January 12, 2011 (San Diego) – Want to cook up a dish savored by your favorite Hollywood celebrity from a bygone era? Frank DeCaro, author of The Dead Celebrity Cookbook—A Resurrection of Recipes from More than 145 Stars of Stage and Screen, will sign copies of his book January 14 at Babette Schwartz gift store, 421 University Avenue in Hillcrest.

By Megan McGlamery

Photos by Woo-Jin Shim and Natalia Robert (http://full-circle-images.com/)

December 30, 2011 (San Diego)--Since 1933, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has been helping refugees rebuild their lives after fleeing tumultuous wars or other catastrophes in their homelands.  The IRC is currently active in 22 U.S. cities as well as overseas. In 2001, the IRC created its Microenterprise Program with the goal of helping refugees create their own businesses.

In the last 10 years, the IRC has helped 175 San Diego-based refugees become small-business owners. To showcase some of the great refugee-owned eateries of East County, the IRC hosted a Micro-finance bus tour, offering patrons a chance to sample some delicious cuisine from Iraq and East Africa.

December 1, 2011 (La Mesa) -- Executive Chef Bernard Guillas and Chef de Cuisine Ron Oliver from The Marine Room team up with Registered Dietician Candy Cumming for a healthy cooking demonstration--and tastes. The free event will be held Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 5:30 at Sharp Grossmont Hospital’s main auditorium.

Attendees can enter for a chance to win a copy of the chefs’ cookbook: Flying Pans: Two Chefs, One World.

By Suellis Kelly

November 23, 2011 (San Diego) – An Albertson’s store in San Diego is serving up deals to help families in need this Thanksgiving. The Albertson’s at 2235 University Avenue in North Park will give away a free turkey with any $25 purchase. “We have four pallets of turkeys on hand,” a spokesman told ECM.

November 7, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – The San Diego Brewers Guild hosts its third annual San Diego Beer Week now through November 13. Our region has emerged as a nationally recognized hub for craft beer making, with over 40 breweries. San Diego's brewers won more medals at the 2010 World Beer Cup than the traditional beer bastions of Germany, England and Belgium combined.

October 25, 2011 (Julian) -- On Monday, October 31 at 6 p.m., Jeremy’s on the Hill California Style Bistro teams up with Witch Creek Winery to host a four-course Wine Pairing Event featuring local produce and ingredients. 

Guests are invited to wear Halloween Costumes (if they dare….) and prizes will be awarded.

October 22, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – The San Diego County Farm Bureau’s (SDCFB) board of directors has selected Jeff Rossman, executive chef/owner of Terra American Bistro in the East College area of San Diego, as the first recipient of the SD Grown 365 Award.

By Millicent Arko 

October 13, 2011 (Spring Valley)-- Cali Comfort Restaurant and Sports Bar, along with the Spring Valley Chamber of Commerce, will host  the second annual Spring Valley Tailgate and BBQ Festival on Sunday, October 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Troy Street between Bancroft Avenue and Central Avenue.  

 

 

You’re invited to enjoy a fall day complete with a barbecue cook-off, tastings, live local music, games and family activities. The festival aims to raise money for youth in Spring Valley; this year’s beneficiary is the Spring Valley Sports Council Scholarship Fund. 

 

September 30, 2011 (San Diego-- Fork it Over for Kids with Sam the Cooking Guy, winner of 12 Emmys for his TV cooking shows! 

September 15, 2011 (Alpine) – Alpine Kiwanis will host a Chili Cook-Off, along with the Show & Shine Car Show, at the Alpine Community Park this Saturday, September 17 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Enjoy music by the Legends, crafters, vendors, bratwurst, ice cream and more at the festivities.

The event will be held at the Alpine Community Center, 1830 Alpine Blvd. in Alpine.

By the East County Eater

Vinz Wine Bar
201 East Grand Ave. 

Escondido, CA         

(760) 743-8466
http://vinzwinebar.net/ 

Sept. 2, 2011 (Julian) – Think your homemade apple pie recipe rivals the renowned pies of Julian? The Julian Woman’s Club says, “The proof is in the pastry!”

The aroma of freshly baked apple pie will fill the air during the Julian Apple Days Pie Contest, Friday, September 30. The contest is free and open to all amateur bakers in the region.