Contributing to an Upcoming San Diego Beer Cookbook
Back in April, I reported that San Diego-based company, Chefs Press, is in the process of compiling recipes from individuals associated with the local craft beer industry for an upcoming cookbook. At the time, I was a fly on the …
Maybe Green Flash has Key to “Super Local” Mystery
In a post last week about a new “super local” tavern opening in Hillcrest, I openly wondered what the term “super local” means. The next day, I received word about a new line of beers being released by Mira Mesa-based …
"Super Local" Tavern to Open in Hillcrest
A local restaurateur is looking to bring Hillcrest the quintessential San Diego experience via a new bar concept, and he's decided University is the right avenue for that vehicle. David Cohen, owner of North Park's West Coast Tavern, has taken …
More Mole...Straight from the Source This Time!
When eating is part of your vocation and you live in a city of over 6,000 dining establishments, it can take some time to schedule trips to the places you want to go. My calendar reads like a food debris-stained …
Simply the Best Tamales I've Ever Had
I’ve tasted tamales from far and wide—San Diego to Cancun, Texas to New York City (New York City?!?!...get a rope). They’ve been manufactured by nameless grandmothers, local white linen gastronomes, and Bobby Flay. Yet, none have inspired me to wax …
Small Yet Potent Plates, Pleasant Ambience and a Galactic Burrito at Kecho's Cafe
I’ve loved Ocean Beach’s Olive Tree Marketplace since my first visit back in 2009. It was then I discovered their vast selection of hard-to-find craft beers. It kept me coming back, and those visits afforded me the opportunity to keep …
No Bull, this Beef and Bison are Delicias
I, like many, was shocked when Paul McCabe turned in his whites at L’Auberge Del Mar’s KITCHEN 1540 in October, leaving to take on the kitchen and partnership in Rancho Santa Fe’s 19-year-old restaurant, Delicias. And I, like many, have …
Amplified Ale Works Turns Volume Up Another Notch
Last December, I shared news that the owner of College Area restaurant, California Kebab, was not only opening a second location in Mission Beach, but also installing brewing equipment to make it a brewpub. At the time, owner JC Hill …
Tiki Temple Says "Hai" to New Exec Chef
Shelter Island’s sanctuary for tiki drinks and Pacific Rim fare, Bali Hai, bid adieu to former executive chef Chris Powell earlier this year. Powell had put in two years of enthusiastic service that included good food and spirited ideas for …
Powers to the People: I’m Coming to Del Mar Highlands
I’m a native San Diegan. Growing up, my family didn’t really eat out much. But when we did, we frequently did so at restaurants in Old Town’s Bazaar del Mundo. The allure of fishbowl margaritas was huge for my parents…and …
Star Chef Gavin Kaysen Returning to Send El Biz Off in Style
Earlier this week, I shared news former Quarter Kitchen chef Nathan Coulon is returning to San Diego to helm Fashion Valley's upcoming True Food Kitchen. Now, I have more homecoming news to share. Gavin Kaysen, the chef at New York …
Hotel La Jolla Renovation Includes Addition of Cusp Dining & Drinks
Kimpton's big renovation of Hotel La Jolla is in the midst of wrapping up. When complete, the building will house a new restaurant called Cusp Dining & Drinks. The restaurant will takeover the space previously occupied by Clay's La Jolla, …
True Food Kitchen Calling Coulon Back Home
It was early morning and pitch black save for the faint orange rays of the streetlights. I emerged from my car into the chilly morning, shoved my hands in my jean pockets, and started walking south down Morena Boulevard. My …
Rooftop Brunch to Usher in Year Two at Pizza Port OB
It takes some businesses a long time to get off the ground. The same can't be said for Pizza Port's Ocean Beach brewpub. Since day one, the place has been heavily patronized (in a good way) by people from all …
Santee’s Manzanita Brewing’s Branching Out
More interesting local brewing news unearthed during the recent World Beer Cup ceremony. Things are coming along well for the new brewing facility the team at Santee’s Manzanita Brewing Company have been working hard to open up for the better …
Stepping Back Through the Red Door
Those who’ve been to The Red Door Restaurant and Wine Bar in Mission Hills are familiar with the fact it’s a pleasant, homey space with a neighborhood hub feel. What previous visitors might not be as familiar with is the …
A Sneak Peek at Vintana in Escondido
The media is often treated to construction stage, pre-open glimpses of works in progress called “hard hat tours.” They require a leap of faith and, often, a lot of imagination. This is particularly true when a venue is a little …
Minty Fresh Developments at Iron Fist Brewing Company
Amid the brew-fueled post-event revelry at this weekend’s World Beer Cup award ceremony, I took a few minutes and my last few functioning brain cells to interview Iron Fist Brewing Company brewmaster Brandon Sieminski. You may remember this young brewer …
Societe Brewing Co. Set for Soft Open
In March, I wrote up a rare brewery tour piece that involved no beer tasting. I can get why that was pretty confusing. I mean, why go to a brewery if you’re not in search of beer, right? Part of …
Chicken, Waffles, and a Ton of Butter at Bootleggers
Some dishes are confounding in their ability to draw me to them over and over again. Count chicken and waffles as one. Over the last several years, as the dish has become more popular and widespread locally, I’ve sampled multiple …