4th of July Menu Items From Around San Diego

June 30, 2014

As everyone’s favorite summer celebration draws near, the San Diego's best hotels and restaurants are gearing up for the 4th of July with menus to match! Summer inspired cocktails, entrees and desserts will be specially prepared for this holiday weekend. For those seeking the perfect meal with a little patriotic flare, below you'll find some of the top 4th of July destinations with unbeatable views and the best menu items.

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center Hosts Jason Latimer, World Champion of Magic | New summer live show experience “Perception: See Beyond the Illusion” July 5 through August 31

June 29, 2014

The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and the World Champion of Magic, Jason Latimer, have teamed up to produce “Perception: See Beyond the Illusion,” a one-of-a-kind show that combines magic and science to create effects that no one thought could ever exist. “Perception: See Beyond the Illusion” starts July 5 and goes through August 31 with two shows every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 3:30 to 4:30pm. Viewers will experience effects such as shaping water, bending light, walking through solid objects, gravity-defying liquids and countless other illusions all rooted in applied science.

Big Bite Bacon Fest Takes Over The San Diego County Fair on Saturday, July 5 | Win 2 Passes to Attend!

June 28, 2014

The Big Bite Bacon Fest is taking over the San Diego County Fair again this summer with its second annual debut, presented by Albertsons/Sav-on, on July 5.  The Big Bite Bacon Festival has your bacon cravings covered with bacon inspired cuisine, cook-offs, beer tastings, entertainment, pageants, games and even a bacon-themed wedding! SanDiegoVille is raffling off two general admission passes to the dinner session (a $110 value) - just enter below!

Enter to win 2 passes to the dinner session of the Big Bite Bacon Fest, taking place Saturday, July 5 from 5:30-8:30pm

Trader Joe's in Pacific Beach Plans Move to Bigger Location in 2015

June 28, 2014

The Trader Joe's in Pacific Beach currently located at 1211 Garnet Avenue has plans to relocate slightly east to 1650 Garnet Ave into the shopping area where Staples and CVS was located prior to closing a couple weeks ago. The complex on the 1600 block of Garnet has some structural issues, which will require a total demolition and rebuild. Expect Trader Joe's to "seamlessly transition" into its new space after construction is completed in or around the summer of 2015. Rumor has it that a Walgreens will take over the adjacent CVS space.

Don Chido to Open in the Gaslamp on Monday, June 30 | Chef Antonio Friscia and RMD Group Bring Baja-Inspired Mexican to Downtown San Diego

June 27, 2014

From RMD Group, the development and management team behind recognized venues including FLUXX and Side Bar, along with Ken Lovi, founder and CEO of Knotty Barrel Gastropub, and Chef-Partner Antonio Friscia (of Stingaree and formerly Gaijin Noodle House), Don Chido will officially open to the public on Monday, June 30. An authentic, stylish, Mexican eatery taking over the former Fred's Mexican location in the heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, Don Chido will surely elevate the social dining scene in downtown San Diego.

Running of the Bulls | A Celebration of Spanish Cuisine in 5 Wine Paired Courses at The Patio on Lamont on July 1

June 26, 2014

In celebration of Spain’s traditional “Running of the Bulls” from July 6 - 14, wine aficionados and food lovers alike can rejoice with The Patio on Lamont’s wine dinner featuring 5 courses of vibrant Spanish cuisine  upcoming, taking place on Tuesday, July 1 at 5:30pm.  Featuring dishes such as Pato con Melocotones with Duck Prosciutto and an Heirloom Peach salad, Manilla Clams with Spanish Chorizo and Butter braised Leeks and a sweet dessert of Crema Catalana Custard, each course is paired with hand-selected wine from Northern Spain.

San Diego’s 6 Best Grown-Up Versions of the Food You Ate as a Kid

June 26, 2014

Growing up, you loved ‘em. From popsicles to sugary breakfast cereals, some foods are just for kids. Check out the local bars and restaurants putting an adult twist on these back-in-the-day favorites. The evolution of these dishes will please grown-ups with a blast from the past. San Diegans both young and old delight with these interpretations of childhood favorites.

Save on San Diego Concerts, Sporting Events and Even Tickets to the Zoo By Using ScoreBig.com | New Online Bidding Service Guarantees You Save Money on Tickets

June 26, 2014

Think StubHub meets Priceline and you'll get ScoreBig. ScoreBig.com enables consumers to get great tickets for live sports, concert and theater events and even access to attractions like Legoland, SeaWorld, Aquatica Water Park, Old Town Trolley Tours and even the famed San Diego Zoo - at guaranteed savings of up to 60 percent. Customers pick their own price on seats or tickets from the floor to the rafters, always pay less than box office prices, and never pay any additional fees.

Bottega Americano to Bring Innovative Dining Concept to San Diego’s East Village in August | New Foodery will Blend European Open-Air Market Experience with Full-Service Dining

June 25, 2014

Bottega Americano — an Italian-inspired restaurant and specialty food marketplace — is set to open at the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego’s East Village this August. This restaurant-meets-market concept inspired by top tier food halls, restaurants and markets around the world, will invite guests to explore new ways to dine: from dining in-house at communal tables surrounded by vibrant food bars to purchasing freshly prepared foods and specialty items to go.

Tacos Perla Arrives in North Park Just in Time for Summer | Friendly Service and Happy Tacos Define New Fast-Casual, San Diego Eatery

June 24, 2014

Now open in San Diego’s vibrant North Park neighborhood is Tacos Perla, a fast-casual, social dining experience from LWP Group, Inc., creators of The Pearl Hotel in Point Loma. Located at 3000 Upas Street in the new, Jonathan Segal-designed North Parker building, Tacos Perla guests can expect delicious, accessible cooking showcasing colorfully presented street tacos with big flavors, house-made tortillas and the best local and regional ingredients.

It Just Keeps Getting Better | The Del Mar Summer Solstice Welcomes Summer With A Beautiful Evening of Noshing, Imbibing and Dancing On The Pacific Coast

June 24, 2014

We've said it before and we'll say it again, the Del Mar Summer Solstice is atop our list of favorite San Diego epicurian events. It's a microcosm of everything a food festival should include - delicious food, upbeat music, visual and live entertainment, craft beer, fine wine, local spirits - all culminating in an enchanting evening at a gorgeous beachside park. In reality, we've attended a wide spectrum of food, beer, wine and charity events this city has to offer, perhaps the vast majority, and none have topped this year's Summer Solstice at Powerhouse Park in Del Mar, which took place this past Thursday, June 19.

The 2nd Annual Heroes Brew Fest Returns to San Diego During Comic-Con on Saturday July 26 | SanDiegoVille Readers Have a Chance to Win 2 Passes

June 23, 2014

The superhero-themed Heroes Brew Craft Beer Festival returns to the Embarcadero North on Saturday, July 26 from 3-7pm, featuring Comic-Con crowds dressed to the nines in their favorite costumes while enjoying local craft beer alongside San Diego's Downtown Harbor. The beer festival features more than 80 craft beers, along with food trucks, a costume contest and even a live performance by Vokab Kompany on a solar powered stage. Enter SanDiegoVille's raffle for a chance to win 2 GA tickets to the event - just input your email below!

Enter for a chance to win 2 passes to Heroes Craft Brew Fest, taking place Saturday, July 26!

In Honor of the San Diego Padres' Tony Gwynn Memorial, Searsucker and Herringbone to Offer $19 Menu Items

June 22, 2014

Earlier this month the Major League Baseball community and the city of San Diego lost an idol - Tony Gwynn, Mr. Padre and the memorable #19. On Thursday June 26, the San Diego Padres are holding a free, public memorial service at Petco Park to honor his career and impact on our community. In conjunction with this memorial, Searsucker San Diego, Searsucker Del Mar and Herringbone La Jolla will all be offering all menu items (normally priced above $19) for $19 to honor the passing of a true legend. Enlightened Hospitality Group will be making a donation to the Tony and Alicia Gwynn Foundation.

12 City Wine Producers Join Together to Launch San Diego Urban Wineries | SDUW Passport Offers Tastings at Each Location

June 22, 2014

12 local urban wineries in San Diego have joined together to form the San Diego Urban Wineries alliance (SDUW), and to raise awareness are offering a Passport that includes a tasting at all of the urban winery locations for only $50. While many people may not have heard the term “urban winery” before, if they live in the San Diego area, there is probably one in their neighborhood. An urban winery is a fully producing and functioning winery that opts to house its facilities in a commercial or industrial area instead of a rural one, using grapes grown in the country.

Andaz San Diego Introduces Sunset Happy Hour and Grand Re-Opening of RoofTop600

June 22, 2014

RoofTop600 at Andaz San Diego has undergone a recent remodel.  There is a new design, new furniture, an upgraded sound system, the only retractable roof of its kind in San Diego and a brand new menu created by Chef Laura de Martin.  On Thursday, June 26 from 7-10pm, don't miss the RoofTop600 Launch Party in celebration of the reopening  The event will include hosted cocktails form 7-8:30pm compliments of PacificSD, passed hor d’oeuvres and music by DJ Este.  There is no cover and it’s a 21+ event. In addition, RoofTop600  is turning up the heat this summer with Sunset Happy Hour, Monday through Friday from 5-8pm, where guests can relax at San Diego’s largest rooftop lounge and enjoy specials on premium cocktails and flavor-packed dishes from the highly anticipated new bar menu.

Upcoming Cooking Classes from BiCE San Diego | June 28 & 29

June 21, 2014

BiCE San Diego will once again host interactive cooking classes, taking place Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29. The focus on this month’s classes will be unusual Italian menu items (June 28) and authentic Italian preparations of meat (June 29).  As part of the ongoing “Son of a BiCE” cooking class series, Executive Chef Mario Cassineri of BiCE San Diego offer cooking classes on select Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer, each cooking class will feature a distinct menu of traditional Italian dishes prepared with Chef Mario’s innovative approach. 

The Local Pacific Beach Now Open and Ready for Business

June 21, 2014

The Local Pacific Beach has now opened in the two story standalone restaurant at 809 Thomas Street that Nick's at the Beach had occupied for 18 years before closing last December. The sign may not be up, the downstairs' patio may not be complete and all the interior decorations are still being finalized, but The Local PB is pouring drinks and feeding hungry beachgoers. The Local Group's newest venue is a duel concept, with the bottom level a more laid back, casual eatery and the upstairs level and patio catering to a more tavern-esque scene. We've got our hands on the full menu and photos of the interior and are excited for new blood in the PB hood.

History Happy Hours Are Back At San Diego History Center | Relive the Wild Days of the Stingaree District Beginning June 27

June 21, 2014

The San Diego History Center is kicking off its popular series, History Happy Hours, beginning June 27 from 5:30-7:30pm at the History Center in Balboa Park. The seasonal series showcases various topics related to San Diego’s past that correspond with the History Center’s featured exhibitions. This month’s happy hour is titled Sins of the Stingaree, where guests will be able to immerse themselves in the exhibition Sin Diego: The Stingaree’s Transformation from Vice to Nice in a fun and festive park-after-dark event featuring craft beer, cocktails, light bites from MiHo Gastrotruck and more!

SMARTS Farm to Host Community and Family-Focused Open House Event in East Village | Saturday, June 28

June 20, 2014

Humane Smarts welcomes the community to thriving SMARTS Farm for free gardening activities, art projects and outdoor fun. The SMARTS Farm Open House will take place at SMARTS Farm, located at the corner of F Street and 15th Street in Makers Quarter of San Diego’s East Village, on Saturday, June 28 from 9:3 am to 1pm.