Alchemy of the Hearth postpones open house:TheEscondido-based cooking school has postponed its open house, whichwas originally scheduled for Saturday at its new location at 1291Simpson Way, Suite H, in Escondido. School owner Arleen Lloyd saidthe opening of the school’s kitchen was unexpectedly delayed so shewas forced to reschedule the open house for another time in thenear future. For more, visitalchemyofthehearth.com.
Slow Food cancels Stagecoach Days:Taste ofSlow Food Urban San Diego announced Tuesday that it is cancelingits annual Stagecoach Days fundraiser, which was scheduled for thisSunday in Old Town San Diego, because of slow ticket sales. Forrefund details, visitslowfoodurbansandiego.org.
Froots opens in Encinitas:Froots, a juice andsmoothie bar and sandwich shop, has opened at 127 N. El CaminoReal, Suite J, in Encinitas. The story carries fresh-fruitsmoothies, panini and wrap sandwiches, salads, soups. The shop isopen from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.Sundays. Call 760-436-6300 orfroots.com.
La Bonne Bouffe adds lunch:La Bonne Bouffe, aFrench restaurant in Encinitas, has recently added lunch servicefor the first time in its 27-year history. Owner Dino Dimitriousaid that since he opened for lunch — from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Tuesdays-Fridays — last month, business has grown each week. Lunchentrees are smaller portions of the regular dinner menu, pricedfrom $6 to $20. The restaurant at 471 Encinitas Blvd. is also nowoffering Bistro Nights, a four-course, prix-fixe menu for $31 onSundays-Thursdays. Call 760-436-3081.
Fair hosts “Cooking with Beer” contest:As partof the San Diego County Fair’s International Beer Festival onSaturday, chefs are invited to enter a “Cooking With Beer” contestat 12:30 p.m. that afternoon. Chefs must use beer in their entry,which will be cooked at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, and may be in thecategories of baked item, appetizer or main dish. First-placeprizes of $25 (and a free beer fest pass) will be awarded on thebasis of flavor, appearance, preparation and uniqueness. Visitsdfair.com/beer.
Boudin offers summer special:Boudin SF in SanMarcos is offering a “Best of Boudin” summer light lunch special: abistro sandwich on sourdough with a side of mixed greens for $4.99.The special runs through July 16 at 113 S. Las Posas Road. Call760-761-1150.
Tango serves lunch: Tango Restaurant & Lounge at 417W. Grand Ave. in Escondido is now serving lunch from 11:30 a.m. to3 p.m. Monday through Friday. New lunch items include Crab Tostada,Oyster Po’ Boy and Roast Beef Panini. Go totangoongrand.comor call760-747-5000.
Brigantine goes “Wild About 40″: To celebrate its 40thanniversary, the Brigantine Family of Restaurants is featuring a”Wild About 40″ dinner special for two on Thursday nights throughJuly 30 at all of its locations (including Brigantine and Zocalorestaurants). The dinners, an extension of the company’s”40-for-40” dining program, features a three-course dinner for twofor $40 per couple. The menu will vary but will include at leastone item of “Taste of the Wild” sustainable wild Alaskan seafood.La Crema wine pairings are available for an extra cost. Diners canalso sample “Taste of the Wild” seafood dishes seven days a weekthrough July. Visitbrigantine.com.
Summer at Harrah’s:Harrah’s Rincon is spicingup summer with a New Orleans jazz brunch every Sunday in June, andfrom 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday in July, there will be a jazzbrunch with live music for $16.99 at the International Buffet (withchampagne for $1 per glass). There will also be drink specialsMonday through Thursday and happy hour at the Sports Pit from 4 to7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Harrah’s is at 33750 Valley CenterRoad; go toharrahsrincon.com.
Locavores unite:The recent launch of LocavoreNetwork allows users to search more than 15,000 grower, producer,winery and restaurant listings based on state, ZIP code, commodityor business to find places to buy or eat locally. Check it out atlocavorenetwork.com.
Pala Casino expansion complete:Pala Casino Spaand Resort recently completed its $100 million expansion, whichincluded the opening of Choices, Amigo’s and Sushi Sakerestaurants. Choices buffet has eight live-action cooking stationsand 2,000 hot and cold food items. Amigo’s offers authentic Mexicancuisine with items such as Chile Rellenos, Pala Nachos Grande andCarne de Cerdo con Chile Verde Burrito. Sushi Sake is afull-service sushi bar with sashimi, sake, sushi rolls, nigiri andspecialty rolls including Pala Deluxe (king crab tempura, avocadoand asparagus wrapped with soy paper, topped with albacore andvegetable sauce) and Prime Rib (shrimp tempura, avocado andcucumber topped with marinated prime rib beef). Go topalacasino.com.
Summer at The Linkery:The Linkery, afarm-to-table restaurant in San Diego’s North Park, is holdingseveral events and specials this summer at 3794 30th St. SmokehouseSundays feature meats cooked over oak, including lamb, porkshoulders, links and ribs, for $29 (includes beans, coleslaw andcorn). The restaurant will also offer Lardo Ice Cream Sandwiches(handmade ice cream flavored with house-cured lardo, organic TazaOaxacan-style chocolate-chip cookies, candied bacon butts andcaramel sauce) and Micheladas and Kombucha. Go tothelinkery.com.
Tango summer sunset menu:Tango Restaurant andLounge at 417 W. Grand Ave. in Escondido is offering a SummerSunset 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 totangoongrand.com.
New summer menu at Clubhouse Grill:TheClubhouse Grill at the Grand Del Mar Resort in Carmel Valley isoffering three summer dining and drink specials through Labor Day.From 4 to 7 p.m. daily, a happy hour special features $3 beers, $4glasses of wine and bottles of wine from $20. Family-style diningspecials are offered from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Saturdays all summer, withcommunal plates of appetizers, entrees and desserts for $40 peradult and $24 per child (ages 6 to 12). And from 4 to 7 p.m.Sundays, the grill offers Sizzling Sunday Barbecues, patio diningwith a new barbecue cuisine each week, priced at $45 for adults and$22.50 per child. The resort is at 5200 Grand Del Mar Way. Visitthegranddelmar.com.
Corvette Diner reopens in Point Loma:After 22years in Hillcrest, the Corvette Diner has relocated to a largerlocation in Point Loma’s Liberty Station at 2965 Historic DecaturRoad. The Cohn Restaurant Group announced that the new location istwice the size of the former Hillcrest eatery, with seating for300, and lots of parking. The new location, which opened on Monday,also has the Gamer’s Garage, a 5,500-square-foot arcade with morethan 50 arcade games. To celebrate the opening, the Cohn group willhost a Corvette Diner & Gamers Garage Summer Bash on July11-12. The event will include a Corvette car show, live music,children’s crafts and giveaways. Call 619-542-1476.
Hacienda de Vega offers summer specials:Through Aug. 31, the Escondido Mexican restaurant is offering apool party takeout promotion with 20 percent off takeout orders, a”sandy toes” promotion with a 15 percent meal discount and aspecial dessert promotion for children. Call 760-738-9804 or visithaciendedevega.com.
Temecula winery earns international honor:LaCereza Winery’s 2006 Viognier earned the Best of Show award forwhite wines at the 2009 Critics Challenge International WineCompetition in San Diego last month. The wine, created by winemakerGus Vizgirda and assistant Jim Swelgin at the Temecula winery, wasamong more than 1,400 varietals judged by a panel of 14international wine critics at the sixth annual contest held May23-24 at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego. Earning gold medals atthe competition were Callaway Vineyards’ 2008 Quartet WinemakersReserve and Wilson Creek Winery’s 2006 Estate Syrah.
South Coast Winery hires new director:Temecula’s South Coast Winery has hired Hank Anderson as its newdirector of sales and catering. Anderson’s 14-year hospitalitycareer includes previous positions at the La Quinta Resort, RiveriaResort & Spa and Hyatt Grand Champions.
Home-delivered meal service debuts:CharlesHeineke, executive chef at RB Classic Cooking & Catering, hasintroduced a home-delivery meal service. Menus rotate weekly andorders may be placed up to three months in advance with pricesranging from $35 to $50 for four meals. Most deliveries are onMondays and Tuesdays. Heineke spent 15 years as the chef forMission Bay Hospital, so he promises his meals are nutritionallybalanced and healthy. Call 858-964-8513 or visitrbclassiccooking.comformenus.
New kitchen store in Murrieta:Murrieta Cooks!,a new store carrying kitchen gadgets, cooking tools, cookbooks,high-end cookware and gourmet food items, has opened in the TownCentre Plaza at 24831 Jefferson Ave., Suite 107, in Murrieta. Thestore offers cooking classes, demonstrations and tastings three tofour days a week. Call 951-461-8898 or visitmurrietacooks.com.
Win a cigar cave:Partagas Cigars is hosting anational contest where cigar smokers can with $10,000 to create theultimate Partagas Cigar Cave in their home. Between now and July31, cigar fans can enter videos, photos and written descriptions ofwhy they need their own cigar cave atpartagascigarcave.com. To enter,participants must buy a four-pack of Partagas Black Label cigarsfor a redemption code. The winner will be selected on or beforeAug. 21.
Hungry-Man search under way:The makers ofHungry-Man frozen dinners are hunting for an American man to serveas the inspiration for its future meal concepts. The official DudeFood Consultant will star in a Web video on the Hungry-Man Websiteand will receive a cash prize of $1,000, as well as coupons forfree dinners. Entrants must be over 18, U.S. residents and mustsubmit a photo of themselves feasting on Hungry-Man meals alongwith a description of why they should win the “I Am The Hungry-Man”sweepstakes. Visitwww.hungry-man.com.
Dining events
Beer & Sake Festival:The Japan Society ofSan Diego and Tijuana hosts its seventh annual festival from 6 to10 p.m. Thursday at the San Diego Marriott Del Mar, 11966 El CaminoReal, San Diego. The beer, sake and rice wine tastings event willbe highlighted by the SushiMaster’s California Regional Competitionpitting the state’s top sushi chefs against one another in a livesushi styling contest. The contest will be emceed by Sam “TheCooking Guy” Zien of Encinitas and Junichi f*ckushima of Benihana.Cost is $60. Visitwww.japansociety.org.
Bernard’O wine dinner:The Rancho Bernardorestaurant will have a wine dinner featuring Iron Horse Vineyardsfrom Sonoma County at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. The evening will beginwith a reception on the patio and moves to a four-course meal withpairings. Cost is $75; the restaurant is at 12457 Rancho BernardoDrive. Call 858-487-7171 or go tobernardorestaurant.com.
Cafe Sevilla celebrates 22 years:Cafe Sevilla,the first Spanish restaurant in San Diego and the longest-runningnightclub in the Gaslamp Quarter, will celebrate 22 years in thebusiness with a Summer Boat Party on San Diego Bay from 8 p.m. to12 a.m. Friday. More than 500 guests can fit on the Lord Hornblowerwith live salsa music and live DJs. Go tocafesevilla.com/boatgala;tickets are $30 online before Wednesday and increase to $40 after($45 day of event). Cafe Sevilla is at 555 Fourth Ave. in theGaslamp Quarter.
San Diego International Beer Festival:The SanDiego County Fair hosts its third annual, two-day celebration ofhandcrafted beers from all over the world from 4 to 8 p.m. Fridayand from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday. More than 300 brews from 20states and 17 will compete for prizes at the event. Last year’sbest of Show award went to the West Coast India Pale Ale by GreenFlash Brewery in Vista. Beer-lovers can buy a wristband thatentitles them to unlimited 1-ounce samplings of beers entered inthe contest. Festival is at the Chevrolet Del Mar Arena, Del MarFairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. Advance ticketprices are $27 for Friday; $37 for Saturday; $64 for a two-day pass(includes fair admission; cost is $6 more at the gate). Visitsdfair.com/beer.
San Diego County Wineries Barrel Tasting:Julian’s Menghini Winery hosts a tasting of barrel samples of newwines and recent releases from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday at 1150 JulianOrchards Drive. Call 760-765-2072.
American Legion fundraiser:The OceansideAmerican Legion Auxiliary Unit 146 will hold a fundraiser at 1 p.m.Saturday at Q’s Restaurant. 2725 Vista Way in Oceanside. Proceedsbenefit current and retired military personnel. Call760-433-0147.
Little Italy celebrates The Mercato:LittleItaly’s farmers market, The Mercato, is celebrating its one-yearanniversary with plenty of Italian food. On Saturday, vendors fromthe market and local chefs will team to build a 24-food longcaprese salad, and shoppers will be able to buy a portion of itafter it is completed. On Saturday, there will be a BruschettaShowdown as six local chefs compete to make the best bruschetta(according to the judges). The Mercato is held Saturdays on DateStreet from Kettner to Union. Go tolittleitalymercato.com.
Taste of Adams Avenue:More than 20 restaurantsand pubs will offer tastings at this ninth annual self-guidedculinary tour of the San Diego neighborhoods of Kensington, NormalHeights and North Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are$25 in advance or $30 at the door, 4649 Hawley Blvd., San Diego.Call 619-233-5008 or visitadamsaveonline.com.
Sustainability dinner at the Del:1500 OCEAN atthe Hotel del Coronado, Chef de Cuisine Brian Sinnott, ExecutiveChef John Shelton and Executive Sous Chef Michael Catalano willhold the second “sustainable food” dinner this year at 6 p.m.Tuesday. The Farmers Market Sustainability Celebration will featurelocal and regional farmers, purveyors and winemakers on the WindsorLawn; participants include Temecula’s Crow’s Pass Farms and SanMarcos’ Fresh Origins Micro Greens. There will be samples from eachparticipant, followed by a dinner from the Del’s chefs with wineschosen by ENO Wine Director Ted Glennon. Tickets are $95; call619-522-8490 (reservations required). Go todine1500ocean.com.
Falkner anniversary:Falkner Winery in Temeculais celebrating its ninth anniversary with a party July 3-5. Therewill be jazz performances, winery tours, sales and other events.Selected wines will be up to 50 percent off, and wine will beraffled each hour between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., with the winnergetting a chance to buy the wine for $1. Pinnacle Restaurant willoffer a “Anniversary Special for 2” lunch with a shared appetizer,two entrees, shared dessert and two glasses of wine for $55. Go tofalknerwinery.com.
Fourth of July barbecue:Famous Dave’sBar-b-Que will host an Independence Day barbecue at 7 p.m. July 4in Vista’s Brengle Terrace Park to raise money for the park’s AltaVista Botanical Gardens. The menu includes St. Louis spare ribs,roasted chicken, potato salad, corn muffins and beans, along withprime 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 visitaltavistagardens.org.
Aqua Terra beer dinner:Pala Mesa Resort’s AquaTerra Restaurant will present a four-course, patio beer dinner at 7p.m. July 16. The menu will include goat cheese fritters, Chileanseabass, gorgonzola-stuffed filet mignon and grilled portobellomushrooms; cost is $50. Pre-dinner co*cktails at 6:30 p.m. Pala Mesais at 2001 Old Highway 395, Fallbrook. Call 760-731-6805.
Legacy dinner at Wilson Creek:Wilson CreekWinery in Temecula will host a Summer Legacy Dinner with Gerry andRosie Wilson at 6 p.m. July 18 in the winery’s Barrel Room. Thefour-course dinner with wine pairings is $145 per person. Call951-699-9463 or go towilsoncreekwinery.com.
Southern California Wine Country Fifth Annual WineCompetition:The Temecula Valley Wine Society host athree-day wine showdown July 27-29 at Maurice Car’rie Winery, 34225Rancho California Road in Temecula. Wineries from Riverside, L.A.,Orange, San Bernardino and San Diego counties will submit wines forblind tastings by a panel of judges. The event culminates in anawards dinner July 29 at Wiens Family Cellars. Tickets are $55.Visittemeculawines.org.
Taste of Fallbrook:Connections Networking’sHot Summer Nites series continues with a showcase of Fallbrook’srestaurants from 5 to 8 p.m. July 31. An estimated 750 people areexpected to attend the outdoor event in Fallbrook’s Village Square.Call 760-505-5119 or visitconnectionsfallbrook.com.
Experience Jsix:Jsix restaurant and ChefChristian Graves will begin offering the “Chef’s KitchenExperience” on select Sundays beginning Aug. 2. The experienceincludes an outing to the Hillcrest Farmers Market to selectingredients that will then be prepared as part of a three-coursemeal in the Jsix kitchen. Transportation to the market and back,the three-course meal, wine or co*cktail pairing with each courseand 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 GaslampQuarter. Go tojsixsandiego.com.
Taste of Mainstreet:Nearly three dozendowntown Encinitas restaurants, bars and businesses will offertastings 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 ar $25 and canbe ordered online atencinitas101.com.
Orfila Vineyards Grape Stomp:The Escondidowinery hosts its annual crushing of the grapes from 4 to 8 p.m.Aug. 29 at 13455 San Pasqual Valley Road. Event includes grapestomp, buffet dinner, dancing to live music, hay rides, winetasting and winery tours. Cost is $85 and always sells out all 400tickets in advance. Reserve to 800-868-9463.
Taste of Downtown:More than 50 restaurantswill participating in this downtown San Diego tastings event from 5to 9 p.m. Sept. 24. Restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter, financialdistrict, East Village and Little Italy will offer menu samplings.Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the gate. For tickets, call619-233-5008 or visitwww.dtsd.org.
Ponte grape stomp:The Temecula winery hostsits 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:Artisansand gourmet chefs will return to The Lodge at Torrey Pines on Oct.31 and Nov. 1 for “Celebrate the Craft,” a showcase for regionallygrown ingredients, cooking and winemaking. Food and wine will bepaired with The Torrey Pines Plein Air Invitational. Featuredevents include a reception and art auction on Oct. 31 (dinner is$125) and a picnic on the Arroyo Terrace on Nov. 1 with foodstations ($65). Call 858-453-4420 or go tolodgetorreypines.com.
San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival:CookingLight magazine will sponsor the annual festival, scheduled for Nov.18-22 in San Diego. This year’s festival will feature wine-tastingseminars, cooking classes, reserve tastings and the Grand TastingEvent, an all-day showcase of more than 800 wines, 70 localrestaurants and 30 gourmet foodmakers. Tickets are on sale at619-342-7337 orworldofwineevents.com.
The Shores tasting menus:The Shores Restaurantoffers monthly wine tasting menus, which include a three-coursemeal from 5 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The menu is $35 withwine and $25 without (regular menu is also available). The Shoresis at 8110 Camino del Oro in La Jolla; call 858-456-0600 or go totheshoresrestaurant.com.Featured items (complete menus are online):
– June: Alaskan king salmon
– July: Baja shrimp
Classes
Behind the Scenes Catering & Events:Thecatering company teaches customers to prepare not-so-typical foodson the grill — pizza, sliders, salad and pork loin — in itskitchen at 9888 Waples St., San Diego. Call 858-638-1400 or go tobtscenes.com.
Cafe Merlot:The restaurant in the BernardoWinery will hold wine and cooking classes this month at 13330 Paseodel Verano Norte in Rancho Bernardo. Classes are $50 per person;call 858-592-7785.
– 5:30 p.m. Tuesday: Secrets of French Chefs
Captain Cook’s children’s classes:CaptainCook’s Culinary Academy for Kids hosts classes for children with anew organic menu every week: “Lil Explorers” (ages 4-7) from 3:30-5p.m. Tuesdays; “First Mates” (ages 7 to 13), 3:30-5 p.m. Mondays orWednesdays. Classes cost $40 or $100 for three. Captain Cook’s isat 6986 El Camino Real, Suite C. Call 760-431-2278 or go towww.captaincooksculinaryacademy.com.
– Next week: Around the World Camp — Each day, campers willcreate dishes from a different place in the world, including Italy,France, Greece, Mexico and China; $200 for week
Captain Cook’s adult classes:Captain Cook’sCulinary Academy for Kids is hosting adult classes at 7 p.m.Thursdays. All classes are $45 (or $120 for three). Captain Cook’sis at 6986 El Camino Real, Suite C, Carlsbad. Call 760-431-2278 orgo towww.captaincooksculinaryacademy.com.
Grand Del Mar Culinary series:These monthlytwo-hour sessions take place year-round, conducted by the resort’schefs. Call 858-314-2000. The Grand Del Mar is at 5300 Grand DelMar Court. Classes are in the resort kitchen unless otherwisenoted. Upcoming:
– 6:30 p.m. July 13: A Taste for Tomatoes — Chef WilliamBradley teaches how to make Tomato Vinaigrette, Oven-RoastedTomatoes and Tomato Sorbet; $95 (at Addison)
– 6:30 p.m. Aug. 12: Summer on Ice — Lobster co*cktail, WestCoast 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 whitesfor fall, and pairings such as Braised Short Ribs with Apple Pureeand Seared Scallops with Parsnip Puree; $75
– 6:30 p.m. Nov. 18: Traditional Thanksgiving Family Feast –Chef Camron Woods will teach recipes for Thanksgiving, includingRoasted Turkey, Cranberry Stuffing and Potato Puree; $75
– 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2: A Baker’s Holiday — Pastry Chef ThierryDelourneaux will demonstrate Chocolate Ganache Buche de Noel,Pumpkin Creme Brulee, Painted Cookies and Citrus Panna Cotta;$65
Great News! Discount Cookware & CookingSchool:The San Diego school hosts cooking classes at 1788Garnet Ave. (in the Pacific Plaza at Garnet Avenue and JewellStreet); reserve to 858-270-1582, ext. 3, or go towww.great-news.com. Reserve early;classes fill quickly:
– 10:30 a.m. Thursday: Chinese Dinner Party; $44
– 6 p.m. Thursday: Summer Salad Suppers; $49
– 6 p.m. Friday: Friday Night Dinner Party — Hawaiian Flavors;$49
– 1 p.m. Saturday: Hands-on Basic Sushi; $69
– 9 a.m. Sunday: Nijiya Japanese Market Tour; $49
– 11 a.m. Sunday: Calling All Kids — Pasta Makes Perfect; $49adult, $39 child (7-14)
– 6 p.m. Monday: An Evening with Kensington Grill; $49
– 10:30 a.m. Tuesday: Fast, Fresh and Easy Everyday Dishes;$49
– 6 p.m. Tuesday: Keeping it Simple — Full Flavor with FewIngredients; $49
– 6 p.m. Wednesday: Tuscan al Fresco; $49
– 10:30 a.m. July 2: We All Scream For Ice Cream!; $44
– 6 p.m. July 2: Backyard BBQ Entrees with Marinades and Rubs;$49
– 6 p.m. July 6: Homemade Ravioli — The Lotsa Pasta Way;$49
– 10:30 a.m. July 7: Great Sauces on Simple Grilled Entrees;$49
– 6 p.m. July 7: Hands On Tamales; $69
– 6 p.m. July 8: 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; $49adult, $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 healthand fitness professional Kelly Jean Dammeyer will host a class onhealthy cooking and meal-planning from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at1839 S. Coast Highway 101 in Oceanside. Register to760-696-7084.
The Kitchen Witch:The Encinitas school hostscooking classes at 127 N. El Camino Real; call 760-942-3288 or gotowww.kitchenwitchonline.com.
Lavender Tea Class:Barbara Barker of MemoriesEnglish Tea Garden in Vista will teach how to prepare and serve anafternoon tea at noon July 11. Lesson includes an art show and howto 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 theMacy’s Mission Valley Home Store, 1555 Camino de la Reina, SanDiego. Call 888-424-FOOD or go tomacys.com/eventsand type 92108 inthe ZIP code field:
– 11 a.m. July 13-17 or 11 a.m. July 27-31: Macy’s Kids in theKitchen with Janet Burgess; $175
– 11 a.m. Aug. 3-7: Macy’s Teens in the Kitchen with five localchefs; $210
Quail Botanical Gardens:Chef ElizabethPodsiadlo, the “Opera Singing Chef,” holds cooking classes at QuailBotanical Gardens; classes are $25 for members and $30 fornonmembers and include recipes and tastings. Call 760-436-3036,ext. 206, or go toqbgardens.org.
Ro Z’s Sweet Art Studio:Rosanne Zinniger’scake decorating shop and studio at 277 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road, SanMarcos, offers classes in cake decorating. Call 760-744-0447 orrozsweetartstudio.com.The studio is also offering summer culinary adventures for kids onmaking favorite dishes with a healthy twist; cost is $200 for 15hours of instruction from Rosanne. Call Palomar College for Kids at760-744-1150, ext. 2702, for the camps.
– July 6-10: Sweet Shop!; basics of kitchen safety, proper useof utensils, decorate your treats
– July 13-17: Cooking Academy for Kids!; hands-on techniques formaking cooking fun
SDSU Extended Studies:The college will offeran “Exploring Wine” course at 6 p.m. Mondays running through July6. The course offers an overview on the role and influence of winein history and today’s culture. Class is $295, and cost rises to$325 after Monday. Call 619-594-6924 or go toneverstoplearning.net/wine.html.
The Whole Journey:The Whole Journey, aholistic counseling and product awareness company, will offer freegrocery tours at Seaside Market at 2087 San Elijo Road(760-753-5445) in Cardiff, free health and nutrition seminars atWhole Foods at 8825 Villa La Jolla Drive in La Jolla(858-642-6700), and cooking classes at Sur La Table at 1915 CalleBarcelona in Carlsbad (760-635-1316). Call to reserve a space; gotothewholejourney.net.
In the spirits
Acqua Al 2:The Gaslamp Quarter restauranthosts wine tasting events during “Uncorked” the first Wednesday ofevery month at 310 Fifth Ave. in San Diego. For $20, guests tastefour wine/spirit selections paired with four appetizers.Reservations are required; call 619-230-0382 or go toacquaal2.com:
– 6:30 p.m. Wednesday: Chef’s Choice
– 6:30 p.m. Aug. 5: Warm-weather reds, celebratingFerragosto
Carlsbad Wine Merchants:Hosts tastings at 5p.m. Fridays and 4 to 7 p.m. Saturdays for a fee at 5814 Van AllenWay, Suite 155, Carlsbad. Call 888-750-WINE or visitwww.CarlsbadWineMerchants.com.
Decanter Wine Lounge & Restaurant:TheRancho Santa Fe restaurant and wine lounge hosts wine tastingclasses every Wednesday at 18025 Calle Ambiente (in the CieloHillside Village). Tastings are $15; reservations are required.Call 858-756-9333 or go todecanterwinelounge.co.:
ENO-Versity at the Hotel Del:ENO, the wine,cheese and chocolate tasting room at the Hotel del Coronado, hasannounced its 2009 classes for ENO-Versity. Classes are $35 perperson; call 619-522-8546 or go tohoteldel.com. The Hotel Del is at 1500Orange Ave. in Coronado.
– 4 p.m. Saturday: Malm Cellars from Sonoma County
Fifty Barrels Winery and Tasting Room:Hoststastings from 5 to 8 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdaysat 3800 Oceanic Drive, Suite 106, Oceanside. Call 760-696-2998 orgo tocarlsbadcoastal.com.
Harvest Ranch Market Del Mar: Wine tastingsfrom 5-7:30 p.m. plus appetizers for $10-$20. The store is at 1555Camino Del Mar, Suite 203, Del Mar. Call 858-847-0555.
Holiday Wine Cellar:Daily tastings from 5:30-7p.m. at 302 W. Mission Ave., Escondido. Wine Down Mondays featurefive wine tastes for $5 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays, and “Hop Overthe Hump Wednesdays” are weekly beer-tasting events for $5. Call760-745-1200.
– 6 p.m. Thursday: Wine 101; $15
– 5:30 p.m. Friday: Sweet & Sticky Dessert Wine Tasting;$15
– 5:30 p.m. Saturday: Lost Abbey beer tasting; $15 advance, $20at door
The North County Wine Company:Tastings dailyat 1099 San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos, plus special events from 10a.m.-8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon-6 p.m. Sundays. Call760-744-2119 or visitwww.NorthCountyWineCompany.com.Upcoming:
– 6 p.m. Friday: Summer White Out; $10
Stone Brewery:The popular Escondido brewery ishosting a series of pairings in the next few months at the breweryand gardens, 1999 Citracado Parkway in Escondido. Call 760-471-4999or go towww.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 nowoffers tastings from 10 San Diego wineries from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.Thursdays-Saturdays for $5, which includes four tastes and a SanDiego Vintners Association souvenir wine glass, at 735 E. MissionRoad, San Marcos. Call 760-471-9192.
Vino100:Wine tasting events offered everyevening at 5 p.m. at its store at 133 S. Las Posas Road in SanMarcos. Also, on Wednesdays in April, dollar tastings are offered.Call 760-591-9113 or go tovino100sanmarcos.com.
Vinz Wine Bar:Full restaurant menu with widewine menu by the glass or bottle. Tastings are from $5-$10 from 5to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and 3 to 5 p.m. Saturdays, and come withcharcuterie and cheese. Live music on Saturdays. Vinz is at 201 E.Grand Ave., Escondido. Call 760-743-8466 or visitvinzwinebar.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 anappetizer cost $20. House tastings any time are $15. Call760-434-9463 or visitthe-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 visitwww.winestreet.com.
Wine Styles:The Encinitas wine store hoststastings 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 eightwines and snacks. The shop also hosts WineDown Fridays, whereguests enjoy wine and live music and can bring in food tosocialize. Call 760-633-0057.
Send information about local food products, food events orclasses to Food Editor Pam Kragen, North County Times, 207 E.Pennsylvania Ave., Escondido, CA 92025; fax to 760-745-3769, ore-mail tofood@nctimes.com.
