San Diego Wine and Food Fest Coming Nov 14-18, 2012

GET READY FOR THE BEST FOOD EXPERIENCE IN SAN DIEGO!

I can't wait for the holiday season to start.  I know, it's a bit early to be thinking about composting the pumpkin and defrosting the turkey but not too early to start planning to go to the San Diego Wine and Food Fest! 

Before I forget - DISCOUNT TICKETS courtesy of Local Wally!  Just type WALLY as the promo code.

So here's the lowdown.  On the Embarcadero, the area that sticks out into the bay behind Seaport Village, San Diego celebrates the best it has to offer in wine and food.  Just about every top restaurant is there serving up tasty bites that represent the some of the best local bites.  I know what you're thinking, you've been to too many "tastes of ____" events where the food is crappy pasta in a plastic cup but that's not this event.

I mean, look at this!  Crab Bisque?  No, you're not in line at Costco begging for a microwaved chicken finger!  Let's see some more food.

Don't you want to just reach over her shoulder and grab that and run?  But guess what, you don't have to because you can get your own!  And there's more and more and more to try!  Every booth has something you'll want to try, from gourmet mac N cheese to crab claws to seared filets.  And the restaurants are the big names in town, not a bunch of chain restaurants but places you want to eat at.

Scallops?  All you can eat?  Well, I can eat a ton of them and I did.  I'm surprised they didn't ban me from the booth, but there is plenty more where this came from.  I can't resist, one more food photo.  I know, I'm forcing you to look at these.

Tweezers to pace the greens on top just right?  That's right, it's that kind of event.  I have to say it again, I've been to lots of events just like this and the San Diego Food and Wine Fest is the only one that delivers what it promises - it's the BEST of San Diego.

If you know San Diego then you know that wine isn't our forte, but don't worry that you'll be drinking Almond Champagne from Temecula.  The San Diego Wine and Food Fest features lots of wineries from all over as well as local beers and spirits.  Let me put it this way, get a hotel room!  Seriously, the best way to do this event is to get a nearby room and make a weekend of this.  (OK, Local Wally has discount hotels but this isn't an advertising plug, it's a good idea!  I just got a room at the cool new Hilton for $115 from my site!)

There are a bunch of events you will want to check out.  The basic ticket is the Saturday tasting event but you don't have to wait until the weekend to have fun!

•  SWISH (Wed):  Come out to play after dark at this fashionably chic downtown tasting featuring up to 25 of the edgiest wineries and breweries. See and be seen as you mingle your way through this walk around beverage tasting and step outside to dine al fresco at our food truck block party featuring San Diego's hottest restaurants on wheels.
• THE VAULT (Fri)  An exclusive and elegant evening for collectors of fine wine, The Vault: Reserve Wine Experience & Silent Auction sets the stage for wine enthusiasts to taste the pride of the vine from 160 wineries and spirits producers. Exciting silent auction items such as large format bottles, libraries, and decanters will take the spotlight this year with proceeds benefiting the American Institute of Wine & Food culinary arts scholarship programs.
•  8 DEGREES LUNCHEON (Fri):  Join two of San Francisco's finest Italian wine and culinary masters for a once-in-a-lifetime tasting experience of Barolo wines from eight decades of the 20th century. An intimate and exclusive 12-person luncheon at the newly remodeled San Diego Marriott Marquis' Marina Kitchen, guests will relish in an expertly paired and prepared menu by award-winning chef Suzette Gresham-Tognetti and wine expert Giancarlo Paterlini. 
• CELEBRITY CHEF LUNCHEON (Sun):   Join nationally acclaimed Celebrity Chefs Gavin Kaysen of Café Boulud in New York City, Gale Gand of TRU in Chicago, James Cambell Caruso of La Boca in Santa Fe, Bernard Guillas of The Marine Room in La Jolla, Katsuya Fukushima of Daikaya in Washington, DC, RJ Cooper of ROGUE 24 in Washington, DC, Chef Kerry Simon of Kerry's Gourmet Burgers in Las Vegas, NV, Michael Antonorsi of Chuao Chocoaltier in San Diego, CA and 15 legendary wineries in an unforgettable dining experience.

So get your tickets now before they sell out and make sure you type WALLY in the coupon code to get your discount.  Here are a few tips if you plan to go.

1. Arrive early and rush the gates like it's a Who concert.  Early is good, late is bad.
2. Come hungry.  There is plenty to eat and you'll be bummed if you wasted your appetite on a McMuffin.
3. Grab that Sadie Rose bread when you come in.  Best bread in San Diego! 
4. Bring a sweater as it can get chilly from the wind.
5. Bring some sort of tote (you'll see)
6. Make sure you stop at the Stella booth as you not only get a beer but a free Stella glass.  Repeat 4 times and put glasses in your tote (now you get it??)
7. Don't be pushy but don't be shy.  Try it all!
8. Take the trolley or a taxi home or get a hotel so you can drink and enjoy all that the event has to offer.  Trust me, you won't want to say NO when they're pouring such good wine and beverages.
9. Bring your best friends - this is a fun event!

Hopefully by now you get my point that you need to go!  It's the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season and a great new tradition you should start with your friends.  There's a reason why it sells out and why people come year after year and now there's no excuse why you shouldn't be there as well.  See you there!

LOCAL WALLY
The original locals guide to San Diego.... since 1996
www.localwally.com
Now Open!  The Complete Guide to San Diego Breweries
www.DrinkUpSanDiego.com
NapaTouristGuide, now with a free winery coupon app!
www.napatouristguide.com