UPDATE - Draft Mission Beach to Open TODAY! Belmont Park's Newest Eatery Announces Craft Beer List, Menu and Initial Happy Hour

June 18, 2014

Located directly on the Mission Beach boardwalk, the highly anticipated Draft is expected to 'soft' open TODAY, and we couldn't be more excited. This beer-centric bar and restaurant will serve up 69 beers on tap and 30+ bottles, pairing the surf and sand with a wide variety of crafts, from San Diego and beyond. But the appeal doesn’t stop at brews and views - come hungry and experience a fresh take on beachside dining featuring casual, handcrafted fare from Executive Chef Brad Wise. We've had a first look at the menu, so read on and get ready!

Win 2 Passes to the 14th Annual Taste of Adams Avenue | Sample 30 Eateries on Sunday, June 29 from 11-3pm

June 18, 2014

Sample some of San Diego's most delicious local eateries at the 14th annual Taste of Adams Avenue, taking place Sunday, June 29, from 11am to 3pm along Adams Avenue from University Heights through Normal Heights to Kensington. This year’s gastro tour of Adams Avenue features 30 restaurants, coffee houses, wine bars, and unique eateries in one of San Diego’s significant and celebrated neighborhoods. We at SanDiegoVille got our hands on 2 passes that we're giving away to one fortunate fan. By now you should know the drill, enter your email below, confirm entry and we'll contact the winner by email no later than Friday, June 27.

Enter for a chance to win 2 passes to the Taste of Adams Avenue on Sunday, June 29!

World Cup Fever Has Taken Over at True North Tavern in North Park

June 18, 2014

Fresh off Monday’s win over Ghana, World Cup fever is in full swing. Do you feel it? The pounding of your heart. The tingling sensation down your spine. The buckling of your knees and the sweat beginning to bead on your forehead. This year, True North Tavern is San Diego’s “World Cup Headquarters” and the hottest spot in town recently added to its cocktail menu to whet your World Cup whistle.

Cafe Cantata at Flower Hill Promenade Opens Today!

June 18, 2014

Cafe Cantata, the newest restaurant concept from Johan Engman, founder and owner behind the popular Fig Tree Cafe in Pacific Beach, Liberty Station and Hillcrest, will be open on the second level of Flower Hill Promenade today. Continuing to nurture his desire to offer a home-style, friendly option for local diners and the community, Cafe Cantata will serve a variety of breakfast dishes, sandwiches, salads and an array of beverages including coffee and fresh juices. Cafe Cantata will be open Monday - Sunday from 7am - 9pm and can be reached at (858) 925-7297. Follow on Facebook at facebook.com/CafeCantataSD for more information.

Humphreys Pays Homage to 33 Years of Concert Seasons with Celebrity-Inspired Menu

June 17, 2014

What do Steely Dan, Michael McDonald and Boz Scaggs have in common, besides their musical genius? They’ve all eaten Paul Murphy’s food. Executive Chef Paul Murphy is a zany guy and he’s helmed the fast-pace kitchen at Humphreys Restaurant for over 12 years. He’s cooked for iconic stars, including Diana Ross, Dolly Parton and Tony Bennett during Humphreys’ popular Summer Concert Series, now in its 33rd year. In celebration of this milestone, he’s unveiled Performers and Plates, a special three-course menu in honor of some of the performers for whom Chef has most enjoyed cooking. The menu costs $33 and is comprised of two dishes and a dessert. The menu is specifically inspired by and modeled after Greg Allman of The Allman Brothers Band, Michael McDonald of The Doobie Brothers and Boz Scaggs.

Chef Laura de Martin Named Chef de Cuisine at Andaz San Diego

Chef Laura de Martin

June 17, 2014 

Andaz San Diego announced today that Laura de Martin has been named Chef de Cuisine.  The acclaimed chef is preparing to debut new breakfast, lunch and brunch menus at RoofTop600 at Andaz and will also manage the wine bar, pool bar and banquet menus. A lover of braising and beef cheeks, Chef Laura plans to infuse her take on contemporary regional cuisine with simple dishes accented with bold flavors and locally-sourced ingredients.  A secret chef’s table experience is also in the works which will take advantage of the hotel’s hidden 8-seat wine cellar.

Catalina Offshore Products to Host 3rd Annual Front Burner Fund Taco Throwdown on June 29 | Local Chefs Build Their Finest Tacos to Support San Diego's Culinary Community

June 17, 2014

On Sunday, June 29, from 1-4pm, local chefs will construct their most delicious taco concoctions to support San Diego's culinary community at Catalina Offshore Products. The Front Burner Fund, along with 15 premier chefs and restaurateurs, will join together for the 3rd Annual Taco Throwdown, a competition-based cooking demonstration and tasting that will raise funds to assist back of the house restaurant staff with emergency medical bills. SanDiegoVille has 2 passes for one lucky reader - just enter our raffle below and we will contact the winner by email by June 27.

Enter for a chance to win 2 passes to Front Burner Fund's Taco Throwdown on Sunday, June 29!

Culinary Café and Teaching Space Opens in Solana Beach | The Curious Fork Introduces Healthy Fare & Cooking Classes to North County

June 17, 2014

The Curious Fork, the new healthy café and hybrid culinary space in Solana Beach, is now open in the Ocean Pointe complex at 512 Via de la Valle.  The 1,800 sq. ft. venue is a haven for the health-conscious, food-curious community with a fresh quick-service café for breakfast and lunch, an educational kitchen offering cooking classes and guest speakers, and a culinary retail center, all under one roof. The Curious Fork strives to source the best organic ingredients and unique products – including the famed Oakland and Brooklyn-based Blue Bottle Coffee, marking the first time the coveted brand is offered in Southern California.

Social Media Day San Diego Announces Speaker Line Up for June 30th Event | Top Social Media Minds to Share Trends, Insights and Local Impacts

June 16, 2014

Social Media Day San Diego announced today the schedule of headlining speakers and panelists who will offer attendees an opportunity to explore the latest in social media strategy and trends. This year marks the 5th year in which Social Media Day, created by Mashable, has been recognized internationally on June 30.  The event, featuring both education and networking, celebrates the ways in which social media has changed our lives for the better. It’s a chance to interact and meet new people offline that you’ve engaged with online and learn more about the most popular and impactful social media platforms used today.

The Golden Age of Video Games is Back in Pacific Beach

June 16, 2014 

The Wood (formerly Beachwood) in PB has something new to entertain the masses. Well, it’s “new” if you consider the adage, “everything old is new again.” From Mortal Combat, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Golden Tee, to Buck Hunter, NBA Jams, Street Fighter II, Shoot to Win and Off Road, arcade games are back in style at The Wood. Adding old-school ambiance to the three level bar and restaurant was the idea behind bringing in the video games.

Sky Zone San Diego Hosts Local Qualifier for 3rd Annual Ultimate Dodgeball Championship | Classic Game to Occur at Trampoline Park in Battle for $50,000 in Cash Prizes

June 15, 2014

It's the stuff that adolescent boys dream of (get your mind out of the gutter) - dodgeball taking place on an indoor field of trampolines! San Diego's Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park welcomes teams to the local qualifier of the 3rd annual Ultimate Dodgeball Championship on June 26 at 7pm. Sky Zone San Diego’s Ultimate Dodgeball Championship Local Qualifier is one of more than 50 scheduled Sky Zone parks that will participate across the United States and Canada. Teams of all skill levels are invited to compete for a chance to win a Local Qualifier and move on to the Regional Tournament held Friday, Aug. 8 to Saturday, Aug. 9 in Las Vegas. The ‘Final 8’ teams from the Regional Tournament will then advance to the Championship Tournament held Sunday, Aug. 10 where $50,000 in cash prizes will be awarded.

San Diego to NYC - Man Cycles 5,000 Miles Across US to End Malnutrition | Meet the Man Himself at Salt & Cleaver on June 19

June 15, 2014

So-Cal businessman Luke Mysse is leaving everything behind to ride his bicycle 5,000 miles across the US for Cycle Cause, a campaign to end children dying from malnutrition. Luke’s closing the doors to a successful 17-year-old business and packing up his family, who will be following behind him in the Cycle Cause RV. For three months from San Diego and until they reach NYC, they will be raising money and awareness for the cause. They will then drive back home, speaking and inspiring others with their story along the way.  Luke will also be hosting a pre-launch reception on Thursday, June 19 at Salt & Cleaver at 6pm where he will be speaking about his campaign.

Karl Strauss Gives One Lucky Homebrewer Chance to Brew Big with Pro-Am

June 14, 2014

Karl Strauss Brewing Company is excited to announce the winner of its fourth annual Pro-Am competition. Each year, the company invites local homebrewers to submit their best beers for the chance to brew the winning recipe on a commercial scale at one of Karl Strauss’ satellite breweries. The winning brew is also submitted to the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) in October where it competes with hundreds of other Professional-Amateur (Pro-Am) collaborations from across the country.

Celebrate National Lobster Day on June 15

June 13, 2014

This Sunday, June 15 is 'National Lobster Day'… whether you want to celebrate lobster, or just dine on this seafood delight, we’ve compiled a list of where you can find our favorite San Diego lobster dishes.

Get Your Tickets to the Taste of Little Italy and Sample Some of San Diego's Hottest Restaurants | Wednesday, June 18

June 12, 2014

Little Italy is possibly the hottest neighborhood in San Diego for dining right now, and for one night only, you can sample it all. The annual Taste of Little Italy is coming up on Wednesday, June 18 from 5-9 pm, featuring 32 of Little Italy’s restaurants opening their doors and inviting guests in to get a little taste of their menus. Like last year, there are two routes that each come at a cost, but SanDiegoVille has 2 full route passes (a $90 value) that will give one lucky winner and their guest a chance to get a bite from all the participating eateries. Input your email below, confirm it and we'll contact the winner no later than Tuesday, June 17!

Enter for a chance to win 2 tickets to the Taste of Little Italy, taking place Wednesday, June 18!

Specials for Father's Day From All Over San Diego

June 11, 2014

Father’s Day is just a few days away… Dad. Daddy. Pops. Poppa. No matter what you call him, he’s the man in your life being celebrated this Sunday, June 15.  But what are you going to get him? Where are you going to take him? You’ve given him ties since the diaper days and he has too many golf balls to count. This year, check out these SanDiegoVille's round up of local gift ideas and restaurant and hotel specials that any dad will love.

Oggi's Pizza Express is Coming to the Beach | Fast Casual Concept Takes Over Former Narraya Thai Location in PB

June 11, 2014

Oggi's is in the process of launching its fast-casual pizza franchise concept throughout Southern California, with the second location of Oggi's Pizza Express currently being built out at the former Narraya Thai location at 825 Garnet in Pacific Beach. No word yet on an official opening date. The first location of Oggi's Pizza Express is located at Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union at San Diego State University and is set to open this week.

Pacific Beach's Only Free Comedy Night | Red's Saloon Offers Stand Up Comedy Every Wednesday Night

June 10, 2014

Have you heard about Reds Saloon’s weekly comedy night? Located below The Wood, Reds is Pacific Beach’s only country bar and it turns into a hot spot for free comedy each Wednesday night. Reds hosts some of today’s hottest comedians who have performed on Comedy Central, late night talk shows and more.  Doors open at 8pm, local comics start the night at 9pm and headliners take the stage shortly thereafter. Reds offers specials like late night happy hour until 11pm and half-priced bottles of wine until close each Wednesday.

The Grant Grill Appoints New Chef de Cuisine | Chef Sam Burman to Help the Award Winning Restaurant at the US Grant Hotel

June 9, 2014

The Grant Grill is excited to enhance its world-class culinary programming with the new hire announcement of Chef Sam Burman as Chef de Cuisine. Burman brings more than 14 years of culinary and hospitality experience to one of San Diego’s premier dining destinations, known for its California cuisine, craft mixology and iconic setting. In his role, Burman will be responsible for the restaurant’s operations and creating seasonal menus to feature local produce, seafood & meats.