Food & Wine
LA MESA IS HOME TO NEW COFFEE SHOP: BUGSY’S BREW
August 6, 2012 (La Mesa)--Bugsy’s Brew Coffee opens in La Mesa. Family owned and operated, Bugsy’s Brew offers customers a comfortable place to relax and enjoy fantastic coffee and desserts. Bugsy’s Brew Coffee is located at 8759 La Mesa Blvd at the corner of Jackson, so it is a perfect spot to hit before heading to work in the morning or for a pick-me-up in the afternoon.
VINTAGES TO SAVOR AT THE BACK COUNTRY WINEMAKING TOUR
By Miriam Raftery
July 29, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – It’s one of our region’s best-kept secrets. The Back Country Winemaking Tour, which swiftly sells out each year, is a great way to meet local vintners and savor the fruits of their labors—all with a designated driver aboard an air-conditioned bus.
This year’s tour rolled into four diverse wineries in Ramona and Warner Springs, where participants sipped, savored, and partied their way across the sun-drenched countryside in East County.
PERUVIAN DELIGHTS AT ANDIAMO! ON AUGUST 11
July 31, 2012 (San Diego) -- Andiamo! Ristorante Italiano is offering a night of Peruvian cuisine on August 11, beginning at 5 p.m. at 5950 Santo Road in Tierrasanta. The evening will include live music from the coast of Peru as interpreted by singer Miguel Angel and accompanied by Angelo Salazar on acoustic guitar and Richard Gomez on cajon (Peuovian box).
2ND ANNUAL SUMMER IN JAMUL PARTY AUGUST 18
July 31, 2012 (Jamul) -- Reno’s Pub & Grub is hosting its 2nd Annual “Summer in Jamul” Party August 18, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 14019 Campo Rd., Jamul. The afternoon will include music and craft booths on the patio. Featured food will be Ivan’s “Smoking Hole” BBQ, burgers and more. Beer and wine will be available.
For more information call 619-303-0127 or visit www.renospubandgrub.com.
EAST COUNTY EATER: O’S AMERICAN KITCHEN BLENDS BEST OF OLD AND NEW
Reinvigorated restaurant from founders of Pat & Oscars opens in Parkway Plaza
http://www.osamericankitchen.com/
By Ellinoa Blake
Photos by Miriam Raftery and Ellinoa Blake
SAN DIEGO’S PHIL’S BBQ WINS TRAVEL CHANNEL’S BEST WEST COAST SANDWICH
Phil’s BBQ El Toro tri-tip sandwich takes one of ten regional titles to advance to the final round
July 19, 2012 (San Diego) -- On Wednesday, July 18, 2012, Phil’s BBQ was named the West Coast Regional Winner of the Travel Channel show “Adam Richman’s Best Sandwich in America.” Phil’s El Toro tri-tip sandwich is one of ten regional winners that will move on to the final round of judging, where one sandwich will be named Best Sandwich in America. There’s good news for East County foodies: Phil’s BBQ will be coming to Santee this fall. (Here’s a clip of the Phil’s BBQ segment.)
EAST COUNTY EATERS: HISTORIC CHARM AND FRESH, FILLING FOOD AT EL CAJON’S DOWNTOWN CAFE
Downtown Café
182 East Main Street, El Cajon, CA 92020
K-9’S AND COCKTAILS AT ANDIAMO! JULY 18
July 15, 2012 (San Diego) – Andiamo Ristorante Italiano is kicking off summer with K-9’s and Cocktails on July 18 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 5950 Santo Road, San Diego. Enjoy superb food and cocktails with your dog in an outdoor atmosphere on the patio.
Visit www.Andiamo-Ristorante.com to view the menu and/or make a reservation for this event.
GLUTEN-FREE FOODS DELIVERY SERVICE ANNOUNCED THROUGHOUT SAN DIEGO COUNTY
July 11, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Looking for gluten-free foods? Now 2GOOD2B co-owners Mike Barbanti and Diana Benedek are bringing their entrees, delectable desserts and baked breads to you. The Encinitas-based business announces new 2GOOD2B delivery; a brand new service that combines the convenience of takeout with the quality of a healthy, home-cooked meal. Delivery is available countywide—including East County.
ARRIBA! ANDIAMO’S PRESENTS FLAMENCO NIGHT JULY 14
July 10, 2012 (San Diego) -- Flamenco Night at Andiamo Ristorante is July 14 beginning at 5:30 p.m. with a prix fixe menu. The event features Malamana’s Spanish guitars and vocals in a fusion of flamenco and romantic Latin music.
SAVOR A "TASTE OF LITTLE SAIGON" JUNE 23
June 21, 2012 (San Diego)--The Taste of Little Saigon was created to showcase the many businesses in the newly established Little Saigon District, specifically the wide array of restaurants offering authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
This event, held Saturday June 23 from 1-5 p.m. on El Cajon Boulevard will also include performances from local singers and live painting by San Diego artist Leah Younker who paints urban landscapes of El Cajon Boulevard.
RAMONA VALLEY WINE REGION MAGAZINE GIVES LOCAL WINE AFICIONADOS PLENTY TO SAVOR
By Serena Scaglione
June 20, 2012 (Ramona)—There are more than 60 wineries and vineyards (and counting!) within the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association. What better way to showcase Ramona—which was designated as an American Viticulture Area in 2006—as an up and coming wine region than through a new magazine designed to educate readers about award-winning wines and the people behind the process?
WHAT’S NEW AT CELEBRITY-CHEF BRIAN MALARKY’S GINGHAM RESTAURANT
June 21, 2012 (La Mesa) -- Celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey is serving up some summer specials Gingham restaurant in La Mesa. Dubbed the first “urban cowboy diner”, Gingham features weekly themed events and specials, fun for couples, friends and families including movies and dining deals. Also, in conjunction with the La Mesa Car Show, Gingham will be offering some to-go food that will be cooked on the grill out back, perfect for anyone who wants to grab a quick lunch and go back to the festivities.
SWEET SUCCESS: DEERHORN VALLEY HONEY WINS FOR 3RD STRAIGHT YEAR AT COUNTY FAIR
June 19, 2012 (San Diego)—“Our honey reputation continues to make history,” Deerhorn Valley Antler editor Kim Hamilton announced today.
This year, beekeeper Dave Yarbrough from Upper Deerhorn Valley entered his honey in a blind tasting sponsored by the San Diego County Beekeeping Association at the San Diego County Fair. It tied for first place, and was ultimately awarded second place on a tie breaker.
BITE SAN DIEGO TAKES TO THE COUNTRYSIDE WITH THE LAUNCH OF ITS SIXTH WALKING FOOD TOUR IN JULIAN
Six Julian restaurants will welcome Bite guests to the apple-growing hills beginning this June
June 17, 2012 (Julian) -- Taking its acclaimed walking food tour “over the hill and through the woods,” this June, Bite San Diego, the successful food walking tour, is adding to its already acclaimed San Diego Tours with Bite San Diego, Julian. The food tasting and cultural walking tour features a guided tasting tour through one of San Diego’s most historically rich towns for eats and treats.
MALAMANA, FLAMENCO DELIGHT AT ANDIAMO JUNE 16
June 15, 2012 (San Diego) – Malamana will be performing flamenco at Andiamo Ristorante on June 16 beginning at 5:30 p.m. The prixe fixe menu is $29.95 per person and includes 3 courses.
JANET'S MONTANA CAFE GIVES CUSTOMERS A TASTE OF THE WEST
By Sierra 
Robinson
2506 Alpine Blvd, Alpine, CA 91901
June 12, 2012 (Alpine)- Janet’s Montana Cafe, a cozy little hideaway in Alpine, definitely shows the true meaning of western-style. The Old West theme was apparent the moment we walked in, greeted by a large bull moose head on the wall.
BURGERS FROM DOWN UNDER: STEERS OPENS DOORS IN LAKESIDE
9927 Maine Avenue
Lakeside, CA 92040
www.steersburgersfries.com
(619)390-9063
By Sierra Robinson
June 12, 2012 (Lakeside)—Savoring flame-broiled, 100% Angus beef burgers at Steers, an Australian-based eatery that opened its first American restaurant in Lakeside last weekend, I predict that Steers will soon be rounding up a herd of loyal new customers.
After opening outlets in Australia and South Africa, the owners moved to La Jolla and scouted out an ideal location for their first U.S. venture. The site of the former Lakeside Steak House has been fully remodeled, serving up juicy burgers, espetadas (a shish-kabob like creation) and coming soon, steaks sizzling on the barbie.
WINEMAKER’S DINNER AT GINGHAM JUNE 12
June 9, 2012 (La Mesa) – On June 12 winemaker Linda McWilliams, from San Pasqual Winery, and Gingham’s executive chef, Ryan Studebaker will combine to create a specially prepared 6 course dinner designed to pair specifically with six of San Pasquals wines. Gingham is located at 8384 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa.
FETE DU VIN AT BLEU BOHEME JUNE 19
June 9, 2012 (San Diego) -- Bleu Boheme is hosting an interactive wine event featuring the Niven Family Wine Estates on June 19 at 4090 Adams Ave., San Diego. The event will begin at 5:00 p.m. when, at 30 minute intervals 20 guests will be greeted in the lounge and taken on a 7 station tour throughout the restaurant with wine and food pairings.
CELEBRATE LA MESA’S CENTENNIAL AT SAN PASQUAL
June 1, 2012 (La Mesa) – In celebration of La Mesa’s 100th birthday San Pasqual Winery is offering a special Centennial Wine Tasting at its tasting room in downtown La Mesa at 8364 La Mesa Blvd. For $15 you receive 6 generous tastes of San Pasqual’s award winning wines in a keepsake 19 oz Centennial logo glass.
TASTE OF LA MESA - TASTE OF THE CENTURY JUNE 11
30 Restaurants, 4 Wineries, & Signature Beer Sponsor Karl Strauss Brewery 
May 31, 2012 (La Mesa) – In honor of La Mesa’s Centennial, on June 11 the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce will host its biggest-ever “Taste of La Mesa-Taste of the Century.” This delectable event takes place at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 La Mesa.
CA BALLOT INITIATIVE WOULD REQUIRE LABELING OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS AMID GROWING EVIDENCE OF HEALTH IMPACTS
Genetically modified foods linked to animal deaths, liver damage and sharp rise in allergies
May 28, 2012 (Sacramento)--California is ground zero in the growing national movement to give consumers the right to know if their food contains genetically engineered food, according to today’s front page story in the New York Times. The California Right to Know ballot initiative to label genetically engineered foods “cleared a crucial hurdle this month, setting the stage for a probable November vote that could influence not just food packaging but the future of American agriculture,” wrote Times reporters Amy Harmon and Andrew Pollack.
VIEJAS CASINO OPENS STUNNING NEW BUFFET
“As one of the first called to the table at Buffet at Viejas, I wish to say, ‘Thank you for a memorable feast. It was delightful.’”—Ariele Johannson
by Ariele Johannson
May 23, 2012 (Alpine)--The new Buffet at Viejas had its grand opening on Tuesday morning. The fanfare included a tribal blessing from Kumeyaay elder Virginia Christman and traditional bird songs led by tribal member John Christman. Viejas Tribal Vice Chairman, Robert “Cita” Welch, addressed a crowd of tribal elders, leaders, local dignitaries, Chamber of Commerce representatives, public and the press during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. With the smell of sage in the air being prepared for the smudging, he called the new buffet at Viejas among the best in the San Diego area.
KARL STRAUSS WINS GOLD AND SILVER AT THE OLYMPICS OF BEER
May 15, 2012 (San Diego) -- San Diego hosted the ninth bi-annual World Beer Cup® this past weekend in conjunction with the Craft Brewer’s Conference. The conference brings together brewers from around the world with 4,500 attendees. The competition is highly regarded and considered the largest international gathering of beers with more than 3,921 entries from 799 breweries across 54 countries and 45 U.S. states.
4TH ANNUAL FOOD AND WINE MIXER PRESENTED BY MANESS VINEYARDS JUNE 2
May 12, 2012 (Spring Valley) -- Maness Vineyard is holding the 4th Annual Food and Wine Mixer June 2 at historical Vineyard Mansion, 12685 Campo Road, Spring Valley from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. The event is to raise awareness for the local vineyards and wineries that are emerging across San Diego County.
The day will include entertainment such as local personality Diane Jean from The Brew Ha-Ha and Josh Tafoya on the baby grand. A grape stomping contest will be held as well. A charity raffle will benefit The House of Peru.
TRÈS BIEN! RAMONA COMES OUT ON TOP IN INERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITION AGAINST THE FRENCH
By Serena Scaglione
Photos by Dave Billick, courtesy of Ramona Valley Vintners Assoc.
May 7, 2012 (San Diego)—The Ramona Valley Wine Region has proved to be a tough contender amongst some of the world’s best wines. Last month, an estimated 180 people witnessed three Ramona wines defeat the French in the French American Wine Challenge, a blind-tasting held at Fifty Seven Degrees wine bar in Mission Hills.
TRES BIEN! CELEBRATE MOM AT BLEU BOHEME MAY 13
May 6, 2012 (San Diego) – Bleu Boheme in Kensington is celebrating Mother’s Day with a special Brunch Prix Fixe on May 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The three course meal includes hors d’oeuvres, entree and dessert for $39.95 per person.
SAN DIEGO RESTAURANTS RECOGNIZE CELIAC AWARENESS MONTH
By Kate Yapjoco
May 4, 2012 (San Diego) – Terra American Bistro in East County is among area restaurants highlighted as part of Celiac Awareness Month in May. An estimated 3 million Americans suffer from celiac disease, which is an autoimmune digestive disease. People with celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye as well as many other food products. During Celiac Awareness Month San Diego restaurateurs will be offering a wide, delicious, healthy array of gluten-free dining options.
MILAGRO FARMS VINEYARDS AND JEREMY’S ON THE HILL WINEMAKERS DINNER MAY 11
May 4, 2012 (Julian) -- Jeremy’s on the Hill and Milagro Farm Vineyards are starting Mother’s Day weekend with a very special wine pairing event on May 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Jeremy’s, 4354 Highway 78, Wynola (just outside of Julian).
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