweaters, The Ugly Sweater Run, presented by Human Movement Management (HMM), invites San Diego to celebrate the holidays by participating in the ‘Ugliest 5k on the Planet’. Runners, walkers, children and four-legged friends will unite at NTC Park on Saturday, Nov. 30 for a little cardio, hot chocolate, Samuel Adams beer and a winter wonderland celebration.

The Times They Are a Changin' | Openings, Closings and Rumors In Pacific Beach

November 5, 2013

San Diego's rowdy oceanside town of Pacific Beach has recently had a whole host of changes take place in its inundated dining and bar scene. It seemed like many of these developments happened over night, so in order for us to keep track of them, we wanted to document all the developments in one place.

Los Angeles-Based Create-Your-Own-Pizza Chain To Open 20 Locations in San Diego

November 5, 2013

America's Finest Pizza City may soon be overpopulated, as LA-based The Pizza Studio has big plans to expand into San Diego County after signing a multi-unit development agreement for 20 new locations with veteran restaurant entrepreneur George Katakalidis. The first location will open in downtown San Diego in January 2014, with a second location in Kearny Mesa opening in March 2014.  The Pizza Studio is a fast-casual franchise concept that invites guests to create their own custom pizza masterpiece. A wide assortment of crusts, sauces, meats, fresh and roasted vegetables and other ingredients are offered. Wait, wasn't that Kramer's idea?!?

Our Top 5 Picks For the 10th Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival | November 18-24

November 4, 2013

We've covered the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival for the past two years, and although the events vary year after year, we have a good idea of what to expect.  We've looked over the schedule of nearly 30 meals, demos, classes and events offered throughout the weeklong epicurean extravaganza and have broken down our top 5 picks for the 10th incarnation of Southern California's largest culinary festival.

Roy's Remains Remarkable | Roy's Pacific Rim Cuisine in La Jolla Stays True To Form After Extensive Changes

November 3, 2013

In February 2013, Roy's Hawaiian Fusion in La Jolla underwent a complete overhaul, from the name and branding, to the decor and menu, to the chef-partner.  The location on Genessee Avenue is the same, but Roy Yamaguchi's Pacific Rim Cuisine is the new name. Former Executive Chef Perci Oani is now at The Shores Restaurant, since being supplanted by Chef Partner Charles Andres.  New items are on the menu, and the interior has been casualized, but regulars need not fret, as Roy's still maintains its menu favorites, it's commitment to only the freshest ingredients, a lovely decor, and impeccable service.

San Diego Cellars Opens First Combination Urban Winery, Tasting Room and Kitchen in Little Italy

November 2, 2013

San Diego wine enthusiasts have another reason to head to Little Italy this fall - San Diego Cellars.  The fully operational urban winery, tasting room and kitchen, is set to officially grand open to the public on Saturday, November 9 at 2215 Kettner Blvd. in Little Italy. The recently opened urban facility, encompassing a tasting room and kitchen, wine preparation area and outdoor garden patio, is currently open Tuesday through Sunday at 3pm.

Queenstown Public House | Gourmet Burgers in Little Italy - Kiwi Style

November 1, 2013

By Ryan Bridge | SanDiegoVille Contributor

Photo by Carly Ealy

If you’re looking to find a great burger in downtown San Diego, you’ve got a lot of options to choose from. Variations on the American staple are so abundant that restaurants have to create something truly special to stand out. Queenstown Public House, situated on the corner of Columbia and Cedar in Little Italy, stands above the rest by crafting delicious selections of unique, organic burgers and sandwiches, while maintaining a friendly New Zealand attitude. Run by the owners of Pacific Beach’s Bareback Grill and Ocean Beach’s Raglan Public House, Queenstown boasts gourmet burgers, an impressive beer list, and delectable house specialties in an adorable setting.

Mia Francesca and Davanti Enoteca Show Off Autumnal Additions | Del Mar Promenade's Sister Italian Restaurants Offer New Menu Items for Fall

October 31, 2013

Located on the second floor of Del Mar Highlands Town Center, Mia Francesca and Davanti Enoteca each offer contemporary and creative takes on classic Italian dishes.  With a culinary philosophy that embraces the use of seasonal, local ingredients, the sister restaurants have introduced a tasty lineup of warming autumn flavors to showcase Fall crops in a modern way.  We recently visited the restaurant duo, and enjoyed some of their seasonal offerings that will certainly ease diners into the crisper weather.

Baja California Culinary Fest Chef's Dinner | Eight Courses at La Caza Club in Tijuana

October 30, 2013

The Baja California Culinary Fest is a celebration of the upscale gastronomical explosion in Baja Mexico, marked by the featured Friday night Chef's Dinners, hosted by more than thirty chefs at seven different restaurants across Tijuana, making for a once in a lifetime dining experience.  We had the honor and pleasure of enjoying our Chef's Dinner at one of TJ's newest hotspots -  La Caza Club, a warm and beautiful space, accented with library-like features, from oversized leather booths, to bookshelves, to antlered busts donning the dark wood walls. We cozied into our seats, ready to embark on an eight course eating adventure prepared by our esteemed host chefs - La Caza Club's chef Humberto Aviles, San Diego's own - Jason Knibb of NINE-TEN, Ensenada's Chef Juantxo Sanchez, and Chef Jose Miguel Garcia of La Barraca Valenciana.  This magnificent meal was accompanied by wine and beer pairings chosen by the talented Juan Pablo Vazquez of La Guia del Vino.