Davanti named to Best Restaurant list: Davanti Enoteca, an Italian restaurant that opened last year in San Diego’s Little Italy, was named Wednesday as one of 50 nominees for Bon Appetit magazine’s Best New Restaurant of 2012 award. Davanti was one of just five restaurants in California named to this year’s list and the only San Diego eatery to make the cut. Chef Luigi Negroni’s menu was praised by the magazine for its “spot-on salumi”, small plates, escarole and apple Salad,cacio e pepeand happy hour menu. The list will be narrowed to 10 in a few weeks, with the final award later this fall. Launched last year by Chicago restaurateur Scott Harris (who launched the 22-store Mia Francesca restaurant chain 20 years ago), Davanti is a casual Italian wine bar serving tapas, salad, wood-fired pizzas and pastas. There are Davantis in Chicago, San Diego’s Little Italy and Del Mar Heights. Visit davantisandiego.com .
Karl Strauss opens in 4S Ranch: Karl Strauss has opened its seventh brewery restaurant at 10448 Reserve Drive in Rancho Bernardo’s 4S Ranch neighborhood. The 8,200-square-foot restaurant, which opened its doors July 31, includes a bar and brewery, with seating for 253 (including 104 on the patio). The bar has 12 beers on tap and an onsite 7-barrel brewhouse overseen by a brewmaster. The restaurant’s menu is billed as “West Coast pub fare.” Visit karlstrauss.com .
Falkner Winery Vertical Tastings:Falkner Winery in Temecula will launch monthly vertical tastings, where samples will be offered of multiple vintages of the same wine from the same producer. The first tasting is from 10:30 a.m. to noon Aug. 25 and will focus on eight vintages from 2000 to 2007 of Falkner Meritage-Bordeaux style blend. Each monthly session led by sommelier George Meyers will be limited to 16 tasters. Cost is $40. Reserve to 951-676-8231, ext. 109.
Battle of the Barrios: Five San Diego bartenders will compete in a beer co*cktail competition during August at Sessions Public in Ocean Beach. Every Monday through Aug. 27, mixologists will be mixing “beertails” with Zaya Rum and an assortment of beers. The bartender who sells the most co*cktails on his or her night will have his drink featured on the menu. The lineup is Jason O’Brian from URBN Coal Fired Pizza on Aug. 7; Christian Siglin of Craft & Commerce on Aug. 13; Tyler French of Lion’s Share on Aug. 20; and Travis Urban from Prohibition on Aug. 27.
Side Bar offers bartender shots:Side Bar Ultra Lounge in downtown San Diego has created a program called “America’s Next Top Bartender,” where aspiring mixologists can get behind the bar (no experience necessary) and whip up drinks for customers. The bartenders can either keep their tips or donate them to charity and Side Bar will match their donation. Applicants can sign up online alone or in groups. Details at sidebarsd.com .
Sprinkles delivery deal:Sprinkles Cupcakes is offering a sweet incentive for its delivery costumers. Now through Sept. 3, customers who order three dozen cupcakes for delivery will get the third dozen for free. The La Jolla gourmet cupcake shop promises deliver within four hours. Visit sprinkles.com for ordering information.
Tender Greens opens in La Jolla:Tender Greens, the San Diego restaurant named the San Diego Magazine’s 2012 Critics Pick for Best Salad, has opened a new location at Westfield UTC shopping center in La Jolla. The kitchen is headed by executive chef Peter Balistreri (who opened the first Tender Greens in Point Loma with his similarly named cousin Pete Balistreri). The restaurants specialize in seasonal salads, house-made cheese, charcuterie, humanely raised meats, sustainable seafood and shellfish and local wines and beers on tap. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Chocolate exhibit returns:Chocolate lovers, rejoice. The San Diego Natural History Museum is bringing back its blockbuster “Chocolate” exhibit on Oct. 12. The exhibit, which will run through March 2013, broke box office records when it was here several years ago. The exhibit explores the cacao plant that produces chocolate, as well as the history, anthropology, economics and cultural importance of the sweet treat. The walk-through exhibit concludes, naturally, with a chocolate shop for take-home treats, and there will be chocolate sampling by local chocolatiers throughout the course of the exhibit. Visit sdnhm.org .
New chef at Donovan’s:Augie Saucedo has been named the new executive chef of Donovan’s Prime Seafood in the Gaslamp Quarter. Previously, he worked at the Shelter Pointe Hotel and Marina, Chameleon Cafe in Coronado, The Shores in La Jolla, the Mission Inn in Riverside and the San Diego Convention Center. Saucedo has created a new menu at Donovan’s that includes Parsley and Leek-Crusted Alaskan Halibut, Lobster Risotto with Truffle Cheese and Smoked Almond-Crusted Salmon.
New whiskey bar in North Park: Seven Grand Whiskey Bar, operated by the owners of the famed Los Angeles Whiskey Bar, has opened at 3054 University Ave. in North Park. The 4,100-square-foot hunting lodge-style bar serves more than 200 varieties of whiskeys, ryes and Scotches, as well as local craft beers. Open from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. daily, the bar will feature a Whiskey Society membership program and live jazz and blues music is planned later in the summer. Visit sevengrandbars.com or call 619-269-8820.
New pizza bar in Little Italy:Isola Pizza Bar has opened at 1526 India St. in San Diego’s Little Italy. Owned by former Arizona chef Mossimo Tenino, who named the restaurant after his grandmother, the restaurant’s menu features wood-fired gourmet pizzas (beef cheek and shellfish are two varieties), gourmet salads, antipasti and salumi. Visit isolapizzabar.com .
Uptown Tavern set to open: Uptown Tavern has opened at 1236 University Ave. in Hillcrest. Owned by David Cohen and Bobby Jones, the partners behind North Park’s West Coast Tavern, Uptown will have the atmosphere of a rustic-chic neighborhood bar with roll-up garage door windows, indoor and outdoor dining areas, HD televisions and a menu created by executive chef Eli Freebairn. Uptown’s bar will have 20 taps for beer and a large selection of vodka drinks and craft co*cktails.
Nature’s Kitchen debuts:The former Cafe 21 restaurants in Normal Heights and downtown San Diego have been renamed Nature’s Kitchen to reflect a new menu of ingredients entirely sourced from local and organic farms. Chef Leyla Javadov said she spent months sourcing purveyors for her menu, which includes Baklava Crumble Salad, Curry Seared Scallops, Zucchini Cake Skillet, Khan Pilaf, Vegan Sutee and more. Among its suppliers are local Ram’s Farm, Sage Mountain Farm, Mary’s Free Ranch, TR Natural, Fresh Origins and True Leaf Farms. Later this summer, Nature’s Kitchen plans to host a series of “meet the farmer” dinners. Visit cafe-21.com .
Fuze plans Taco Tuesdays: Fuze Restaurant and Lounge, the new Korean fusion restaurant in Mira Mesa, is now offering a Taco Tuesday promotion with kalbi tacos (Korean short ribs with scallions, cabbage and sliced onion) and pork belly tacos (Thai-style marinated pork belly with pico de gallo) and calamari tacos.
Saltbox offers happy hour, pool menus: Saltbox Dining & Drinking in downtown San Diego has two new summer promotions. From noon to 5 p.m. Sundays, the SummerSalt Pool Lounge on the fourth floor of adjacent Hotel Palomar presents SummerSalt Sundays pool parties with DJ slowhand, Tacos by Chido Man and a happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. Saltbox Lounge also offers a new late night happy hour from 10 p.m. to midnight through the end of summer, featuring $5 wine, beer and co*cktail specials.
Hiatus opens in La Jolla: Hiatus, a new co*cktail bar and lounge overseen by bartender Nate Howell, opens Aug. 9 at Kimpton’s newly renovated Hotel La Jolla. It joins Cusp Dining & Drinks, which opened Aug. 1. The bar specializes in infused co*cktails and small plates developed by Cusp chef Donald Lockhart. Visit cusprestaurant.com .
New pastry chef at Waters:Pastry chef Joe Burns has joined Waters Fine Foods & Catering in Solana Beach and Bay Park. The South Carolina native previously worked at Pamplemousse Grille in Solana Beach and George’s at the Cove in La Jolla. His specialties include Ginger-Curry Bread Pudding, Green Dragon Apple Tartar, Citrus Soup and Mr. Burn’s Bars (chocolate-dipped frozen cheesecake strips on sticks, with sprinkles).
New chef at 1500 Ocean: Chef Robert Hohmann is the new chef de cuisine at 1500 Ocean restaurant at the Hotel del Coronado. Hohmann was formerly the chef de cuisine at Michael Chiarello’s Bottega Ristorante in Napa, where he was a James Beard Foundation nominee Top 5 Best Chef Pacific 2012, and in 2010 was consulting executive sous chef of Lincoln Restaurant in Manhattan. He will unveil his new menu on Oct. 1.
FOOD EVENTS
Toast live-streams grape harvest:At 3 p.m. Aug. 10, Toast Enoteca & Cucina in Little Italy will live-stream video from the Donnafugata Winery’s grape harvest at the Contessa Entellina estate in Sicily (it will be midnight in Sicily, the moment the estate begins harvesting its chardonnay grapes). During the broadcast, the Donnafugata winemakers will explain their harvesting techniques, take questions from guests via Facebook and walk viewers through a tasting of wines (which is $20). After the one-hour live stream, Toast will offer a multicourse Donnafugata wine dinner for $50 (or $55 including the pre-dinner wine tasting). RSVP to 619-269-4207.
San Diego Wine Country Festival:Bernardo Winery hosts its second festival of local vintners from 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 11 at 13330 Paseo del Verano in Rancho Bernardo. More than 20 San Diego County wineries will be pouring samples and there will be food booths, wine education and prize drawings. Tickets are $25 online ($30 at the door), which includes 10 tastings, glass, baguette and oil/vinegar for dipping. Visit bernardowinery.com or 858-487-1866.
Bell Lap at Burlap Brunch: Burlap in Del Mar Heights has teamed with Ranch and Coast Magazine for a benefit brunch at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 12. Named for the harness racing term of a race’s last lap, the event will benefit Rachel’s Women’s Center and includes brunch, bottomless mimosas, fashion show and goodie bag for $45 (or for $117, diners can add the Sept. 2 track page, which includes brunch, turf club passes at the Del Mar racetrack and roundtrip transportation. Visit burlapeats.wantickets.com .
Daphne’s offers Olympics special:On Aug. 12, closing day of the London Olympics, Daphne’s California Greek restaurants will offer $5 off a $20 meal purchase.
Strip club offers free steak deal:San Diego’s Gaslamp Strip Club steakhouse celebrates its 10th anniversary on Aug. 15 with a free steak dinner special. Diners will get a free steak dinner with purchase of another (of equal value or less) that night only. The club at 340 Fifth Ave. is open to ages 21 and up only. Visit gaslampsteak.com .
Chandler’s hosts Julia Child dinner:Chandler’s Restaurant and Lounge at the newly opened Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort & Spa will serve a three-course prix-fixe Julia Child Tribute Dinner menu Aug. 15 and 16. The late chef, famed for introducing classic French cooking techniques to America, would’ve been 100 on Aug. 15. The menu will feature some of Child’s most famous dishes, Boeuf Bourgignon, Sole Meuniere and Tarte Tatin. Cost is $38 ($48 with wine pairings). Reserve to 760-683-5500.
Chef’s Market Dinner at Red Door:Red Door Restaurant & Wine Bar hosts a four-course dinner to mark the 100th anniversary of the late master chef Julia Child at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 15 at 741 W. Washington St., Mission Hills. The event will feature a farmers market tour, cooking tips and author’s talk by San Diego chef Amy Finley, winner of “The Next Food Network Star” and author of “How to Eat a Small Country.” Cost is $48 or $73 with wine pairings. Reserve to 619-295-6000.
Dallmann turns one:Dallmann Fine Chocolates will celebrate its one-year anniversary in the Flower Hill Center with a public celebration from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 16. To mark the occasion, owner and chocolatier Isabella Valencia will introduce a new candy, the popping champagne truffle, and there will be several chocolate gift specials.
Mama’s Kitchen 17th Annual Wine Tasting: Bourbon Street in University Heights hosts a fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 16. Event includes wine, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, games and more. Tickets are $60 ($70 at the door) and benefit Mama’s Kitchen, which delivers hot meals to San Diegans with AIDS and cancer. Reserve at mamaskitchen.org or 619-233-6262.
Stone 16th Anniversary Celebration & Invitational Beer Festival:Stone Brewing Co. will celebrate its sweet 16 with a two-day beer festival Aug. 17 and 18 at Cal State San Marcos. Events include a brewers reception from 6-9 p.m. Aug. 17 ($75) and a beer festival, where ticket-holders can purchase admission to tasting sessions from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or from 3 to 6 p.m. Aug. 18 ($40 buys 10 four-ounce samples). More than 40 breweries and 100 beers will be represented. All proceeds will benefit local charities. Visit stonebrewing.com/anniv .
Bates hosts Gourmet Food Truck Fest:Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center will host its first food truck meet from 3 to 9 p.m. Aug. 18. More than one dozen Southern California food trucks will be parked at the farm, including Devilicious, Crepes Bonaparte, Thai 1 On, Slow Cal BBQ, Groggy’s Fat Sandwiches, Chubby’s Burgers and more. For the complete list, visit vcfoodtruckfest.com .
Worlds Alive Benefit Dinner at George’s:Three-star Michelin chef Christopher Kostow of Meadowood in Napa Valley will join his former boss, Trey Foshee (executive chef/partner at George’s at the Cove) for a benefit dinner at 6 p.m. Aug. 19 at George’s California Modern in La Jolla. The chefs will alternate courses for the six-course dinner with wine pairings. Cost is $375 and benefits Words Alive, a charity focused on early childhood literacy programs. To register, visit wordsalive.org .
“#NBD” co*cktails Event:Anthony Schmidt and the bar staff of Noble Experiment will host a “No Big Deal” “classic” co*cktails party from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Aug. 20 at El Dorado co*cktail Lounge, 1030 Broadway, San Diego. The drink menu includes traditionals like Cosmo, Tequila Sunrise, Appletini and Blue Hawaiian and not-so-traditionals, such as Scooby Snack, Incredible Hulk, Duck Fart, Jolly Rancher and Red Headed slu*t.
Ruth’s Chris 90+ Wine Dinner: Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Wine Enthusiast magazine co-present a five-course steak and lobster risotto dinner paired with wines rated by the magazine at 90 or more (on a scale of 100) at 6 p.m. Aug. 23 at 11582 El Camino Real in Del Mar and at 1355 N. Harbor Drive in San Diego. Cost is $115. Visit ruthschris.com .
URBN, Hess team up for stout release: URBN Coal Fired Pizza and Hess Brewing Co. of San Diego will release their first barrel-aged imperial stout Torulus beer at a tasing party at 6 p.m. Aug. 23 at URBN, 3085 University Ave., San Diego. A flight of Torulus and beers by Hess and URBN will be offered for $22 (includes snifter glass). Visit urbnnorthpark.com .
El Bizcocho Taste Explorations: El Bizcocho restaurant at the Rancho Bernardo Inn will host monthly wine dinners until it closes for a $2 million remodel and renaming at the end of summer. El Biz was the first California restaurant to offer winemaker dinners in the ’70s, so the Inn has brought them back as a tribute to the restaurant’s 44-year history.
- Locavore Taste Exploration, 6 p.m. Aug. 23. Dishes created by guest guest chef Paul Hanco*ck of Catalina Country Club and artisan co*cktails, all inspired by local craftsmen, will come together with displays by Estaban Interiors, SD Urban Timber and local jewelers and artists, with live entertainment and produce from the Inn garden and other local markets. Cost is $99.
- Beer vs. Wine Dinner, 6 p.m. Oct. 5. The sixth annual dinner allows diners to choose whether beer or wine makes the best pair for six dishes. Details soon.
San Diego Spirits Festival:San Diego’s top mixologists and dozens of alcohol brands will be showcased at the fourth-annual weekend fest that draws more than 3,000 each year 1 to 9 p.m. Aug. 25 and 26 in The Port Pavilion at Broadway Pier, 1000 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego. Events include co*cktail parties, live music and strolling entertainers, the Ultimate Bartenders Battle, and the Grand Tasting Event for the public. Visit sandiegospiritsfestival.com or call 858-551-1605.
Orfila Vineyards 2012 Grape Stomp: The San Pasqual Valley winery will hold its annual grape stomp fiesta from 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 25 at 13455 San Pasqual Road, Escondido. Tickets are $85 and include grape-stomping, a wine-tasting reception, dinner buffet, tractor rides and live music. Call 760-738-6500, Ext. 20.
Orin Swift Wine Dinner:Bistro West and West Steakhouse host a five-course dinner with pairings featuring produce from the restaurants’ 1-acre Carlsbad garden at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 28 at Bistro West, 4960 Avenida Encinitas, Carlsbad. Cost is $75. Reserve to 760-930-8008.
Falkner Winery Jazz & Lunch: On Sept. 1 and 2, the Temecula winery and its Pinnacle Restaurant will offer live music by S&R Jazz and saxophonist Jason Weber from noon to 3 p.m. to accompany lunch service. Also from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 1 through 3, Pinnacle will offer a three-course lunch for two for $55 ($65 with glass of wine). Reserve to 951-676-8231, ext. 1.
Taste at the Cove:More than 30 La Jolla-area restaurants will offer tastings at the 11th annual fundraiser from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sept. 6 at Scripps Park at La Jolla Cove, 1100 Coast Blvd. in La Jolla. Tables of 10 are $3,000 and proceeds benefit the San Diego Sports Medicine Foundation. Visit tasteatthecove.com .
Rachel’s Brunch & Jewel concert: Nightclub and restaurant impresario hosts a fundraising brunch, featuring a live concert by Jewel, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 9 at the private estate of Joan Wait, 7243 Encelia Drive in La Jolla. Tickets are $425 and proceeds will benefit Rachel’s House, a shelter for homeless women and children run by San Diego’s Catholic Charities. For details, visit www.ccdsd.org .
TheSpirits of Mexico Festival: The ninth annual celebration of Mexican tequila, beer and spirits returns to Old Town San Diego Sept. 9 through 16. Details at thespiritsofmexico.com . Schedule:
•3-6 p.m. Sept. 9:Tequila Trail.Tequilas, mexcals,sotols,bacanorasand other spirits will be served with culinary specialties at various Old Town eateries; $35.
•Sept. 10-11:2012 Spirits of Mexico Tasting Competition.A global panel of judges will award gold, silver and bronze medals to liquor brands from throughout Mexico.
•6-10 p.m. Sept. 14: Tasting Reception and Awards Dinner. Barra Barra Saloon hosts an agave-infused awards dinner hosted by Mark DeCarlo with a live auction benefiting Sky Ranch Foundation; $95
•7-9 p.m. Sept. 15: Main Event.Distillers, industry experts and brand representatives will host tastings and seminars for the public in the McCoy Garden Courtyard on Wallace Street; $50-$75 ($25 for designated drivers)
•Sept. 16: Bus Tour.Tequila aficionados will take passengers to Puerto Nuevo, Mexico, for a Baja lobster lunch.
Chef Showdown: Center for Community Solutions hosts its eighth annual Iron Chef-style competition from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 13 at NTC Promenade in Point Loma. Ten San Diego County chefs will compete before a panel of judges including chefs and restaurateurs Bernard Guillas, Ingrid Croce, Sam Zien, Michelle Lerach and Joe Busalacchi. Competitors include Paul McCabe (Delicias), Anthony Sinsay (Burlap), Augie Saucedo (Donovan’s), Hanis Cavin (Carnitas Snack Shack), Amy DiBiase (The Shores), Dawn Parks (Wild Thyme Co.), Joe Magnanelli (Cucina Urbana), Bobby Mariner (Viejas), Scotty Wagner (Chi Cuisine) and Chris O’Donnell (La Villa). Tickets are $125 (proceeds beenfit CCS). Call 858-272-5777, ext. 120.
International Food Festival:The San Elijo Women’s Club will host a global ethnic cuisine dinner at 6 p.m. Sept. 15 at 1568 Clifftop Ave., San Marcos. Tickets are $25 and will benefit Women’s Empowerment International, which provides business loans to the world’s neediest women. Dishes representing the countries where loan recipients live will be served. RSVP by Sept. 8 to sehwc@yahoo.com .
San Diego Restaurant Week: The twice-yearly promotion will feature prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus at 180 San Diego County restaurants from Sept. 16 to 21. Two-course lunch menus range are $10, $15 and $20. Three-course dinner menus are $20, $30 and $40. Menus and details online at sandiegorestaurantweek.com .
Tequila Don Julio Tasting & co*cktail Pairing Dinner: The Westgate Hotel and Tequila Don Julio present a six-course pairings dinner at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 21 in Le Fontainebleau Room. Cost is $99 plus parking, tax and gratuity. Visit westgatehotel.com or 619-557-3655.
Taste@ArtSplash: More than a dozen Carlsbad restaurants will take part in a food tasting from noon to 3 p.m. Sept. 22 at the annual Carlsbad ArtSplash Chalk Art & Entertainment Festival on Armada Drive in Carlsbad. Participants include Corner Bakery, Daily News Cafe and Flippin’ Pizza. Tickets are $20. Visit carlsbadartsplash.org or 760-213-8566.
San Diego Wine & Food Festival:The ninth annual celebration runs Nov. 14-18 and will feature 25 citywide tastings, parties, classes, dinners and special events featuring more than 200 wineries, brewers and spirits makers, as well as more than 70 San Diego restaurants. Tickets and full details are available at www.sandiegowineclassic.com .
NEW MENUS
Beaumont’s Eatery,Bird Rock: The La Jolla restaurant has introduced “Oh Yeah! Hours,” with daily dining and drink specials from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Food specials are $4 to $7 for dishes including sliders, flat bread pizzas, ceviche and pork spare ribs. In the bar, drink deals start at $3 for specialty co*cktails, $4 for S’Well co*cktails and micr-craft draft beers, $5 for wine and classic co*cktails.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, La Jolla and San Diego: Through Aug. 26, the Summer Lovin’ Steak and Sangria menu is available in two options. Through Aug. 12, the menu includes butter lettuce and pear salad, New York strip steak and peach cobbler. And Aug. 13-26, the menu is beefsteak tomato and mozzarella salad, New York strip steak and lemon poppy seed butter cookies. Cost is $39.95 (South Seas Sangria is $7.95 extra). Visit flemingssteakhouse.com .
Gabardine, Point Loma: This new seafood bar owned by Brian Malarkey and James Brennan (Malarkey has stepped in as chef de cuisine after chef Chad White moved on) has introduced a playful brunch menu served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays. Dishes include Steak n’ Eggs, Shrimp n’ Grits, Frenchy Toast, Fish n’ Chips and oysters. Mimosa co*cktail varieties include Juniper Grapefruit and Lime, Hibiscus and Lemon, and Cucumber and Ginger, and there’s a Hambone co*cktail, made with Snake Oil’s signature Hunter Beer and bloody mary mix. The restaurant is also offering an Oyster Hour from 4 to 6 p.m. daily, with $1 oysters.
Gingham, La Mesa: Brian Malarkey’s “urban cowboy diner” has introduced a program of nightly specials for summer. Mondays are “Burger of the Week and Beer” nights, with a dry-aged burger and San Diego craft beer for $15. Tuesdays are “Date Nights,” with a four-course prix-fixe dinner for two for $45. Wednesdays are Backyard Movie Nights, with a free movie on the patio and food service and Snake Oil co*cktails until 11 p.m. Saturdays are lunch days with full lunch service. On Sundays, there are brunch and dinner specials, including bottomless mimosas for $12 and no corkage fee for wines during dinner. There are also happy hours specials from 5 to 6 p.m. weekdays and reverse happy hours from 10 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, with half off select appetizers and $5-$7 drink specials.
Grant Grill, US Grant Hotel, downtown San Diego: Chef de cuisine Chris Kurth’s new summer menu includes Vietnamese “banh mi” sliders with pork shoulder peppered with cilantro, jalapeno and Hoison mayo, fish and chips with caper remoulade and beer-battered Pacific cod; and seared albacore salad with marble potatoes, summer beans and soft-boiled egg.
Roy’s Restaurant, La Jolla and San Diego: The Summer Prix-Fixe menu, priced at $36.95, includes an appetizer, entree and dessert course. Options include Rock Shrimp & Peaches, Heirloom Tomato & Crispy Mozzarella Salad, Teppanyaki Mahi Mahi and Melting Hot Chocolate Souffle. Visit roysrestaurant.com .
Saltbox Dining & Drinking, downtown San Diego: Chef Simon Dolinky has a new summer lunch menu, including a 3 Grain Salad made with quinoa, farro and lentils with coriander vinaigrette; Curry Chicken Salad with warm curried confit chicken and lime yogurt vinaigrette; Veggie BLT (with smokey tomato jam and fried smoked onion rings), and a muffaletta sandwich. The restaurant is offering a $12 power lunch of organic greens salad, daily flatbread, chef’s daily plate and a fresh-baked cookie.
Shimbashi Izakaya, Del Mar: The seasonal Japanese tapas and sake bar has a new summer menu with Duck Breast Salad, Health Cold Tofu Shirataki Noodles, Shimbashi Prime Short Rib Diced Steak (with self-cook hot pot) and Victory Roll, a sushi roll made from Alaskan king crab and steak.
Veranda Fireside Lounge & Restaurant, Rancho Bernardo Inn: The newly remodeled casual restaurant has a summer menu including Jidori chicken breast with potato puree and garlic spinach; RBI Burger with cheddar cheese and herbed fries; wild arugula salad with Point Reyes blue cheese, spiced pecans and light lemon vinaigrette; and caprese panini sandwich.
Waterfall Terrace, L’Auberge Del Mar:New executive Chef Scott Dolbee has introduced a “playful, fun and adventurous” menu with retro influences at the resort’s outdoor cafe. Dishes include a Fat Dog (Kobe beef hot dog wrapped in house-made bacon in a pizza crust bun) and Kobe Bling Burger (topped with truffle, bacon fried eggs and onions and tomato jam).
CLASSES
Alchemy of the Hearth:Cooking classes are offered at 960 Rancheros Drive, Suite L, San Marcos. The school is now enrolling for its professional culinary and baking programs, which begin Sept. 10. Culinary school is $6,000, baking/patisserie is $3,750. Alchemy of the Hearth is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Go to alchemyofthehearth.com or call 760-233-2433.
Alta Vista Gardens:Mary Dralle offers cooking classes at Alta Vista Gardens, 1270 Vale Terrace Drive in Vista. Classes are $20 (unless noted) and include tastings and recipes; register to missklibs1@netzero.com.
Cafe Merlot:The restaurant in the Bernardo Winery holds wine and cooking classes at 13330 Paseo del Verano Norte in Rancho Bernardo; $50 per person; go to cafemerlot.com or call 858-592-7785.
Cookin’ with Klibs: Mary “Klibs” Dralle will present a class on preparing a coal fired pizza from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Aug. 25 at Alta Vista Gardens, 1270 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista. She will teach a barbecue technique for sun dried tomato pizza, rosemary potato pizza and green chile cheese. Classes are $15 for Alta Vista members and $20 for non-member. RSVP to missklibs1@netzero.com .
Cups Culinary:The cupcake lounge in La Jolla also offers classes at 7857 Girard Ave.; go to cupslj.com or call 858-459-2877 for prices and registration. Classes are $65.
Dallmann Chocolate Boutique: Isabella Valencia, owner of Dallmann Chocolate Boutique in the Flower Hill Promenade in Del Mar, offers tastings classes. Classes are at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday nights with different themes. Classes are $35-$45. Go to dallmannconfections.com or call 858-720-1933.
Exploring Wine course at SDSU:San Diego State College of Extended Studies presents this introductory course for its Professional Certificate in the Business of Wine program from 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays, Aug. 20 through Sept. 24. The class covers wine history, grape varietals, viticulture, language and labeling and tasting. Cost is $299 or $329 if purchased by Aug. 13. Visit neverstoplearning.net/wine or call 619-594-6924.
Franco’s Home Chef Pizza Classes:Vista chef Frank Latino, a graduate of the International School of Pizza in San Francisco, is offering ongoing one- and two-day hands-on classes in pizza-making for wood-fired and gas-fired ovens. Seven- to eight-hour classes are limited to six and include lunch. For fees and locations, visit 2003champ@sbcglobal.net or call 619-890-4984.
Great News! Discount Cookware & Cooking School:The San Diego school hosts cooking classes at 1788 Garnet Ave. (in the Pacific Plaza at Garnet Avenue and Jewell Street); reserve to www.great-news.com or 858-270-1582, ext. 3. Reserve early; classes fill quickly.
Inspired Gourmet:Inspired Gourmet offers cooking classes at 11 a.m. Saturdays at 29373 Broken Arrow Way in Murrieta. Classes are $45; go to inspiredgourmetcooking.com or call 951-894-7551.
Roppongi Sushi School:Roppongi Restaurant in La Jolla hosts Saturday Sushi School at 12:30 p.m. Saturdays. For $25, guests will learn how to roll their own California and Spicy Tuna rolls, followed by a three-course lunch with sake sipper and a take-home sushi-rolling kit and certificate of completion. Reserve to 858-551-5252.
Ro Z’s Sweet Art Studio:Rosanne Zinniger’s cake decorating shop and studio at 277 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road, San Marcos, offers classes in cake decorating. There is also a kids cake decorating club for ages 7 to 11 one Saturday of every month; go to the website for dates. Store hours are 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Classes sometimes have an additional fee for materials; check the website. Visit rozsweetartstudio.com or call 760-744-0447.
Saltbox “Simon Says” cooking classes:Saltbox Dining & Drinking continues its cooking demonstrations and tastings at 4 p.m. every last Saturday (except May) at 1047 Fifth Ave., San Diego. Chef Simon Dolinky will host cooking demonstrations highlighting seasonal ingredients, and guests will learn to create a dish or co*cktail with the chosen theme. Cost is $30. Reserve to 619-515-3003.
•Aug. 25:Corn
San Diego Botanic Garden:Chef Elizabeth Podsiadlo, the “Opera Singing Chef,” holds cooking classes at San Diego Botanic Garden (different teacher as noted); classes are $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers (unless noted) and include recipes and tastings. Call 760-436-3036, ext. 206, or go to sdbgarden.org/classes.htm.
San Diego Opera cooking classes: Great News!Discount Cookware & Cooking School presents several classes themed to the upcoming productions in San Diego Opera’s 2012 season. Cost is $54. Reserve to www.great-news.com or 858-270-1582, ext. 3.
Sur la Table:The Carlsbad location offers cooking classes at 1915 Calle Barcelona (in The Forum shops). Email cooking046@surlatable.com, call 800-243-0851 or visit surlatable.com/browse/storeCalendar.jsp?storeId=046 .
Tea classes:Barbara Barker of Memories English Tea Garden in Vista offers themed classes and afternoon teas in a private Vista garden. Next class is at noon Aug. 11. Cost is $10. For directions, call 760-945-0476.
The Casual Gourmet:Phillis Carey will teach simple meals to cook at home at the Center for a Healthy Lifestyle at the Solana Beach Boys & Girls Club, 533 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. Email phillis@philliscarey.com or call 760-942-1756.
IN THE SPIRITS
Addison at Grand Del Mar Wine Tasting Series:The Carmel Valley resort’s high-end restaurant will host a series of summer wine tastings on the Addison terrace led by wine director Jesse Rodriguez. Cost is $40. Reserve to 858-314-2000.
•5:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 17: Aromatic white wines
Blue Door Winery:The 10-acre vineyard has opened a tasting room at 1255 Julian Orchards Drive in Julian. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Cost is $8 for five tastings. Bottled wines are $19 to $29. Visit bluedoorwinery.com or call 760-765-0361.
Cafe Japengo: The La Jolla restaurant is offering monthly tastings of prime sakes from Japan. The $25 tastings include samples of five different sakes, information on the history of each brand and live entertainment. Visit cafejapengo.com or 858-450-3355.
Falkner Winery Vertical Tastings:Falkner Winery in Temecula will launch monthly vertical tastings, where samples will be offered of multiple vintages of the same wine from the same producer. The first tasting is from 10:30 a.m. to noon Aug. 25 and will focus on eight vintages from 2000 to 2007 of Falkner Meritage-Bordeaux style blend. Each monthly session led by sommelier George Meyers will be limited to 16 tasters. Cost is $40. Reserve to 951-676-8231, ext. 109.
The Grand Del Mar’s Club M:Part restaurant, part nightclub, part sports lounge, Club M invites locals and travelers to sip ‘n sup on global tapas, sophisticated co*cktails, wine and beer, as well as dance and enjoy live entertainment. Noted architect Graham Downes designed and reconfigured the space to create a swank hangout with a lounge, bar, dining room, a large dance floor, and a stage for featured performances and DJs. 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; guest DJs 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; www.thegranddelmar.com or 858-314-2700.
Grand Del Mar Wine & Mixology events: The Grand Del Mar resort in Carmel Valley will host wine and co*cktail events this summer in its library. Tray-passed hors d’oeuvres will be served. Cost for each is $45. Reserve to 858-314-1996.
•7 p.m. Aug. 24:Discover: Wines of Germany and Austria
•7 p.m. Sept. 27: Fall-inspired mixology demonstration
The Collective:Tasting lounge features one-of-a-kind, handmade boutique wines at 28544 Old Town Front Street in Temecula. Hours are 3 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, noon to midnight Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 10 p.m. Sundays. Visit tvwinecollective.com or call 951-693-4567.
Dudley’s Wine & Gifts:Dudley’s Wine & Gifts offers wine tastings at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays at 40675 Murrieta Hot Springs Road, Suite B5, in Murrieta. Call 951-461-2225.
ENO-Versity at the Hotel Del:ENO, the wine, cheese and chocolate tasting room at the Hotel del Coronado, has announced fall classes for ENO-Versity. Classes are $35 per person (unless noted) and start at 4 p.m.; go to hoteldel.com/ENO-wine or call 619-522-8546. The Hotel Del is at 1500 Orange Ave. in Coronado.
Fifty Barrels Winery and Tasting Room:Hosts tastings from 5 to 8 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays at 3800 Oceanic Drive, Suite 106, Oceanside. Go to carlsbadcoastal.com or call 760-696-2998.
Harvest Ranch Market Del Mar:Wine tastings from 5-7:30 p.m. plus appetizers for $10-$20. The store is at 1555 Camino Del Mar, Suite 203, Del Mar. Call 858-847-0555.
Hilton Garden Inn:Sommelier Kevin Frantze and emcee Bob Rauch will lead a tasting of six wines on select Saturdays this summer at the Hilton Garden Inn in Del Mar. Each 5 p.m. tasting is $29 and includes six wine tastings and a variety of specialty cheeses, fruits and nuts, plus a bottle of wine to take home or pair with dinner at Bistro 39. Go to www.bistro39delmar.com or call 858-720-9500.
Holiday Wine Cellar:Daily tastings from 5:30-7 p.m. at 302 W. Mission Ave., Escondido. Wine Down Mondays feature five wine tastes for $5 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays, and “Hop Over the Hump Wednesdays” are weekly beer tastings for $5. Go to holidaywinecellar.com or call 760-745-1200.
La Costa Wine Co.:Tastings are held at 6986 El Camino Real, Suite D, Carlsbad. Go to lacostawineco.com or call 760-431-8455.
Miramonte Winery:The Temecula winery hosts VIBE once a month with music, food, wines, champagnes, beers and DJs; the winery also hosts “Just Us Girls” at 7 p.m. every first Thursday. The event features wines, champagne co*cktails, hors d’oeuvres and vendors. Go to miramontewinery.com or call 951-506-5500.
Monte de Oro Winery & Vineyard:These events are coming up at Monte de Oro Winery & Vineyard at 35820 Rancho California Road in Temecula. Wine club members receive discounts; go to montedeoro.com or call 951-491-6551.
North County Wine Company:Brothers Jim and Bill Tobin have recently purchased North County Wine Company at 1099 W. San Marcos Blvd. in San Marcos. The wine bar and shop is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Friday Night Tastings are $10 and include seven wine tastings and snacks. Other weekly events include Tuesday Ladies Night, Meet the Winemaker Wednesday, Thirsty Thursday, Friday Wine Tasting Six for Six Saturday and Silver Sunday Special. Visit www.NorthCountyWineCompany.com or call 760-744-2119.
Rossi’s Pizza:Hosts a wine group at 6:30 p.m. every first Wednesday at 156 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road in San Marcos. Tastings are $10, and there are discounts on bottles. Go to www.rossis-pizza.com or call 760-727-4747.
SIP at Flavor Del Mar: This new wine bar in Del Mar Plaza offers wine tastings from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturdays for $12 at 1555 Camino Del Mar, suite 322, in Del Mar. Call 858-755-3663.
Stone Brewing Co.:The Escondido brewery and restaurant is hosting events at 1999 Citracado Parkway in Escondido. The bistro also hosts movies in its garden during warm-weather months. Call 760-471-4999 or go to www.stonebrew.com to check availability.
Tango offers half-price Wednesdays:Escondido’s Tango Restaurant & Lounge is offering half-price on all drinks and bottles of wine from 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, as well as happy hour pricing all evening. Visit tangoongrand.com .
Thornton Winery:The Temecula winery hosts a series of monthly tasting events. Reserve to 951-699-0099.
•5:30-6:30 p.m. Aug. 23: Sensory evaluation of wine; $35
•5:30-6:30 p.m. Sept. 22: Summertime wine and food pairing; $40
•5:30-6:30 p.m. Oct. 20: Champagne class; $35
•5:30-6:30 p.m. Nov. 10: Red wine and chocolate; $35
Vino100:Wine tasting offered at 5 p.m. at 133 S. Las Posas Road in San Marcos. Go to vino100sanmarcos.com or call 760-591-9113.
Vinz Wine Bar:Full restaurant menu with wide wine menu by the glass or bottle. Tastings are from $5-$10 from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and 3 to 5 p.m. Saturdays, and come with charcuterie and cheese. Live music on Saturdays. Vinz is at 201 E. Grand Ave., Escondido. Visit vinzwinebar.net or call 760-743-8466.
Wine Smarties:The Wine Smarties presents internationally recognized WSET certification programs and other wine classes. The courses are ideal for enthusiasts, professionals or those looking to enter the industry. Go to winesmarties.com or call 619-955-8884. Reservations required.
WineStyles:The Encinitas wine store offers wine, microbrews, cheese platters and panini after 5 p.m. and several specials each week. On Wednesdays, get a half-price glass or flight of wine after 5 p.m.; Thursday is Ladies’ Night; live music most Fridays and Saturdays; and Super Six Wine Tasting is on Saturday afternoons. WineStyles is open from noon to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Go to www.winestyles.net/encinitas or call 760-633-0057.
