Articles

B&B Ristorante: Italy in a Nutshell

Mario Batali and Joseph Bastianich proudly offer one of the finest dining experiences that Las Vegas has to offer with their namsake, B&B Ristorante, a true Italian destination. Here, the menus, the decor, the staff and the extensive selection of wine are all Italian all the time. Be sure to place B&B Ristorante at the top of your to-do list the next time you find yourself in Vegas.


Christmas Specials at San Diego’s Finest Restaurants

Christmas

San Diego is home to some of the finest dining ventures in California and many of them will be open for Christmas. Change things up this year and allow the talented chefs of these innovative restaurants prepare your holiday meal. Browse the different menus and choose the destination that best fits your personal taste. Some of these menus are offering modern twists to traditional holiday fare that are simply too tempting to pass up.


A Taste of the Holidays: One Night Only, Food and Wine Event at The French Gourmet

Wine

With the holidays fast approaching, local restaurants are hosting festive parties all around town. One in particular, The French Gourmet, will hold its most popular event, the Holiday Bubbly and Bordeaux Tasting Event on Monday, December 3rd from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Featuring hors d'oeuvres, champagne, sparkling wines and Bordeaux wines, this event will be sure to please on every level. 


Winners of the Chef of the Fest Competition 2012

9th Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival

The San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival has evolved to entail quite an impressive bevy of delectable entrees, decadant desserts, expertly crafted wines, and of course a fierce competition of culinary innovation and know-how. Each year, the best chefs in the area come together to showcase individual styles, unique ingredients and delicious entrees during the rigorous Chef of the Fest Competition. This article features San Diego's winning chefs and their unique creations.


Tastes of the Season: Holiday Fruit

Holiday Fruits

The holiday season has arrived! Apples, cranberries, pumpkins, and butternut squash are quintessential ingredients this time of the year. What type of apples make the best apple pie? How do you select the freshest winter fruit from the store? Topics include an overview of the history and health benefits of these fall fruits, as well as festive recipes and decorating ideas.


9th Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival

From November 14th - 18th, the 9th Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival highlights the finest culinary talent available in San Diego as well as an international display of the world's finest wines and spirits. A sample of participating restaurants include Aqua al 2, Bice Ristorante, Donovans Steak & Chip House, The Restaurant at the Pearl, Romesco Baja Med, Roppongi Restaurant & Sushi Bar, Royal India, Toast Enoteca & Cucina, Truluck's, and Whisknladle.


What's Brewing for San Diego Beer Week 2012

There may be only a few days left for San Diego Beer Week, but there are still many exciting events for beer lovers to enjoy. Brewery tours, tap takeovers, rare beer tastings, and beer dinners are just a few events on the schedule. So grab a pint and join in on all that Beer Week has to offer!

 


Fine Dining at Fleming's Steakhouse & Wine Bar

New York Strip

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar located in the beautiful Hyatt Regency complex is the premier restaurant to indulge in a fine steak dinner. With a wine list that is famous for their 100 wines by the glass, patrons will find that the wine is ever flowing at Fleming’s. The “5 for $6 ‘Til 7” happy hour stands as one of the best deals in town with five drinks, appetizers, and wines priced at only $6. 


The Michael David Winery Dinner at Roppongi

Michael David Winery Dinner

Roppongi Restaurant and Sushi Bar is hosting the Michael David Wine Dinner on Tuesday, November 13th at 6:30 p.m. This event features a five-course prix fixe menu paired with select wines from the Michael David Winery, all for only $65. Reserve now as space is limited!


Coffee: It's Not Just for Breakfast Anymore

Wake Up!

This article explores the health benefits of drinking coffee, including increased mental attention and a lower risk of developing deadly diseases and cancer. While there are many positive effects of drinking coffee, consumers run the risk of developing caffeine dependency. Aside from the health effects of coffee, the economic and social impact on global societies is discussed.


The Gluten-Free Giant

Loaves of Glutten

The gluten-free lifestyle has increasingly gained popularity during the last few years. This article provides an overall synopsis of this diet and exposes some of its lesser-known risks. Topics include an overview of the gluten protein, celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and weightloss. Read more for a breakdown of foods and beverages prohibted on this diet, and a list of some of the many celebrities in support of this current trend.


A Taste of Italy at Olivetto Ristorante & Wine Bar

Olivetto Ristorante & Wine Bar

Olivetto Ristorante & Wine Bar is Mission Hills’ premier place to dine on modern Italian cuisine. Dishes like Gnocchi and Pollo Parmigiana can be ordered from their lunch and dinner menus. Olivetto’s wine list features domestic and European wines, as well as wines from Chile and Australia. Don't miss Olivetto’s daily happy hour where guests can enjoy $5 wines by the glass and reduced prices on select appetizers!


Yakitori Izakaya Tec Chan: A Taste of Japan in Hillcrest!

Yakitori Izakaya Tec Chan brings authentic Japanese cuisine to Hillcrest. A wide range of fare including Yakitori, Ramen, Okonomiyaki, and Sushi are available to those looking for a taste of Japan in Uptown San Diego. Happy Hour from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. features 50% off select sushi rolls, special priced appetizers, as well as beer and sake specials. Open until 2:00 a.m. everyday, Yakitori Izakaya Tec Chan is a fine choice to satiate those late night hunger pangs!


Unearthing the Truffle: A Guide Through Truffle 101

Truffles have been an alluring culinary ingredient for over thousands of years. This article decodes the cultivation and harvesting methods of this extraordinary fungus, as well as the various truffle products that can be found at many local gourmet markets. Topics include truffle oil, truffle salt, truffle farming, truffle cheese, truffle recipes, and how to preserve truffles. Read through this article for a quick lesson on Truffle 101! 


A Tour of San Diego Breweries: Alpine Beer Company, Manzanita Brewing, Monkey Paw, and Stone Brewery

Those are beers.

In this article I explore three San Diego breweries: the Alpine Beer Company, Manzanita Brewing, Monkey Paw, and Stone Brewery. A range of beer styles are sampled, including IPA, Stout, Saison, Pale Ale, Double IPA, American Strong Ale, and Blonde Ale. 


To Your Health Part 5: Get Some Sleep!

Get some rest

The fifth installment in a series of articles on how to improve your overall health. This article covers the importance of sleep. From establishing a bedtime routine, to the health benefits and health issues associated with getting a good nights sleep versus not getting enough sleep. Over sleeping is also touch upon, as are the ill effects of getting too much sleep.


Opera Tuesdays at Operacaffe

Opera Tuesdays

Every third Tuesday of the month Operacaffe offers Opera Tuesdays featuring live performances from Rosario Monetti, Cherylyn Larson, and Bryan Verhoye. Chefs Roberto Bernardoni and Patrizia Branchi craft authentic Tuscan cuisine and are proud to present the philanthropic Chefs Giving Table. This event donates 20% of revenue generated to a local nonprofit organization.


You're In Luck With Food Trucks

Super Sandwich

I didn't frequent many food trucks when I was living back in Michigan because I would rather step into an establishment and get out of the humid heat or bitter cold that "The Mitten" is known for. But now, the culinary niche for food trucks is popping up all over the country with fabulous fare flying out of side-mounted windows. Read up on where you can find the epicurean coaches in your area and enjoy a solid, affordable meal. 


A Tall Order For My Short Ribs

Complete meal

I've been cooking professionally in kitchens for about four years now and it was my turn to make a "family meal" for my fellow cooking colleagues. I went rummaging through the walk-in fridge and found some short ribs and here's my recipe for success. If done right, you can really impress your friends and family, if done wrong, you'll be feeding your left-overs to the family fur ball. 

 

 


How to Buffet: A Complete Guide to All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Etiquette

Buffet time!

This is an all-encompassing guide to buffet etiquette. From formulating an effective buffet strategy, to how to behave when dining at an all-you-can-eat buffet. This article covers timing of arrival, timing while dining, line etiquette, reconnaissance, pacing, and all of the other important points for enjoying the all-you-can-eat experience.