Culinary Showdown: Bruschetta Battles and Whiskey Wonders in San Diego

San Diego's culinary landscape is heating up with a series of exciting events and new restaurant openings that are sure to delight food and drink enthusiasts. From a bruschetta battle royale to a whiskey tasting extravaganza, the city is abuzz with flavorful happenings that are worth exploring.

Elevating the Art of Bruschetta

Postino WineCafe, a newcomer to Little Italy, has launched a "Battle of the Bruschetta" series, pitting its chefs against each other in a culinary showdown. Throughout the summer, from July to September, customers can sample and vote on two different bruschetta recipes each month, with the winning dishes potentially earning a permanent spot on the restaurant's menu this fall.The current July competition features a French onion bruschetta going head-to-head with a berry and mascarpone cheese creation. In August, the battle will shift to a Philly cheesesteak bruschetta and a Buffalo cauliflower version. The series will culminate in September, with the champions of the first two battles facing off to determine the ultimate bruschetta champion.Customers can order both bruschetta options and cast their votes via text message, adding an interactive element to the culinary competition. The winning recipes will be announced on Postino's social media channels on September 16, giving diners a chance to savor the victorious creations.

Whiskey Lovers Rejoice

San Diego is set to host a major whiskey event that is sure to delight spirit enthusiasts. The Whiskies of the World tour, the nation's largest whiskey tasting event, will make a stop at the Bahia Resort Hotel in Mission Bay, just a stone's throw away from some of the city's Uptown neighborhoods.On July 27, from 6 to 9:30 p.m., participants can expect to encounter rare and prestigious whiskey "expressions" from more than 150 global distillers. In addition to the free-flowing pours of celebrated spirits, the event will also feature cigar pairings, light hors d'oeuvres, and live entertainment, creating a truly immersive whiskey experience.General admission tickets are priced at 5, while VIP admission, which offers exclusive access and additional perks, is available for 5. This event promises to be a must-attend for whiskey aficionados and those seeking to expand their palates.

Brunch Reinvented on Park Boulevard

The restaurant formerly known as Breakfast & Bubbles has undergone a transformation, emerging as XOXO by Breakfast & Bubbles. The recent remodel has ushered in a vintage-inspired ambiance, with the addition of cozy dining booths, banquettes, and splashes of red accents both inside and out.While boozy brunches remain the focus, XOXO has introduced a secret menu that observant customers can discover by reading a discrete footnote on the regular menu. This hidden menu offers enticing options such as bao buns, steak-and-eggs, and a tempting pink espresso martini.The regular menu at XOXO features a range of diner-inspired dishes, including deviled eggs, French dips, breakfast burgers, and a new white chocolate waffle. Diners can indulge in these offerings from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., daily, making it a versatile destination for both early risers and late-morning brunch enthusiasts.

A Vibrant Cantina Arrives in the Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter has welcomed a new addition, Hasta Manana Cantina, which promises to be a lively destination for taco and tequila lovers. Adorned with colorful murals and ample seating, the cantina features the culinary expertise of chef Kevin Templeton, a former champion on the Food Network's "Chopped" series.Templeton's menu showcases a range of standout dishes, including mezcal-brined wings served with mole sauce, a vegetarian version of al pastor using oyster mushrooms, and a Wagyu skirt steak accented with cinnamon chili oil.The drink menu at Hasta Manana Cantina is equally impressive, boasting a lengthy selection of tequila and mezcals, with more than 75 choices available. In addition to the agave-based spirits, the cantina also offers a variety of rums, whiskeys, and cordials, catering to a diverse range of palates.

Izola Bakery Rises Again in the East Village

Croissant enthusiasts in San Diego have reason to rejoice as Izola Bakery has reopened in the East Village, just a few blocks from its original location. Founder Jeffrey Brown, a self-taught baker, gained a loyal following during the COVID-19 pandemic when he operated Izola from a cozy loft in the Ratner Building, lowering baked goods in baskets to eager customers on the street below.Now in a larger, renovated 4,200-square-foot space, Izola Bakery continues to delight with its expertly crafted croissants made with French-imported butter, as well as its rustic-style sourdough loaves. Customers can indulge in a variety of must-try croissant flavors, including almond, chocolate, and the Moroccan black olive-chocolate.The bakery's relocation to a more spacious setting allows Brown to expand his offerings and provide a more comfortable experience for his growing customer base. Izola Bakery's return to the East Village is a welcome addition to the city's vibrant culinary landscape.