Here is some of this week’s dining news and food events from across San Diego County:
A tropical cocktail at Arlo ressyurant, prepared for the Tiki Oasis convention at the Town & Country Resort in San Diego. (Tim Hardy)
Tiki drinks take center stage at convention: For fans of tropical tiki drinks, the annual Tiki Oasis convention running Wednesday through Aug. 9 at the Town & Country Resort will feature cocktail seminars, tastings, “sip ‘n’ shop” events and, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. on closing day, the 12th annual San Diego Bartender Battle. Related drink-themed events begin Thursday with a seminar on misunderstood cocktails at 2 p.m. On Aug. 7 there will be seminars on Negronis at 1 p.m. and luxury liqueurs at 3 p.m. Also that day, a tropical cocktail tasting will take place at 3 p.m., followed by a cocktail syrup “sip ‘n’ shop” at 4 p.m. On Aug. 8, there will be a “History of Rum” cocktails seminar at 12:30 p.m., followed by tequila and spirits tastings at 1:30 and 3 p.m. On closing day, Aug. 9, there will be rum and tequila tastings at 1:30 and 1:45 p.m. A convention pass is required for all events. 500 Hotel Circle North, San Diego. tikioasis.com
Bluewater food/drink specials: Bluewater Boathouse Seafood Grill in Coronado and Bluewater Grill in Carlsbad are hosting several discounts during the month of August. On International Beer Day this Saturday, all draft beers will be $6. On National Oyster Day next Wednesday, customers can mix and match six fresh-shucked oysters for $15. On Aug. 11, a blackened Pacific swordfish dinner, with chowder or salad and glasses of champagne and wine, is $55. And in honor of National Mai Tai Day on Aug. 30, the house Captain’s Mai Tai cocktail will be $10. 1701 Strand Ave., Coronado; 417 Carlsbad Village Road, Carlsbad. bluewatergrill.com
A SPAM Musubi from L&L Hawaiian Barbecue. (Matt Armendariz)
L&L celebrates musubi: On Aug. 8, participating L&L Hawaiian Barbecue locations will celebrate National SPAM Musubi Day by giving one free SPAM musubi to each customer from noon to 4 p.m., while supplies last. The popular Hawaiian snack item consists of grilled slice of the pork product SPAM over a square of sticky rice, wrapped in nori. For locations, visit hawaiianbarbecue.com/locations.
New Karl Strauss IPA beer release: Karl Strauss Brewing Co. has collaborated with Berkeley-based Fieldwork Brewing Co. on Field Trip Hazy IPA, a new beer being released on National IPA Day next Thursday. One dollar from every pint sold that day at the company’s nine Southern California brewpubs (including 4S Ranch, Carlsbad, downtown San Diego and Sorrento Mesa) will be donated to Restaurants Care, a California nonprofit that supports food and beverage workers facing unexpected hardships. karlstrauss.com
Cutwater hosts Tiki takeover: Cutwater tasting Room & Kitchen is hosting a series of tiki-themed events this summer. There’s a new lineup of tiki cocktails and food items. Also, visitors can sign up for a 60-minute Tiki Rum Experience on Wednesdays through Saturdays. It includes a 60-minute distillery tour, rum education class, rum drink flight and souvenir shot glass. Cutwater is also offering a 90-minute private dining and drinking experience in its Tiki Hut through Aug. 31. And on Aug. 22, the company will host its annual Beach Bash party with live music, cocktails and interactive experiences. 9750 Distribution Ave., San Diego. cutwaterspirits.com/tasting-room
Ilan-Lael announces Harvest Moon Dinner: The Ilan-Lael Foundation in Santa Ysabel will host its annual Harvest Moon Dinner from 3 to 8 p.m. Sept. 26. The event will feature a meal prepared by local chefs and a nature-themed poetry reading by former U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón. The event will raise money to preserve the property and legacy built by the late artist James Hubbell and his wife, Anne Hubbell. Tickets are $175 per person or $350 per couple. 760-765-3427, ilanlaelfoundation.org/harvest-moon/
Taste of College Area returns: The third annual Taste of College Area will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 27. More than 20 restaurants, coffee shops, pubs and eateries will participate in the self-guided Rolando-area culinary tour. Tickets are $40. collegeareasd.com/taste-of-college-area
Restaurant Week dates announced: The fall edition of San Diego Restaurant Week will take place Sept. 13-20. Hosted by the San Diego chapter of the California Restaurant Association, it will feature 120 restaurants in 30-plus neighborhoods countywide offering two-course and three-course dinners at different price points. For the fall event, chefs are being encouraged to spotlight two local seasonal ingredients in their dishes, artisan Romaine lettuce and huitlacoche, or corn smut. The list of participating restaurants will be developing over the next six weeks at sandiegorestaurantweek.com