Abnormal Beer Dinner
WHEN: Oct. 17, 6-9 p.m.
WHERE: Cork & Craft, 16990 Via Tazon, Rancho Bernardo
Sadly, chef Phillip Esteban is leaving us. I’d heard glowing, slobbering raves of his food at Cork & Craft in Rancho Benardo, and I recently got to taste his food at Kaaboo. The kid can really, really cook. Not surprising, as he spent time working under David Chang and Jason Knibb (Nine-Ten). Anyway, he’s leaving the restaurant in November. Huge bummer. So go to their “Abnormal Dinner Series” on October 17 to taste what we’re going to miss. It’s a collaboration with Alpine Beer Company and guest chef Chris Gentile of Double Standard (also a very talented young chef in San Diego). It’s a multi-course affair with beer pairings.
COST: $99
Bret Dennen Wine Release
WHEN: Nov.3, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
WHERE: L’Auberge Del Mar, 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar
If you’re a fan of indie folk or good singer-songwriters or wine or life in general, this is a great event. Brett Dennen is a tender folkster, a very talented musician who’s played all of the hip festivals where hip people go. And now he’s releasing his own wine—a Dennen Wines “Vacationer California Rose,” in collaboration with Napa’s JW Thomas Wines. They’ll release the wine at the L’auberge property, which happens to be one of the nicest places in Del Mar, and Dennen will play a short acoustic set.
COST: Free
Bitter Brothers Brewing Co. Family Dinner
WHEN: Oct. 19, 6-9 p.m.
WHERE: Bitter Brothers Brewing Co., 4170 Morena Blvd, BayHo
Bitter Brothers was started by a few culinary kids, Bill Wamke and Monica Anderson, who met working at Waters Fine Catering. So their pop-up dinner series is no joke. This installation includes five courses from a few different chefs, including Bitter Brothers’ own Travis Clifford, Olivier Bioteau (AR Valentien), Melissa Mayer (Martini Media), and Steve Brown (Cosecha, and winner of this year’s “Rock ‘n’ Chef” competition at Kaaboo). Dishes are all fall-facing, with curry goat cheese, oysters two ways, creamy scallop risotto, duck two ways, beef cheeks, and beer and butterscotch soaked baba. It’s all paired with Bitter Brothers beers, of course. BayHo is looking up.
COST: $70
The Best Food & Drink Events in October and November
October 17: Abnormal Wine Dinner at Cork & Craft
