Showcasing California excellence at Celebrate the Craft
Celebrate the Craft returned to The Lodge at Torrey Pines on April 27 with a showstopping display of California’s finest culinary and wine talent. Set...
Frank Mangio
The Kitchen at MCASD: La Jolla art, ocean and culinary brilliance
When the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) reemerged from its extensive COVID-era transformation in 2022, it wasn’t just the art scene that was...
Marisi La Jolla: A masterpiece in Italian elegance
When Marisi La Jolla opened in 2022, it introduced a new level of Italian fine dining to La Jolla Village. The space exudes vintage coastal...
Taste of Wine and Food’s Top 10 Wines of 2024
This year has been remarkable for Taste of Wine and Food. Reflecting on the past decade, I can confidently say 2024 has been a banner...
Beyond the Cellar: A celebration of exceptional wines, food
For wine lovers, Beyond the Cellar at The Lodge at Torrey Pines was an absolute delight. Held in the stunning coastal setting of La Jolla,...
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...
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...
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...
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."...
Wine Birds, new Carlsbad wine shop, hosts Riddle Wines tasting
Our visit to Carlsbad's newest wine shop was timed with a wine tasting with owner/winemaker Jeremy Riddle....
Hand-crafted Asian cuisine inside Glass Box
My search for a hip Asian fusion eatery is over. Thank you, Glass Box!...
Vittorio’s starts 2024 wine series with Trefethen
Vittorio’s Italian Trattoria start its 2024 wine dinner series Jan. 25 with Napa Valley’s Trefethen Family Vineyards....