Wine and Food Fest 2005

Oh, my woefully neglected blog.

Went to the San Diego Wine and Food Festival last Saturday. As expected, with advertising saying that over 100 wineries would be pouring, it was overwhelmingly wine orientated. Yet there were many restaurants represented also – maybe 30. But what I know about wine can fill a thimble. Sure, I like to taste and try new (to me) wines, but I really prefer interesting foods and tastes. So, it was a little disappointed from that aspect. (Though it would truly be a deal just to do wine tastings for an afternoon – hundreds of bottles in a small area. Gotta be a wine lovers dream!)

Everyone got a wine glass and plate/tray when you entered that you could carry around from booth to booth. Some served up bite sized samples, some a bit more. Most popular food tables were the samples of Brandt Beef and the larger duel booth shared filled with cheeses from Aniata Cheese Company in Del Mar and Taste in Hillcrest. Lines were 5 or 10 minutes long at each of these, but most you could walk right up to and be drinking or eating within a few seconds.

The most generous serving was from (of all places) Viejas with (the pictured) seafood ceviche. Jack’s La Jolla served up a great butternut squash soup, but I didn’t make many mental notes of much of the food. There were also several beer companies represented, pouring good amounts plus one tequila tasting table. I hope everyone had designated drivers or found someway to sleep it off before they drove home.

San Diego Restaurant Week note: I see they have posted the menus for many of the restaurants. Make your plans now to have the Braised Short Rib Ravioli with Wild Mushrooms or the Basil Roasted Salmon with Asparagus Risotto Cake and finish up with a Semi-cooked Chocolate Truffle Cake with Raspberry Sauce! Or what ever else delights you! :)