By Miriam Raftery

July 5, 2018 (Jamul) – The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce and Alpine-Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce held a joint mixer beneath shady oaks at a new outdoor event venue at D&S Farms, home to Granite Lions Cellars in Jamul.

By Kendra Sitton

June 28, 2018 (El Cajon) -- Community-oriented business leaders from across the County descended on Suri Restaurant in El Cajon on Wed., June 20.  Business for Good SD partnered with the restaurant for World Refugee Day. During their monthly mixer, the entrepreneurs and local leaders ate Syrian food masterfully prepared by the restaurant’s staff, comprised entirely of refugees.

East County News Service

June 14, 2018  (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce’s 10th Annual “Taste of La Mesa” was a night of fantastic food, good conversation and people browsing both sides of the Community Center to savor the cuisines and beverages, as well as meet representatives from participating restaurants and other sponsors.

Local business owners celebrate refugees’ positive economic contributions: over 64,000 foreign-born residents add $1.4 billion in business income to San Diego County

Source: Business For Good

June 20, 2018 (El Cajon) – On June 20, small business owners will gather at an immigrant-owned restaurant to honor the positive economic impact of immigrants and refugees on the San Diego economy. The event will take place on World Refugee Day, observed annually to honor the courage, strength and determination of people who are forced to flee their homeland under threat of persecution, conflict and violence.

The event will begin at 5 p.m. at Suri Restaurant, 461 El Cajon Blvd, El Cajon, CA 92020. If you’d like to attend, check out the event link.

Business for Good San Diego, a local nonprofit that unites small business owners to drive policy that improves the community, works to support policies that recognize the importance of immigrants to our local economy. Staying true to this perspective, Business for Good partnered with International Rescue Committee San Diego to bring this summer mixer to Suri Restaurant, a Syrian restaurant in El Cajon.

Our guide to unique lodging and adventures in San Diego’s beautiful backcountry

By Miriam Raftery

June 15, 2018 (Dulzura) – The pioneer-era Clark Ranch, home of the Dulzura Winery  in Dulzura, California dates back to 1885 and has remained in the Clark family to this day. Once known for its groves of olives and production of pickled figs, the land today is planted in vineyards and the former pickling house has been converted to a wine-tasting room, with a cozy guest cottage upstairs.

It’s an idyllic retreat for a peaceful stay in the country, miles away from city hustle and bustle, along historic Route 94. The name Dulzura means “sweet” in Spanish and may originally have referred to honey grown in the region.  Pioneering in Dulzura, a book written by Dorothy Clark Schmid, offered this picturesque description: “A rugged but sweet land, relaxed as its sun-based hills and deliberate as a prospector’s burro.”

East County News Service

June 15, 2018 (Campo) – Campo Creek Vineyards and Cheeses from the Cave have teamed up to offer a wine and cheese pairing event on Wednesday, June 20 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Campo Creek Vineyards’ tasting room now located at 13538 Poway Road in Poway.

By Miriam Raftery

June 5, 2018 (La Mesa) –Fourpenny House (8383 La Mesa Blvd.) in La Mesa’s downtown village is a natural fit in a community that’s home to the Helix High School Highlanders and bagpipe band. 

The Scottish pub and restaurant was inspired by owner Peter Soutowood’s family travels to his ancestral homeland in Scotland.

“Scottish food represents the flavors of the landscape,” says Soutowood, wearing a Scottish kilt during an industry night sampling of the fare. 

By Miriam Raftery

May 23, 2018 (Alpine) – Amid the beautiful garden settings at Summers Past Farms in Flinn Springs, hundreds of guests at Vintage Alpine savored the flavors of foods from around25 local restaurants, over 40 regional wineries and breweries – all to support Alpine Kiwanis Club’s charitable efforts for local children’s causes.

Review by Liz Orient

May 18, 2018 (Ramona) -- Downtown Ramona is home to a collection of quaint and charming eateries. Marinade on Main uniquely presents itself as a beloved farm-to-table cafe. One Sunday afternoon, my colleague and I decided to stop in for brunch.

Backroom Beer Pairing to feature imaginative brews from Temecula’s Aftershock Brewing; proceeds benefit animal rescue charities

East County News Service

May 17, 2018 (Alpine) - Summer calls for sipping on refreshing brews in great company. On May 30, you can do just that when Barons Market teams up with Temecula’s Aftershock Brewing to pair tasty beers with delectable dishes at each of its seven Southern California grocery stores for its summer-themed Backroom Beer Pairing. Often with sell-out crowds, Baron’s Backroom Beer Pairings transform Barons Market’s loading docks and stock rooms into food and local brew speakeasies.

By Liz Orient

May 16, 2018 (Ramona) -- The historic town of Ramona is well known for its wineries and breweries. Mom and Pop brewing companies hold a special place in my heart and I love their genuine character. If you are looking for the same experience, look no further than Reds, Whites and Brews in downtown Ramona.

East County News Service

May 6, 2018 (La Mesa) - The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce announces that the 10th annual “Taste of La Mesa” will be held on Monday, June 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center (4975 Memorial Drive) in La Mesa.  The event features samples of foods, wines, and beers from dozens of local restaurants, wineries and breweries.

By Tom Christensen, County of San Diego Communications Office

Image credit:  Pixabay

May 2, 2018 (San Diego) - Applying for CalFresh – California’s federal food assistance program – has never been easier. And San Diego County’s Health and Human Services Agency, community partners and food advocates are doing outreach at dozens of events during May’s CalFresh Awareness Month to spread the word.

East County Dining Club invites you to join us at:

SWAMI’S CAFÉ

8284 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa

Friday, April 27 at 6 p.m.

Benefits East County Magazine

Swami’s Cafe has high ratings from Zagat, Trip Advisor and Yelp. Their dinner menu has an amazingly diverse menu of delicious dishes with f healthy options plus heartier fare and exotic choices. There’s something for all, and dinners are affordable! (Most entrees are under $20 including seafood, chicken, steak, burgers, pasta, salads, vegetarian options and more.)

Prizes include Midway Museum passes, wine baskets, gift certificates to local restaurants, boutiques and shops, jewelry, books, coffee, dance concert tickets, pilates class & much more.

For this event, you can order anything off the menu, but please RSVP to reserve space and check in before ordering.

Come meet your neighors and the media, and enjoy some great food!

 RSVP TO RESERVE SPACE: 619-698-7617 or editor@eastcountymagazine.org

By Mike Allen

Photo:  Liz Chism, Curtis Chism and daughter Olivia (8 months).

April 21, 2018 (Santee) -- The shifting tides of San Diego’s still-expanding craft brewing industry claimed another victim recently when Santee’s Finest Made Ales closed, but another growing brewery quickly took over the spot.