Break out the champagne glasses, Escondido, the Great Grapevine, is ringing in the New Year. While many may prefer the peace and quiet of bringing in the new at home or with close family and friends, there are options afoot for those heading out house doors. For a low key end to 2015, check the heck out of Open Mic Night at Kettle Coffee and…
Local eateries are signing up by the baker’s dozen baker’s dozen for Escondido’s 3rd Annual Dine-Out Escondido! restaurant week Jan. 24 to Jan 30. It’s all happening in conjunction with Visit California’s annual “California Restaurant Month.” The list should grow to around 25 by the time the event takes over culinary town. New restaurants joining includeThe Wooden Spoon, Burger Bench, Hacienda de Vega, Cute Cakes,…
Wedge was the deal. Cute Cakes Escondido Bakery & Cafe was the place. It was a match made in marketing heaven, not to mention the tastiest venue in all the land. A family affair, Cute Cakes has been known for years around the Hidden Valley. Jill and David Reilly started small, but exceedingly sweet, in a tiny space in a nondescript outdoor shopping center populated…
Thanksgiving in the U.S. brought together families from near and far to celebrate a day of turkey, football, parades and possibly, this year, shopping. It’s one of the major American holidays laden with traditions and sometimes misconceptions about its origins. The holiday is mythologized as beginning in 1621 when the Pilgrims invited the native Wampanoag Indians to their colony to celebrate the first harvest…
Dining out on a budget can be a frustrating experience. Sometimes, it may even feel like it’s a completely impossible task. Use some of these very simple strategies to lessen that burden: 1. Dining with children: Eat at places where kids can eat for free. Restaurants often times set certain “Kids Eat Free Days” so be sure to visit on these days only. 2. There are literally millions of restaurant coupon offers available online to print…
Chicken Plus Greek Cuisine eat in or carry out, we do catering Chicken Plus gets an A-Plus-Plus from the Well Known Eatress. I had eaten at Chicken Plus in Escondido, on many occasions and had great dining experiences each time. Good food, good service with clean quaint atmosphere. My colleague and I were greeted at the door with a friendly smile and welcome aromas. The…
About nine years ago, I was wined and dined by a owner of Escondido’s largest brewery. As one of his eight guests I was adorned with impeccable, delectable hors doerves, entree and an array of tasty deserts with very unusual ingredients that made my pallet sing The evening ambiance was spectacular and lit to perfection. The service was fun and exceptional. Success of the brewery…
A lot of restaurants and businesses have come and gone along Grand Avenue, Escondido’s iconic main street. Vinnie and Michelle Griffin have seen them all while starting and growing a vibrant dining and arts hub at the corner of Grand and Kalmia Street. It all started and continues in earnest for the husband and wife team with Vinz Craft Bar & Restaurant, otherwise known as…
Fish up. While developers dither and county officials dally about doing something at the confluence of Valley Center and Cole Grade roads, Gabriel Pasdor is on the scene. El Crazy Fish is the name of his happening food truck game, and the people are eating it up. “There’s no other sea food around here,” Pasdor said between hearty rounds of dishing up the likes of…
Thought I’d get out my East County posting “rut” and still stay within San Diego County, which is about 4,200-square-miles. I had a long story about how we got here, but will leave that for another time. Let’s just say “The Mister” and I drove through Escondido to Valley Center, picked up some meat by the side of the road, still $35, and then stopped at Bates Nut Farm…