SanDiegoVille.com

Root Cellar Catering Co. Announces Official Launch of Weekly Taco Tuesday Events at Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits

2013-05-24T04:30:00.000-07:00

May 24, 2013

Root Cellar Catering Co., a San Diego-based family owned and operated catering company that specializes in fresh, seasonal and locally sourced recipes, has announced its official launch of Taco Tuesdays at Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits. Root Cellar Catering Co.’s Taco Tuesday event will begin on May 28th and take place every Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Ballast Point's main brewery on 10051 Old Grove Road in San Diego, CA. This dynamic duo will pair unique ingredients with local brews for a truly San Diego-inspired Taco Tuesday experience.

Root Cellar Catering Co. will be serving a variety of seasonal taco recipes such as Yucatan citrus slow braised chicken, pale ale braised pork belly bahn mi, 7 hour smoked brisket and bubba taco with habanero Sculpin. Root Cellar Catering Co. will be set up outside on the front patio of Ballast Point, taking orders and closely interacting with guests.

“Root Cellar feels strongly about supporting San Diego businesses and the local community. We are a small, tight-knit family business and our continued success is extremely dependent on partnering with our local community,” says co-owner of Root Cellar Catering Co., Marie Brawn. “Ballast Point loved our idea of collaborating and mixing our fresh and seasonal ingredients with its local brews. Similar to our beliefs, Ballast Point stresses the importance of doing what you love and being the best at it. We both take pride in high quality ingredients, exceptional work ethic and relentless creativity.”

Root Cellar Catering Co. encourages people of all ages to attend and experience some of San Diego’s freshest home grown ingredients at Ballast Point every Tuesday. Guests can enjoy two specialty tacos, fresh-made corn chips and Hopped Up Root Cellar Spicy Garlics for a total of $9.00. A complete list of local ingredients and an up-to-date Taco Tuesday menu can be found online, under the Eat Local section at RootCellarCatering.com.

San Diego's 4th Annual I Love Poke Festival Announces 2013 Competing Chefs, Participating Restaurants and an Impressive Panel of Judges

2013-05-23T04:00:00.000-07:00

May 23, 2013

The 4th Annual San Diego I Love Poke Festival has proudly announced its lineup of competing chefs, participating restaurants and judges for this year’s festival, which is broken up into two sections - Pokeland, where competitors compete for the best poke dish, and Foodland, where some of San Diego's finest chefs and restaurants will be offering up delectable tastes (not limited to tuna) in a diverse food festival. There will also be a special performance by Hawaii’s well-known soul and reggae singers, Kimie and Irie Love. The I Love Poke Festival will take place at Shelter Island's Bali Hai on Wednesday, May 29th from 6:00 – 9:00PM.

In Pokeland, local chefs will compete for the title of "Best Poke” and each will help promote the importance of sustainability and fishing responsibly by using only sustainable seafood, a new rule for this year’s competition. Participating chefs include:

• Team Hapa J’s of Hapa J’s Kitchen Bar Lounge (2011 Winner of Traditional Poke)
• Chef Antonio Friscia of Gaijin Noodle & Sake House (2012’s ‘Any Kine’ defending champion)
• Chef Kurt Metzger of Kitchen 4140 (2011’s ‘Any Kine’ winner)
• Chef Ricardo Heredia of Alchemy
• Chef Gayle Covner of Blueprint Café & In Good Taste Catering
• Chef Christopher Spayde of Blue Wave Bar & Grill
• Chef Anthony Sinsay of Burlap
• Chef Maria Sparks of Cork & Platter
• Home Chef Rob Farrow sponsored by Double Take
• Chef Olivier Bioteau of Farmhouse Café
• Chef Robert Ruiz of Harney Sushi
• Chef Doug Moric of Le Papagayo
• Chef David Bland of Peohe’s
• Chef Jeff Rossman of Terra American Bistro
• Chef Keoni Simmons of The Field Irish Pub
• Chef Jannine Williams of Whole Foods

Foodland will share additional Hawaiian and Asian inspired food for sampling from these restaurants:

• Casa de Juice
• Zarlitos Family Restaurant
• Hawaii’s Island Eatery
• Ho’onani Cakes
• Wahine Kai Shave Ice
• Cups Organic
• L&L El Cajon
• Chamorro Grill
• Chris’ Onolicious Grinds
• Guahan Grill
• Hodad’s
• Barrio Star
• Hawaiian Springs Water
• Wild Thyme Company

The panel of judges will evaluate each dish in Pokeland based on presentation, quality of ingredients and flavor and crown a winner. Judges include:

• Joel Tudor, professional surfer
• Keli Dailey, U-T San Diego, Food Writer
• Kimo Huddleston, San Diego Polo Club Player & native Hawaiian
• Alex Becker, Katsuya Regional Chef
• Christian Hosoi, professional skater

The I Love Poke Festival is a food festival and competition that celebrates Hawaiian Food and Culture. Poke is a Hawaiian delicacy traditionally made with raw ahi tuna, cut into cubes and lightly seasoned. Ahi is at risk of being overfished and to bring awareness to the importance of sustainable fishing and to challenge consumers to choose sustainable seafood, I Love Poke Festival founder Nino Camilo has partnered with Chef Rob Ruiz (Harney Sushi) to help participating chef’s source product from sustainable seafood distributors.

Tickets to the I Love Poke festival are $55 and can be purchased online. Bali Hai Restaurant is located at 2230 Shelter Island Dr. with amazing views of the San Diego skyline. For more information, please visit http://ilovemusubi.com/poke and check out the promotional video below.

Front Burner Holds Delicious Food Festival at Carnitas' Snack Shack | Raises over $3,000 to Support Medical Needs of Kitchen Staff

2013-05-22T04:00:00.001-07:00

Casanova's shrimp ceviche and a Societe The Publican

May 22, 2013

On Tuesday, May 14th, foodies and philanthropists flocked to the 2nd Annual Front Burner Fund Food Fest at Carnitas' Snack Shack for a heartwarming fundraiser with the goal of assisting back of the house kitchen staff with necessary health costs and emergency medical needs. This benevolent charity, founded just last year by several San Diego culinary leaders, has hosted some fun events to raise money and awareness, and this was the kickoff event of the 2013 year. Fifteen chefs, caterers and restaurants were spread out around the crowded outdoor patio of Carnitas' Snack Shack, each offering unlimited tastes of top notch dishes.

Of the scrumptious, sweet and savory bites being offered, personal favorites included Casanova Fish Taco's refreshingly delicious shrimp ceviche and Beaumont's Chef George Morris' crispy pork belly with crisp, cool watermelon. The 'winning' chef of the evening, chosen by local celeb-chef Sam the Cooking Guy, Tommy Gomes of Catalina Offshore, and San Diego Magazine's food writer/editor, Troy Johnson, was Chef Eric Manuel of Firefly at The Dana on Mission Bay for his delectable take on a steak taco. While we agreed that the steak within the taco was fantastic, we were infatuated with George Morris' pork belly dish (as were many others), and of the belief that for such an event, all participating food vendors should be honored for their contributions.

A crew of culinary powerhouses!

Front Burner Fund Co-founder, Chef Julie Darling takes great pride in the work she performs to ensure that each and every integral member of the restaurant industry is cared for, and revels in the support that the community has demonstrated: "Chefs are barraged with daily tasks to help all kinds of charities raising funds all over the city. It's heart warming to see everyone come out and support a charity that benefits the chefs and all back of the house employees."

Co-founder Ron Troyano of Alchemy hopes that the Front Burner Fun will bring the community closer together and is "hopeful that it will also bring some much needed awareness to the cause and the medical needs of our local culinary talents." And this event did just that. Everyone hobnobbed, imbibed, indulged, and socialized on a beautiful San Diego evening, while learning about how the Front Burner Fund has served to fill a void.

Beaumont's Chef George Morris' pork belly

Tickets for the event were $25 in advance and $35 at the door and included unlimited eats and a drink of choice, a small price to pay for some classy grub in a fun setting to aid these oft-forgotten back of house employees. Several San Diego craft beers were being poured at the festival, as well as locally sourced wines. Over $3,000 was raised for the Front Burner Fund from this event.

Local chefs and back of house staff can apply for a grant from Front Burner Fund by writing a letter detailing their reason of need to Ron Troyano at ron@alchemysandiego.com or Julie Darling at chefjulie@me.com.

For more information, visit Front Burner Fund online and stay tuned to SanDiegoVille for details on the upcoming Taco Fiesta this summer!

Andaz San Diego Heats Up for Summer with Fortune’s Memorial Day Weekend Rooftop Pool Party | Sunday, May 26th

2013-05-21T14:56:00.000-07:00

May 21, 2013

Summer pool season returns to the Andaz Rooftop this Memorial Day Weekend as Andaz San Diego gears up for the first of this year’s can’t-miss Fortune 421 rooftop pool parties on Sunday, May 26 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The temperature will be rising steadily as guests flock to mingle with San Diego’s hottest sun worshippers, experience the beats of talented local DJs and spend the afternoon sipping signature cocktails.

Boasting the largest rooftop space of any downtown San Diego hotel, Andaz San Diego’s rooftop party will include headlining DJs Goldroom and J Paul Getto. DJ Goldroom is an electronic music talent whose skills have taken him to stages around the world, resulted in features on MTV and created remixes for such notable artists as Niki & The Dove. J Paul Getto is an Italian-born DJ out of Boston who recently spun at Coachella Festival and continues to release highly regarded original and remixed works. Additional DJs will include G-Roy, Brady Spear, Kurch and Kimbo.

The Fortune Pool Party series at Andaz San Diego is unique in offering guests the only location in San Diego where the 21+ public can support local fashion while simultaneously experiencing a Fortune event first hand. As part of these events’ allure, Fortune 421’s pop-up shop will return to the Andaz Rooftop throughout the summer and feature the brand’s newest fashions, including screen print t-shirt and tank top designs for men and women alongside women's bikinis and men's board shorts.

While enjoying the Andaz Rooftop’s panoramic views of the San Diego cityscape, guests can also indulge in the hotel’s popular signature bottle services by visiting www.ivyentertainmentsandiego.com or calling 619.814.2055. For those looking to extend their Andaz experience, guests are welcome to book an overnight stay at Andaz San Diego per availability. Advance bookings are recommended throughout Memorial Day Weekend. For hotel rooms, please visit www.andazsandiego.com.

Advance tickets to Fortune’s Memorial Day Weekend Rooftop Pool Party at Andaz San Diego on May 26 begin at $15 and are available at www.wantickets.com/fortune421. Pool attire is welcomed.

Andaz Rooftop is located inside Andaz San Diego at 600 F Street in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. For more information about Andaz Rooftop at Andaz San Diego, visit www.ivyentertainmentsandiego.com or connect on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Mille Fleurs Launches Long-Awaited Sunday Brunch

2013-05-21T14:19:00.001-07:00

May 21, 2013

This past Sunday, May 19th, Bertrand Hug’s highly-regarded French-Californian restaurant Mille Fleurs in Rancho Santa Fe took further advantage of its al fresco garden patio with the launch of its inaugural Sunday brunch, now being served weekly between 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. This long-awaited brunch menu is the creation of longtime Chef de Cuisine Martine Woesle, who is known for sourcing in-season produce from Chino Farms.

Highlights of the brunch menu include scrambled eggs in their shell, topped with caviar, chives and crème fraîche; Chino Farm vegetable frittata with basil oil, sour cream and fresh herbs; Alsation onion tart with Applewood smoked bacon, caraway seeds and green salad; hanger steak with hen egg “sunny side up” in a red wine shallot sauce with broccoli and potato croquettes, with the full menu available online.

Mille Fleurs’ mixologists have also added a collection of sweet and savory brunch cocktails including five Bloody Marys and cocktails like the Lavender Peach Bellini, Mimosas with Rancho Santa Fe Orange Juice and the Santa Fe Strawberry with locally sourced berries.

Mille Fleurs' is located at 6009 Paseo Delicias in Rancho Sante Fe. Check out the website at http://www.millefleurs.com.

Latin Food Fest to Start its National Tour in San Diego | September 12-15, 2013

2013-05-20T04:30:00.000-07:00

May 20, 2013

An unprecedented roster of Latin culinary celebrities will descend on San Diego September 12-15th for a new type of festival. ¡LATIN FOOD FEST!, a coast to coast series of Latin culinary festivals, announced that it will kick off its lavish 4-day 14-event international food festival in San Diego. The Fest has partnered with The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and will generate goodwill and resources for the fight against hunger, and has partnered with The James Beard Foundation to fund a scholarship to support the Foundation’s educational efforts.

"We're excited to share our extraordinary San Diego line-up with our fellow Latin culinary enthusiasts around the globe," said Richie Matthews who serves as President of DIÁLOGO PR, which hosts the Fest. "¡LATIN FOOD FEST! will transform downtown San Diego – from PETCO Park to The San Diego Wine & Culinary Event Center to The Port Pavilion and aboard a stunning 142’ private yacht – to educate palates and entertain over 7,000 patrons, in high style.”

On Saturday September 14th, signature white tents stretching across PETCO Park at the Park will be home to the epitome of all grand tasting events featuring star-studded demonstrations and Tasting Pavilions, which will showcase offerings from more than 70 restaurants, and wine and beer suppliers. The grand tasting event will also host the 2013 International Baja Craft Beer Awards within the “Baja Beer Garden,” which will be the largest Baja beer event outside of Mexico.

Aaron Sanchez, Isabel Cruz, Javier Plascencia

Celebrity chefs in attendance at the ¡LATIN FOOD FEST! events currently include Aarón Sánchez, Benito Molina, Daisy Martinez, Diego Hernandez, Doreen Colondres, Ingrid Hoffman, James Tahhan, Chef LaLa, Javier Plascencia, Isabel Cruz, Miguel Angel Guerrero and many others. ¡LATIN FOOD FEST! will also touch down in Los Angeles, New Orleans, Austin, Miami and New York.

Tickets to individual events and packages are available for sale online at www.latinfoodfest.com/tickets or by calling (646) 455-3551. Stay up-to-date with the excitement by following the Fest at www.Facebook.com/LatinFoodFest and at www.twitter.com/LatinFoodFest1.

Dining for a Cause | 22nd Annual Mama’s Day a Showcase of San Diego’s Top Eats and a Record Breaking Fundraiser

2013-05-19T08:39:00.000-07:00

May 19, 2013

By Megan Gallagher | SanDiegoVille Contributor

If I could offer one piece of advice to people who plan to attend next year’s Mama’s Day, it would be this - don’t wear tight pants. The event, which took place on Friday, May 10th, is a showcase of all that is good in the San Diego food scene, and with more than 40 exhibiting restaurants, it is certainly a night of indulging. But it is easy to put the guilt of indulging aside (or explain it to your personal trainer on Monday), knowing that it’s all to benefit a good cause - Mama’s Kitchen - which provides nutritious meals to families throughout San Diego who are affected by cancer or HIV.

Photo by Joey Fernandez Photography

The Hyatt Regency in La Jolla was a perfect backdrop the 22nd annual event, which serves as the largest fundraiser for Mama’s Kitchen each year. Things kicked off with some heartfelt speeches from Executive Director Alberto Cortes, Chairperson Heather Bowden and a local mother, Christie, who expressed deep gratitude for Mama’s Day services. Next up was an interactive presentation from the always entertaining Sam “The Cooking Guy” who managed to teach me everything I have been doing wrong when it comes to cooking fish in a matter of five minutes. Together with mixologist Ian Ward, who made preparing a blackberry daiquiri look as easy as pouring a glass of water, he lightened up the crowd and set the tone for the laid-back evening.

Knowing that I was in for a filling night, I started out with a lap around the booth area to scope out who was on display. With more than 50 restaurants participating (a full list is below), I saw everything from my favorites, to those that I have been dying to check off my personal San Diego food tour list. After making the rounds, I couldn’t help but get a taste of Elizabethan Dessert’s peanut butter pie. I know what you’re thinking, dessert first? Yes, it’s backward but they were hard to resist. And, full disclosure: I went back for seconds…and thirds.

Among the other memorable dishes were shrimp ceviche from Finch’s Wine Bar & Bistro, pheasant and cognac sausage with polenta from The Tractor Room, escargot a la Portugaise from Bleu Boheme, zucchini parmesan soup from Starlite, and my personal favorite, watermelon gazpacho from R-Gang Eatery. For those with a sweet tooth, Paipas Buffet at Sycuan Casino’s table was certainly a hotspot of the event, with dishes like raspberry tart, canolis, and creamy cheesecake with pecans and caramel sauce.

Photo by Joey Fernandez Photography

Food wasn’t all the event had to offer, however. It was also a great opportunity to chat with the chefs and wait staff at some of the city’s most buzzed about spots. I got the lowdown on Bice’s menu expansion (details to follow), and Johnny Rivera and Craig Beardslee’s latest University Heights endeavor, The Great Maple.

Outside of the dining area, guests were encouraged to bid on a silent auction which had dozens of items. Some of the most notable included four 1-day passes to Disneyland, lunch with Mayor Bob Filner, Padres-Dodgers tickets, and a one-year membership to the University Club Atop Symphony Towers. The event also introduced me to the silent auction of the digital age, known as the “super silent auction,” where select items of higher value could be bid on via text. Monitors throughout the event kept guests up to date on what the latest bid was on their desired item. Up for grabs in the super silent auction were a two-night stay at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, private dinner for six with Sam “The Cooking Guy” and a day on the water with Shark Man.

The auction funds bring Mama’s Kitchen one step closer to completing the second phase of their $2.6 million capital campaign, which involves expanding into a larger facility to better serve more San Diegans in need. Approximately 780 guests were estimated to be in attendance at this year's Mama's Day event, raising a record-breaking $215,000 for Mama’s Kitchen.

“This is by far the most successful Mama’s Day fundraiser to date,” said Alberto Cortés, executive director, Mama’s Kitchen. “I would like to thank the volunteers, guests, donors and Mama’s Kitchen staff for helping their support in fulfilling our mission of providing nutritious meals for San Diego’s critical ill.”

Though Mama’s Day is the largest fundraiser for the organization, they also hold several other fundraisers and events throughout the year, and have numerous volunteer opportunities for people who wish to get involved. Check out their website or follow them on Facebook for more info.

Mama’s Day 2013 Restaurant Participants
* = new this year

Addison at The Grand Del Mar
Amaya La Jolla*
AVANT*
Baja Betty's
Bice Ristorante
Bleu Bohème
Café Champagne at Thornton Winery
Café Japengo
California Fruit Wine*
Canyon Grille at the Welk Resort*
Coffee & Tea Collective
Cusp Dining & Drinks*
Decker Brothers Gourmet
Dolce Donuts
Eclipse Chocolate Bar & Bistro
Elizabethan Desserts
Eurobar Coffee & Wine Events
Finch's Wine Bar and Bistro*
French Gourmet Bakery, Restaurant and Catering
The Glass Door
Gossip Grill
Great Maple*
Harry’s Bar & American Grill
Hash House A Go Go
Hillcrest Brewing Company
KELVIN at W San Diego*
Marine Room
Mustangs & Burros at Estancia La Jolla
Nose to the Grind*
Pacifica Del Mar*
Paipa's Buffet at Sycuan
Piatti Ristorante & Bar
Oceanaire Seafood Room
Prepkitchen
Puesto*
R-Gang Eatery*
Roy Yamaguchi’s Pacific Rim Cuisine*
Sally's Seafood on the Water
San Diego Culinary Institute
Slater’s 50/50*
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
Solace & the Moonlight Lounge
Soleil@K at the San Diego Marriott Gaslamp
Starlite
Stone Catering
Table 926*
The Pool Club at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel*
The Wellington Steak and Martini Lounge*
Thornton Winery
Top of the Market
Tractor Room
Urban Mo's
Urban Solace
Veladora at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa*
Wachena at Sycuan Casino
Whisknladle

Stone Brewing World Bisto & Gardens Kicks-off 2013 Movie Night Series | Beginning June 5th

2013-05-19T04:30:00.000-07:00

May 19, 2013

Every Wednesday beginning June 5th through Aug. 28th, starting at 8:30 p.m., Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens in Escondido will host the 2013 Movie Night Series in the lush, outside gardens area. Join Stone as they show movies on a 12-foot screen in the gardens. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to claim their spot.

Family night movies will be shown the last Wednesday of the month, and all ages are admitted with parent or guardian. All other movies are 21 and over with valid ID, regardless of rating. Wristbands are required to attend, and are distributed at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens beginning at 3 p.m. on the day of each film screening, provided on a first come, first served basis.

Shows always fill up, so it is suggested guests arrive early to save a spot. Since parking is limited, carpooling is also strongly encouraged. Outside food or drinks are not allowed, and beer, soda and snacks will be available to purchase during the movie, including pretzels ($5), chef’s spicy nuts ($5), Stone bag O’ chips ($5), BBQ duck burrito ($10), and Stone-style pretzel wrapped Arrogant Bastard Ale smoked cheddar bratwurst ($10).

For 2013, Stone is offering a great line up of classic movies:

The Big Lebowski — June 5
Fight Club — June 12
Office Space — June 19
The Goonies — June 26 (All ages w/ adult—begins at 8 p.m.)
Shaun of the Dead — July 3
Anchorman — July 10
Drop Dead Gorgeous — July 17
Monty Python and the Holy Grail — July 24
The Lorax — July 31 (All ages w/ adult—begins at 8 p.m.)
TBA — August 7
Fast Times at Ridgemont High — August 14
Zoolander — August 21
The Princess Bride — August 28 (All ages w/ adult—begins at 8 p.m.)

Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens is located at 1999 Citracado Parkway in Escondido. For more information, visit www.stoneworldbistro.com/movies/default.asp.

RA Sushi to Host 9th Annual Nicky’s Week May 26th to June 1st with All Proceeds from Select Menu Items to Benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

2013-05-18T04:30:00.000-07:00

May 18, 2013

RA Sushi will host its ninth annual “Nicky’s Week” fundraiser Sunday, May 26, through Saturday, June 1, for kids battling cancer and other deadly diseases at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Thanks to community support, no family ever pays St. Jude for anything. The Scottsdale-based restaurant and bar will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of a variety of menu items and beverages to St. Jude to help support the hospital’s lifesaving mission. Since its inception, RA's Nicky’s Week has raised more than $1 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The special Nicky’s Week menu includes: Edamame, Tootsy Maki, Shrimp Nigiri, Pork Gyoza, Chicken Yakitori, Garlic Citrus Yellowtail Tapas, plus a variety of select beverages. All 25 RA Sushi locations in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Nevada and Texas will participate in the fundraiser.

Nicky’s Week was developed in memory of St. Jude patient Nicholas “Nicky” Mailliard, of Scottsdale, Ariz., who lost a long battle with brain cancer in February 2005 at the young age of 13. A nephew of one of RA Sushi’s founders, Nicky held a special place in the hearts of RA Sushi associates throughout the organization. RA Sushi initiated the fundraiser to honor the memory of Nicky and to raise awareness and funds for St. Jude, where no child is ever turned away because of a family’s inability to pay for medical treatments.

“RA Sushi is honored to continue to support St. Jude and help them with their life-changing mission,” said Scott Kilpatrick, co-founder and vice president of RA Sushi. “We want to help ensure their services remain available to children and families battling serious illness.”

St. Jude doctors and researchers freely share their research with the medical community, so every child saved at St. Jude means thousands more saved worldwide. The hospital has international reach and has treated children from all 50 states, including California.

RA Sushi’s downtown San Diego location is at 474 Broadway. For more information, visit RA online at www.RAsushi.com.

Salt & Cleaver is Now Open in Hillcrest

2013-05-17T16:53:00.001-07:00

May 17, 2013

Welcome to San Diego's newest sausage party! Presenting a unique dining concept, Salt & Cleaver is bringing back the ancient art of sausage making. Quality ingredients and precise sausage making-techniques complement a robust collection of craft beers and traditional cocktail selections at Salt & Cleaver. Inspired by 1860s industrial Chicago, the design elements reflect period furnishings and décor meshed with modern touches, just up 5th Avenue, catty corner from The Brass Rail in Hillcrest.

Showing off the versatility of his favorite foodstuff is Executive Chef Carlos Sanmartano. He merges the freshest local ingredients available to create flavor combinations inspired from cuisines around the globe. The result? A menu (copied below) assembled with 19 different flavor schemes. From bratwursts to knockwursts, Salt & Cleaver has a palate-pleaser waiting for you.

Don’t worry vegetarians, SanMartano didn’t leave anyone out. He’s created a soon-to-be favorite called “The Faceless.” This mixture of quinoa, asparagus, peppers and cauliflower is wrapped in a cauliflower leaf and served with citrus slaw and herb aioli on a house made bun. Like it hot? Try the jalapeño and green chili-stuffed rabbit sausage. Maybe sample the “Duck, Duck, Pig,” which is duck and bacon sausage, crispy duck confit, bacon-aze and orange marmalade on a house made bun.

Link up at the bar too. Salt & Cleaver offers a specially curated craft beer list featuring 20 beers on tap and another 30 bottles on the list as well, and a full selection of great spirits and cocktails brings guests back to the roots of mixology. When it comes to creating sausages that celebrate a rich history dating back as far as 500 B.C., Salt & Cleaver is on the cutting edge, bringing old traditions to life in a new and irresistible way.

Salt & Cleaver is located at 3805 5th Avenue in Hillcrest. For more information, visit the website at enjoysausage.com, and be sure to follow on Facebook and Twitter.

Bear Mountain Golf Course Opens May 17th | Unique Golfing Experience and Plans for Summer 2013 at Snow Summit

2013-05-17T10:31:00.000-07:00

May 17, 2013

Big Bear Mountain Resorts offers more than just winter skiing and snow boarding. Located a short trek from San Diego, the mountainous terrain will soon offer picturesque golfing opportunities, exciting mountain biking trails, hiking and zip lining.

In its unique alpine setting adjacent to Big Bear Lake, Bear Mountain Golf Course opens on Friday, May 17th. As of May 13th, Guests can practice their swing at the driving range or visit the pro shop for the latest gear and season pass sales. For the best value in golf, season pass holders receive many benefits including a 20 percent discount in the pro shop and on all food and beverage items at the Club House Grill, opening May 24th.

In addition, Snow Summit Adventure Park (see promo video below) will open one new advanced technical mountain biking trail on May 25th in addition to expanded existing trails. Several other top-to-bottom trails will be added over the course of the summer. Guests can also enjoy amazing views as they ride to the top of the mountain on the Snow Summit Scenic Sky Chair, enjoy lunch at the View Haus, then hike or bike down any of the intermediate and advanced trails on the mountain and in the national forest. New activities to look forward to include a 1,050-foot dual zipline with speeds up to 35 mph and bike rentals for all ages.

“Both resorts are offering something new for guests this summer. With improvements to the Bear Mountain Golf Course, golfers will find their experience challenging and fulfilling on our nine-hole, mountain-style course,” says Chris Riddle, Vice President of Marketing at Big Bear Mountain Resorts. “Located at 7,000 feet, you’ll find your golf ball flies further in the thin mountain air. Guests can look forward to our unique golfing experience for now, with additional activities for all ages at the Snow Summit Adventure Park as the summer progresses.”

Big Bear Mountain Resorts (BBMR) includes Snow Summit and Bear Mountain ski areas plus Bear Mountain Golf Course and Snow Summit Adventure Park. For more information, please visit www.bigbearmountainresorts.com.

'The Original' Searsucker is Still As Hot As Ever in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter

2013-05-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

May 16, 2013

Searsucker is the flagship of Enlightened Hospitality Group's (EHG) fabric-themed restaurants. Having opened in the summer of 2010, the Gaslamp hotspot solidified Top Chef finalist Brian Malarkey's local stardom, making him one of the most recognized faces in town. In less than three years, the duo of Malarkey and nightlife guru, James Brennan, has opened 5 more restaurants in San Diego (with Gingham recently closing), and two more Searsucker's abroad (Scottsdale and soon-to-open Austin). Through a judge/mentor position on ABC's primetime cooking competition The Taste (which his team won), Malarkey's celebrity has continued to rapidly escalate over the past year. Although we've been to Searsucker several times and profiled its lunch offerings, we have refrained from writing about dinner...until now.

Designed by world renowned design firm, Thomas Schoos, Searsucker has a multifarious decor typical to EHG's restaurants and a fitting reflection of the eclectic nature of its owners. Staged to evoke a trendy social dining experience, there are various table-types and seating options available to accommodate any number of guests. A lounge area complete with comfy sofas sits between the bar and the main dining section. Thick bristly ropes hang and sway from overhead light fixtures. A countered, open kitchen bar allows patrons to watch the action, giving off the feel of an industrial, country diner. Hip beats keep the ambiance centered, neither overbearing or underwhelming, and signs strewn around the interior remind diners to do what they came for..."EAT"! There is rarely an open seat in the house and reservations are highly recommended.

Searsucker has a lengthy wine list, with a more elite "Cellar Offerings" menu available upon request. If you want to bring in your favorite bottle, feel free to do so, but be mindful that a $25 corkage fee will be assessed. Craft cocktails and infused liquors from in house cocktail firm Picks & Rocks are available from behind the bar. Local craft beers come in draft and bottle, including a special Karl Strauss production named after Malarkey's son, the "Malarkey Hunter." We began with two icy cold Stone Brewing Co. Cali-Belgique IPAs. Big surprise, huh?

When Searsucker first opened, Malarkey was usually seen running the show during dinner service, whether he was manning the kitchen, expediting the dishes or hobnobbing with diners. Things have changed as his celebrity increased, and now it's somewhat of a rarity to see the man himself at his original restaurant.

For appetizers, the menu at Searsucker is split into Bites, Smalls, Greens. The main courses are separated into Ocean, Ranch and Farm categories, with side courses listed under And. We were served complimentary cheddar puffs and began making choices. Really, we wanted to choose everything from the Smalls section, as each item sounds delicious, but we started with an appetizer of chicken + waffles ($14) - a large nugget of fried chicken perched atop a miniature Belgian waffle, surrounded by a skimp smattering of maple and garnished with micro-greens. The dish was adorable, the chicken crisp, and the waffle sweet and tasty, but besides miniaturizing a comfort food favorite, so many things could have been done to make this dish unique - it felt all too ordinary - and c'mon with that maple syrup!

Every EHG fabric brand restaurant has its own version of shrimp and grits, so next up we tried Searsucker's take on the classic. The shrimp "spicy" + bacon grits dish ($13) is rather ample (about 5 large crustaceans), consisting of tender shrimp, delicious bacon flavored grits, and a yummy, spicy sauce making this dish almost reminiscent of a jambalaya. This was our favorite of the evening.

From the mains, my beautiful partner chose the loin "filet" with lobster butter and a cognac sauce ($35). The steak appeared almost gray, lacked seasoning, and wasn't seared on all sides like it should be. I ordered the local yellowtail with crispy onions and chipotle and bleu cheese butter, and while the outer char was flavorful and delicious, I craved more of that flavor throughout as the rest of the protein was somewhat bland. From the sides, we ordered the jalapeno-chorizo corn off the cob, which was spicy, creamy and absolutely delicious. We also ordered the sugar snap peas and carrots, which were fresh and colorful, but lacked any memorable flavor.

I know we always preface our re-caps of dessert with the statement "we're not dessert people," but having come to know Pastry Chef Rachel King's expertise in the subject, we indulged. The "King" Sundae is a sweet, decadent and totally shareable monstrosity of peanut butter ice cream, bacon honey caramel, bananas and whipped cream. We also enjoyed the buttermilk tres leches with strawberry puree, vanilla rhubarb and a sweet strawberry sorbet. Though the notoriously tough texture of the rhubarb threw me off, the cakes were insanely moist and delicious like shortcake, and reigned me right back in.

With the Enlightened Hospitality fabric named restaurants (Searsucker, Herringbone, Burlap), understand that the food is only part of the overall experience. You're paying for the chance to be one of the 'it' crowd for an evening. You're paying for perfect service and professionally designed ambiance. Yes, the food is part of the sensory stimulation you'll receive during your meal, but there is much more to take in. Our opinion, if you're thinking of trying a local EHG restaurant and are having trouble deciding, go to Searsucker for the vibe, Herringbone for the decor, and Burlap for the food.

P.S. We've never been to Gabardine.

SEARSUCKER
611 5th Avenue, Gaslamp
(619) 233-7327
searsucker.com

Hours:
Lunch: Monday - Friday 11:30AM - 2:00PM
Dinner: Sunday - Thursday 5:30PM - 10:00PM, Friday - Saturday 5:30PM - 11:00PM
Bar: Daily 5:00PM - Close
Brunch: Sunday 10:00AM - 2:00PM, Bar Open 2:30PM-Close
Happy Hour: Monday - Friday 5PM-6:30PM

SanDiegoVille Goes to Disneyland!!!

2013-05-15T15:53:00.000-07:00

Look at that excitement!!!

May 16, 2013

"To all who come to this happy place: Welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America, with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world." ~Walter E. Disney, July 17, 1955

It was approximately 6:40pm on a Friday. Despite being closed since mid-April, as though by kismet Space Mountain magically reopened precisely as we walked passed its entrance. Although most lines for the good rides were more than a 40 minute wait, our impeccable timing allowed us to breeze through a short queue for one of Disneyland's most renowned attractions. Our excited energies kicked in during the final stretch of the line, awakening the child within each of us. We requested front row seating to enhance the thrill of this classic, indoor coaster, and it didn't fail to impress - like a mental orgasm of epic proportions. The SanDiegoVille Disneyland adventure was going just as planned.

Living in San Diego has innumerable perks besides our beautiful beaches, amazing food and world class beer scene, our diverse neighborhoods and lively downtown. Our great city has readily accessible the snowy mountains, arid deserts, Mexico, L.A. and, as we recently explored, the 'happiest place on earth': Disneyland! Just ninety miles north of San Diego is the second most visited theme park in the world and SanDiegoVille was invited to experience a bit of the magic.

Our view from the Crowne Plaza's pool

We arrived the day prior so that we could "carve first tracks" at one of America's oldest and most beloved theme parks. We stayed about a mile from the resort at Crowne Plaza Anaheim, a lovely and reasonable accommodation with convenient and complimentary shuttles to Disney throughout the day. We spent that Thursday 'working remotely' from the beautiful poolside cabanas and enjoyed a fantastic Thai lunch at nearby Thai Nakorn. Temperatures reached highs of 94 degrees with forecasts calling for more heat to follow. Not the best planning on our part to schedule the Disneyland trip on one of the hottest days of the year, but c'est la vie.

We awoke on "Disneyday" (as was coined weeks prior in eager anticipation) raring and ready to go although 'first tracks' had long passed us by. As forecasted, it was already hot as hell with highs of nearly 100 degrees expected. With our park hopper passes in hand ($125/pp), we chose to explore Disney California Adventures (DCA) first. Lines for the more popular rides began to build early. Our cherry popper was Soarin' Over California, an exciting simulation over a gigantic IMAX screen showing some of the beautiful sites of California, including our very own San Diego skyline. Disney should update this ride to high def (and clean the screen), but it was entertaining nonetheless. Soaring made us thirsty.

Karl Strauss Brewing has a beer truck at DCA Pacific Wharf, and boy was that a site for sore (hot!) eyes. We made sure to visit as soon as it was an appropriate drinking time (noon). Next stop was for a famous corn dog. Although people online rave about Disney's corn dogs, they fail to mention that the stand in DCA not only sells regular corn dogs, but corn dogs with hot links inside! I didn't see any other stand in the park selling the spicy sausage-centered delicacies. Holy sh*t was it good...beyond expectation - even for the queen hot-dog-hater herself. All fueled-up and ready to ride!

Tower of Terror was a favorite at MGM Studios in Orlando during visits growing up, so we were excited to hop into that foreboding elevator. We were able to score some Fast Passes so we commenced exploration for an hour or so until our time was called. And just as the elevator doors opened, high above the clouds to reveal Disneyland's expansive beauty, we dropped, our stomachs flew and we screamed. We bounced around, navigated our way through some theme lands, and managed to ride Pirates of the Caribbean (wherein we were stuck for a good fifteen minutes), Splash Mountain (what's with all the mushrooms???), Haunted Mansion and Indiana Jones Adventure.

Heavy heat combined with crowded lines made for a frustrating day, but thankfully shuttles between Crowne Plaza and Disneyland ran every half hour, so we got a hand stamp and headed back to our calm and cool sanctuary for an afternoon dip in the pool and some burritos from a friendly spot named Sabroso, all prior to our evening return to the parks.

Disappointingly, we were unable to ride crowd favorites like the Matterhorn, Thunder Mountain, Jungle Cruise, California Screamin' or Radiator Racers due to either excessive lines (we're talking 200 minutes for Radiator Racers!) or closures, but we drowned those sorrows in another round of Tower 10 IPAs and began planning our strategy for the nighttime shows. We were torn between which to make our priority, the fireworks in Disneyland or World of Color, the water-light show in DCA. We opted for both. We soared through the air on a space shuttle ride just as the fireworks exploded over the castle, then sprinted across to DCA to be enchanted by World of Color, a "spectacular weaving of water, color, fire and light into a kaleidoscope of fantasy and imagination" and suddenly the heat, the lines, the closures and crowds were all behind us, and the magic before us. We stood, enthralled by the display of Disney characters coming to life on a shimmering veil of mist as more than 1,000 jets of water (and fire blasts( formed fanciful shapes in time to the music. Honestly, we would have paid the admission prices for this show alone, and I suggest that you make sure this is running if you're visiting the park. It's incredible and unlike anything we've ever seen.

Having ventured to Disney World in all of its glory throughout our east coast childhoods, we have fond memories of the scary rides, the alluring aroma of massive turkey legs, the majesty of the expansive Sleeping Beauty Castle, and the all around 'magic' that transports one to Disney's elaborate theme lands, and this trip brought us back to those moments. Thank you Disney, for the fond memories, the joy, and inspiration!

SeaWorld's Aquatica Waterpark Set to Make a Splash This Summer | Opening June 1st

2013-05-14T09:57:00.001-07:00

May 14, 2013

Just minutes from SeaWorld, Aquatica San Diego, like its sister parks in San Antonio and Orlando, will feature guest experiences from serene to extreme, with water play as endless as the sea itself, and will be home to a variety of exotic animals, providing an educational component to a waterpark visit that is both unexpected and enriching. Aquatica SeaWorld’s Waterpark in San Diego will be located at 2052 Entertainment Circle in Chula Vista and is scheduled to open June 1, 2013. The park will feature water slides, a wave pool, a white sandy beach, and so much more, ready to keep customers cool when San Diego gets hot.

Formerly Knott's Soak City, Aquatica San Diego will be a lushly landscaped waterpark with up-close animal experiences, high speed thrills and the amenities of a beachside resort. Among dozens of slides and rides at this whimsical, South Seas-themed waterpark will be Big Surf Shores - one of the largest wave pools in Southern California, featuring more than 500,000 gallons of water to take a swim in and a huge sandy beach for basking in the sun. Adventurers will also want to check out HooRoo Run, where they’ll have a choice of two enclosed and two open-air slides that take them down an 80-foot descent. Caribbean flamingos and freshwater turtles will round out the experience, as only SeaWorld can. There will be rides and attractions to accommodate all ages.

Admission to Aquatica will be $38 for ages 10 and older and $30 for ages 3–9. Membership packages for both SeaWorld California and Aquatica are available and start at $190. For more information visit www.aquaticasandiego.com or call (800) 257-4268. To learn all the latest news, follow the "Aquatica San Diego: Making a Splash" webisode series at www.insideseaworld.com.

A Day of Nature and Nurture at the Inaugural Farm to Yoga Dinner at Suzie’s Farm Sunday, May 19th.

2013-05-13T20:41:00.001-07:00

May 13, 2013

"Everyday we choose our relationship with the planet and with ourselves, and eating locally is choosing to support our farms and to create a thriving community from our actions." ~Abby Paloma

Farm to Yoga, Suzie’s Farm and San Diego Green Truck are coming together to create a truly unique event. On Sunday, May 19th, spend a relaxing day at Suzie’s Farm, indulging in the best of San Diego's yearlong harvest season. Tour the farm with Suzie's farmers and Farm to Yoga founder, permaculturist and yogi, Abby Paloma. Stretch out in Suzie’s shaded event space with a yoga class led by the gifted and inspiring teacher, Sarah Clark. Following yoga, nourish your body with an organic, farm to fork meal grown in Suzie's field and prepared by the holistic chefs, of the one and only, San Diego Green Truck team.

A scene from Suzie's

Suzie’s Farm is an organic family run farm just 13 miles from downtown San Diego, and Farm to Yoga is an emerging movement that builds community by cultivating a network of collaboration between farmers, yogis and local food enthusiasts. Sunshine, fresh air, heart-centering yoga, a delicious meal, building community, supporting your local farmers, does it get any better?

"Farm To Yoga grew organically, as a way to find a middle ground between my love to share both yoga and local food," said Paloma. "I have been farming and organizing events like this for the past 3 years at Growing Heart Farm in upstate New York, and as a native San Diegan, I wanted to bring the vision of Farm To Yoga home, literally. Suzie's Farm is truly on the cutting edge of the next generation of farming and it has been a pleasure to collaborate with them."

Green Truck!

For ticket holding participants, the general day plan goes as follows:

12:30pm Arrival at Suzie’s Farm
1:00pm 1st farm tour/ Yoga with Sarah
2:30pm 2nd farm tour/ Yoga with Sarah
4:30pm Dinner with San Diego Green Truck
6:00pm Go home fully nourished

Tickets for this experience come in a variety of options. A Gold Plate ticket is $85 and includes a tour of the farm, yoga class, dinner and a farm fresh goodie bag. The Full Experience ticket is $65 and includes the tour, yoga class, and dinner, and a dinner ticket for $45 includes the tour and dinner. Children under 12 years old are free. Tickets can be purchased online at brownpapertickets.com/event/365018

Suzie’s Farm is located at 2570 Sunset Ave San Diego, CA 92154.

Chef Anthony Sinsay To Host Four Course Pop Up Dinner to Honor His Late Home Economics Teacher and Inspire New Crop of Future Chefs | Tuesday, May 21st

2013-05-12T15:10:00.002-07:00

May 12, 2013

Executive Chef Anthony Sinsay of Del Mar hotspot, BURLAP, is giving back to his alma mater of Southwest High School (Sinsay was class of 2001) by offering students interested in the culinary industry a first-hand experience in a professional kitchen. Through this work, he will be raising money for his late home-economics and nutrition teacher, Sharon Kleinschmidt. Sharon taught for almost 48 years (1962 to 2009) and her dedication, passion and bright attitude inspired students such as Sinsay to achieve goals beyond his wildest dreams.

The late Ms. K - Sharon Kleinschmidt

In honor of Ms. "K," Chef Anthony Sinsay has created The Sharon Kleinschmidt Culinary Scholarship in hopes that it will inspire young students to stay dedicated and passionate to stay in the kitchen, the same teachings and inspiration that Sinsay learned from Ms. "K." In order to raise funds for the scholarship, Sinsay has decided to take a total of nine students as interns - or "stagieres" - behind his kitchen at BURLAP over the course of three weeks. At the end of the three weeks, Sinsay will work with the students to plan a four-course menu for a pop-up restaurant event, dubbed Restaurant 404k, at Southwest High School on Tuesday, May 21, 2013.

Tickets for this special four course dinner are $40/person, and all proceeds will go directly to providing scholarships to the students of the Regional Occupational Program in Culinary Arts at Southwest High School through Sinsay's Sharon Kleinschmidt Culinary Scholarship fund. Make your reservation now by emailing soh404k@gmail.com. Current sponsors for the event include Specialty Produce, Hamilton Meats & Provisions and of course, BURLAP. Additional potential sponsors include Suzie's Farm and Santa Monica Seafood, and expect special guest appearances by some of San Diego's elite chefs! Make sure you dont miss out on this special evening.

Top Chef All Star Winner, Chef Richard Blais, and Concentrics Restaurants to Open New Concept in San Diego's Little Italy

2013-05-11T04:30:00.000-07:00

May 11, 2013

Top Chef Season 4 runner up and winner of Top Chef All Stars (Season 8) Chef Richard Blais is opening a restaurant in San Diego!! Partnering with Concentrics Restaurants, the Atlanta based duo's newest concept will be located on the outskirts of San Diego's Little Italy in an early century warehouse space and is anticipated to open in late 2013.

“Richard and Concentrics have a long standing history with exciting recent success. We are looking forward to creating another restaurant together that is just as popular as the FLIP burger boutiques and The Spence,” states Bob Amick, owner and founder of Atlanta-based Concentrics Restaurants.

The new concept will be located in the Helix Wholesale Co. Building, at 2228 Kettner Boulevard between Ivy and Juniper. In addition to Chef Blais and Concertrics, San Diego local Michael Rosen of Juniper Hospitality will be part of the venture and Atlanta's The Johnson Studio has been retained as the restaurant architecture firm for its design.

“Our restaurant in San Diego with Michael Rosen gives me a perfect chance to embrace my love for California and live out a dream that I've had for quite some time. To be able to do this project with Concentrics makes it a perfect fit, as it will allow me to divide my time between my home base of Atlanta and my new project in San Diego. I am looking forward to sharing my passion, inspiration, and most importantly, food, with the West Coast," explains Chef Richard Blais.

The Johnson Studio is an award-winning international restaurant architecture firm known for its unique designs of Atlanta’s TWO urban licks, The Royce in Pasadena, CA, Chicago’s TRU restaurant, New York’s Del Frisco’s Grille, Costa Rica’s Hotel Grano de Oro, Fearing’s in Dallas, Tahoe’s Manzanita, and many more. The Johnson Studio has been engaged in the design of hospitality projects for more than twenty years and they have designed hundreds of renowned restaurants.

That winning moment!

Perhaps most recognizable as the winner of Bravo’s Top Chef All-Stars, Richard Blais is a successful chef, restaurateur, cookbook author and television personality. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Blais went on to train at French Laundry, Daniel, Chez Panisse, and el Bulli. He currently owns and operates Trail Blais, a forward-thinking culinary company that has consulted on, designed, and operated some of Atlanta’s most popular eateries including multiple outposts of Flip Burger Boutique, HD1 and most recently, The Spence. Blais currently resides in Atlanta with his wife Jazmin and their two daughters Riley and Embry. When not behind the stove, Blais may be found training for his next marathon or cheering on his favorite European soccer team.

Richard Blais is the most recent addition to San Diego's growing list of Top Chef alums that include Brian Malarkey (Searsucker, Gingham, Burlap, Herringbone, Gabardine), Richard Sweeney (R Gang Eatery), and Amanda Baumgarten (Herringbone).

Aged to Perfection in Just One Year | barleymash Celebrate First Anniversary with DJ Jazzy Jeff!

2013-05-10T04:30:00.000-07:00

May 10, 2013

What do you get when you add four million ounces of beer to four thousand bottles of whiskey? The answer to that math problem isn’t a problem at all. In fact, it’s cause for celebration. The folks at popular Gaslamp District establishment, barleymash, are thrilled to report that it equals one heck of a year, and to celebrate, they're throwing a party with DJ Jazzy Jeff!

Part of the Verant Group of restaurants, barleymash is thriving this May as it celebrates one year in business. Over the past 365 days, barleymash delighted diners by serving up more than 16,000 barleypies and tapping nearly two thousand kegs of beer. Both the restaurant philosophy and menu offerings draw heavily from two barroom staples: beer and bourbon. Menu items, like the popular barleypie and more, are made with barley flour, barley syrup and fine ingredients from Ballast Point Brewery. The restaurant’s name refers to the typical grain mixture used in the brewing and distillation process of both beer and bourbon.

Celebrating with a cause is right up their alley at barleymash. Over the last year, the restaurant supported programming from 12 different charities on a local and national level. The Liver Foundation, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and the Make-a-Wish Foundation have each received financial support from this 5th Avenue favorite.

Join the one year anniversary celebration this month at barleymash on May 21 from 9 p.m. until closing. Entertainment for the evening is free of charge and features legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff. Best known for his role on a popular sitcom, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” DJ Jazzy Jeff went on to become a prominent R&B, soul, and neo soul record producer and deejay.

barleymash is located at the corner of 5th and Market in the San Diego Gaslamp. For more information, visit barleymash online.

Inspired by a Love for the Sea, Rubio’s Brings Community Together to Celebrate Ocean Preservation | Saturday, May 11th

2013-05-09T04:30:00.001-07:00

May 9, 2013

The ocean is the top provider of protein to more than one billion people, covers 71 percent of the planet, and generates most of the Earth’s oxygen. For these reasons and so many more, Rubio’s has counted the ocean as a source of inspiration since the restaurant’s founding more than 30 years ago. On May 11th, the restaurant known for fish tacos and unique and sustainable seafood dishes will host a beach cleanup and party in Oceanside, Calif., for the San Diego community to come together and celebrate the ocean. The cleanup and party will also launch Rubio’s “Be a Friend to the Ocean” campaign for 2013. This initiative will find the iconic San Diego brand hosting beach cleanups, activities to celebrate the ocean and more, all aimed at engaging and inspiring community members to be a friend of the ocean year-round.

Researchers say the world’s oceans are at a critical point in their existence, from climate changes and ocean acidification, to poor fishing practices and pollution. The actions taken to protect the oceans throughout the next 10 years will determine the state of the oceans for the next 10,000 years. With this in mind, Rubio’s works to be a friend to the ocean year-round with a majority of the seafood being sourced from sustainable fisheries, recycling plastic and glass bottles in restaurants wherever possible, using eco-friendly plates and to-go containers, and supporting ocean focused causes.

After an incredibly successful 2012 World Oceans Day celebration that included record event turnout and more than 16,000 tote bags given away, Rubio’s is taking its “Be a Friend to the Ocean” campaign to the next level. With more than 1,000 community members expected to join in the festivities at the Oceanside Pier Amphitheatre (200 N the Strand, Oceanside, CA 92054) on May 11th, the celebration will kick off at 10 a.m. with a beach cleanup followed by the party at 11 a.m., which will include free lunch for all attendees, cooking demonstrations, complimentary surf lessons and face painting, an extreme bocce ball tournament, beach games and art exhibitions comprised of trash from local-area artists. San Diego’s own FM 94/9 will be on hand, as will two Southern California bands, Jet West and Bad Neighbors, to perform live.

Rubio’s other plans leading up to World Oceans Day include:

· In-Store Donation Opportunity – During the month of May, Rubio’s will offer $1 off of its new Chimichurri salmon entrée as part of its Get $1 or Give $1 initiative. Upon purchase of the new Chimichurri, guests will be given the opportunity to be a friend to the ocean and donate the dollar saved to The Ocean Project.

· Ocean-Themed Online Game – Guests, fans, friends and ocean enthusiasts are invited to visit Rubio’s website starting May 24 to participate in an ocean-themed game that will entertain and inspire. After passing various game levels, guests will have the opportunity to win prizes, including Rubio’s merchandise and food. Each game participant will receive a coupon, for a free reusable tote bag that is redeemable in stores.

· Ocean Trivia – Every week leading up to June 8th, World Oceans Day, Rubio’s social media networks will host a trivia day to challenge fans’ knowledge about ocean health. Questions will be aimed at informing, educating, and inspiring, and guests who answer the trivia questions correctly will be entered to win a weekly drawing. Each weekly winner will receive a specialty prize, including Rubio’s merchandise and food.

· Installations Designed by Local Artists and Made from Recycled Materials – Trash taken from the May 11 beach cleanup and party will be transformed into art. The pieces, designed by local-area artists who specialize in creating art from trash and other recycled waste, will be displayed at Rubio’s restaurants throughout San Diego. After the World Oceans Day celebration, the pieces will be moved permanently to partnering zoos, aquariums and museums for display.

· Reusable Tote Bag Giveaway – On June 7 and 8, in the spirit of inspiring fans to become more eco-friendly and reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in our ocean, guests are invited to stop by their local stores to receive a complimentary reusable tote bag with coupon from rubios.com – no purchase necessary.

For more information about Rubio’s “Be a Friend to the Ocean” campaign, the May 11 beach cleanup and party or World Oceans Day, visit www.rubios.com/WorldOceansDay and www.facebook.com/rubios. Fans can also join in the conversation on Twitter at www.twitter.com/rubiostweets.

San Diego Knows How to Treat Moms Right! | Specials Galore for Mother's Day This Sunday, May 12th

2013-05-08T14:45:00.001-07:00

May 8, 2013

With Mother’s Day coming this Sunday, May 12th, it’s high time to search for the perfect place to treat Mom this year. Whatever culinary treat Mom wants on her special day, San Diego restaurants, hotels and even breweries and wineries have all of the bases covered. Check out our round up of Mother's Day specials from all over San Diego County, and be sure to treat your momma right everyday!

Back in 1912, 'Mother’s Day' was trademarked. Think that apostrophe is in a funny place? It is purposeful. Anna Jarvis, trademarker for mommas the world over, made sure that it was a singular possessive. She meant for each family to honor their mother, compared to “Mothers’ Day,” a plural possessive, which would honor all the mothers in the world. Mother’s Day was also the spelling used by President Woodrow Wilson when he wrote it into law and made it an official holiday in the United States. There you have it. What else do you need to know? Oh. Right, where should you take Mom to eat? Read on for our suggestions:

Let Chef Kevin Templeton treat your momma right!

Bring Mom to barleymash this Sunday for live music, momlettes and momosas. For $22, brunch is “all you can eat” from 10am-2pm on Mother’s Day. The momosa bar features a selection of exotic juices and fruits so Moms can make their own custom cocktail. Chef Kevin’s momlette station fits in nicely next to the pancake station and promises to delight deserving moms.

For traditional Italian food that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen, we suggest heading to Toscana Café and Wine Bar in the Gaslamp District. Not only does Toscana have one of the most extensive wine selections in the area, they’re also appealing to deal-seeking dads and children this Mother’s Day. Toscana Café and Wine Bar is offering half-off for moms this Sunday if you visit www.facebook.com/toscanacafewinebar and “like” their post from May 6 before making your reservations for Mother’s Day.

Enjoy beautiful views of San Diego’s Big Bay and the USS Midway along with some of the freshest seafood in town from the comfort of Top of the Market. ToM is offering a price fixed brunch for $31/pp, and includes options such as: crispy prosciutto Benedict with wild arugula, sour dough crostini, balsamic reduction, and mascarpone hollandaise; seafood quiche with smoked salmon, spinach, grilled onions, and Emmenthal cheese; and stuffed French toast with mixed berries, cream cheese, blood orange caramel, and maple bacon, to name a few. Brunch selections include freshly squeezed orange juice, pastry assortment, mimosa, peach bellini or sparkling wine, coffee & tea.

She drives the kids to soccer, ballet, lacrosse and more. This Sunday, give the sports-centric mom a break at Sandbar Sports Bar and Grill. Sandbar will feature a Mother’s Day brunch with $6 Bloody Mary's and $5 mimosa specials. What’s that you say? She’s not sporty? Don’t let the name fool you, Sandbar Sports Bar and Grill has one of the best views in San Diego. She’ll appreciate the killer sunset and the laid-back vibe here.

For a relaxed and delicious Mother’s Day brunch complemented by live music, Beaumont’s Eatery in Bird Rock offers the perfect spot for locals and visitors alike. Executive Chef George Morris has crafted three specials for the occasion, including a surf and turn omelette with lump crab, slab bacon, melted tomatoes, brie and opal basil; chicken and waffles Benedict with fried Jidori chicken, poached eggs, red pepper, Belgian waffles and hot sauce hollandaise; and an Almost Summer scramble with morel mushrooms, melted leeks, heirloom tomatoes, and crème fraiche. These specials will be available in addition to Beaumont’s popular brunch menu, which will be available from 8:00am – 3:00pm.

Not sure what to do for Mother’s Day? If you’re roaming about Hillcrest, consider the blackberry pancakes or a chicken’n’waffle for mom at West Coast Tavern. Also offering a wide selection of delicious champagne and other brunch cocktails, the eclectic menu repeatedly pleases the palates of moms.

Johnny Appleseed!

It’s an all-ages celebration this Mother's Day at Cusp Dining & Drinks in La Jolla. Brunch includes a spot devoted to creative expression through pancake decorating - edible supplies included! Endless mimosas will also be available, as will one of Nate Howell’s brunch punches, the Johnny Appleseed. Classic dishes like eggs Benedict and French toast will be part of the selection, as will Chef Lockhart’s flatbreads. Cusp Dining & Drinks is located on the 11th floor of Kimpton’s Hotel La Jolla, and will serve brunch from 9 a.m.-3 p.m for the cost of $35 for adults and $10 for kids.

CUCINA urbana is doing complimentary "goodie bags" for all moms that dine with them including Executive Pastry Chef Jack Fisher's home-made cookies!! Flavors include Strawberry Jam Thumbprint, Orange Pistachio Shortbread and Dark Chocolate Crackles.

Craft & Commerce is running an All Moms Get Lay'd special, and by that they mean a free Lay Lady Lay for moms! It's one of their most popular & delicious cocktails! Sounds classy, C&C, as per usual.

What a view at Bertrand!

Bertrand at Mister A's, the Bankers Hill iconic rooftop restaurant known for its views of the city and bay, will offer a 3-course prix fixe Mother's Day brunch menu between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Priced at $52.50 per adult, this menu will feature favorite items from its brand new brunch menu as well as specials created by Chef de Cuisine Stéphane Voitzwinkler, including buttermilk fried chicken and waffles; Hawaiian bread French toast stuffed with mascarpone cheese; and eggs Benedict with fresh crab meat in hollandaise sauce. The special cocktail of the day will be the La Vie en Rose garnished with edible rose petals - an innovative way to give Mom her Mother's Day flowers!

Mille Fleurs' patio

Mille Fleurs, in the heart of historic Rancho Santa Fe, will offer an a la carte Mother's Day menu featuring the fare of Chef de Cuisine Martin Woesle. Starters will include dishes like white asparagus soup, Alaskan Wild Troll King Salmon and homemade vegetable ravioli "au gratin." Brunch cocktails will include 5 types of Bloody Marys and specialty cocktails like the Mother's Day-worthy lavender-peach Bellini garnished with a fragrant lavender blossom.

Treat mom to an elegant 3 Course lunch or dinner at Acqua Al 2 which includes bottomless Bellinis for $45 per person. Diners may choose from a special 3 course menu that includes their mouthwatering Filetto al Mirtillo, a hand carved filet mignon with blueberry sauce or Tonni in Crosta di Pistacchi, a seared Ahi tuna with pistachio and red pepper crust and homemade tiramisu for dessert.

Davanti Enoteca's Little Italy and Del Mar locations will offer an Italian-style Mother's Day brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Moms can have their fill of the lemon ricotta pancakes served with blueberries and lemon curd and experience the Italian version of French toast with Davanti's Pane Tostato, house battered Italian toast with caramelized figs, vanilla, mascarpone and a balsamic maple syrup. Moms can also enjoy a variety of fresh baked pastries, fresh squeezed juices and a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar.

Celebrate Mother's Day with Toast Enoteca and Cucina! Special menu will be featured and served in addition to the regular menu for $33 per person. Mom can choose from a three course menu that includes anitpasto, primo and secondo courses.

Make a date with Mom for a delicious Mother’s Day Brunch at Roppongi Restaurant & Sushi Bar, located in the heart of La Jolla Cove, on Sunday from 10am to 3pm. Enjoy live jazz music by David Patrone and dine indoors or al fresco on the covered patio or outdoor firepit. The brunch specialty menu, hand crafted by Executive Chef Michael McDonald, consists of popular items like Maine lobster scramble, Bread & Sea brioche French toast, and Roppongi eggs benedict. Bottomless mimosas will also be offered and all Moms will be treated to a complimentary SVEDKA cocktail.

Mia Francesca

Mia Francesca, the family-run restaurant featuring a large outdoor patio and trattoria style dining room, will offer lunch between 12 and 3 p.m. and dinner from 3 to 9 p.m. Highlights will include a variety of dishes like the restaurant's popular calamari fritti, signature insalata alla Francesca, and pizza topped with prosciutto, artichoke, mushroom, olives and egg.

Since mom got you to eat your veggies, taught you your ABC’s, and probably put up with some silly shenanigans, Souplantation is giving you the chance to win 4 FREE meal passes for her to enjoy a wonderful night out with the family! Contest ends Sunday, May 12th at midnight! Want to enter? Make sure you follow @Souplantation on Twitter, and go to the contest page and follow the rules.

Gear up for a Mother’s Day feast that is anything but ordinary, as RA Sushi will be celebrating the holiday with extended hours in the Flying Fish Lounge, from 11 a.m. to close. The whole family can get stuffed to the gills on a variety of sushi, tapas and appetizers, including favorites like Tuna Tataki, Viva Las Vegas roll and “RA”ckin Shrimp. Flirty cocktails like the Shiso Naughty and Blushing Geisha are also on the list of specials in store for Mom.

Pacifica Del Mar's three-course prix fixe meal is packed with local favorites, including breakfast and lunch items that will satisfy the entire clan. Choose a starter, like the house roasted beets with smoked almonds, fennel and goats milk yogurt, followed by a breakfast entree (served until 2 p.m.) like Pacifica's Frittata, or a lunch selection like seafood stew. End the meal with a choice of dessert. Three-courses for only $37/pp.

The Cohn Restaurant Group really want mothers to feel special. Mom's eat FREE at 100 Wines, BO-beau, Gaslamp Strip Club, Blue Point and Indigo Grill, as long as they bring two guests who also purchase entrees. At Prado, Vintana, C Level and 333 Pacific moms and guests are treated to free bubbly! Details can be found online.

Family plays a big role this Mother’s Day at Jsix. There will be plenty to do with Mom and the kids, including a cookie and cupcake decorating station full of edible supplies and coloring books to keep kids happy, as well as a make-your-own waffles stand. Adults can relax enjoying Jsix's well-stocked Bloody Mary and mimosa bar full of mix and match accompaniments, including fresh juices like blood orange and grapefruit. The prix fixe menu from Chef Graves includes twists to brunch classics like pork schnitzel with biscuits and gravy and chiliquilles-style steak and eggs. Jsix is located downtown and will serve brunch from 9am-2pm for the cost of $10 for kids and $30 for adults.

Chef Anthony Sinsay

Offering a menu of "Asian Cowboy" cuisine, Chef Anthony Sinsay of BURLAP in Del Mar has created a menu featuring a hybrid of meat (raw, cooked and rotisserie), seafood and bold sides with Asian influences. And special for Mother's Day, BURLAP has added a King Crab Fried Rice in addition to the regular brunch menu.

An obvious choice for Mother’s Day brunch due to La Jolla Cove views and the famous “Coast Toast,” the charming Brockton Villa restaurant will be offering a “Queen Bee Special” brunch menu with dishes that the entire family can enjoy. For $25, guests can select a signature breakfast item such as the crab Ipanema, pulled pork and soy chorizo chilaquiles, or artichoke and asparagus omelette, in addition to any alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage. Lunch entrees like the roasted Zatar lamb wrap, basie pesto summer vegetable papardelle or the Fork and Knife balsamic marinated steak sandwich are also available as part of the special, and can be paired with a choice of Brockton Villa’s “epic” chowder or house salad.

This Mother's Day, from 3pm-7:30pm, treat Mom to a day at the winery at Orfila Winery's The Goods: An Artisan Festival! Featuring 20 local artists and vendors, 10 Gourmet Food Trucks, live music from singer Melissa McDonell and CoolBandLuke, local craft beer and of course your favorite Orfila wine! There's something for everyone, so get the family together and head out for an afternoon of fun in the sun honoring mom! Admission is $10 for Owl Club Members ($15 at door) and $15 for non-members ($20 at the door) and includes 8 wine and/or craft beer tastings. FREE admission for persons under 21. Persons under the age of 21 are welcomed with paid adult present, but reservations are required for families attending the event with persons under the age of 21.

Stone Brewing Co. World Bistro & Gardens

Enjoy Mother’s Day at Stone Brewing Co. World Bistro and Gardens in Escondido on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Families are invited to join Stone for Sunday brunch celebrating Mom. A brunch menu and made-to-order omelette station will be offered including sides of fruit, potatoes, bacon and strawberry pastries. Omelette station is $15, or guests may order a la carte from the brunch menu which may be viewed online.

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa will be celebrating with a special brunch for Mom from 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., featuring an array of delicious stations such as eggs, house made buttermilk pancakes and crispy Belgium waffles, a Benedict table, spring flavors, assorted sushi rolls and chilled seafood, greens and bites, sweet endings and even a station for the little ones. In addition, Mom's complimentary choice of house made Bloody Mary's or Bellinis and a special take-home gift of a recipe and jar of Chef's spring jam. The cost of Rancho Valencia's Mother's Day Brunch is $85 per person and $25 kids 11 and under. Reservations are required.

Rancho Bernardo Inn

Veranda Fireside Lounge & Restaurant at the legendary Rancho Bernardo Inn will be offering a three-course spring-inspired Mother's Day dinner menu including dishes such as crab bisque, wild mushroom ravioli, aged top sirloin, and grilled halibut. Cost per person is $45.

Guests of Aragon Ballroom at Rancho Bernardo Inn can savor an array of cuisine featuring mustard and herb stuffed Berkshire pork loin, slow roasted prime rib, decadent chocolate fountain and more delicacies. A kid-friendly buffet station will delight younger guests. Families can also enjoy the adored petting zoo and pony rides! Brunch is served from 10a.m.-4p.m., the petting zoo and pony rides are available from 10a.m.-3p.m. Cost for adults is $65 and children (ages 4-12) $25, with children 3 and under are complimentary.

Inside Searsucker

Located in the bustling historic Gaslamp Quarter San Diego, Searsucker is by Top Chef finalist and ABC's The Taste winning judge / mentor Celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey and hospitality visionary, James Brennan. For Mother's Day, Searsucker will be offering Mimosas for Moms and adding a special lobster Benedict with asparagus and a lemon Bearnaise in addition to the regular brunch menu.

Sheraton Hotel & Marina’s Harbor’s Edge Restaurant will celebrate Mother's Day with a special Brunch on the bay. From 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., guests will enjoy an amazing selection of breakfast favorites including omelets and waffles prepared fresh to order, and a variety of seafood dishes, salads, pastas, and gourmet entrees, side by side with cheese boards, carving stations, and delicious dessert displays. Prices are $49.95 for adults and $21.95 for children. Children under the age of 5 are free.

True Food Kitchen

True Food Kitchen will be offering two specials for brunch this Mother's Day: pan roasted halibut with spring asparagus, Hon Shimeji mushrooms, arugula and citrus vinaigrette and strawberry shortcake with local organic berries, vanilla bean shortcake and Greek yogurt. The regular brunch menu also offers a variety of healthy yet delicious dishes. True Food is also doing an adorable Mother's Day promotion - plant-able gift card holders. The restaurant's gift certificates are enclosed in a gift cardholder made of biodegradable "seed" paper, which can be simply planted and will grow into a fresh basil plant in just weeks. The card itself reads "Mother's Love Grows By Giving" on the front, a quote by Charles Lamb, and inside: "Thanks For All You've Given Me." The seed cards are available at any True Food Kitchen location through Mother's Day at no extra cost other than the gift certificate ($10, $20, $50, etc.).

US GRANT!!!

THE US GRANT Mother's Day Brunch features an all-encompassing buffet of breakfast specialties, fresh salads, seasonal side dishes, prime meats, Pacific seafood specialties, and a collection of sweet treats. A kid-friendly buffet station will delight younger guests, meanwhile, Mom will be treated to a special gift, with our compliments. Live jazz entertainment completes the San Diego Mother's Day experience. Reservations are required. And on Saturday, May 11th, taste the beauty of Spring with Afternoon Tea at THE US GRANT. Sip loose leaf teas and a glass of champagne while enjoying decadent pastries and desserts, fresh berries with Devonshire cream and a selection of gourmet tea sandwiches, blooming with edible florals. Seatings is from 1pm - 3pm and costs $46 for adults and $22 for children (ages 12 & under). Prices exclude tax & gratuity and reservations are required.

BiCE

For an authentic Italian dining experience set in a contemporary yet homey atmosphere, BiCE's special prix fixe menu will make Mom feel like she's been whisked away to Italy this Mother's Day. From 11:30 to 9pm, BiCE will be offering a special three-course menu featuring a choice of appetizer including a sweet and savory crepe station among other options, a main course selection of either Italian baked tarte with provolone, Italian ham and leeks, homemade oven-baked lasagna, stuffed chicken breast with truffle cheese and prosciutto and served with mashed potatoes, or homemade spinach fettuccine with shrimp and mushrooms, drizzled with a vodka pink sauce. Executive Chef Mario Cassineri's tour of Italian cuisine will end with a decadent dessert buffet crafted by expert pastry chef Francesca Penoncelli. The prix fixe menu is available for $39 and includes bottomless mimosas. BiCE will also be offering a kids menu for $21.

For a dinner brimming with elegance and luxury, Donovan’s Steak & Chop House in La Jolla and the Gaslamp Quarter are the ideal locations to spoil mom this Mother’s Day. Chef Sal Reynoso of Donovan’s Steak & Chop House in La Jolla and Chef Arturo Mejia of the Gaslamp location have each crafted elaborate Mother’s Day menus including an array of appetizers and entrees ranging from filet mignon medallions with grilled shrimp scampi to pan seared halibut with lemon caper beurre blanc. Donovan’s Gaslamp location will also feature menu highlights from sister restaurant Donovan’s Prime Seafood. Additionally, each location will also offer a specially crafted 3-course prix fixe menu. In La Jolla, this includes a salad, either twin-prime filet medallions, 6oz prime filet and shrimp scampi or North Atlantic salmon with Maitre D’ butter and a choice of dessert, available for $50. The Gaslamp’s prix fixe menu varies slightly, offering a choice of soup or salad, either twin-prime filet medallions, 6oz prime filet and shrimp scampi, or Scottish Loch Duart salmon with Maitre d’ butter, and a choice of dessert, available for $51. Mother’s Day menus will be offered at the La Jolla location from 3-9pm and at Gaslamp from 3-10p.m. The La Jolla location will also be holding a drawing for moms on Mother’s Day to win a complementary spa day.

Katsuya

Katsuya San Diego will be offering its full menu of Japanese-inspired cuisine this Mother’s Day, allowing Mom to choose from a host of tasty signatures. Mix it up with a family style dinner including an array of must-try items like Katsuya’s famous crispy rice with spicy tuna, Wagyu Tobanyaki served sizzling hot with wild mushrooms, Miso-marinated black cod with a hint of sweet miso, and special Katsuya roll with tuna, yellowtail, salmon, scallop, crab and avocado, wrapped with rice, soy paper, and cucumber and served with wasabi ponzu on the side.

Elevation Burger Carlsbad owner, Ron Weinberg is personally inviting ALL moms to EAT FREE on Mother's Day. As far as Elevation Burger is concerned, Moms are the people that make the world go-round and they deserve a big THANK YOU. The team at Elevation Burger invites all moms for a fun casual lunch or even a nice relaxed dinner later in the day. They'll be open all day and mom's will be treated to a free meal when they come in.

Mom can be treated to a sweet Mother's Day with the Sprinkles Cupcakes' MOM box. The Sprinkles MOM box features dark chocolate, red velvet, vanilla and lemon cupcakes, making it the perfect gift for every Mom. Adorned with Sprinkles' daisies, MOM sugar decorations and sealed with a MOM Loves Cupcakes sticker, moms are guaranteed to have the sweetest Mother's Day ever!

With a recent $180 million renovation, Westfield UTC focused major efforts on their dining scene and resort-inspired shopping, making it the perfect place to take mom on Mother's Day. The revamped standouts at Westfield UTC include the best location for shopping with mom at new retail stores from Splendid, J. Crew to Tiffany & Co. with healthy, delicious Mother's Day dining at Seasons 52, featuring seasonally-inspired menus from a fresh grill and wine bar, offering an outdoor patio as well as an award-winning international wine list and delicious dishes such as the Lemongrass Salmon Salad. Tender Greens is another new culinary addition with its use of fresh picked produce daily from Scarborough Farms in Oxnard, CA and the freshest and finest dishes.

The Bahia Hotel Mission Bay Ballroom will feature a superb brunch buffet in celebration of Mother’s Day. Guests will savor both a glorious view on the bay in addition to a wide variety of salads, seafood, main dishes, sides, and desserts. A few of the many delectable menu offerings include: Belgian waffles with strawberries and whipped cream, made-to-order omelletes; smoked salmon; bay shrimp ceviche; fresh cheese and fruit platters; slow-roasted prime rib; miso glazed salmon; herb roasted turkey breast; roasted garlic mashed potatoes; baked penne pasta; and several dessert options including bananas foster; apple cobbler; German chocolate cake; and a wide variety of tarts, mini pastries and chocolates. A special “knee-high” buffet will offer a variety of kids’ specialties. Cost is $46.50 for adults and $22.50 for children 5-12 (children under 5 eat free).

The Catamaran’s bay-front lawn and the elegant second floor Banquet Rooms will overflow with succulent dishes to delight Mom on Mother’s Day. Families can enjoy sampling a wide variety of culinary items that include salads, seafood, carved meats, main dishes, side dishes, and desserts. Some of the outstanding menu selections include: cheese blintzes with berry sauce; assorted quiches; grilled vegetables; prime rib au jus; kale salad with apple, radish and spiced walnuts; crab salad; prime rib au jus, baked salmon; herb crusted pork loin; spinach gratin; peel & eat shrimp; and toasted linguini with greens. guests can also indulge their sweet tooth at the dessert buffet featuring chocolate dipped strawberries, berry cobblers, and assorted cookies and cakes. The children’s “Knee-High” buffet menu offers a wide variety of kids’ selections such as grilled chicken and zucchini; baked macaroni; pee wee potatoes; and green salad and fruit. Cost is $52.00 for adults and $24.50 for children 5-11 (children under 5 eat free). Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch Buffet runs from 10:00am--3:00pm (last seating 2:30pm).

To add to the ambiance of Mom’s special day, both of the above buffets (Bahia & Catamaran will feature live piano entertainment, and ss part of the day’s festivities, guests can enjoy a FREE cruise with a paid brunch buffet on the Bahia Belle and William D. Evans sternwheelers, which will sail between the Bahia and Catamaran hotels throughout the afternoon beginning at 11:30 am and ending at 6:15 pm.

With so many options, there's no reason not to enjoy this city's offerings and make Mother's Day special for Mom! I know deciding is the hardest part, but make your reservations soon, as these amazing locations are likely to fill up! Mmmmmm....MOM-osas!

Always a Sell-Out, The Taste of Little Italy Returns June 19th!

2013-05-07T04:30:00.000-07:00

May 7, 2013

The Little Italy Association’s popular Taste of Little Italy event, showcasing traditional and eclectic eateries in the neighborhood, is back again this June 19th. Held in the hip and historic downtown district, attendees get to stroll the streets while enjoying live music and tastes from over 28 favorite local hotspots. With many new restaurants to the Little Italy dining scene, this year’s annual event is anticipated to be another sell-out, so interested attendees are encouraged to purchase their tickets early.
New this year, there will be two routes to choose from (North Route and South Route), so attendees can have their choice of a mix of restaurants or go for the big cannoli and sign up for the full roster of nearly 30 restaurants. You know it will be delicious when restaurants like Bencotto Italian Kitchen, Davanti & Filippi's are on the menu!

This year, with the two route option, attendees will have the choice of purchasing a ticket to either route for $28 or both routes for $42. With the purchase of a ticket, visitors to Taste of Little Italy receive a passport that is validated by each participating restaurant in exchange for a taste of their featured menu item. Appetizers, desserts and specialty beverages are offered as visitors stroll through the district enjoying vignettes of live musical entertainment. Tickets may be purchased online by visiting www.tasteoflittleitalysd.com/tickets.php or by calling (619) 615-1092.

Past savory samples offered at Taste of Little Italy events include: Fusilli with pink pancetta sauce from Bencotto; Pipian crusted brie with jalapeño jelly from Indigo Grill; Lounge Sliders from Burger Lounge; Mini Kurobuta corn dogs served with spicy cheese fondue and whole grain mustard from Craft & Commerce; Choice of red or white wine (for those 21 and over) from Enoteca Style; assorted pizza slices from Filippi’s Pizza Grotto; and so much more. Moral of the story - COME HUNGRY!!!

The Taste of Little Italy will take place on Wednesday, June 19, 2013 from 5:00 p.m to 9:00 p.m. at Little Italy district in downtown San Diego with India Street serving as main event corridor. For directions, visit http://www.littleitalysd.com/OurLocation.asp, and for more information, visit www.tasteoflittleitalysd.com, follow on Facebook, or call (619) 615-1092.

2nd Annual Front Burner Fund Food Fest Fundraiser To Take Place at Carnitas' Snack Shack | Tuesday, May 14th

2013-05-06T17:20:00.001-07:00

May 6, 2013

Front Burner Fund is proud to be hosting its 2nd annual fundraiser at San Diego's favorite pork palace, Carnitas’ Snack Shack, on Tuesday, May 14th from 6-9pm. Come join some of San Diego's top chefs for a swinging fun party with delicious food for a great cause. As in years past, tickets for the event are $25 in advance and $35 at the door, a small price to pay to grub on tasty bites and to support a wonderful charity.

Founded in 2012 by four San Diego culinary leaders, the Front Burner Fund is a 501(c)(3) charity committed to raising funds to assist back of house restaurant staff with health costs and emergency medical needs. The passion project of a few leaders in the local culinary community including Ron Troyano, Julie Darling, Flor Franco, and Maria Sparks, the Front Burner Fund is approaching its second year and the organization has grown its board of directors to eight members from various backgrounds and industries. The board is now positioned to allocate the proceeds from their fundraising events to recipients throughout the year with a formal application and review process. Local chefs and back of house staff can apply for a grant by writing a letter detailing their reason of need to Ron Troyano at ron@alchemysandiego.com or Julie Darling at chefjulie@me.com.

Part of the back patio at Carnitas'

In 2012, the fund conducted two events which raised over $6,000 to help with one recipient and build the infrastructure of the organization. In 2013, the event schedule has been increased to three events with the first being held on Tuesday, May 14th at Carnitas Snack Shack, more details to follow.

“Not only will the Front Burner Fund bring the culinary community closer together,” says Troyano, “we are hopeful that it will also bring some much needed awareness to the cause and the medical needs of our local culinary talents.”

For this year's fundraiser, each tasting ticket purchased will include access to each and every chefs’ tastings, and one complimentary drink, including beer or wine. There will be a cash beer & wine bar for those wishing to kick back a few. This year, the chefs attending the event include:

Hanis Cavin – Carnitas’ Snack Shack
Hector Casanova – Casanova Fish Tacos
Amy DiBiase – Baleen Restaurant
Eric Manual – Firefly Restaurant / Dana Hotel
George Morris – Beaumont’s
Ben Rollins – What’s Ben Baking
Matt Sisson – Ghost Scream Hot Sauce
Chris Spayde – Blue Wave
Peter Servold – Pete’s Paleo
Devin Woodall – Cork and Platter
Jenny Williams – Jenny Wenny Cakes
Karen Blair - Hamilton's Tavern

Shihomi Borillo - Azuki Sushi

And more chefs keep signing up!

Carnitas' Snack Shack is located at 2632 University Ave. For more information on the 2nd Annual Front Burner Fund Food Fest hosted By Carnitas Snack, visit the Facebook event page or Front Burner Fund's Facebook page. To purchase $25 tickets, visit the Brown Paper Tickets page or purchase at the door for $35.

Tickets Now Available to Del Mar's Summer Solstice Event | Thursday, June 20th

2013-05-02T09:40:00.000-07:00

May 2, 2013

Del Mar Village Association is celebrating the arrival of summer with their annual Summer Solstice event, a festive affair featuring live music, a silent auction, wine and beer tasting, and culinary creations from Del Mar’s finest restaurants. The event takes place just steps from the beach at Powerhouse Park, giving guests front-row seats to sunset views. Early bird tickets can be purchased for $55 to ensure entrance to this exciting event, which has sold out the past two years. After May 1, ticket prices become $65. For the ultimate Summer Solstice experience, VIP tables are available for $800 for parties of ten.

Summer Solstice provides guests with the unique opportunity to socialize, listen to music, eat, drink, and partake in a silent auction, all while celebrating near the beach. The ocean-view backdrop makes for a delightful ambiance, perfect for welcoming the start of summer. Upon entrance, guests will receive a stemless glass to sample wines and beers from over fifteen wineries and breweries. Over twenty local restaurants, will be serving signature tastes, while Semisi & FulaBula plays live steel drum music. The Summer Solstice Silent Auction is one of DMVA´s largest fundraisers. It features items from local businesses and DMVA sponsors. Proceeds from the event benefit the Del Mar Village Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the vitality of the historic Del Mar Village.

Summer Solstice will be held on June 20, 2013 from 5:00-8:00 pm at Powerhouse Park. The park is located at 1658 Coast Boulevard, Del Mar, CA 92014. Don’t miss out on this year’s festivities by ordering tickets online, or visit the Del Mar Village Community & Visitor Center at 1104 Camino Del Mar, Suite 1 to purchase your tickets today!

For more information, including details on parking, please visit http://www.summer.delmarmainstreet.com.

SpotOn Announces Launch of San Diego Contest to Reach 150,000th Check-in

2013-05-01T04:30:00.000-07:00

May 1, 2013

SpotOn, a digital platform for customer loyalty and engagement, is launching a countywide contest in San Diego to reach its 150,000th check-in, starting Wednesday, May 1st, 2013. Anyone in San Diego can enter the contest with a simple SpotOn check-in at one or more of the 300+ SpotOn merchants in San Diego for a chance to win up to $1,000 in prizes.

With 120,000 check-ins currently tracked, the contest will officially begin on May 1st and continue until the 150,000th customer checks in. SpotOn will use its tablet-based incentive program to track check-ins at each San Diego merchant location. The 150,000th SpotOn customer to check in using a SpotOn HotSpot tablet will receive $1,000 in prizes from SpotOn merchants, such as Submarina, Crust Pizzeria, SoCal Fit Body Bootcamp and more.

“We’re thrilled to have reached over 100,000 check-ins in San Diego, since our launch last July, and received such a warm welcome from the merchants and consumers that make up ‘America’s Finest City,’” said Brett Weiss, Southern California Regional Director. “As the eighth largest city in the U.S. and a central hub for consumer-driven businesses, we’re excited for this contest to engage our 300+ SpotOn merchants and give their customers another incentive to ‘check in’ at their favorite businesses.”

Throughout the course of the contest, each SpotOn check-in at a San Diego merchant location will warrant a 5-cent donation to The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) of San Diego for its programs and services.

“We’re proud to bring on MDA San Diego as our contest beneficiary and be able to contribute to the honorable work its team does for San Diegans,” said Weiss. “With such a strong reach in the benefits provided, MDA services the same families and individuals that are using SpotOn and visiting our merchants; we’re grateful to have found that synergy and kick-off this fundraising effort.”

SpotOn’s contributions to MDA San Diego will help support its comprehensive programs for families, including youth summer camps, medical equipment, clinics and support groups.

“This contest is such a unique opportunity for MDA San Diego to be able to get involved with, as it mobilizes such a large quantity of businesses to get involved and raise awareness for our organization,” said Angel Chanchea, Executive Director of MDA San Diego. “Our MDA team already loves the rewards we’ve been getting with SpotOn at our local businesses, so we’re excited to get the word out about this partnership and hit that 150,000 mark with even more rewards to go around.”

To enter the contest, individuals can sign up at any SpotOn merchant location via tablet or download the mobile app for Android or iPhone. Purchase is necessary to check-in using SpotOn. As soon as SpotOn reaches its 150,000th check-in, it will notify the winner via email.

For more information about SpotOn and a list of SpotOn merchants in San Diego, please visit https://www.spoton.com/findspoton

Las Vegas Kicks Off Summer Travel Season with Ultimate Cinco De Mayo Bash in San Diego | Friday, May 3rd

2013-04-30T11:05:00.002-07:00

Mr. Las Vegasdotcom

April 30, 2013

Las Vegas, one of the world’s premier travel destinations, launches the summer travel season by encouraging participants to take a swing at an oversized piñata in San Diego's Gaslamp District on Friday, May 3rd. Shaped in the likeness of the destination’s popular ad campaign character, Mr. Las Vegasdotcom, participants will “hit up Las” as they vie for a $5,000 grand prize trip to be booked on LasVegas.com. All other participants will get a $50 voucher redeemable on the website.

This past January, Las Vegas launched a new ad campaign featuring the Mr. Las Vegasdotcom character. Mr. Las Vegasdotcom is your typical American male who happens to share his name with the website for one of the most famous and popular travel destinations in the world. Shot in a faux documentary style (see sample ad below), the ads follow Las through his daily routine as people pepper him with questions about show tickets, hotel accommodations and more. In response, he refers them to the actual website.

Beyond promoting using the website for booking these activities, the campaign also educates viewers that LasVegas.com is the place to find out about Las Vegas’ many amenities and attractions – from the well-known entertainer Celine Dion at Caesars Palace to the secret pizza restaurant at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

The May 3rd event brings the idea of hitting up Las for the best in Las Vegas to real life. Beginning at 9 p.m. at the Northeast corner of 5th and J streets in San Diego's Gaslamp District, the scene will include a 16-foot Mr. Las Vegasdotcom piñata highlighted by colorful stage lighting, showgirls, DJ, prizes and promotional giveaways. In addition, there will be live shots and interviews with Mr. Las Vegasdotcom throughout the evening. All participants must be 21 years of age or older