Michele Parente

Michele Parente was a dining, wine and lifestyle reporter for The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Cardellino's cafe and bakery, which is open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., is a showcase for the Trust Restaurant Group's executive pastry chef Jeremy Harville.

3 to Try: Mexican doughnut magic and two new high-profile Italian eateries

March 1, 2020 at 7:01 p.m.

CardellinoOne of the most highly anticipated dining concepts of the new year debuted in Mission Hills on Jan. 30 to capacity crowds. Cardellino — from the talented team behind Trust,...

Tres para probar: La magia de las donas mexicanas y dos nuevos restaurantes italianos

February 27, 2020 at 8:01 p.m.

CardellinoUno de los conceptos de comida más esperados del año nuevo debutó en Mission Hills el 30 de enero con una gran afluencia de público.Cardellino — del talentoso equipo detrás...

3 to Try: Mexican doughnut magic and two new high-profile Italian eateries

February 27, 2020 at 8:36 p.m.

CardellinoOne of the most highly anticipated dining concepts of the new year debuted in Mission Hills on Jan. 30 to capacity crowds. Cardellino — from the talented team behind Trust,...

The Los Javis #DINECRG proprietary mezcal was created after a trip to the Oaxaca producer's facility by Cohn Restaurant Group beverage director Maurice DiMarino and eight of the group's bar managers. And it wasn't all sipping and no work, DiMarino said. They learned the laborious process of making mezcal firsthand, including harvesting, crushing and distilling agave with traditional tools. “The team went to the agave fields and spent an afternoon harvesting,” DiMarino said. "It is backbreaking work. We then hiked to the mountains in search of wild agave, which can be difficult to find but adds so much depth and distinction to the flavor, I really wanted some for our exclusive mezcal.” The next day, on the Los Javis ranch, the San Diegans prepared the agave for fermentation in the traditional way, from breaking it down with a machete to crushing it with a horse drawn “tahona,” thecustomary stone wheel used by the mezcaleros, or mezcal crafters.

Cohn restaurants unveil exclusive mezcal at Coasterra Tequila Fest

February 20, 2020 at 6:29 p.m.

And we thought we had a great job. Cohn Restaurant Group beverage director Maurice DiMarino recently brought eight of his bar management team to Oaxaca to learn the art...

Close to Home pasta, a long-time favorite at farmers markets, is now available Valley Farm Market in Spring Valley and La Jolla.

Close to Home pasta is as close to homemade as it gets

February 19, 2020 at 2:01 p.m.

Product Spotlight: Close to Home pasta Why it rates: Husband and wife Eric Clark and Tina Scaccio, both Sicilian-Americans who grew up on the East Coast, have been fixtures at...

Love is in apparently in the air at The Smoking Goat in North Park, said married owners Tammy and Fred Piehl. Among the staff, four couples have met and gotten married, and customers have met and fallen in love there, too. The restaurant will celebrate 10 years on Feb. 19

Just like dating, neighborhood restaurants can be charming, intimate and sometimes even romantic

February 13, 2020 at 10:14 p.m.

We love them, we hate them, we're obsessed with them, we ghost them.In so many ways, restaurants are like dating.Think about it: There's the sexy newcomer we get all dressed...

Sammy's Woodfired Pizza is warming our hearts with this heart-shaped pizza kit, with pre-baked crust, tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil.

Nothing says ‘I love you’ like … a heart-shaped pizza

February 13, 2020 at 10:11 p.m.

Two words for Sammy's Woodfired Pizza's heart-warming heart-shaped pizza kits: BE MINE.Sammy's $8 Gourmet-to-Go DIY kits come with a par-baked, heart-shaped pizza crust, tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil. Available throughout...

Just like dating, neighborhood restaurants can be charming, intimate and sometimes even romantic

February 13, 2020 at 1:01 p.m.

We love them, we hate them, we're obsessed with them, we ghost them.In so many ways, restaurants are like dating.Think about it: There's the sexy newcomer we get all dressed...

Nothing says ‘I love you’ like … a heart-shaped pizza

February 13, 2020 at 1:01 p.m.

With its super-thin, crispy crust and superior-quality ingredients, Ambrogio15 turns out pie perfection like this burrata and prosciutto crudo pizza, with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella fior di latte, burrata imported from Puglia, and 20-month-old prosciutto di Parma. Any way you slice it, we think Ambrogio15 makes the best pizza in San Diego.

10 lugares para saborear las mejores pizzas en San Diego

February 7, 2020 at 11:11 p.m.

Cuando TripAdvisor en 2013 nombró a San Diego la ciudad número 1 en cuanto a pizzas en los Estados Unidos — y a Nueva York la número 4 — los...

Il Dandy's gloriously gourmet Buongustaia pizza , with pumpkin, guanciale, fresh truffle, hazelnuts and percorino, helped propel the Bankers Hill restaurant to our #2 spot on the Top 10 San Diego Pizzas list. Some readers had their own suggestions on what should have made the list.

You guys are cheesed over our best San Diego pizza list and toss out your own faves

February 7, 2020 at 4:19 p.m.

Not to pander, but the readers of the Union-Tribune can be pretty perceptive. Like Dennis Kitchell, who sent this email after the Feb. 6 publication of "Pizza Paradise: New Yorkers...

Readers are cheesed over our best San Diego pizza list and toss out their own faves

February 8, 2020 at 12:06 a.m.

Not to pander, but the readers of the Union-Tribune can be pretty perceptive. Like Dennis Kitchell, who sent this email after the Feb. 6 publication of "Pizza Paradise: New Yorkers...

With sweeping views, a giant screen and surround sound, the rooftop venue Above Ash Social is a fittingly stylish site to host an Oscars viewing party Sunday.

San Diego rolls out the red carpet for Oscars viewing parties

February 6, 2020 at 6:04 p.m.

Littly Italy and the Gaslamp are getting all glammed up for Hollywood's biggest night, with Oscars viewing parties to be shown, fittingly, on big screens.Above Ash Social, the rooftop party...

Anyway you slice it, San Diego is a great pizza town – here are the top 10 pies

February 6, 2020 at 4:00 p.m.

The derision was so thick, you could slice it with a pizza cutter. When TripAdvisor in 2013 named San Diego the No. 1 pizza city in America — and New...

San Diego rolls out the red carpet for Oscars viewing parties

February 6, 2020 at 2:19 p.m.

Littly Italy and the Gaslamp are getting all glammed up for Hollywood's biggest night, with Oscars viewing parties to be shown, fittingly, on big screens.Above Ash Social, the rooftop party...

Anyway you slice it, San Diego is a great pizza town – here are the Top 10 pies

February 8, 2020 at 12:04 a.m.

The derision was so thick, you could slice it with a pizza cutter. When TripAdvisor in 2013 named San Diego the No. 1 pizza city in America — and New...

Among the A-list chefs participating in Fête & Feast are (clockwise, from left): Brian Malarkey, Rachel King, Brian Redzikowski, Travis Swikard, Tim Kolanko, Kelli Crosson and Brad Wise.

San Diego’s A-list chefs turn out to sustainability

February 3, 2020 at 3:01 a.m.

Holy mackerel — one of the most impressive lineups of San Diego County chefs we've seen has been pulled together for an event that will highlight sustainable fishing and development....

San Diego’s A-list chefs turn out to sustainability

January 30, 2020 at 1:01 a.m.

Holy mackerel — one of the most impressive lineups of San Diego County chefs we've seen has been pulled together for an event that will highlight sustainable fishing and development....

Assorted baked goods tray #1 at 85C Bakery Cafe in Westfield UTC mall on January 8, 2020 in San Diego, California.

Comer a mi manera a traves de 85 degrees C – el mejor cafe panadero del que nunca has oido hablar

January 28, 2020 at 11:18 p.m.

Venden croissants de chocolate, pastel de terciopelo rojo, tiramisú, café con leche y té verde en 85°C Bakery Cafe. Es el típico café de panadería, ¿verdad?No. De hecho, mil veces...

The new Three Amigos Taco Tours of Tijuana visits eight of the city's top taquerias, where visitors can try tacos of cabeza, fish, carne asada and al pastor.

Let the ‘Three Amigos’ take you on the ultimate Tijuana taco tour

January 24, 2020 at 3:15 a.m.

If you're like us, you love going to Tijuana for street tacos but want no part of driving in TJ (and we've driven in New York and Rome!). That's when...

We ate all the things at 85 degrees C Bakery – here’s what you should know

January 23, 2020 at 5:40 p.m.

They sell chocolate croissants, red velvet cake, tiramisù, lattes and green tea at 85°C Bakery Cafe. Just your average bakery cafe, right?Wrong. In fact, 1,000 times wrong. The Taiwan-bred chain...

Eating my way through 85 degrees C – the best bakery cafe you’ve never heard of

January 23, 2020 at 1:01 p.m.

They sell chocolate croissants, red velvet cake, tiramisù, lattes and green tea at 85°C Bakery Cafe. Just your average bakery cafe, right?Wrong. In fact, 1,000 times wrong. The Taiwan-bred chain...

Let the ‘Three Amigos’ take you on the ultimate Tijuana taco tour

January 23, 2020 at 1:01 p.m.

If you're like us, you love going to Tijuana for street tacos but want no part of driving in TJ (and we've driven in New York and Rome!). That's when...

Dinner a View is held in igloo-like domes.

Claudette Zepeda regresa como chef para servir cenas bajo las estrellas en Liberty Station

January 28, 2020 at 10:42 p.m.

La Chef Claudette Zepeda vuelve a Liberty Station.En su aparición más destacada en San Diego desde el cierre de su célebre restaurante El Jardín, Zepeda fue anunciada esta semana como...

Claudette Zepeda returns to Liberty Station as chef of domed pop-up

January 22, 2020 at 12:54 a.m.

Chef Claudette Zepeda is returning to Liberty Station. In her most high-profile San Diego appearance since the implosion of her celebrated restaurant El Jardín, Zepeda was announced Monday as the...

Claudette Zepeda returns to Liberty Station as chef of domed pop-up

January 21, 2020 at 9:58 p.m.

Chef Claudette Zepeda is returning to Liberty Station. In her most high-profile San Diego appearance since the implosion of her celebrated restaurant El Jardín, Zepeda was announced Monday as the...

The spectacular pan roasted salmon in spicy green curry broth is one of the $40 dinner menu choices at Island Prime during Restaurant Week.

Restaurant Week’s sweet spot? The $40 dinner

January 17, 2020 at 6:21 p.m.

With over 180 participating restaurants countywide, two meals to choose from and nine price points, deciding where to go for San Diego Restaurant Week isn't for the indecisive.Should you try...

Restaurant Week’s sweet spot? The $40 dinner

January 21, 2020 at 6:20 p.m.

With over 180 participating restaurants countywide, two meals to choose from and nine price points, deciding where to go for San Diego Restaurant Week isn't for the indecisive.Should you try...

The roasted oysters and bone marrow at Encinitas' new dining hot spot, Herb & Sea.

Aw shucks, sizzling oysters are having a moment

January 10, 2020 at 4:50 p.m.

Hold the mignonette: grilled, charbroiled, roasted and Rockefeller-style are the hottest ways to eat oysters today. Five new restaurants — Herb & Sea, Rare Society, Louisiana Purchase, International Smoke and...

Harumama's crazy-cute character steamed buns (clockwise from top, chicken, caramelized onion and mozzarella; pork and caramelized onion; purple potato panda) are Instagram ideal.

3 to try: Creativity reigns at restaurants in La Jolla, Kearny Mesa and Jamul

January 9, 2020 at 5:11 p.m.

Maybe it's San Diego's fiercely competitive restaurant climate, the millennials' desire for experiential dining, or just good, old-fashioned inspired thinking. Whatever is driving the region's recent spurt of culinary creativity,...

Aw shucks, sizzling oysters are having a moment

January 9, 2020 at 1:01 p.m.

3 to try: Creativity reigns at restaurants in La Jolla, Kearny Mesa and Jamul

January 9, 2020 at 1:56 p.m.

World-renown master sommelier Fred Dame was the first American to serve as president of the prestigious Court of Master Sommeliers Worldwide. He'll be pouring wines from Paso Robles' Daou Family Estates at Marina Kitchen on Wednesday.

‘Godfather of American sommeliers’ Fred Dame pouring Daou wines at San Diego pairing dinner

January 2, 2020 at 6:12 p.m.

Fred Dame, the world-renowned master sommelier whose superhuman tasting skills have become the stuff of legends in the industry, will be pouring a selection of Daou Family Estates wines at...

Founded in 2013, DoorDash takes an algorithmic approach for more efficient deliveries.

Restaurant pros dish on the decade’s top food trends – and what they want to go away in 2020

January 1, 2020 at 6:34 a.m.

Kombucha, keto, hating on gluten, casual dining and food delivery apps. Those are some of the trends that will define the decade of dining that's coming to a close on...

The Riveria Supper Club and Turquoise Room lounge are housed in a mid-century building on University Avenue in La Mesa.

La Mesa’s Riviera Supper Club gets a refresh – but leaves retro vibe intact

December 27, 2019 at 1:37 a.m.

Retro doesn't mean frozen in time. The Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room, La Mesa's 10-year-old, grill-your-own steakhouse and lounge is giving the mid-century style neighborhood spot's offerings a refresh,...

The Fireside and Iced Emerald are two of the winter-inspired craft cocktails at Jamul Casino's Loft 94.

Winter cocktails heat up revamped Jamul Casino Loft 94

December 26, 2019 at 6:28 p.m.

What do you pair with the hottest cuisine in town? Toasty winter cocktails, of course. The Fireside and Iced Emerald are just two of the new cocktails being mixed up...

Ricotta gnudi dish at Avant at the Rancho Bernardo Inn.

The 10 best things we ate at San Diego restaurants in 2019

December 26, 2019 at 3:10 p.m.

Every year, dining writers Michele Parente and Pam Kragen keep meticulous notes on the dishes that most tantalized their taste buds during their culinary travels through San Diego County restaurants....

Winter cocktails heat up revamped Jamul Casino Loft 94

December 26, 2019 at 1:01 p.m.

What do you pair with the hottest cuisine in town? Toasty winter cocktails, of course. The Fireside and Iced Emerald are just two of the new cocktails being mixed up...

Restaurant pros dish on the decade’s top food trends – and what they want to go away in 2020

December 26, 2019 at 1:01 p.m.

Kombucha, keto, hating on gluten, casual dining and food delivery apps. Those are some of the trends that will define the decade of dining that's coming to a close on...

La Mesa’s Riviera Supper Club gets a refresh – but leaves retro vibe intact

December 26, 2019 at 1:01 p.m.

The hip speakeasy Realm of 52 Remedies is now serving custom cocktail tastings with food pairings.

Realm of the 52 Remedies puts its spin on the omakase: custom cocktail tastings

December 25, 2019 at 10:05 p.m.

From Addison to AVANT, Hidden Fish to Il Dandy's Arama and Fort Oak's Chef's Counter Experience, chef-curated tasting menus are all the rage in dining.Now, the sexy, 45-seat Convoy Street...

Il Dandy's decadent Ravioli di Pasta Kina, with beef ragù, caciocavallo and cured egg yolk.

How good was San Diego’s Italian food in 2019? Our Top 10 restaurant list finally has 10 on it!

December 24, 2019 at 2:15 p.m.

If 2019 was a banner year for dining in San Diego, it will also go down as the turning point for truly high-quality Italian food, thanks to three new exciting,...

We can not get enough of Animae's sexy-deco dining room.

Dining Year in Review: San Diego soared in 2019

December 22, 2019 at 2:13 p.m.

Christmas came early to San Diego this year. Back in January, we made our first visits to the recently opened restaurants Jeune et Jolie in Carlsbad and Fort Oak in...

The new operators of the Loma Club and golf course and bar and grill clubhouse at Liberty Station, photographed December 18, 2019 in San Diego, California, are Luke Mahoney, left, Laura Johnson, center, and John Levan, right.

You & Yours expanding to L.A.; owners taking over, updating historic Loma Club

December 20, 2019 at 4:24 p.m.

The owners of the East Village’s trendy You & Yours Distilling Co. are branching out, adding a second location in Los Angeles and taking over operations of the historic Loma...

Bull & Bourbon, Sycuan's new signature steakhouse, is glamorous and contemporary.

Sycuan steakhouse earns prestigious rating, Rincon brewery at Harrah’s SoCal rebrands

December 20, 2019 at 2:17 p.m.

Bull and Bourbon, Sycuan Casino Resort's new steakhouse, has earned the prestigious AAA Four Diamond rating, ing an exclusive club of only three casino steakhouses in the San Diego region...

You & Yours expanding to L.A.; owners taking over, updating historic Loma Club

December 20, 2019 at 2:15 p.m.

The owners of the East Village’s trendy You & Yours Distilling Co. are branching out, adding a second location in Los Angeles and taking over operations of the historic Loma...

El restaurante de carnes de Sycuan gana el estatus de Cuatro Diamantes

January 28, 2020 at 9:51 p.m.

Bull and Bourbon, el nuevo restaurante especializado en carnes de Sycuan Casino Resort, ganó la prestigiosa calificación AAA Four Diamond, uniéndose a un exclusivo club de solo tres restaurantes de...

FILE ? In this image provided by Lionsgate Home Entertainment, Patrick Swayze, portraying Johnny Castle, and Jennifer Grey, portraying Baby Houseman, are shown in a scene from the film, "Dirty Dancing." Swayze's publicist Annett Wolf says the 57?year?old "Dirty Dancing" actor died Monday, Sept. 14, 2009, after a nearly two?year battle with pancreatic cancer. (AP Photo/Lionsgate Home Entertainment) @@*@@* NO SALES @@*@@*

Have the (kosher) time of your life with Chinese food and ‘Dirty Dancing’ on Christmas

December 30, 2019 at 11:02 p.m.

In the spirit of the day, the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center is offering a double serving of December 25 tradition: A glatt kosher Chinese buffet with a side of...

Realm of the 52 Remedies puts its spin on the omakase: custom cocktail tastings

December 19, 2019 at 1:01 p.m.

From Addison to AVANT, Hidden Fish to Il Dandy's Arama and Fort Oak's Chef's Counter Experience, chef-curated tasting menus are all the rage in dining.Now, the sexy, 45-seat Convoy Street...

The 10 best things we ate at San Diego restaurants in 2019

December 20, 2019 at 1:11 a.m.

Dining Year in Review: San Diego soared in 2019

December 19, 2019 at 3:30 p.m.

Christmas came early to San Diego this year. Back in January, we made our first visits to the recently opened restaurants Jeune et Jolie in Carlsbad and Fort Oak in...

How good was San Diego’s Italian food in 2019? Our Top 10 restaurant list finally has 10 on it!

December 19, 2019 at 2:24 p.m.

If 2019 was a banner year for dining in San Diego, it will also go down as the turning point for truly high-quality Italian food, thanks to three new exciting,...

Chef Brad Wise, the San Diego Union-Tribune's 2019 Chef of the Year, at the Fort Oak restaurant on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 in San Diego, California.

Firing on all cylinders: Brad Wise is the U-T 2019 Chef of the Year

December 19, 2019 at 3:33 p.m.

The 7,000-pound custom wood grill at Fort Oak, which made its impressive debut in Mission Hills in January, was given the nickname of "amore," executive sous chef Mark Schmitt said...

Have the (glatt kosher) time of your life with Chinese food and ‘Dirty Dancing’ on Christmas

December 19, 2019 at 1:01 p.m.

In the spirit of the day, the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center is offering a double serving of December 25 tradition: A glatt kosher Chinese buffet with a side of...

Sycuan steakhouse earns prestigious rating, Rincon brewery at Harrah’s SoCal rebrands

December 19, 2019 at 1:05 a.m.

Bull and Bourbon, Sycuan Casino Resort's new steakhouse, has earned the prestigious AAA Four Diamond rating, ing an exclusive club of only three casino steakhouses in the San Diego region...

Brian Malarkey, arguably San Diego's most famous chef, will return to the show that made him a celebrity, "Top Chef."

San Diego’s Brian Malarkey and Angelo Sosa returning to ‘Top Chef’ in 2020

December 13, 2019 at 6:29 p.m.

San Diego chefs Brian Malarkey and Angelo Sosa are returning to "Top Chef," the wildly popular chef competition show that made them celebrities. Bravo announced Thursday that the 17th season...

San Diego’s Brian Malarkey and Angelo Sosa returning to ‘Top Chef’ in 2020

December 13, 2019 at 12:37 a.m.

San Diego chefs Brian Malarkey and Angelo Sosa are returning to "Top Chef," the wildly popular chef competition show that made them celebrities. Bravo announced Thursday that the 17th season...

<p>2 to 5 p.m. Saturday. Hiatus Lounge at Hotel La Jolla, 7955 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla. $15. <a href="http://bubblyfest.bpt.me">bubblyfest.bpt.me</a>.</p>

<p>Sparkling wine is as much a part of summer as pool parties, tan lines and sand in places you never expected. Thank your wine-pouring gods for this fest, which pops open the bubbly at Hiatus Lounge in Hotel La Jolla. From 2 to 5 p.m., the poolside lounge will be sparkling with bubbly from prosecco to rosé. A raw bar will be on deck to pair seasonal oysters served with Champagne mignonette. Tickets offer a taste of Taittinger Champagne, Veuve Clicquot Champagne, Iron Horse Sparkling Wine, Villa Sandi Rose Prosecco, Gancia Prosecco and more. <em>MICHELLE DEDERKO</em></p>

The holidays sparkle with bubbly and brunch on the beach

December 12, 2019 at 1:50 p.m.

Toast the holidays — and how lucky we are to enjoy ocean-side festivities in December — when JRDN executive chef David Warner welcomes 's glam Champagne house Billecart-Salmon for a...

Pâtisserie Mélanie’s buttery, flaky croissants have helped drive the Hillcrest shop's popularity. Her smoked paprika croissant will fit right in at lunchtime when it opens as a restaurant in North Park.

Patisserie Melanie expanding from home-based bakery to North Park bistro

December 10, 2019 at 10:36 p.m.

Pâtisserie Mélanie, a home-based French bakery in Hillcrest whose business success was fueled by social media, is moving out of the house.Former Crawford High School English teacher-turned French-trained pastry chef...

Patisserie Melanie expanding from home-based bakery to North Park bistro

December 10, 2019 at 12:40 a.m.

Ruth Reichl, arguably America's foremost chronicler of food culture, will be speaking in La Jolla Tuesday.

No more disguises: Ruth Reichl bares her soul in Gourmet memoir

December 8, 2019 at 1:01 p.m.

In her third book, "Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise," Ruth Reichl unmasked the elaborate lengths to which the legendary food writer went to hide...

Among Sprinkles's Red Box Holiday Collections is the Seasonal Dozen, with four Christmas cookie cupcakes, four chocolate peppermint, and four gingerbread.

Sweet! Sprinkles launches holiday collections, adds four cupcake ATMs in San Diego

December 6, 2019 at 2:57 p.m.

No time — or desire — to bake holiday cookies? Sprinkles has a sweet seasonal hack.Adorably stylish cupcake collections in pretty red boxes make the perfect hostess gift, impressive holiday...

You & Yours Distilling Co., in the East Village, spikes its afternoon tea with some holiday cheer on Sunday.

We’re spilling the tea on You & Yours’ Holiday Afternoon Tea

December 5, 2019 at 5:30 p.m.

Pinkies up, people. The always-charming You & Yours Distilling Co. is adding some holiday cheer to its afternoon tea.The oh-so-civilized festivities include a welcome cocktail, hot tea service, your choice...

We’re spilling the tea on You & Yours’ Holiday Afternoon Tea

December 5, 2019 at 1:01 p.m.

Sweet! Sprinkles launches holiday collections, adds four cupcake ATMs in San Diego

December 5, 2019 at 1:01 p.m.

No time — or desire — to bake holiday cookies? Sprinkles has a sweet seasonal hack.Adorably stylish cupcake collections in pretty red boxes make the perfect hostess gift, impressive holiday...

Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant's happy hour on Mondays features $5 meatball sliders with roasted tomato sauce, grana Padano cheese and arugula, with a side of homemade chips.

Slide into the work week with Meatball Monday at Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant

December 2, 2019 at 7:41 a.m.

Thanksgiving's over, now the meatballs. After the long weekend, it'll probably be Monday before you get your appetite back. Perfect timing to hit Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant for...

Blackjack is one of the most popular table games in the casino.

Here’s the deal on San Diego’s 10 casinos

December 2, 2019 at 7:35 a.m.

Barona Resort & Casino1932 Wildcat Canyon Road, Lakeside. (619) 443-2300. barona.comThe deal: A full-scale casino resort with a hotel, championship golf course, day spa and multiple dining venues. The casino...

Employee spotlight: Giving away Sycuan’s money is ‘incredibly rewarding’

December 1, 2019 at 1:01 p.m.

The holidays are when people pull out their holiday cheer — and their wallets.Whether motivated by the spirit of the season or the Dec. 31 I.R.S deadline, an estimated 77...

Michael Hunter, vice chairman of the Jamul Indian Village tribe, with his wife Heather and their daughter Teyla, at H & M Vineyards in Valley Center. The grapes for Jamul Casino's steakhouse red, Jamul 23, are grown on the property.

Farm to casino: Jamul steakhouse’s house wine is grown on tribal vice chairman’s family vineyard

December 1, 2019 at 6:04 p.m.

It doesn't get much more local than being able to pair your porterhouse at Jamul Casino's steakhouse with a red wine grown by the vice chairman of the Jamul tribe....

Agua Caliente Casinos broke ground in November on a new casino complex in Cathedral City, in the Palm Springs area. A rendering shows the new, 40,000 square foot gaming floor, which will feature 800 slots and table games.

Agua Caliente building new Palms Spring-area casino, 10,000-seat arena; Vegas dining heats up

December 1, 2019 at 1:01 p.m.

There are more changes afoot for the areas where San Diegans love to play around when they're not home. Here are some of the developments in Southern California and Las...

The wine selection in the dinning room at Prime Cut steakhouse at the Jamul Casino on October 30, 2019 in San Diego, California.

Casino steakhouse wine lists put cheer in holiday season

December 1, 2019 at 1:01 p.m.

Is it a coincidence that red and white are two of the colors associated with the holidays? We think not.Whether you pop open some blanc de blanc bubbly or uncork...

Pechanga Resort & Casino's all-you-can-eat Maine lobster buffet is expanding to two nights, Thursday and Friday.

What’s new at San Diego-area casinos: national kudos, exec plucked from Vegas, cheap gas and more lobster

December 1, 2019 at 1:01 p.m.

There's always something new and notable happening at the San Diego region's casinos. Here's a sampling.Barona tops 'best casino outside Vegas' listBarona Resort & Casino was recently named Best Casino...

Here’s the deal on the San Diego-area’s 10 casinos

December 1, 2019 at 1:01 p.m.

As of late September, Harrah's SoCal's cash donations for 2019 had totaled nearly $250,000. Numerous employees had also participated in numerous volunteer-sweat equity events and fund-raising drives, including a beach cleanup.

Casinos give back through charitable donations

December 1, 2019 at 1:01 p.m.

It's hard to miss all the hoopla associated with the San Diego-area's casinos, whether it's ads for sweet deals for new players, clusters of billboards announcing the latest casino resort...

Pechanga Resort-Casino chefs, Chef Alicia Kolk, the Garde Manager, left, Chef Marie Surakul, center, the chef at Bamboo, and Krystle Schenk, right, the Production and Buffett chef, have just been elevated in their jobs by winning competitive Top Chef-like cook-offs. Photographed, November 14, 2019, in Temecula, California.

3 chefs mujeres consiguen los mejores puestos de trabajo en Pechanga tras ganar competencia similar a ‘Top Chef’

January 28, 2020 at 11:10 p.m.

Pregúntele a una niña qué quiere ser cuando crezca y la respuesta podría ser una bailarina de ballet, un veterinario o un astronauta.Alicia Kolk, Krystle Schenk y Marie Surakul querían...

3 female chefs score top jobs at Pechanga after conquering ‘Top Chef’-like competition

November 28, 2019 at 2:42 p.m.

Ask a little girl what she wants to be when she grows up and the answer might be a ballet dancer, a veterinarian or an astronaut. Alicia Kolk, Krystle Schenk...

Slide into the work week with Meatball Monday at Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant

November 28, 2019 at 1:01 p.m.

Happy Thanksgiving, now the meatballs. After today's festivities, it'll probably be Monday before you get your appetite back. Perfect timing to hit Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant for its...

Chef Brian Redzikowski at Kettner Exchange’s Chef’s Table

All-star Baja, San Diego chefs Valle winemakers for cross-border benefit in Little Italy

November 28, 2019 at 7:01 p.m.

If you've ever been to Baja's Valle de Guadalupe, chances are you've seen the volunteer firefighters at an intersection on the wine route collecting donations in a firefighter's boot. Now,...

Rare Society's main dining room, with a window into the kitchen (upper right), feels light years away from the cocktail bar Hundred Proof.

3 to try: A Trust Group restaurant remake, new Mexican in Old Town and French flair in Little Italy

November 26, 2019 at 2:01 p.m.

A restaurant remake, new Mexican in Old Town and French flair in Little Italy: Here's what we've been tasting at Rare Society, Tahona and Zinqué.Rare SocietyYou're the owners of a...

The new Bibigo Kitchen at Fashion Valley puts a modern, elegant twist on casual Korean food, like this steak kimchi fried rice bowl.

Where to eat while shopping? We’ve got your mall dining options in the bag

November 25, 2019 at 10:08 p.m.

Online shopping may have its benefits, but it doesn't have dumplings.Shopping at the mall during the holidays can be stressful, but San Diego County malls also offer delicious ways to...

Where to eat while shopping? We’ve got your mall dining options in the bag

November 25, 2019 at 11:34 p.m.

Online shopping may have its benefits, but it doesn't have dumplings.Shopping at the mall during the holidays can be stressful, but San Diego County malls also offer delicious ways to...

Not a brochure: Here's a snapshot from the WineSellar & Brasserie's Sicily tour in September. WSB's Lori Parker emailed it from Sicily: "We had a wine reduction party at that beautiful pool last night! We can get the wines at The WineSelller for them when we get back. However it’s too tempting to buy some bottles along the way. Of course more than we can get home. So we always have wine reduction parties along the way!" Our new three favorite words: "Wine. Reduction. Party!"

2019 holiday gift guide: Gourmet

November 27, 2019 at 12:43 a.m.

Some people eat to live and then there's the rest of us, for whom living is eating (and drinking). Whether for breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee or cocktail time, we get...

2019 holiday gift guide: Style

November 25, 2019 at 8:18 p.m.

You'll never catch her in a Christmas sweater — even for the sake of irony. No, the fashion trend-setter on your holiday gift list only steps out in true style....

Urban Solace's popular cinnamon rolls, with butter pecan sauce, whole pecans and cream cheese frosting, will be on the menu for a special Bluegrass Brunch Nov. 24 at Leroy's Kitchen + Lounge in Coronado.

Urban Solace’s beloved Bluegrass Brunch popping up in Coronado

November 21, 2019 at 7:31 p.m.

Urban Solace's Bluegrass Brunch is gone but not forgotten. An homage to the now-closed North Park restaurant's popular musical meal will pop up Sunday with a special brunch at Leroy's...

Urban Solace’s beloved Bluegrass Brunch popping up in Coronado

November 21, 2019 at 1:01 p.m.

Urban Solace's Bluegrass Brunch is gone but not forgotten. An homage to the now-closed North Park restaurant's popular musical meal will pop up Sunday with a special brunch at Leroy's...

3 to try: A Trust Group restaurant remake, new Mexican in Old Town and French flair in Little Italy

November 21, 2019 at 1:01 p.m.

A restaurant remake, new Mexican in Old Town and French flair in Little Italy: Here's what we've been tasting at Rare Society, Tahona and Zinqué.Rare SocietyYou're the owners of a...

Hiramasa with pear yuzu, pink peppercorns and coca nibs is a delectable new addition to the menu at Animae.

Review: We didn’t think Malarkey’s Animae could best Herb & Wood. We were wrong.

November 14, 2019 at 5:01 p.m.

There are multiple ways to cause a sensation, Brian Malarkey has taught us.There was the celebrity chef twee-look-at-me superficiality of the Searsucker/Herringbone era.There were the hater-muting sexy energy and vibrant...

Cabernet for a Cause will be held on Sunday in Escondido wine country.

Ex-Charger, neurosurgeon team up for Alzheimer’s fundraiser Cabernet for a Cause

November 14, 2019 at 1:01 p.m.

We'll drink to raising funds to benefit Alzheimer's research, education and financial .Former Chargers wide receiver-turned-Hollywood stunt man Quinn Early will noted La Jolla neurosurgeon Dr. John Seelig Sunday...

Animae: We didn’t think Malarkey could best Herb & Wood. We were wrong

November 14, 2019 at 1:01 p.m.

Nina Gilbert's presentation will showcase single-origin chocolates from Venezuela, Hawaii, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, and the Congo, plus two blended chocolates.

Unwrapping the allure of chocolate – beyond eating it

November 14, 2019 at 1:01 p.m.

With the holidays almost upon us, let's just it it: We're in for a lot of chocolate. So now is the perfect time to learn more about it. On Sunday,...

The 16th annual San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival is back, kicking off Sunday.

All you need to know about the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival

November 7, 2019 at 3:54 p.m.

The San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival is the biggest culinary event of the year, attracting an estimated 11,000 attendees to its week-long lineup of dinners, tastings, demos and...

Breakfast, beer and Baja: San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival taps into our obsessions

November 7, 2019 at 1:01 p.m.

The San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival is the biggest culinary event of the year, attracting an estimated 11,000 attendees to its week-long lineup of dinners, tastings, demos and...

Spiny Lobster are on the grill now through March at The Fish Market in Del Mar and downtown San Diego.

Spiny lobster season arrives at The Fish Market

November 7, 2019 at 1:01 p.m.

Maine lobster gets all the hype, but pound-for-pound, West Coast spiny lobster have more sweet meat than its East Coast counterpoint. That's why the annual arrival of spiny lobster season...

The Holidays kick off Friday at the Pendry San Diego when Provisional Kitchen Café & Mercantile begins selling seasonal treats like sweet potato pumpkin pie.

Holidays get off to a sweet, early start at Pendry

November 1, 2019 at 6:55 p.m.

We're not OK with holiday music starting this early. But holiday desserts? Season's greetings!Starting Friday, Provisional Kitchen, Café & Mercantile at the Pendry San Diego hotel in the Gaslamp will...

North Park's new Siamo Napoli makes true Neapolitan pizza in its custom azure-tiled pizza oven.

La invasion de sabores italianos crece en San Diego

January 28, 2020 at 11:12 p.m.

Este ha sido un año excepcional para la comida italiana en San Diego.Aparentemente cada mes ha estado marcado por la apertura de otro impresionante restaurante italiano. El mini boom comenzó...

San Diego’s tasty Italian invasion marches on with three new spots

October 18, 2019 at 6:43 p.m.

This has been a banner year — a green, white and red banner, to be exact — for Italian food in San Diego.Seemingly every month has been marked by the...

San Diego’s tasty Italian invasion marches on with three new spots

October 17, 2019 at 12:01 p.m.

This has been a banner year — a green, white and red banner, to be exact — for Italian food in San Diego.Seemingly every month has been marked by the...

More than 50 eateries are participating in Dine Out for the Cure on Oct. 17, offering proceeds for sales to Komen San Diego.

Dine Out for the Cure: Eating well for a good cause

October 15, 2019 at 2:01 p.m.

More than 50 restaurants, bakeries and coffeehouses from Carlsbad to Jamul, downtown San Diego to La Mesa, Ramona and North Park are offering customers a way to breast cancer...

Dine Out for the Cure: Eating well for a good cause

October 10, 2019 at 12:01 p.m.

More than 50 restaurants, bakeries and coffeehouses from Carlsbad to Jamul, downtown San Diego to La Mesa, Ramona and North Park are offering customers a way to breast cancer...

Jeremiah Tower, seen in the 2016 documentary about his career, "Jeremiah Tower: The Last Magnificent," is one with the most influential chefs in modern American history, with three James Beard awards.

Legendary chef Jeremiah Tower hosting Sunday lobster brunch at Jamul Casino

October 8, 2019 at 5:48 p.m.

Jeremiah Tower, considered the father of California cuisine and a towering figure in shaping how America eats today, will help Jamul Casino celebrate its third anniversary by hosting Sunday lobster...

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