Celebrate the Craft blends primal fire, artisanal flavors
Before Celebrate the Craft, Frank and I met The Lodge at Torrey Pines’ new culinary team, including executive chef Eric Sakai, A.R. Valentien chef de...
Taste of Wine
Mia’s brings Baja Mediterranean flavor to Solana Beach
Freshness and presentation stood out during our visit to Mia’s, which was celebrating its first anniversary. The Baja Mediterranean restaurant in Solana Beach serves vibrant,...
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...
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 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...
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...
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...
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...
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....