SAN DIEGO BAY WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL 2014

As one of the largest wine and food festivals in the nation, the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival has helped shine the light on San Diego's thriving food scene. We've got our eyes and ears peeled for the city's most drool-worthy restaurants and newest food trends to hit the streets, bringing you an epicurean experience unlike any other. The magnitude of culinary talent in San Diego combined with an international showcase of the world's premiere wines and spirits, and the nation's trendsetting culinary masters, makes attendance at the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival a mouthwatering feast and precursor to the Thanksgiving holiday.

SAN DIEGO BAY WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

NOVEMBER 20-24, 2013

As one of the largest wine and food festivals in the nation, the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival has helped shine the light on San Diego's thriving food scene. 

We've got our eyes and ears peeled for the city's most drool-worthy restaurants and newest food trends to hit the streets, bringing you an epicurean experience unlike any other. 

The magnitude of culinary talent in San Diego combined with an international showcase of the world's premiere wines and spirits, and the nation's trendsetting culinary masters, makes attendance at the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival a mouthwatering feast.

OCEAN BEACH STREET FAIR & CHILI COOK-OFF

OCEAN BEACH STREET FAIR & CHILI COOK-OFF

The 34th Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-off Festival will offer attendees eclectic fun in the sun that's great for all ages. Join more than 70,000 visitors throughout the day for tasty festival nosh, art, beachfront entertainment, shopping and more. The chili competition will feature more than two dozen tastings from amateur entrants competing for the titles of Hottest Chili, Judges' Award and grand prize People's Choice Award. Attendees of all ages can take part in creating the annual Street Fair mural or playing outdoor laser tag.

Festival highlights include:

• Five outdoor stages plus one indoor stage of continuous live music
• Artists' Alley
• Community Mural Art Project
• Wonderland Children's Area
• Chili Cook-Off
• Beachside Beer Garden & Spirits
• Food vendors and local restaurant fare
• Unique handcrafted merchandise: clothing, accessories and more
• ClimbIt Wall
• Raffle with prizes from more than 20 local businesses
• Celebration of Wonderland Amusement Park's 100th Anniversary

Saturday, June 22, 2013 - 10:00am ~ 7:00pm

MIAMI FINE CHOCOLATE & FOOD SHOW

Here is a chance for you to be a part of a a great new event that celebrates and highlights Miami’s exceptional culinary scene!! Be a part of the first annual Miami Fine Chocolate & Food Show.

The Miami Fine Chocolate & Food Show, a unique fine chocolate & culinary event features fine artisanal chocolate creations from around the world. The event showcases the gourmet talents of local chefs and world class chocolatiers while presenting a selection of fine food products and beverages. Over 150 vendors will offer samples for you to taste and enjoy as well as specialty items for purchase. The event features: live cooking demonstrations by popular chefs, pairing seminars highlighting fine chocolate & cheeses alongside crafted beer, wine & spirits, live music and entertainment for the entire family.

TASTE OF SAN DIEGO CRAFT BREWS 2013

FEBRUARY 16, 2013 - 5:00PM - 9:00PM

San Diego's hottest brewers are paired with mouth-watering bites by celebrated Cicerone, "Dr." Bill Sysak. Celebrate San Diego’s history-making brews. All attendees will be treated to award-winning beer samples and exquisite food pairings and have the chance to bid on one-of-a-kind auction items.

Taste of San Diego Craft Brews launches the History Center’s “Year of Craft Beer” which includes the exhibition, Bottled & Kegged: San Diego’s Craft Brew Culture.

BEST OF SAN DIEGO PARTY 2012

I'm so excited!! This is one of the events I wait for to come around every year ... It seriously is the best executed event, its an amazing display of the top restaurants, wines  beers that San Diego {SoCal} has to offer!!!


Click below for more information ... hope to see you all there!!

A TASTE OF CORONADO ~ OCTOBER 12, 2011

A Taste of Coronado


Spend a night on the Island...indulging your senses and feeding your appetite with Island fare in the ocean air.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011, 5:30 - 9:00 pm, the Island of Coronado will be host to foodies and gourmands alike with it's 2nd annual Taste of Coronado. 

Take a culinary trip around the world one bite at a time. Locally-owned bistros, full-bodied wines, All-American barbecue, spicy Thai, regional Mexican fare, and fresh seafood. All of these flavors are laid out before you as Coronado prepares to tempt your taste buds in one of San Diego's premier neighborhoods. 

Stroll lazily along Orange Avenue or let the trolley deliver you to your next mouth-watering destination. It WILL be a night to remember!

Proceeds benefiting San Diego Family Justice Center and SAFE anti bullying campaign.

17th ANNUAL LITTLE ITALY FESTA ~ OCTOBER 9, 2011

17th Annual Little Italy Festa
October 9, 2011   10:00 am - 6:00 pm

The Little Italy Festa is known to be one of the largest single-day Italian American festivals West of the Mississippi. Enjoy the wine & beer garden, entertainment on 2 stages, over 120 Italian food & crafter booths, sidewalk chalk art, and shop to your heart's content.

Little Italy - Downtown San Diego
India Street - between Ash & Grape Streets
Info: (619) 233-3898 www.littleitalysd.com 

OCEAN BEACH OKTOBERFEST 2011 - OCTOBER 7-8th

No one can dispute that Ocean Beach does everything differently. If it isn't the festival you'd enjoy, go out and watch the people. There's always entertainment in Ocean Beach. They'll have two stages with live music and the World Famous Sausage Toss.

Ocean Beach Oktoberfest 2011 ~ October 7th - 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. & October 8th - 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 


Location: Newport Avenue at the beach

dineLA RESTAURANT WEEK ~ OCTOBER 2nd-7th & 9th-14th, 2011

dineLA Restaurant Week is a two-week dining event established to introduce diners to the vast array of restaurants in neighborhoods throughout LA County. Local foodies and visitors to LA will have the opportunity to enjoy a selection of specially priced three-course meals from some of LA’s best restaurants during this dining event.

dineLA Restaurant Week takes place over two consecutive weeks, excluding the Saturday between: October 2–7 and October 9–14, 2011.

LAKE TAHOE RESTAURANT WEEK ~ OCTOBER 2nd-9th, 2011

The 2nd Annual Lake Tahoe Restaurant Week is a celebration of the scrumptious cuisine and culinary talent that has made the Lake Tahoe region the best mountain dining destination in the country. 

Delight your palate with 3-course prix-fixe menus that incorporate organic, seasonal and local ingredients - all served up at Lake Tahoe's charming and historic eateries and bistros.

Lake Tahoe Restaurant Week gives local food aficionados and visitors an opportunity to enjoy menus at more than 30 participating restaurants throughout the Lake Tahoe region 

There are no passes, tickets or coupons. Instead, diners simply visit their favorite participating restaurants throughout the week to enjoy the special prix fixe menus. However, it is strongly recommended that diners make reservations in advance by contacting the participating restaurants directly.

Lake Tahoe Restaurant Week is Sunday, October 2 through Sunday, October 9, 2011.

OC BEER WEEK ~ OCTOBER 2nd - 8th 2011

OC Wine Week & OC Beer Week, a two-week event during which restaurants throughout Orange County will create fantastic meals to enjoy with wine or beer pairings.

Wine Week and Beer Week are growing in popularity across the country, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity for Orange County to enjoy both! this event, will allow diners to explore fabulous pairings of both wine and beer, to become an instant favorite. For the two-week event, with back-to-back weeks of wine and beer fun, the selections will be varied for every taste and budget so that those interested may take advantage of amazing deals at the best restaurants in OC and maybe even try new restaurants.

Support your communities, be a part of Restaurant Week, Wine Week & Beer Week.

ORANGE COUNTY WINE WEEK ~ SEPTEMBER 25th - OCTOBER 1st

OC Wine Week & OC Beer Week, a two-week event during which restaurants throughout Orange County will create fantastic meals to enjoy with wine or beer pairings.

Wine Week and Beer Week are growing in popularity across the country, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity for Orange County to enjoy both! We are anticipating that this event, which will allow diners to explore fabulous pairings of both wine and beer, to become an instant favorite. For the two-week event, with back-to-back weeks of wine and beer fun, the selections will be varied for every taste and budget so that those interested may take advantage of amazing deals at the best restaurants in OC and maybe even try new restaurants.

SAN DIEGO RESTAURANT WEEK ~ SEPTEMBER 18-23, 2011

Experience cuisine that delights your palate and defines the art of dining in San Diego. 

Held twice annually, this beloved culinary tradition features discounted prix fixe menus from more than 180 of San Diego’s best restaurants.

MARDI GRAS IN THE GASLAMP

“Mardi Gras” means “Fat Tuesday” in French.  It refers to the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and follows the Christian calendar of Lent.  Traditionally, Fat Tuesday is the final day of indulgence before the 40 days and 40 nights of Lent.  It is a day that is celebrated worldwide - Each Mardi Gras celebration has its own unique character, whether it's in Rio, New Orleans or here in San Diego. As the largest Mardi Gras celebration on the West Coast, Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp has become a signature San Diego event (celebrating it's 17th year!), with a distinct Southern California flavor. San Diego embraces the tradition of Fat Tuesday with it's own spin as a night of decadent indulgence in the heart of Downtown San Diego. 

Mardi Gras In The Gaslamp is a fabulous block party that hosts a variety of stages & lounges with DJ's & Musical Performances, a Gaslamp-wide outdoor celebration featuring dancing in the streets! With an Incredible Masquerade Parade on 5th Ave at 9:30 pm. 

For more info go to: www.gaslamp.org

WHERE: 

Gaslamp Quarter,
901 5th Avenue

San Diego, CA  92101

TWO ENTRY GATES: 

a) 5th Ave & Broadway  

b) 6th Ave & K Street

WHEN:

Tuesday, March 8, 2011 6:00 PM - 11:55 PM 

Advance Tickets @ http://bit.ly/dP8xHK

MY 1st TASTE OF THE GASLAMP

A Day In San Diego's Historic Gaslamp District

A Sampling Sensation

As a new resident of beautiful San Diego, California, I had been advised to plan mightily for the Taste Of The Gaslamp......and let me just share with you straight from the beginning, I was NOT disappointed. I debated whether to blog about this awesome event (which I recommend to all that live in the San Diego - be there next year!!). But I find myself in the month or so since the event, making many dishes influenced and/or derived from my Gaslamp experience. So I decided to share my day at the Taste....

I went with some local friends whom have done this once or twice before. They had a plot a theme and a story!!

We started at The Palm, they had a surf and turf selection, which kicked off the day in the perfect direction. The stake bites where out of this world.

The Palm - San Diego

615 J Street

San Diego, CA 92101

619.702.6500

Next stop Nobu....While I was eagerly expecting to sample some of Nobu's incredible sushi selection, I was sadly disappointed with what they thought to be suffice for their Taste sampling. They offered King Crab Gazpacho, I do not know if I owe the blah sensation I got from the gazpacho to the expectancy of sushi or what, but I found the sake infused guava and passion fruit juice far better than the "main course"

They also offered Nobu Labeled items and cookbooks which was a great idea to taste that which was not sampled.

However the King Crab Gazpacho was rather lovely.

Nobu - San Diego

207 5th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101-6908
619.814.4124

Bondi Australian Beer & Food is next on our list....I was quite excited about sampling some of the food at Bondi, as I have been there on previous occasions for drinks. I was disappointed to say the least, cheese balls are not my personal opinion of bringing someone back to try the rest of your menu. Though the ambiance is nice and the restaurant very nouveau, I'd say I will keep to the drinks...

Bondi

333 5th Ave

San Diego, CA 92101

619.342.0212

Chinese time @ The Red Pearl - Ahi tuna on tempura eggplant, spicy kung-pao prongs yum @ The Red Pearl!!!!!! Delissssssh! It was so great I was to busy eating and completely forgot to photo document the whole thing!

The Red Pearl

440 J St
San Diego, CA 92101-6980
(619) 231-1100

Tabule served a refreshing white Chilean sea bass ceviche, very memorable!

Tabule International Cuizine

535 4th Ave

San Diego, CA 92101-6901

619.238.0048

Cafe Sevilla rocks! Paella, roasted chiken, mushroom empanada, artichoke ham salad and dessert...wow!!

The line was incredible, but well worth the wait.

I have since made shrimp, chorizo/onions/manchego, chicken and of course I made a baby portabella/white/shitake mushroom combo that was incredible.

You can get pastry sheets and try them at home, they go great with beer and a few drops of hotsauce!!

Explore the possibilities HERE

They also have a killer sangria at the Tapas Bar and awesome ambiance complete with live music, very authentic of the bars in europe....aaaaand a dance club with latin music and dancing downstairs, I love it!!!!

Cafe Sevilla of San Diego

555 4th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 233-5979

La Puerta was our next stop. Great mexican food, it was fresh and tasty and comforting all the same time AND their house salsa was incredible I could have drank that stuff!!!

They served carnitas/pork quesadillas and potato flautas (first time I ever ate them and I'm sold!) I couldn't wait to go back again......simply delicious.

They also have a great ambiance and great tequila list.....and an awesome Taco Tuesday.

La Puerta

560 4th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 696-3466

Yogotango they had an aray if exotic flavor, I was pleasently surprised with a dreamy green tea flavor!

And check out these toppings....a yogurt addicts dream come true!!!

Also, I find it worth to mention that it is very easy on the waist line and nutritious!

Yogutango

711 4th Ave

San Diego, CA 92101-6970

(619) 696-7700‎

Mister Tiki Mai Tai Lounge looked like a verry fun place to have some drinks and a few appies. The decore made it for a great start of your evening.

The had a very crispy and tasty Coconut shrimp w/sesame mandarin sauce, really finguer licking good.

Check it out for yourself....

Mister Tiki Mai Tai Lounge

801 5th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101-6107
(619) 233-1183

The Merk on 5th....HOT HOT HOT amazing ambiance, we where there too late to taste their samplings, but it surely made us go back again....it was so cool we thought, that we decided to celebrate my friends birthday there a few weeks later....great martinis!

The Merk

820 5th Avenue

San Diego, California 92101

619.814.Merk (6375)

Sinful Eats is fully loaded and ready to go for those unexpected "sinful" cravings.

I believe this says it all!

Sinful Eats

corner of 6th and F street

Brian's 24 - I had to mention Brian's , having grown up in the NYC area and recently having moved from Miami Beach, I found ONE place thats opened 24hrs!!! I couldn't believe my eyes....lol!

Brian's 24

828 6th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101-6307
(619) 702-8410

Dublin Square Irish Pub & Grill, I must say I didn't know that this would be a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!!

I've been looking for a good shepherd's pie for quite a long time now and I had to land in San Diego to find it, go figure......they also served a yummy in your tummy potato pancake with beef stew and a refreshing chiken salad

Dublin Square Irish Pub & Grill

554 Fourth Avenue

San Diego, California 92101

Phone: (619) 239-5818

That was incredible over all, we had beautiful crisp sunny southern California weather and we made it to 16 out of 32 restaurants in 2 1/2 hrs....we where trully pros. Obviously all didn't make the memorable worth mentioning mark, but there is always next year and I'm already looking forward to it....

Taste of Gaslamp - June 2010

I hope you enjoyed my tastebud adventure through the Gas Lamp and you feel encourraged to come out next year.....I'll be there!