Valentines Day,the Day to Celebrate Love

For that special man in your life, why not treat him to a weekend ticket to the USA Sevens International Rugby Tournament , held each February in Petco Park, San Diego.  This is now the Largest rugby event in North America and makes a great treat for any guy.

There are 16 nations competing with non-stop electrifying rugby. Watch as they battle it out in 44 matches from Saturday morning to Sunday night – giving a weekend of endless entertainment.

 You could even buy him a slap up breakfast in the nearby “Field “- one of the most authentic of Irish pubs and a truly great breakfast for the very hungry.

For more info and price on price of tickets,times and location  click here  for tickets or call 1-888-rugby-7s

For the Romantic at Heart, Vino Valentino will be a Valentine’s event to remember. The Barrel Room and Tasting Room at the Rancho Bernardo Winery- the oldest operating winery in Southern California  is hosting this special event.  Live jazz, Great food, Wines and Chocolate! This is the perfect place and holds  the romantic charm for this special evening.

Enjoy some soft jazz  from the patio and enjoy the moment with the one you love  eating,drinking and dancing the night away. For more info click here or call 1-858-487-1866  for reservations.

This week’s Restaurant Rave goes to

The Continental Deli in Escondido.

This charming Olde World style deli and market has been family owned and operated since 1940. 

It’s not just your typical sub shop deli.  This inviting little eatery is also an authentic German Beer Garden, serving up Grilled Bratwurst with  homemade Sauerkraut and Ice cold German and Local Brew.

An assortment of fresh breads and imported grocery items are also offered.  A big refrigerator case is filled with Boar’s Head Meats, authentic German and Italian cold cuts, and aged cheeses, such as Danish Butter and Dutch Farmers.

I had a 1/2 sandwich of Cajun style Turkey Breast with Dutch Farmer Cheese and a bowl of the best Italian Wedding Soup I have ever eaten.  The portions are very generous, and the price is more than fair, only $5.99 and I was stuffed.

You may remember a few weeks ago we told you about Vinz, the delightful Wine bar in Escondido.  Well The Continental Deli is right next door, and surprise, surprise…Vinnie Griffin owns both.  You can’t go wrong with this combo.

Continental Deli is not fancy, but there are nice people to serve you down-home food at reasonable prices. 

Do yourself a favor, stop by and see what Ol’ Vinnie is cooking up for you!

Friars Folly is tucked away in the peaceful and private location by the village boutiqe in Old California Restaurant Row, San Marcos. This is the perfect place to go to relax and unwind and enjoy the beauty and simplicity of life . With such an inviting and unique atmosphere, it is the perfect wine lovers paradise and is one place you will keep coming back to.

Voted one of the ‘MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS IN SAN DIEGO’, makes it an ideal place to take that special person.

 Open at 4pm daily for happy hour wine tasting, tapas and tantalizing tastes which you won’t forget.

The tapas menu – an unforgettable appetizer-style food the perfect munchie to food wine and beer, has so many different and interesting choices, great for the not so hungry. Try the Roasted Pork and Smoked Gouda Bruschetta or the Delicious Warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip.

Friars Paella is an unforgettable traditional Spanish dish  of Sauteed Mussels, Jumbo Shrimp, Mahi Mahi, Chicken, Andouille Sausage and Aromatic Saffron Rice – each mouthful a stunning discovery -Viva Espana!

Another tasty one is Moqueca de Peixe (Fish Moqueca) A typical Brazilian dish, definitely a must for those fish lovers, one of my favorites!

The Aged Flat Iron Steak is one you won’t forget -served with a brandy peppercorn sauce, enough to make those salivary glands tingle.

Dora Burnquist introduces the Brazilian flair which gives the menu that South American Pizazz, and at the same time she whips up an Apple Pie, Chocolate Passion Fruit Mousse and Coconut Flan  ”to die for”. She is truly an outstanding chef.

Jim Eubank developer of Restaurant Row added this Restaurant /wine bar next to the Mission bell tower in a beautiful rustic courtyard and we have present owner Tammi Ridley to thank for continuing to create this cozy little gem which has a way of working into your heart and soul to all those who visit.

Tammi  is constantly researching historical recipes which originate from Spain which give the menu an interesting and authentic flair. She offers Girls Gone Wine on Wednesdays with a 50% discount on a bottle of wine. More often than not you can enjoy live music on Wed thru Saturdays and relax by an open fire on the patio.

The wine menu is extensive, over 100 wines to choose from, which are carefully selected, and well priced, half are under $25.00. You can also purchase the wine to take home or for the perfect gift. Local wines from San Diego,Guadalupe Valle in Baja Mexico and Temecula hold an extra special place at Friars Folly, along with other areas of California, the Pacific Northwest and other major producing regions of the world. 

Local Micro Brewed Beers are also available on tap, Stone Brewing Co, Coronado Gold, Anvil Alesmith and more.

This one is a MUST for your list – YOU WON’T WANT TO LEAVE!

The featured Restaurant Rave of the Week is the most delightful little Wine Bar in Escondido called VINZ. 

This type of eatery / wine bar is long overdue in this once sleepy little town. 

 It’s a simple wine and food place with a sophisticated but unpretentious atmosphere focused on quality rather than quantity.

This is the type of place you might find in downtown San Diego in the Gaslamp District, or Hillcrest, without those uptown prices. 

The vibe inside is cozy, casual and comfortable.  Outside is fresh and sunny as you watch the passersby and enjoy your wine and food with friends or family.

There are about 40 wines by the glass to choose from, all moderately priced between $5-$10

The appetizer menu has a selection of about 25 delectable bites to tempt your palate.  Priced between $3-$12 with portions plentiful enough to share.

My favorite lunch choice has been the  Specialty Salads. 

I love the Tossed Tuscan Salad with Seasoned Grilled Chicken.  It is a burst of flavor in every bite with it’s Fresh Mixed Grens, Artichoke & Palm Hearts, Dry Cranberries, Garbanzo Beans, Almonds, Pepperoncinis, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Baby Squash, and Crumbled Goat Cheese in White Balsamic Citrus Vinaigrette.

All I can say is YUMMMMM! 

Do something nice for yourself, stop by VINZ on Grand Ave. in Escondido for lunch or a glass of wine and  cheese with some friends, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed and you will want to come back soon and frequently.

Thanks, Vinnie Griffin for bringing this touch of class to Escondido!

You can take a look at the menu, location and hours  at http://www.vinzwinebar.com/.

HAPPY EATING!