Food & Wine

HONEY WINE BUSINESS BUZZING WITH SUCCESS, BUT OWNERS SAY HIGH FEES FORCE THEM TO LEAVE COUNTY

 

 

By Brigitte Garcia

 

January 26th, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- Dale and Mike Pearson wanted to start a new career after working in hazardous occupations.  So they founded Pearson and Pearson, a honey-wine making business in rural El Cajon. Now they’re savoring sweet success-- including a multi-million dollar deal pending to sell their products into Asia.


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BREW BEAT: TWISTED MANZANITA OFFERS BOLD BEERS IN SANTEE

 

By Ed Barrena

January 25, 2016 (Santee) -- Twisted Manzanita.  The name brings images of arid trails on East County hillsides. Hikes in our local backcountry can make one thirsty, and the tasting room at Twisted Manzanita Ales and Spirits is a great destination to cure that internal drought.


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HOMEGROWN FLAVOR FROM AN INDOOR GARDEN

Energy efficient and long-lasting high intensity grow lights will provide the greatest yields when growing tomatoes and other fruiting plants indoors.  Photo courtesy of Gardner's Supply Company. 

 

 



By Melinda Myers

 

January 18, 2016 (San Diego's East County) - Add some homegrown flavor to your winter meals.  From microgreens to tomatoes, it is possible to grow produce indoors.


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WINE TASTING IN EL CAJON TO BENEFIT RESTORATION OF HISTORIC CHURCH JANUARY 23

By Liz Alper
January 21, 2016 (El Cajon) - A night of enjoying fine wines, great food and live jazz is on the horizon in East County.  On Saturday, January 23rd, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the community will come together for a fun evening to benefit St. Pius X Catholic Church's building fund.  The money raised by the event is earmarked for the restoration of the church's buildings dating back to the 1950s.  Guests will enjoy unlimited wine tasting and heavy hors d'oeuvres. 

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HOLLYWOOD CASINO IN JAMUL WILL HAVE TONY GWYNN SPORTS PUB

 

By Leon Thompson

January 20, 2016 (Jamul) – The Jamul Indian Village (JIV) of California announced the first ever Tony Gwynn Sports Pub will open in its Hollywood Casino Jamul slated for completion this summer.  Tony Gwynn’s Sports Pub will feature an unprecedented collection of memorabilia from the greatest athlete in San Diego’s history.


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LOCAL NATURAL FOODS COMPANY LAUNCHES “FEEL THE BERN” ORGANIC RAW KIMCHI IN SUPPORT OF SANDERS CAMPAIGN

 

Joins tradition of naming foods for political figures, from Napoleon pastries to Washington Pie

 

East County News Service

 

January 14, 2016 (Poway) — Just in time for the presidential primary season, Gold Mine Natural Food Company is launching its new “Feel the Bern” Organic Raw Kimchi to drive donations to the Bernie Sanders presidential campaign. Online customers can enter a discount code at checkout. The code will discount the entire order by 20%, and that savings can to be donated to Bernie 2016 by following an ActBlue link.


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FIVE LOCAL WINERIES, ENTERTAINMENT AND FINE FOOD JAN. 23 IN EL CAJON

 

 By Kim Beales 

 

January 14, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- A night of enjoying fine wines, great food and live jazz is on the horizon in East County.  On Saturday, January 23rd, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the community will come together for a fun evening to benefit St. Pius X Catholic Church's building fund.  The money raised by the event is earmarked for the restoration of the church's buildings dating back to the 1950s.  Guests will enjoy unlimited wine tasting and heavy hors d'oeuvres. 

 

The event will feature the following wineries, all of which are located in East County along Highway 94:


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LOCAL WINERIES WIN BIG WITH SAN DIEGO COUNTY WINES

 

Source: Ramona Valley Vineyard Association

December 17,  2015 (Ramona) – Vineyard & Winery Management’s 25th Annual Grand Harvest Awards revealed the results of this year’s competition, naming top honors for three local wineries: Ramona Ranch Winery, Altipiano Vineyard and Winery, and Lenora Winery. From a pool of nearly 1500 entries submitted from throughout the United States and as far away as New Zealand, the total number of awards included 48 Best of Class, 44 Double Gold, 183 Gold and 574 Silver medals.


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FEASTING AND MERRYMAKING PARTY WITH EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE SUNDAY: YOU'RE INVITED!

December 17, 2015 (Mt. Helix) -- Our holiday parties are legendary! Come join the fun Sunday, December 20 from 2-6 p.m. at our editor's home on Mt. Helix.

  • Delicious feast! Glazed ham and yams, cinnamon baked apples, beet/strawberry and eggplant salads from Baba al Hara,  pasta and salad from Olive Graden, desserts from New York Bakery
  •  Wine tasting with Grant James Vineyard and Pearson Bros. Winery, plus holiday beverages (21 and up.)
  • Live music (folk, rock, and holiday songs) with Paul Nichols, Cindy Burnham, Tim and Marijo Luranc,
  • Holiday games, prizes and surprises! Prizes include a mountain vacation,  wine lover’s baskets, dance lessons, silver jewelry, hand-woven shawl from Weaving Works in Santa Ysabel, California Wolf Preserve tour in Julian,  Passes and big-cat feeding for 2 at Lions Tigers &  Bears, dinner at Descanso Junction, Glamour Girlz gift basket, personal trainer for a month at CHN Fitness in Santee, yoga lessons at CHN Yoga, and much more. 

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END OF AN ERA: GROVE PASTRY SHOP AND PINNACLE PEAK STEAKHOUSE CLOSE DOORS

 

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 11, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – Two of East County’s most beloved businesses, Grove Pastry Shop and Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse,  have closed down, leaving  behind cherished memories.

I ordered my own wedding cake with raspberry filling and whipped cream frosting from Grove Pastry Shop in Lemon Grove 36 years ago, as have so many other brides since the bakery first opened its doors back in 1947. The wedding cake portion of the business will continue; you can custom order those through www.artisticweddingcakesbythegrove.com .  But gone is the pastry shop, rich with the aromas of freshly baked cookies, cakes, breads and buttery pastries.


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VINE SPIRITS: HOLIDAY WINE TRAIL CONTINUES DEC. 12-13

 

 

East County News Service

December 9, 2015 (Ramona)--The Ramona Valley Vineyard invites you to take a break from the holiday hustle and give yourself and and your friends a unique holiday wine experience.  You can join  Join 15 RVVA member wineries on December 12th & 13th for the second weekend of wine, fun and holiday spirits along the Holiday Wine Trail.

Your “Get Your Merry On” Holiday Wine Trail Passport is your ticket to great deals and festive fun over all four days of the wine trail.  Each participating winery is offering different holiday wine trail specials including heavily discounted tastings and pairings, bottle and merchandise discounts, unique holiday gift items featuring local artisans.


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CELERY PRODUCTS RECALLED NATIONWIDE AFTER E-COLI OUTBREAK

 

East County News Service

December 2, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – Over 155,000 products containing celery have been recalled, the Food & Drug Administration has announced. The products were sold at major retailers including Costco, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Safeway, Albertson’s, Target and 7-11.


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GMO SALMON APPROVED-BUT MAJOR RETAILERS REFUSE TO CARRY IT

 

By Miriam Raftery

November 24, 2005 (Washington D.C.)--The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved sale of genetically modified salmon – the first GMO animal to received federal approval.


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PRODUCE PICKS: THANKSGIVING FEAST AND HOLIDAY RECIPES

By Greg Dunne

                                          

November 21, 2015 (East County).  It is coming up on Thanksgiving and time to eat! It is also a time for gathering with family and friends. I am a healthily-conscience eater most of the time, but on Thanksgiving the rulebook goes out the window. I am already thinking of all the yummy food that’s going to be on the dining table and without a doubt will probably eat way too much of everything. Half of what most of us eat on Thanksgiving is healthy food. Turkey, yams, green beans, and cranberries for a few - but don’t count calories, let’s just eat. There are some awesome recipes at the bottom of the article by my wife, Dianne.


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BREW BEAT: BALLAST POINT SELLS FOR $1 BILLION

 

By Ed Barrena

November 19, 2015 (San Diego)--One of San Diego’s most beloved and famous brewers has been sold. Perhaps Dr. Evil from Austin Powers could say it best, but the price was a staggering $1 Billion. Ballast Point Brewing and Spirits, famous for its Sculpin India Pale Ale has been sold to Constellation Brands, which primarily distributes import beers from Mexico such as Corona, Modelo Especial, and Pacifico.


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PLENTY TO SAVOR AT “TOAST TO EAST COUNTY”

 

 

By Miriam Raftery  

Photo, left: Dulzura Winery owners

November 15, 2015 (San Diego's East County)--At the inaugural Toast to East County event hosted by the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce and San Diego Vintners  Association at Cottonwood Golf in Rancho San Diego on November 8th, guests savored a wide array of wines from local vintners as well as foods ranging from artisan cheeses to barbecued meats, Mexican food, olive oil, raw honey and more.

Speaking of honey, Pearson Brothers Winery of Dehesa served up Honey Saccharo wine made without grapes.  Other vintners offered up samples of more traditional vintages, from cabernet to chardonnay.  Rock Canyon poured its latest offering, a dessert port-like wine, while others showed off new varieties for the region such as a Malbec. Plus awards were presented for trailblazers in our region's fast-growing winemaking industry.


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WINERY ORDINANCE AMENDMENT: PUBLIC REVIEW ENDS NOVEMBER 23

East County News Service

November 7, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – The 45-day review period for public comments on proposed changes to the County’s Tiered Winery Ordinance ends November 23rd

In 2010, Supervisors established a Tiered Winery Ordinance. A key component of it was creation of a Boutique Winery tier, which allowed for tasting rooms in conjunction with ongoing agricultural vineyard operations. Since its adoption, a number of issues have arisen that affect implementation of the ordinance. Planning & Development Services (PDS) held workshops on January 17, 2014 and July 1, 2015  to gather information and comments to utilize in formulating the proposed amendments to the Tiered Winery Ordinance. See our prior coverage of the July hearing here, when some wineries voiced alarm over proposals they feared could put some wineries out of business, while others voiced support for suggestions such as limiting food offerings and sharply restricting entertaining at smaller wineries. 

One set of stakeholders whose voices have been largely ignored thus far have been consumers--the wine tasting public who may want to weigh in on whether they want to hear music at weekend wine tastings or be able to savor food along with wine when visiting local wineries. 


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GROWING LOCAL WINE INDUSTRY TO BE HIGHLIGHTED AT TOAST TO EAST COUNTY

 

 

Inaugural event also features craft brews, honey, olives plus other local food offerings

November 2, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – It’s not quite Napa…yet… but East San Diego County has established a vibrant and growing wine industry. There are more than 50 wineries in San Diego County, with more than 40 east of Highway 15. Many of those local east county vintners will have their products highlighted at the inaugural Toast to East County, to be held Sunday, November 8 at Cottonwood Golf Club in El Cajon.


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RAMONA ART AND WINE FESTIVAL: NOV. 7

 

November 1, 2015 (Ramona) – This year’s Ramona Art and Wine Festival will feature 15 local wineries, artists, vendors and chefs on November 7 from 12 noon to 5 p.m. at a new, expanded location at Begent Ranch (18528 Highland Valley Road, Ramona).  Hand-painted barrels will be auctioned to benefit the Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project, a 501c3 nonprofit.


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PRODUCE PICKS: PUMPKINS AND HARD SQUASH

 

 

By Greg Dunne      

Photo, left: Roasted Rosemary Kabocha Squash                                    

October 20, 2015 (East County) Pumpkins and Hard Squash. October is here and it’s time to pick out a pumpkin to carve for Halloween. Butternut, Acorn, Spaghetti, Kabocha squashes are all fresh autumn crops and in full season. Now is the time to pick out a Butternut or Kabocha squash and serve it up for dinner. My favorite is the Kabocha squash, with deep orange flesh inside and rich full flavor. Some delicious recipes for pumpkins and squash are located at the bottom of this article.


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MUSIC NIGHTS IN NOVEMBER: SAN PASQUAL WINERY IN LA MESA

 

East County News Service

October 18, 2015 (La Mesa) – The San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room at 8364 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa announces a series of music nights in November featuring talented artists performing Spanish and classical guitar, blues, folk, bluegrass, country, classic rock, jazz with a Latin twist and more.  Admission is free; wine, cheese, crackers and dessert are available for purchase in this intimate back-room setting.  Scroll down for details on each concert, and for more information, visit www.sanpasqualwinery.com


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BILL TO RESTRICT ANTIBIOTICS IN LIVESTOCK SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

 

East County News Service

October 13, 2015 (Sacramento) – Governor Jerry Brown has signed the  nation’s strictest standard for use of antibiotics in livestock. 

The new law addresses concerns raised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which estimates 2 million people in the U.S. are infected with drug resistant bacteria,  and 23,000 die each year of these superbugs. Public health officials believe the overuse of antibiotics in cattle, pigs and other livestock in meat and dairy production endangers the public health.


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EAST COUNTY EATERS: A FEAST FROM THE MIDDLE EAST AT ALI BABA

 

By Devoreo Bell

October 10, 2015 (El Cajon)--If you are hungry and looking for a great place to eat with a Middle Eastern flavor, Ali Baba is the place for you.


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BREW BEAT: OKTOBERFESTS COME TO EAST COUNTY

 

By Ed Barrena



October 3, 2015 (San Diego's East County) - Oktoberfest is a big deal in East County. Locally we have many festivities that hit the mark when it comes to the traditional Bavarian celebration. But what is it all about?


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MCDONALD'S SWITCHING TO CAGE-FREE EGGS

 

By Miriam Raftery

October 3, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) - Two billion eggs a year are purchased by McDonald’s for its egg McMuffins and other menu items. Now, the giant fast-food company has announced it will transition to buy 100% of its eggs from suppliers who raise cage-free chickens.


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HAGGEN TO CLOSE ALL 25 GROCERY STORES IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY

 

October 2, 2015 (San Diego) – Just days after announcing plans to file for bankruptcy and reorganize around fewer but more profitable stores, Haggen Market has announced it will close all 25 San Diego County markets.


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FALL DEEP PIT BBQ OCT. 10

 

September 30, 2015 (Alpine)—The Alpine VFW Bert Fuller Post 9578 will host a “Fall Deep Pit BBQ” on October 10 starting at 2 p.m. This event is open to the public and proceeds benefit veterans organizations.


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BARONS BACKROOM BEER PAIRING SEPT. 30 IN ALPINE

 

September 29, 2015 (San Diego) – Barons Market will host “Backroom Beer Pairing,” featuring locally made brews from Pizza Port Brewing Co. and yummy delights from Gourmet Bites. The event will be held on Wednesday, September 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. Join Barons Market at  1347 Tavern Road in Alpine to raise money for local breast cancer support.


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LAKESIDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOSTING 3RD ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF OCT. 17

 

 

Beans ‘n’ Beers Seeking Chili Cooks, Vendors, Sponsors For October 17 Community Event

September 24, 2015 (Lakeside)--The Lakeside Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its 3rd annual Beans ‘n’ Beers event on Saturday, October 17 from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds. The FREE event features an amateur chili cook-off, children’s activities and petting zoo, live musical and dance performances, beer tasting, local food vendors, and much more!


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HAGGEN FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY TO REORGANIZE AROUND FEWER STORES, PROFITABLE LOCATIONS

 

East County News Service

September 14, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)—Haggen, a major West Coast regional grocer, has announced plans to reorganize around its core profitable stores by filing voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company has received commitments for up to $215 million in debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing from its existing lenders to maintain operations and the flow of merchandise to its stores during the sale process.


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