Del Mar’s Urbana dishes up authentic Mexican cuisine
Restaurateur Javier Cuadra, born in Michoacán, Mexico, drew inspiration from his homeland’s rich culture and street food to open his own restaurant. While studying international...
Taste of Wine
Vittorio’s hosts Justin Vineyards wine dinner
Vittorio’s proprietor, Victor Magalhaes, and executive chef Angel Gijon created a four-course wine dinner paired with Justin Vineyards wines. Sommelier David Sheline, sales consultant for...
A pizza pilgrimage with Gianni Buonomo Vintners
For the past three years, I’ve hosted Keith Rolle, owner and winemaker of Gianni Buonomo Vintners, and Al Dorvinen, Giannia Buonomo’s wine club manager, at...
Rombauer wine dinners at The Butcher Shop Steakhouse
When The Butcher Shop Steakhouse announced Rombauer wine dinners featuring five varietals, it was clear that proprietor Sal Ercolano would sell out these events. Over...
California Wine Festival returns to Carlsbad’s Park Hyatt Aviara
The California Wine Festival returned to Carlsbad’s Park Hyatt Aviara Resort for two days of alfresco tasting events, offering guests the opportunity to sample wines...
Park 101: Carlsbad’s elevated beach smokehouse
Park 101 is Carlsbad’s unique spot for community dining, lounging and stylish sipping in the heart of Carlsbad Village. The 8,000-square-foot, multi-level, plaza-style complex offers...
Exploring Temecula: Falkner Winery, Pinnacle Restaurant and Wiens Cellars
When Ray Falkner invited Frank and me to Falkner Winery to explore their new spring/summer Mediterranean menu at their Pinnacle Restaurant, our answer was an...
A visit to Napa Valley’s historic Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
In 1970, Warren and Barbara Winiarski purchased a 35-acre prune orchard in Napa Valley and replanted it with cabernet sauvignon and merlot in predominantly volcanic...
Savoring the beauty, wines of Antinori Napa Valley
After enjoying an Antinori Wine Dinner at The Butcher Shop, when my recent vacation led me to Napa Valley, I wanted to experience Antinori Napa...
Ditching South Lake Tahoe to visit Napa Valley wineries
Despite living in California for over 30 years, my wife Mary and I have never visited Lake Tahoe. Upon arrival, we quickly learned that bustling...
Markham, Hall vineyards headline local Napa Valley wine dinners
West End Bar & Kitchen and The Butcher Shop recently hosted wine dinners from two renowned Napa Valley wineries. The first was a Markham Winemaker...
TERI debuts new arts center with J. Lohr wine dinner, concert
TERI Campus of Life celebrated the grand opening of its performing arts & fine arts center....
Revisiting Carlsbad Village’s Fresco Cocina
We revisited Fresco Cocina in Carlsbad Village, where executive chef Travis McKinnon presents a modern take on Latin cuisine. “The creative menu fuses Peruvian tradition...
Cori Trattoria Pastificio, a Gambero Rosso Three-Forks awardee
The North Park eatery recently earned a place in the esteemed "Top Italian Restaurant 2024 Guide."...
Family Winemakers of California holds annual tasting in Del Mar
Family Winemakers of California, described as an “organization that reflects the small producer’s point of view,” has been the voice for small family wineries for...