Former NFL Player and Food Network Star Team Up for San Diego's First Vegan Market | Sol Cal Café to Open October 14

October 9, 2014

Opening at 910 J Street in San Diego's East Village on Tuesday, October 14, is Sol Cal Café - San Diego’s first vegan market café and juicery with a built-in naturopathic doctors office. Created by former NFL great, Jacob Bell, and Food Network’s celebrity chef, Anne Thorton, Sol Cal will serve fresh cold-pressed organic juice, single source organic coffee, teas and elixirs, a full menu of grab-n-go salads, sandwiches, soups, tacos, wraps and vegan-ly delicious ice cream and desserts.

Bake Sale Bakery Offers "BAKE!" Classes Starting October 15

October 9, 2014

The new Bake Sale Bakery, located at 815 F St. in the heart of East Village, will introduce a series of baking classes covering a variety of topics and techniques taught by owner and operator, Terryl Gavre (Banker's Hill Bar, Cafe 222), and head baker Kathleen Shen. “BAKE!” will debut from 6 to 8:30pm on Wednesday, Oct. 15. The class will allow bakers of all levels to join Gavre and/or Shen to learn recipes, instructions and professional tips in a fun and friendly environment.

Stone Brewing Co. Names Richmond, Virginia, as Future Home for New Brewery and Destination Restaurant

October 8, 2014

San Diego-based Stone Brewing Co. has announced that it has signed a formal letter of intent with the City of Richmond, Virginia, signifying the company’s interest in building its East Coast facility in the city’s Greater Fulton Community. Subject to local approvals, Stone plans to invest $74 million to construct a production brewery, packaging hall, destination restaurant, retail store and its administrative offices. Construction of the facilities will occur in phases. The brewery is anticipated to be operational in late 2015 or early 2016, with Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens opening a year or two after that. Ultimately, the company will employ more than 288 people.

Golden Hill's Counterpoint Introduces Dark Dining Series

October 8, 2014

On Monday, October 13, come on out to Golden Hill for the inaugural Blackout @ Counterpoint - a series that will take place on the second Monday of every month.  As the name implies, the lights will go out right at 7pm and the intimate neighborhood restaurant and bar will be illuminated by candlelight alone.  Well known cocktail guru Bryan Dietz will be filling in behind the bar as part of Blackout @ Counterpoint’s guest bartender series.  He’ll be putting together three specialty cocktails for the evening including the Spanish Fly (Mezcal, Fernet-Branca, Mexican Coca Cola and Lime) and the Italian Mule (Ginger Beer, Peach Bitters, Fernet-Branca and a Lime Wheel Garnish) with optional food pairings from Counterpoint Executive Chef Rose Peyron.

Pendry San Diego Commences Construction | New Lifestyle Hotel Debuts in San Diego's Historical Gaslamp Quarter

October 8, 2014

The Robert Green Company and Montage Hotels and Resorts commenced construction of Pendry San Diego, hosting a groundbreaking ceremony today for local officials and community members. Located at the epicenter of the historic and energetic Gaslamp District, Pendry San Diego will be built on the site bordered by 5th Avenue, 6th Avenue and J Street. A few blocks from the home of the San Diego Padres, Petco Park and the San Diego Convention Center, Pendry San Diego plans to be "the region's most stylish urban destination for leisure and business travelers."

Cohn Restaurant Group Breaks Ground on Biggest Project Yet | $10+ Million Dollar, 24,000 Square Foot Indoor/Outdoor Restaurant, Lounge and Event Center on Harbor Island

David & Leslie Cohn

October 8, 2014

Today, David and Leslie Cohn, on behalf of their expansive Cohn Restaurant Group, broke ground on their most ambitious project to date, a $10+million, 24,000 square food indoor/outdoor restaurant, lounge and event center on Harbor Island at the former location of Reuben E. Lee. Located at 800 Harbor Island Drive, the Port of San Diego property is adjacent to Cohn Group's Island Prime and C Level. Currently dubbed 880 Harbor, the project is being developed by Sunroad Harbor Island, Inc. and Graham Downes and Gensler architectural firm and is anticipated to open spring 2015.

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.