5th Annual Spring Valley Tailgate & BBQ Festival on Oct. 26 to Support Local Youth Sports

October 7, 2014

For the fifth year in a row Cali Comfort Restaurant & Sports Bar is showing its commitment to the community by bringing back the annual Spring Valley Tailgate & BBQ Festival on Sunday, October 26. Taking place between 10am and 5pm, this sizzling community event will take over the streets surrounding the locally loved restaurant as up to 30 teams vie against one another in an extreme barbecue competition. Funds raised at this family friendly event, initiated each year by Cali Comfort Restaurant and the Spring Valley Chamber of Commerce, will benefit important youth sports programs in the Spring Valley area.

Harvard Cookin' Girl to Host Iron Chef Inspired Knife Fight on Monday, October 13

October 7, 2014

Two of San Diego’s up and coming chefs will duel it out on October 13, from 6-9pm, at Knife Fight, an Iron Chef style competition hosted by Harvard Cookin’ Girl and sponsored by San Diego’s finest food suppliers. Chef Mikel Anthony and Counterpoint Executive Chef Rose Peyron will be cooking up two courses that will be judged by some of San Diego’s top culinary experts, including William Bradley of Addison and Tommy Gomes of Catalina Offshore Products. The dishes will be judged on taste, presentation and originality. The winner will then receive a golden ticket to the World Food Championship in Las Vegas, securing a spot for a chance to win $100,000.

Strangers Unite Over Farm Fresh Produce at The Wine Pub | 4-Course Organic Dinner on Saturday, October 11

October 6, 2014

The farm-to-table trend has foodies buzzing. Now, Point Loma’s favorite wine bar invites folks to discover organic produce gone gourmet at its Community Dinner on Saturday, October 11, from 6-8 pm. For this dinner, The Wine Pub will collaborate with Farm Fresh To You, an organic produce delivery service in California, to present seasonal foods paired with wine. Thirty people will join an organic produce expert and Chef Malissa Sorsby, who will guide guests through the farm-to-table process emphasizing the importance of taste, nutrition, quality, freshness and sustainability.

Draft Brings the Best of Mission Beach | Belmont's Newest Beer Bar Offers Everything One Could Want and More

October 5, 2014

Mission Beach's newest enclave, Draft, offers panoramic views of Mission Beach and the Pacific Ocean, prime people watching on San Diego's Ocean Front Walk, nearly 70 beers on tap and tons more in bottles and cans, a 31 foot television screen, a beautifully designed interior, and a chef-driven menu in a historic location. Really, what's there not to like about Belmont Park's newest dining venture? We recently got all up in it for an evening of brews, views and chews, so keep reading, then venture off to experience for yourself!

'Jersey Boys' Returns to City Where it All Began | Hit Musical to Play Limited Engagement at San Diego Civic Theatre from October 21-26

October 5, 2014

The San Diego engagement of the Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award-winning hit musical JERSEY BOYS, the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, will play at The San Diego Civic Theatre from October 21-26. The cast of Jersey Boys will be led by Nicolas Dromard (Tommy DeVito), Keith Hines (Nick Massi), Hayden Milanes (Frankie Valli) and Drew Seeley (Bob Gaudio) as The Four Seasons, with Barry Anderson and Thomas Fiscella. San Diego has a close relationship with Jersey Boys, as the musical got its start at the La Jolla Playhouse before going on to become a Broadway sensation, before touring the world and setting up shop in Las Vegas.

San Diego Breweries Bring Home 14 Medals from the 2014 Great American Beer Festival

October 4, 2014

The San Diego Brewers Guild is proud to announce that San Diego breweries took home 14 medals at the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) in Denver, Colorado this afternoon. Out of 84 beer-style categories, San Diego breweries won 5 gold medals, 3 silver medals and 6 bronze medals. California was the top medal winner with 46 out of 268 medals awarded, followed by Colorado with 39 medals. San Diego excelled as a county and secured 14 of those California medals.

East Village's Table No. 10 Now Serving Sunday Brunch

October 4, 2014

Table No. 10 launches brunch starting Sunday October 5. The menu will feature provisions such as coffee-soaked doughnuts and Greek yogurt with granola and caramelized banana. For heartier fare, try the chilaquiles with egg, shaved onion, avocado, crispy duck confit and salsa verde. Complement your meal with a side of Anson Mills grits or smoked pork belly. Brunch is served every Sunday from 10am to 3pm.

Legendary Rock Band Chicago to Perform at Feeding America San Diego's Sunset Soirée Benefit | Third Annual Gala Presented by Gwendolyn Sontheim Meyer on Saturday, October 11

October 3, 2014

Feeding America San Diego will host its 3rd annual Sunset Soirée gala, presented by board vice chair Gwendolyn Sontheim Meyer, on Saturday, October 11, from 6-10:30pm at the Del Mar Paddock and Turf Club. Distinguished guests and community members are invited to sip handcrafted cocktails, dine under the stars and enjoy a concert by legendary rock band Chicago. The evening will also include a delectable dinner designed by the Del Mar Turf Club’s leading culinary artists to pay tribute to the region’s local farmers with organic, sustainable fare.

Little Italy’s FESTA Returns for 20th Year on Sunday, Oct. 12 | Annual Street Festival Features Food, Music, and Incredible Chalk Art

October 3, 2014

Little Italy’s FESTA returns for its 20th year on Sunday, Oct. 12, from 10am-6pm, and will feature food, live music, kids’ activities, stickball and bocce ball tournaments, cooking demonstrations, Gesso Italiano chalk art and so much more! This festival is one of the most-visited events in Little Italy, and one of San Diego’s most beloved neighborhood events. Put on annually by the Little Italy Association, it is expected that over 100,000 attendees will fill the streets of Little Italy during FESTA, celebrating their love of all things Italian

San Diego Brewers Guild to Hold San Diego Beer Week Summit on Tuesday, October 7

October 2, 2014

The San Diego Brewers Guild (SDBG) will host the inaugural San Diego Beer Week Summit on Tuesday, October 7, from 4 to 7pm at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina’s ballroom. The presentations will be from 5-6pm with opportunities to network and sample craft beers an hour before and after the event. The invitation-only San Diego Beer Week Summit will feature discussions led by key figures in the local craft beer community on important and trending topics in the industry. In addition, the San Diego Brewers Guild will present the latest updates on San Diego Beer Week, an annual 10-day countywide event scheduled to run November 7 - 16.

Fig Tree Café Commemorates 6th Anniversary with Breakfast Specials on October 9

October 2, 2014

Since Fig Tree Café opened in the fall of 2008 owner Johan Engman has seen his mission to create an inviting and genuine dining experience surpass even his own vision. The original café in Pacific Beach inhabits an old cottage with a dog-friendly patio evocative of breakfast in your own backyard. Since then Fig Tree Café has expanded to three locations that each share a commitment to using homegrown herbs and fresh locally sourced ingredients with a modern, open-kitchen concept.
To celebrate the 6th anniversary of the Pacific Beach-area Fig Tree Café, Engman dreamed up a breakfast dish that represents the restaurant’s contemporary yet simple cuisine and atmosphere. On October 9, at the Pacific Beach location, the aptly named fig and ricotta cheese-stuffed French toast is specially priced at $6 and can be paired with a mimosa for an extra $3. Fig Tree Café in Pacific Beach will also offer two mimosas for $6 all day.

Baja California Culinary Fest and Ensendada Gastronómica Joins Forces to Offer Amazing Line Up of Culinary Experiences | Festivals Expand to Three Regions to Offer Best in Mexican Cuisine

October 1, 2014

For the first time, the Baja California Culinary Fest is teaming up with culinary conference, Ensenada Gastronómica, to present a full five days of mouth-watering excitement and amazing events and tours not to be missed. Guests can pick and choose from a packed schedule of culinary outings and create their own amazing experience. From October 29 to November 2, guests will be able to explore the many flavors of Baja California, Mexico, and discover the local natural resources of the region that are being produced for the rest of the world. Chefs’ dinners, outings, tours and culinary competitions are among the exciting events planned for this once-in-a-lifetime occasion. In the past, the event only took place in Tijuana, but has now expanded to Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe for 2014.

Taco Selfies at Puesto This Saturday, October 4 | Take a Selfie, Get a Free Taco!

October 1, 2014

This Saturday, October 4, Puesto is inviting guests to take a selfie while eating a Puesto taco and post it on Facebook or Instagram to get one taco taken off their bill (limit one per customer). It's their way of saying thanks to loyal customers who are out to celebrate National Taco Day with the best tacos in San Diego. The selfie promo is available at both the La Jolla and Headquarters locations all day.

Napizza Community Nights Support Local Schools and Charities Every Tuesday Starting in October

October 1, 2014

Locally owned and operated, Napizza, has launched a new program to support its local neighborhoods. Beginning in October, the restaurant will host “Napizza Community Nights” every Tuesday evening from 3-9pm where guests will know their dollars are going farther to support local schools and charities. Co-owners Giulia Colmignoli and Christopher Antinucci have committed to giving 10 percent of all proceeds from Napizza Community Nights to select non-profits.

La Jolla's Roppongi Introduces New Fall-Inspired Dishes and Cocktails

Beef short ribs with horseradish mashed potatoes

October 1, 2014

La Jolla's Roppongi Restaurant & Sushi Bar has introduced an array of new signature dishes and drinks just in time for the fall season. Executive Chef Alfie Szeprethy has created more than 15 new menu items highlighting his award-winning 'New Asian' cuisine, including seasonal selections of tapas, salads, soups and entrées.

Spike Africa's Present East-Coast Inspired Clam Bake for National Seafood Month

October 1, 2014

October is National Seafood Month, and Spike Africa’s is celebrating with a special inspired by the the owner's travels across the country. Spike's is encouraging guests to get their hands dirty with a dish servers will dump right on the table. The East Coast-style Clam Bake special will run all month long and includes a medley of shrimp, crab and mussels, vegetables and potatoes cooked in a seasoned broth and poured on each table in front of seated guests. Diners will be armed with bibs, Old Bay seasoning and hot sauce for the feast. The Clam Bake Special will run for dinner throughout October for $35 per person, with a minimum of two people.

Templeton Rye's Heritage Pork Project Picks Ironside Fish & Oyster to Offer Exclusive Pig-To-Plate Experience | October 6 & 7

September 30, 2014

Templeton Rye, the famed small-batch distillery out of Templeton, Iowa, has chosen 25 of the top chefs around the country, including Ironside Fish & Oyster’s Executive Chef Jason McLeod, to showcase their 25 heritage breed Duroc pigs. Dubbed the Heritage Pork Project, the process began earlier this year when Templeton arranged for 25 Duroc piglets to be raised on a farm near the distillery and fed a specially designed diet that includes spent grain mash from the production of Templeton’s rye whiskey in hopes it will affect the pig’s flavor. On Monday, Oct 6, and Tuesday, Oct. 7, Ironside Fish & Oyster in Little Italy will showcase their prized pig through an elaborate, multi-course family-style menu featuring creations from Executive Chef/Partner Jason McLeod and Chef de Cuisine JoJo Ruiz. From snout-to-tail Ironside’s team will utilize all parts of the pig and plan to complement the dishes with desserts, special breads, and signature cocktails made with Templeton Rye.

San Diego Wine & Food Festival Returns for its 11th Year | Packages and Tickets Now Available

September 30, 2014

The most craveworthy event of the year returns November 16-23 for its 11th year of deliciousness! This Fall, America’s Finest City heats up with vacation packages and getaways to tantalize the taste buds of palates across the country. Over 10,000 food and wine enthusiasts will join Southern California’s largest culinary classic, the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, for a week of gourmet experiences and unforgettable epicurean memories. Featuring over 70 of San Diego’s trendsetting chefs and restaurants as well as over 200 wineries, breweries, and spirit purveyors, the weeklong wine and food festival welcomes travelers with multiple Wine Weekend Getaways and VIP packages currently available. Get your tickets now and start planning your experience today.

Quartyard to Break Ground in the East Village on October 1 | New Outdoor Urban Park To Offer Exciting Events and Vendors

September 29, 2014

Quartyard will hold its Ground Breaking Ceremony on Wednesday, October 1, starting at 12:30pm in San Diego's East Village, onsite at the corner of Park and Market. Celebrate the beginning of this transformation from vacant lot into outdoor urban park in the heart of Downtown’s up-and-coming East Village. Open seven days a week, the plaza will offer rotating food trucks, art and fashion shows, film festivals, educational events, local farmers markets, and public and private events. The marketplace will also host social gatherings such as local beer tasting events, fundraisers, private parties, urban explorations, pet-friendly events and so much more. Permanent tenants include Best Beverage Catering, Meshuggah Shack, and S&M, Sausage and Meat (a new food concept from Scott Slater of Slater's 50/50).