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,...
Rico Cassoni
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...
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...
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...
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....
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....
Chef Christophe expands Beeside Balcony to La Jolla
The culinary genius and creativity of executive chef/owner Christophe Cevasco are now on display in La Jolla as well as Del Mar....