A bundle of news has crossed my desk since we last harvested our in-box for “Here and There” news back in January, so let’s get to it.
Dine al fresco, dine to go, Dine Diego!
Dine Diego will take the place of San Diego Restaurant Week, an annual iconic event for value dining up and down the county for close to 20 years. In the past, it has attracted over 200 restaurants, following the promotion guidelines of the local restaurant association. This year, of course, restaurants will do what they can with what they have, following COVID-19 safety protocols during Dine Diego days.
It’s planned that the website will have up-to-date data on participating restaurants and their offers. The usual fees billed to the restaurants for this service have been waived. Your search for restaurants in your area, food and drink formats and menu pricing will be shown at SanDiegoRestaurantWeek.com.
Tickets are not necessary, but reservations are recommended. Dine Diego runs Tuesday, Sept. 15, through Thursday, Oct. 15.
Two best-of-breed resorts in county gain national attention
Two of our most well-known upscale resort properties continue to wow fine dining critics nationally. First, Addison in the Fairmont Grand in Del Mar, with Executive Chef William Bradley, showcased its new outdoor format.
This Michelin star-rated restaurant is in a class by itself, the only dining experience in San Diego County with this award. Bradley guarantees the full Addison experience with its al fresco dining, offering a canyon and golf course view. All 32 of his kitchen staff have been brought back to serve nothing but the most excellent cuisine. Visit addisondelmar.com.
A few miles to the north in Rancho Santa Fe, Rancho Valencia and its lush, rustic “Old California” charm, was awarded the No. 2 resort in the state of California and the only one to show up in the top 10 in San Diego County, voted by the readers of Travel and Leisure Magazine. According to a media report, the resort was closed for three months before reopening in July.
“We’re getting a lot of occupancy from Orange and Los Angeles County. They like our sprawling grounds and outdoor dining and are OK with the nightly $750 rate,” commented General Manager Coni Thornburg. “As soon as we opened the doors, the phones were ringing.” More info at ranchovalencia.com.
Bask and relax in the middle of summer with a cold DAOU Trio
The Paso Robles favorite, DAOU Family Estates, has found a great way to enjoy summer. Everybody knows that DAOU is “King of the Mountain” with their family of reds, but it’s also been building a thirst-quenching group of sunny whites. Have you tried their 2019 Estate Sauvignon Blanc, 2019 Discovery Sauvignon Blanc or the 2019 Discovery Rose’ in a unique decanter bottle? DAOU has bundled all three in a neat “Summer Trio” for just $85. Go to daouvineyards.com, hit menu for The Extra Pour, then go to Summer Trio.
National Red Wine Day is Friday, Aug. 28
Be sure you’re with the red you love, to toast the relationship. I have it on good authority that Cakebread of Napa Valley will release two stunning reds in time for your celebration: Cakebread Cellars Two Creeks Anderson Valley 2017 Pinot Noir and Cakebread Cellars Napa Valley 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon. The newest Cakebread wines … you will want to be sipping these gems long after National Red Wine 2020 is history. See Cakebread.com.
Wine Bytes
- Kick off your weekend in style with Brunch by the Beach at Seasalt Del Mar. Add a “Bottomless” Mimosa for just $12 with a brunch order. Brunch is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday on the patio or outdoor space. Call 858-755-7100 for your reservation.
- The WineSellar & Brasserie in Sorrento Valley announces a Blind Tasting Lunch Saturday, Aug. 29, from noon to 3 p.m. It’s a showdown between domestic Rhone-inspired blends and those straight from the source. Chef will offer a special lunch pairing to complement the tasting for $18. Reserve today at 858-450-9557.
- Ballast Point Brewery in Little Italy is showing all Padres baseball games outdoors at their location and offering $5 pints of the official beer of the Padres, “Swingin’ Friar” Ale. Details at 619-255-7213.
Reach Frank Mangio at [email protected]
