On the long list of reasons why San Diego is a top meetings destination—great weather, beaches, theme parks, fantastic attractions—some planners may leave off one of the most persuasive. San Diego boasts an exciting food and drink culture that extends far beyond the bounds of the well-known Gaslamp Quarter, including many new developments.
“Most people don’t even know about the diversity of different food centers and that it’s all fresh and new,” says Margie Sitton, senior vice president of sales and services at San Diego Tourism Authority. “They say, ‘I was there 10 years ago,’ but two years ago, it all changed! In the last year-and-a-half, so many communities have blossomed. It’s an emerging element in our arsenal of why people should pick San Diego.”
One of the lastest trends in the city is the repurposing of large-scale historic institutions into hot new dining and shopping destinations.
“We have the wonderful Naval Training Center that has been regenerated with a park-like setting and lots of dining,” Sitton says. “You can have a dine-around there. The Headquarters is a former police headquarters built in 1939, abandoned for decades, and now filled with chichi restaurants in a historic setting. Most offer private dining.”
Following is a roundup of some of the tastiest offerings in San Diego County.
NTC at Liberty Station
The Naval Training Center, now known as NTC at Liberty Station, is located in the Point Loma neighborhood, west of downtown. This waterfront area is filled with museums and art galleries, as well as stylish eateries. NTC at Liberty Station features 10 hip restaurants, including Solare Ristorante, which can welcome 100 for receptions or 22 in a private dining room. The center itself offers a large number of event venues, including the imposing, 8,700-square-foot Corky McMillin Companies Event Center and the 5,800-square-foot NTC Command Center.
The Headquarters at Seaport District
Encompassing the Gaslamp District, Seaport Village, the Embarcadero, Little Italy and Balboa Park, downtown San Diego is a wonderland of food options. The Headquarters, a Terramar Retail Centers project, is one of the newest and most exciting dining developments in the area.
“Great food is at the core of great destinations. Our team was creative and selective in attracting the right blend of dining for The Headquarters,” says Steve Bowers, CEO of Terramar. “This collection creates a casually sophisticated destination for San Diego residents and visitors.”
Opened in November after a $40 million redevelopment, the 100,000-square-foot facility is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The waterfront property, just a half-mile from the San Diego Convention Center, is home to several restaurants, including Seasons 52. The upscale property serves local, seasonal cuisine and offers three private dining rooms seating from 24 to 32, plus a patio. PageBreak
Bite San Diego
A ritzy resort city situated on a peninsula across from downtown San Diego, Coronado boasts one of the top-rated beaches in the country. Orange Avenue, its main thoroughfare, is lined with Zagat-rated restaurants guaranteed to please a variety of palates.
One of the best ways to experience the yummy abundance of Coronado is on a food walking tour with Bite San Diego. Groups start at Coronado Ferry Landing, wander down Orange Avenue, tasting as they go, heading toward the famous Hotel Del Coronado. There are five to seven stops, which can include Peohe’s for tropical island cuisine; Alexander’s Pizza for a slice; Coronado Taste of Oils for fine vinegars and oils; and Bottega Italiana for gelato.
“Bite San Diego is a great way to see Coronado because of the eclectic variety of facts and flavors,” says Daniella Ruiz, operations manager at Bite San Diego. “Guests get the small island feel as they walk from one side of the island to the other. The view can’t be beat, and since the tour is done on foot, guests can see the beautiful architecture and extravagant homes on the island.”
Bite San Diego also offers tours of seven other neighborhoods, including downtown San Deigo, Hillcrest, La Jolla and Encinitas.
Cafe Coyote
Picturesque and dripping with history, Mission Valley and Old Town are conveniently located near downtown San Diego. Mission Valley is home to Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala, founded in 1769. Old Town is the site of Spain’s first colonial settlement in the Western U.S. Famous for its authentic Mexican cuisine, the neighborhoods are the perfect place for a fiesta.
“Cafe Coyote is located in the heart of historic Old Town,” says Lehn Goetz, owner of the restaurant. “We have been serving traditional Mexican food, handmade tortillas and our famous margaritas for 25 years. We pride ourselves on friendly, prompt service in a beautiful and colorful atmosphere.”
Replete with hacienda decor and a wandering mariachi band, Cafe Coyote is two blocks from Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Apart from its artisanal tortillas, the restaurant is well known for its selection of 100-plus tequilas. It was designated one of only two Official Tequila Houses in the nation by the Academia Mexicana del Tequila. Cafe Coyote welcomes groups of up to 200. PageBreak
Harvard Cookin’ Girl
The posh and pretty beach communities of La Jolla and Mission Beach are known for casual fine dining without pretension.
Bibi Kasrai, aka the Harvard Cookin’ Girl (HCG), provides intimate cooking classes in La Jolla. Groups as large as 40 can choose from a wide variety of gourmet team-building experiences, which range from French to Thai, Persian, Indian and other customizable options. The school’s beautifully designed, top-flight kitchen and Kasrai’s colorful personality have made HCG one of La Jolla’s most popular attractions.
“It is a show where I teach, entertain, listen, talk about my experience in corporate America, hand-hold and observe the team dynamic, and at the end of the day I have fun,” says Kasrai, CEO, founder and chef of HCG. “We are getting fantastic ratings from Fortune 500 companies as well as small companies for the experience they get here.”
San Diego Beer and Wine Tours
Just 30 miles north of the city, nearly a dozen wineries are nestled among the breathtaking hills and valleys of North San Diego County. Many offer group tastings and winery tours as well as on-site dining options.
One great way to sample the best of North San Diego County’s wine scene is via a train tour with San Diego Beer and Wine Tours. The five-hour guided excursion provides guests with 18 wine tastings, and starts with a farm-to-table lunch with wine pairings. The train stops at several boutique wineries between San Diego and Carlsbad. The experience integrates a wine appreciation presentation designed to increase participants’ knowledge of wine, pairings of wine and cheese or chocolate, and games with prizes. The maximum group size is 14.
“There’s nothing better than an afternoon exploring San Diego, sipping fine wines made by local winemakers and pairing those top-notch wines with delectable, seasonal foods prepared especially for your group,” says Stephen Ansley, sommelier and consultant to San Diego Beer and Wine Tours. “Unless of course you add a train ride along the San Diego coast. You may even spot a dolphin out your window.”
Kelly Crumrin is a California-based travel writer who recommends the live shrimp at Taka Sushi in the Gaslamp. For adventurous eaters only!
