http://ourcitysd.com/ourFood en annette@cypressmagazines.com Copyright 2010 2010-08-16T16:49:02+00:00 http://www.ourcitysd.com/site/a_dish_for_charity/ http://www.ourcitysd.com/site/a_dish_for_charity/#When:16:49:02Z How would you like to have a great Cabernet Braised Short Rib dinner and help a charity for kids?Chef Brian from the Red Door restaurant in Mission Hills is offering up his short ribs creation as the “Dollar A Dish” item this month. A dollar from each purchase of this dish will go to the San Diego Food Bank fundraiser. Also, if you bring a new backpack to donate on Aug. 17, and order the ribs, you will get a free dessert anytime in September. My favorite is their Banana Cream Pie. They put their own light chocolate twist on it, and it is the absolute, hands down, best Banana Cream Pie I have ever had.I hope you check out the Red Door this month and help the kids of San Diego.For more information about the charity fundraiser by the San Diego Food Bank go to http://www.sandiegofoodbank.org/events/DollarAWish/. Special Occasions 2010-08-16T16:49:02+00:00 http://www.ourcitysd.com/site/the_jsix_kitchen_experience_is_a_must_for_foodies/ http://www.ourcitysd.com/site/the_jsix_kitchen_experience_is_a_must_for_foodies/#When:23:22:27Z I took a cooking class that Chef Christen Graves from Jsix taught where he made braised short ribs. I enjoyed the class so much that I went back for another class, and have made what he taught me. He was so passionate about food that I had to go to Jsix and check it out.  It was so good. His food is so fresh. They bake their own breads, make their own dressings, cure their own meats and buy their fruits and vegetables from local organic farmers. They support local businesses, which makes you feel good about eating there.  The one thing that is so unique about Chef Graves and Jsix is their Kitchen Experience. The third Sunday of the month you go Jsix (at the corner of 6th & J St) and meet the Chef, get in a Limo bus and go to the Hillcrest farmers market and pick up items for the chef. You will then have a three-course meal pared with wine. I have done this kitchen experience and want to do it again. I tell anyone who is really into food about the Jsix Kitchen Experience.   Oh and everything I have had on their menu so far has been great, and you need to save room for dessert.   616 J Street, San Diego (619) 531-8744 www.jsixrestaurant.com Best Restaurants 2010-08-02T23:22:27+00:00 http://www.ourcitysd.com/site/restaurants_to_crave_ave_5_in_bankers_hill/ http://www.ourcitysd.com/site/restaurants_to_crave_ave_5_in_bankers_hill/#When:23:14:21Z If you love tortellini, Ave 5 has the best in the city. A friend took me there for the first time, and I had to go back a week later to have it again. But the Banker’s Hill restaurant also features outstanding seared scallops, soft shelled crab, braised short ribs, lamb burger, well you get the idea. It is all amazing. I just don't understand why more people don't know about them.    Here is the scoop on Ave 5.  This is their third anniversary, they are partners with Highland Valley Ranch and they are planting, harvesting and cooking the vegetables and fruits they grow.  San Diegan Chef Colin MacLaggan went to Le Cordon Blue Culinary in London. Colin and Top Chef Hosea Rosenberg ran the Dandelion in Bolder Co. When Colin came back to San Diego he worked closely with Chef Carl Schroeder.  Colin and Brian MacLaggan are owners in Ave 5. 2760 5th Avenue San Diego, CA 92103-6330 (619) 542-0394 www.avenue5restaurant.com   Best Restaurants 2010-07-21T23:14:21+00:00 http://www.ourcitysd.com/site/delight_your_senses_at_taste_of_hope_aug._22/ http://www.ourcitysd.com/site/delight_your_senses_at_taste_of_hope_aug._22/#When:17:23:15Z Enjoy delicious cuisine and fine wines and support lifesaving cancer research at City of Hope's eighth annual Taste of Hope in Coronado Bay. This year's culinary and wine tasting event will showcase more than 25 top restaurants and wineries and feature a silent auction, lively musical entertainment and gift bags for attendees. Hosted by the Women's Council of San Diego, Taste of Hope supports City of Hope, one of the nation's leading research, treatment and education centers for cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Participating restaurants and wineries include Behind the Scenes, Inc. Catering and Events, Cinnabar Winery, Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, The Fish Market, II Fornaio and Suite & Tender. When: Sunday, Aug. 22 from 4-7 p.m. Where: Coronado Civic Center 1845 Strand Way, Coronado Tickets: To purchase tickets, please call 858-452-6846 or visit http://www.cityofhope.org/wineandfood. Pre-sale tickets are $55 and $65 at the door. Special Occasions 2010-07-12T17:23:15+00:00 http://www.ourcitysd.com/site/star-studded_lineup_for_7th_annual_san_diego_bay_wine_food_festival/ http://www.ourcitysd.com/site/star-studded_lineup_for_7th_annual_san_diego_bay_wine_food_festival/#When:17:44:46Z The largest wine and food festival in Southern California announced today the partial star-studded lineup of celebrity chefs, rising culinary stars, sommeliers and master sommeliers making an appearance at this year's event. Held Nov. 17-21, the weeklong culinary extravaganza features some of the most well-known chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and television personalities in the industry, coming together to share their passion for outstanding food and wine with 10,000 'foodies' who experience the event each year, said Michelle Metter, the Festival's co-producer. “The culinary star power featured at this year's Festival has never been seen before in the city of San Diego,” Metter said. “The Festival is a major culinary tourism attraction, and this year's lineup is on par with the local and national star power seen at major festivals around the United States. The 2010 Festival gives food and wine enthusiasts across the nation the opportunity to meet the stars face-to-face and experience true wine, spirit and culinary talent at its best.” Celebrity chefs, television personalities and winemakers will participate in the Festival's cooking and wine tasting classes, as well as several other events taking place throughout the week. The week-long schedule of events is as follows: VIP Party (Nov. 14) - Media, Chefs and VIPs will hit the beach at W Hotel for a preview of what's in store at this year's San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival. Invitation only. WineRave 2010 (Nov. 17) - WineRave San Diego kicks off the Festival by hosting 25 of the edgiest wine and spirits on the market today. Wine Tasting & Cooking Classes (Nov. 18-19) - Held at the Macy's School of Cooking and the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center, nationally acclaimed chefs, award-winning winemakers and culinary personalities turn up the heat in a number of wine tasting and cooking classes. Celebrity Dine Around (Nov. 18) - Held at various restaurants around the city, the Celebrity Dine Around features a world-class pairing of a local and celebrity chef, coming together to create this awe-inspiring dinner series. Reserve & New Release Tasting featuring AIWF Silent Auction (Nov. 19) - An exclusive and elegant evening for collectors of fine wine, the Reserve & New Release Tasting sets the stage for wine enthusiasts to taste the pride of the vine from 160 wineries and spirits producers, enjoy live entertainment, silent auction and 10 gourmet food corners. Held on the Hornblower's Inspiration. Grand Tasting Event & "Chef of the Fest" Competition (Nov. 20) - This mega-tasting is among the largest of its kind in the nation. Features over 170 wineries, breweries and spirit producers, 70 of San Diego's finest restaurants, 30 gourmet food companies, the “Chef of the Fest” Competition, Night & Day VIP tent, cookbook author signing, live entertainment, and more. Held at the Embarcadero Park North. Celebrity Chef Luncheon & AIWF Big Bottle Auction (Nov. 21) - Features 15 celebrity winemakers and a world-class menu prepared by nationally acclaimed chefs. The luncheon culminates in a spirited live auction with jet-setting vacation packages, large format bottles, and one-of-a-kind items that are perfect for the serious wine and food enthusiast. Held at the San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina. Tickets and the complete schedule for the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival are now available at http://www.worldofwineevents.com or by calling 619-342-7337. Best of the City 2010-07-01T17:44:46+00:00 http://www.ourcitysd.com/site/hometown_favorite_chiquitas_mexican_restaurant/ http://www.ourcitysd.com/site/hometown_favorite_chiquitas_mexican_restaurant/#When:20:40:16Z Family-owned Chiquita’s Mexican Restaurant in Mid City has been in business for over 46 years.  They were originally at Federal & Euclid.  I have been going here since I was little girl.  Look for the Yellow building on Home Ave because their name is not on the building. Their staff makes you feel like you are family. My favorites are the Fresh hot chips and guacamole, Beef or Fish Taco’s, Burrito’s then there is their Carne Asada Crispy Quesadilla, oh so good. Lastly, if you like margaritas you have to try their Slurpee Margarita.  Bet you have not have not had one of these yet.  Hey a slurpee margarita and a Carne Asada crispy quesadilla what more could you want? Special deal: get 10% off at Chiquita's just by mentioning this blog or A Taste of San Diego tour. Good until July 31. 4110 Home Ave - San Diego, CA 92105 - (619) 264-2072 – No Website Best Restaurants 2010-06-18T20:40:16+00:00 http://www.ourcitysd.com/site/hometown_favorite_nicolosis_italian_restaurant/ http://www.ourcitysd.com/site/hometown_favorite_nicolosis_italian_restaurant/#When:20:36:03Z Nicolosi’s Italian Restaurant is family owned and has been in business for over 57 years.  I grew up eating here when they were on 40th & El Cajon Blvd.  I love everything about Nicolosi’s from their great staff to their homemade food.  My favorites are the Baked Cheese Ravioli, the Torpedo Special on their fresh baked bread and homemade dressing, and if you are adventurous, try their Garlic & Clam Pizza.  You heard me Garlic and Clams — it really is amazing.  If you love garlic and clams, you will love this one.  And they don’t skimp on ingredients.  If you have not gone here you need to give them a try, you won’t be disappointed. Special deal: get 10% off just by mentioning this blog or A Taste of San Diego tour. Good until July 31.  5351 Adobe Falls Road San Diego, CA 92120-4403 (619) 287-5757 www.nicolosis.com Best Restaurants 2010-06-18T20:36:03+00:00 http://www.ourcitysd.com/site/an_ice_cream_tour_de_force/ http://www.ourcitysd.com/site/an_ice_cream_tour_de_force/#When:17:53:05Z A few weeks ago, I decided to start visiting all 40-plus restaurants that we mention in the Foods We Love story that appeared in our winter issue. I started with my favorite – Ice cream. With my Foods We Love Passport in hand, I headed out on a three-stop tour in San Diego’s southland. Its a memorable experience for an evening out, a date, or just fun on a Saturday afternoon. 1. Start at Niederfrank’s in National City, just 10 minutes south of downtown right off I5. The old-fashioned ice cream parlor has been open since 1948, and it still has the old look and feel of days gone by. The owners, Patty and Mary Allen, even use the original equipment to make their ice cream. (Ask them to show you). The ice cream is outstanding, the selection huge (more than 50 flavors) and unique. (Avocado, licorice and champagne are just a few of the more unique flavors) Taste several before deciding on your scoop. Some of the best include: lemon custard, Thai Tea and pumpkin chiffon. 2. Next, head 15 minutes south to Cow-a-Bunga in Imperial Beach. The small ice cream shop is at the foot of the IB pier, and the French couple that own and make the ice cream are friendly and welcoming. Their best flavor: Peanut butter. I am not a peanut butter lover, but this was one of those flavors you will remember for a long time. Try your ice cream in their homemade waffle cones.   3. Finally, head north along the silver strand to Coronado. The 13-minute drive will take into the heart of the city and Our City’s top pick for ice cream in the county — MooTime Creamery. The location is ideal for a nice stroll, and the best way to end your three-stop tour de force. We recommend the Island Crunch flavor. But their chocolate is the best in town. It’s a creamy ice cream and you have lots of options with toppings.  To get your Foods We Love Passport call us at 858-300-3221. When you get ten restaurants completed, you win a gift basket from Whole Foods.  Best Restaurants 2010-06-07T17:53:05+00:00 http://www.ourcitysd.com/site/pulled_pork_sandwich_at_phils_bbq/ http://www.ourcitysd.com/site/pulled_pork_sandwich_at_phils_bbq/#When:16:03:32Z While we have not toured every BBQ joint in San Diego yet, Phil’s will likely be right at the top of the list for its baby back ribs, beefy ribs and mesquite grilled chicken. Still, the food we love the most at Phil’s is their BBQ Broham. This pulled pork sandwich is on an extra wide bun, loaded with seasoned pork, a bed of coleslaw and topped with their signature BBQ sauce. At $6.45, it is also their best value item on the menu. So, if you get there on a Saturday night and the wait is one hour, which is common, know that it is worth it. Or better yet, go for lunch when there is no wait. You can even see a live camera feed of the wait online at www.philsbbq.net. The good news is that the Point Loma location, which opened in 2007 after nine years in Mission Hills, will be joined by a San Marcos restaurant in the fall. 3750 Sports Arena Blvd, Point Loma, 619-226-6333 Best of the City 2010-05-17T16:03:32+00:00 http://www.ourcitysd.com/site/french_toast_at_old_world_restaurant/ http://www.ourcitysd.com/site/french_toast_at_old_world_restaurant/#When:20:41:15Z This small, home-style-cooking restaurant is located in the heart of North Park, and features some of the best hot sandwiches in town. But our pick is the French toast. Made with croissants, they are crispy and delectable. You might not even realize they are croissants until the take your first bite. Hazelnut gives them an old world taste that is unique and will keep you coming back for more. And at only $4.25 a dish, why not? 3930 30th Street, North Park, 619-238-0568, www.oldworldcatering.com Best of the City 2010-05-12T20:41:15+00:00