August 26, 2010 (Alpine) – It’s comedy night at The Vine in Alpine on Friday, August 27 at 9 p.m. This month’s comedians include headliner Patrick DeGuire, as well as Graci Stumpf, Willy Wilson, and Josh Lawson—with a cover charge of just $7.

How do you top that act? On Saturday, August 28 from 4-7 p.m., the Vine is offering wine tasting—at just $10 for up to 10 tastes.

By Dr. Helen Lee, D.C.
www.ChicagoHealers.com

August 25, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) -- Not only are spices wonderful for adding flavor and jazzing up a delicious meal, they can also enhance your health and act as herbal remedies. Who knew such powerful natural healers were hiding in your spice cabinet?

Club Barona members can save 50 percent on entrees at Casino restaurants throughout September

August 19, 2010 (Lakeside) –Barona Resort & Casino won’t leave its guests hungry for sweet specials this September. Throughout the month, Barona is offering its Club Barona members the opportunity to receive 50 percent off any entrée at six of its signature restaurants. Joining Club Barona is free.

Have you shopped at a farmers’ market? Would you like to shop at one in El Cajon?  The City of El Cajon is considering bringing back a farmer's market--and wants to hear from you.

San Pasqual Winery hosts “A Perfect Pairing” event with Chef Dave and champion BBQ pitmaster secrets

August 2, 2010 (La Mesa) – San Pasqual Winery’s new tasting room in La Mesa’s downtown village invites the public to join its inaugural cooking class and sumptuous winemaker dinner on Saturday, August 7.

August 1, 2010 (Julian)--Jeremy’s on the Hill California Style Bistro in Julian will host a Seven-Course Wine Pairing Dinner featuring fine wines from five back country wineries on Saturday, August 6 at 7 p.m.

"We have so much talent here in the back country and it is such a pleasure to work with these amazing vintners,” said Jeremy Manley, the restaurant’s Cordon-Bleu trained chef.

 
 

By the (North) East County Eater
 
July 28, 2010 (Poway)--Did you ever wonder where to eat in Poway that doesn’t serve a happy meal? I have a few good ideas for dinner and dessert, all date-suitable. Today: Thai seafood and gourmet ice cream.

 
 
GARDEN FRESH GRILL & SMOOTHIE

6165 El Cajon Blvd., Suite F, San Diego 92115
(corner of College Ave. and El Cajon Blvd.)
(619)287-2373
www.gardenfreshsd.com  
 
Review by the East County Eater
 
 
July 23, 2010 (San Diego) – If you’re looking to savor a Middle East feast without leaving San Diego County, stop by Garden Fresh Grill & Smoothie. As the name implies, owner Sammy Elasad, a Lebanese immigrant, takes pride in serving up flavorful foods home-made with the freshest possible ingredients.

East County News Service
 
July 12, 2010 (El Cajon) – Camp Bow-Wow is teaming up with Downtown Café to raise money for the Animal Center for Education and Service (ACES) Foundation by hosting a “Yappy Hour” for dogs and their owners on Thursday, July 22 from 6-8 p.m. at the restaurant's sidewalk cafe.  This B.Y.O.D. (bring your own dog) party includes “puptinis” for canines as well as food and drink specials for dog owners. Live music, giveaways, and raffle prizes are all part of the fun.

“This is going to be something special and everyone is invited and welcome to attend.  I have some magic tricks up my sleeve from my recent internship at The Marine Room.”--Chef Jeremy Manley

July 9, 2010 (Julian) -- On Friday, July 16, at 7:00 p.m. Jeremy’s on the Hill California Style Bistro will host a four-course wine pairing dinner featuring wines from four back country wineries: Menghini Winery and J. Jenkins Winery from Julian as well as Shadow Mountain Vineyards and La Serenissima Vineyards from Warner Springs.

July 9, 2010 (College Area) – What could be better than a free feast, music, and partying with East County Magazine? You’re invited to our “Midsummer Night Mixer and Mediterranean Feast” to welcome our region’s new restaurant, Garden Fresh Grill & Smoothie in the College area.

This free event will be held on Friday, July 30th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. We’ll also have prize drawings—including a two-hour party with a D.J. from Nights of the Sound Table. RSVPS ARE REQUIRED FOR THIS SPECIAL EVENT. Space is limited to the first 30 who reserve space, so RSVP now to writerink@cox.net.

 
East County News Service
 
July 7, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) -- It’s summer – the perfect time to dust off the barbeque and invite all your family and friends over to celebrate National Grilling Month in July. What better way to eat healthy than to savor some fresh, grilled vegetables from your home garden, a nearby farmer’s market or roadside produce stand?

June 29, 2010 (Tierrasanta) – Looking for a doggone fine place to take your canine companion—and socialize with other dog owners? Back by popular demand is “K-9s and Cocktails” night at Andiamo’s restaurant this Wednesday from 5 to 9 p.m. Bring your dog and enjoy happy hour drink specials on the patio.

RECIPE: SUMMER VEGGIES (A low-fat, tasty side dish.)

This seasonal favorite is compliments of Sharon Courmousis, owner of Sacred Rocks Reserve RV Campground in Boulevard and author of the "Purple Mountain Sage" column.

Himalayan Cuisine
7918 El Cajon Boulevard
La Mesa, CA 91942-6710
(619) 461-2503
www.himalayancuisine1.com
 
By the East County Eater
 
June 13, 2010 (La Mesa) – You won’t have to travel to the “roof of the world” to savor spicy, flavorful foods of the Himalayan mountains region in Asia. Himalayan Cuisine in La Mesa offers a wide range of authentically-prepared dishes from the Himalayan region, which encompasses Nepal, India, and Tibet—as well as Mt. Everest and 100 other mountains over 23,000 feet. The owner of Himalayan Cuisine hails from Kathmandu in Nepal, known as the “land of the gods” for its many Buddhist and Hindu temples. Now he’s serving up traditional foods from his homeland to guests at Himalayan Cuisine in La Mesa.

Author Steve Tarde, who has taught sports visualization to top sports stars, will read from his book, Gift to My Dad, and sign copies of his book at a special Father’s Day event at Cali Comfort Restaurant, 8910 Troy Street, Spring Valley on July 20th at 3 p.m.  Note: savor a free entree (with purchase of another) at Cali Comfort with coupon at bottom of the article.  

Review by: Dennis Moore

"This is a beautifully written story about fathers and sons." - Dennis Moore

June 8, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) -- Steve Tarde, a legendary teacher of visualization, has written a homage for all fathers: Gift to My Dad. Although this 84 page book is written in regard to his dad, it could just as well apply to my dad, and every other dad out there. It comes at a very poignant time, just before Father’s Day. Tarde’s book certainly resonates with me as it has a baseball theme, our national pastime that I played as a little boy. To many young boys, it was their fathers who gave them their first glove, and played catch with them. This is a beautifully written story about fathers and sons.

May 21, 2010 - It's a dog's life!  Andiamo-Ristorante invites you to bring your canine companion for cocktails and patio dining on the last Wednesday in each month, starting at 5 p.m.  Enjoy drink specials all night at the Italian restaurant, loaced at 5950 Santo Road in San Diego's Tierrasanta neighborhood.

 
May 7, 2010 (Warner Springs) – Hawk Watch Winery in Warner Springs is the recipient of nine medals so far this year. Most recently, the winery’s 2006 zinfandel won a gold medal at the Taster’s Guild International Wine Competition.
 

April 21, 2010 (La Mesa) -- The second annual Taste of La Mesa will take place on May 17th at the La Mesa Community Center from 5:30-8:30 pm.

Taste the best from restaurants and food providers from our area, and enjoy music, raffles, prizes and more.

The event is co-sponsored by the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Gio Bistro Wine Bar.

Tickets are $25 per person in advance, or $35 at the door if available.

 
Recipe courtesy of www.RealCaliforniaMilk.com
 
April 20, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Arriba! Cinco de Mayo is fast approaching. Bright colors, spirited music and flavorful foods are the very essence of Cinco de Mayo (May 5) celebrations throughout the U.S. and Mexico. The date honors Mexican patriotism and commemorates the Mexican army’s triump over French forces in Puebla, Mexico in 1862. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year with a dish that offers a cheesy twist on traditional Mexican fare. This unique recipe for Fiesta Green Chile and Cheese Bread Puddings marries a blend of traditional Mexican spices with green chiles, California Monterey Jack and tangy sharp California Cheddar cheese.

Recipe courtesy of Purple Mountain Sage Columnist Sharon Courmousis, owner of Sacred Rocks Reserve

Ingredients:

2 onions, chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, 6 cups water, 
1 cup red lentils, 1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained, 1 (19 ounce) can cannellini beans, 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced carrots, 1/2 cup chopped celery, 1 teaspoon garam masala, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom, 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 tablespoon olive oil

Recipe created by Chef Naomi Crawford and Chef Joel Baecker of Pizza Politana

Courtesy of the California Milk Advisory Board

This tempting recipe is fast becoming a favorite in California, home to an abundance of artisan cheeses and specialty dairy products. Bursting with fresh spring ingredients, this original recipe created by trendy Pizza Politana is baked in their authentic Neopolitan wood-fired ovens housed on a custom-built trailer and transported to farmers’ markets and events throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. The addition of rich, tangy California crème fraiche elevates this “street pizza” to something out of the ordinary.

 
 Article courtesy of Bonnie Plants
 
March 19, 2010 (San Diego) -- Across the country this spring, more Americans will be cutting out sections of lawn, retiring flower beds, building raised vegetable beds and turning their spare time over to gardening. Many of them will be first-timers, inspired to try their hand at tilling the soil for economic reasons as well as the many benefits gardening offers.
 

 
By Dr. Kristina L Sargent, D.C.

February 27, 2010--In this economy, finances are a stressor, and the food budget is one place you may be able to cut expenses. But what is the wisest way to accomplish that goal? Making poor food choices actually increases your risk of diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure; so when you cut your food budget, don't cut out necessary nutrients.

Here are some tips for low-cost nutrition:

 
By Miriam Raftery
 
February 28, 2010 (Lakeside) – What could be sweeter than plump, ripe, just-picked strawberries?
 
Victoria’s Gardens offers guests the opportunity to pick their own berries on a working farm—and also enjoy family fun activities that include a petting zoo, giant slides, train rides, pony rides, hay rides, fun jump and more.

February 4, 2010 (La Mesa) -- Mix it up with fun and networking at Hooleys Irish Pub & Grill, 5500 Grossmont Blvd. at Grossmont Center in La Mesa. The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce joins with the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce to help celebrate the popular pub's one-year anniversary at the La Mesa location on Monday, February 8th from 5:30-7:00 p.m.

 
January 31, 2010 (Santee) – The owner of Smokin’ Joes Barbecue in Santee made a whole-hog effort to please guests at the grand opening of his new restaurant yesterday. After slow-roasting a whole pig on a spit, Joe Jones and his restaurant crew served up succulent results to a hungry crowd lined up for “pig pull” samples.

January 31, 2010 (Alpine) -- Want to get fit and healthy in the New Year? Certified raw culinary chefs Diane Haworth and Michael Varbaek will be guest speakers for the Alpine Business Networking Association (ABNA) on Thursday, February 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Vines Bistro & Wine Bar, 2502 Alpine Boulevard in Alpine. Guests are invited for a raw food presentation and information on healthy eating.
 

January 22, 2010 (Julian) -- Owners of a gourmet restaurant, Jeremy's on the Hill, and Shadow Mountain Winery will host a five-course wine pairing and dining event on Wednesday, February 3rd at 6 p.m.  All proceeds of the event will benefit Future Farmers of America (FFA) in Julian. The organization raises awareness on the importance of agriculture for past and future generations.

“With lack of funding, we will lose this important educational component of our community,” said Jeremy Manley, 23, Chef de Cuisine at Jeremy's on the Hill “We are hoping you will be able to join us and support your local FFA chapter while enjoying fabulous food and wine from our back country hidden treasures."