Pacific Coast Grill set to move:After 15 yearsat 437 S. Coast Highway in Solana Beach, Pacific Coast Grill willclose at the end of May to prepare for a move to a new oceanfrontlocation under construction in Cardiff near the Beach House at 2526Coast Highway 101. The new site is scheduled to open in August andwill include a raw bar. To celebrate its final month in SolanaBeach, the restaurant is offering all dinner entrees for $19.95, aswell as shrimp dumpling appetizers for a dollar each (minimum 3dumplings per order). Visit pacificcoastgrill.com or call858-794-4632.
St. Germain’s adds dinner:After 35 years ofserving just breakfast and lunch, St. Germain’s in Encinitas hasadded dinner service. Roy Salameh, who has owned the restaurantsince 1984, said the newly renamed St. Germain’s Cafe & Bistroat 1010 S. Coast Highway is now serving dinner from 5 p.m.Wednesdays-Saturdays. Salameh said he’s been experimenting for thepast year with dinner concepts (hosting a monthlong pop-uprestaurant in February and several guest chef dinners), andultimately hired Carlsbad chef David Prud’homme to create thedinner menu and launch the concept over the next few months.Prud’homme is no relation to famous Big Easy chef Paul Prud’homme,though he did spend two years cooking in New Orleans for theBrennan Family Restaurants. He said his cuisine mixes his nativeItalian heritage, New Orleans specialties and California cuisine.Some of his new dishes are Crab And Crawfish Cakes, served onsauteed corn salad with Cajun remoulade; Roasted Pork Chop OnCreole Jambalaya with brown sugar-glazed carrots and bourbonbarbecue sauce; Marinated Chicken Breast, pan-seared with freshherbs on crispy pancetta polenta and vegetable ratatouille withwine reduction demiglace; and Bananas Foster Beignets with vanillabrown sugar glaze. Salameh said dinners will be priced from $10 to$20. The restaurant also launched a catering and lunch deliverybusiness on Jan. 1. Reserve to 760-753-5411 or visitstgermainscafe.com.
Franco’s Home Chef Pizza Classes:Vista chefFrank Latino, a graduate of the International School of Pizza inSan Francisco, is now offering ongoing one- and two-day, hands-onclasses in pizza-making for both wood-fired and gas-fired ovens athis home. Seven- to eight-hour classes are limited to six studentsand include lunch. For fees and locations, call 619-890-4984 orvisit 2003champ@sbcglobal.net.
Terra American Bistro opens:After closing itsHillcrest location, Terra American Bistro is now open at 7091 ElCajon Blvd. in the East College District. The new restaurantfeatures a chef’s farm table, a stone bar, coffee bean-sack coveredseat backs and bar stools, and more. Specials include Burger +Brewskie Night on Tuesdays (10-ounce Angus burger, housemade bistrofries and a 16-ounce draft beer for $14); Fish Taco Night onWednesdays ($3 fish tacos); BBQ Night on Thursdays (house-smokedSt. Louis-style ribs and two sides for $15); and Lobster Fest onFridays (whole Maine lobster, corn on the cob for $19). Terra isclosed Mondays, but open for breakfast from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.Saturday and Sunday. Lunch is from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.Tuesday-Friday, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Dinneris from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday, and4:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Breakfast items include ShortRib Hash, House Smoked Salmon Scramble, and Terra’s Stuffed FrenchToast. Lunch items include Ginger Chicken Potstickers, LobsterMacaroni ‘n Cheese, and Grilled Salmon. Dinner items include SaltyPeppery Calamari, flatbread pizzas and a slider bar, AchioteSalmon, Karl Strauss Amber Lager Braised Pot Roast. Go toterrasd.com or call 619-293-7088.
Ciro’s open in PB:Ciro’s Pizzeria &Beerhouse has opened at 967 Garnet Ave. in Pacific Beach. The folksbehind Ciro’s Pizzeria in the Gaslamp Quarter teamed with PB’s OldeCity Grill to offer a menu of pizza and Italian dishes alongsidePhiladelphia-style cheesesteaks. There will also be a chalkboardbeer menu detailing what’s served out of 22 taps, a “beer of themonth” and a Beer Gauntlet Beer Club. The beerhouse will be openfrom 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Wednesday, and 11 a.m. to2:30 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. Go to www.cirossd.com or call858-483-4624.
Roy’s offers spring prix-fixe:On Mondays thisspring, Roy’s Restaurants are offering a three-course prix-fixemenu for $35.95. Diners can order any appetizer, any entree and anydessert from the menu. Visit roysrestaurant.com.
Counter opens in Del Mar:The Counter CustomBuilt Burgers has opened its second San Diego County location inDel Mar Highlands Town Center, 12873 El Camino Real. The2,882-square-foot, build-your-own burger eatery has seating for 92customers. Hours are 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, 11 a.m. to11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Call 58-481-9821.
Bento Box returns:Roppongi Sushi Bar &Restaurant in La Jolla has brought back its Bento Box lunchspecial, which changes daily and ranges from $12.95 to $17.95.Sample boxes include Chicken Satay With Curried Peanut Sauce,Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi, and Grilled Portobello Mushroom.The boxes are available from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily; go towww.roppongiusa.com or call 858-551-5252.
Suite & Tender adds lunch service:Therestaurant at the Se San Diego Hotel in downtown San Diego isserving lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Starters are $4-$6;salads are $8-$10; entrees are $8-$11; desserts are $4-$6. Itemsinclude Korean beef tacos, burgers, soba noodles, Asian Cobb salad,and avocado mango salad with fried calamari and passion fruit.Visit sesandiegohotel.com.
Buca express lunch:Buca di Beppo restaurantshave introduced an express lunch service, available from 11 a.m. to3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Lunch prices start at $6.95; lunchesinclude three courses, starting with a choice of garlic bread, soupor salad. For entrees, selections include Chicken Limone, SpaghettiWith Meat Sauce, Fettucine Supremo and more, including the newItalian Melts (Meatball Italian Melt and Caprese Italian Melt). Goto bucadibeppo.com.
McDonald’s product, text campaign:With thelaunch of its new McCafe Frozen Strawberry Lemonade, San DiegoMcDonald’s restaurants are supporting Ronald McDonald HouseCharities of San Diego through a text-to-donate campaign. Dinerscan text RONALD to 20222 to donate $5 or more, and then can receivea mobile coupon for a free 12-oz. Frozen Strawberry Lemonade. Go towww.sdmcdonalds.com.
Home game happy hour:With the return ofbaseball to San Diego, the Gaslamp Strip Club (don’t worry; it’s asteak house) is offering Home Game Happy Hour from 5 to 7 p.m. whenthe Padres play at home. For $10, diners have a choice of skirtsteak, top sirloin or double chicken breast, plus a salad andgarlic bread. Also, diners can get 2 pounds of wings and a pitcherof craft beer for $20; go to gaslampsteak.com or call 619-231-3140.Also, at La Jolla Strip Club, you’ll find 16 flat-screen TVs andseven $7 appetizers during happy hour for those who want to avoidthe crowds downtown. Go to lajollasteak.com or call858-450-1400.
Boudin adds salads:Boudin SF in San Marcos hasadded three salads, available through September. The salads areLemony Couscous Salad ($7.99; couscous, spring mix, cucumbers,grape tomatoes, Kalamata olives, garbanzo beans, red onion, roastedred bell pepper, parsley, feta cheese and creamy lemon dressing);Beet & Goat Cheese Salad ($7.99; beets, goat cheese, springmix, tarragon, spiced walnuts and balsamic vinaigrette); andChicken, Citrus & Chipotle Salad ($8.29; chicken breast, butterleaf lettuce, oranges, red onion, cilantro, pumpkin seeds andcitrus chipotle dressing). Call 760-761-1150.
Fleming’s dinner for two:Fleming’s PrimeSteakhouse & Wine Bar is offering a “Date Night for Two” mealthrough May 15 for $125. The three-course dinner includes RoastedChateaubriand, Lobster En Fuego, spring salad, shared sides ofFrench green beans and mashed potatoes, and Pineapple Tart fordessert. Go to www.flemingssteakhouse.com.
New at Arterra:Arterra at the Marriott Del Marhas two new specials for guests: Reggae Fridays and PrimoSaturdays. From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays, the restaurant will havepoolside reggae music, signature co*cktails and a full menu. AndSaturdays, Arterra will offer a Hawaiian Style Primo menu with $4Primo drafts or $5 Primo Bombucha with any sushi roll. There arealso “bites” for $4 to $11, including Peking Duck Tacos and LobsterKim Chee With Taro Chips. Go to www.arterrarestaurant.com.
Ponte’s spring menu:Chef Greg Stillman ofPonte Family Estate Winery in Temecula recently updated therestaurant’s menu with seasonal fare. Items include Duck Leg ConfitSalad, Handmade Fresh Pea Ravioli, Pancetta-Crusted Salmon,Lemon-Thyme Chicken Breast and more. The restaurant also updatedits hours: It’s open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.Go to www.pontewinery.com or call 951-252-1770.
Royal India to open at UTC:Royal India Expresswill open Monday at La Jolla’s Westfield UTC shopping mall. Theoutdoor food court location will offer fresh-based breads, meat andchicken kebabs, curry plates, vegetarian options and more. Go towww.royalindia.com/royalindiaexpress.
Zpizza celebrates Cinco de Mayo:Zpizza, whichhas several locations in San Diego County, will hand out samples ofits Mexican and Santa Fe pizzas on May 5 to celebrate Cinco deMayo. The Mexican pizza is made with salsa, mozzarella, spicy limechicken, scallions, red onions, avocado, sour cream and cilantro;the Santa Fe pizza is made with chipotle pesto, mozzarella, tomatorounds, red onion, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini and blackolives. Also, tag Zpizza in a “Feliz Cinco de Mayo” post onFacebook to be entered to win one of five $20 Zpizza gift cards;the winners will be announced May 5. Go to zpizza.com.
Stamp Out Hunger:Campbell Soup Company and theNational Association of Letter Carriers will team up for the 19thStamp Out Hunger on May 14. On that day, participants are asked toleave a study bag with nonperishable foods next to their mailboxesbefore the regular mail delivery time; also, for every person whojoins the Stamp Out Hunger cause on Facebook, Campbell will donate1 pound of food. Go to www.facebook.com/stampouthunger. Food willbe donated to Feeding America affiliated food banks; go towww.helpstampouthunger.com.
Smashburger to open East Village location:Smashburger will open its fourth San Diego County location indowntown’s East Village on May 27. The restaurant, at 801 MarketSt., will serve items such as the Signature San Diego Smashburger(avocado, cilantro and onion, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato,sour cream and chipotle mayo on a torta roll), BBQ RanchSmashchicken (grilled or crispy chicken breast, applewood smokedbacon, haystack onions, lettuce, tomato, barbecue sauce and ranchdressing on an egg bun), Sunset Smashsalad (garden greens, stripsof grilled or crispy chicken, sliced marinated balsamic tomatoes,raisins, cranberries, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, blue cheeseand balsamic vinaigrette dressing) and more. Go towww.smashburger.com.
American classics at Tango:Tango Restaurant& Lounge in Escondido has launched a new American Classicsmenu, with three courses for $30 available Mondays throughWednesdays. The selections include shrimp co*cktail, Caesar salad,clam chowder, chicken Kiev, T-bone steak, lobster Thermidor, applepie a la mode, banana split, and cheesecake. Go to tangoongrand.comor call 760-747-5000.
New items at Sizzler:Sizzler restaurants areoffering new menu items through May 29, including ribs, creamypotato soup and a BLT salad. A half rack of ribs with corn breadand sweet potato fries is $11.99 (with endless salad bar for anextra $2.99); go to www.sizzler.com.
Morton’s wine and spirits:Morton’s TheSteakhouse is offering new wine and spirits selections, includingan “Above Par” wine menu to celebrate the restaurants’ selection asthe Official Steakhouse of the PGA Tour. Morton’s has alsointroduced the Double Cross “Mortini,” garnished with a Chileanbaby pear. Other new selections include Lindemans Raspberry Lambic,Orval Trappist Ale and more. Go to www.mortons.com.
School serves up salads:Olivenhain PioneerElementary in Encinitas recently announced that it is servinghealthier lunches. Lets Move Salad Bars to School gave the school agrant, and Whole Foods Markets has signed on as a partner to helpthe school install a salad bar. More than 700 salads were servedthe first day, and the school also received a grant to create avegetable garden on campus.
Searsucker launches Sunday champagne brunch:Searsucker, recently named the second “Hottest New Restaurant” byOpenTable, will launch its Sunday champagne brunch this weekend.Beginning at 9 a.m., diners can order eggs benedict variations,including Cajun mahi mahi, chipotle, bleu and crab; “McPUFFin” eggmuffin sandwich; “Green Eggs & Ham” with “rustled” (scrambled)egg, pork belly, brioche and herbs; and more. Go towww.searsucker.com.
Pinnacle launches spring-summer menu:PinnacleRestaurant at Falkner Winery in Temecula recently launched itsspring-summer menu. Dishes include Spring Hummus Duet appetizer;Mediterranean Shrimp Salad; Cinnamon And Star Anise Chicken Wraps;Seared Center Cut Swordfish; Cilantro Panko Encrusted Ahi Tuna; andmore. Go to www.falknerwinery.com or call 951-676-8231, ext. 1.
Flavor Del Mar news:Flavor Del Mar has two newspecials and other new menu items for its customers. BeginningMonday, Flavor will offer Bloody Mondays, when diners can sip aBloody Mary and eat grilled cheese for $15. Bloody Mary varietiesinclude a Mexican Mary (garnished with jalapenos and roasted redpeppers), an Asian Mary (garnished with green onion and sweet chilesauce) and a European Mary (made with scotch); grilled cheesevarieties include Prime Beef Short Rib (with oven-roasted tomatoesand smoked cheddar on a brioche loaf) and Crab & Melted Brie(with wilted arugula and lemon creme fraiche on a country Frenchloaf). There’s also the $39 Burger, topped with seared TruffleTremor goat cheese, house-cured bacon and seared Hudson Valley foiegras. Also starting in May, Flavor will offer a monthlythree-course prix-fixe menu for $50 (add beverage pairings for$16). Sample specials: May, Long Island Duck & Cherries; June,Suckling Pig; July, Backyard BBQ; August, Chino Farms HeirloomTomatoes and Sweet Corn. Last, new menu items include RoastedSpring Onion Soup; Chilled Calamari Salad & Local Sardines; andLocal Halibut En Sous Vide. Go to www.flavordelmar.com.
Applebee’s adds sizzling entrees:Applebee’srestaurants have added five Sizzling Entrees, starting at $8.99.Entrees include Sizzling Smokehouse Chicken Stack, Sizzling CajunSteak And Shrimp, Sizzling Asian Shrimp, Sizzling Steak &Cheese, and Chicken With Spicy Queso Blanco. Go towww.applebees.com.
Teas offered at farmers market:Sipndipatea isnow selling its organic and fair trade loose teas at the VistaFarmers Market, from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays in the courthouseparking lot. Teas include Live Long And Prosper (lemongrass andginger), A Cup of Courage (coconut cocoa) and Glory on the Go(green tea and vanilla blossoms). Go to www.sipndipatea.com.
Grilled Cheese Night:Sessions Public isoffering Grilled Cheese Nights on Tuesdays. For $10, diners receivea Gooey Grilled Cheese on soft Con Pane artisan bread with onetopping and duck fat fries (additional toppings —- tomato, bacon,avocado, fried egg or pickle —- are $2 each). Go towww.sessionspublic.com or call 619-756-7715.
Suite & Tender offers breakfast deal:As anoutreach to residents, Suite & Tender restaurant at the Se SanDiego Hotel is offering San Diego County residents a two-for-onebreakfast deal, from 7 to 11 a.m. daily through May 31. Diners whoshow their California driver’s license to prove local residency canorder two breakfast entrees for the price of one and purchase $3mimosas and bloody Marys.
Thornton brings back jazz & champagne:Thornton Winery in Temecula will kick off its 23rd season ofChampagne Jazz on May 7. Concerts can also include a gourmet supperpackage for $120 to $160; a sample three-course meal would beVineyard Antipasto, Pan Roasted Pacific Sea Bass and RaspberryMascarpone Torte. Go to www.thorntonwine.com.
Harney supports NAMI:Throughout May, HarneySushi will donate $2 of proceeds from every NAMI Roll to theNational Alliance on Mental Illness. The $15 roll is described as aCalifornia and shrimp tempura roll fusion with spicy tuna on top.Also, on June 1, the Oceanside location will host a closing eventwith sushi samples and guest speakers. Go towww.harneysushi.com.
Fleming’s supports Celiac Awareness Month:Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is supporting NationalCeliac Awareness Month in May by offering a gluten-free menu. Menuoptions include tenderloin carpaccio, wicked Cajun barbecue shrimp,Australian lobster, tuna mignon, mashed potatoes, creme brulee andmore. Go to www.flemingssteakhouse.com; Fleming’s has locations inSan Diego and La Jolla.
Eddie V’s to open in La Jolla:Eddie V’s, asteak and seafood restaurant, is scheduled to open in July in LaJolla, in the old Chart House location. Eddie V’s also haslocations in Arizona, Texas and Orange County; go towww.eddiev.com.
Fleming’s adds items:Fleming’s PrimeSteakhouse & Wine Bar has added two new entree salads: TheSteakhouse Lobster Cobb and the Filet Mignon Cobb ($26.95 each)each come with romaine lettuce, blue cheese, bacon, tomato,avocado, mushroom and asparagus. Also, the Seared New BedfordScallops entree and the Shrimp co*cktail have been reinvented; go towww.flemingssteakhouse.com.
DINING EVENTS
Cinco de Mayo at Hacienda de Vega:Hacienda deVega in Escondido will offer its $2 tacos on Thursday for Cinco deMayo; choices include Carne Asada, Pollo Asado, Mahi Mahi, AlPastor and more (a taco sampler is $10). There will also be $4draft beers and $5 house margaritas. Go to www.haciendadevega.comor call 760-738-9804.
Mama’s Day:Mama’s Kitchen hosts its 20th annualfundraiser from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday at the Hyatt Regency La JollaAventine. More than 50 chefs from San Diego restaurants, hotels andcatering companies will serve samples from their menus. The eventalso includes a silent auction, live music and no-host bar. Ticketsare $125 ($150 at the door). A $250 VIP ticket includes a party atthe W Hotel on April 8. All proceeds benefit Mama’s Kitchen, whichdelivers three meals daily to more than 300 San Diego Countyresidents affected by AIDS and cancer. Order atmamaskitchen.org.
Chocolate Festival:The San Diego BotanicGarden will host its Chocolate Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Saturday. The festival includes chocolate tastings, demonstrations,a chocolate fountain, children’s activities and more. Vendorsinclude Dallmann Chocolates, CC’s Chocolates, Leucadia PizzeriaBakery, Melting Pot, The Toffee Box and more. The festival is freewith admission, but tasting and craft fees are extra; go towww.sdbgarden.org/chocolate.
Cinco de Mayo Chef & Brewer’s Dinner:RockBottom Restaurant & Brewery La Jolla will host a four-courseCinco de Mayo Chef & Brewer’s Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Thedinner is $38, and reservations are required. Courses includeCeviche, Pozole (traditional Mexican chicken soup), Birria dePuerco (marinated pork) and Helado Frito con Bunuelos (deep-friedchocolate ice cream with cinnamon crust). Call 858-450-9277.
Firefly events:Firefly Grill & Wine Bar inEncinitas hosts wine dinners and tastings at 251 N. El Camino Real,Suite B. Go to fireflygrillandwinebar.com or call 760-635-1066.
— Tuesday:Clos Pegase Wine Dinner; $75
— May 12:Sanford Wine Dinner; $75
— May 18:Pineridge Wine Dinner; $75
— June 14:Cakebread Cellars Wine Dinner;$89
Cigar Dinner on the Greens:Cigar Grotto willhold its Cigar Dinner on the Greens at 6:30 p.m. May 12 at ElCamino Country Club, 3202 Vista Way in Oceanside. The dinner is$65; selections include Smoked Duck Mousse On Toast Points, FlatIron Steak With Smoky Chipotle Butter, Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae,and more. Go to www.cigargrotto.com.
Outstanding in the Field:Two local chefs willhost a series of dinners that aims to reconnect diners with theorigins of their meals. The “roving restaurant” hosts dinners atfarms, gardens, mountaintops, sea caves and more. Chef Paul McCabeof Kitchen 1540 will host an event at 4 p.m. May 14 at Crow’s PassFarm in Temecula; and Chef Brian Malarkey or Searsucker will hostan event at 4 p.m. May 15 at Olivewood Gardens in National City.Tickets are $200 and go on sale Sunday; go tooutstandinginthefield.com.
Roll Out the Barrel:The third annualfundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation takes place from 5 to 8p.m. May 14 at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, 2441 Shelter IslandDrive, San Diego. More than 20 restaurants and spirits makersincluding Whisknladle, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Donovan’s, WildThyme and Costa Azul will offer menu samplings, and there will belive music, silent and live auctions and more. Tickets are$125-$200. Ages 21 and up only. Visit makeawishgala.com.
Beach to Brewery Beer & Music Fest:KarlStrauss Brewing Co. hosts its eighth annual fundraiser for the SanDiego Surfrider Foundation at 2 p.m. May 14. The event includes anon-competitive bike ride form Dusty Rhodes Park in Ocean Beach tothe Karl Strauss Brewery in Pacific Beach, 22 beers on tap, livemusic by Cuckoo Chaos and Blackout Party, and more. Tickets are $25($30 at gate). Visit karlstrauss.com.
Brunch & Brewery Tour:Sessions Public willhost its first Brunch & Brewery Tour from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.May 15 for $80 (cash) or $85 (credit); cost includes brunch,brewery tours and tastings, and a T-shirt. Start with brunch andmimosas at Sessions Public (choose from Breakfast Burger, Duck FatEggs Benedict and French Toast), then hop on a bus for LostAbbey/Port Brewing Co., Green Flash Brewing Co., and Ballast PointBrewery. Reserve by May 1 to reserve a spot; go towww.sessionspublic.com or call 619-756-7715.
Taste of Cardiff:The tastings event willfeature 18 Cardiff-area restaurants from 5 to 8 p.m. May 19.Participants include Bull Taco, Ki’s, Las Olas, Rimel’s, Sambazon,The Beach House, Trattoria Positano, VG Donuts, Zenbu and WineSteals. Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the door. Buy ticketsat Cardiff 101 MainStreet, 124 Aberdeen Drive, Cardiff. Call760-436-0431 or visit tasteofcardiff.com.
BBQ, wine and blues:Lorimar Vineyard inTemecula will host its second Wine and Blues Event from 3 to 8 p.m.May 21. The event features food from Smokin-n-Spicy KC BBQ, wines,entertainment and more on the Lorimar property (the winery recentlysigned papers to break ground on its estate on the vineyardproperty). Tickets are available at the tasting room, 42031 MainSt., Suite C, in Temecula. Go to www.lorimarwinery.com.
Field to Fork:Slow Food Temecula Valley andLeonesse Cellars will host a Field to Fork wine, beer and foodpairing event from 1 to 5 p.m. May 21 at the winery in Temecula.Local chefs will man tasting stations, including Bernard Guillas(The Marine Room), Alex Carballo (Stone Brewery), Mike Henry(Meritage), Michael McDonald (Top of the Market), Leah Di Bernardo(Delyte’s Fine Foods) and Jeff Rossman (Terra). Eight wineries, twobreweries and other food purveyors are also participating. Ticketsare $50 and benefit local school garden programs. The event willclose with Chef Fight, featuring Guillas. Go towww.slowfoodtv.org.
Rotary Club of Bonsall’s 16th annual Wine, Brews &Blues Festival:The fundraising gala features live musicon two stages, dozens of wineries and restaurant tastings and asilent auction from 5 to 10 p.m. May 21 at the California Centerfor the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. Ticketsare $65 ($45 for designated drivers). Visit bonsallrotary.com.
18th Annual Sicilian Festival:San Diego’sLittle Italy community hosts its annual celebration of all thingsSicilian from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 22. The event features foodbooths, a grape stomp, live entertainment on four stages, twobeer-and-wine grottos, a pasta-eating contest and culinarydemonstrations by Food Network’s Chef Giada De Laurentiis. Allevents take place along India Street in San Diego and admission isfree. Visit sicilianfestival.org.
The Coast of Pacific Beach Restaurant Walk:Nearly two dozen Pacific Beach restaurants will offer tastings fromtheir menus from 5 to 9 p.m. May 24. Participants include ZanzibarCafe, Firehouse, Bonfire, Narraya, PB Ale House and Mad Dogs Cafe.Tickets are $20; buy at participating restaurants or online atwww.govani.com or pacificbeach.org.
Taste of Little Italy:The fourth annual Tasteof Little Italy is scheduled for 5 to 9 p.m. May 25 in the LittleItaly neighborhood of San Diego. For $35 (in advance; $40 at thedoor), diners can sample fare from Anthology, Buon Appetito, BurgerLounge, Enoteca Style, Po Pazzo and more. Past samples includesaffron arancini bites, fettucini Genovese, burgers, Risotto Pazzoand more. Go to www.tasteoflittleitalysd.com or call619-615-1092.
Flavor hosts Scribe Wine Dinner:Flavor Del MarRestaurant will host a four-course dinner with wine pairings bySonoma’s Scribe Winery at 7 p.m. June 7 at 1555 Camino Del Mar.Menu includes day boat scallop and hamachi crudo, stuffed guineafowl breast and braised veal cheek. Tickets are $95 plus tax andtip. Reserve to 858-755-3663.
Padres tailgate and chili cookoff:The 31stannual Muscular Dystrophy Association Padres Tailgate &Firefighters Chili Cookoff fundraiser is set for noon to 4:30 p.m.June 11 at the Embarcadero Marina Park South. More than 22 firedepartments will participate; selections include Rack ‘Em Up Chili,Double Over Head Chili, Round ‘Em Up Chili and more. Guests canalso enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers, bratwurst and snacks; beverageswill be available from Karl Strauss Brewery, Stone Brewing Co.,Coca-Cola, Honest Tea and Monster Energy Drink. Tickets are $40 foradults and $20 for children, and include a ticket to the Padresgame against the Washington Nationals that night. Call858-492-9792.
Summer Solstice in the Village of Del Mar:TheDel Mar Village Association hosts a tasting event from 5-8 p.m.June 23 in Del Mar’s Powerhouse Park at 1658 Coast Blvd. NineteenDel Mar-area restaurants and several local wineries and brewerswill offer tastings from their menu and a silent auction will raisemoney for the association. Participants include Sbicca, Bully’sAmericana, The Brigantine, Jake’s, Kitchen 1540, Il Fornaio,Poseidon, Pacific Del Mar, Shimbasdhi Izakaya and more. Tickets are$50 ($60 after May 31). Visit delmarmainstreet.com.
San Diego Spirits Festival:The third annualSan Diego Spirits Festival will be June 25-26 at the Port Pavilionon Broadway Pier in San Diego. The festival includes competitions,tastings, seminars and parties; leading to the festival, San Diegoco*cktail Week (June 20-24) will highlight craft co*cktails at localbars. Go to www.sandiegospiritsfestival.com.
CLASSES
Alchemy of the Hearth:Cooking classes areoffered at 960 Rancheros Drive, Suite L, San Marcos. Alchemy of theHearth is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Call for pricing; go toalchemyofthehearth.com or call 760-233-2433.
— 10 a.m. Thursday:Chiffon and Angel FoodCakes: The Elements of Cake Baking
— 6 p.m. Thursday:The Healthy VegetarianLife
— 10 a.m. Friday:Flavored Pasta fromScratch
— 6 p.m. Friday:The Opulence of India
— 10 a.m. Saturday:The EssentialIngredients
— 2 p.m. Saturday:Basic Thai Fruit andVegetable Carving Introduction
— 10 a.m. Monday:Quick Breads: Bread 101
— 6 p.m. Monday:Puff Pastry: Baking 101
— 10 a.m. Tuesday:Souffle Decadence
— 6 p.m. Tuesday:Where’s the Beef: Cooking101
— 10 a.m. Wednesday:Exploring FoodAllergies
— 6 p.m. Wednesday:Mastering Technique:Steam, Braise, Stew
— 10 a.m. May 12:Pasta for Soup
— 6 p.m. May 12:Aunt Bee’s Kitchen
Cups Culinary:The cupcake lounge in La Jollaalso offers classes at 7857 Girard Ave.; go to cupslj.com or call858-459-2877 for prices and registration.
— 2:30 p.m. Saturday:Holiday Fondant; $65 forparent and child, $15 for additional child, $45 for solo adult
— 11 a.m. Sunday:A Perfectly Paired Mother’sDay Brunch; $50
Franco’s Home Chef Pizza Classes:Vista chefFrank Latino, a graduate of the International School of Pizza inSan Francisco, is offering ongoing one- and two-day, hands-onclasses in pizza-making for both wood-fired and gas-fired ovens.Seven- to eight-hour classes are limited to six and include lunch.For fees and locations, call 619-890-4984 or visit2003champ@sbcglobal.net.
Great News! Discount Cookware & CookingSchool:The San Diego school hosts cooking classes at 1788Garnet Ave. (in the Pacific Plaza at Garnet Avenue and JewellStreet); reserve to 858-270-1582, ext. 3, or go towww.great-news.com. Reserve early; classes fill quickly.
— 10:30 a.m. Thursday:Pucker Up! It’sSummertime With Lemons; $59
— 6 p.m. Thursday:Hands-On Tamales; $69
— 10:30 a.m. Friday:It’s In the FarmersMarket Bag; $64
— 6 p.m. Friday:Friday Night Dinner Party:Pacific Rim Flavors; $59
— 11 a.m. Saturday:Casual Entertaining: TheArt of the Sandwich; $54
— 6 p.m. Monday:International Sampler: FromFat to Fab; $45
— 10:30 a.m. Tuesday:Mediterranean StyleMezes and Tapas; $54
— 6 p.m. Tuesday:Basic Knife Skills; $59
— 6 p.m. Wednesday:Summer Salads; $59
— 6 p.m. May 12:Umami: The Savory FifthTaste
Inspired Gourmet:Inspired Gourmet offerscooking classes at 11 a.m. Saturdays at 29373 Broken Arrow Way inMurrieta. Classes are $45; go to inspiredgourmetcooking.com or call951-894-7551.
— May 21:Spring Dining
— June 11:Quick and Easy to Prepare
— June 25:Lunch, Bridal Shower or CasualDinner Fare
— July 23:Casual Summer Food
— Aug. 20:Asian Fare
Ro Z’s Sweet Art Studio:Rosanne Zinniger’scake decorating shop and studio at 277 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road, SanMarcos, offers classes in cake decorating. There is also a kidscake decorating club for children ages 7 to 11 on one Saturday ofevery month; go to the website for dates. The store is open from10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Saturday. Call 760-744-0447 or visit rozsweetartstudio.com.
— 10 a.m. Saturday through June 18:CakeDesign en Espanol: Basics to Fondant (six-week course); $125, plus$30 kit fee
–5 p.m. May 20:A Very Sweet Trip Around theWorld (sugar flowers); $55
— 8 a.m. May 21:Bling It Up! (edible jewels);$195
— 2:30 p.m. May 21:Fantasy Flowers; $195
— 8 a.m. May 22:Make Your Own Lace Molds;$250
— 2:30 p.m. May 22:Roses; $195
— 9:30 a.m. Aug. 20-21:Parrot Tulips, Peoniesand Poppies; $495
Sur la Table:The Carlsbad location offerscooking classes at 1915 Calle Barcelona (in The Forum shops). Call800-243-0851 or e-mail cooking046@surlatable.com:
— 6:30 p.m. Thursday:Homemade SausageWorkshop; $79
— 10:30 a.m. Friday:Introduction to Sauces;$79
— 6:30 p.m. Friday:Wine-Friendly Favorites;$79
— 1:30 p.m. Saturday:Mother’s Day CupcakesFrom Start to Finish; $69
— 6:30 p.m. Monday:Eating Local: Making theMost of Your CSA; $69
— 10:30 a.m. Tuesday:Easy Chinese at Home;$69
— 6:30 p.m. Tuesday:Fast Meals the FamilyWill Love; $69
— 6:30 p.m. Wednesday:Anthony Bourdain’sKitchen Basics: Three Part Series; $175
— 6:30 p.m. May 12:French Bistro Favorites;$69
Thornton Winery:The Temecula winery’sexecutive chef Steve Pickell hosts cooking classes at 32575 RanchoCalifornia Road. Reserve to 951-699-0099.
— May 14:Seafood Delights
— June 4:BBQ Class
IN THE SPIRITS
Acqua Al 2:The Gaslamp Quarter restauranthosts wine tastings during “Uncorked” the first Wednesday of everymonth at 322 Fifth Ave. in San Diego. For $20, guests taste fourwine/spirit selections paired with four appetizers. Reservationsare required; call 619-230-0382 or go to acquaal2.com.
Blue Door Winery:The 10-acre vineyard hasopened 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. Call 760-765-0361 orbluedoorwinery.com.
Carlsbad Wine Merchants:Hosts tastings at 5p.m. Fridays and 4 to 7 p.m. Saturdays for a fee at 5814 Van AllenWay, Suite 155, Carlsbad. Call 888-750-WINE or visitwww.CarlsbadWineMerchants.com.
The Collective:Tasting lounge featuresone-of-a-kind, handmade boutique wines at 28544 Old Town FrontStreet in Temecula. Hours are 3 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays andThursdays, noon to midnight Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 10p.m. Sundays. Call 951-693-4567 or go to tvwinecollective.com.
ENO-Versity at the Hotel Del:ENO, the wine,cheese and chocolate tasting room at the Hotel del Coronado, hasannounced fall classes for ENO-Versity. Classes are $35 per person(unless noted) and start at 4 p.m.; call 619-522-8546 or go tohoteldel.com/ENO-wine. The Hotel Del is at 1500 Orange Ave. inCoronado.
Fifty Barrels Winery and Tasting Room:Hoststastings from 5 to 8 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdaysat 3800 Oceanic Drive, Suite 106, Oceanside. Call 760-696-2998 orgo to carlsbadcoastal.com.
Harvest Ranch Market Del Mar:Wine tastingsfrom 5-7:30 p.m. plus appetizers for $10-$20. The store is at 1555Camino Del Mar, Suite 203, Del Mar. Call 858-847-0555.
Holiday Wine Cellar:Daily tastings from 5:30-7p.m. at 302 W. Mission Ave., Escondido. Wine Down Mondays featurefive wine tastes for $5 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays, and “Hop Overthe Hump Wednesdays” are weekly beer-tasting events for $5. Go toholidaywinecellar.com or call 760-745-1200.
— 2 p.m. Saturday:Champagne & Cupcakes;$10
— 5 p.m. Monday:Dessert Wines; $5
— 5 p.m. May 16:Chalone Winery; $5
— 5 p.m. May 23:Zinfandels; $5
— 5 p.m. May 30:Best Bargains: Wines Under$15; $5
La Costa Wine Co.:Tastings are held at 6986 ElCamino Real, Suite D, Carlsbad. Go to lacostawineco.com or call760-431-8455.
— 5 p.m. Friday:Tobin James Tasting; $20
— 5 p.m. May 13:Orin Swift Tasting; $25
La Valencia Hotel wine series:La ValenciaHotel in La Jolla has launched a wine program. La Valencia is at1132 Prospect St.; go to www.lavalencia.com.
Miramonte Winery:The Temecula winery hostsVIBE once a month with music, food, wines, champagnes, beers andDJs; the winery also hosts “Just Us Girls” at 7 p.m. the firstThursday of every month. The event features wines, champagneco*cktails, hors d’oeuvres and vendors. Go to miramontewinery.com orcall 951-506-5500.
North County Wine Company:Brothers Jim andBill Tobin have recently purchased North County Wine Company at1099 W. San Marcos Blvd. in San Marcos. The wine bar and shop isopen from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 9p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. FridayNight Tastings are $10 and include seven wine tastings and snacks.Other weekly events include Tuesday Ladies Night, Meet theWinemaker Wednesday, Thirsty Thursday, Friday Wine Tasting Six forSix Saturday and Silver Sunday Special. Call 760-744-2119 or visitwww.NorthCountyWineCompany.com.
Stone Brewing Co.:The Escondido brewery andrestaurant is hosting events at 1999 Citracado Parkway inEscondido. The bistro also hosts movies in its garden duringwarm-weather months. Call 760-471-4999 or go to www.stonebrew.comto check availability.
— 7 p.m. May 16:Beer U: Inside the Craft BeerIndustry; $25
Tango offers half-price Wednesdays:Escondido’sTango Restaurant & Lounge is offering half-price on all drinksand bottles of wine from 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, as well as happyhour pricing all evening. Visit tangoongrand.com.
T&H Prime Meats & Sausage:The shop nowoffers tastings from 10 San Diego wineries from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.Thursdays-Saturdays for $5, which includes four tastes and a SanDiego Vintners Association souvenir wine glass, at 735 E. MissionRoad, San Marcos. Call 760-471-9192.
Vino100:Wine tasting events are offered at 5p.m. at 133 S. Las Posas Road in San Marcos. Call 760-591-9113 orgo to vino100sanmarcos.com.
Vinz Wine Bar:Full restaurant menu with widewine menu by the glass or bottle. Tastings are from $5-$10 from 5to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and 3 to 5 p.m. Saturdays, and come withcharcuterie and cheese. Live music on Saturdays. Vinz is at 201 E.Grand Ave., Escondido. Call 760-743-8466 or visitvinzwinebar.net.
WineRave:WineRave San Diego will come to FLUXXnightclub from 7 to 10 p.m. June 23 with 25 wineries, breweries andspirits purveyors. Tickets are $45 and include 20 tastings,appetizers, entertainment and discounted bar drinks. Go towww.wineravesd.com or call 619-312-1212.
Wine Smarties:The Wine Smarties presentsinternationally recognized WSET certification programs and otherwine classes. The courses are ideal for enthusiasts, professionalsor those looking to enter the industry. Call 619-955-8884 or go towinesmarties.com. Reservations required for all classes andevents.
— 6:30 p.m. Friday:Mother’s Day ChocolateMaking and Wine Pairings; at Von Euw Chocolates, 8662 Avenida de laFuente, Suite 15, San Diego
— 6:30 p.m. Tuesday:World of Wine 101; at 57Degrees Wine Bar, 1735 Hanco*ck St., San Diego; $40
— 6:30 p.m. May 13:Mother’s Day ChocolateMaking and Wine Pairings; at Von Euw Chocolates, 8662 Avenida de laFuente, Suite 15, San Diego
— 3:30 p.m. May 14:Blind Tasting 101; at LaCosta Wine Co., 6986 El Camino Real, Carlsbad; $40
— 6:30 p.m. May 17:Sparkling Beginning andSweet Endings; at Wine Steals Point Loma, 2970 Truxtun Road, SanDiego; $30
— 6:30 p.m. May 24:Blind Tasting 101; at 57Degrees Wine Bar, 1735 Hanco*ck St., San Diego; $40
— 6:30 p.m. June 7:World of Wine 101; at 57Degrees Wine Bar, 1735 Hanco*ck St., San Diego; $40
— 3:30 p.m. June 11:Blind Tasting 101; at LaCosta Wine Co., 6986 El Camino Real, Carlsbad; $40
— 6:30 p.m. June 21:Blind Tasting 101; at 57Degrees Wine Bar, 1735 Hanco*ck St., San Diego; $40
— 3:30 p.m. June 25:World of Wine 101; at LaCosta Wine Co., 6986 El Camino Real, Carlsbad; $40
— 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday-July 10:WSET Level3 (advanced), eight-week course, at 57 Degrees in San Diego; $1,200(July 31 exam is an additional $150)
WineStyles:The Encinitas wine store offerswine, microbrews, cheese platters and panini after 5 p.m. andseveral specials each week. On Wednesdays, get a 1/2-price glass orflight of wine after 5 p.m.; Thursday is Ladies’ Night; there islive music most Fridays and Saturdays; and there is a Super SixWine Tasting on Saturday afternoons. WineStyles is open from noonto 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 towww.winestyles.net/encinitas or call 760-633-0057.
Send information about local food products, food events orclasses to Food Editor Pam Kragen, North County Times, 207 E.Pennsylvania Ave., Escondido, CA 92025; fax to 760-745-3769, ore-mail to food@nctimes.com.
