Veteran Beer & Restaurant Industry Team Gears Up for Launch of San Diego's Newest Brewery | Welcome URBN St. Brewing Co to El Cajon

February 27, 2014

Hospitality veteran Jon Mangini of URBN Restaurants Inc. (BASIC Urban Kitchen + Bar, URBN Coal Fired Pizza, GANG Kitchen) will open doors this April to URBN Coal Fired Pizza El Cajon and URBN’s new in-house brewery operation, URBN St. Brewing Co. The 4,000 square foot dual-concept launch will take Mangini’s collective eastward, bringing a renewed spirit to a bustling street corner at 110 N. Magnolia Avenue in the heart of downtown El Cajon.  Previously occupied by El Cajon Brewing Company, the space is currently undergoing construction to boast the same raw industrial elements and casual urban appeal that has become Jon’s signature mark on the city’s hospitality scene.

Local Habit to Host 3rd Annual Classic Crawfish Boil Featuring Valiant Brewing and the Euphoria Brass Band | March 1-2

February 27, 2014

In anticipation of Mardi Gras, Hillcrest's Local Habit will celebrate its 3rd Classic Crawfish Boil on Saturday, March 1 and Sunday, March 2 with banquet style creole delights on a first-come, first-served basis, including craft brew pairings from Valiant Brewing near Anaheim and jazzy live performances from the Euphoria Brass Band. Last year, over 500 lbs of crawfish were cooked up over the weekend for this exciting and festive event!

Feathers, Beads, Flair...AND Snoop Dogg at the 20th Annual Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp | Fat Tuesday, March 4

February 26, 2014

San Diego's annual Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp Celebration and Parade has pulled out all the stops for it's 20th year! The party that San Diegans know and love returns to 5th Avenue Fat Tuesday, March 4. The performers, parade and spectacle is set to be the best ever for the over 30,000 revelers expected to attend, as this year will feature a special DJ set from the hip-hopping, show stopping DJ Snoopadelic (yes, the actual Snoop Dogg will reportedly be spinning). Twenty-Two city blocks within the venue will feature 3 main stages and 3 satellite stages along and adjacent to 5th Avenue, each stage featuring live DJ entertainment as entertainers and dancers perform and toss beads to the crowd in true Mardi Gras fashion.

Davanti Enoteca in Del Mar to Host 5 Course “Tour of Italy” Wine Dinner on March 6

February 25, 2014

Davanti Enoteca in Del Mar will offer a five course Italy-themed wine pairing dinner on Thursday, March 6 between 7-9 pm. The evening will provide guests the opportunity to taste a selection of Italian red and white varietals from an assortment of regions in Italy.  This is the first wine dinner menu from new Chef de Cuisine Michael Nogera, who took the reins of the Davanti Enoteca Del Mar kitchen in January 2014 and will showcase his culinary prowess with dishes like braised rabbit and smoked pork loin. Each wine will be paired with rustic fare from Chef Nogera, while Johnathan Gragg, certified sommelier and representative for Estate Wines, will present and educate guests on the unique qualities of each wine.

Alchemy Turns Five and Celebrates with a Month of Specials!

February 24, 2014

Alchemy is turning FIVE and will celebrate this milestone the best way a restaurant can - by showing appreciation for their customers! During the month long celebration, the South Park eatery will be offering all of their bar snacks for only $5, $5 Tapena Wines, $5 Mia Wines, and $3.50 Societe Harlot drafts (an Alchemy and SanDiegoVille favorite). Chef Ricardo will also be featuring one or two "throwback" dishes over the next month on a rotating basis to commemorate the last five years.

Pillbox Tavern & Grill is Coming to Solana Beach

February 23, 2014

From restaurateurs Leigh Gibson (Dirty Birds, La Jolla Brewing Company) and Mike Garcia of Saddle Bar, get ready to welcome Pillbox Tavern & Grill to Solana Beach. The team is currently revamping the space previously occupied by Sushi Solana, readying to open this Summer, possibly sooner. Expect a refined "gastropub" with a strong focus on an elevated menu, as well as a lengthy list of local craft beer.  

Chef Kyle Bergman Out at La Valencia Hotel

February 22, 2014

Chef Kyle Bergman announced on his Facebook this morning that he will no longer be cooking at La Valencia Hotel. Prior to jumping onboard to assist with La V's Mediterranean Room redesign, "The Med," Bergman worked as executive chef at North Park's Ritual Tavern and chef de cuisine at The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines.  Bergman was woo'ed over to The Pink Lady by the resort's executive chef Daniel Barron in September of last year. No word yet on where Bergman will go to next or the reason for his departure. Godspeed.

Karl Strauss Collaborates with the Aussies that Inspired a Brewing Revolution

February 21, 2014

Karl Strauss Brewing Company is celebrating 25 years of crafting the San Diego scene with a nod to its roots—a collaboration with the Australian brewery that inspired San Diego’s craft beer revolution. Karl Strauss Co-founder, Chris Cramer, first experienced micro-brewed beer when he was visiting Freemantle, Australia in the mid 1980’s.

Top Chef Richard Blais' Juniper & Ivy Set To Open its Doors In Little Italy March 3

February 20, 2014

He's already shown himself the best from a group of previous Top Chef contestants when he came out victorious on Bravo's Top Chef All Stars competition, but we'll soon see how he fares compared to San Diego's Top Chef Alums when Richard Blais joins the likes of Rich Sweeney, Amanda Baumgarten and Brian Malarkey as a chef in America's Finest City.  Juniper & Ivy, a modernist American restaurant from acclaimed Chef Richard Blais, will open its doors in Little Italy, San Diego, on Monday, March 3.

A Musically Enhanced Culinary Experience at Storytellers Pop Up Dinner | 5 Courses at Pizza Port OB on Feb. 23

February 19, 2014

Chef Nick Brune of Eco Caters and Hillcrest’s Local Habit are set to collaborate with musician, Katie Leigh and the Infantry, and Pizza Port Ocean Beach for a special evening of great food complemented by awesome live music and delicious craft beer at the latest installment of the popular Storytellers Pop-Up Dinner, set to take place at Pizza Port Ocean Beach on Sunday, February 23.

Jsix Returns Revitalized After Extensive Renovations to Restaurant and Menu

Chef Graves' Rainbow Beet Terrine

February 19, 2014

With its much-anticipated renovation completed, Jsix Restaurant at Hotel Solamar has reopened its doors to welcome San Diegans back to its tables. Located in downtown’s East Village, the restaurant has retained the unique charm and culinary perspective that have made it a top choice for neighborhood dining for the past seven years, but it has been dialed up with a completely overhauled interior and refocused food and drink programs. Created by award-winning Executive Chef Christian Graves, the new menu offers guests sophisticated examples of scratch-cooked American cuisine. To complement Graves’ food, Jsix added top bartender Nate Howell to the roster to engineer a bar program that exemplifies the tradition and history of cocktails. The result is a modern American restaurant that serves quality food and drinks that honor the past and recognize its place in the future.

Southern African Eatery, Peri-Peri, Set to Open in Torrey Highlands This March

February 18, 2014

San Diego will welcome a Southern African restaurant concept to its growing ethnic food scene this spring, as Peri-Peri will make its debut March 1 in the Torrey Highlands Village Center with a unique menu offering the flavorful and aromatic specialties of Southern Africa. Owner William Sussman previously announced the opening of Peri-Peri in 2012, as it was set to take over the former Vigilucci's space in La Jolla (now occupied by Iberico Spanish Bistro), but plans fell through at that location.

Raglan Public House Celebrates Two Flavorful Years | Anniversary Party on Feb. 27

February 17, 2014

Raglan Public House in Ocean Beach will celebrate their two year anniversary with a BIG BASH on Thursday, February 27 that will include drink specials, delicious food and or course, their signature craft beer selection and a Pizza Port tap takeover. All San Diegans who are looking for great food, ice cold beer, and fantastic company are invited to the celebration.

San Diego Chefs Salute Tommy Gomes | A Seafood and Beer Festival in Honor of America's Finest Fish Monger

February 15, 2014

San Diego Chefs Salute Tommy Gomes is set to be one of the most delicious culinary events San Diego has ever seen.  Taking place on Sunday, February 23 at Handlery Hotel, the event will feature tastes from the area's best chefs, all coming together to pay tribute to America's Finest Fish Monger - Tommy Gomes of Catalina Offshore Products. While the event was slated to be a grandiose food festival originally offering 500 passes, plans have changed and organizers have scaled down the attendance to make for a more intimate tribute.  The roster has also been altered a bit with some participants dropping out and others added.  We have all the updated details right here for this festival in honor of San Diego's favorite seafood supplier.

Paradise Point's Baleen to Close to Prepare New Concept

February 14, 2014

Paradise Point's signature waterfront restaurant Baleen will close on Monday, February 17, and reopen in April as a new concept with Chef Amy DiBiase at the helm.  The new restaurant, with a new name soon to be announced, will offer a thoughtfully curated selection of local seafood, seasonal ingredients and craft beverages in a chic, laid-back bayside setting.

10th Anniversary Pliny The Younger Makes Its Way to San Diego | Where to Find Russian River Brewing's Extremely Popular Seasonal "Triple IPA"

February 13, 2014

Sure, you can head up to Russian River Brewing Company in Sonoma Valley, California and deal with an 8 hour line, or you can keep reading and get your taste of this ever-so-popular, award winning, seasonal triple IPA at one of San Diego's best beer bars.  The extremely limited release of the 10th Anniversary Pliny The Younger is being distributed throughout San Diego by none other than Stone Brewing Co., so whatever bars receive kegs of "The Younger" will be getting them directly from Stone.  We've got the scoop on when and where it will be arriving, so keep reading, mark your calendar, and get a taste of one of the world's most coveted brews.

Mission Federal ArtWalk Celebrates 30th Anniversary with Inaugural Graffiti Show and New Interactive Elements

February 13, 2014

In celebration of its 30th year, Mission Federal ArtWalk is excited to introduce the inaugural Off the Wall Urban Show 2014, featuring acclaimed street artists Chor Boogie, Mike “Bam” Tyau, APEX and Codak. These internationally recognized artists will create artwork live on constructed walls from noon until 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 26. ArtWalk patrons can create their own artwork throughout the day with the festival’s newest interactive element, creating colorful mandalas.

Latitude 33 Brewing to Celebrate 2nd Anniversary With a Brewmasters Dinner at Local Habit.

February 12, 2014

Local Habit welcomes Latitude 33 head brewer, Kevin Buckley, to celebrate their 2nd anniversary on March 11. The Hillcrest restaurant is excited to host another Brewmasters Dinner, drawing in a passionate crowd of foodies and beer enthusiasts. Local Habit's Executive Chef Nick Brune has strategically crafted a unique and enjoyable 5-course menu of organic “Cali-Creole” cuisine to be paired with 5 excellent craft beers from Latitude 33. This one-of-a-kind interactive dining experience includes an entertaining inside look at how each culinary selection was paired with their corresponding beer selections, as well as the inspiration behind Latitude 33’s brewing process.

With Chef Rich Sweeney on Board, Florent Restaurant & Lounge to Replace the Gaslamp Quarter's Jimmy Love’s This Spring

February 11, 2014

The revamp of Jimmy Love's will result in an entirely new restaurant concept. Florent Restaurant & Lounge is set to occupy the former Jimmy Love’s space at 672 Fifth Avenue in the Historic Gaslamp Quarter and is anticipated to open sometime this Spring. With its name derived from the historical Florentine architecture of the historic 1874 “Old City Hall” building, the split level venue will celebrate San Diego’s immense culinary and nightlife scene with a creative collaboration by celebrity Chef Rich Sweeney and San Diego’s premiere designer Michael Soriano of Onairos Design.