Good Eats San Diego: Seasons 52 at Seaport Village Headquarters

April 20, 2016restaurantsLocal Wally1 Comment

Nice dining room at Seasons 52 in San Diego's Seaport Village

I normally avoid chain restaurants. It's not that I'm a food snob it's that when I want consistency I go to McDonalds. I like restaurants where the chef makes a difference, where food isn't cooked on a conveyor belt. That perfectly describes Seasons 52. With 43 locations, 2 in San Diego alone, there's no getting around it - this is a chain. But with a seasonally changing menu prepared by talented chefs, Seasons 52 rises above and places itself squarely into Good Eats territory, certainly a contender for your next night out. I was lucky enough to check out their new Spring menu - let's have a look.

Start with the Flatbreads

Light and crispy flatbread at Seasons 52

Flatbreads are the rage at so many restaurants but so many fail. I'm no flatbread expert but many of them are just bad pizzas. No so at Seasons 52 where the flatbreads are thin and crispy and topped with super high quality ingredients. My favorite has to be the Lobster and Fresh Mozzerella with roasted sweet peppers, slivered scallions, lobster sour cream, and paired with a glass of Chartogne-Taillet Cuvee Sainte Anne Champagne. That's right, don't forget that Seasons 52 has an extensive wine list with 52 wines by the glass always available - try them all!

Oh My Cod!

Asian-glazed Sea Bass at Seasons 52 in San Diego

Ordering something new off a menu is a bit like internet dating. It looks good, it sounds good, but will it meet your expectations when it arrives? Well let me tell you, the Asian Glazed Chilean Sea Bass is one of the most beautiful, best executed fish dishes I have ever experienced, a true 10 on the 1-10 scale, a knockout in both looks and flavor. The black rice was insanely delicious and the glaze was just sweet enough without being cloying. Order this an watch the heads turn at the tables as it passes by, it's that stunningly perfect.

Mmmmm, Meyer Lemon Ricotta Ravioli

Say it - Wow! Yes, this is another example of why I love Seasons 52. The lemon ricotta ravioli was topped with a brown butter sauce, some roasted peppers and English peas and so tangy delicious that its memory is forever embedded into my taste buds.

Even More Good Eats at Seasons 52

Grilled Scallops at Seasons 52 in San Diego

Grilling scallops could be a disaster but Seasons 52 knocked it out of the park with their Caramelized Grilled Sea Scallops with Lemon Risotto. Scallops were delicate, the risotto complimented, the fresh peas and roasted asparagus cooked perfectly, this is a top dish. Get this one if you love seafood. But wait... there's more?

Yes, a serious Wood Grilled Rack of Lamb with spring vegetables, Yukon Gold mash and shallot jus. It was gorgeous, perhaps a touch of finishing salt would make it pop. You do bring your own Maldon Salt with you to restaurants, don't you?

Meet the Chef

Chef Mo is the guy who makes it all happen at Seasons 52 at San Diego's Seaport Village Headquarters. With a resume from some of the best restaurants in San Diego he knows his way around the kitchen. So thanks Seasons 52 and thanks Mo for an awesome meal. Chain restaurant? Perhaps. Predictable chain restaurant food? No way! Seasons 52 is good enough to rival the best in San Diego and deserves to be on your foodie bucket list.

Local Wally

Madama Butterfly: Local Wally Goes to the San Diego Opera (and doesn't die)

April 15, 2016eventsLocal WallyComment

OK, I will admit that the idea of going to the opera, the opera, was not initially my idea of a good time. I mean, I don't know nothing about the opera other than they sing in a foreign language and ain't nobody's got time for that. Well wait, hang on, I am here to tell you that I went to the San Diego Opera and saw Madama Butterfly and not only did I not die but I actually enjoyed it. You should go. Seriously.

GET TICKETS HERE! IT WILL SELL OUT SO GET THEM NOW!

Now some people out there (i.e. my wife) are thinking that I am just showing how uncouth I am, akin to stating that one's a Trump supporter while waiting in line for tacos in Tijuana, but I think there are a lot of people out there like me who have either never been to an actual opera or who went so long ago that memories of being spanked come to mind. But Madama Butterfly wasn't hard to understand, the plot simpler than a Will Ferrel movie but with perhaps a bit more emotion. Look, I'm saying you won't be cocking your head like a confused dog, it's not that hard to figure out the story!

And then there's the music, live music played by real people! Oh my goodness, we have been listening to preprogrammed and synthetic music for so long that there is something so sweet and organic, human, about a real orchestra. And when the singers step up to the mic's - wait, there are no mics so they actually have to belt these songs out and the power of their voices is simply amazing. Just. Beautiful.

So go. Get tickets. It's way cool!

LOCAL WALLY

The Official Press Release:

San Diego, CA – San Diego Opera is proud to present Puccini’s Madama Butterfly as the second mainstage offering of its 2015-2016 season when it opens on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 7 PM for four performances at the San Diego Civic Theatre. Returning to San Diego Opera in the title role, is American soprano Latonia Moore, who dazzled audiences in 2013 as Aida, and audiences at the Metropolitan Opera earlier this month when she sang her first American Butterfly. The Company is excited to welcome Romanian tenor Teodor Ilincăi as Pinkerton, a role he has sung the role to critical and popular acclaim in Vienna, Paris, Budapest, Toulouse, and Hamburg, in his American debut. Also making an important Company debuts are American mezzo soprano J’nai Bridges as Suzuki and American baritone Anthony Clark Evans as Sharpless. Taiwanese-American tenor Joseph Hu returns as Goro and American bass-baritone Scott Sikon returns as the Bonze. Franco-Canadian conductor Yves Abel, last heard leading the orchestra in 2014’s Pagliacci, returns to lead the San Diego Symphony for these performances. American stage director Garnett Bruce will stage the production.

In Puccini’s tragic opera Madama Butterfly, the American naval officer Pinkerton marries a Japanese geisha named Cio-Cio-San (who is also known as Butterfly). Pinkerton takes the relationship lightly despite the warnings of the American consul, Sharpless. Pinkerton returns to America, and Butterfly gives birth to their child whom she names Trouble while she waits for her husband to return. When Pinkerton does return he brings with him his American wife and Cio-Cio-San must choose to live in disgrace or die with her honor intact. With the famous aria “Un bel dì” and the haunting “Humming Chorus” Madama Butterfly is full of beautiful music that will stay with the audience long after they have left the theatre.

April 5 Declared Ralph Rubio Day in City of San Diego!

March 29, 2016Local WallyComment

SAN DIEGO, CA – In recognition of Rubio’s Restaurants, Inc. Co-Founder Ralph Rubio for his entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to the community and contributions to the food industry, a proclamation will be issued on Tuesday, April 5 declaring it “Ralph Rubio Day” in the City of San Diego.

A San Diego State University alumnus, Ralph brought his love of fish tacos to the United States after a college trip to Baja California, Mexico. 33 years after opening the first Rubio’s restaurant – a walk-up fish taco stand in Mission Bay – Rubio’s Coastal Grill has established a passionate fan base throughout the Southwestern United States and has largely been credited for starting the fish taco phenomenon in America. Cited by The Washington Post and Los Angeles Times as the country’s top fish taco expert, Rubio’s Coastal Grill has sold more than 200 million Original Fish Tacos®.

To celebrate the commemoration, and as a nod to the fist taco that started it all, Rubio’s Coastal Grill will offer its Original Fish Taco® for $1.75 all day on April 5 throughout San Diego county. Following the proclamation ceremony, a special reception will be held at the Point Loma Rubio’s location (3555 Rosecrans St.) where guests can enjoy giveaways, free fish taco coupons and a chance to meet Ralph. The reception will take place from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and is open to the public.

“San Diego has been my home for over 40 years, so it’s a great honor to receive this distinction from the city,” said Rubio. “It’s remarkable to think how far Rubio’s Coastal Grill has come from where we started as a small taco stand in Mission Bay. Our following of loyal fans in San Diego have been an important part of Rubio’s success, and I can’t thank our community enough for their support.”

Ralph’s passion for protecting the ocean and giving back to the San Diego community is demonstrated through Rubio’s Coastal Grill’s annual CoastFest event, one of the largest organized beach cleanups in San Diego. Partnerships with local organizations such as the California Coastal Commission, I Love A Clean San Diego and Surfrider Foundation also demonstrate Ralph’s commitment to supporting the San Diego community.

For more information about Ralph Rubio and Rubio’s Coastal Grill, visit Rubio’s website: www.rubios.com. Guests can also join the conversation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rubios and Twitter at www.twitter.com/rubiostweets.

About Rubio’s® Restaurants:

Rubio’s first opened in 1983, in the San Diego neighborhood of Mission Bay. Today, counting the ocean as a source of inspiration, Rubio’s uses sustainable seafood in nearly all of its seafood dishes, and continues to expand its menu with innovative recipes ranging from seafood tacos and burritos to California Bowls and crisp, fresh salads. In addition, Rubio’s offers grilled marinated chicken and steak, “no fried” pinto beans, handmade guacamole, a variety of proprietary salsas, and craft beer and sangria beverage options.

The award-winning restaurant regularly receives accolades for its famous Original Fish Taco®. It was also recently ranked as one of Fast Casual’s ‘Top 50 Movers and Shakers’ as well as one of its ‘Top Five Most Loved Fast Casual Chains’. Rubio’s participates in a variety of community partnership efforts throughout the year including its annual CoastFest celebration and beach cleanup. Rubio’s is headquartered in Carlsbad, Calif., has over 4,000 employees and currently operates nearly 200 restaurants in California, Arizona, Colorado, Utah and Nevada. For more information, visit http://rubios.com.

San Diego Zoo Celebrates Its Centennial with Launch of “Living Legends” Mobile Game

March 6, 2016Local Wally1 Comment

San Diego Zoo Celebrates Its Centennial with Launch of “Living Legends” Mobile Game Physics-based Puzzle Game Available Free on iOS and Android Devices

Those who know me know that I am a huge animal fan and very proud of our San Diego Zoo so it's so cool that in honor of its 100th birthday, they havepartnered with RED Games to create a mobile game to raise awareness of the threats facing endangered animal species. “Living Legends” is a physics-based puzzle that is fun yet educational, with various levels of difficulty; and each level features a different type of endangered species—African lion, giant panda, polar bear, gorilla and rhinoceros. Let's stop the debate on whether hunting big game is an actual "sport" and start educating our children so that these animals are around for their future.

And that's what's so cool about this game, San Diego Zoo’s free gift to fans and children around the world. The San Diego Zoo is working to end extinction while inspiring the next generation of animal caretakers, veterinarians, scientists, researchers and conservationists.

The species featured in Living Legends are all facing habitat loss. African lions, rhinos and gorillas are also threatened by poaching and hunting for the bushmeat trade. The rhino is often poached just for its horn, which is erroneously believed in some cultures to have medicinal value. However, the horn is made of keratin, the same protein that forms human hair and fingernails, and does not provide cures to any ailments.

Polar bears are facing habitat loss due to climate change. The reduction of sea ice in the Arctic makes it difficult for them to hunt for their primary food source, seals. Climate change has also had an adverse impact on the bamboo forests that provide the primary food source and habitat for the giant panda.

Players can learn more about each animal featured in Living Legends and its habitat as they advance through the game, as well as other finding out more about notable animals that live at the San Diego Zoo.

The game is now available for iOS mobile devices, and the Android version will roll out on March 31, 2016. The Zoo plans to add additional levels and endangered species to the game this summer.

About the San Diego Zoo Centennial

In 1916, when a lone lion left in a cage in Balboa Park after the Panama-California Exposition was heard roaring by San Diego surgeon Dr. Harry Wegeforth, he quipped to his brother, “Wouldn’t it be splendid if San Diego had a zoo?” From such simple words, a 100-year revolution was born. That singular lion roar led to the transformation of 100 acres of land in downtown San Diego into a globally renowned tourist attraction, a cultural touchstone and one of the most inspiring places on the planet.

To celebrate our 100 years, the San Diego Zoo has opened a new animal show at Wegeforth Bowl, built a Centennial Theater featuring the conservation work of San Diego Zoo Global, designed a centennial-themed Dr. Zoolittle show and planned 10 different on-grounds birthday parties for our on-grounds guests. There will also be special events at the San Diego Zoo during the centennial, including Play Days, Nighttime Zoo and Kids Free month. And in May, we’re taking the party to Balboa Park for all of San Diego to join in the celebration. To view the Zoo’s online historical timeline and get more details on centennial events, please visit sandiegozoo100.org.

Centennial Celebration for All of San Diego

On May 14, 2016, we will host a joyous celebration of the San Diego Zoo and its San Diego supporters throughout the years, with a festival that everyone will be roaring about. Starting at 6 p.m. at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park, all of San Diego is invited to join the community celebration, with music, food, a Zoo-themed spectacle you’ll have to see to believe, and a group who will create a “roar” that we hope will break records.

Bringing species back from the brink of extinction is the goal of San Diego Zoo Global. As a leader in conservation, the work of San Diego Zoo Global includes on-site wildlife conservation efforts (representing both plants and animals) at the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, as well as international field programs on six continents. The work of these entities is inspiring children through the San Diego Zoo Kids network, reaching out through the Internet and in children’s hospitals nationwide. The work of San Diego Zoo Global is made possible by the San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy and is supported in part by the Foundation of San Diego Zoo Global.

THINGS TO DO VALENTINES DAY IN SAN DIEGO 2016: The Headquarters in Seaport Village

January 25, 2016Local WallyComment

San Diego Valentines Day Ideas

Are you that guy who wakes up in a panic on Valentines Day with the sudden realization that he has nothing planned? Do you like sleeping on the couch? Do you want to keep your wife or girlfriend? Then listen to me and make plans now for an evening at The Headquarters in Seaport Village. Check out some of their specials.

$2.14 off cakes at Gelato Paradiso – Gelato Paradiso is offering $2.14 off any cake or 12 pack of gelato pops until Valentine’s Day. Cakes are made fresh in-house daily featuring ingredients imported directly from Italy. From heart shaped creations with fresh raspberry sorbetto to double chocolate gelato on a moist chocolate sponge, one bite and you’ll be in love. Images (courtesy of Gelato Paradiso) can be downloaded here.
Free Roses at Puesto – Known for its refined flavors of Mexican street food and lively atmosphere, each couple who dines at Puesto on Valentine’s Day will receive a free rose to celebrate the holiday.
Chocolate and Bubbles class at Venissimo Cheese – Enjoy a pairing of the most romantic fromage, cocoas and champagne during an intimate and delicious evening with San Diego cheese experts! The class is from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and costs $50 per person.

Additional date night dining options at the Headquarters include Eddie V’s, featuring fresh seafood and steak, and Season’s 52 featuring seasonal dishes and festive cocktails like Grapefruit Negroni with Ruby Red Grapefruit.

So no excuses, make those plans now and you will be thanking me later!

Wally

THINGS TO DO IN SAN DIEGO THIS WEEKEND: Caffeine Crawl San Diego Coming Jan. 22 - 24, 2015

January 16, 2016Local Wally2 Comments

GET TICKETS NOW FOR CAFFEINE CRAWL SAN DIEGO! EVENT IS JAN 22 - 24, 2015

Beer lovers have pub crawls and wine lovers have wine tours. Coffee lovers have...Caffeine Crawl! January 23rd and 24th will kick off a year of caffeinated connections with San Diego’s second Crawl and the first of 2015. Caffeine Crawl is a product of the innovative team at The LAB, a beverage marketing and creative firm based in Kansas City, Fort Collins and Portland. From the first Caffeine Crawl in 2011 to the current 15-city line up this year, response has been phenomenal. Grab your travel mug - the buzz is already building!

We’ll start with a stroll along the North Coast on Friday afternoon, stopping at Cafe Ipe, Ironsmith Coffee Roasters, Lofty Coffee, and Pannikin. On Saturday, Crawlers will gather at kickoff locations throughout the city - InterAmerican Coffee, Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, or The WestBean Coffee Roasters - for event bags full of swag, presentations, and plenty of caffeination before heading out by car or bike to experience the magic at Cafe Moto, Bay Park Coffee, Bean Bar, Broke Girls Coffee Bar, Cafe Virtuoso, Caffe Calabria, Dark Horse Coffee Roasters, and Ladies and Gentlemen Coffee Roasters, with treats along the way from David Bacco Chocolates and Biscuit Gourmet Biscotti.

Each shop will present on a topic unique to their style and passion, and crawlers will receive samples to sip while they soak up the info. The Crawl after party, hosted by James Coffee Co on Saturday afternoon, will conclude a weekend of caffeination and local craft fun with more great drinks and some surprises!

Tickets for the Caffeine Crawl cost $23-$30 (biking or driving routes available) and early bird discounts apply through December 12th. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.caffeinecrawl.com/san-diego-tickets.html

For a unique interactive experience that is educational, delicious and fun, Caffeine Crawl can’t be beat. See you there!

GUEST POST BY SADIE COLWELL (sadie@LAB5702.com)

Hanging Around Encinitas with my Vintage Camera

December 11, 2015Local WallyComment

My Encinitas Life in Black and White

Last weekend I found myself with a few hours and nothing to do so I had this crazy idea to load up the old 35mm camera and see what shooting with film again would be like. So I got some Tri-X and jumped on the scooter and searched Encinitas for some black and white images to capture.

I sort of miss the old concession stand at Moonlight Beach but the new one makes a cool photo.

First stop, Moonlight Beach. For you photographer nuts out there (or people nuts enough to still shoot film) most of these photos were shot at 500 sec at f16. I was pretty much locked into that setting since I was using Tri-X in bright sunlight.

With digital I can easily shoot a hundred photos just while eating lunch. With film you get 36 chances to get a shot. I used to shoot a ton of film but after so many years shooting digital this felt really different, slower, perhaps me being a bit more thoughtful about shadows and light and how the image would translate in black and white.

Super cool dude who lives in his car.  If you see him tell him hello. — Super cool dude who lives in his car. If you see him tell him hello.

I met this guy in the Moonlight Beach overlook. He sleeps in his car and told me his story of having to sell just about everything. I didn't want to insult him by asking if he needed a few bucks but wish I did. He was a cool dude for sure.

I love living by the ocean and appreciate it every day. And I love how that Encinitas still has that small town feel, even with all the growth and changes. These shots were taken around Swami's Beach.

Back on the 101 I headed up towards Leucadia to snap a few shots of the local businesses. Please Leucadia, please stay funky.

I think that black thing in the sky is a banner being pulled by an airplane.  Or it's a giant speck of dust inside the lens. — I think that black thing in the sky is a banner being pulled by an airplane. Or it's a giant speck of dust inside the lens.

Wonderful tacos and soups at La Especial Norte

A bit spooky at this antique store in Leucadia

Someday all the flower fields will be gone.

So 3 hours later I had snapped a roll of 36 and had to patiently wait a week for the negatives to come back. No LCD on the back of the camera and one shot per subject. You either get the shot or you don't. And it was kind of nice. So tell me, did I get the shot?

Wally

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN SAN DIEGO: Yoga on the USS Midway

November 18, 2015Local WallyComment

Things to Do in San Diego this Weekend: “Stretch 4 Vets” on the Flight Deck of the USS Midway in Support of Veterans

When: Saturday, Nov. 21, 8 to 10 AM, at the USS Midway, 910 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego

What is it?: In recognition of Veteran’s Day month and Thanksgiving,the nation’s leading yoga studio CorePower Yoga – America’s leading yoga studio – is partnering with Embrace, a non-profit benefitting homeless veterans to host a 75 minute class on the flight deck of the USS Midway. Participants will raise funds by collecting pledge money for their practice. The class will feature live music by Buddha Music Group. Amy Opielowski, CorePower Yoga’s San Diego Program Manager will teach the class with the help of 20 local instructors.

How: Students, Veterans, Active Military and CorePower Yoga Members: $25; Civilians: $35

Registration and more information here: http://www.stretch4vets.org/

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN SAN DIEGO: Del Mar Beer and Cider Fest Nov. 28, 2015

November 13, 2015Local WallyComment

THINGS TO DO IN SAN DIEGO: DEL MAR BEER AND CIDER FEST

Get hoppy at Del Mar’s Fall Beer and Cider Fest that will be held at The Racetrack Saturday, November 28 starting at noon in the Seaside Concert area. This month, cheers to Bing Crosby Season by sampling a variety of 100 local and international craft brews including seasonal ales and ciders.

GET TICKETS NOW! $22 GETS YOU ADMISSION AND 5 DELICIOUS 7 OZ TASTINGS!

San Diego brewers will set up camp and serve tastes of their signature craft brews – five seven-ounce frosty samples for $20. Come out, grab a beer or cider and catch some world-class Thoroughbred racing. The races begin at 12:30 p.m., gates open at 11:00 a.m. Entrance to Beer and Cider Fest area is free with admission.

Confirmed seasonal brews include:

-       Anderson Valley Wild Turkey Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout
-       Tieton Cider Cherry Cider
-       Mission Brewing Hard Root Beer
-       Uinta Brewing Company Oak Jacked Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Pumpkin Ale
-       Delirium Noel
-       St. Bernardus Christmas Ale
-       101 Cider House So Cal Scrumpy
-       County Cider Company- Waupoos Cider
-       Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin
-       Ballast Point Pumpkin Down
-       Dogfish Head Punkin
-       Port Brewing Santas Little Helper
-       Alpine Duet IPA
-       Nickel Beer Co. Pearfect Apple Pie Ale
-       Angry Orchard Crisp Apple
-       Magners Pear Cider
-       Washington Gold Hard Cider

Pair your beer or cider with gourmet food truck offerings. The event is free with racetrack admission of $6. Stay after the festival and races to catch a free concert by Sublime with Rome.

San Diego Wine and Food Fest's Grand Tasting Event Nov 21, 2015

November 2, 2015Local Wally2 Comments

WHAT IS IT: The San Diego Wine and Food Festival is one of the largest celebrations of food and wine in the country.

WHEN IS IT? November 16th through the 22nd, though most people focus on the Lexus Grand Tasting Event held on Saturday. From 12 to 300 you wander the booths of high end foodie food and taste the very best of our best restaurants and chefs along with wines and spirits. Earlier in the week are lots of activities, from chef dinners to seminars.

HOW DO I GET TICKETS? Go to San Diego Wine and Food Fest to get them before they sell out! Grab a bunch of friends and go!

Are you a foodie?

Come clean, do you take photos of your food before you eat? Would you rather watch a Food TV competition than the Chargers? Does the sight of pork belly make you excited? Then this food festival is designed for you.

So what makes the San Diego Food & Wine Fest so great? Unlike a lot of "Taste of ____________" events where the food is second rate and the portions smaller than a Costco sample, at the San Diego Wine and Food Festival (also known as the San Diego Bay Classic) you get big bites of gourmet food made by some of the best chefs in San Diego. There's not a marinara sauce with pasta in sight. Instead you'll find scallops, steak, sashimi, just about everything you dream about.

Listen to me, if you have ever been to a fancy restaurant and restaurant and wished you could try everything on the menu then this is your chance to try EVERYTHING, and I mean EVERYTHING!

Look at this from last year. Yes, that is a giant shrimp and shrimp head that was super delicious. Go ahead, try it. Oh you want another one? OK, get another one. Eat them all!

Or how about this one?

I have no idea what this one was but it was delicious. In fact, just about everything is so darn good that you won't believe how much food you'll eat by the end. You can do your own Man V. Food episode, starring you!

Of course, those of you who are more refined will love the elegant plating and the finesse of the chefs. The plates are prepared with precision as if this were a Top Chef competition. Chefs with tweezers, micro greens, caviar... ahhh, caviar! And let's not forget the wonderful wines you can sample along with beers and spirits. And for you wine lovers out there, it's not just San Diego wines being poured but wines from everywhere.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. If you have never been you need to get your tickets and get down to the Embarcadero behind Seaport Village on November 21, 2015. Come hungry and be prepared to be blown away by the great food and wines at the San Diego Wine and Food Fest, 2015!

Local Wally