By Trevor Hill

June 16, 2014 (San Diego)--When attending the San Diego County Fair at Del Mar, any local will tell you that there are some certain “must-do” features that are required to get the full fair experience. These include attending the pig races, riding the ferris wheel, watching the amazing Bandolini, trying some bizarre fried foods, and, of course, eating a delicious funnel cake.

By Miriam Raftery

June 6, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - As the weather heats up, it’s important to stay hydrated.  Experts advise drinking at least eight glasses of water a day--and if you’re hitting the hiking trail, it’s critical to carry plenty of water.

Mystic Grill and Bakery

8191 Fletcher Parkway, La Mesa, CA 91942

www.mysticgrillsd.com

Review by Stevon Marshall

June 5, 2014 (La Mesa)--When people hear or think of California, most think of the great weather, the celebrities living in Hollywood, amusement parks, and so on. But when it comes to food, most consider California’s trademark food to be burgers or Mexican fare. But with an influx of immigrants from around the world, San Diego’s East County is now home to an array of international restaurants – including quite a few serving up Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes.   

I've been living in California my whole life and I've dabbled in a variety of cuisines: Asian, Italian, Southern, some Mediterranean and of course, Mexican. So while interning at East County Magazine, we decided to take a team of tasters to try out Mystic Café, specializing in Mediterranean foods:  our editor, Miriam, our “East County Eater,” Leon, and myself, along with two of my internship peers, Jaden and Kayla.

By Miriam Raftery

May 4, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)-Vermont is poised to become the first state in the nation to enact legislation requiring labeling of products that contain genetically modified organisms, or GMOs.  Governor Pete Shumlin is expected to sign the bill on May 8.

Precautions urged for farmers and people entering pigs in livestock competitons at fairs

By Miriam Raftery

May 3, 2014 (Sacramento) – A virus that is deadly to baby pigs has wiped out 10 percent of all pigs in America in the last year, the National Journal reports. 

According to the U.S Department of Agriculture’s Chief economist, Dr. Joseph Glauber, the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus , or PED, has spread to 30 states.

That includes California, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The state's website does not list where in California the potent virus has been found.

April 18, 2014 (La Mesa) – Kristin Kjaero sent in this appetizing photo of  Kumquat Salad, crowned by home-grown kumquats. The tart citrus fruits, thinly sliced, are served atop Napa cabbage along with red, yellow and green bell peppers all sliced cole-slaw style.  This creative salad served up at a Passover feast was topped by a honey-mustard vinaigrette dressing.

April 4, 2014 (Valley Center)—What could be more delightful than a springtime English-style high tea amidst blooming fields of lavender?  Keys Creek Lavender Farm in Valley Center is serving up a delectable menu including lemon lavender scones with jam and Devonshire cream, appetizers, sandwhiches, smoked turkey, truffled egg salad, chicken tarragon, fresh fruit,  raspberry crème roulade, Viennese chocolate vanilla crescents, lavender lady kisses and an assortment of hot teas.

March 29, 2014(Ramona) The Ramona Valley Vineyard Association (RVVA) elected Vintner Micole Moore, of Ramona Ranch Winery to serve as President of the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association for 2014.   The RVVA represents nearly100 vineyards and wineries, with the Ramona Valley AVA recently named the fastest emerging wine-region in California.  Located approximately 35 miles NE of San Diego, the Ramona Valley is nestled in the front range of the Pacific coastal mountains of Southern California and has a rich history of vineyards and wine making, dating back to the early missions.  Hot days and cool nights, influenced by the coastal marine layer and fog, contribute to conditions that produce quality wine grapes in the Ramona Valley.

By Miriam Raftery

March 17, 2014 (Rancho San Diego) – “To think that a little pub in Rancho Santa Fe could win this—it’s fabulous!” exclaims Craig MacDonald, owner of Hooleys Irish Pub & Grill in Rancho San Diego, hoisting a pint to celebrate his establishing being  named best international Irish pub in the world.

We caught up with MacDonald during a 15^th anniversary party at Hooleys, where  he proudly showed his award--then told us how he learned of this fine honor.

By Ariele Johannson

March 6, 2014 (Crest)--Mimi Kirk has written her second book on raw food cuisine entitled Live Raw Around the World, and it abounds with multicultural recipes from France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Greece, India and Thailand. Mimi Kirk, a local author from Ramona, presents techniques and information on how to create surprisingly delicious raw food recipes at home. Her presentation included a live demonstration, creating almond milk in her food processor and using a spiral slicer to make “pasta” out of vegetables. After her demonstration, Mimi served the small gathering a sampling of stuffed mushrooms; vegetable pasta with tomatoes, olives, and cashews that resemble parmesan cheese for the topping; and small delectable cookies adorned with small carob chocolate chips.

February 10, 2014 (Ramona) – Ramona vintners invite you to visit Ramona's Wine Country for Valentine's Day Weekend (Friday - Sunday), and enjoy Ramona's East End Winery Loop, a scenic drive connecting three local wineries, Ramona Ranch, Vineyard Grant James, and Turtle Rock Ridge.   Each winery will be providing a special pairing in honor of Valentine's Day all weekend.

February 7, 2014 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove Historical Society invites you to the organization’s annual Valentine Tea on Sunday, February 9 at 2 p.m. This classic, four-course English high tea will be held in the historic H. Lee House at 3205 Olive in Lemon Grove.

Review by Julian Rudd-Falls

La Mesa Bistro and Bakery,  8697 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa http://www.lamesabistro.com/   

January 25, 2014 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa Bistro and Bakery has a diverse menu of tasty foods.  Serving breakfast and lunch, this Bistro and Bakery is perfect for anyone look for a good dine-in.

 Upon entering La Mesa Bistro and Bakery, I noticed it has an extremely long list of specials near the entrance. I grabbed a menu from next to the register, and stepped into line. Although I had two or three people ahead of me, I wasn’t truly sure I would be able to browse their very large menu in time to choose a food I’d like to eat! Depending on what mood you’re in, their menu offers dishes from burgers and waffles to healthful fruit smoothies.

January 9, 2014 (Crest) --Local author & Chef Mimi Kirk, will show you how to make several easy, delicious and healthy raw food recipes at a special event at the Crest Library, 104 Juanita Lane in El Cajon, on Tuesday January 14 from 6-7 p.m..

Kirk has been voted sexiest vegetarian over 50 in a national contest. She's now 75 and attributes a raw foods diet to her high energy level and health.  Samples will be offered and books will be available for purchase and signing.