Take a Coffee Break at One of These San Diego Spots

January 18, 2015

For most, coffee is an essential part of the day. Instead of heading to the Keurig machine for that mid-morning or afternoon coffee break, we recommend your readers hit up these San Diego restaurants to get that coffee fix and celebrate National Coffee Break Day on January 20!

Artisan Bentō To Open in Banker's Hill On Monday, January 19

January 17, 2015

From the team behind Azuki Sushi, Artisan Bentō will offer a different side of Japanese cuisine in Banker's Hill starting Monday, January 19. Located at the former Gourmet On 5th space at 2505 5th Avenue, Artisan Bentō will offer diners Japanese quick-service delights including customizable bento boxes and bao buns, as well as salad, rice and ramen bowls.

Enjoy a Healthy Spin on Comfort Foods at These Four San Diego Eateries

January 17, 2015

As people continue to care more about their personal fitness and well-being in 2015, we are seeing healthy spins on classic comfort foods showing up on menus all over San Diego. Diners can now find solace in knowing they don’t have to give up their favorite dishes altogether, but can instead find healthier takes on guilty-pleasures at restaurants across the county. Instead of spaghetti and meatballs, think about items like gluten-free spaghetti squash casserole - a veggie-filled alternative to the carb overload that usually accompanies the Italian staple.

A Blissful 24 Hour Vacation in Valle de Guadalupe | Enjoying the Winter Harvest at Deckman's en El Mogor and a Relaxing Stay at Hotel Boutique

January 16, 2015

This past Saturday, we took the two hour trek to Valle de Guadalupe in Baja California, Mexico, enjoying a leisurely and breathtaking drive that rivals the northern California Highway 101 in beauty. Our trip was planned around a six-course winter bounty feast at Deckman's En El Mogor, an al fresco restaurant from Michelin-star-studded chef Drew Deckman. After an other-worldly meal, we stayed nearby at the charming Hotel Boutique, and the following morning enjoyed a most amazing breakfast at its in-house restaurant, Fuego Restaurant and Lounge. It was a wonderful 24 hour stay in one of our favorite regions of the world.

Save $5 Per Ticket to the BrewShine Moonshine and Craft Beer Fest | Taking Place at The Deck at Moonshine Flats on Saturday, January 24

January 16, 2015

This Saturday, January 24, from 12-4pm, don't miss the inaugural BrewShine Fest at The Deck at Moonshine Flats, located at 335 Sixth Avenue in downtown San Diego. The Deck is bringing great craft beer together with moonshine for an epic day­drinking event - one of the first of its kind! SanDiegoVille readers receive a $5 discount on tickets by using promo code SDVILLE at checkout!

Pistachios Appear on Menus Across San Diego

Semifreddo al Pistacchio from Bencotto Italian Kitchen

January 16, 2015

Pistachios are going to be big in 2015 and have already been popping up on menus across the country. Though tiny, pistachio nuts pack a big punch when it comes to flavor and chefs around the world are beginning to take note. We've rounded up a few menu options from San Diego restaurants that feature these tasty, green nuts, which are also high in fiber, potassium-rich and heart-healthy. We also have an easy-to-follow recipe for Pistachio Crusted Salmon Sandwich from Draft South Mission Beach that cooks can easily replicate at home!

Humphreys' Chef Paul Murphy to Appear on The Food Network's Guy's Grocery Games | Sunday, January 25

Chef Paul Murphy with his daughter, Meghan, and wife, Elizabeth

January 16, 2015

San Diego’s very own Chef Paul Murphy of Humphreys Restaurant on Shelter Island returns to The Food Network on Sunday, January 25. Chef Murphy will be put to the test on the series premier of The Food Network’s Guy’s Grocery Games. The episode is centered on families with each competitor part of a team with two of their family members.

Petco Park to Host 2016 MLB All-Star Game

January 15, 2015

The San Diego Padres have launched into 2015 with a bang. While securing a handful of top tier players this past December, the Padres also made a bid to host the 2016 MLB All-Star Game. At the center of the pitch was the projected economic benefit of having the game in San Diego, including the five days of fan activities surrounding the event. In exciting news for our city, Major League Baseball announced today that the 2016 All-Star Game is officially coming to Petco Park.

Yakitori Yakyudori Robbed at Gunpoint | Kearney Mesa Restaurant Latest Victim in Series of Robberies

January 15, 2015

According to San Diego Police Lieutenant Steve Shaw, two gunmen robbed the very popular Yakitori Yakyudori restaurant, located at 4898 Convoy Street in Kearny Mesa, as the restaurant was closing down at 11:47pm on Wednesday night, January 14, even pistol-whipping a worker in the head with a handgun causing minor-injuries. The bandits also robbed several employees of personal belongings before fleeing out of the back of the location. SDPD believe that the details of the armed robbery at Yakitori Yakyudori may be linked to a robbery that occured at a Little Caesars in Rancho Bernardo earlier that day, as well as a string of ten similar armed robberies that have taken place in the San Diego area since December 15.

Oscar Wilde Irish Gastropub Takes Over Former Gossip Grill Location in Hillcrest

January 15, 2015

Construction is currently underway at 1440 University Avenue to transform the former-Gossip Grill location into Oscar Wilde Irish Gastropub, anticipated to open on January 22. The restaurant and bar will be operated by the same owners as The Harp in Ocean Beach. Expect an ample local craft beer selection and a focus on Irish delights such as shepherd's pie and Irish coffee. Gossip Grill has moved to 1202 University Avenue. 

Our Top 7 Picks for San Diego Restaurant Week | Taking Place Sunday, January 18 through Saturday, January 24

January 14, 2015

We’ve scoured the seemingly unending list of options for the winter installment of San Diego Restaurant Week 2015 and narrowed them down to our top seven dinner picks (though lunch is also offered at many locations). Since there are seven days of dining deals taking place from Sunday, January 18 through Saturday, January 24, we thought it best to pick one eatery for each day of the week based upon the location and amenities of the eatery (we’re suckers for a beautiful view), the value and menu options.

Grand Opening Alerts - Inland Tavern in San Marcos, Bottlecraft Redo in Little Italy and Karina's Mexican Seafood Downtown

January 14, 2015

There are at least three new establishments opening this week in San Diego. Inland Tavern has taken over the former Penny Lane Pub in San Marcos and will offer beach-inspired fare and ambiance starting on Thursday, January 15. The new and improved Bottlecraft Beer Shop & Tasting Room has moved a couple blocks north into the Olea building at 2252 India Street and will open to the public on Saturday, January 17, offering 25 brews on tap and many more in bottle. Karina's Mexican Seafood will open its 4th outpost of its Mexican mariscos eatery at 925 B Street in downtown San Diego on Thursday, January 15.

Bailiwick Goes Dark in the Gaslamp

January 14, 2015

Bailiwick, the cocktail and brunch house that opened two years ago at 756 Fifth Avenue in San Diego's Gaslamp, has closed - a representative from the company confirmed today. Bailiwick opened its doors in January 2013, revamping the space previously occupied by the short-lived Alambres Mexican. There is no word yet on who or what will be taking over the beautiful building, but we'll be sure to let you know when we find out more.

Dine With Your Dog to Benefit a Good Cause on Woofer Wednesdays at The Wine Pub in Point Loma

January 14, 2015

Wednesdays just became San Diego’s night to dine with the dogs - and for a cause. Point Loma’s dog-friendly wine bar, The Wine Pub, announced The Rescued Dog as the sole beneficiary of its Woofer Wednesday - a weekly special in which ten percent of every person’s check who dines in with a dog benefits the chosen organization.  To inaugurate its 2015 Woofer Wednesday beneficiary, The Wine Pub will release a unique menu featuring three items suitable for both pups and their humans, available to all two and four-legged guests who dine at The Pub on January 21.

2015 Brings New Menu to East Village's Table No. 10

January 13, 2015

Executive Chef Jason Gethin has rolled out their new menu at Table No 10 for the winter season that now features small dishes, such as the Pig Ear Tostada, Grilled Texas Quail and Charred Octopus, served with fried caper berries, grilled lemon, olive oil and oregano gremolata. New larger plates consist of the California Rabbit and Grits, the Buffalo Rib Eye Tomahawk and the Smoked Pork Collar, served with cranberry beans and cauliflower.

North County Beer Festival to Take Over Moonlight Amphitheater in Vista on Saturday, January 24 | Win 2 Tickets

January 13, 2015

On January 24, from 1-5pm, Chef DK Catering is throwing the inaugural North County Beer Festival at the the beautiful Moonlight Amphitheater in the quiet hills of the Brengle Terrace Park in Vista. Enjoy over fifty beers from San Diego’s premier craft breweries, while vibing to three local bands as they perform throughout the day. We have two tickets to give away to one of our readers. Read on for more details and be sure to enter our raffle!

Bottega Americano to Host Campari Cocktail Classic Bartender Competition on Tuesday, January 20

January 12, 2015

Bottega Americano in San Diego's East Village is set to host the city’s best bartenders in a mixology competition on Tuesday, January 20, at 9pm. Sponsored by the Italian spirits producer Campari, the “Campari Cocktail Classic” will give mixologists from the area’s top bars and restaurants, including Kettner Exchange, Polite Provisions, The Lion’s Share and more, a chance to shake or stir their way through three rounds before being named the best in town. Spectators are invited to watch the action and enjoy food and drink specials.

Coffee and Cats | The Cat Café Offers Fresh Roasted Java and Adoptable Felines

The Cat Cafe GM Tony Wang

January 12, 2015

Cat ladies unite!!! Want to get all hyped up on caffeine and pet some cats?!? Now you can at The Cat Café, now open at 472 3rd Avenue in Downtown San Diego’s Marina District, offering patrons locally roasted coffee and the opportunity to interact with adoptable cats. Part of a strange, spreading global phenomenon of cat-filled coffee houses, The Cat Café is the first of its kind in America's Finest City.

Grotto Climbing & Yoga Opens in San Diego

January 11, 2015

Grotto Climbing & Yoga is San Diego’s newest indoor climbing and yoga facility, grand opening yesterday at 4460 Alvarado Canyon Road in Mission Valley. Grotto aims to inspire all levels of climbers and fitness enthusiasts to thrive in a modern and unique environment and features climbing and yoga to reinforce a mind-body connection through similar types of movement, as the integration of both practices are known to promote balance, increases core strength, calms the mind and stretch the body for greater range of movement and flow.