By Miriam Raftery

March 31, 2018 (La Mesa) -- Downtown La Mesa’s emerging culinary scene will soon welcome the much-anticipated grand opening of Fourpenny House on Saturday, April 7, 2018.  Located in the heart of La Mesa Village at 8323 La Mesa Blvd., Fourpenny House is a love letter to the individual histories that have culminated to create this unique and captivating space. From the staff, to the hand-crafted decor, to the food and bar menus, owner Peter Soutowood has created a space that pays homage to the crossroads of people, food and love.

By Miriam Raftery

March 22, 2018 (La Mesa) -- Guests got into the festive spirit at our East County Dining Club's recent Mardi Gras party, held at the San Pasqual Winery Tasting Rooom in the heart of La Mesa's downtown village.

If you missed the fun, there's still time to RSVP for our next dining club event at Giardino's Italian Cucino in Lemon Grove on Thursday, March 29. Find the delicious details here - and RSVP by March 25 to reserve space! 

East County News Service

March 11, 2018 (Ramona) -- The Ramona Valley Vineyard Association presents Meet the Winemaker Weekend, taking place at 10 local Ramona wineries on April 7^th, 2018 and April 8^th.  The event features a behind the scene taste, tour and exclusive meeting with the winery owners and winemakers.

By Miriam Raftery

March 1, 2018 (San Diego) – Instant Pot Gem multicookers sold only at Walmart have resulted in 107 reports of overheating including five that caused property damage, 10 News reports.

KTNV in Las Vegas investigated after viewing photos on Facebook posted by an Instant Pot user who said the bottom of the machine melted and burned wires after just four uses.  The station contacted the manufacturer, which confirmed there have been other complaints.

February 17, 2018 (La Mesa) – You’re invited to our Mardi Gras dinner party benefit for East County Magazine!

Join us Wednesday, February 28 at 6 p.m. at the award-winning San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room (8364 La Mesa Blvd.) in La Mesa for a catered New Orleans Cajun/Creole dinner and festivities -- all for just $28 (leap year pricing on leap day!).  

$28 price includes tax, tip, Mardi Gras mask, beads, New Orelans dinner and a glass of wine

RSVP required by Feb. 21 as we must guarantee a number and prepay the caterer.

There will also be opportunity drawings, a silent auction, games and prizes galore! Scroll down or click “read more” for the delicious details.

By Miriam Raftery

February 7, 2018 (Jamul) – What could be more romantic than a Valentine’s dinner at a French restaurant?  Fabrison’s Country French Cooking in Jamul is offering two dinner packages for you and your sweetheart on February 14. Choose from Country French fancy at $50 a person or Country French Rustic at $35 a person.

Each includes a three-course meal with multiple options.  Bon appetit!

East County News Service

January 30, 2018 (La Mesa) -- In celebration of Valentine's Day, you’re invited to take your sweetheart, best friend, or even a group of friends to a dessert & wine pairing at San Pasqual Winery tasting room in La Mesa’s downtown village.

Votta brings more than 10 years of experience to Willows Hotel & Spa’s culinary destinations

East County News Service

January 24, 2018 (Alpine) -- Viejas Casino & Resort has announced Antonio Votta as Executive Chef of Willows Hotel & Spa’s new restaurants, Locale and Ginger Noodle Bar. His focus in this new role will be highlighting the very best locally sourced bounties for the farm-to-table inspired menus.

By Jillian Hymer

An "East County Eaters" review from East County Magazine

January 16, 2018 (La Mesa) -- Light Bulb Coffee is a bright new spot in La Mesa’s downtown village. Opened three months ago at 8138 La Mesa Blvd., the business is filling the shoes that Starbucks outgrew when it moved into an expanded location a couple of blocks.

Their menu holds classic coffees, lattes, and teas alongside a variety of healthy smoothies and specialty drinks, as well as a wide variety of breakfast and lunch food items.  There are several house specialties, such as Turkish Hazelnut, which was subtly sweet when I savored an iced version.  Our editor sampled a hot California Pistachio, which had a nutty and minty flavor.

By Miriam Raftery

January 11, 2018 (Ramona) – Ramona Ranch Vineyards is hosting a variety of events in January and February.  Below are their descriptions.  For more information, visit http://ramonaranchwines.com/.

As part of our year-end inventory, we've unearthed some gems, including our 2013 Sangiovese Rose, and our 2014 Aglianico to share with you.  Come pair with Cheeses from the Cave local cheese samples on 1/13, 1/27, 2/10 & 2/24.  Gentleman Farmer will be back in February with their artisan products on 2/17 & 2/18 with samples and sauces for sale.

January 7, 2018 (La Mesa) --You’re invited to a Russian and Ukrainian feast with our East County Dining Club on Thursday, January 25^th  at 6:30 p.m. at Village House Kalina (8302 Parkway Drive, La Mesa). As always, we’ll have prizes galore! Proceeds benefit East County Magazine and our wildfire/emergency alerts.

 Join us on our culinary adventure to the land of hearty and flavorful fare  – food that nourished the creative powers of Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky,  Dostoevsky, Chekhov, Pasternak, Cossack dancers and the Bolshoi Ballet.  Da!

This restaurant seats only 38 people so we expect to sell out; early RSVPs are recommended.

We must receive your RSVP no later Jan. 24, along with choice of entree (see list below) since these special dishes take time to prepare!

By Miriam Raftery

January 2, 2018 (San Diego) – A report just released by the San Diego Vintners Association on the economic value of wineries in San Diego County shows that the burgeoning wine making industry is having a potent effect. In 2016, the county’s 116 wineries generated a $30.4 million regional impact and supported 697 jobs here.

December 11, 2017 -- It's time for East County Magazine's annual festive and fabulous "Feasting and Merrymaking Holiday Party!"

This year's event will be held on Sunday, December 17th from 3 to 7 p.m. at 4438 Hideaway Place, La Mesa, 91941. The event is open to our newsletter and wildfire alert subscribers, dining club members and invited guests. Subscriptions are free! Sign up here:  http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/wild-fire-alerts.

This year's party includes a potluck international feast, so bring your best holiday dish or international dish to share.  We will also have live music with Paul Nichols playing folk, pop and holiday carols (yes, you can sing along!). Plus we'll have a treasure trove of prizes and surprises.

Source: Ramona Valley Vineyard Association

December 2, 2017 (Ramona) -- Participating wineries from the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association (RVVA) are featuring a  “Holiday in the Country” when you “Follow the Ramona Wine Trail” in the heart of San Diego Wine Country during the first three weekends of December: 2/3, 9/10, and 16/17.

Wine fans can visit 14 wineries decked out for the holidays. In addition to discounted tastings, individual wineries are presenting their own selected special holiday happenings to accompany tasting, such as tree lighting ceremony, tree trimming, holiday music, crafters’ goods for a little shopping, signed magnum bottles, and the introduction of white wines for a White Christmas theme. Santa is also expected to hover.

East County News Service

November 20, 2017 (San Diego's East County) - EDCO would like to remind residents that kitchen fat, oil and grease (FOG) that’s left over from daily cooking, or after deep frying a Thanksgiving turkey, can be recycled! For interested residents, EDCO has a free, safe and more environmentally friendly option for disposing of household FOG.