By Henri Migala

April 12, 2022 (Alpine) -- One of the greatest benefits of living in East County is to be able to enjoy our wide open and natural spaces. The best thing to come out of the pandemic is the move of restaurants to open outdoor eating and drinking areas.

East County News Service

April 5, 2022 (San Diego) - A tentative agreement was reached by the bargaining committee representing seven UFCW Locals across southern California and Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions, and Ralphs. 

By Miriam Raftery

March 27, 2022 (San Diego) -- United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Locals throughout California, together representing over 47,000 frontline food workers at Ralphs, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions, have announced an overwhelming membership vote to authorize union leadership to call for Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strikes should that become necessary. But it’s not yet inevitable that a strike will occur.

East County News Service

March 15, 2022 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove residents with proof of residency are invited to a drive-through food distribution this Saturday, March 19 at the Lemon Grove Recreation Center at 3131 School Lane.  The distribution starts at 9 a.m. and will continue while supplies last.

Please stay in your car and make sure your truck is clear so food and be loaded.  No walk-ups are allowed.

East County News Service

March 9, 2022 (Julian) – Julian’s annual “Taste of Julian” celebrates the town’s diverse culinary delights – proving there’s much more here than the community’s famed apples.  The self-guided tour includes a variety of participating restaurants, bakeries, and tasting rooms for wine, beer and cider on April 30 from 12:30 to 5 p.m.

East County News Service

March 2, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) - Hooley’s Public House, once voted most authentic Irish pub outside of Ireland, invites you to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Thursday, March 17.  Both the Rancho San Diego and La Mesa locations will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with no cover charge.

By Greg Dunne                                            

March 1, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) --  It’s potato time! Yummy potatoes go with just about any meal. No, potatoes are not boring, they’re easy to cook with and delicious. With all the great varieties, Red Potatoes (also called new potatoes) White Potatoes, Yukon Gold, Purple, Russet, Baby Potatoes, they are fun to cook with.  And my favorites are potato pancakes-- see recipe at the end of article.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: CC via Bing

February 14, 2022 (San Diego) – Your next batch of guacamole may cost a whole lot more.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture has banned imports of Mexican avocados, in response to a threat made to an agriculture inspector.

By Miriam Raftery

February 3, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – Looking for some passionate places to treat your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day?  Here are several sweet spots in East County serving up specials to delight you and your darling.

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

Jan. 30, 2022 (East County) The County of San Diego’s Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Jan. 26 to adopt a local ordinance to allow, on a temporary two-year basis, Micro-Enterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO) in the County. 

Apartments, leased spaces, and houses will all be considered private homes. The County cautions future home cooks to check their lease and see if a MEHKO is allowed. Multiple people are not allowed to each operate a MEHKO, or cottage food operation (CFO), in one residence.

Giardino owner Karina Kravalis welcomes second eatery in Lemon Grove

East County News Service

January 13, 2022 (Lemon Grove) -- Lemon Grove resident and restauranter Karina Kravalis is opening the doors to her latest anticipated project, Zest Wine Bistro which features a variety of delightful vintages from around the world as well as artfully arrayed tapas to savor. The wine bar features cozy indoor and outdoor seating, soon to include an outdoor firepit and heaters for year-round comfort.

The intimate and slick bistro has been a dream for Kravalis, who saw an opportunity to provide something she felt her neighborhood was missing but wanting.

 “After all these years of owning Giardino, I’ve learned that Lemon Grove and East County love their wine,” said Kravalis. “There are so many of us who share a passion for good wine, and wanted a place to sip and toast. Zest is just that - a social gathering space to come try and learn about wine, and nosh on good food."

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: CC via Bing

January 12, 2022 (San Diego) – Recalls have been issued for pre-packaged salads produced by Dole due to contamination with listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause serious or potentially fatal infections.  Brands recalled include Kroger, Marketside, HEB, President’s Choice, and Little Salad Bar 

Consumers should throw away any of these bagged salads, or return to the retailer.

Story and photos by Henri Migala

January 10, 2022 (El Cajon) -- It seems that everywhere you look in East County, there is another culinary delight to discover. If you favor the flavors of the Far East, you must visit Busy B Thai Café, 330 Magnolia Ave, in El Cajon.

I spent my childhood growing up in Bangkok, Thailand, when my family was stationed there in the ‘60s, so I have a long-standing appreciation for Thai food and culture.

Visiting Busy B Thai Café is like slipping into a small piece of Bangkok, right in the middle of El Cajon. This charming and cozy restaurant is decorated with images and artifacts reflecting both the rich culture and religion of Thailand.

By Elijah McKee

December 11, 2021 (El Cajon) — It can be easy to take a delicious meal at a restaurant for granted — but doing so would be difficult to do at Mal Al Sham, which celebrates its three year anniversary in El Cajon this month.

Whether swinging by for a quick solo wrap or sitting down with loved ones around a full platter, a dining experience with Mal Al Sham — also known as The Taste of Damascus — leaves diners with a genuine appreciation for the food, as well as for the people, places and experiences that led to its creation. 

By Henri Migala, East County Eater

Photos by Henri Migala, Miriam Raftery and Sammy’s

November 27, 2021 (La Mesa) -- Having been reviewing restaurants in East County for nearly two years now I have been reporting that East County has become the new gastronomic center of San Diego.

Nowhere is this more evident than the recently renovated Sammy’s Food + Wine in La Mesa. With a full and varied menu that reflects the international background of founder Sammy Ladeki and the rich multicultural nature of our eclectic East County community, Sammy’s offers something for everyone.