Welcome Back Foie Gras Dinner
WHEN: Jan. 26
WHERE: Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub, 1815 S. Coast Highway, Oceanside
The biggest news in California food was the Jan. 7 repeal of the ban on foie gras—the delicacy of fattened goose liver. Local chefs (and animal rights activists) are highly aroused by the move, and it figures to be a lively showdown between diners and protestors at the Welcome Back Foie Gras Dinner. Thirteen local chefs are participating, including Daniel Barron, Hanis Cavin (Carnitas Snack Shack), Matt Richman (Table 926), Rich Sweeney (R Gang), Davin Waite (Wrench & Rodent), and RoseAna Peyron (Counterpoint). Proceeds will go Collaboration Kitchen.
COST: $150
Campari Cocktail Classic
WHEN: Jan. 20, 9PM
WHERE: Bottega Americano, 1195 Island Ave., Downtown, 619.255.7800
Enjoying a cocktail is generally a good reason for life. Doing it at one of the better new restuarants in San Diego, Bottega Americano, is an even better reason. And the fact that eight of the city’s top barteners will be competing for your mouth joy is even better. The iconic bitter aperitif Campari is gathering bartenders from Bottega, Prepkitchen, Seven Grand, Polite Provisions, Sycamore Den, Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant and Kettner Exchange all for a competition to create the best Campari cocktail.
COST: FREE
Wine Wednesdays With Joshua Orr
WHEN: Jan. 14, 21 and 28, 6PM
WHERE: Marina Kitchen, 333 W. Harbor Dr., Downtown, 619.234.1500
Locals wouldn’t normally go to a hotel restaurant on the marina, but Joshua Orr is an attraction worth taking advantage of. Last year, the San Diego sommelier won Top Somm, one of the biggest national competitions for up-and-coming wine experts. During January he’ll hold one-hour classes every Wednesday on different wine regions, pairings and emerging trends. It’s a different theme each week: “Blind Tasting” (Jan. 14), “The Wide World of Chardonnay” (Jan. 21) and “Food & Wine Pairing” (Jan. 28). Tourists shouldn’t be the only ones getting to taste this.
COST: $20