Celebrating 20 Years of Culinary Excellence: The San Diego Food + Wine Festival Expands Its Horizons

The San Diego Food + Wine Festival, a beloved annual event, is set to mark its 20th anniversary in November with an impressive lineup of festivities. This year's celebration promises to be a true feast for the senses, as the festival expands its reach and forges new partnerships that will elevate the culinary experience for attendees.

Elevating the Culinary Landscape with Prestigious Collaborations

A Milestone Celebration with a Mission-Driven Approach

Over the past two decades, the San Diego Food + Wine Festival has evolved from a simple showcase of food and wine to a "multi-genre, multi-cultural festival that is mission and value-led," according to festival co-founder and producer Michelle Metter. This year's edition, running from November 2 to 10, will celebrate the festival's growth and its newfound partnerships with the prestigious James Beard Foundation and the global food research and advocacy organization, Food Tank.

Empowering the Good Food Movement through Collaboration

The festival's opening night Grand Decant wine-tasting event will benefit the James Beard Foundation, which honors the top talent in the American restaurant, wine, and spirits industries. Additionally, the festival will host a Food Tank Summit, featuring speakers from Food Tank, KPBS, and the festival team, who will discuss how the 2024 fall election will impact the Good Food Movement. These collaborations underscore the festival's commitment to supporting and amplifying the voices of those who are shaping the future of the culinary landscape.

Showcasing the Culinary Talents of San Diego and Beyond

The festival will feature an impressive lineup of local and international culinary stars, including Michelin Bib Gourmand chef-owner Travis Swikard of Callie in East Village, Michelin-starred chef Drew Deckman, who will open his first U.S. restaurant in North Park this summer, and Michelin-starred chef Roberto Alcocer of Valle in Oceanside. The festival will also welcome renowned chefs from Mexico, such as Javier Plascencia, Jairo Villalvaso, Carlos Gaytan, and Marcelo Hisaki, following Michelin's first-ever awards in the country.

Expanding the Culinary Horizons with Diverse Experiences

This year's San Diego Food + Wine Festival will offer a diverse array of events, catering to a wide range of culinary enthusiasts. Attendees can look forward to a Baja culinary tour, a new Creator Live event featuring top food influencers, a festival of food-inspired films in Coronado, and the signature Grand Tasting outdoor event. These experiences promise to immerse visitors in the rich tapestry of San Diego's and Baja California's culinary cultures, providing a truly memorable and enriching festival experience.

Welcoming New Culinary Talents to San Diego's Dining Scene

Alongside the festival's exciting lineup, the San Diego region is also welcoming new culinary talents to its thriving dining scene. John Silva has been appointed the new executive chef at Hell's Kitchen restaurant at the Harrah's Resort Southern California, bringing his 20 years of industry experience to the table. Additionally, Alex Pailles has been named executive chef at the La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla, where he will oversee the hotel's Mediterranean Room, the Med Patio, and La Sala lobby bar.

Revitalizing a Beloved Landmark in Little Italy

The former Wolfie's Carousel Bar in Little Italy will also be making a comeback this summer, as SDCM Restaurant Group has taken over the property. The group plans to reopen the restaurant-bar under the name Wilma's Carousel Bar, promising to breathe new life into this iconic San Diego landmark.

Celebrating the Art of Bruschetta at Postino WineCafé

In addition to the festival's exciting lineup, Postino WineCafé, with locations in Del Mar and Little Italy, is hosting its second annual Battle of the Bruschetta competition. Diners can vote on their favorite bruschettas from four limited-time recipes, adding an interactive element to the culinary celebration.

Expanding the Burger Landscape in Chula Vista

The San Diego region's dining scene is also welcoming the expansion of the Fatburger brand, as the Los Angeles-based quick-service burger chain has opened its second location in Chula Vista. This new outpost joins the brand's sister concept, Hurricane Grill & Wings, in a dual-restaurant concept, marking the first time the two brands have co-located in the same space.With its diverse lineup of events, prestigious collaborations, and the introduction of new culinary talents and concepts, the 20th anniversary of the San Diego Food + Wine Festival promises to be a truly remarkable celebration of the region's vibrant and ever-evolving culinary landscape.