Food & Wine

READER'S EDITORIAL: WHERE HAS ALL THE CREAM GONE?

 

By Leon Thompson

May 2, 2016 (East County) – My earliest childhood memories are of my grandfather’s dairy farm in Solway, Minnesota, where I learned to love cows.  The sign on the barn read “Our Cows Are Outstanding In Their Field.”  We moved to Poway in 1959 less than two blocks from the DeJong Dairy.  I naturally got up at 5:00 a.m. to help with chores and was rewarded with a giant breakfast with the DeJong family and bottles of fresh milk to take home. 


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THANKS TO ALL WHO MADE OUR "MOUNTAIN MAGIC" EVENT A SUCCESS!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 29, 2016 (Ramona) -- East County Magazine extends our hearty thanks to all who sponsored and attended our "Magic Mountain"benefit event at Vineyard Grant James in Ramona!  We raised over $1,200 from the event, helping us keep you safe and informed.

We extend our special thanks to our major sponsors:


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RICE CEREAL LINKED TO HIGH ARSENIC IN BABIES

 

East County News Service

April 26, 2016 (Washington D.C.) – Earlier this month, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Society of Pediatrics have issued new guidelines for parents recommending limits on inorganic arsenic in rice baby foods.  The FDA also recommends that parents feed babies a variety of cereals such as oatmeal and barley, but stops short of recommending eliminating of rice, a common first solid food for many young children.


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SAN PASQUAL WINERY UPCOMING EVENTS

 

East County News Service

April 24, 2016 (La Mesa) -- Want to learn how to make wine? Paint still life? Hear local musical talent?  Shop for jewelry? Support women building homes for low income families?  You can enjoy all that and more, all while savoring wine tasting at San Pasqual’s Winery and Tasting Room at two locations in La Mesa.

Below are details on the upcoming events; for details you can visit www.SanPasqualWinery.com


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ALERT: FROZEN VEGETABLE RECALL IN CA

 

By Liz Alper

April 24, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) - Several brands of frozen peas, corn and mixed vegetables have been recalled from stores throughout California due to possible contamination with Listeria, which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections particularly in young children and the elderly.  The bacteria can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths, according to the FDA.


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COUNTY STAFF RESPONDS TO ECM INQUIRY ON WINERY ORDINANCE PROPOSED CHANGES

 

East County News Service

April 23, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – On Wednesday, April 27, Supervisors will consider two versions of proposed changes to the tiered winery ordinance, as ECM reported. Ramona winemakers have raised serious concerns over a version proposed by county staff that differs from the version approved by the County Planning Commission. 


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RAMONA WINE INDUSTRY IN JEOPARDY, VINTNERS WARN: SUPERVISORS HOLD HEARING APRIL 27 ON REGULATORY CHANGES

Update April 23, 2016:  County staff has responded to ECM questions on this issue.  View their response here.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left: Elaine Lyttle, Hatfield Creek Winery & Vineyard, says the county's "priorites are wrong" and faults excessive regulations for stifling her award-winning winery in Ramona.

April 20,2016 (Ramona) –  Leaders in Ramona’s burgeoning wine industry warn in correspondence to Supervisors that Ramona’s wine industry could die on the vine as a result of changes proposed to the County’s Boutique and Small Wineries Regulations.

 The changes are set for hearing by Supervisors on Wednesday, April 27 at 9 a.m. at the County Administration Center (Room310, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego).  View agenda and hearing announcement. 

Two versions of the ordinance will be up for consideration, one approved by the Planning Commission, the other a recommendation by staff of Planning & Development Services. One important note: legal challenges may be limited only to issues raised at a public hearing or in written correspondence delivered to the hearing body at or before the hearing, according to the hearing notice.


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EIGHT RAMONA VALLEY WINERIES WIN BIG AT LARGEST-EVER NY FINGER LAKES INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITION

 

East County News Service

April 20, 2016 (Ramona) -- Eight winery members of the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association (RVVA) received a total of 25 medals from the annual, largest-ever New York Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, known as the biggest charitable wine competition. This year’s event reviewed a total number of entries of 3,827 wines from more than 900 wineries in all 50 states, six Canadian provinces, and 26 different nations.


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JOIN EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE FOR “MOUNTAIN MAGIC” APRIL 16 IN RAMONA--WINE, CHEESE & CHOCOLATE TASTING, MMMM!!

 

 

East County News Service

April 2, 2016  (Ramona) – East County Magazine subscribers are invited to join us to savor “Mountain Magic” at the beautiful Vineyard Grant James (25260  Old Julian Highway) in the heart of Ramona's wine region on Saturday April 16 from 1-4 p.m.  (Not yet a subscriber? Join free.)

This very special afternoon will include wonderful wine-tasting, savoring Cheeses from the Cave gourmet cheeses, fresh fruits, chocolates crafted by master chocolate-maker GB Treats  and other delectable delights, plus live music by the award-winning Baja Blues Brothers and a wealth of prizes!

Drawing and silent auction prizes include mountain getaway vacation, wine lovers’ baskets,  gardener’s gifts,  hand-crafted pottery, yoga, personal training, Santee Lakes family fun pack, Mountain Hempire gift basket, bookstore gift certificate, music CDs, coffee lovers basket, and more!


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LAVENDER FARM PRESENTS MORE ENGLISH HIGH TEAS

 

By Liz Alper

April 7, 2016 (Valley Center) - The Keys Creek Lavender Farm will be hosting their first English teas of the season.


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ALPINE WOMAN’S CLUB 23RD ANNUAL VICTORIAN TEA APRIL 16 OFFERS A STEP BACK IN TIME

 

East County News Service

March 27, 2016 (Alpine) --The Alpine Woman’s Club Victorian Tea has been compared to the teas at the Hotel Del Coronado and Westgate Hotel. This is the perfect venue to showcase your finest hat, share good conversation with good friends and introduce your daughter or granddaughter to their first Victorian Tea. What a wonderful experience for any young lady ages 8 years and up. Entertainment will feature piano music by William D. Young, playing songs from yesteryear. There will also be a raffle, door prizes and other surprises. Period attire is recommended but not required.


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EARTHTALK®: ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS OR SUGAR?

 

From the Editors of E - The Environmental Magazine

March 20, 2016 (San Diego) -- Dear EarthTalk: What should I know about artificial sweeteners before I opt for them for myself or my kids in place of regular ol’ sugar? -- Gretchen Abdow, Philadelphia, PA


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THE HILLS LOCAL PUB CELEBRATES 2 YEARS IN LA MESA ON APRIL 5

 

 

Source: La Mesa Chamber of Commerce

Photo: Sliders at The Hills by Leon Thompson

March 18, 2016 (La Mesa) - On Tuesday, April 5, the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the 2-year anniversary of The Hills Local Pub in La Mesa. This celebration and business mixer will be held between the hours of 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The owners of The Hills Local Pub, located at 8758 La Mesa Boulevard in La Mesa, have created various fund raisers and activities that make this a special and fun-filled location in La Mesa.

The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. and will end at 7:00 p.m. Enjoy great hors d’ oeuvres, including one of their house specialties and (1) complimentary glass of house wine, handcrafted beer and soft drinks.


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SAN PASQUAL WINERY ANNOUNCES MUSIC, ART AND TASTING EVENTS IN LA MESA VILLAGE

 

East County News Service

March 10, 2016 (La Mesa) – Whether your passion is to paint a masterpiece or savor some fine wines while enjoying live Spanish jazz, or finger-style guitar music, your wish can come true at San Pasqual Winery’s tasting room in La Mesa’s downtown Village.  While the art classes have fees, the musical performances have no cover charge.  Wine, cheese, crackers and desserts are available for purchase.


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GMO DANGERS EXPOSED BY SCIENTISTS, NUTRITIONISTS, AND A MOM

 

By Janis Russell

 

Photos: cover:  Tom Malterre.  In story:  Jeffrey Smith

March 9, 2016 (San Diego) - The Environmental Health Symposium (EHS) had a public forum  March 7th where speakers shared information on dangers of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).  Almost 31 million GMO meals are served to kids each day across America. But increasingly, doctors are voicing concerns.  Some report improvements in conditions from Autism to gastrointestinal problems after switching kids to organic foods without GMOs.  Now parents are mobilizing to fight for changes from farms to school lunch programs to dinner tables across America.


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UC ASKS RESIDENTS TO INSPECT CITRUS TREES FOR ASIAN CITRUS PSYLLID THIS SPRING

 

California citrus - both on farms and in home landscapes - face a very real threat from a disease that is spread by Asian citrus psyllid. Florida and Texas citrus is already suffering terribly. California may be able to avoid the same fate, if all residents and farmers do their part to combat the pest.  A video on YouTube has details. View more high-resolution photos

Photos: Asian citrus psyllids, malformed leaves and deformed fruits caused by the deadly disease carried by this pest

By Jeannette Warnert, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources

March 7, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- A tell-tale sign of spring in California is a flush of new leaf growth on citrus trees. Because the feathery light green leaves are particularly attractive to Asian citrus psyllids (ACP), the leaves' emergence marks a critical time to determine whether the pest has infested trees.


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CASI CIELO WINERY AT MANESS VINEYARD OPENS TASTING ROOM

 

 

 

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 7, 2016 (Jamul)—60 guests hoisted glasses last month to toast the grand opening of East County’s newest wine tasting room: Casi Cielo Winery, located at their historical adobe ranch house at Maness Vineyards atop a sunny hilltop in Jamul just off highway 94.  It’s a dream that has been a long-time coming to fruition –a dream that began with two Italian immigrants back in the last century. As the afternoon sun bathes the adobe bricks and vineyards beyond in golden rays, it's not hard to see how Casi Cielo (Almost Heaven) got its name.

The winery offers a selection of  hand-crafted wines made with 25% grapes grown at the estate and 75% grapes grown in San Diego County.  With a motto “from juice to jelly,” Casi Cielo Farm & Vineyard also has a charming gift shop licensed under GregoArt.com featuring  a new line of delicious vineyard jellies (served up over chocolate cheesecake—pure bliss) as well as colorful hand-crafted quilts by Kathy, vineyard lifestyle attire and more.


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ONE TOMATO, TWO TOMATO, A HUNDRED TOMATOES ON SALE AT TOMATOMANIA MARCH 12-13

 

East County News Service

March 4, 2016 (El Cajon) -- Tomatomania!, the renowned Heirloom tomato seedling sale, returns to excite an enthusiastic group of gardeners in El Cajon this spring at the Water Conservation Garden, on March 12 and 13.



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DEPOT SPRINGS BEER COMPANY OWNER BUBBLES FORTH

 

By Leon Thompson

 

February 29. 2016 (La Mesa) – Aaron Dean, owner of the Depot Springs Beer Company, in an exclusive interview with East County Magazine, spoke exuberantly about the brewery/restaurant/music/event venue now under construction in a neighborhood shopping center on Fletcher Parkway at Dallas Street—and his vision for the facility’s contribution to revitalizing the community.


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MILAGRO FARM VINEYARD AND WINERY CLOSES TASTING ROOM FOR REMODELING

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 16, 2016 (Ramona) – The Milagro Farm Winery has announced that it is closing its tasting room to the public effective immediately while undergoing upgrades, with plans to reopen in the next couple of months.


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PROHIBITION LIFTED ON CRAFT SPIRITS INDUSTRY SEEN AS THE START OF SAN DIEGO'S NEXT CRAFT BOOM

 

East County News Service

Assemblyman Jones to purchase first bottle from local distillery

February 16, 2016 (Santee) -- As of January 1st, new legislation (AB 1295) allows craft distilleries to sell individual bottles of craft spirits from tasting rooms. Prior to this law, the public could only sample distilled spirits at a tasting room but could not purchase bottles directly from a distiller.


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VINEYARD GRANT JAMES IN RAMONA DRAWS RAVE REVIEWS

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 11, 2016 (Ramona) -- Savoring an afternoon of superb wine tasting at Vineyard Grant James in Ramona, it’s not hard to realize  why this family-owned winery has been drawing rave reviews on Yelp.  The place has ranked five stars—the top rating, with 64 reviews. 

The wines are complex and satisfying.  Owners/hosts Jacques and Susanne Sapier are warm and welcoming.  A stone patio with views of the sun setting over nearby mountains provides an idyllic setting.  Live music by a Dave Billock and his local band, plus delicious locally-made cheeses, round out a palette-pleasing experience.


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LUCK OF THE IRISH AT BARONS BACKROOM BEER PAIRING MARCH 16

 

 

Speakeasy pairs Irish-inspired appetizers, local brews to benefit San Diego Food Bank

 

East County News Service

 

February 11, 2016 (Alpine) – As luck would have it, St Patrick’s Day happens twice this year, and for a good cause. Dust off your favorite green outfit and join Barons Market, a locally owned grocery store that sells simply good food at simply good prices, on Wednesday, March 16 for a St. Paddy’s Day themed beer and food tasting with San Diego brewer, Modern Times. 


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DESSERT & WINE PAIRINGS AT SAN PASQUAL WINERY, LA MESA FEB. 12-14

 

East County News Service

February 3, 2016 (La Mesa) – What could be a better aphrodisiac than a pairing of wonderful wines and scrumptious desserts?  


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HOMETOWN BUFFET CLOSURES PROMPT STATE INVESTIGATION

 

East County News Service

February 9, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – California’s Labor Commissioner is investigating the abrupt closure of Hometown Buffet’s closure of restaurants statewide without any notice to its employees.  State law requires that employers with over 75 workers give at least 60 days notice before mass layoffs.


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WINE, FOOD AND DESSERT PAIRINGS AT WINERY GRANT JAMES FEB. 13-14


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APHRODISIAC’S DELIGHT: VALENTINE DINNER AT JEREMY’S ON THE HILL

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 3, 2016 (Julian) — From Maine Lobster-watermelon salad to leg of lamb, scallops in saffron and banana bruleé, the Valentine’s weekend “aphrodisiac menu” at Jeremy’s on the Hill in Julian has an array of delights you’ll love to savor.  This special menu will be served up Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 12-14 from 4 pm. to close.


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HATFIELD CREEK WINERY & JEREMY’S ON THE HILL TEAM UP FOR FARM-TO-TABLE FOOD AND WINE PAIRING FEB. 5

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 3, 2016 (Julian) — If you’re looking for a delectable experience Friday evening, Jeremy’s on the Hill’s Courdon Bleu-trained chef and owner will be cooking up culinary delights featuring farm-to-table foods paired with wines from Hatfield Creek Winery. 


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WINERY ORDINANCE AND HOSKINGS RANCH TO BE HEARD FEB. 5 BY PLANNING COMMISSION

 



 

East County News Service

January 31, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – The San Diego County Planning Commission, after months of review and public input on proposed changes to the tiered winery ordinance, will hold a hearing on Friday, February 5th on the proposed zoning ordinance amendment.  In addition, planners will consider a proposed map for the Hoskings Ranch residential development project in Julian.

Some winery owners voice continuing concerns over the proposed changes. Teri Kerns, co-owner of Ramona Ranch Winery, told East County Magazine, "We are pleased to see that a few of our suggestions have been incorporated, for example, allowing the wineries to be open until 6 pm during the winter hours, and increasing van capacity to 15 but disappointed that the majority have not been.   We are concerned that new wineries will not be able to open, given the restrictions on structures and codes and disagree with the County's broad prohibition on events and parties, amplified music, and the stand against advertising.


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AWARD-WINNING WINEMAKERS RECOGNIZED BY REPRESENTATIVE DUNCAN HUNTER

Indication of Growing Winemaking in San Diego County

By Miriam Raftery

January 27, 2016 (Ramona)  – Three award-winning Ramona Valley winemakers were presented recognition certificates from Representative Duncan Hunter at the monthly meeting of the Ramona Valley Vineyards Association (RVVA) on Tuesday, January 26th as an indication of the quality and growth of the  winemaking industry in San Diego County. Duncan Hunter has represented San Diego County in the U.S. House of Representatives for seven years and is co-chair of the Congressional Wine Caucus.


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