Wine Spectator uncorks world-class wines in San Diego
For years, Frank Mangio waxed poetically about the Wine Spectator Grand Tours he attended in Las Vegas. This year, Grand Tour expanded to Denver, San...
Rico Cassoni
CTZN brings Basque spirit, California soul to Solana Beach
CTZN is the creation of Willy Wu Jye Hwa and Karine Beers, a brother-sister duo whose warmth and hospitality are as memorable as the food...
La Costa’s Nomada a bold new chapter for GRG; Encinitas’ Pastaria Vivi opens
Recently opened in La Costa, Nómada marks an exciting new chapter for the San Diego-based Grand Restaurant Group (GRG). The concept is led by newly...
Dora Ristorante brings Tre Forchette distinction to La Jolla
Chef Accursio Lota and Corinne Goria, the husband-and-wife team behind North Park’s acclaimed Cori Pastificio Trattoria, a Gambero Rosso Tre Forchette awardee, have opened Dora...
Del Mar’s Zen Modern Asian Bistro delivers next-level Chinese cuisine
When MSG Hospitality Group reached out to let me know that Zen Modern Asian Bistro was relocating from its Sabre Springs location to Del Mar’s...
Our Top 10 wines of 2025
Frank and I swirled, smelled and savored another outstanding year of wine. This year was especially meaningful as we celebrated 20 years of writing and...
Our 1,000th column! Daou Vineyards Chef’s Table at Catamaran Resort
Taste of Wine began with founder Frank “Franco” Mangio, whose passion for Italian wine grew after two immersive trips to Italy where he visited more...
Sunshine, sauvignon and saving dogs
There’s something magical about pairing great wine with purpose. This edition of Taste of Wine & Food features two celebrations. The California Wine Festival returned...
Lucien sets a new standard for fine dining in La Jolla
In a town rich with culinary talent, Lucien immediately raises the bar. On July 16, I had the privilege of a sneak preview before the...
A.R. Valentien’s grand return at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
With sweeping views of the Pacific and the iconic 18th hole of Torrey Pines Golf Course, A.R. Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines has...
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...
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...
Herb & Sea in Encinitas blends East Coast traditions, California charm
Encinitas is home to many fantastic dining destinations, but none quite like Herb & Sea. Blending classic East Coast culinary traditions with a modern Californian...