Famous Film Critic Jeffrey Lyons Named Host of the 13th Annual San Diego Film Festival | September 24-28 Event To Become One of the First Stops on the Independent Film Circuit for Academy Award Contenders

Jeffrey and Ben Lyons

August 9, 2014

The San Diego Film Festival has announced today that nationally renowned film critic Jeffrey Lyons is returning as host of the 13th annual festival, with his son Ben Lyons also joining him to support with festival duties. Jeffrey Lyons, who also appeared last year, will not only host the festival but will help program individual screening titles and honorees at the awards tribute. The festival will run from September 24-28 in San Diego and La Jolla.

Chandler's Restaurant in Carlsbad to Offer Julia Child's Celebration Dinner August 14-16

August 9, 2014

The iconic Julia Child would have celebrated her 102nd birthday this August 12, and in honor of her wonderful life and feisty spirit, Chef Pascal Vignau of Chandler's Restaurant at Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort & Spa has planned a memorial prix fixe menu. Drawing upon his French roots and techniques, menu highlights include baked escargot, beef bourguignon, and warm apple tarte tatin. Julia Child's celebration menu is available August 14, 15 and 16 for $45 per person or $65 with wine pairings. For reservations, call (760) 683-5500.

Celebrate National S'mores Day this August 10 at These 5 San Diego Locations...No Campfire Needed!

The Duck Dive offers the full s'more experience

August 8, 2014

They're ooey, gooey and oh so sweet; when was the last time you had a s'more? This deliciously nostalgic campfire dessert gets its time in the spotlight on August 10, National S'mores Day! Ever wondered why it's called a s'more? That's because after you have one bite, you'll always want "some more" of this tasty treat. Celebrate S'mores Day at these five San Diego spots.

Le Parfait Paris - a French Authentic Patisserie - Set to Open August 11 in the Gaslamp

August 8, 2014

A team of French SDSU & USD graduates are ready to open Le Parfait Paris in downtown San Diego on Monday, August 11. The young and dynamic Parisian crew aims to deliver the highest quality products. In addition to a pastry shop and bakery, Le Parfait Paris will have cafe seating, allowing customers to purchase freshly made products and sit down to enjoy numerous beverage options. Le Parfait will be open late to serve San Diego’s lively nightlife, offering a filling yet healthy alternative to partygoers.

Polite Provisions to Offer Agave & Mezcal Cocktail Class on August 11

August 7, 2014

In the latest installment of Polite Provisions' Spirit Society - a series of interactive and educational cocktail classes taught by guest bartenders gathered from the country's top cocktail establishments - San Francisco's Agave and Mezcal master, Ryan Fitzgerald takes the stage to teach cocktail enthusiasts how to mix up drinks like the pros with this two hour, hands-on introduction to agave basics.

Don't Miss Chula Vista HarborFest | Saturday, August 16 from 11am-8pm

August 7, 2014

Chula Vista knows how to celebrate summertime right, and this year’s Annual HarborFest will have everything you could possibly want at a free, family- friendly celebration, taking place on Saturday, August 16, from 11am to 8pm in Bayside Park at the Chula Vista Marina. Enjoy the crisp ocean air and sweet summer sun while sampling mouthwatering seafood delicacies in the special exposition, SeafoodFest. You better have your dancing shoes ready to go so you can dance the day away and enjoy the tunes of some of San Diego’s favorite bands at one of four entertainment stages! Refresh yourself with some unique Baja wine and spirits samples or an ice cold beer from the Craft Beer Garden. And don’t miss out on the chance to view some of San Diego’s historic vessels, most unique boats, and exotic automobiles that will be displayed for all to enjoy with breathtaking ocean views as a backdrop.

Win VIP Passes to the 3rd Annual Mira Mesa Festival of Beers | Saturday, August 23

August 6, 2014

San Diego CityBeat and the Mira Mesa Chamber of Commerce present the 3rd annual Mira Mesa Festival of Beers, taking place on Saturday, August 23 from 1-5pm at the Mira Mesa Community Park. There will be twenty five breweries pouring over fifty different beers, live music and food trucks, all in a beautiful outdoor park setting on what will most definitely be a beautiful San Diego afternoon. SanDiegoVille has 4 VIP passes for 2 lucky winners. Input your email to enter our raffle and we'll contact the winner by August 21!

Enter for a chance to win 2 VIP tickets to the Mira Mesa Festival of Beers

Surf's Biggest Names Come to San Diego in SD as Oceanside Hosts Supergirl Pro | August 8-10

August 5, 2014

ASP’s Paul Mitchell Supergirl Pro Surf competition returns to Oceanside Aug 8-10. All the biggest names in women’s surfing will be on hand for the FREE event – including defending champion Malia Manuel, Bethany Hamilton, Alana Blanchard, Coco Ho, Courtney Conlogue, and Sage Erickson.

Phil's Big BBQ at the Ballpark Returns to Petco Park to Raise Funds for Operation Bigs | Monday, August 11

August 5, 2014


Hoo-rah for Phil’s BBQ who will fire up their grills to benefit San Diego’s military community once again. Phil’s will host its 6th Annual Phil’s Big BBQ at the Ballpark on Monday, August 11 to benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County military mentoring program, Operation Bigs, which is celebrating its 10th year in service.

A New '50s Era, 24 Hour Diner is Coming to San Diego | Buddy's Diner Opening Soon in Pacific Beach

August 4, 2014

We don't know much more than what's stated in the title of this post - '50s style diner, 24 hours, Pacific Beach, but that's enough of a story in and of itself. I come from New Jersey, where there are at least a couple all hour diners in each town, so the fact that another is coming to San Diego is big news, at least to me. We're waiting to hear back from Buddy's Diner owner Vito Tutino, and rest assured, we'll let you know when we know more. For now, Buddy's Diner is located at 1564 Garnet Ave. in a space previously occupied by a florist. For more information, visit buddysdining.com and follow on Facebook.

ArtWalk NTC Returns to Liberty Station Aug. 16-17 | Event Expands to Include Beer & Wine Pavilion, Food Vendors, Interactive Events and Live Entertainment

August 4, 2014

ArtWalk is headed back to Liberty Station from Saturday, Aug. 16 to Sunday, Aug. 17, for the ninth edition of the annual art festival! Formally known as ArtWalk on The Bay, ArtWalk NTC @ Liberty Station will reconvene at the Naval Training Center grounds for a weekend of art, food, live entertainment and fun for residents and visitors of all ages. Although this event is free to attend, we're giving SanDiegoVille readers a chance to win a $20 food vendor gift certificate. Just enter your email below!

Enter for a chance to win $20 in food vendor certificates for ArtWalk NTC @ Liberty Station

Save Big on Tickets to San Diego Magazine's Annual Best of San Diego Party | Returning Friday, August 22 to Liberty Station

August 3, 2014

It’s possibly San Diego's most anticipated bash of the year. Don't miss the chance to sample and discover the best restaurants and businesses in America's Finest City at San Diego Magazine's Best of San Diego Party, taking place on Friday, August 22 from 6:30-9:30pm at the NTC Promenade at Liberty Station. This highly anticipated party always sells out, and SanDiegoVille has a special promo code to save huge on tickets (which include unlimited tastings)! We are also raffling off 2 passes to the extravaganza for one lucky reader - enter below and read on for more details!

Enter for a chance to win 2 tickets to San Diego Magazine's Best of San Diego Party

Japanese and Mexican Styles Collide at Bird Rock Oyster and Sushi Bar - Now Open!

August 2, 2014

Bird Rock Oyster and Sushi Bar is now open for business, featuring an eclectic mix of menu items, including tostados, tacos, burritos, sushi and a wide array of seafood dishes that combine Baja and Japanese influences. The restaurant took over the former Station Sushi space, and although they're still awaiting some finalization, including the addition of a beer and wine license, they're eager to show San Diegans what they have to offer.

First Look at the Menu of Cohn Restaurant Group's Newest Ocean Beach Hot Spot | OB Warehouse World Kitchen Set to Open August 7

August 2, 2014

The ever-expanding Cohn Restaurant Group's latest venture, OB Warehouse, is set to open to the public on Thursday, August 7, at 4:44pm. Located on Newport Avenue in the heart of Ocean Beach, OB Warehouse will offer global-inspired cuisine sourced from a range of influences. This will be the second Ocean Beach restaurant and 20th dining venue in San Diego County for the Cohn Group. Keep reading to get a inside peek and a first look at the menu and photos of the space.

Celebrate San Diego's Best at the 3rd Annual Loving Local Music & Local Food Event | Taking Over Driscoll's Wharf on Sunday, August 10

August 1, 2014

Don't miss an elegant night out on the waterfront, all to help support Blues Lovers United San Diego and Slow Food Urban San Diego. The 3rd Annual Loving Local Music and Local Food event returns to Driscoll's Wharf on Sunday, August 10 from 3-7:30pm, where participants can enjoy a beautiful harborside view, listen to the swinging music of the Whitney Shay Quartet, and the blues and cajun sounds of the Bayou Brothers with Michele Lundeen, all while noshing on a 4 course dinner prepared by some of San Diego's top chefs. Celebrity hosts include the Casbah’s Tim Mays, critic George Varga, DJ Jim McInnes, San Diego Magazine's resident foodie Troy Johnson and more.

Trevor Easter Adds to CH Project's National Bar Cred as Principal Bartender of Noble Experiment

July 31, 2014

Recognized as one of the city’s great hospitality pioneers, CH PROJECTS is responsible for catapulting San Diego’s cocktail scene into the national spotlight with their artillery of respected cocktail concepts (Craft & Commerce, Polite Provisions, Noble Experiment).  CH’s accolades boast many of the industry's top honors, and the collective’s leading barkeeps, Erick Castro (Polite Provisions), Anthony Schmidt (Rare Form) and CH Co-Founder Nathan Stanton are celebrated as innovators and educators in their field having blazed a trail in San Diego, opening doors for a great legacy to follow.

One of San Diego’s Own to Appear on The Food Network This Weekend | Humphrey's Chef Paul Murphy Competes on 'Cutthroat Kitchen'

Photo by Feeney + Bryant Photographers

July 31, 2014

Paul Murphy, the sharp-tongued toque who's cooked for celebrities including Tony Bennett, Diana Ross and Seal during Humphreys Summer Concerts, while ruling the culinary roost at Humphreys Restaurant, Humphreys Backstage Live and Humphreys Half Moon Inn for the past 13 years, will become a celebrity himself this Sunday, Aug. 3 as he competes on The Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen, hosted by Alton Brown at 7pm PT in an episode titled "Two Chef’s, One Toga”.

Encinitas Is About To Be Hooked | Encinitas Fish Shop To Open August 1st

July 30, 2014

Encinitas better be prepared to be hooked, because the third Fish Shop (PB Fish Shop & Hermosa Beach Fish Shop) will be opening their doors this Friday, August 1 at 11am! The Fish Shop brand has been trying to keep up with customer demand as its original location has been packing them in since first dropping anchor in Pacific Beach in 2010. Located on South Coast Highway 101, Encinitas Fish Shop can’t be missed when driving down the 101.

San Diego Chefs Unite for Charity Shuck-a-Thon on National Oyster Day | Ironside Oyster Hosts 5 Local Chefs to Benefit 5 Local Charities on August 5

July 29, 2014

To find out who's the baddest mother-shucker in SoCal, head to Ironside Fish & Oyster for an oyster throwdown like no other. Presenting Ironside's 1st ANNUAL SHUCK-A-THON, 5 chefs will go head to head to benefit 5 deserving charities using the best bivalves from Baja California. To celebrate National Oyster Day on Tuesday, August 5th, Executive Chef Jason McLeod welcomes five of the area's most notable chefs to join him and take a turn behind the raw bar for an epic oyster shucking competition from 5pm-10pm. For those who like it raw, Ironside Fish & Oyster will be serving up Baja's famed Kumiai Oysters donated by Farm Fresh Shellfish for just a buck apiece during the competition. Though more convincing is probably not necessary, let us remind you that it's all for charity, for shuck's sake.