Casa de Bandini reopens: Casa de Bandini, the Mexican restaurant that Diane Powers operated in Old Town San Diego for 25 years until she lost her lease four years ago and was forced to close, reopens Thursday in The Forum shopping center in Carlsbad. Like the old Casa de Bandini (which operated in a historical 1829 adobe in Old Town), the new restaurant features the same colorful decor: Mexican folk art on the walls, festive umbrellas, Zapotec weavings, antiques and a hand-carved stone fountain. Mariachis will perform from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays. Casa de Bandini, at 1901 Calle Barcelona in Carlsbad, is open 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sundays. Call 760-634-3443.
Vistan a finalist for "Really Goode Job": Vista resident Anna-Marie Abell is one of 50 finalists for a dream job with Murphy-Goode Winery in Sonoma County. Abell, who owns her own viral marketing company in Vista, was one of just 50 candidates (from nearly 2,000 applicants) selected for the "Really Goode Job" contest. The winner will receive a six-month contract to create a new marketing strategy for the winery using Facebook, YouTube and other social media outlets to promote the company's wines. The pay is $10,000 a month plus free lodging in a luxurious home in Healdsburg. To snag the winery's attention, Abell created an audition video where she pops out of a glass of Murphy-Goode wine to talk about her qualifications (she has created hundreds of viral videos and marketing products through her Vista company Big Head Marketing). To see the finalists' videos, visit www.areallygoodejob.com/video-thumbs.aspx. The field will be narrowed Tuesday to the top 10 candidates and the winner will be chosen July 21.
Healthy Creations launches bakery: Healthy Creations, an organic meal assembly business owned by Rhiana Glor, is set to launch a bakery line at its store in Encinitas. The Healthy Bakery will offer naturally sweetened, gluten-free, healthy desserts and breads baked on-site. Items will include raw and vegan desserts, casein-free items and many other desserts for people with allergies. From 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. July 16, the store will host an open house where every visitor will receive one free bakery item, such as banana bread, brownies, yogurt/granola parfaits, frosted cupcakes, coffeecake, pear tarts and more. Healthy Creations is at 376 N. El Camino Real. Call 760-479-0500.
Friars Folly cuts prices: Friars Folly Wine Cellar in San Marcos said that its food costs have gone down, so it's passing the savings on to customers with lower menu prices. The restaurant's 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 to the menu (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, priced at $12.99 for a large and $10.99 for a medium. The Legends pizzas, which have 40 percent more cheese than previous Domino's pizzas, 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. July 9 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, so he promises his meals are nutritionally balanced and healthy. 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 its future meal concepts. The official Dude Food Consultant will star in a Web video on the Hungry-Man Website 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 along with 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.
DINING EVENTS
Falkner anniversary: Falkner Winery in Temecula is celebrating its ninth anniversary with a party Friday through Sunday. There will be jazz performances, winery tours, sales and other events. Selected wines will be up to 50 percent off, and wine will be raffled hourly between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., with the winner getting a chance to buy the wine for $1. Pinnacle Restaurant will offer a "Anniversary Special for 2" lunch with a shared appetizer, two entrees, shared dessert and two glasses of wine for $55. Go to falknerwinery.com.
Fourth of July barbecue: Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que will host an Independence Day barbecue at 7 p.m. Saturday in Vista's Brengle Terrace Park to raise money for the park's Alta Vista Botanical Gardens. The menu includes St. Louis spare ribs, roasted chicken, potato salad, corn muffins and beans, along with prime seating for the city's fireworks show at 9 p.m. Tickets are $50 for adults and $25 for children under 12. For reservations, call 760-945-3954 or visit altavistagardens.org.
Red Marlin celebrates the Fourth: Red Marlin will serve an all-American buffet from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday in honor of July 4. The buffet is $29 for adults and $12 for children ages 5 to 12. Red Marlin, at 1441 Quivira Road in San Diego, has a good view of SeaWorld San Diego's nightly fireworks display. Call 619-221-4868.
Vela goes to France this week: Vela, the dinnerhouse at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, is offering a French-inspired, four-course prix-fixe menu through Tuesday as part of its monthly Epicurean Explorations program. Items include Nouvelle Coquilles St. Jacques with diver scallops, duck confit, beef bourguignon and a nectarine tart. Cost is $50 with wine pairing, $39 without and $15 for wine only. The Epicurean Explorations program offers an internationally themed prix-fixe menu the first week of each month. The hotel is at 1 Park Blvd. in San Diego. Call 619.564-3333.
Bernard'O marks Bastille Day: The Rancho Bernardo restaurant hosts a celebration of France's independence day from 4:30 to 9 p.m. July 14 with a special menu of traditional French fare at 12457 Rancho Bernardo Road. Call 858-487-7171.
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.
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.
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 items (complete menus are online):
- July: 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 in the Jsix kitchen. 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. July 13: 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: We All Scream For Ice Cream!; $44
- 6 p.m. Thursday: Backyard BBQ Entrees with Marinades and Rubs; $49
- 6 p.m. Monday: Homemade Ravioli -- The Lotsa Pasta Way; $49
- 10:30 a.m. Tuesday: Great Sauces on Simple Grilled Entrees; $49
- 6 p.m. Tuesday: Hands On Tamales; $69
- 6 p.m. Wednesday: Hands On Advanced Sushi -- Beyond the Basics; $69
- 10:30 a.m. July 9: Authentic Vietnamese; $49
- 6 p.m. July 9: Fresh, Fast Fish; $49
- 6 p.m. July 10: Friday Night Dinner Party -- Asian BBQ; $49
- 11 a.m. July 11: Working with Phyllo Dough; $49
- 11 a.m. July 12: Calling All Kids -- Dinner & a Movie; $49 adult, $39 child (7-14)
- 6 p.m. July 13: Understanding Miso; $59
- 10:30 a.m. July 14: Teens Only -- Basic Knife Skills; $49
- 6 p.m. July 14: The Greatness of Garlic; $49
- 6 p.m. July 15: Vegetarian Delight; $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 July 11. 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. July 13-17 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; 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.
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: Sweet Shop!; basics of kitchen safety, proper use of utensils, decorate your treats
- July 13-17: 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 tasting events 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. July 12: 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.
Vino100: Wine tasting events offered every evening at 5 p.m. at its store 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: Hosts 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 Wednesday, July 1, 2009 12:00 am Updated: 6:47 am. | Tags: Food.briefs.7.02, Food, Life, Nct, Z.google.entertainment, Z.google.food_and_beverage
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