December 20, 2014
"Iron Chef Vietnam" Takes the Helm at New San Diego Restaurant | Welcome Sovereign Vietnamese Cuisine to Former Royal Thai Location
Out With the Old, In With the New and What the Future Holds | The Ultimate List of Restaurant Openings and Closings in 2014 and What’s Coming in 2015
We’re not going to narrow down the many, many restaurant openings of 2014 into some dainty list of what we arrogantly deem “best,” because we’ve already explained how we feel about that. But we were inclined to come up with an ultimate rundown of all the openings and unfortunate closings of the year, as well as what we already know to be coming in 2015. Check out our alphabetized list, look up the eateries, plan your visit and let us know if we missed anything!
Pacific Beach's $2.1 Million Waterfront Restaurant Announces Name and Venue Details | Introducing Oceana Coastal Kitchen at Catamaran Resort * Spa
December 18, 2014
Stella Public House and Halcyon Open in San Diego’s East Village
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| Photo by Sam Wells |
San Diego's East Village has welcomed two tested and celebrated culinary concepts to the neighborhood. The modern coffeehouse and cocktail lounge, Halcyon, and its sister restaurant, the local ingredient driven, wood-fired pizza eatery and craft beer tap room, Stella Public House, have opened their doors to the public just in time for the holidays. Located at 1429 Island Avenue, the unique food and drink establishments share a gorgeous 3,000 square foot indoor/outdoor space and a 1,500 square foot patio overlooking downtown’s newest, as-yet-unnamed public park. Stella Public House and Halcyon, which debuted in tandem to rave reviews in San Antonio, Texas last year, now arrive in San Diego under the guidance of the Austin-based investment group Zebo.
Josefas and Iberico Go Dark in La Jolla
December 16, 2014
The dual concept Josefas Cocina Mexicana and Iberico Restaurant in La Jolla have both closed. The second floor eateries located at 909 Prospect Street were owned by the group behind El Agave restaurants. In mid-November, the restaurant partnership allegedly dissolved, with the owners of the Old Town eatery taking the longstanding El Agave name and brand and leaving the more recent Del Mar location, Mola Gastro Bar, Iberia and Josefas (which only opened September 2014) on their own. There is no word yet on what will come of the Del Mar El Agave, as they are supposed to change their name and branding by year's end. We'll keep you informed on what happens and who takes over the prime spot in La Jolla. El Agave in Old Town is still thriving and will continue with the same level of service and quality of food that it has since 1996.
The dual concept Josefas Cocina Mexicana and Iberico Restaurant in La Jolla have both closed. The second floor eateries located at 909 Prospect Street were owned by the group behind El Agave restaurants. In mid-November, the restaurant partnership allegedly dissolved, with the owners of the Old Town eatery taking the longstanding El Agave name and brand and leaving the more recent Del Mar location, Mola Gastro Bar, Iberia and Josefas (which only opened September 2014) on their own. There is no word yet on what will come of the Del Mar El Agave, as they are supposed to change their name and branding by year's end. We'll keep you informed on what happens and who takes over the prime spot in La Jolla. El Agave in Old Town is still thriving and will continue with the same level of service and quality of food that it has since 1996.
Air Conditioned Lounge Debuts San Diego's Only LED Touch-Activated Dance Floor
December 15, 2014
Just in time for the holidays, The Air Conditioned Lounge has recently renovated their VIP room from floor to ceiling. This legendary bar and nightclub known for great music and service has revamped its private room with a personal craft beer tap, disco balls hanging from the ceiling and San Diego’s only LED touch-activated dance floor (just like a Michael Jackson music video)! Think 70s mod meets 80s dance party. The perfect intimate setting for Christmas and New Year’s parties, the option to order bottle service assures that guests never have to leave the party to order their cocktail of choice.
S&M Sausage and Meat Launches Happy Hour
December 14, 2014
New Menu Items at The Blind Burro, Puesto and Zymology 21
December 13, 2014
Big Bay Balloon Parade to Liven up North Harbor Drive on December 26
December 13, 2014
The San Diego waterfront will come alive on Friday, December 26, when the 24th annual Port of San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade makes its way down North Harbor Drive. Kicking off at 3pm in front of the County Administration Building, the parade proceeds south on North Harbor Drive and ends where North Harbor Drive meets Pacific Highway, near Seaport Village. This year's parade theme is "Forever Young" and the grand marshal is Meb Keflezighi, the Eritrean-born American long distance runner. Keflezighi is a San Diegan, having attended Memorial Academy and San Diego High School and was a silver medalist in the 2004 summer Olympic Games and won this year's Boston Marathon, the first American male to do so since 1983.
The San Diego waterfront will come alive on Friday, December 26, when the 24th annual Port of San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade makes its way down North Harbor Drive. Kicking off at 3pm in front of the County Administration Building, the parade proceeds south on North Harbor Drive and ends where North Harbor Drive meets Pacific Highway, near Seaport Village. This year's parade theme is "Forever Young" and the grand marshal is Meb Keflezighi, the Eritrean-born American long distance runner. Keflezighi is a San Diegan, having attended Memorial Academy and San Diego High School and was a silver medalist in the 2004 summer Olympic Games and won this year's Boston Marathon, the first American male to do so since 1983.
Have a Holly Jolly Christmas By Letting One of These San Diego Restaurants Cook For You
December 12, 2014
With the whirlwind of holiday mayhem up until Christmas Eve, you deserve to take it easy for the holidays. Instead of adding more to-do’s on your list for the perfect Christmas family dinner, leave the cooking (and cleaning, decorating and worrying…) to the pros and focus on celebrating at some of the best San Diego spots opened just for you on Christmas. From enjoying frozen drinks to relaxing with the ocean-side sunset view, prepare to have the best Christmas yet, as unconventional as it may be!
With the whirlwind of holiday mayhem up until Christmas Eve, you deserve to take it easy for the holidays. Instead of adding more to-do’s on your list for the perfect Christmas family dinner, leave the cooking (and cleaning, decorating and worrying…) to the pros and focus on celebrating at some of the best San Diego spots opened just for you on Christmas. From enjoying frozen drinks to relaxing with the ocean-side sunset view, prepare to have the best Christmas yet, as unconventional as it may be!
Feliz Navidad! Celebrate With a Traditional Mexican Feast at These Five San Diego Restaurants
December 11, 2014
With Mexico just a 30 minute trip from Downtown San Diego, it’s no wonder the city has such a Mexican influence. And us San Diegans do love our Mexican food! This month, visit these 5 San Diego Latin hotspots to get your fix for Mexican-style Christmas dishes to celebrate the season.
With Mexico just a 30 minute trip from Downtown San Diego, it’s no wonder the city has such a Mexican influence. And us San Diegans do love our Mexican food! This month, visit these 5 San Diego Latin hotspots to get your fix for Mexican-style Christmas dishes to celebrate the season.
Celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas at Counterpoint in Golden Hill
December 10, 2014
Let Bake Sale Bakery Help You Give the Gift of Deliciousness this Holiday Season
December 9, 2014
Need a quick, easy and affordable gift idea for the holidays? Bake Sale Bakery, located in the heart of East Village has a tasteful solution for friends and family! Terryl Gavre has packaged her popular snickerdoodle cookie mix in Christmas-themed mason jars. The customized gift tag has baking instructions on the back and each mix makes one dozen PERFECTLY sized 2-ounce cookies. The cookie mix jars are available now for $14.95 per jar.
Need a quick, easy and affordable gift idea for the holidays? Bake Sale Bakery, located in the heart of East Village has a tasteful solution for friends and family! Terryl Gavre has packaged her popular snickerdoodle cookie mix in Christmas-themed mason jars. The customized gift tag has baking instructions on the back and each mix makes one dozen PERFECTLY sized 2-ounce cookies. The cookie mix jars are available now for $14.95 per jar.
Four San Diego Spots to Grab Grub After A Day of Surfing
December 8, 2014
San Diego's Top Neighborhood Eating Blocks | Venture Out and Bounce Around at These Hot Dining Destnations
We live in Pacific Beach and venturing out from our neighborhood seems like a helluva process sometimes, so when we do depart the beach we like to maximize our experience by sampling a bunch of spots in one easily walkable area. We've been making it a Sunday tradition as of late, and thought maybe others would benefit from our explorations, so we rounded up San Diego's hottest blocks where you can bounce around to many delicious locations in the same general vicinity.
43rd Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights Brings Holiday Cheer to Bayfront December 14 and 21
December 6, 2014
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, one of San Diego’s most cherished holiday events, returns for its 43rd year on Sunday, Dec. 14 and 21. This holiday tradition draws more than 100,000 spectators to the shores of San Diego Bay each night of the parade and features about 80 boats, everything from leisure yachts to kayaks, lavishly decorated according to a new theme each year - this year’s theme being “Children’s Stories on the Big Bay.”
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, one of San Diego’s most cherished holiday events, returns for its 43rd year on Sunday, Dec. 14 and 21. This holiday tradition draws more than 100,000 spectators to the shores of San Diego Bay each night of the parade and features about 80 boats, everything from leisure yachts to kayaks, lavishly decorated according to a new theme each year - this year’s theme being “Children’s Stories on the Big Bay.”
North Park's Waypoint Public Welcomes Holidays with Festive Events and Treats this December
December 5, 2014
North Park’s beer-centric neighborhood bistro, Waypoint Public, has a handful of holiday happenings brewing this December - including a “12 Beers of Christmas” series launching Dec 12, offering special holiday brews paired with (free!) curated bites by Executive Chef Amanda Baumgarten. There is also a charity-driven toy drive that the whole family can enjoy with an appearance by Santa on Dec 16, as well as the addition of a few festive sweet treats including a twist on the classic Holiday Yule Log and Hot Apple Cider offered throughout the month of December.
North Park’s beer-centric neighborhood bistro, Waypoint Public, has a handful of holiday happenings brewing this December - including a “12 Beers of Christmas” series launching Dec 12, offering special holiday brews paired with (free!) curated bites by Executive Chef Amanda Baumgarten. There is also a charity-driven toy drive that the whole family can enjoy with an appearance by Santa on Dec 16, as well as the addition of a few festive sweet treats including a twist on the classic Holiday Yule Log and Hot Apple Cider offered throughout the month of December.
Look Inside the Cohn Restaurant Group's Newest Beer-Centric Restaurant | Draft Republic Brings House-Made Sausage and Craft Beer to La Jolla
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| Photos by Andrew Jorgensen |
The grill-you-own steak concept wasn't panning out in La Jolla's UTC area, so the Cohn Restaurant Group recently revamped it's northern most Strip Club and transformed it to the beer-focused Draft Republic, opening its doors on November 14 just across the street from the Westfield Shopping Mall. Featuring innovative American cuisine and 36 craft beers on tap, Draft Republic is a mix of modern Americana design and lively table games with a menu under the direction of Executive Chef Mike Camplin.
Embrace the Holidays at Flower Hill Promenade This Winter Season
December 3, 2014
The holiday season is in full force, and nothing spreads Christmas cheer faster than a personal visit with Santa. On the weekend of December 6 and 7, celebrate this season at Flower Hill Promenade's festive Weekend With Santa event. Then on Saturday, December 13, from 11am - 4pm, Flower Hill Promenade will host a festive Stocking Stuffer Pop-Up Shop in the outdoor courtyard in The ROW Collective, a curated section of the center that houses various local, unique and one-of-a-kind shops. While you're there, be sure to check out Flower Hill's new tenant - The Printed Palette. Read on for all the details.
The holiday season is in full force, and nothing spreads Christmas cheer faster than a personal visit with Santa. On the weekend of December 6 and 7, celebrate this season at Flower Hill Promenade's festive Weekend With Santa event. Then on Saturday, December 13, from 11am - 4pm, Flower Hill Promenade will host a festive Stocking Stuffer Pop-Up Shop in the outdoor courtyard in The ROW Collective, a curated section of the center that houses various local, unique and one-of-a-kind shops. While you're there, be sure to check out Flower Hill's new tenant - The Printed Palette. Read on for all the details.
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