Zeytoon Restaurant at VineRipe Market

Persian and Mediterranean cuisine

8191 Fletcher Parlway
La Mesa, CA 91942    (next to CostCo)
(619) 462-7809        

By Megan McGlamery

Nestled in La Mesa next to the VineRipe Market is Zeytoon, a delicious Persian and Mediterranean restaurant now under new ownership. Zeytoon, which translates to olive, serves a wide variety of flavorful appetizers, salads, entrees and sandwiches, all of which are reasonably priced and generously sized. The market is also a treasure-trove of specialty foods from around the world.

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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 Miriam Raftery

Mrs. Cubbison’s Best Stuffing Cookbook, by Leo Pearlstein and Lisa Messinger (Square One Publishers, 2005)
 

November 22, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – I grew up in a home where Mrs. Cubbison’s stuffing mix was a staple at every holiday meal. So imagine my delight to discover that there is an entire 149-page Mrs. Cubbison’s Best Stuffing Cookbook chock-full of savory traditional stuffing recipes as well as creative variations for stuffing just about anything!

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.

Readers - If you know of any places in East County that are offering free or low-cost turkeys or meals, please post in the comments section below to help others.  We at East County Magazine are thankful for the generosity and support of our many readers and community members!

 A Q&A on healthy holiday eating from Susan’s Healthy Gourmet nutritionist Carissa Sanchez

November 16, 2011 (San Diego)--The holidays mean big meals, which can unfortunately lead to big numbers on the scale. As the nutritionist at Susan’s Healthy Gourmet, a service that prepares and delivers fresh, calorie-controlled meals to Southern California homes and offices, Carissa Sanchez understands how difficult it is to enjoy delicious holiday feasts while sticking to weight-management goals.

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.

San Diego Beer Week's celebration features events countywide—including several here in East County:

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.

Rossman received the honor for his enduring dedication to supporting local growers and for advancing the steadily expanding Grown in San Diego movement in the community.

October 20, 2011 (San Diego’s East County ) -- This trick-or-treat season, the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) has developed some kid-friendly, fun confectionary-free treats that won’t leave kids or parents saying ‘boo’. With Halloween lending itself to spiders, witches, and ghosts, the CMAB has come up with ‘spooky’ recipes using Real California dairy products.  

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! 

This event benefitting the Salvation ArmyKroc Center Scholarship Fund will be held October 1st at 6 p.m. at the Ray and Joan Kroc Community Center. After enjoying appetizers and tastes from local restaurants, plus listening to live entertainment, guests will see a live cooking demonstration, followed by dessert and coffee.

September 1, 2011 (Valley Center)--English high teas have become among the most popular events served up at Keys Creek Lavender Farm in Valley Center. Savor refreshing teas and delicacies such as tea sandwiches, chicken herbs de Provence, Devonshire cream, fresh fruit, lavender scones and more at an English-style high tea on September 17 at 2 p.m.

Farm representatives will also give a talk about growing lavender and an essential oil distillation demonstration. In addition, the Farm Store will open from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

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.

September 10, 2011 (Valley Center)—English high teas have become among the most popular events served up at Keys Creek Lavender Farm in Valley Center.   Savor refreshing teas and delicacies such as tea sandwiches, chicken herbs de Provence, Devonshire cream,  fresh fruit, lavender scones and more at two upcoming high teas scheduled for  September 16th at 2:00 p.m. and September 17th at 2:00 p.m. Reserve your spot by clicking on the dates above.

By the East County Eater

Vinz Wine Bar
201 East Grand Ave. 

Escondido, CA         

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

September 7, 2011 (Escondido) – Situated in the heart of downtown Escondido, the Vinz Wine Bar is an ideal place to savor a quiet lunch, "happier hour", or dinner and—coming soon—night life complete with a new piano bar. The European-style eatery specializes in “small plate” offerings, such as an array of “wine bites” that are both delectable and affordable.
 

“Wine is the first thing, closest to my heart,” says owner Vinnie Griffin. “We have 40 to 50 wines by the glass.” There are also port wines, draft and bottled beers available—with cocktails to be served up next, since the establishment just got a full liquor license approved. Watch for a piano bar to open up in an adjacent space in the next 30 days.

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.

Laylah’s Patties & Jerk

5712 El Cajon Boulevard. San Diego, CA 92115
(619) 241-2948
www.LaylahsJamaicanRestaurant.com
laylahsreggae@gmail.com

By Megan McGlamery (guest host for the East County Eater)

 August 23, 2011 (San Diego) -- Located in the southern region of the Caribbean lies the striking island of Jamaica. Known for everything from its sunny beaches to singer Bob Marley and a relaxed “no-problem” way of life, it’s no wonder so many people have come to love this island lifestyle.

For many of us, Jamaica may be a bit too far to visit on a regular basis. Luckily, we have an alternative. Situated on El Cajon Boulevard in the heart of Rolando near San Diego State University  is a little slice of Jamaica. Laylah’s Patties & Jerk offers a wide range of authentic Jamaican cuisine, which certainly left me feeling satisfied and eager to return.

 
 
 
By Matt Kopjak
 
August 17, 2011 (San Diego’s East County)--Ernest Hemingway wrote:  “Wine… offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing.”

 
Looking for something quick and easy to bring to your Labor Day party?Wine makes the perfect complement to any meal, and the perfect gift for any social occasion.  So it’s easy to say, “I’ll pick up a bottle.”  But is it really that simple to choose the right wine for your family gathering? Grocery and liquor stores carry hundreds of bottles of wine, each one crafted for a different occasion.
 

August 12, 2011 (Sacramento) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated of August 7-13 as National Farmers Market Week. California now has 758 certified farmers’ markets—more than any other state in the nation. Find local farmers’ markets, roadside produce stands and other fresh food venues at East County Magazine’s Guide to Fresh Local Foods: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/0809freshguide.

July 31, 2011 (Rancho Bernardo)—Tastings by 20 San Diego County wineries plus food vendors will be on hand at the San Diego Wine Country Festival on Saturday, August 6 from 1-5 p.m. The event takes place at the Bernardo Winery, San Diego’s oldest winery founded 121 years ago.

Live music, raffle prizes, wine education booths and meeting local winemakers are all part of the festivities. Tickets are $20 and include 10 tastes.

August 1, 2011 (Jamul) – A little-known but very special treat in San Diego’s East County can be found at Jamul Haven, an authentic Victorian-era bed and breakfast inn in Jamul, California. Built in 1899 as the home of “olive king” Charles Gifford, the elegant mansion later served as a stage coach stop.

Now a five-star-rated diamond inn (according to www.bedandbreakfast.com), Jamul Haven  invites the public to Victorian teas hosted on the second Saturday of each month between 3 and 5 p.m. In addition to teas from around the world, the menu includes tea sandwiches, soup, salad, seasonal fruits, homemade scones, Devonshire cream and lemon curd, plus a “decadent selection” of homemade confections.

July 30, 2011 (Tierrasanta) - Javier Ugarte, chef/owner at Andiamo! Ristorante Italiano, is a native of Peru. Tonight, he invites you to experience an evening of Peruvian cuisine and live music from the coast of Peru. 

July 21, 2011 (San Diego) – The San Diego Vintners’ Association invites you to pick up a summer passport and visit five San Diego County wineries, including several in San Diego’s inland regions. Wineries include Belle Marie, Bernardo, Cordiano, Hacienda de las Rosas, and San Pasqual - for just $25. (That works out to $1 per taste.)