Park & Rec Opens In University Heights | Former Bourbon Street Space Now Devoted To Craft Cocktails

May 21, 2015

As one of San Diego’s oldest communities, University Heights’ rich history dates back to the city’s first land boom during the late-1880’s. Nestled in the heart of this charming neighborhood is a 5,000 square foot property, which has been home to a variety of popular neighborhood watering holes for more than 50 years, including most recently Bourbon Street. As of today at 4-m, John Pani, founder of hospitality investment and management firm, ELE Collective (Waypoint Public, Hotel Vyvant), will breathe new life into the well-loved neighborhood gem with the opening of University Heights’ newest cocktail concept, Park & Rec.

Karl Strauss Brewing Company Kicks Off ‘Arts & Amps’ Event Series On Saturday, May 30 | Free Event Pairs Art, Music & Craft Beer In Support Of San Diego’s Creative Community

May 20, 2015

Karl Strauss Brewing Company’s Arts & Amps event series, formerly known as B.A.M. (beer, art, music) kicks off on Saturday, May 30 from 5 to 8pm at the company’s tasting room and beer garden at their main brewery in Pacific Beach. The Arts & Amps series provides an outlet to showcase KARL’s special release beers, local musicians and local artists. This first Arts & Amps event features live music by local favorites Blackout Party & Low Volts, work from the local artists of La Jolla’s Thumbprint Gallery and several small batch beers and sour releases from the brewery’s cellar.

Port of San Diego Grants Lease to Carnitas’ Snack Shack for New Waterfront Café

May 20, 2015

As part of the Port of San Diego's efforts to enliven the waterfront, a new, walk-up café will soon be added to the recent North Embarcadero improvements in San Diego. On May 12, the Board of Port Commissioners approved a lease to Carnitas' Snack Shack III, LLC, to operate the new Carnitas' Snack Shack café at 1004 North Harbor Drive. San Diego's pork palace is officially opening downtown! Construction of the location will begin soon as is expected to be completed within 6 months.

Ironside Fish & Oyster To Host Visiting Chefs For Chef's Catch Dinner Series

May 20, 2015

Michelin-starred Executive Chef Jason McLeod is introducing a new dinner series at his seafood & oyster bar concept, Ironside Fish & Oyster in Little Italy. Beginning in June, a jaw-dropping roster of several of the country's most exciting and acclaimed chefs will make their way into San Diego specifically for McLeod’s Chef's Catch dinner series. Speaking to Ironside’s dedication to sustainable practices, the chefs will venture out off the coast of San Diego and Baja for a fishing trip with McLeod, where they’ll plan to return with local catch for a collaborative, family-style dinner menu incorporating the freshest finds straight off the boat.

Little Italy's Sirena Gourmet Latin Seafood Restaurant Reveals New Spring, Happy Hour And Chefs’ Tasting Menus

Grilled octopus

May 19, 2015

Located off the beaten path in Little Italy, Sirena Gourmet Latin Seafood Restaurant has become known for its delicious Latin twist on seafood and almost-too-pretty-to-eat plates and has recently unveiled new spring, happy hour and seven-course chefs’ tasting menus.

Wang's North Park Closes | Gigantic Space Up For Grabs

May 19, 2015

Wang's North Park took to Facebook today to announce to their followers that they have officially closed for business. The gigantic space, formerly a JC Penney, at 3029 University Avenue was likely too much to handle for the Asian Fusion restaurant. Wang's officially opened for Chinese New Year in January 2012, although it soft opened in November 2011. Wang's opened its first location, Wang's In The Desert, in downtown Palm Springs, which is still open for business.

Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center To Host Annual Seedling Soirée On Saturday, May 30 | Outdoor Twilight Cocktails and Garden Dinner Featuring 10 San Diego Chefs

May 19, 2015 

Join community leaders and local chefs on Saturday, May 30, for a unique, outdoor benefit for edible education programs at Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center's annual Seedling Soirée, a twilight cocktail reception and culinary feast. This celebration of local, garden ingredients will include craft cocktails, appetizers, and a family-style dinner inspired by the seasonal harvest on the lush, beautiful grounds of Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center in National City.

Baja's "Best Chef" To Host 6 Course Wine-Pairing Feast | Friday, May 29

May 19, 2015

What do you get when you combine award-winning chefs from both sides of the border with authentic al fresco cuisine and lavish Mexican vineyards? You get a delicious experience that can only be perfected by the “Best Chef of Baja!” With incredible Valle de Guadalupe only 90 minutes from San Diego, it would be a shame to miss out on the El Jardín Dinner on Friday, May 29, which embodies the rich culture of the region. World renowned Chef Ryan Steyn of El Jardín is joining with well-known guest chefs Gianina Gavaldon from Olivia in Guadalupe Valley and Chef Abe Botello from San Diego’s West Coast Tavern, to offer an unforgettable six-course dinner paired with some of the finest sips of Guadalupe Valley and live music. One bite and you will instantly recognize why Chef Ryan Steyn was named the “Best Chef of Baja” by Cocinero del año Mexico.

The Lodge At Torrey Pines To Host Exclusive James Beard Foundation Celebrity Chef Dinner On Saturday, May 30

May 18, 2015

On Saturday, May 30, the James Beard Foundation's Celebrity Chef Dinner Tour comes to San Diego! Don't miss this exclusive family-style, farm-to-table culinary event at The Lodge At Torrey Pines in La Jolla. Food Network star Beau MacMillan, James Beard Foundation Award winner Carrie Nahabedian, along with A.R. Valentien Chefs' Jeff Jackson, Kelli Crosson, and Olivier Bioteau will be on hand to discuss the creative process behind the evening’s fare as they present a five-course menu under the stars, paired with wines from Nickel & Nickel, Far Niente and En Route vineyards.

Experience One Of Our Favorite Culinary Events Of The Year At The 10th Annual Del Mar Summer Solstice | Thursday, June 18

May 17, 2015

Offering front-row sunset views, crisp ocean breezes, live music and delicious samples from area restaurants, wineries and breweries, the Del Mar Summer Solstice is one of our favorite events of the year and an exhilarating way to usher in summer. The annual event, presented by the Del Mar Village Association, will return for its milestone 10th year on Thursday, June 18, from 5-8pm at Del Mar’s Powerhouse Park.

Green Flash Brewing Co.'s Cellar 3 Tasting Room And Brewery Opens Grand In Poway

May 16, 2015

Green Flash Brewing Co. today opened their brewery and tasting room in Poway devoted to their new Cellar 3 series of rare, barrel-aged beer offerings. Green Flash Cellar 3 offers consumers a taste from the opposite end of the craft spectrum with a lineup of elevated, limited reserve offerings that will round out the national Green Flash portfolio.

Wine & Roses Charity Wine Tasting Returns To The Grand Del Mar Hotel On June 7 | Sip On Award Winning Wines While Sampling Dozen's Of San Diego Restaurants

May 15, 2015

The 32nd annual Wine & Roses Charity Wine Tasting will make a lavish return to the luxurious location of The Grand Del Mar Hotel on Sunday, June 7, from 3-6pm.  Put on by the Social Service Auxiliary of San Diego and the San Diego International Wine Competition, this annual fundraiser is the longest-running annual wine competition and tasting event in San Diego County, with all proceeds benefitting the youth summer camp, Camp Oliver, located in Descanso, CA. This ticketed event is open to the public, with prices beginning at $100 for general admission, $150 and $275 for VIP admission, and $2,200 for a VIP Table. We are raffling off 2 GA tickets to attend!

Green Flash & Sycuan Casino Create Exclusive Memorial Day Weekend Brewer's Dinner On Sunday, May 24 | Enter To Win 2 Passes To Attend

May 15, 2015

For beer and food lovers, Sunday, May 24 will be an exciting day at Sycuan Casino. The entertainment destination has partnered with the popular local brew masters from Green Flash Brewing Company to create an indulgent five course meal, pairing the brewery’s most popular beers with exclusive Sycuan cuisine prepared specifically for the event. We are giving away 2 tickets to this dinner, so read on for details and be sure to enter.

Kitchen 4140 Continues Its Bountiful Beer Dinner | Chef Kurt Metzger To Host Michelin-Star-Studded Drew Deckman And North Coast Brewing On May 21

May 14, 2015

Farm-to-table restaurant Kitchen 4140 will join forces with Michelin-starred chef Drew Deckman of Baja California and North Coast Brewing Company of Mendocino County for the next installment of its craft beer dinner series on Thursday, May 21. Beginning at 6pm in the restaurant’s rustic wine room, this dinner will include five courses created by Kitchen 4140’s Chef Kurt Metzger and Deckman’s en el Mogor’s Chef Drew Deckman paired with craft beers from North Coast Brewing, whom many consider a pioneer of the craft brewing movement. We attended the last installment of Kitchen 4140's beer pairing series and were blown away by the meal. Read on for photos from the last dinner and all the details on the upcoming 5-course supper on May 21!

Brian's 24 Reopens After Renovation

May 14, 2015

The restaurant that never sleeps got a little beauty rest and is waking up looking better than ever! Brian’s 24, the iconic 24-hour restaurant in the heart of the Gaslamp District, has been closed over the past month for a facelift. Having chicken and waffle withdrawals? Not to worry! Brian's is scheduled to open this week, unveiling a fresh design that highlights the features of the eatery that customers know and love.

Historic Anthony's May Be Sent To Swim With The Fishes In 2017 | Port Of San Diego To Issue Request For Proposals For Iconic Waterfront Restaurant Location

May 13, 2015

As part of efforts to support a vibrant and active waterfront, the Port of San Diego is preparing to open a competitive selection process for redeveloping the flagship waterfront site that has been operated as Anthony's Fish Grotto for nearly half a century.

The 13th Annual Beer & Sake Festival Takes Over Harrah's Resort On Friday, June 5 | Save On Tickets And Enter To Win 2 VIP Passes

May 13, 2015

The Japan Society of San Diego is taking over Harrah's Resort Southern California on Friday, June 5, from 7-10pm, for the 13th annual Beer & Sake Festival, featuring local restaurants serving sumptuous treats along with local and visiting breweries pouring delicious beer, shochu and sake. Enjoy special cultural entertainment including the dynamic San Diego Taiko drum troupe, a whole tuna cutting for sashimi, a ramen-making demonstration and sampling, as well as art booths, a silent auction and a raffle drawing. We're giving away 2 VIP tickets to the event, as well as offering HUGE savings on any ticket type. Read on for the details and be sure to enter to win!

6th Annual I LOVE POKE Festival Takes Over Bali Hai On May 26 | More Than 30 San Diego Chefs Compete For 2015 Title

May 12, 2015

The 6th Annual I LOVE POKE Festival and competition returns to the Bali Hai Restaurant in Shelter Island on Tuesday, May 26, from 6-9pm. The event will gather new and returning San Diego chefs to compete for the title of city's best poke. In addition to a lineup of poke from some of the city's top restaurants, guests will also enjoy island-inspired tastes, music and more.

Two San Diego Companies Raise Money To Give Mexican Orphanage Access To Healthier Food

May 11, 2015

Local small businesses Evolution Healthworks and Illuminate Juice have teamed up to raise funds to create an organic garden at the Casa de la Esperanza Orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico. The project looks to bring healthy fruits and vegetables in a sustainable form to the residents of the orphanage, which sits on the outskirts of Tijuana and is home to over 70 orphans and full-time caretakers.