San Diego Restaurant Week may be over, but there is still plenty to fascinate the foodies among us. Here are seven February events to stimulate the senses and maybe even feed your soul.
Kids eat free at the Shores
“Great clatter of Knives, Forks, and Spoons,” indeed! (Image courtesy of Getty Images/pictore)
Memorized poetry. Cursive writing. Thank you notes. Book reports. All these things are passing away, and the meaning of their loss will become clear only when they’re gone. Table manners endure, but what about the more formal sort, the sort one ought to display in a swanky restaurant? As Babe Ruth said, “The kids can’t take it if we don’t give it to them.” (Remember that scene in The Wire?) Happily, The Shores is stepping into the breach, offering a complimentary kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entree every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from now through April. It’s basic kid fare, but one step at a time. Start with getting them to eat their chicken tenders with a knife and fork.
Where: The Shores Restaurant, 8110 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla
When: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 7 am to 8:30 pm
Growler & Crowler Wednesdays at Newtopia Cyder
Is cider the Great American Beverage? (Photo courtesy of Getty Images/traveler1116)
Disney had it right: with the passing years, “reality has given way to legend” regarding ol’ John Chapman, aka Johnny Appleseed. And Disney should know: they didn’t just print the legend, they animated it. Because, of course, Chapman didn’t plant apple trees because he wanted things to one day be as American as apple pie. He planted them because hard cider was often safer to drink than the water, and it had…other qualities as well. The most recent hard cider craze seems to have passed, but some fine local fermenters endure. On Wednesdays this February, you can enjoy 20% off a 32 oz. crowler or your own growler at Newtopia Cyder — no limits, no exclusions. That includes all beverages on the menu, even limited-edition cyders that are usually only available in the tasting room and may never be made again.
Where: Newtopia Cyder, 10045 Carroll Canyon Road, Suite A, San Diego
When: Wednesdays, 4 pm to 8 pm
Hands-on kimchi workshop
Foodie, meet superfood (Photo courtesy of Getty Images/ollo)
It might be hard to fathom why you would want to learn to make something when you can find quality versions of it at relatively low cost on the shelf at the market. But this is a list for foodies, and foodies know the virtue in understanding the staples of a cuisine from the ground up. Kimchi may be common, but there’s a reason for that. This farmsite presentation from the Fermenter’s Club will introduce you to the history of fermented foods in general and kimchi in particular, demonstrate fermentation, provide samples of various kimchi styles, and help you mix up your own batch to ferment at home.
Where: Ranchito Milkyway, 7275 San Miguel Road, San Diego
When: Saturday, February 7, 10 am to 12:30 pm
Breadmaking: sweet and sourdough
A loaf of bread, a glass of beer, and thou… (Event poster)
Speaking of staples… Your humble correspondent’s sainted mother insists that if she could bring just one food with her to a desert island, it would be bread and butter. (If you want to be the one to tell her that bread and butter are two foods and not one, well, be my guest.) Realtors may have moved on from the tactic of baking bread in a house’s oven before an open house, but that just means that buyers have tired of the misuse of a good thing. The thing itself is still very, very good, and still very, very satisfying to make yourself. Here’s a Grainbakers’ Valentine Flavors class that will send you home with a loaf all set for baking and serving to your sweet (dark chocolate and cherry) or savory (rosemary and sea salt) someone.
Where: Pure Project Vista, 1305 Hot Spring Way, Vista
When: Thursday, February 12, 2026, 6:30 pm to 8 pm
Valentine’s Day at the Crack Shack
How secure are you in this relationship? (Restaurant publicity photo)
The old rule is that guys are supposed to take gals out for dinner on Valentine’s Day. The food isn’t important. What’s important is the level of devotion and forethought required to secure reservations somewhere. That’s what makes her feel special. And people ignore old rules at their peril. But what if the food was important? Meaningful, even? What if you took your best gal to a local landmark: the Crack Shack’s Will You Be Nine? anniversary event? Would it become the most memorable Valentine’s ever, a story you’d someday tell your kids? Just asking.
Where: The Crack Shack, 407 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas
When: Saturday, February 14, 2026, starting at 10:30 am
Taste what you hear
“I’m getting hints of genius!” (Still from film Amadeus)
Season One of Drops of God was a hoot. Here’s something to get you in the right headspace for Season Two: Nathan Cole, Concertmaster for the Boston Symphony, will be joined by violist Steve Ansell and cellist Blaise Dejardin for the February installment of the Mainly Mozart Wine Pairing Series. Take it away, promo copy: “Events begin with an open hors d’oeuvres reception before audiences are seated for an intimate concert and tasting experience. Each piece on the program is paired with curated wines, chosen to mirror the style and emotion of the music. Wines are poured and selection commentary is provided before each musical work, setting the stage for a multi-sensory experience.” My guesses: Pinot Noir for the viola-centered work, Syrah for the cello.
Where: Fairbanks Ranch Country Club, 15150 San Dieguito Road, Rancho Santa Fe
When: Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 5 pm and Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 4 pm
Chinese food walking (and eating) tour
Peking duck? Beijing duck? Come find out! (Photo courtesy of Getty Images/wx-bradwang)
Plenty of people will be Downtown for the Chinese New Year Faire at the end of February. If you’re in the mood for something a little less crowded and a little more in-depth that still tips the hat to the occasion, consider Wild Foodie Tours’ San Diego Chinese Food Tour, which begins with the National Dish of China: Peking Duck, “carved tableside with tender slices of roast duck and crispy skin, served with hoisin sauce, sliced scallion and cucumber, and wrapped in a steamed Chinese bun, in addition to lettuce wraps with minced duck and vegetables, and duck soup.” The meal comes with a little history and a little lesson in etiquette courtesy of your host, and is followed by a post-prandial perambulation through the Asian Cultural District and a stop at an Asian supermarket.
Where: Reserve to find out!
When: Throughout February, but the Chinese New Year falls on February 17
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