January 27, 2013 (San Diego’s East County)--Celebrity chef George Duran (of Food Network and TLC Ultimate Cake Off fame) has shared  this tasty tip for our readers.  Of course everyone has their own opinion on what makes the “best guacamole,” but Duran’s recipe for Crunchy Herbed Guacamole stands out amongst the crowd for two very delicious reasons. What George’s version has is the magic crunch factor, stemming from a fresh medley of diced radishes and chives, taking texture to another level.  Also, his recipe is prepared authentically, as it would be in a traditional Latin household by means of a Granite Molcajete (he uses one from IMUSA), to mince and mix ingredients. Not only does this method make a mean Guac, but it makes for a rich, festive presentation for parties, small get-together’s, or family dinner night.

January 6, 2013 (San Diego’s East County)  -- Love to cook and want to earn some extra money? 

The California Homemade Food Act, AB 1616, took effect January 1. It allows people to sell certain items cooked in their home kitchen, such as cookies, churros, dried fruits and pasta.   Those who wish to sell homemade foods must take a class and obtain a permit from the Health Department, though no inspection of kitchens is required.

There are restrictions on the types of foods allowed and where you can sell them.Sale of baked goods with cream, custard or meat fillings are not allowed due to higher spoilage rates.  You also can’t sell outside of your county, with certain exceptions.  Sale at farmers markets is allowed, provided rules for individual farmers markets are met.  You can also sell over the Internet, but only to buyers who live in California. 

December 21, 2012 (Warner Springs) --Hawk Watch Winery, which has won international honors for its vintages, is hosting a free party open to all on Saturday, December 22 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.  Enjoy solo saxophonist Jason Weber while sampling homemade holiday desserts among the twinkling Christmas lights in the barrel room, where you can also sign up to savor some locally made wines.

November 27, 2012 (Alpine) – The 37^th Annual East County Toy and Food Drive is December 5 from 6 – 9 p.m. at Viejas DreamCatcher Lounge, Viejas Casino, 5000 Willows Road, Alpine.  Drop by anytime during the event and sample heavy hors d’oeuvres, participate in opportunity drawings and silent & live auctions.

The suggested donation is $20 per person.  All proceeds benefit the East County Toy and Food Drive serving needy East County children and their families this holiday season.

November 16, 2012 (Spring Valley) – Cali Comfort BBQ Restaurant will be open to celebrate Thanksgiving the Cali Comfort Way from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  A catering package is available for dine in or take-out.  The package feeds up to 6 people and includes slow smoked whole turkey, country stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, gravy, wedding beans, mac-n-cheese and rolls with honey butter.  The cost is $89.99 and it must be ordered by November 19.

Call 619-337-0670 to reserve a table or place an order.  Visit www.calicomfortsd.com for more information.

By Rebecca J. Williamson

November 3, 2012 (Santee)--Ashley and Jaycee, employees at the newly opened Phil’s BBQ in Santee, get into the mood to serve before the onslaught from “Friends & Family” night to benefit the East County Boys & Girls Club.  The benefit was held before the grand opening and was very well attended.  The restaurant opened up officially on Tuesday, October 30th. 

October 27, 2012 (Lemon Grove)--Get ready to rumble.  Not content with just putting on the much-anticipated eighth annual Chili Cook-Off & Western Round-Up on November 3, Soroptimist of Lemon Grove has added -- gasp! -- judges!

That's right, pals, though you, your family and friends, will still deliver The People's Choice Award -- a coup de grace bestowed only on a gifted few -- the Big Jalapeño will be announced after a trio of judges has eaten themselves into a chili-induced torpor, then retired to consider the verdict.  (Actually, they'll be in a back room with ice packs on their heads, pencils in hand, pleading for a bodyguard.)

October 20, 2012 (Julian) -- Cheers! On Friday, October 26 at 7:30 p.m., Jeremy’s on the Hill California Style Bistro teams up with Stone Brewing Company for a five course beer pairing event. 

Five farm to table inspired courses will be expertly paired by Chef Jeremy Manley with Stone Ruination IPA, Stone Cali – Belgique IPA, Stone Smoked Porter, Oaked Arrogant Bastard and Stone Imperial Russian Stout.  Costumes are recommended and local musicians will be playing.

By Thea Skinner

Miriam Raftery contributed to this report

October 10, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--Proposition 37 would require mandatory labeling of most foods made from plants or animals with genetically engineered organisms (GMOs). Such foods would also be prohibited from being advertised as “natural.”

Please join us this evening to enjoy some cheer and help fund live reporting of wildfires and other hot news in East County! We now have THOUSANDS of dollars in great prizes!

Join us Wed. Sept. 26 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at El Cajon Brewing Co. for beer-tasting, great food, live music by Charlie Rae (she's opened for Sheryl Crow and other stars), tons of prizes, hot cars from Carrera Coachwerks and more during El Cajon's Classic Cruises' season finale.   

First 100 guests get a $10 voucher for FREE FOOD OR BEER!

September 20, 2012 (San Diego)—Wine is one of life’s little luxuries. While the majority of us love it, most of us would be hard-pressed to pick the perfect meal pairing, spot those subtle flavors and notes or even decipher the difference between a Malbec and Merlot.

This year’s San Diego Wine Show has something for amateur imbibers and carafe connoisseurs alike. Venture to the Del Mar Fairgrounds on September 29 and 30 to sample hundreds of selections from some of the Pacific Coast’s finest wineries, including Freemark Abbey, Orfila Vineyards, South Coast and many more. Savor wonderful whites and refreshing reds while schmoozing with sommeliers about all things wining and dining.

September 8, 2012 (Washington, D.C.) -- Food is expensive, but preparing your own meals can be healthier and less expensive than eating out. Get ideas on how to eat healthy meals on a budget, including:

• Sample 7-Day Menu
• Smart Shopping for Veggies and Fruits (PDF download Adobe Reader)
• 10 Tips for Eating Better on a Budget   (PDF download Adobe Reader)
  

August 26, 2012 (Julian) – Jeremy’s on the Hill California Style Bistro presents Live Music with Harry Joe Reynolds on August 31 beginning at 6:30 p.m.  Reynolds, a local favorite since 1979, has been making music in Julian for 3 decades.  He will bring a touch of jazz to Jeremy’s on the Hill with easy listening songs on the jazzier side of blues with classic ballads and blue standards.

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.

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.