Fusions Bar & Grill opens:Fusions Bar & Grill, a casual family dining restaurant with locations in Arcadia and Ontario, opens Thursday in San Marcos Restaurant Row. The restaurant is hosting a grand opening special Thursday through Sunday where children eat free all weekend (with purchase of an adult meal), happy hour specials from 3 to 7 p.m. and live entertainment beginning at 9 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Fusions offers a blend of American, Asian, Italian and Mexican cuisine on its menu. Fusions is located in the former Tony Roma's restaurant location at 1020 W. San Marcos Blvd. Call 760-736-4343.
Mimi's Cafe, San Diego Zoo team up: Now through Aug. 31, diners at Mimi's Cafe will receive a coupon for a free child's ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket to the San Diego Zoo or the zoo's Wild Animal Park. Guests will also receive a coupon for Mimi's Cafe's Just Enough menu for their next visit. And on Aug. 12, Mimi's will donate 15 percent of net sales to the zoo's conservation efforts when guests bring in a downloadable flyer. Go to mimiscafe.com for more information and the flier.
Guess Mrs. Butterworth's first name: Pinnacle Foods is holding a contest for syrup-lovers to guess Mrs. Butterworth's first name for a grand prize of $500 and a case of syrup for the grand prize. Entries are due July 17; go to mrsbutterworth.com/namecontest.
Friars Folly cuts prices: Friars Folly Wine Cellar in San Marcos has lowered menu prices. The paella, for example, was reduced from $24 to $19.50, and all other entrees (with the exception of its steak dinner) are priced under $20. Some old favorites have been returned (Blue Cheese Candied Nut Salad, Pinwheel Quesadilla, Filo Baked Brie and Ahi Tuna Salad) and new items added, including the Southwest Steak, Cobb and Cilantro Shrimp salads, Mediterranean Vegetable Farfalle Pasta, Chicken Penne With Vodka Sauce and Lobster Ravioli With Champagne Cream Sauce. Friars Folly is at 1032 W. San Marcos Blvd. Call 760-736-8035.
Domino's adds Legends pizzas: Domino's Pizza stores in San Diego and Riverside counties are now offering the New American Legends pizzas, $12.99 for a large and $10.99 for a medium. The Legends pizzas, which have 40 percent more cheese, come in six varieties: Honolulu Hawaiian, Cali Chicken Bacon Ranch, Pacific Veggie, Memphis BBQ Chicken, Buffalo Chicken and Philly Cheese Steak.
Library hosts cake decorating contest: The Vista library will host an "Ace of Cakes"-style cake-decorating competition for amateurs at 1:30 p.m. July 19. There are no rules for submissions (though a real cake must be used) and entries will be judged on creativity, decorating skills, use of color, design and originality. To help aspiring decorators prepare, the library is hosting a free cake decorating class taught by professional decorator/trainer Rose Zinniger of San Marcos at 6 p.m. Thursday at the library, 700 Eucalyptus Ave. Call 760-643-5117.
Newcastle ale in local bars: San Diego is one of 14 markets where Newcastle Brown Ale will be selling its new Newscastle Summer Ale through September. The hoppy, golden ale will be available in bars and restaurants that already serve Newcastle brews.
Karl Strauss racks up honors: San Diego's Karl Strauss Brewery announced the receipt of six recent awards at the San Diego and Los Angeles county fairs. Its Red Trolley Ale won silver and its Amber Lager won bronze at the San Diego fair. And at the L.A. fair, its Amber Lager and Doppelbock won gold medals, Woodie Gold took silver and Red Trolley Ale took bronze.
Syrah opens in the Gaslamp: Syrah, a tucked-away wine lounge, has opened in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter at 901 Fifth Ave. Designed by Michael Soriano, the subterranean, vine-covered space offers a wide selection of wines from around the world, as well as specialty cocktails and a tasting menu of cheeses and charcuterie. Syrah is open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays and 4 p.m. to midnight Sundays. Call 619-234-4166.
Meals-on-Wheels needs summer volunteers: Meals-on-Wheels of Greater San Diego is seeking summer volunteers to help deliver meals to local seniors. During the summer months, the number of regular drivers usually drops, so supplemental help is needed. Delivery routes vary in length, but volunteers are typically needed Mondays-Saturdays. To inquire about a North County route, call Charlotte Fan at 760-736-9900.
Locavores unite: The recent launch of Locavore Network allows users to search more than 15,000 grower, producer, winery and restaurant listings based on state, ZIP code, commodity or business to find places to buy or eat locally. Check it out at locavorenetwork.com.
Summer at The Linkery: The Linkery, a farm-to-table restaurant in San Diego's North Park, is holding several events and specials this summer at 3794 30th St. Smokehouse Sundays feature meats cooked over oak, including lamb, pork shoulders, links and ribs, for $29 (includes beans, coleslaw and corn). The restaurant will also offer Lardo Ice Cream Sandwiches (handmade ice cream flavored with house-cured lardo, organic Taza Oaxacan-style chocolate-chip cookies, candied bacon butts and caramel sauce) and Micheladas and Kombucha. Go to thelinkery.com.
Tango summer sunset menu: Tango Restaurant and Lounge at 417 W. Grand Ave. in Escondido is offering a Summer Sunset Menu from 5 to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For $25, diners cab get a three-course meal. Call 760-747-5000 or go to tangoongrand.com.
Corvette Diner reopens in Point Loma: After 22 years in Hillcrest, the Corvette Diner has relocated to a larger location in Point Loma's Liberty Station at 2965 Historic Decatur Road. The Cohn Restaurant Group announced that the new location is twice the size of the former Hillcrest eatery, with seating for 300, and lots of parking. The new location, which opened last week, also has the Gamer's Garage, a 5,500-square-foot arcade with more than 50 arcade games. To celebrate the opening, the Cohn group will host a Corvette Diner & Gamers Garage Summer Bash on July 11-12. The event will include a Corvette car show, live music, children's crafts and giveaways. Call 619-542-1476.
Home-delivered meal service debuts: Charles Heineke, executive chef at RB Classic Cooking & Catering, has introduced a home-delivery meal service. Menus rotate weekly and orders may be placed up to three months in advance with prices ranging from $35 to $50 for four meals. Most deliveries are on Mondays and Tuesdays. Heineke spent 15 years as the chef for Mission Bay Hospital. Call 858-964-8513 or visit rbclassiccooking.com for menus.
Win a cigar cave: Partagas Cigars is hosting a national contest where cigar smokers can with $10,000 to create the ultimate Partagas Cigar Cave in their home. Between now and July 31, cigar fans can enter videos, photos and written descriptions of why they need their own cigar cave at partagascigarcave.com. To enter, participants must buy a four-pack of Partagas Black Label cigars for a redemption code. The winner will be selected on or before Aug. 21.
Hungry-Man search under way: The makers of Hungry-Man frozen dinners are hunting for an American man to serve as the inspiration for future meal concepts. The official Dude Food Consultant will star in a video on the Hungry-Man Web site and will receive a cash prize of $1,000, as well as coupons for free dinners. Entrants must be over 18, U.S. residents and must submit a photo of themselves feasting on Hungry-Man meals and a description of why they should win the "I Am The Hungry-Man" sweepstakes. Visit www.hungry-man.com.
Buca di Beppo adds items: The family-style Italian restaurant chain has added four items to its menu: Baked Rigatoni, Italian Sausage And Peppers (served as an appetizer), Chocolate Chip Cannoli and Tri-Color Celebration Cake (with green, white and red layers in honor of the Italian flag). Visit bucadibeppo.com.
Mister A's lunch menu: Bertrand at Mister A's offers new lunch and cocktail hour menus at its 12th-floor location at 2550 Fifth Ave., San Diego. The 20/20 lunch menu is a $20 three-course menu that changes daily and is served in 20 minutes; sample items are Mediterranean Salad With Ahi Tuna Confit served with Green Beans, Tomatoes And Nicoise Olives Vinaigrette, and Maine Lobster Strudel With Fresh Lobster And Assorted Mushrooms In Filo Dough With Cognac Lobster Sauce. The Classic Cocktail Hour menu is served from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday on the patio, with specially priced cocktails and a small-plates menu with items such as Mister A's Spring Rolls With Confit Of Pork or Fresh Sole Sliders Served On Brioche With Tartar Sauce And Onion Rings. Call 619-239-1377 or go to bertrandatmisteras.com.
The Shores celebrates summer: The Shores Restaurant in La Jolla is soaking up the sun on its oceanfront patio from 3 to 7 p.m. Sundays with Sangria Sundays, which features live steel drums and red or white sangria for $7 a glass or $25 for a pitcher. The shores is at La Jolla Shores Hotel, 8110 Camino del Oro; call 858-456-0600 or go to theshoresrestaurant.com.
Pat & Oscar's $5 menu: Pat & Oscar's restaurants are offering a "Five Big Choices, Five Little Bucks" menu for the summer at all its locations. For $5, customers get an individual gourmet pizza (including the BBQ Chicken and popular San Diego pizzas), and for $2 more, the meal becomes a combo with a 20-ounce drink and side dish. Go to patandoscars.com.
Black&Blue anew: Black&Blue, the steakhouse inside Valley View Casino in Valley Center, and Chef Chip McCarty announce a new menu centered on fresh ingredients in peak season. New items include Roasted Beet Salad With Port Infused Goat Cheese And Chenin Blanc Vinaigrette; Mano de Leon Sea Scallops With Potato Rosti, Leek Nage And Citrus Beurre Blanc; and Lobster Fra Diavolo featuring Tagliatelle Pasta, Spicy Tomato And Porcini Mushrooms. Call 760-291-2130 or go to valleyviewcasino.com.
Dining events
Dress like a cow, get a meal: On Friday, Chick-fil-A is giving away meals to anyone who comes to a store fully dressed as a cow in celebration of Cow Appreciation Day (those partially dressed in cow attire can still get a free entree). Also, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday at the San Marcos location, all customers -- cow-clad or not -- will receive a free Spicy Chicken Sandwich. Go to chick-fil-a.com.
Major Market "Lobster Maine-ia": Escondido's Major Market hosts its annual lobster festival from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 1855 Centre City Parkway. Cooked Maine lobster dinners are $14.99 and a surf-and-turf dinner is $19.99. Live Maine lobster is also available for $7.99 a pound.
Kona Kai luau season begins: The Kona Kai Resort in San Diego opens its weekly luau season on Mission Bay this week, with Friday-night programs through Aug. 14. Package includes a Hawaiian buffet, a Polynesian dance show with imu pig presentation, hula and fire-dancing, lei greeting, mai tais and more; dinner at 7 p.m.; show at 8 p.m. The Kona Kai Resort is at 1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego. Luau prices are $39 for adults and $19 for children under 12. Call 800-566-2524.
Bernard'O marks Bastille Day: The Rancho Bernardo restaurant hosts a celebration of France's independence day from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday with a special menu of traditional French fare at 12457 Rancho Bernardo Road. Call 858-487-7171.
Honor National Hot Dog Month and National Ice Cream Month: Wienerschnitzel locations across the region will be giving away an Original Chili Dog or a small Tastee-Freez cone from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday to celebrate National Hot Dog Month and National Ice Cream month. Go to wienerschnitzel.com.
Mistral hosts French dinner event: Mistral, the restaurant at Loews Coronado Bay Resort, is the only restaurant in San Diego County participating in the Les Maitres Cuisiniers de France, a culinary promotion presented by 27 restaurants nationwide through July 18. The "Les Maitres" menu is a three-course, prix-fixe $30 menu featuring a roast beet salad with goat cheese coulis and crushed truffles, white sea bass with sauteed heirloom tomatoes, and market berry consomme with aged balsamic gelato. Hosting the menu at Mistral is Loews corporate chef Marc Ehrler, a French master chef and the first to receive the AAA Five Diamond ranking in two restaurants at the same hotel (the Ritz Carlton Cancun). Ehrler is at Loews Coronado this summer to oversee all culinary operations and create a rustic Northern Italian/Southern French menu. Visit www.mcf-usa.com/celebrate-summer.html.
Aqua Terra beer dinner: Pala Mesa Resort's Aqua Terra Restaurant will present a four-course, patio beer dinner at 7 p.m. July 16. The menu will include goat cheese fritters, Chilean seabass, gorgonzola-stuffed filet mignon and grilled portobello mushrooms; cost is $50. Pre-dinner cocktails at 6:30 p.m. Pala Mesa is at 2001 Old Highway 395, Fallbrook. Call 760-731-6805.
Three Mile Pilot reception: Wild Note Cafe is hosting a photo exhibit and low-budget menu before the Three Mile Pilot show next door at the Belly Up Tavern at 7 p.m.; reservations will be accepted as early as 5 p.m. Menu items are all $12.50 or less and include Tequila Chicken Spring Rolls, Short Rib Sliders, Lobster & Shrimp Enchiladas and more. Wild Note Cafe is on Cedros Avenue in Solana Beach; call 858-720-9000 or go to wildnotecafe.com.
Legacy dinner at Wilson Creek: Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula will host a Summer Legacy Dinner with Gerry and Rosie Wilson at 6 p.m. July 18 in the winery's Barrel Room. The four-course dinner with wine pairings is $145 per person. Call 951-699-9463 or go to wilsoncreekwinery.com.
Wine, walk and nibble in Fallbrook: Fallbrook will hold its second Wine & "A Bite" Art Walk from 5 to 7 p.m. July 18, beginning in the Village Square. Restaurant participants include La Caseta, Le Bistro, Rio Rico, Aqua Terra at Pala Mesa Resort, Sweet Sicilian Bakery and Caffe Primo; a taste of regional wines is included at each stop. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door; designated driver tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Call 877-451-3282 or go to findfallbrook.com.
Taste of Bonita: The Bonita Museum & Cultural Center hosts this annual food safari from 5 to 7:30 p.m. July 20 at the Chula Vista Golf Coruse, 4475 Bonita Road in Bonita. Sixteen restaurants from Bonita, Chula Vista, Eastlake and National City will offer menu samplings, with live music by Charlie Bradley. Tickets are $15. Call 619-267-5141.
Wolfgang Puck's Taste of Summer: The La Jolla Playhouse presents a tastings fundraiser featuring dishes from Puck's restaurants Spago, Chinois, Pistro, Cut and Jai, along with drinks and live entertainment, from 7 to 10 p.m. July 27 at La Jolla Playhouse and Jai Restaurant, UC San Diego, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive. Tickets are $500 for Chef's Table tickets, $250 for Jai restaurant tickets and $150 to dine in the courtyard. To order tickets, visit www.lajollaplayhouse.org/tasteofsummer.
Southern California Wine Country Fifth Annual Wine Competition: The Temecula Valley Wine Society host a three-day wine showdown July 27-29 at Maurice Carrie Winery, 34225 Rancho California Road in Temecula. Wineries from Riverside, L.A., Orange, San Bernardino and San Diego counties will submit wines for blind tastings by a panel of judges. The event culminates in an awards dinner July 29 at Wiens Family Cellars. Tickets are $55. Visit temeculawines.org.
Taste of Fallbrook: Connections Fallbrook Networking's Hot Summer Nites series continues with a showcase of 25 Fallbrook restaurants from 5 to 8 p.m. July 31. An estimated 750 people are expected to attend the outdoor event in Fallbrook's Village Square and live blues music will be presented by Aunt Kizzy'z Boyz. Tickets are $10. Call 760-505-5119 or visit connectionsfallbrook.com.
The Shores tasting menus: The Shores Restaurant offers monthly wine-tasting menus, which include a three-course meal from 5 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The menu is $35 with wine and $25 without (regular menu is also available). The Shores is at 8110 Camino del Oro in La Jolla; call 858-456-0600 or go to theshoresrestaurant.com. Featured item (complete menus are online) in July is Baja shrimp.
Experience Jsix: Jsix restaurant and Chef Christian Graves will begin offering the "Chef's Kitchen Experience" on select Sundays beginning Aug. 2. The experience includes an outing to the Hillcrest Farmers Market to select ingredients that will then be prepared as part of a three-course meal. Transportation to the market and back, the three-course meal, wine or cocktail pairing with each course and parking are included for $120 per person. Dates are Aug. 2, Sept. 6, Oct. 4, Nov. 8 and Dec. 13 (sessions begin at 10 a.m.). Call 619-531-8744; the restaurant is at 616 J St. in the Gaslamp Quarter. Go to jsixsandiego.com.
Taste of Mainstreet: Nearly three dozen downtown Encinitas restaurants, bars and businesses will offer tastings at the 20th annual event from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 27. Participants include Roxy, Vigilucci's, Darshan Bakery, St. Tropez, Q'ero, Raul's, Tastes, Ogata and many more. Tickets are $25 and can be ordered online at encinitas101.com.
Orfila Vineyards Grape Stomp: The Escondido winery hosts its annual crushing of the grapes from 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 29 at 13455 San Pasqual Valley Road. Event includes grape stomp, buffet dinner, dancing to live music, hay rides, wine tasting and winery tours. Cost is $85 and always sells out all 400 tickets in advance. Reserve to 800-868-9463.
Farmers, Foragers and Fishermen Dinner: Loews Coronado Bay Resort presents the latest in its seasonal dinner series that allows guests to dine with the purveyors who produce, harvest and catch the ingredients for their meal. Kanaloa Seafood will host the next dinner from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 16 at Loew's Mistral. The cost is $48. The next event in December will feature hands-on foraging in the resort's organic herb and vegetable garden. Call (619) 424-4000, ext. 4475.
Taste of Downtown: More than 50 restaurants will participating in this downtown San Diego tastings event from 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 24. Restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter, financial district, East Village and Little Italy will offer menu samplings. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the gate. For tickets, call 619-233-5008 or visit www.dtsd.org.
Ponte grape stomp: The Temecula winery hosts its seventh annual Grape Stomping Festival from 4 to 9 p.m. Sept. 27 at 35053 Rancho California Road. The event includes live music, dancing, a harvest buffet, wine samples, portrait photography, vineyard tours and grape stomping. Tickets are $95 for adults and $46 for children 12 and under. Call 951-694-8855.
Celebrate the Craft at Torrey Pines: Artisans and gourmet chefs will return to The Lodge at Torrey Pines on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 for "Celebrate the Craft," a showcase for regionally grown ingredients, cooking and winemaking. Food and wine will be paired with The Torrey Pines Plein Air Invitational. Featured events include a reception and art auction on Oct. 31 (dinner is $125) and a picnic on the Arroyo Terrace on Nov. 1 with food stations ($65). Call 858-453-4420 or go to lodgetorreypines.com.
San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival: Cooking Light magazine will sponsor the annual festival, scheduled for Nov. 18-22 in San Diego. This year's festival will feature wine-tasting seminars, cooking classes, reserve tastings and the Grand Tasting Event, an all-day showcase of more than 800 wines, 70 local restaurants and 30 gourmet foodmakers. Tickets are on sale at 619-342-7337 or worldofwineevents.com.
Riverside Restaurant Week: Restaurants in Riverside will host the annual Restaurant Week, where dozens of eateries will offer fixed-price, three-course lunch and dinner menus Sept. 27 through Oct. 10. Lunches will be $20 and dinners $35. A gala fundraiser will launch the event at 5 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium. Tickets are $50. For menus and details, visit finediningriverside.com.
Classes
Behind the Scenes Catering & Events: The catering company teaches customers to prepare not-so-typical foods on the grill -- pizza, sliders, salad and pork loin -- in its kitchen at 9888 Waples St., San Diego. Call 858-638-1400 or go to btscenes.com.
Cafe Merlot: The restaurant in the Bernardo Winery holds wine and cooking classes at 13330 Paseo del Verano Norte in Rancho Bernardo. Classes are $50 per person; call 858-592-7785.
Captain Cook's children's classes: Captain Cook's Culinary Academy for Kids hosts classes for children with a new organic menu every week: "Lil Explorers" (ages 4-7) from 3:30-5 p.m. Tuesdays; "First Mates" (ages 7 to 13), 3:30-5 p.m. Mondays or Wednesdays. Classes cost $40 or $100 for three. Captain Cook's is at 6986 El Camino Real, Suite C. Call 760-431-2278 or go to www.captaincooksculinaryacademy.com.
Captain Cook's adult classes: Captain Cook's Culinary Academy for Kids is hosting adult classes at 7 p.m. Thursdays. All classes are $45 (or $120 for three). Captain Cook's is at 6986 El Camino Real, Suite C, Carlsbad. Call 760-431-2278 or go to www.captaincooksculinaryacademy.com.
Grand Del Mar Culinary series: These monthly two-hour sessions take place year-round, conducted by the resort's chefs. Call 858-314-2000. The Grand Del Mar is at 5300 Grand Del Mar Court. Classes are in the resort kitchen unless otherwise noted. Upcoming:
- 6:30 p.m. Monday: A Taste for Tomatoes -- Chef William Bradley teaches how to make Tomato Vinaigrette, Oven-Roasted Tomatoes and Tomato Sorbet; $95 (at Addison)
- 6:30 p.m. Aug. 12: Summer on Ice -- Lobster Cocktail, West Coast Oysters, Organic Shrimp, Dungeness Crab and Gazpacho; $75
- 6:30 p.m. Sept. 14: A is for Apples -- Apple Tart Tartin, Apple Cider and Apple Chutney; $95 (Addison)
- 6:30 p.m. Oct. 14: Wines for Fall Feasts -- Reds and whites for fall, and pairings such as Braised Short Ribs with Apple Puree and Seared Scallops with Parsnip Puree; $75
- 6:30 p.m. Nov. 18: Traditional Thanksgiving Family Feast -- Chef Camron Woods will teach recipes for Thanksgiving, including Roasted Turkey, Cranberry Stuffing and Potato Puree; $75
- 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2: A Baker's Holiday -- Pastry Chef Thierry Delourneaux will demonstrate Chocolate Ganache Buche de Noel, Pumpkin Creme Brulee, Painted Cookies and Citrus Panna Cotta; $65
Great News! Discount Cookware & Cooking School: The San Diego school hosts cooking classes at 1788 Garnet Ave. (in the Pacific Plaza at Garnet Avenue and Jewell Street); reserve to 858-270-1582, ext. 3, or go to www.great-news.com. Reserve early; classes fill quickly:
- 10:30 a.m. Thursday: Authentic Vietnamese; $49
- 6 p.m. Thursday: Fresh, Fast Fish; $49
- 6 p.m. Friday: Friday Night Dinner Party -- Asian BBQ; $49
- 11 a.m. Saturday: Working with Phyllo Dough; $49
- 6 p.m. Monday: Understanding Miso; $59
- 10:30 a.m. Tuesday: Teens Only -- Basic Knife Skills; $49
- 6 p.m. Tuesday: The Greatness of Garlic; $49
- 6 p.m. Wednesday: Vegetarian Delight; $49
- 10:30 a.m. July 16: Calling All Kids -- Rock And Roll!; $49 adult, $39 child (7-14)
- 6 p.m. July 16: Hands-On Risotto; $59
- 6 p.m. July 17: Nouveau Barbecue; $49
- 11 a.m. July 18: Wine Country Cooking; $59
- 6 p.m. July 20: Ribbing It!; $59
- 11:30 a.m. July 21: Quick and Easy Lunch -- Mediterranean Meal; $29
- 6 p.m. July 21: Hands-On Pasta; $69
- 6 p.m. July 22: Italian-Style Chicken; $49
Indigo Energy & Fitness: Certified health and fitness professional Kelly Jean Dammeyer will host a class on healthy cooking and meal-planning from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at 1839 S. Coast Highway 101 in Oceanside. Register to 760-696-7084.
The Kitchen Witch: The Encinitas school hosts cooking classes at 127 N. El Camino Real; call 760-942-3288 or go to www.kitchenwitchonline.com.
Lavender Tea Class: Barbara Barker of Memories English Tea Garden in Vista will teach how to prepare and serve an afternoon tea at noon Saturday. Lesson includes an art show and how to prepare lavender scones, tea sandwiches, cakes and queen's tea. Cost is $10. For directions, call (760) 945-0476.
Macy's School of Cooking: The school is in the Macy's Mission Valley Home Store, 1555 Camino de la Reina, San Diego. Call 888-424-FOOD or go to macys.com/events and type 92108 in the ZIP code field:
- 11 a.m. Monday through July 17 or 11 a.m. July 27-31: Macy's Kids in the Kitchen with Janet Burgess; $175
- 11 a.m. Aug. 3-7: Macy's Teens in the Kitchen with five local chefs; $210
Quail Botanical Gardens: Chef Elizabeth Podsiadlo, the "Opera Singing Chef," holds cooking classes at Quail Botanical Gardens (different teacher if noted); classes are $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers and include recipes and tastings. Call 760-436-3036, ext. 206, or go to qbgardens.org.
- 1:30 p.m. July 25: Cookin' with Klibs -- Lovely Lavender; taught by Mary Dralle
- 1:30 p.m. Aug. 1: Southwest Cooking and Grilling
- 1:30 p.m. Sept. 5: Food and Wine Pairing
Ro Z's Sweet Art Studio: Rosanne Zinniger's cake decorating shop and studio at 277 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road, San Marcos, offers classes in cake decorating. Call 760-744-0447 or rozsweetartstudio.com. The studio is also offering summer culinary adventures for kids on making favorite dishes with a healthy twist; cost is $200 for 15 hours of instruction from Rosanne. Call Palomar College for Kids at 760-744-1150, ext. 2702, for the camps.
- Next week: Cooking Academy for Kids!; hands-on techniques for making cooking fun
The Whole Journey: The Whole Journey, a holistic counseling and product awareness company, will offer free grocery tours at Seaside Market at 2087 San Elijo Road (760-753-5445) in Cardiff, free health and nutrition seminars at Whole Foods at 8825 Villa La Jolla Drive in La Jolla (858-642-6700), and cooking classes at Sur La Table at 1915 Calle Barcelona in Carlsbad (760-635-1316). Call to reserve a space; go to thewholejourney.net.
In the spirits
Acqua Al 2: The Gaslamp Quarter restaurant hosts wine tastings during "Uncorked" the first Wednesday of every month at 310 Fifth Ave. in San Diego. For $20, guests taste four wine/spirit selections paired with four appetizers. Reservations are required; call 619-230-0382 or go to acquaal2.com:
- 6:30 p.m. Aug. 5: Warm-weather reds, celebrating Ferragosto
Bernard'O: The Rancho Bernardo restaurant will offer a Ferrarri-Carano wine tasting from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 24. Tasting will include nine wines served with cheese, fruit, and hot and cold hors d'oeuvres. Cost is $27.50. Bernard'O is at 12457 Rancho Bernardo Road. Call 858-487-7171.
Carlsbad Wine Merchants: Hosts tastings at 5 p.m. Fridays and 4 to 7 p.m. Saturdays for a fee at 5814 Van Allen Way, Suite 155, Carlsbad. Call 888-750-WINE or visit www.CarlsbadWineMerchants.com.
Decanter Wine Lounge & Restaurant: The Rancho Santa Fe restaurant and wine lounge hosts wine tasting classes every Wednesday at 18025 Calle Ambiente (in the Cielo Hillside Village). Tastings are $15; reservations are required. Call 858-756-9333 or go to decanterwinelounge.com.
ENO-Versity at the Hotel Del: ENO, the wine, cheese and chocolate tasting room at the Hotel del Coronado, has announced its 2009 classes for ENO-Versity. Classes are $35 per person; call 619-522-8546 or go to hoteldel.com. The Hotel Del is at 1500 Orange Ave. in Coronado.
Fifty Barrels Winery and Tasting Room: Hosts tastings from 5 to 8 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays at 3800 Oceanic Drive, Suite 106, Oceanside. Call 760-696-2998 or go to carlsbadcoastal.com.
Harvest Ranch Market Del Mar: Wine tastings from 5-7:30 p.m. plus appetizers for $10-$20. The store is at 1555 Camino Del Mar, Suite 203, Del Mar. Call 858-847-0555.
Holiday Wine Cellar: Daily tastings from 5:30-7 p.m. at 302 W. Mission Ave., Escondido. Wine Down Mondays feature five wine tastes for $5 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays, and "Hop Over the Hump Wednesdays" are weekly beer-tasting events for $5. Call 760-745-1200.
The North County Wine Company: Tastings daily at 1099 San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos, plus special events from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon-6 p.m. Sundays. Call 760-744-2119 or visit www.NorthCountyWineCompany.com.
Stone Brewery: The popular Escondido brewery is hosting a series of pairings in the next few months at the brewery and gardens, 1999 Citracado Parkway in Escondido. Call 760-471-4999 or go to www.stonebrew.com. Upcoming:
- 2:30 and 5 p.m. Sunday: Beer & Chocolate Pairing; $30
- 11 a.m. July 19: Stone Sour Fest; $30
- 7 p.m. July 21: Beer U: Sours; $30
- 6 p.m. Aug. 3: FRESH! Dinner (ingredients picked that day); $49
T&H Prime Meats & Sausage: The shop now offers tastings from 10 San Diego wineries from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays for $5, which includes four tastes and a San Diego Vintners Association souvenir wine glass, at 735 E. Mission Road, San Marcos. Call 760-471-9192.
Vine to Glass: The Oceanside wine bar holds tastings six days a week and has biweekly events for $10 to $15; small-production boutique wines are available by the glass or bottle. Beer tastings are $6; antipasto platters are $15. The bar is open 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 1 to 9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; and 12 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Vine to Glass is at 210-A N. Coast Highway in Oceanside; call 760-757-2254 or go to vinetoglass.com.
Vino100: Wine tasting events are offered at 5 p.m. at 133 S. Las Posas Road in San Marcos. Call 760-591-9113 or go to vino100sanmarcos.com.
Vinz Wine Bar: Full restaurant menu with wide wine menu by the glass or bottle. Tastings are from $5-$10 from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and 3 to 5 p.m. Saturdays, and come with charcuterie and cheese. Live music on Saturdays. Vinz is at 201 E. Grand Ave., Escondido. Call 760-743-8466 or visit vinzwinebar.net.
The Wine Spot: Tastings from 2-8 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; noon-9 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays; 1 to 6 p.m. Sundays at 2801 Roosevelt St., Carlsbad. Six tastings and an appetizer cost $20. House tastings any time are $15. Call 760-434-9463 or visit the-wine-spot.com.
Wine Street Inc.: Weekly tastings from 3-7 p.m. Fridays, with appetizers. Wine Street is at 6986 El Camino Real, Suite D, Carlsbad. Call 760-431-8455 or visit www.winestreet.com.
Wine Styles: The Encinitas wine store hosts tastings from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 1-6 p.m. Saturdays. Cost is $15 or $10 for WineClub members and includes six to eight wines and snacks. The shop also hosts WineDown Fridays, where guests enjoy wine and live music and can bring in food to socialize. Call 760-633-0057.
Send information about local food products, food events or classes to Food Editor Pam Kragen, North County Times, 207 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Escondido, CA 92025; fax to 760-745-3769, or e-mail to food@nctimes.com.
Posted in Food-and-cooking on Thursday, July 9, 2009 12:00 am Updated: 10:46 pm. | Tags: Food.briefs.7.09, Food, Life, Nct, Z.google.entertainment, Z.google.food_and_beverage
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