Pechanga beefs up chef team: Pechanga Resort & Casino has added two award-winning chefs to its culinary team, whose goal is to fine-tune the menus at the Temecula resort's restaurants. Chef Kwok Kuen "Raymond" Tse is the new head chef of Asian cuisine, and Chef Jason McClain is the resort's new assistant executive chef.
Chef Tse, with more than 35 years in the Asian culinary industry, has been revamping the menu at Pechanga's Blazing Noodles restaurant to make the dishes more authentic and diverse (the menu now has Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese dishes, with new regional dishes planned). Chef Tse joins Pechanga from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut. Before that he worked in Las Vegas at the Mirage, Mandalay Bay and Wynn resorts. In 2008, he earned the Gold Medal for International Master Chef for Chinese Cuisine.
Chef McClain, who also came to Pechanga from Foxwoods, has already revamped the menu at Kelsey's to be more in keeping with a sports bar catering to large parties. He's now improving the menus at the Great Oak Steakhouse, Seafood Grotto and Paisano's as well as the Pechanga Buffet. McClain was named one of Florida's Top 10 Chefs by Food & Wine Magazine and has served as an executive chef at Four Seasons Resort restaurants in New York and Philadelphia as well as at restaurants in Chicago and Miami.
Escape at Mister A's: Mister A's in San Diego is offering a special three-course menu during March featuring dishes from the Alsace region of France. The menu, which is paired with gewurztraminer, riesling or pinot blanc wines, includes items such as Salade Vigneronne (meat salad with tomatoes, bibb lettuce, gruyere and gherkins in red wine vinaigrette), Truite Au Bleu (poached fresh trout with medley of baby vegetables) and Blueberry Charlotte with Lady Fingers and Coulis. The $40 menu is available from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 5 to 10 p.m. Sundays. Go to bertrandatmisteras.com or call 619-239-1377.
High school students compete: Students from Mira Mesa High School will compete in Sacramento on Saturday and Sunday at the eighth annual California ProStart Culinary Competition. The California Restaurant Association San Diego County donated funds to cover the cost of travel for the team of five juniors and seniors, all enrolled in the high school's ROP Culinary Arts and Management Program. Winning teams will compete in the national competition in Kansas from April 30 to May 2.
Trattoria Acqua closes: La Jolla's Trattoria Acqua on the Cove will close on March 13 because the restaurant lost its lease. During its final weeks of operation, the restaurant will bring back favorites from old menus and offer wine specials. Also, the restaurant will liquidate its wine list at net wholesale cost from noon to 5 p.m. March 14. The owners are looking for a new location; go to trattoriaacqua.com or call 858-454-0709.
John's to open: John's Incredible Pizza Company will open a new dining and entertainment space on March 15 at Westfield Plaza Bonita, 3010 Plaza Bonita Road, Suite 1025, in National City. The new location will seat about 800 guests; the restaurant features an all-you-can-eat pizza, pasta, soup, salad and dessert buffet, rides and attractions, video and ticket-dispensing games, and more. The grand opening will include dance lessons, family photos special promotions and more. Go to www.johnspizza.com.
Cafe Merlot moves: Cafe Merlot is moving to a new location inside the Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo. The restaurant will reopen Friday after all inspections are finished in Suite E, in the center of the winery's courtyard. Go to www.cafemerlot.com or call 858-591-7785.
Vista market extends hours: The Vista Farmers Market, held Saturdays at the Vista courthouse, will expand its hours from 8 a.m. to noon beginning April 3. The market offers local, certified and organic growers with vegetables and fruits, eggs and cheese and more; it also has baked goods, fresh bread, sweets and live music. The market takes place at 325 S. Melrose Drive in Vista.
Online delivery: GrubHub, a Web site that lists restaurants that deliver to your address and lets you order online or by phone, has launched in San Diego County. The Web site also lists menus, coupons and special offers; first-time users receive a $10 discount. Go to www.grubhub.com.
Stadium Pizza Wildomar moves: Stadium Pizza, with three locations in Southwest Riverside County, has moved its Wildomar location to 32278 Clinton Keith Road in Wildomar. The new location opened Monday; go to www.stadiumpizza.com or call 951-678-7826.
Culinary student receives scholarship: Local culinary student Jennifer Wecklich-Rose was the recipient of $1,000 culinary scholarship at the Escondido Rotary Club's seventh annual Coeur de Cuisine. Wecklich-Rose, who studies at Alchemy of the Hearth, is pursuing a career in patisserie.
Barona classic combo: Barona Resort & Casino is now offering a casino classic all day Monday through Thursday ---- a Steak & Eggs Special for $1.99 between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., and $3.99 between 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. The dish will be served 24 hours a day at Sage Cafe and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the new El Rancho Grande Mexican restaurant; the dish will also be served at slot machines or game tables via the gameside dining service. The dish features USDA choice New York Strip steak and eggs; go to barona.com.
Mosaic announces new VP: Mosaic Catering of San Diego has announced Rod Coon as its new vice president; Coon has more than 20 years of special event, business and personal catering experience, including with his own company, Contemporary Catering of La Jolla. Coon has been responsible for events such as the Gaslamp Festival, the liquor service management at Street Scene, and the beer garden service at Super Bowl XXXII. Go to mosaic-catering.com or call 858-551-4862.
Voyeur adds brunch: This Gaslamp Quarter nightclub is offering Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Executive chef Keri Rich's menu includes sweet corn tamales, eggs Benedict, a soy-rizo burrito, churros and pain au chocolate. Opened last June at 755 Fifth Ave. by owners Charles Davenport and Johnny Shockey, Voyeur hosts international DJs, dancing, a full bar and an upstairs lounge "bites" menu. Visit www.voyeursd.com.
The Linkery celebrates anniversary: The Linkery in North Park is celebrating its fifth anniversary through Sunday with nightly specials such as special cask beers, small plate specials, oyster pairings and more. Go to thelinkery.com for a full list of specials.
Mille Fleurs debuts gourmet burgers: During March, the Rancho Santa Fe restaurant will offer five gourmet hamburgers: the Prime Beef Cheeseburger, the Lamb Chevre Burger, the Diestel Farm Turkey Burger, Salmon Two Times Burger and Mushroom-Veggie Burger. At 6 p.m. nightly (5:30 p.m. Saturdays), the burgers will be paired with side salad or fries and a glass of wine or Stone Brewing Co. beer for a special price of $25. Mille Fleurs is at 6009 Paseo Delicias. Call 858-756-3085.
Souplantation to open in Encinitas: Rancho Bernardo-based Garden Fresh Inc. will open a location March 22 in the Encinitas Village Shopping Center, 109 N. El Camino Real in Encinitas. In honor of the event, the company will host a pre-opening "fun-raiser" for the Boys & Girls Club of San Dieguito. From 4 to 6 p.m. March 18, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. March 19 and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 20, diners can visit the all-you-can-eat restaurant for just $5. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekends. Call 760-634-2500 or visit souplantation.com.
Barona February Restaurant Month: The San Diego casino is making February a little sweeter by offering 50 percent off any entree all month to those who sign up for Club Barona and earn 250 myPOINTS. The offer is valid at the casino's six restaurants (Barona Oaks Steakhouse, Seafood Plaza, Sage Cafe, El Rancho Grande, Italian Cucina and Seasons Fresh Buffet), with the points. Go to barona.com or call 888-722-7662.
Donate and save: Ponte Winery in Temecula is asking guests to donate canned foods for local homeless shelters. Those who bring in five or more cans will receive 10 percent off in the Tasting Room and 5 percent off in the Smokehouse Restaurant (wine club members receive 30 and 15 percent off, respectively). Drop-off is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; go to www.pontewinery.com or call 951-694-8855.
Healthy menus unveiled: Susan's Healthy Gourmet, a low-calorie-meal home-delivery service, has announced its 2010 menu. Items in the twice-weekly deliveries include pineapple zucchini bread, Chilean garlic shrimp with zesty tomatillo sauce, Singapore beef wrap with basil and mint, and more. Go to www.susanshealthygourmet.com or call 888-EZ-MEALS.
RA adds menu items: RA Sushi Bar Restaurant in San Diego has added menu items from executive chef Tai Obata, including Grilled Short Ribs (Kalbi beef short ribs basted in sweet and tangy yakiniku sauce, served with wasabi mashed potatoes; $7.25), Kaisen Ceviche (Japanese-style ceviche with cooked shrimp, scallops and squid, chilled and mixed with fresh tomato, avocado and salsa, served in a spring roll shell; $9.25), a "RA"llipop (tuna, salmon, yellowtail, spicy tuna mix, lettuce, asparagus and cucumber, wrapped in Asian radish, with a garlic ponzu sauce; $14.50), Hot Mess (crispy rice balls topped with a spicy king crab mix, baked with jalapeno and cilantro; $13.50) and more. RA also added lunch specials, and tapas such as Sweet Onion Salmon ($7.25), Sesame Lemon Whitefish ($7.25) and Seared Tuna ($7.25). Happy hour is from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday; go to www.rasushi.com or call 619-321-0021.
URBN to open in North Park: URBN Coal Fired Pizza, an offshoot of BASIC Urban Kitchen + Bar, will open in North Park in April. Owner Jon Mangini opened his first URBN location in Vista in November 2008, and he plans 10 to 15 more locations in San Diego County. Go to urbnpizza.com.
Lorimar Winery opens tasting room: Lorimar Winery, which is being built in Wine Country, has opened a tasting room in Old Town Temecula at Old Town Front and Main streets. The storefront offers wine specials, tasting events, music and classes; go to lorimarwinery.com or call 951-270-5177.
Farm seeks CSA customers: The Ray M. Dickenson Wellness Center in Escondido is looking for customers to participate in a Community Supported Agricultural subscriptions program with Morning Song Farm. Starting in February, the center will be the drop-off site for weekly produce deliveries. Go to www.morningstarfarm.com or call 949-310-4870.
Berry delicious: The California Strawberry Commission has launched its free "Strawberries" iPhone application, which includes more than 50 recipes from chefs and food bloggers. Go to www.calstrawberry.com.
Dining events
Bobby's offers discounts: Bobby D's Pizza & Sports Pub, a new sports bar in Vista (in the former Oggi's location), will offer 50 percent off every item on the menu Friday through Sunday. Offer is limited to one entree per person; call 760-295-3851. Bobby D's is at 425 S. Melrose.
World of Wine Barrel Tasting Weekend: The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association will host its 19th annual winter barrel tasting on Saturday and Sunday. World of Wine Barrel Tasting allows Wine Country wineries to dole out tank and barrel tastings, as well as bottle tastings, complete with food samples. Guests can visit the 27 wineries from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day in the two-day event for $89 (tickets are $79 if purchased by Sunday); guests will receive a map of Temecula Valley, a passport (which allows a visit to each winery) and a souvenir glass. Go to www.temeculawines.org or call 800-801-9463.
Dinner and a movie: Film at UC San Diego will present "Foovies" (food and a movie) at 7:30 p.m. March 11, featuring "Estomago: A Gastronomic Story," at The Loft at UCSD, Price Center East, Second Floor. Before the film, guests can enjoy live music and eat Brazilian and Italian food from Zanzibar Cafe. The menu includes items such as peri peri drumsticks, spaghetti puttanesca and bread pudding. Tickets are $26; go to www.artpower.ucsd.edu or call 858-534-8497.
El Bizcocho vegan dinner: El Bizcocho Restaurant at the Rancho Bernardo Inn hosts "A Vegan Affair! Food With Roots" at 7 p.m. March 12. Chef Judd Canepari will prepare a five-course vegan menu paired with wines from Leonesse Cellars. Dishes include melon sashimi, "gardein" chicken breast, farro porridge and tofu cheesecake. Tickets are $70 ($95 with wine pairing). Call 858-675-8550.
Shave-a-thon: BASIC Urban Kitchen in San Diego's East Village has teamed with St. Baldrick's Foundation to host a shave-a-thon to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer research starting at noon March 13. During the event, guests can enjoy free pizza and drink specials, including $3 Fat Tires and $2 shots of Jameson, as well as a chance to win getaways. The foundation hopes to raise $15,000; entrance is $10 at the door for pizza and drink specials, or $20 at the door for pizza, drink specials, a T-shirt and raffle ticket. Go to stbaldricks.org.
Family Winemakers Tasting 2010: Family Winemakers of California will host the second San Diego Tasting 2010 on March 14 at Exhibit Hall at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The event allows more than 200 California family-owned wineries to market wines to the area, and lets wine enthusiasts taste wines they wouldn't know otherwise. The tasting is open to trade only from 1 to 3 p.m. and to the public from 3 to 6 p.m. Tickets are $45 in advance and $55 at the door. Go to www.familywinemakers.org.
Temecula wine dinner: Temecula Creek Inn and Leonesse Cellars will present "White vs. Red ---- The Grape Debate (An Untraditional Wine Dinner)" at 6:30 p.m. March 19. The dinner is the first in a series of artisan wine events at the inn; the four-course meal is $85 per person. Menu highlights include Loch Duart Salmon Crudo; A Trio Of Cracked Tellicherry Pepper, Cocoa Nib and Espresso Bean Crusted Certified Angus Beef Ribeye Medallion; and Chocolate Fondant and Passion Fruit Creme Brulee. Each course will be paired with a regional red and white wine, and guests can select the better match. Go to temeculacreekinn.com or call 877-517-1823.
Tesoro benefit: Tesoro Winery in Old Town Temecula will host a benefit for prevention of homelessness at noon March 21. Special $8 tastings will be offered, and all proceeds, as well as 10 percent of wine sales for the day, will be donated to Catholic Charities San Bernardino/Riverside Homeless Prevention Services. Go to www.tesorowines.com or call 951-308-0000.
Shuck & Swallow: Jsix restaurant in San Diego will host its annual Shuck & Shallow event at 6 p.m. March 31. The competition features 10 teams of two (one shucker, one swallower) from local restaurants and kitchens to see who can open and eat the most oysters in 10 minutes. The free event will include competitors from Jsix, Pacifica Del Mar, 1500 Ocean, Oceanaire, Quarter Kitchen, Waters Fine Catering and more; the event is at LOUNGEsix at the top of Hotel Solamar, 436 Sixth Ave. in San Diego.
Urban Solace hosts Passover dinner At sundown March 29, Urban Solace in North Park will host its second annual ecumenical Urban Seder wine dinner for Passover. Sam "The Cooking Guy" Zien and restaurant critic Steve Silverman will co-host the four-course dinner paired with West Coast wines. Dishes include chicken liver pate, charoset and house-made gefilte fish. Tickets are $75 ($90 with wine pairings) and proceeds benefit Project Sarah. Visit www.urbansolace.net.
Rhythm & Vine Music & Wine Festival: Tickets for the second annual festival benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego, are now on sale. The April 17 event will feature 60 wineries, 35 local chefs, gourmet food and three concerts. Rhythm & Vine will be at Westfield North County, and tickets are $75 for general admission in advance ($100 at the door) and $125 for VIP tickets ($150 at the door). Designated driver tickets are $40 in advance and $90 at the door; go to www.rhythmandvine.org or call 858-578-9463.
Mama's Day 2010: The 19th annual tastings event returns from 6:30-9:30 p.m. May 7 at the La Jolla Aventine hotel. The event features food stations hosted by more than 70 San Diego County restaurants and chefs, a silent auction, prize drawings and live music. Proceeds benefit Mama's Kitchen, which delivers hot meals to adults and children with HIV/AIDS and cancer throughout San Diego County. Tickets are $125 in advance, $150 at the door ($250 VIP ticket includes pre-event reception and other privileges). Visit mamaskitchen.org.
RA fundraiser: RA Sushi Bar Restaurant will host its sixth annual "Nicky's Week" fundraiser from May 30 to June 5, benefiting the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. During that week, RA will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from a special "Nicky's Week" menu to the hospital. Go to rasushi.com or call 619-321-0021.
Dick's hosts strawberry fest: Dick's Sporting Goods hosts the 2010 Strawberry Festival 5K & Kids Run from 6:30 to 10 a.m. May 30 at 101 Wave Drive in Vista. The event includes a 5-kilometer race for adults, a 1-mile children's run, and strawberry sales, vendor booths, art displays, a health and fitness expo and more at the finish line. Cost to register is $20-$30. Visit www.kinanevents.com.
Classes
Alchemy of the Hearth: Offers cooking classes at its new location, 960 Rancheros Drive, Suite L, San Marcos. Classes at 4 p.m. are geared toward children and teens. Alchemy of the Hearth is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Go to alchemyofthehearth.com or call 760-233-2433.
-- 10 a.m. Thursday: Savory Tarts
-- 4 p.m. Thursday: Teen Chefs in the Making: Kitchen Know-How
-- 6 p.m. Thursday: All About Spices & Herbs (Cooking 101)
-- 10 a.m. Friday: How to Start Your Own Food-Based Business
-- 4 p.m. Friday: Teen Chefs in the Making: Italian Cookie Adventure
-- 6 p.m. Friday: The Art of Cuban Cooking
-- 10 a.m. Saturday: Basic Knife Skills (Cooking 101)
-- 1:30 p.m. Saturday: Eclairs & Creme Puffs
-- 5:30 p.m. Saturday: The Dinner Club
-- 10 a.m. Monday: Done in 20 Fast Foods
-- 4 p.m. Monday: Kids Candy Making
-- 6 p.m. Monday: Flavored Pasta from Scratch
-- 10 a.m. Tuesday: Cooking for One
-- 4 p.m. Tuesday: Kids Basic Italian
-- 6 p.m. Tuesday: Healthy Baby Homemade Foods (beginners, 4 to 6 months)
-- 10 a.m. Wednesday: Spa Cuisine at Home
-- 4 p.m. Wednesday: The Secret Life of a Chocolate Chip Cookie
-- 6 p.m. Wednesday: Around the World in Six Weeks: China
-- 10 a.m. March 11: Salsa!
-- 4 p.m. March 11: Kids Marshmallows
-- 6 p.m. March 11: Bread Baking for the Beginner
-- 10 a.m. March 12: Ravioli from Scratch
-- 4 p.m. March 12: Teen Chefs in the Making: The Italian Kitchen
-- 6 p.m. March 12: The Essential Ingredients
Alta Vista Gardens: Mary Dralle offers cooking classes one a month at Alta Vista Gardens, 1270 Vale Terrace Drive in Vista. Classes are $25 and include tastings and recipes; register to missklibs1@netzero.com.
Baking demos: King Arthur Flour Company is offering free two-hour baking demonstrations on Sweet Yeast Bread and Perfect Pies & Tarts. Demonstrations include recipes, coupons and chances to win prizes. Go to kingarthurflour.com/baking or call 800-827-6836:
-- March 12: Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach, 6450 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad ---- noon, Sweet Yeast Bread, 7 p.m. Perfect Pies & Tarts
-- March 13: Courtyard by Marriott, 2591 Lanning Road, San Diego ---- 11 a.m. Sweet Yeast Bread, 3 p.m. Perfect Pies & Tarts
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; $50 per person; call 858-592-7785.
Captain Cook's: Captain Cook's Culinary Academy for Kids hosts children's classes with a new organic menu each week: "Lil Explorers" (ages 4-7) from 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesdays; "First Mates" (ages 7 to 13), 4-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays or Thursdays. Mommy and Me classes for children ages 3 to 5 meet from 10-11 a.m. Thursdays and occasionally from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturdays; classes are three for $75. 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 offers adult classes at 7 p.m. Thursdays. Cost is $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.
Ciao Italia: Classes begin at 6:30 p.m. at Art & Accents, 7740 El Camino Real, at La Costa Avenue, in Carlsbad. Classes are $29; e-mail info@artandaccents.com or call 760-943-8221.
Cooking@Home: Phillis Carey will teach simple meals to cook at home at the Center for a Healthy Lifestyle, 533 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. Classes are $45 and start at 6 p.m. E-mail phillis@philliscarey.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.
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.
-- 6 p.m. Friday: Mac'n Cheese 101; $49
-- 9 a.m. Sunday: Nijiya Japanese Market Tour; $49
-- 6 p.m. Monday: Traditional Vietnamese Cuisine; $59
-- 10:30 a.m. Tuesday: St. Patrick's Day Party; $49
-- 6 p.m. Tuesday: Shrimp and Salmon Specialties; $49
-- 6 p.m. Wednesday: Make Room for Mushrooms; $49
-- 10:30 a.m. March 11: Chain Restaurant Favorites You Can Make At Home III; $49
-- 6 p.m. March 11: From Tokyo to Paris; $59
Inspired Gourmet: Inspired Gourmet offers cooking classes for $40 each at 29373 Broken Arrow Way in Murrieta. Go to hstrial-inspiredgourmet.intuitwebsites.com or call 951-894-7551.
-- 11 a.m. March 20: Tuscany with a Twist
-- 11 a.m. April 10: Greece
-- 6 p.m. April 15: Awesome Brunch
-- 11 a.m. April 24: Elegant and Easy Dinner
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.
-- 6 p.m. Friday: Spring Harvest and Wine Festival; $59
-- 6 p.m. Wednesday: Classic Steakhouse Cuisine; $59
-- 6 p.m. March 11: Margarita Festival; $59
-- 6 p.m. March 12: Spring Dinner Party; $59
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.
RB Classic Cooking: Charles Heineke teaches cooking classes in his commercial kitchen at 1291 Simpson Way, Escondido. Go to www.rbclassiccooking.com or call 858-442-5252.
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 visit rozsweetartstudio.com.
-- 9 a.m. Monday and Tuesday: Gumpaste Flower Workshop; $225
-- 6:30 p.m. March 11: Piping Basics With Brook; $45
San Diego Botanic Garden: Chef Elizabeth Podsiadlo, the "Opera Singing Chef," holds cooking classes at San Diego Botanic Garden (different teacher as noted); classes are $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers and include recipes and tastings. Call 760-436-3036, ext. 206, or go to sdbgarden.org.
-- 1:30 p.m. March 13: Slow Foods: For Every Meal, There is a Season
San Diego Natural History Museum: The museum will hold a series of lectures on sustainable food (lectures are $5), as well as food and gardening programs. Go to www.sdnhm.org/sustainableplanet:
-- 10 a.m. Saturday: Cooking for the Seasons ---- Spring; $25 members, $33 nonmembers
-- 6:30 p.m. March 11: Start a Vegetable Garden From Seed; $25 members, $33 nonmembers
-- 6:30 p.m. March 16: Mushroom Cultivation ---- Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms; $15 members, $20 nonmembers
-- 6:30 p.m. March 18: Introduction to Sustainable Gardening Techniques; $25 members, $33 nonmembers
-- 6:30 p.m. April 15: Gardening to Save, Conserve and Harvest Rain Water; $25 members, $33 nonmembers
-- 6:30 p.m. May 4: Developing Sustainable Foodsheds: The Next Steps in Eating Local; $5
-- 6:30 p.m. May 20: Growing Food Not Grass ---- Workshop and Lunch (field trip 11 a.m. May 22); $35 members, $43 nonmembers
-- 8 a.m. May 22: Flavors of Guadalupe Valley (field trip); $85 members, $95 nonmembers
Simply Cooking: The Carlsbad Senior Center will host a demonstration and food tasting at 3 p.m. March 17 at 799 Pine Ave. Instructor Steve Pettersen will demonstrate which herbs and spices complement foods and cooking methods that bring out the best flavors. The class is $5; call 760-602-4650.
Sur la Table: The Carlsbad location offers cooking classes at 1915 Calle Barcelona (in The Forum shops). Call 800-243-0851 or e-mail cooking046@surlatable.com.
-- 6:30 p.m. Friday: Pizza and Wine Pairing; $69
-- 10:30 a.m. Saturday: Bon Appetit: Baking with Eggs; $69
-- 2 p.m. Sunday: Nuevo Latino Cooking; $69
-- 6:30 p.m. Monday: Learn to Cook I: Working with Seasonings and Flavorings; $69
-- 6:30 p.m. Tuesday: Every Day Kitchen Essentials (three-part class); $185
-- 2 p.m. Wednesday: It's a Toss Up; $59
-- 6:30 p.m. March 11: Five Classic American Recipes Every Cook Should Know; $69
-- 6:30 p.m. March 12: Paella Party; $69
Tea service classes: Barbara Barker of Memories English Tea Garden in Vista offers themed classes and afternoon teas in a private Vista garden. For directions, call 760-945-0476.
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; go to thewholejourney.net.
Wine class: San Diego State University's College of Extended Studies will host a class called "Dynamic Wine and Food Pairing I" from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 13 at Vail Ranch Steakhouse, 27600 Jefferson Ave. in Temecula. The class is intended to help students prepare for success in wine-related occupations. The class is $195 ($225 after Friday); go to www.neverstoplearning.net or call 619-594-6924.
In the spirits
Acqua Al 2: The Gaslamp Quarter restaurant hosts wine tastings during "Uncorked" the first Wednesday of every month at 322 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.
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.
The Collective: Tasting lounge features one-of-a-kind, handmade boutique wines at 28544 Front Street in Old Town Temecula. Hours are 3 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, noon to midnight Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 10 p.m. Sundays. Call 951-693-4567 or go to tvwinecollective.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 and start at 4 p.m.; call 619-522-8546 or go to hoteldel.com/ENO-wine. The Hotel Del is at 1500 Orange Ave. in Coronado. ENO is also offering "Tasting Tuesdays" from 5 to 8 p.m., offering 10 wine samples for $10; "Say Cheese" Wednesdays from 5 to 10 p.m. with half-off cheese flights; "Bubbly Thursdays" from 5 to 10 p.m. with half-off sparkling wine by the glass or bottle; and $5 Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m. with $5 glasses of wine.
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. Holiday Wine Cellar also hosts "Dollar Mondays" from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays twice a month, with $1 beer and wine tastings for $1 each. Call 760-745-1200.
-- 5:30 p.m. Monday: Benzinger Winery from Sonoma; $5
-- 5:30 p.m. Wednesday: Rupert Symington of Symington Family Estates; $20
-- 5:30 p.m. March 15: William Hill Winery from Napa Valley; $5
-- 5:30 p.m. March 22: Selected wines from Pacific Wine & Spirits; $5
-- 5:30 p.m. March 24: Chronic Cellars wines; $10 advance, $15 day-of
-- 5:30 p.m. March 27: Beer Night with Ballast Point Brewery; $20 in advance, $25 day-of
-- 5:30 p.m. March 29: Sparkling Roses for Easter; $5
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.
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 at its new location, 2917 State St., Carlsbad. House tastings are offered any time; call for the tasting of the week. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday; 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.
