East County News Service

November 18, 2017 (La Mesa) – Looking for holiday cheer?  San Pasqual Winery’s tasting room in La Mesa is offering cork wreath making classes, an evening of wine and cheese, and live music nights featuring musicians specializing in jazz, classical, and guitar ranging from country to classic rock and more.  For a full schedule of holiday season happenings, scroll down.

East County News Service

November 14, 2017 (Ramona) - Shy, but by no means cowardly, our hills are alive with mountain lions. 

If you’re interested in learning about local wildlife, you’re invited to attend “Living with Lions” this Saturday, November 18^th at 1 p.m. at the Ramona Ranch Winery. 

You’ll hear about local mountain lions roaming San Diego County in this special presentation by the Mountain Lion Foundation. In addition, learn about the Julian Project focused on increasing safety for people, pets, livestock and lions.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

November 13, 2017 (San Diego's East County) - When most of us think about Thanksgiving, images of turkey, stuffing and time spent with loved ones typically come to mind, not fire hazards. However, an increased risk of fire is, in fact, a reality of Thanksgiving reminds Fire Chief Sam Digiovanna. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), three times as many home cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving as on a typical day. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home cooking fires.

By Robert Gehr and Miriam Raftery

November 10, 2017 (El Cajon) – Just in time for Veterans’ Day weekend, Golden Corral Buffet & Grill is open in downtown El Cajon. On Monday, November 13,  the restaurant will host Military Appreciation Day from 5 to 9 p.m. – serving up free meals for all active duty and retired military members as well as veterans.

October 25, 2017 (Alpine) -- Alpine Inn Steakhouse (2225 Alpine Blvd., Alpine), the coziest steakhouse in East County is now reopened under new ownership -- and East County Dining Club will host our next event sizzling event there on Friday, November 10th. 

Join us for cocktails (cash bar) at 5:30 in the steakhouse bar and dinner at 6:30 in the private captain's-style dining room. Enjoy live music by Paul Nichols and Cindy Burnham, plus you can win prizes!  You don't have to be a dining club member -- all are welcome!

This event requires an RSVP by November 5 and pre-reserving your choice for entrée, 2 sides, and a dessert. See the delicious details below!

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left:  Greg Maness, founder of the Trail Blazer awards, receives a surprise award of his own, presented by his wife, P.J.

October 27, 2017 (El Cajon) — At this year’s Toast of East County held at the Elks Club Lodge in El Cajon, the 2017 Trail Blazer Awards were presented to three pioneers in the local wine industry:  Ric Bonnoront of Red Wagon Vineyards in Jamul, Tim Peterson of Rock Canyon Winery in Alpine, Micole Moore of Ramona Ranch Winery, and Greg Maness of Casi Cielo Winery in Jamul. 

East County News Service

October 24, 2017 (San Diego) – With the firestorms in Northern California wine country, Sonoma, Napa and Santa Rosa being contained, the impact is now being seen and recovery efforts underway. The numbers of displaced people is staggering. Bernardo Winery will hold a wine and food tasting event November 12^th from 1-4 p.m., partnering with other San Diego County wineries and restaurants to support winery and vineyard workers and their families, who have lost their homes or been displaced in these devastating fires, to re-establish their households.

East County News Service

October 18, 2017 (Lakeside) - Trevi Hills Winery, which produces premium red and white varietals on hillside vineyards in rural Lakeside, celebrates its grand opening Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 21-22, from 10 a.m. to dusk. The 3,000-square-foot winery, tasting room and patio is located at 13010 Muth Valley Road and offers panoramic views of the historic Muth Valley and the 800-acre Trevi Hills community.  The grand opening festivities celebrate the 2017 harvest of Syrah, Sangiovese, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc and will include discounted wine flights, food trucks and bocce ball.

By Miriam Raftery

October 8, 2017 (El Cajon) – The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce will present this year’s “A Toast to East County” on Sunday, October 22 from 1 to 4 p.m.  at the El Cajon Elks Lodge 1812 (1400 E. Washington Ave., El Cajon).

By Miriam Raftery

October 3, 2017 (La Mesa) – Our second East County Dining Club event once again filled a local restaurant to capacity. Guests savored special Italian dishes, homemade pasta,Italian and local wines, and  live Italian vocal music  at Tiramisu Trattoria in La Mesa--also winning a wealth of prizes, meeting neighbors and making new friends.

By Helen Ofield

September 24, 2017 (Lemon Grove) - The Lemon Grove Historical Society will hold the annual Pam Glover English High Tea on Oct. 8 from 2 - 4 p.m. in the H. Lee House Cultural Center, 3205 Olive, Lemon Grove, in support of the 2018 Treganza History Essay Competition for Third Grade in Lemon Grove Schools. Tickets are $25/person for a lavish, four-course high tea, party favors and door prizes.

Limited space still available! RSVP deadline extended.

September 12, 2017 (La Mesa) – Our next East County Dining Club event on September 21st at 6:30 p.m. just got even better! Sicilian Excellence will be offering tastes of Anticatindari and Buone Sergio Sicilian wines -- along with a delicious Italian special menu feast at Tiramisu Trattoria (8273 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa) plus local wine tasting  with the award-winning San Pasqual Winery,  Italian popular songs and arias performed by talented vocalist Valerie Watts, a wealth of prize drawings, and more are all part of the fun! 

We have a few seats left, so you can pay at the door ($28) but please call 619-698-7617 to RSVP or email editor@eastcountymagazine.org.

Cost  includes plated four-course special menu dinner, wine tasting, tax, tip, entertainment, opportunities to meet neighbors and make new friends.

Special menu:  Bruschetta, choice of soup or salad and choice of entrée:  Ravioli Ricotta, Spinaci or Zucca, Melanzana Alla Parmigiana, Pollo Marsala or Picata, Fettucine Bolognsee, Rigotoni Alla Norcina, Cavatelli di Ricotta, and delicious dessert: Tiramisu (plain or strawberry)

East County News Service

September 15, 2017 (La Mesa) – Miguel Angel Rojas, 54, owner of the La Torta restaurant in La Mesa, died on September 10^th.

“ A husband, father, brother and friend, Miguel, was beloved by many,” states  a GoFundMe page set up by Rojas’ stepdaughter to help his wife, Felicia, and daughters.  “Many people came to know Miguel through his food and friendship.  Unfortunately, Miguel was taken from the Rojas/Reed family very suddenly and without preparation. Any donations received will be used for funeral services, hospital bills and to support Miguel's wife and daughters. Prayers and condolences are appreciated.”

Video: Teams compete at the 2017 Ramona Grape Stomp Competition

By Miriam Raftery

September 10, 2017 (Ramona) – To the strains of songs like “Mountain Dew”,  teams of competitors vied to see who could crush the most grapes in two minutes and emerge champion at the first-ever Ramona Grape Stomp this weekend.

Teams chose names such as the “Juicy Lucys” or the “Toe Jammers.”  One team member stomped the ripe purple grapes, the other filled a cup with juice spurting out of a spigot on a wine barrel.

A Grape Stomp princess was also on hand to help officiate as contestants hopped in feet first, demonstrating their stomping skills on stage as the audience cheered them on with gusto.

Next event is Sept. 21 at Tiramisu Trattoria in La Mesa

September 1, 2017 (La Mesa) – Thanks to all who turned out to help make the launch of our East County Dining Club a big success! 

Over 75 people attend our premiere party  at Fabrison’s Country French Restaurant in  Jamul, where guests feasted on all-you-can-eat crepes and  savored wines from the award-winning Deerhorn Valley Vineyard.

If you haven’t yet joined our dining club (just $10 a year!) we strongly recommend doing so now since we expect future events to sell out.

East County Dining Club members  will receive early invitations and  first options to reserve space at all of our future special culinary events, two free drawing tickets at their next event, and a free “Best of East County” cookbook we are compiling with recipes from top restaurants, wineries, farms and more in our region. Join us to savor the flavors of the world at great restaurants here in East County!