San Diego restaurants

JOIN US JULY 20 AT ANNIVENTI LA TRATTORIA IN LEMON GROVE!

By Miriam Raftery

July 6, 2023 –Our East County Dining Club is back!  East  County Magazine invites you to join us on Thursday, July 20 at 6:30 p.m. for a fundraiser where you can savor the flavors of southern Italy at AnniVenti La Trattoria,  a delightful new restaurant at 8099 Broadway in Lemon Grove. RSVP early to save space!

15% of all food and drinks plus 100% of raffle tickets will benefit East County Media to support East County Magazine, nonprofit award-winning community news coverage, and East Coundy Wildfire & Emergency Alerts.

For just $35 per person, (excluding tax and tip), the 4-course feast will include:

Appetizers served family-style (pistachio burrata, calamari, and charcuterie)

Pasta entrée options:

-- Spaghetti Vongole (clams, white wine garlic sauce, pesto and pistachio)

-- Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe (chicken pasta in creamy pepper sauce)

-- Busiata Normanna(eggplant, tomato, basil, mint, ricotta)

-- Pappardelle al Ragu (slowly braised beef pasta)                  

Caesar salad

Desert:  Tiramisu,Limoincello, or Cannoli

The restaurant also has a full wine list as well as beer and creative cocktails.

Win prizes! We will also have a raffle with prizes including a gift card to AnniVenti, gift certificates for other local merchants, gift baskets, jewelry, flowers, books, and more! Thanks to our prize sponsors so far: Anniventi La Tratorria,  Mastiff Kitchen, Jasmine Creek Florist,  Elevated Coffee, Mario's Family Clothing Center,  Stephanie Klein at Roots Real Estate, Lemon Grove Antique Mall, El Pollo Grill, Maxwell's House of Books, Mary Ann Chanthala at ASKMary4RealEstate brokered by ΓEA⅃, Moutain Gypsy, Jean's Dance Studio, Busy Bee Garden Co-op, Flowers by Elsa, and more.  

RSVP BY JULY 17: Please email editor@eastcountymagazine.org and include your name, the number of people in your party, and the subject line  “RSP for AnniVenti.” To reserve space for the July 20 event. (Late RSVPs may be accepted on a limited basis, based on availability.) We expect this to be a popular event to welcome Lemon Grove’s newest fine dining restaurant!


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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

ECM CHANDELIER LOUNGE CUISINE EVENT IS SELL-OUT SUCCESS

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Henri Migala and Miriam Raftery

May 29, 2021 (Jamul) – Thanks to all of you who turned out to celebrate our first East County Dining Club event since before the pandemic lockdowns.  The event sold out, the setting was magical amid the elegance at Chandelier Lounge Cuisine, the wines from Deerhorn Valley Vineyard were divine, and the music was sublime!

In addition to pianist Andy Salmonsen, NRG Music & Productions surprised us by also bringing talented singer Kymm Civetta, her adorable daughter, Lyric, and saxophonist extraordinaire Chris Klich, who all entertained the crowd.  View video from NRG of music at our event.

The music even inspired some impromptu dancing in the aisles as everyone delighted in feeling free at last at our event, where everyone was fully vaccinated or showed proof of a recent COVID test.

Georgina, owner of Chandelier Lounge Cuisine, and her crew cooked up a feast including steak, mahi-mahi, chicken, creamy pasta, vegies and desserts that were both delicious and beautiful.

All proceeds benefit East County Media to support the East County Magazine, East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts, and East County Dining Club’s future events.


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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

APPEALS COURT BLOCKS JUDGE’S RULING, ORDERS RESTAURANTS CLOSED AGAIN

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left:  Terra American Bistro, a farm to table eatery in San Diego just west of La Mesa, had moved outdoors but is now back to offering take-out taco Tuesdays and to-go Christmas dinners, among other offerings, as a result of the latest shutdown order.

December 19, 2020 (San Diego) – Beleaguered restaurant owners are once again ordered to shut down, after three justices on the Fourth District Court of Appeals on Friday issued a stay blocking an order issued Wednesday by Superior Court Judge Wohlfiel.  The Appeals Court, responding to an appeal filed by California’s Attorney General, found that Wohlfiel acted too broadly in expanding an order in a case filed by strip clubs to also include restaurants, which were not parties in the case.

The state argued that Wohlfiel’s order jeopardized the health of county residents by undermining public health orders aimed at curtailing spread of the disease at a time when the Southern California intensitve care units are full, with zero percent capacity.

Wohfiel has issued a temporary injunction prohibiting the state and county from enforcing COVID-19 shutdown orders at restaurants and strip clubs.  Many local restaurants swiftly responded by reopening for outdoor and in some cases, indoor dining.  But the reprieve proved short-lived; the Appeals Court action means that restaurants are once again ordered to shut down except for take-out and delivery services.


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PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: DINNG AL FRESCO AT GIARDINO’S IN LEMON GROVE



 

By Miriam Raftery

September 27, 2020 – Giardino’s Neighborhood Cucina in Lemon Grove has set up a large outdoor dining pavilion where you can dine al fresco in the COVID era. (There are also indoor tables available, if you prefer).  Doing our part to help support local restauranteurs in these challenging times, our family recently savored the flavors there.

We started with a cheese and meat charcuterie board I enjoyed a house specialty Anchovie Parpardelle, a wide pasta noodle dish served with anchovies, capers, olives, roasted tomatoes and bread crumbs, which was delicious.


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INDOOR DINING AND THESE OTHER BUSINESSES MUST SHUT DOWN FOR THREE WEEKS STARTING TONIGHT

 

Congressional candidate calls for new round of relief for businesses ordered to shut down again

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Dr. Wilma Wooten briefing (screenshot from video)

July 6, 2020 (San Diego) – Starting at midnight, all indoor service must stop in restaurants and wineries. Outdoor dining and activities can continue, as well as curbside pickup services.

Indoor family entertainment venues such as movie theaters and bowling alleys also must shut down, though outdoor facilities such as zoos can remain open.  The order is in effect for the next three weeks.

County health officials ordered the closures today in response to being placed on the state’s watchlist due to exceeding three COVID-19 pandemic trigger levels for positive cases in the past two weeks, the number of active community outbreaks, and a backlog in tracing new cases.


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COUNTY EASES RULES FOR WINERIES AFTER ECM REPORT, BUT IMPOSES CURFEW FOR RESTAURANTS AND BARS

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left: Woof N' Rose Winery in Ramona wil now be able to remain open, serving wine on an outdoor patio, under the county rule change allowed today.

June 30, 2020 (San Diego) – One day after ordering bars, breweries and wineries to shut down, county health officials today revised that order to allow most to stay open. That’s a big relief to East County wineries, which can now continue to offer winetasting outdoors without food. Wineries, breweries, distilleries and bars with indoor seating can also stay open, provided they serve alcohol with food. Those without food service licenses can team up with a restaurant or food truck.

The changes came after East County Magazine published an article quoting prominent wine owners voicing concern over the future of our region’s wine industry and hours after ECM's editor reached out to Supervisor Dianne Jacob to inform her staff of the winery owners' concerns. ECM's editor also posed a question on this issue during a virtual press conference with county health officials.

Today, the County also imposed a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew on all restaurants, bars and other eating/drinking establishments that serve alcohol. Patrons in the door by 10 p.m. may stay until 11 p.m. nightly.  Violators are subject to a $1,000 fine.


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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

STATE APPROVES SAN DIEGO PLAN TO REOPEN DINE-IN RESTAURANTS AND IN-STORE RETAIL SHOPPING

County still awaits word on proposed pilot program to accelerate some stage 3 openings including salons, gyms, pools, outdoor worship and youth sports practices

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Creative Commons via Bing

May 20, 2020 (San Diego) – “Great news for restaurants and retailers! The state just approved our plan to allow dine-in service and in-person retail sales,” Supervisor Dianne Jacob announced moments ago on Facebook. These businesses now need to complete and post a safe reopening plan to comply with social distancing and other requirements. View: Guidelines for restaurants; guidelines for retailers.

On Tuesday, Supervisors approved two measures to accelerate reopening of the economy countywide. The first sent recommendations to the state to reopen our county’s restaurants and retailers within days. The Governor and California’s Dept. of Public Health approved those recommendations today. The measure does not include bars, breweries, distilleries or wineries.

The second measure passed by supervisors is still awaiting a decision by state officials. That measure calls for a pilot program that if approved, would allow San Diego County to move partially into stage 3 by reopening hair and nail salons, gym and fitness facilities, pools at apartment complexes, outdoor religious services, and research labs. In addition, youth sports could start up for practices only, no games, in groups of 12 or less. Therapeutic and peer support groups could also resume meeting in groups of up to 12 people.


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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

JANUARY IS A GREAT MONTH FOR DINING OUT

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Creative Commons image via ND

January 9, 2020 (San Diego’s East County) – This month, restaurants across our region are offering specials for San Diego Restaurant Week January 19-26, including at least eight eateries in East County. In addition, Julian restaurants have a month-long celebration of California restaurant month with specials of their own.

Feast your eyes on the options below:


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JOIN US JULY 9 FOR A MIDSUMMER NIGHT FEAST AT ROMEO & JULIETA WINE CAFE!



Our next East County Dining Club adventure is a wonderful discovery!  Please join us for a midsummer night's feast on Tuesday,  July 9th at 6 p.m.  at Romeo & Julieta’s Wine Café. The event benefits East County Magazine and our East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts.

Romeo & Julieta's is a treasure tucked into the Talmadge neighborhood just off Fairmont Ave.  about 10 minutes west of La Mesa. Their specialty is Polish and other Eastern European foods such as delicious pierogis, Kasha chicken, Kielbasa sausages and home-made schnitzel. They also have a wide range of other foods including delightful artisan cheese platters, salads, seafood, steaks, sandwiches, burgers, small plates to share and a wonderful selection of wines plus craft beers on tap—and more!

Feast your eyes on the menu:  www.RomeoandJulietaWineCafe.com

This is a small, cozy venue. RSVP  to reserve space -we have just a few spaces left: 619-698-7617 or editor@eastcountymagazine.org. (Note: If you need a wheelchair or disabled access table, be sure to let us know)

Prizes:  Hornblower Cruises whalewatching passes,  Gift certificates to Romeo & Julietas Wine Cafe and to Giardino's Italian Cucino, Red wine donated by Romeo & Julieta's, wrought iron wine rack,  Pearson Brothers Saccharo honey wine, Pete's Coffee, Shakespeare book from Maxwell House of Books ,jewelry, woven summer purse, Pike's Place coffee, car sun shades, cookbook, and more.

Dramatic reading:  In honor of San Diego's 250th birthday, actor Victor Crosswaite-Contreras will bring to life his ancestor, the infamous bandito Joaquin Murrieta, for your entertainment.

Full details:


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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

CHEERS! EAST COUNTY DINING CLUB AT HOOLEY'S FEB. 28

 

 

 

 

 

Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, what could be finer than an evening at Hooley’s Irish Pub and Grill with East County Dining Club--featuring great food and drinks, plus prize drawings?

Hooleys will donate a portion of every food and drink item purchased to benefit East County Magazine nonprofit news in the public interest and East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts.

Hooley’s was voted best Irish pub in the world (outside of Ireland) by an organization of international Irish pub owners.  Founder Craig McDonald has added authentic ambience along with traditional Irish foods, brews and bar offerings. 

Date:  Thursday, Feb. 28 at 6:30 p.m.

Location;  Hooley’s Irish Pub and Grill

Grossmont Center (5500 Grossmont Center Dr.), La Mesa

Please RSVP by Feb. 25 to be entered in an early bird prize drawing!

619-698-7617 or editor@eastcountymagazine.org

*We’ve priced this event for affordability!  You can order just an entrée, or as many other items as you wish off a special menu just for our dining club event!  Here are the delicious details:


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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SEAFOOD SOIREE WITH EAST COUNTY DINING CLUB AT RED LOBSTER FEB. 7

By Miriam Raftery

January 17, 2019 (La Mesa)--Join us at our East County Dining Club’s next delicious event: a seafood soiree in the cozy party room at Red Lobster (8703 Murray Dr., La Mesa) across from Grossmont Center on Thursday, February 7 at 6:30 p.m. RSVP and prepay  to reserve space for this popular event.

You don't have to be a member to attend, though members receive special benefits. Proceeds benefit East County Media to support East County Magazine and East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts.

Your options include not only delicious wood-grilled lobster, shrimp and salmon, but also sizzling steak, Cajun chicken pasta, and options for luscious desserts.

We will also have plentiful prizes for our drawing including Red Lobster and other restaurant gift certificates, winery gift certificate, a wine rack, jewelry, novels, cookbooks, spa gift certificates, coffee, hand-woven scarf, and more.


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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

CELEBRITY MASTER CHEF CROWNS REBRANDING AT JAMUL CASINO

 

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

September 9, 2018 (Jamul) – Unveiling of a new logo, giveaways for guests, and a VIP dinner with Master Chef Ron DeSantis crowned a rebranding celebration last month at the Jamul Casino.

Jamul Indian Village and the Jamul Indian Village Developmemt Corporation hosted a block party after taking back management from Penn Gaming at the facility formerly known as Jamul Hollywood Casino.


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EAST COUNTY FEST AUGUST 25: THE PARTY OF THE DECADE FOR OUR 10TH ANNIVERSARY!

 

 

TICKETS NOW ON SALE!

Saturday, August 25th 

6-10 p.m. (VIP reception at 5:30 p.m.)

Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center

One Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego

It’s the party of a decade!

East County Magazine invites you to join us at East County Fest, our 10th anniversary celebration!  Proceeds benefit our East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts and our award-winning community news reporting.

Festivities include: Foods, wines, cider and beer from top restaurants, wineries and breweries in East County, wonderful artists, artisans, authors, athletes, communitiy leaders, live music and entertainment, raffle, auction, stargazing, guest speakers, a look back at the last 10 years and forward to the future!

Tables and individual tickets are available, plus there’s a VIP reception.  Buy a table or a VIP reception ticket and get our free “Best of East County” cookbook on a souvenir thumb drive as thanks, plus preferred parking, auction preview, gourmet goodies and more.

Our VIP party is catered by Bekker's Catering, known for their fabulous food for weddings and other special occasions, and sponsored by California Coast Credit Union. Our thanks to Bekker's for generously donating most of the delicious foods for the VIP reception.

Individual tickets: $65 ($60 for sustaining donors and dining club members) or for $20 extra add VIP reception ($85 total).

Tables: $480 ($60 a person) or $680  ($80 a person) with the VIP reception. 

This event is for age 21 and up.

CLICK ARROWS BELOW TO VIEW AND CHOOSE ALL PRICE OPTIONS.

Individual tickets : You can select number of tickets on next screen

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EAST COUNTY FEST TABLES of 8 : Click Dropdown arrow for options.

  For all the delicious details, click "read more" and scroll down.


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MEDITERRANEAN FEAST! JULY 15 WITH EAST COUNTY DINING CLUB AT EAT-A-PITA IN EL CAJON

 

UPDATE: WALK-INS ARE WELCOME! BUT PLEASE RSVP.

July 4, 2018 (El Cajon) -- You're invited to our next East County Dining Club event, which benefits our nonprofit East County Magazine and our East County Wildfire and Emergency Alerts.  

Please join us in a Mediterranean Feast on Sunday, July 15 at 1 p.m. at Eat a Pita! (1255 Avocado Road in the Vons shopping center at Chase and Avocado in  El Cajon).

$28 INCLUDES: Mediterranean feast!  Beef kebab, chicken kebab/souvlaki, falafel, dolmas (stuffed grape leaves), rice, Greek salad, pita bread and hummus, tax, tip, beer or wine, soft drink & refill, & 1 opportunity drawing ticket. Prizes include restaurant gift certifictes, a night's stay at Triple H Ranch Bed and Breakfast in Lakeside, jewelry, cookbooks, novels, Kamp's Propane gift certificate, ladybug planter, Prete-a-Porter Salon haircut, Club Pilates class and more!

RSVP BY JULY 10 for earlybird prize drawing: editor@eastcountymagazine.org   or 619-698-7617.


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LA MESA: EAST COUNTY’S EMERGING RESTAURANT ROW

 

Our guide to unique lodging and adventures in San Diego’s beautiful backcountry and inland areas

By Miriam Raftery

Farmer's Table, one of  La Mesa's newest restaurants, offers fork-to-table fresh cuisine.

June 17, 2018 (La Mesa) – if you’re looking to savor lots of great restaurants in San Diego’s newest culinary destination, you’ll want to visit  La Mesa.  Tracing its roots back over a century, the city is just 20 minutes from downtown San Diego, also close to backcountry destinations.  

The biggest attraction is La Mesa’s restored historic downtown village, with a  thriving restaurant row that now attracts visitors from far and wide, plus several happening night spots. Additional great eateries are scattered through the city with the motto "jewel of the hills."


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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

JOIN US AT SWAMI'S CAFE IN LA MESA!

East County Dining Club invites you to join us at:

SWAMI’S CAFÉ

8284 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa

Friday, April 27 at 6 p.m.

Benefits East County Magazine

Swami’s Cafe has high ratings from Zagat, Trip Advisor and Yelp. Their dinner menu has an amazingly diverse menu of delicious dishes with f healthy options plus heartier fare and exotic choices. There’s something for all, and dinners are affordable! (Most entrees are under $20 including seafood, chicken, steak, burgers, pasta, salads, vegetarian options and more.)

Prizes include Midway Museum passes, wine baskets, gift certificates to local restaurants, boutiques and shops, jewelry, books, coffee, dance concert tickets, pilates class & much more.

For this event, you can order anything off the menu, but please RSVP to reserve space and check in before ordering.

Come meet your neighors and the media, and enjoy some great food!

 RSVP TO RESERVE SPACE: 619-698-7617 or editor@eastcountymagazine.org

 


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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

LIVEN UP WINTER WITH THESE TEMPTING NEW CONCOCTIONS AT BLACK ANGUS

 

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

 

February 24, 2018 (El Cajon) – What better way to brighten up those mid-winter doldrums than with some cheery new cocktails, a sweet and spicy appetizer, Alaska King Crab combo dinner and decadent new dessert now available at Black Angus restaurants?


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JOIN EAST COUNTY DINING CLUB JANUARY 25 FOR A RUSSIAN-UKRANIAN FEAST AT VILLAGE HOUSE KALINA

 

 

January 7, 2018 (La Mesa) --You’re invited to a Russian and Ukrainian feast with our East County Dining Club on Thursday, January 25th  at 6:30 p.m. at Village House Kalina (8302 Parkway Drive, La Mesa). As always, we’ll have prizes galore! Proceeds benefit East County Magazine and our wildfire/emergency alerts.

 Join us on our culinary adventure to the land of hearty and flavorful fare  – food that nourished the creative powers of Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky,  Dostoevsky, Chekhov, Pasternak, Cossack dancers and the Bolshoi Ballet.  Da!

This restaurant seats only 38 people so we expect to sell out; early RSVPs are recommended.

We must receive your RSVP no later Jan. 24, along with choice of entree (see list below) since these special dishes take time to prepare!


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JOIN OUR “FEAST FROM THE EAST” AT HIMALAYAN CUISINE WITH EAST COUNTY DINING CLUB OCT. 19

 

 

 

October 5, 2017 (La Mesa) – You’re invited to join our East County Dining Club in a “Feast from the East” at Himalayan Cuisine (7918 El Cajon Blvd., La Mesa) on Thursday, October 19 at 6:30 p.m.  The restaurant features delicious  foods from Nepal, India and Tibet. 

For this event, you can order food and drinks off the extensive exotic and affordable menu, plus we’ll have a wealth of prizes. View the delicious menu options:  www.HimalayanCuisineOne.com.   

 

You can pay at the door for this event, but please RSVP early to reserve space—our last two events sold out!  RVSP to reserve space:  (619)698-7617 or email editor@eastcountymagazine.org .

The restaurant will donate 15% of proceeds to benefit East County Magazine and East County Wildfires & Alerts.  More delicious details:


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BRAVO! EAST COUNTY DINING CLUB EVENT AT TIRAMISU TRATTORIA IS ANOTHER SUCCESS

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

October 3, 2017 (La Mesa) – Our second East County Dining Club event once again filled a local restaurant to capacity. Guests savored special Italian dishes, homemade pasta,Italian and local wines, and  live Italian vocal music  at Tiramisu Trattoria in La Mesa--also winning a wealth of prizes, meeting neighbors and making new friends.


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TASTE SICILIAN & LOCAL WINES, SAVOR AN ITALIAN FEAST SEPT. 21 WITH THE EAST COUNTY DINING CLUB

 

Limited space still available! RSVP deadline extended.

September 12, 2017 (La Mesa) – Our next East County Dining Club event on September 21st at 6:30 p.m. just got even better! Sicilian Excellence will be offering tastes of Anticatindari and Buone Sergio Sicilian wines -- along with a delicious Italian special menu feast at Tiramisu Trattoria (8273 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa) plus local wine tasting  with the award-winning San Pasqual Winery,  Italian popular songs and arias performed by talented vocalist Valerie Watts, a wealth of prize drawings, and more are all part of the fun! 

We have a few seats left, so you can pay at the door ($28) but please call 619-698-7617 to RSVP or email editor@eastcountymagazine.org.

Cost  includes plated four-course special menu dinner, wine tasting, tax, tip, entertainment, opportunities to meet neighbors and make new friends.

Special menu:  Bruschetta, choice of soup or salad and choice of entrée:  Ravioli Ricotta, Spinaci or Zucca, Melanzana Alla Parmigiana, Pollo Marsala or Picata, Fettucine Bolognsee, Rigotoni Alla Norcina, Cavatelli di Ricotta, and delicious dessert: Tiramisu (plain or strawberry)


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SUCCESS! EAST COUNTY DINING CLUB ‘S PREMIERE PARTY DRAWS A CULINARY CROWD

 

 

Next event is Sept. 21 at Tiramisu Trattoria in La Mesa

September 1, 2017 (La Mesa) – Thanks to all who turned out to help make the launch of our East County Dining Club a big success! 

Over 75 people attend our premiere party  at Fabrison’s Country French Restaurant in  Jamul, where guests feasted on all-you-can-eat crepes and  savored wines from the award-winning Deerhorn Valley Vineyard.

If you haven’t yet joined our dining club (just $10 a year!) we strongly recommend doing so now since we expect future events to sell out.

East County Dining Club members  will receive early invitations and  first options to reserve space at all of our future special culinary events, two free drawing tickets at their next event, and a free “Best of East County” cookbook we are compiling with recipes from top restaurants, wineries, farms and more in our region. Join us to savor the flavors of the world at great restaurants here in East County!


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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

A SALUTE TO ADMIRAL’S EXPERIENCE: FLAVORS OF THE WORLD SERVED UP AT SAN CARLOS RESTAURANT

 

 

 

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

April 11, 2017 (San Carlos) – As a Navy chef,  Geoff Cole traveled the world preparing feasts for admirals and other VIPs.  Now he’s opened a  salute-worthy restaurant in San Diego's San Carlos neighborood. At Admiral's Experience, he serves up  what he calls “world class cuisine” from around the globe—as well as a catering service.   

“I cooked for all the admirals, senators and dignitaries on their private jet,”  Chef Cole told East County Magazine.  Of Jamaican descent, he’s  lived in exotic locales such as Hawaii and collected favorite dishes in his travels to Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean and other places.


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HIGH “STEAKS” WIN: FINAL CUT AT HOLLYWOOD CASINO JAMUL-SAN DIEGO

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

 

March 21, 2017 (Jamul) – Final Cut Steakhouse offers a premier menu of artfully prepared dishes served up amid the glamour of vintage Hollywood. You can also savor spectacular scenic views through a wall of windows high atop the new Hollywood Casino Jamul-San Diego.

You don’t have to be a gambler to be a winner at Final Cut Steakhouse!

 


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THE HILLS LOCAL PUB CELEBRATES 2 YEARS IN LA MESA ON APRIL 5

 

 

Source: La Mesa Chamber of Commerce

Photo: Sliders at The Hills by Leon Thompson

March 18, 2016 (La Mesa) - On Tuesday, April 5, the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the 2-year anniversary of The Hills Local Pub in La Mesa. This celebration and business mixer will be held between the hours of 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The owners of The Hills Local Pub, located at 8758 La Mesa Boulevard in La Mesa, have created various fund raisers and activities that make this a special and fun-filled location in La Mesa.

The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. and will end at 7:00 p.m. Enjoy great hors d’ oeuvres, including one of their house specialties and (1) complimentary glass of house wine, handcrafted beer and soft drinks.


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BEST HAPPY HOURS IN EAST COUNTY

Part III in a series

By the East County Eaters

Week 3:  Bleu Boheme (Kensington) and Cali Comfort (Spring Valley)

September 26, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)— For week three in our quest to bring you the most delightful and different happy hours across our inland region, we indulged in French cuisine and burgundy at Bleu Boheme, owned by a prominent San Diego retauranteur in Kensington. We also found fabulous half-price barbecue tri-tip and wings so hot they’re named for a local firefighters’ crew at Cali Comfort in Spring Valley, a sports bar and restaurant that has found the winning combination for hospitality.


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BEST HAPPY HOURS IN EAST COUNTY

 

Part II in a series

By the East County Eaters

 

Week 2:  Alpine Beer Company Pub (Alpine) and Vine Cottage (La Mesa)

September 11, 2014 (San Diego's East County)--Last week, we opened our Best Happy Hours in East County series by focusing on some premier locations for cocktails. This week, our eager team of eaters and drinkers hit the road once again, this time bringing you reviews of a local brewery’s pub that’s one of the most popular watering holes in the backcountry, along with a European-style bistro with a wonderful wine bar and some of the best happy hour food deals in town.

 


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BEST HAPPY HOURS IN EAST COUNTY!

 

 

 

 

Part 1 in a series

By the very happy East County Eaters at East County Magazine

Week 1: Terra American Bistro (San Diego/La Mesa area) and Viejas Resort & Casino (Alpine)

September 4, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)—Our intrepid team of East County Eaters have been on the road in search of the best Happy Hours across our inland region. (It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it!) Each week, we’ll be featuring two locales offering diverse experiences. Whether your tastes run to sushi bars or cowboy bars, wine bistros or craft brew pubs, urban eateries or mountain taverns, you’ll find plenty to whet your appetite!

To kick off our series, we start by featuring two of our favorites:  Terra American Bistro, a bistro and bar that prides itself on farm-to-table fresh cuisine--right down to the fresh-squeeze passionfruits in our cocktails and the refreshingly tasty and affordable appetizers, plus we tried our luck at Viejas Casino and Resort -- a four-star vacation destination hotel with some great specials sure to make you happy. Cheers!


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MYSTIC GRILL: A MEDITERRANEAN MEDLEY OF FLAVORS AT AFFORDABLE RATES

 

Mystic Grill and Bakery

8191 Fletcher Parkway, La Mesa, CA 91942

www.mysticgrillsd.com

Review by Stevon Marshall

June 5, 2014 (La Mesa)--When people hear or think of California, most think of the great weather, the celebrities living in Hollywood, amusement parks, and so on. But when it comes to food, most consider California’s trademark food to be burgers or Mexican fare. But with an influx of immigrants from around the world, San Diego’s East County is now home to an array of international restaurants – including quite a few serving up Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes.   

I've been living in California my whole life and I've dabbled in a variety of cuisines: Asian, Italian, Southern, some Mediterranean and of course, Mexican. So while interning at East County Magazine, we decided to take a team of tasters to try out Mystic Café, specializing in Mediterranean foods:  our editor, Miriam, our “East County Eater,” Leon, and myself, along with two of my internship peers, Jaden and Kayla.


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SAVOR A TASTE OF THE OLD WEST AT PINNACLE PEAK IN SANTEE--AND SOON, LAKESIDE

 

 

 

 

 

By Miriam  Raftery

March 5, 2014 (Santee) – With its mesquite-grilled steaks and walls lined with neckties snipped from good-spirited patrons, Pinnacle Peak has long been a favorite dining spot in East County.  Many of our readers savored prime rib from Pinnacle Peak at our holiday party and next up, will be enjoying a special New Orleans-style feast at our Mardi Gras party March 12. (View your invitation here.)

Owner Toni Toni Petroro wants customers to know, "We're still here!" A story in a Santee online news site indicated the city wants to lease the land where the restuarant now sits for condominum development. But the restaurant isn't closing after 30 years of serving the community. Instead, they'll be relocating to the heart of cowboy country in East County's Lakeside.  Soon, Pinnacle Peak will be moving into the former Lakeside Steakhouse location on Maine Street in downtown Lakeside.  But there’s still time to stop by the original location for old times sakes!


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