The Craving: October 9–15

Zama Celebrates Two Years With an Epic Four-Day Celebration

Zama is celebrating two years of Latin-Japanese fusion with a four-day anniversary celebration from October 10 to 13.

The anniversary weekend promises unforgettable experiences, including:

• Thursday, Oct. 10: Sold-out Fashion Fusion show with signature Latin-Asian cuisine
• Friday, Oct. 11: Neon Jungle Night with glow-in-the-dark fun, fire dancers, and live DJ
• Saturday, Oct. 12: Disco House Jungle Dream invites you to don your grooviest attire and dance the night away under shimmering disco balls to funky beats and house tracks
• Sunday, Oct. 13: LGNDRY Brunch offers an Instagram-worthy experience where you can unwind with handcrafted cocktails and delicious bites while enjoying live DJ sets

Congrats to the Zama team on two years!

GBOD Pours Up October Cocktail Adventures

We’re raising a glass to GBOD Hospitality Group‘s exciting lineup of boozy events this month. They’re bringing the heat with Fosforo Mezcal and WhistlePig Whiskey.

First up, Prohibition’s hosting a Fosforo Mezcal cocktail class on October 23 from 6:30 PM to 8 PM. For $55.20, you’ll dive into mezcal’s smoky world, sip a welcome drink, and shake up your own creation. It’s hands-on fun that’ll have you mixing like a pro in no time.

The next night, Monello‘s serving up a feast for the senses. Their WhistlePig Whiskey pairing dinner kicks off at 7 PM on October 24. Executive Chef Fabrizio Cavallini’s whipping up a four-course meal, each dish perfectly matched with a WhistlePig cocktail. At $125 a pop, it’s a splurge worth every penny.

Spots are limited for both events, so snag your tickets now. Click here.

Kettner Exchange Uncorks Mexican Wine Fiesta

At Kettner Exchange on Monday, October 21, La Competencia Imports—the reigning champs of Mexican wine imports—is rolling out the red carpet with a whopping 25+ wineries from seven different Mexican states.

From 5 PM to 7 PM, we’ll be swirling, sniffing, and sipping our way through Mexico’s finest vinos. It’s like a whirlwind tour from Aguascalientes to Zacatecas, all without leaving San Diego.

Chef Brian Redzikowski is pairing these stellar wines with mouthwatering bites. Picture this spread: refried pinto bean tostadas topped with cotija and avocado, double-decker carne asada tacos, Baja fish tacos with all the fixings, and roasted chili-peanut hand rolls.

You’ll get to sample wines from heavy hitters like Adobe Guadalupe, Bodegas Henri Lurton, and Freixenet, plus discover new favorites from up-and-coming vineyards.

Here’s a hot tip for our fellow wine lovers—the first 15 quick-draw ticket buyers can score a juicy 40% discount. Just enter “KEX40” at checkout.

Grab your tickets here.

Vistal Hooks Up With Chula Seafood for Epic Swordfish Feast

Vistal at InterContinental San Diego is partnering with Chula Seafood for an exclusive Swordfish Dinner on Friday, November 8, starting at 5:30 PM. This one-night-only event promises a unique culinary journey centered around locally sourced swordfish.

The evening begins with sunset cocktails on Vistal’s terrace, followed by a live swordfish breakdown demonstration by Chula Seafood experts. Then, indulge in a five-course feast showcasing innovative swordfish preparations.

Menu highlights include Swordfish Bone Marrow Gazpacho, Swordfish Escabeche with olive oil confit belly, Smoked Swordfish Collar Ravioli, and Swordfish Al Pastor with poblano polenta. The meal concludes with an Espresso Chocolate Truffle Cake accompanied by swordfish eye ice cream.

This $85 per person event offers a chance to experience creative, sustainable seafood cuisine while supporting local fisheries.

Make your reservations here.

Ponyboy Now Open at The Pearl Hotel

Ponyboy, the stylish new bar and poolside restaurant at mid-century icon The Pearl Hotel, is now open.

Brought to life by alums from Michelin 3-star Addison, Ponyboy is inspired by S.E. Hinton’s beloved character, celebrating individuality and creativity while paying homage to classic American comfort food and the spirited gatherings of the mid-century era.

Expect the Ponyboy menu to mix irreverence and mid-century dogma for an entirely new spin on the vintage housewife meets Mad Men vibe.

Read more about it here.

A Flavorful Journey Through Filipino History

White Rice, the brainchild of award-winning chef Phillip Esteban, is taking us on a tasty trip through time this October. Every Monday, they’re dishing out a culinary crash course in Filipino American History Month.

Here’s the delicious lineup:

• October 7: Malayo-Polynesian Beginnings
  Dive into La Paz Batchoy, a savory soup that’ll transport you to the archipelago’s early days.
• October 14: Chinese Traders’ Influence
  Savor Pancit Palabok, featuring local brown box crab and a symphony of textures.
• October 21: Spanish Conquistadors’ Impact
  Indulge in Diniguan, a rich stew that showcases the Spanish-Filipino fusion.
• October 28: American Era Eats
  End the month with a Filipino twist on spaghetti, complete with a hot dog bolognese!

Each dish tells a story of cultural exchange, from ancient trade routes to colonial influences. It’s a chance to taste how Filipino cuisine has evolved, blending indigenous ingredients with flavors from around the globe.

Chef Richard Blais Serves Up Autumn Indulgence

Celebrity chef Richard Blais is cooking up something special on Friday, October 18, at 6:30 PM.

Here’s what’s on the menu for this four-course extravaganza:

• “Bits & Bobs” to start: • Bitter Chocolate and Chili Crumpets with Chicken Liver Parfait • Duck Confit Tart with Squash and Fig Jam • Scotch Quail Eggs with Chorizo
• Scallop Crudo with pear puree and pickled beets
• Duo of California Beef: • Roasted Flannery Beef Strip Loin • Ale Braised Short Rib • Served with Proper Potato Puree
• Baked Apple Terrine à la mode

Kick off the night with a signature cocktail, then dive into this mouthwatering lineup. Want to take it up a notch? Add wine or cocktail pairings to each course.

This exclusive event is happening at California English. Tickets can be purchased here and are $75 per person or $125 with pairings.

Guac Glory in Old Town

Old Town’s annual “Guac Off” just wrapped up, and we’ve got a new avocado ace in town! Casa Guadalajara claimed the coveted “Best Guacamole in Old Town” title, beating out some serious competition.

The scene was pure San Diego—five local hotspots, 125 hungry judges, and enough guac to fill a swimming pool. Casa Guadalajara, Cafe Coyote, Casa de Freds, Barra Barra Saloon, and Casa de Reyes all brought their A-game, but only one could emerge victorious.

This tasty throwdown isn’t just about indulging our avocado addiction. It’s part of the bigger Fiestas Patrias celebration, honoring Mexico’s independence. Even better? Those delicious votes help preserve Old Town’s historic charm and support the upcoming Día de los Muertos festivities.

To know more, visit here.

Choco-Chic: San Diego’s Spin on a Viral Sensation

Seabreeze Craft Chocolates in Carmel Valley is bringing a taste of Dubai to our sunny shores with their take on the viral TikTok sensation, the Dubai Chocolate Bar.

Jim Lantry, Seabreeze’s founder and master chocolatier, has whipped up a local version that’s got us drooling. He’s using sustainably sourced dark chocolate made right here in his Carmel Valley factory.

This indulgent bar is a flavor explosion. Imagine layers of pistachio cream, tahini, and chopped pistachios, all topped with butter-sautéed kadayif. It’s crispy, it’s creamy, it’s chocolatey—it’s everything we never knew we needed in our lives.

Want to get your hands on this viral treat? Seabreeze is offering two sizes: Large: $35/ Small: $10

Drop by Seabreeze Craft Chocolates and taste what everyone’s talking about.

Nolita’s Happy Hour Magic

We’ve always loved happy hour at Little Italy’s Nolita Hall, but now it’s even better.

Tuesdays through Thursdays from 5 PM to 6 PM and Fridays from 4 PM to 6 PM, you can snag half-priced specialty cocktails, wine glasses, and 17 oz. beers.

And their food is on-point, too. The Hot Honey pie, with its perfect blend of ricotta, mozzarella, basil, pepperoni, and that irresistible hot honey drizzle, is a must-try. Feeling adventurous? The Crispy Artichokes with white miso aioli will blow your mind.

For the health-conscious (or those of us pretending to be), there’s a Crisp Baby Romaine with a zesty herb Caesar dressing. And don’t even get us started on the Truffle Fries—they’re basically potato perfection.

Eat, Drink, and Root for the Padres!

Our Padres are playoff-bound, and we’re all about that Brown! We’ve rounded up the best Padres-inspired specials across town to keep us fueled as we cheer on our boys.

Puesto

Puesto‘s serving up a home run with their Joe’s Adobada Taco, a collaboration with our very own Joe Musgrove. It’s packed with marinated pork, piña crema, and guac—plus, proceeds help out The Animal Pad. Or there’s the Mushroom taco for our veggie pals or the seasonal Swordfish taco if you’re feeling fancy.

Remember, it’s dine-in only and one per customer, so grab your Padres crew and make it count!

The Blind Burro

The Blind Burro‘s got us covered for those early playoff games with their Amigo Hour. We’re talking $5 Buena Cervezas and $8 house margs—the perfect warm-up before we head to the park.

And for every game day? They’re pouring $18 Estrella Jalisco & Casamigos shot combos. It’s basically our pre-game ritual at this point. The best part? It’s just a stone’s throw from Petco, so we can soak up the atmosphere before we even hit the stands.

Happy Does

Happy Does is serving up some sweet deals. We’re talking bucket specials like 5 for $30 Coors Light or Buena Cerveza. Or grab 5 Topo Chicos for $35.

They’ve even added a game hall with everything from classic arcades to pickleball. It’s like they read our minds—cold brews, games, and Padres vibes all in one place. This is where you want to be when that final out is called.

The Deck

We’ve found our ultimate outdoor tailgate spot at The Deck at Moonshine Flats. It’s got everything—California BBQ, games, and massive screens blasting the game with sound on.

Their playoff bucket specials are on point: $35 for Buena Cerveza Lager or Holler & Swaller Hard Tea, $40 for Coors Light or Miller Lite. There are also $20 bottles of bubbly or rosé. We’re loving their $9 Hooch Bloody Marys for those early games, too.

Draft in Belmont Park

At Draft in Belmont Park, we’re catching the Padres on a massive 31-foot LED screen with ocean views to boot. Their game day special is a steal—any burger, fries or tots, and a 14 oz draft beer for just $15. Plus, there are $7 draft beers and $8 well cocktails.

And if you’re rolling deep, their beer buckets are the way to go. It’s the perfect blend of beach day and game day.

Wing it Like a Pro With Common Theory’s Party Packs

Common Theory Public House is stepping up their game-day grub! They’ve just rolled out chicken wing party packs to go, available at both their Convoy and Otay Ranch spots. It’s the perfect way to elevate your next Padres or football watch party.

Here’s the lowdown on these finger-lickin’ offerings:

• One dozen wings: $36
• Two dozen wings: $50
• Three dozen wings: $72
• Four dozen wings: $96

Each order comes with all the fixings—ranch and blue cheese dressings, your choice of two sauces, plus carrots and celery sticks.

Time to gather the crew, fire up the big screen, and let Common Theory handle the eats. Game on!

Peanut Butter Porter Paradise Hits San Diego

Karl Strauss is about to rock our world this Thursday, October 10! Their legendary Peanut Butter Cup Porter is finally landing in cans, and we’re ready to stock our fridges.

This 5.4% ABV treat has been teasing our taste buds since 2013, but only on draft. Now, it’s breaking free in 16-oz four-packs. Expect a full-bodied brew with notes of peanut butter, espresso, and cocoa, finished with a rich, slightly dry kick.

You can snag this liquid dessert on draft at all four San Diego County Karl Strauss brewpubs. The cans? They’ll be at the brewpubs and select retail spots. Use their online finder to track down your nearest PBCP paradise.

For the curious, Karl Strauss brewpubs are sprinkled across 4S Ranch, Carlsbad, Downtown, and Sorrento Mesa. And hey, they’re not just making waves with this release—they’ve just been voted one of SD’s top three breweries in Ranch & Coast magazine’s 2024 Readers Poll.

Bubbly Bonanza at Sandpiper

Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters is turning up the heat on their Sunday Brunch game. This Fodor’s Travel Best Bet in La Jolla Shores is now offering $1 mimosas with any entrée purchase. Yes, you read that right—one buck for bubbly bliss!

Starting this weekend, you can pair your favorite brunch dish with a wallet-friendly sparkler. We’re eyeing the Smoked Salmon Benedict, but the Birria Hash is calling our name, too. And for those with a sweet tooth, the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and French Toast are sure to hit the spot.

Brunch runs from 10 AM to 2 PM every Sunday, giving you plenty of time to roll out of bed and into a mimosa-fueled feast. Parking’s a breeze, with spots available in Sandpiper’s own lot and on nearby streets.

Find Sandpiper at 2259 Avenida De La Playa.

Meet Sushi Maru: Downtown’s Omakase Gem

Finding a sushi restaurant that feels like your own hidden gem is a rare joy. For those in the know, Sushi Maru has become a go-to destination for a truly unforgettable omakase experience.

Tucked away in a cozy setting, this intimate omakase destination is redefining what it means to enjoy sushi in San Diego.

Chef Maru brings over 35 years of expertise to Sushi Maru, including a notable 20-year tenure as the head chef at Taka Sushi. His precision and passion for Japanese cuisine are evident in every dish he crafts, transforming each piece of sushi into a work of art.

Get the full details on this hidden omakase gem here.

Music and Cocktails at California English

California English, Chef Richard Blais’s British-meets-SoCal hotspot, is bringing the beat to Sorrento Valley. Every Thursday from 4 PM to 7 PM, the patio turns into a mini music fest.

This month, they’ve got soulful serenades from Danielle Angeloni on October 3, jazzy jams with Kaylee Daugherty on October 10, time-traveling tunes from The Garners on October 17, and funky fresh vibes courtesy of Jenny & the Tramps on October 24.

But what’s a show without some nibbles and sips? California English has got you covered with their Cocktail Hour from 3 PM to 6 PM. Fancy a Hot Honey Chicken Scone or a Chicken Tikka English Muffin Pizza? They’re as tasty as they sound.

And if you’re feeling extra fancy, check out their new Tipsy Tea Time. It’s like your gran’s tea party but with a kick. Think tea-based cocktails paired with scones, tartlets, and coronation sandwiches. It’s the perfect pre-show warm-up.

Temaki Bar and JuneShine are bringing their A-game to a night that screams SoCal. Expect free JuneShine at the door and Temaki’s legendary handrolls (the Super Ninja Bunny is a must-try). Bump & Ugly’s vinyl tunes will set the vibe just right.

Feeling adventurous? Samantha Schultz offers earth-themed tattoos, while Erika Glam’s got permanent jewelry for those craving some bling.

The party kicks off on October 20, from 6 PM to 9 PM at Temaki Bar. It’s strictly 21+ so remember your ID.

Read more about it here.

Spooky Sweets at La Jolla’s Dodo Bird

Dodo Bird Donuts in La Jolla is serving up some monstrously delicious creations this spooky season.

Tucked away in the iconic 1949 “Piano Building,” this chic café is dishing out a limited-edition Fall Menu. Check out these frighteningly good offerings:

• The Spider: A ringed pumpkin donut crowned with a chocolate arachnid
• The Eyeball: A vanilla-iced ring with guava pate de fruit and a butternut drizzle
• The Frankenstein: A green apple-iced donut filled with sweet Cajeta pastry cream

Need a caffeine boost with your sugar rush? Sip on their Pumpkin Spice Latte topped with cinnamon cold foam or warm up with a Gingerbread Latte.

Dodo Bird Donuts isn’t just about the eats—the space itself is a feast for the eyes. Designed by NYC-based Georgis & Mirgorodsky, it’s the perfect backdrop for your Halloween Instagram shots.

Spicy-Sweet Sips for a Good Cause at Hasta Mañana

We’re raising our glasses to Hasta Mañana Cantina‘s October specialty cocktail! The Gaslamp Quarter hotspot is shaking things up with their Chipotle Pineapple Margarita, a zesty blend of chipotle-infused tequila, lime, agave, and pineapple. It’s the perfect mix of spicy and sweet to kick off your fall nights.

But there’s more to love than just the flavor. For every drink sold, $1 goes to Corazon De Vida’s Phillip Alonzo Collum Scholarship Fund.

This newcomer to the Gaslamp scene has been turning heads since May with their monthly cocktail specials. We’re already looking forward to what they’ll stir up next!

Molly’s Mission Beach Embraces Fall With Seasonal Treats

Molly’s Mission Beach is ushering in autumn with a delightful array of seasonal offerings. Coffee enthusiasts can indulge in house-made Pumpkin Spice Lattes, available hot or iced, and a refreshing Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew.

For those craving a sweet bite, fresh-baked Coffee Cake and Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread are on the menu. The seasonal espresso martini program introduces a Pumpkin Cream Espresso Martini for a festive twist.

Plus, exciting news for pie lovers: Molly’s Pie Shoppe debuts this fall, featuring classics like Dutch Crumble Apple and Pumpkin Pie. Pre-orders start November 1, perfect for holiday planning.

Pumpkin Perfection at Spill the Beans

Fall’s favorite flavor has made its triumphant return to Spill the Beans. Their Pumpkin Spice Bagel with Pumpkin Cheesecake Cream Cheese is back, and it’s got us feeling all kinds of cozy.

This isn’t your average pumpkin treat. The bagel itself is a spice lover’s dream—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and a dash of black pepper create a flavor explosion in every bite.

But the real magic? That Pumpkin Cheesecake Cream Cheese. It’s a velvety blend of pumpkin puree and brown sugar, topped with crunchy graham cracker crumbs. It’s like someone turned pumpkin pie into a spreadable masterpiece.

You can snag this autumn delight all October long at any of Spill the Beans’ three spots—Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, or Mission Valley. Pair it with your go-to coffee, and you’ve got the perfect fall fuel.

Indulgent Autumn-Inspired Treatments at Spa Brezza

Ok, this isn’t exactly restaurant industry news, but Spa Brezza‘s seasonal indulgences sound so edible we thought we’d fit them in here!

First up, the Pumpkin Whip Facial is basically fall in a bottle. It’s got all the good stuff—pumpkin, marshmallow, and autumn spices—mixed with some serious skin-loving ingredients (think antioxidants, peptides, and botanicals.)

Then there’s the Spiced Nectar Pedicure. Picture dipping your toes in a warm apple cider soak, followed by a sea salt scrub. The grand finale? A leg massage with clementine body oil that’ll leave you feeling zesty and refreshed.

So while the rest of the country is bundling up, we’re living our best fall life, San Diego style.

Puesto Elevates Taco Tuesday With Half-Off Deal

Puesto, the family-owned Mexican-American restaurant group, is set to enhance its popular Taco Tuesday offering. Starting October 22, all tacos will be half-price from 3 PM to close!

Known for their gourmet tacos featuring handmade organic blue corn tortillas, Puesto offers unique creations like the Short Rib Quesabirria and the Joe Adobada Taco, a collaboration with Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove.

On October 16, Puesto will also introduce new menu items across their San Diego locations, including Chicken Mole Enchiladas, Pollo Asado Tacos, and Crab and Shrimp Flautas.

Sip for a Cause at Mavericks Beach Club

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is almost here, and Mavericks Beach Club in PB is stepping up to the plate.

They’re turning their MargariTATA into a force for good, donating a buck from each one to Keep A Breast. This local powerhouse is all about reducing breast cancer risk through art, education, and action.

It’s Mavericks’ sixth year running this boozy fundraiser, and we’re all for it. So, why not rally your crew and head to 860 Garnet Avenue? You’ll be sipping on delicious margs and supporting a great cause. Now that’s what we call a win-win!

Sushi Gets Spooky in October at Temaki Bar

We’re rolling into fall with a hauntingly delicious Spooky Sushi menu from Temaki Bar, the crown jewel of North County’s sushi scene.

Kicking off on World Sake Day (October 1), there’ll be $5 bottles of house sake—hot or chilled, your call. But that’s just the appetizer. Throughout the month, sink your fangs into their ghoulishly good creations. We’re eyeing the “Brussels! Brussels! Brussels!”—crispy sprouts with a sweet chili kick.

For the main event, wrap your hands around the “Nightcrawler” roll, a spicy crab and unagi combo. Feeling adventurous? The “King Spawn” cut roll is a monster mash-up of soft-shell crab, spicy tuna, and a mysterious “symbiote sauce.”

Don’t forget to pair your meal with their spirited drink specials. We’re partial to the “Midnight Painkiller” hard kombucha—it’s scary good.

Pumpkin Party at STK

STK‘s jumping on the pumpkin bandwagon with a menu that’s got us ready to cozy up. Starting October 1, they’re dishing out autumn vibes with some seriously tempting bites.

We’ve got our eyes on that Duck Smashed Burger with pumpkin ketchup ($29)—talk about a twist on comfort food! For the main event, how about Pumpkin Ravioli with King Crab ($59)? It’s fancy, it’s fall, it’s fabulous.

Don’t sleep on the sides—that Pumpkin and Potato Gratin ($19) is calling our name. Cap it off with classic Pumpkin Pie ($16) and sip on a Pumpkin Bourbon Smash ($22).

And because it’s STK, you know there’s Wagyu on the menu, served up with roasted pumpkin. Autumn never tasted so good!

A Gourmet Night Under Del Mar Stars

L’Auberge Del Mar is rolling out the red carpet for a night of gourmet indulgence with their Amizetta Napa Valley Winemakers Dinner.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, November 7, from 6 PM to 10 PM for a culinary journey through the best of harvest season, perfectly paired with Amizetta’s finest Napa Valley wines.

The star-studded chef lineup reads like a who’s who of San Diego’s food scene:

• James Montejano
• Davin Waite
• Kelston Moore
• Marcus Twillinger
• Sergio Jimenez
• Kari Kota

And the cherry on top? Amizetta’s own winemaker and sommelier, Cristina Merrigan, will be there to guide you through each pour.

At $235 per person, it’s a splurge-worthy evening of multi-course delights.

Get your tickets here.