By Lynne Thrope
SAN DIEGO– Tishrei is upon us which means The High Holy Days are just around the corner. As we prepare to reflect, rejoice, and renew our spirits for another wondrous year, San Diego will also be gearing up for some mighty fine epicurean events for you to take advantage of after the holidays. Here are a few that will be as sweet as apples and honey. L’Shanah Tovah!
Restaurant Week: September 19-25. Available throughout the county is your chance to test drive the culinary creations of some of San Diego’s finest chefs. For $20, $30 or $40 you choose a three-course dinner in participating restaurants that normally costs twice as much. Such a deal! The restaurant line-up this year includes some of my personal favorites: The Marine Room in La Jolla, BICE Ristorante in the Gaslamp, Cavaillon Restaurant in Rancho Santa Fe, George’s at the Cove – California Moderne in La Jolla, and Kous Kous Moroccan in Hillcrest.
Treat yourself to one (or every) night to a different venue for such treats, like the incredible organic beets served on a bed of Valedon Blue, Pistachio Brittle, and Caramelized Yogurt at Kitchen 1540 in Del Mar or the amazing Swordfish and Port Braised Cherries, Smokey Almonds, Rosemary, Orange Zest with Port Reduction at The Oceanaire in The Gaslamp or the sensational Braised Duck Leg in Orange and Szechuan pepper, Swiss Chard Cannelloni at Tapenade in La Jolla. How could anyone resist these best-of-the-best dishes at such enticing prices? To view the complete list of restaurants and their menus, visit www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com. Be forewarned – book your reservations early. They quickly sell out.
The Gourmet Experience: October 9, 10 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. From professional cookware to epicurean travel tours to home entertaining, The Gourmet Experience is the ultimate two-day gourmet shopping experience! The event, from 10a-5p will feature 250 exhibitors showcasing and selling gourmet cuisine, products, and services. Don’t miss the fun-filled culinary demonstrations from Chef Jeff Rossman, Terra Restaurant and Catering, Chef Brian Malarkey, Searsucker, and a book signing of Flying Pans – Two Chefs, One World by Chef Bernard Guillas, Executive Chef at The Marine Room, The Shores, and The La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club! A single day ticket is just $30 at the door. “The Weekend Gourmet” Two-Day Pass is $45 at the door. For complete information about The Gourmet Experience, visit www.thegourmetexpo.com
7th Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival: November 17-21. More than any other festival in San Diego, this is the one that consistently sells out. So, this year, I’m giving you the schedule of events well before it begins. The 5-day event begins with Wine Rave on Wednesday, November 17 from 7-10p. This event will feature 25 of the edgiest wine and spirits on the market today. Tickets are $45 in advance and $60 at the door.
On November 18 and 19 Cooking Classes will be held at the Macy’s School of Cooking and the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center where nationally recognized celebrity chefs and local culinary stars will strut their stuff during interactive and engaging classes. Each chef will prepare a series of mouth-watering dishes with instruction and recipes provided so that attendees can make the dishes at home. All cooking classes are tasting events and will be paired with one of the wineries featured at this year’s festival. Ticket prices for classes range from $45 to $75. Here is a website to view descriptions, directions, or buy tickets for any of cooking classes.
Next, come aboard the Hornblower Inspiration for a special tasting of unique Reserves and New Releases on November 19 from 6:30-9:30p. This will be an elegant evening for collectors of fine wine and wine enthusiasts to taste the pride of the vine from 160 wineries and spirits producers. Guests will also enjoy cuisine from 10 gourmet food companies. Exciting silent auction items, such as large format bottles, libraries, and decanters will take the spotlight this year with proceeds benefiting the American Institute of Wine & Food culinary arts scholarship programs. Price is $100 in advance and $125 at the door. Saturday November 20 from 12-4p is the Grand Tasting Event that sold out last year! So purchase tickets early via website .
The Embarcadero behind Seaport Village is once again the perfect location for this year’s grand finale of California’s most talked about wine and food festival. With 170 wine and spirit purveyors, 70 of San Diego’s top chefs, cookbook author signings, and live entertainment, the Grand Tasting Event is the Goliath of the 5-day festival. Price is $125 in advance and $150 at the festival. See you there….B’Tayavon
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Lynne Thrope can be contacted at Lab4Us@gmail.com.