Uncategorized FEBRUARY 20, 2013

San Diego’s Craft Beer Guide

Breweries, brewpubs & beer bars!

San Diego’s Craft Beer Guide
Photos by the Hendershotts
PCBC Picks

PCBC Picks

Photos by the Hendershotts

The Mexican craft brew scene is blowing up. Read more here!

Click here to check out our beer critic’s favorite spots to toss one back.


Our Beer Legend

BREWERY: A facility where beers are produced for commercial sale.

NANO BREWERY: A brewing facility in the smallest production class.

BREW PUB: An eatery with in-house brewing capabilities.

CONTRACT BREWER: San Diegans who brew at a facility outside San Diego but sell it here.


Up North

San Diego's Craft Beer Guide

San Diego’s Craft Beer Guide

BREWERY

Stone Brewing Co.

No single company has done as much to turn the rest of the country on to San Diego’s incredible craft brewing scene. Its Arrogant Bastard Ale, a super-hopped red ale, turned heads and became a talking point for beer connoisseurs everywhere who, in discovering Stone, also discovered high-caliber companies like AleSmith and Ballast Point. Now the 14th largest craft brewery in America, Stone is branching out. Later this year it’ll open version 2.0 of its Escondido restaurant, Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, at a site in Liberty Station. Back in North County, it’s expanding its brewery and preparing for construction of a craft beer first—a brewery-owned hotel for beer tourists. 1999 Citracado Parkway, Escondido, stonebrew.com

BREWERY

Aztec Brewing Company / Seven Nations Brewing Co.  

Headed by a tribe of SDSU alums reviving a defunct brand from the 1940s, ABC brews beers like Agave Wheat and Chipotle IPA that fuse San Diego style with Mexican culture. It also offers Celtic varieties under the Seven Nations brand. 2330 La Mirada Drive, Vista, aztecbrewery.com

BREWERY

Iron Fist Brewing Company

This brewery has rocketed to North County fame behind a wide-ranging lineup of Belgian beers like the fruity Hired Hand Saison and the obsidian Velvet Glove barrel-aged imperial stout. Given how deliciously smooth and chocolaty that last one is, one has to wonder how phenomenal the beers will be after 22-year-old brewmaster Brandon Siemniski does some aging of his own. 1305 Hot Springs Way, Vista, ironfistbrewing.com

BREWERY

Latitude 33º Brewing Company

Just two months after debuting in the old Green Flash brewery space, former Alpine and Back Street brewer Kevin Buckley is racking up kudos for well-constructed beers like his Pascha’s Rye Brown, a medium-bodied brew that tastes like a fresh loaf of pumpernickel. Restraint and balance are the name of Buckley’s game. Nothing is overly hopped—not even his IPA. 1430 Vantage Court, Vista, lat33brew.com

DON’T MISS IT! May 2-5, 2012
The Craft Brewers Conference, the craft brewing industry’s largest annual trade event, will be held in San Diego this month. The World Beer Cup will also hit town.

BREWERY

Mother Earth Brew Co.

This peace, love, and rock ‘n’ roll-themed operation started as a homebrew store with three heavy metal pots perched atop burners. Two years later, owner and head brewer Dan Love is working with the City to open up a combination homebrew store and tasting bar in Old Town Vista, converting its current location into a production facility where it can pump out more beers like the impressive 12 percent ABV triple IPA, Big Mother. 2055 Thibodo Road, Vista, motherearthbrewco.com

BREW PUB

Back Street Brewery   

With its commitment to craft brewing, Orange County-based pie chain Lamppost Pizza fits so well into the San Diego scene, most are unaware it’s not another local brew-centric biz. The longest tenured brew house in Vista, it serves as a constant reminder of pizza and beer’s sumptuous symbiosis. 15 Main Street, Vista, lamppostpizza.com/backstreet

BREW PUB

Prohibition Brewing Company   

There’s a father-son dynamic at work in the brew house of this meat-happy restaurant located in north Vista. Go for a brew as beefy and full-bodied as their sausage, steak, or bacon mac ‘n’ cheese. 2004 East Vista Way, Vista, prohibitionbrewingcompany.com

BREWERY

Oceanside Ale Works   

Hosting wild business park throwdowns provided this brewing company the following and capital to move into its larger current facility in 2010. Sample the Buccaneer Blonde, made with a bit of honey. 1800 Ord Way, Oceanside, oceansidealeworks.net

BREW PUB

Breakwater Brewing Company  

On the Oceanside Strand, this spacious watering hole brings a dose of locally produced, on-site and guest craft beer offerings. The Railside Red never tastes better than when it’s paired with 50-cent wing nights on Thursdays. 101 North Coast Highway, Oceanside, breakwaterbrewing.com

NANO BREWERY

On-The-Tracks Brewery   

This off-the-beaten-path hideaway brews beers fortified by edibles like ginger root, cinnamon, and Julian pears. 5674 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, ottbrew.com

BREWERY

Port Brewing / The Lost Abbey    

Port’s Mongo IPA and Red Barn Ale from the company’s continental Lost Abbey line are great year-round beers, but its specialties are the stuff that makes beer nerds drool. Its unparalleled barrel-aging program yields some of the most beautifully bright, fruity, and acidic sours and dark, oaken stouts in the craft beer universe. With so much to offer and a cult following like no other, it’s no wonder this two-headed behemoth was named the best small brewing company of the year shortly after opening in 2006. 155 Mata Way, San Marcos, portbrewing.com, lostabbey.com

BREW PUB

San Marcos Brewery & Grill   

Entering this Restaurant Row mainstay is like stepping into the early days of San Diego craft brewing. While breweries everywhere are boosting the hops and alcohol on basic beer styles and creating new-wave hybrids, brewer Dave Nutley is sticking to standards like his California Pale Ale and Premium Golden Ale, both of which are as at home on his draft menu now as they were in the mid-’90s. 1080 West San Marcos Boulevard, San Marcos, sanmarcosbrewery.com

NANO BREWERY

Stumblefoot Brewing Co.    

Brothers Bill Randolph and Pat Horton have been homebrewing together for more than a decade. This February, they boosted themselves to the next level with their latest side trip off North County’s sudsy State Route 78 corridor. Try award-winning recipes including the Chipotle Porter. 1784 La Costa Meadows Drive, San Marcos, stumblefoot.com


MORE!

Craft Beer 101: An Interactive Flavor Guide

Craft Beer Cheat Sheet

Beer of the Week Blog

 

Out East

NANO BREWERY

Julian Brewing Company    

Before taking over ownership of Kearny Mesa’s venerable O’Brien’s Pub, Tom Nickel brewed at Oggi’s and Pizza Port Solana Beach. Since then, the Julian resident has continued to hop up the local scene, organizing long-running festivals and opening West Coast BBQ and Brew in La Mesa and The Bailey Wood Pit Barbecue in Julian. The latter is owned by Nickel and partners Vince and Gina Marsaglia of Pizza Port fame. Save room for pie… and beer. No trip is complete without a pint of JBC’s crisp, refreshing flagship Bailey Pale Ale. 2307 Main Street, Julian, baileybbq.com

BREW PUB

El Cajon Brewing Company    

The City of El Cajon’s decision makers recognize how much the addition of a local source for handcrafted beer can bolster a community. They were so gung-ho on bringing this business to their downtown area, they contributed city funds to the project. An early return on investment came in March 2012, when ECBC took second place in the recent Tap Hunter Brewery Awards. 110 North Magnolia Avenue, El Cajon, elcajonbrewingco.com

San Diego's Craft Beer Guide

San Diego’s Craft Beer Guide

BREWERY

Manzanita Brewing Company

From day one, this brewery’s tasting room has rivaled full-on bars as a popular haunt for East County beer lovers. Regulars are eagerly awaiting the day when owner/brewer Garry Pittman and company throw open the doors to a much larger facility on Mission Gorge Road. Such a loyal following is well deserved for a company with so much hometown pride at its core. Try the Riverwalk Blonde or Gillespie Brown Ale. 9962 Prospect Avenue, Santee, manzanitabrewing.com

NANO BREWERY

Cold Bore Brewing Company    

Founded by a former Navy SEAL, this newbie isn’t yet open to the public, but its inaugural double IPA, First Shot Ale, is available at hop spots throughout East County. 13381 Campo Road, Jamul, coldborebrewing.com

BREWERY

Alpine Beer Co.     

The faraway brewpub makes only enough beer to supply a handful of local bars, so beer enthusiasts flock here to pick up as many bottles as they can of rarified hop harriers like Exponential Hoppiness; Duet and Nelson IPAs, and the maltier, yet every bit as artisanal Odin’s Raven imperial stout and Chex Monieux (pronounced “shame on you”) cherry-infused Belgian-style kriek. 2351 Alpine Boulevard, Alpine, alpinebeerco.com


Down South

BREWERY

Coronado Brewing Company

The islanders behind this Crown City brewpub are moving their operations to the mainland. Their new 22,000-square-foot production brewery in Tecolote Canyon will give them room to grow their business as well as their new Coronado Collection, a series of barrel-aged beers that kicked off last year with a vanilla- and caramel-rich barleywine. The new digs will also have a tasting room. Try the Blue Bridge Coffee Stout, which has a java-heavy body that belies its low ABV. 170 Orange Avenue, Coronado; 1205 Knoxville Street, Tecolote Canyon, coronadobrewingcompany.com

BREW PUB

The Brew House at Eastlake    

This neighborhood brewpub is San Diego’s southernmost center for local suds. Nothing like a nice Bonita Blonde or Otay Lakes Oatmeal Stout along with Friday night DJs and live music. 871 Showroom Place, Chula Vista, brewhouseeastlake.com


Downtown: & Normal Heights

BREWERY

Mission Brewery

Not only did owner Dan Selis breathe new life into a decades-dead brewery brand, he fueled Mission Brewery Plaza’s rebirth as an operating brewery facility and redesigned the old Wonder Bread building adjacent to Petco Park into a tailgate-friendly hops spot. Note for Padres fans: Mission offers keg delivery to the ballpark’s brewery-abutting parking lot. 1441 L Street, East Village, missionbrewery.com

BREW PUB

Automatic Brewing Co.   

Your best bet for getting a sip of owner and former Stone Brewing Co. brewmaster Lee Chase’s creations is at inner-city festivals, as he’s known for putting out small batches here and there. But hopefully, when his Tiger! Tiger! Tavern matures, sampling his work will be easier. 3416 Adams Avenue, Normal Heights, automaticbrewingco.com

BREW PUB

The Beer Co.  

The 2010 arrival of this brewpub gave downtown denizens exactly what they lacked—an urban oasis offering a house-made alternative to the big brand beers dominating the Gaslamp’s tap lists. Hit them up at happy hour, when house beers are $3.50. 602 Broadway, downtown, sdbeerco.com

San Diego's Craft Beer Guide

San Diego’s Craft Beer Guide

BREW PUB

Monkey Paw Pub & Brewery

Late last year, beer bar innovator Scot Blair went from procuring kegs of fine handcrafted beer to owning his own brewpub. A self-admitted “average homebrewer,” he enlisted overachieving local brew monkey Derek Freese to bring his ideas for interesting, rarely seen styles like their Oatmeal Pale Ale to life. The result is more exceptional beer from a guy whose empire of venues—Hamilton’s Tavern, Small Bar, Bar Eleven—is built on just that. 805 16th Street, East Village, monkeypawbrewing.com

MORE!

Craft Beer 101: An Interactive Flavor Guide

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Beer of the Week Blog

 

In the Middle

San Diego's Craft Beer Guide

San Diego’s Craft Beer Guide

BREWERY

Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits    

What started as a humble brewery in the back of a Linda Vista supply shop has evolved into the reigning best small brewing company in the world (awarded by the World Beer Cup, the Olympics of beer). San Diegans are lucky to have easy access to brews like the tropically hop-assertive Sculpin IPA and Victory at Sea, a velvety imperial porter brewed with vanilla and coffee from North Park’s Caffe Calabria. Ballast Point recently expanded its main facility in Scripps Ranch, adding a new, lengthy tasting bar with extra space for the county’s only craft distillery. Only two years old, that side project has already garnered industry kudos for its Devil’s Share Whiskey. Overachieve much? 10051 Old Grove Road, Scripps Ranch; 5401 Linda Vista Road, Linda Vista, ballastpoint.com

BREW PUB

San Diego Brewing Company   

This spot was years ahead of the craft beer renaissance thanks to its installation of a multi-handled tap system loaded with microbrews and beers straight from SDBC’s tanks. The latter is also available at sister restaurant, Callahan’s Pub, in Mira Mesa. 10450 Friars Road, Mission Valley, sandiegobrewing.com

BREW PUB

Amplified Ale Works   

J.C. Hill, owner of Mission Beach’s California Kebab, beefed up his operation by installing a small brewing rig and bringing homebrew recipes (coming soon!) to his carnivorous clientele. 4150 Mission Boulevard, Mission Beach, cali-kebab.com

BREW PUB

Pacific Beach Ale House   

There are more bars in PB than any other part of the city, but most of them deal in fizzy yellow macro-lager. Grab a seat on this brewpub’s rooftop deck and literally turn your back on such operations while simultaneously taking in a Whitewash Wheat and the sun setting over the Pacific. 721 Grand Avenue, Pacific Beach, pbalehouse.com

BREWERY

Societe Brewing Company   

Brewers Travis Smith and Doug Constantiner bring double shots of youth and pedigree to previously brewery-free Kearny Mesa with the installation of a three-pronged palate attack. The duo, who’ve logged time at some of the country’s most critically acclaimed breweries, produce both a hop-centric line of West Coast-style beers (pale ales and IPAs) and a separate array inspired by traditional Old World Belgian brews. Part three will come in 2014 when they start releasing barrel-aged dark ales and sours. The waiting is the hardest part. 8262 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, Kearny Mesa, societebrewing.com

BREWERY

AleSmith   

Quality across an expansive breadth of diverse beer styles is the calling card for this long-esteemed operation, named the country’s best small brewing company at the 2008 Great American Beer Festival. Owner, brewer, and master beer judge Peter Zien has tripled the space at his facility. The most recent expansion involved doubling the tasting room, adding ample space for sampling everything from the ultra-piney AleSmith IPA to the tamed 12 percent ABV chocolate-coffee beast that is his critically acclaimed Speedway Stout. Should you happen on a barrel-aged or otherwise supped-up version of that last one around town, don’t think, just order two and brace yourself for something extraordinary. 9368 Cabot Drive, Miramar, alesmith.com

BREWERY

Rough Draft Brewing Company  

The newest addition to the Miramar/Mira Mesa area, this brewery’s taking on numerous global beer styles in the most non-committal means ever seen in San Diego. Owner and brewer Jeff Silver is starting out with rough drafts he plans on tweaking based on feedback from customers. Skip Yelp and issue your constructive criticism in person. 8830 Rehco Road, Miramar, roughdraftbrew.com

NANO BREWERY

Hess Brewing   

Social media savvy and a wide-ranging rotation of small-batch beers has made this small yet solid company a huge hit. Enough so that owner Mike Hess is set to jump beyond the nano ranks via a new, larger production facility opening in North Park later this year. For now, enjoy beers like Amplus Acerba pale ale and Ex Umbris imperial stout. They’re worth deciphering Latin for and best enjoyed at Hess’ Friday Afternoon Club events, where TGIFers converge for sampling brews and food and playing catch with Hess’s unofficial canine mascot, Hudson (though owner Michael Hess calls him Muttley). 7955 Silverton Avenue, Miramar; 3812 Grim Avenue, North Park (coming soon), hessbrewing.com

NANO BREWERY

White Labs    

One of the country’s largest yeast production companies took a huge step outside the box in its quest to highlight the major role yeast strains play in a beer’s overall taste profile, constructing an in-house tasting bar where beers brewed by the company’s lab technicians and the country’s popular pro brewers are split into identical batches, each fermented using a totally different type of yeast. The result—completely different final products. Science lessons never tasted so good. 9495 Candida Street, Miramar, whitelabs.com

NANO BREWERY

Wet ‘N Reckless Brewing    

Less than a mile south of Green Flash’s goliath-like facility is its complete antithesis—a tiny start-up celebrating the adventurous nature of amateur brewing, despite jumping to the professional arena earlier this year. Its brewers buck the purist trend by using extracts in some of their beers to attain the flavor profile they’re looking for. 10054 Mesa Ridge Court, Mira Mesa, wetnreckless.com

San Diego's Craft Beer Guide

San Diego’s Craft Beer Guide

BREWERY

Green Flash Brewing Company  

If there’s one brewery that most embodies San Diego’s trademark hop-’til-you-drop brewing mentality, it’s this fast-growing juggernaut. Green Flash produces a triple IPA called Palate Wrecker and even its stouts and maltier Belgian beers benefit from generous botanical bolstering. For brewmaster Chuck Silva, more bitter equals mo’ better, and beer enthusiasts agree. Nationwide sales of beers like the West Coast IPA allowed the brewers to move from their longtime home in Vista to a sprawling 44,000-square-foot facility in Mira Mesa (one they’re already scheduled to outgrow within the next year). Along the way, they’ve risen in the ranks, battling Karl Strauss as the second largest brewery in San Diego county. 6550 Mira Mesa Boulevard, Mira Mesa, greenflashbrew.com

BREWERY

New English Brewing Company   

Who better to educate us on the virtues of traditional UK beers than a proper Englishman? Wallasey-born and -raised Simon Lacey used to brew all of his beers at Mission Brewery Plaza, but recently opened his very own combination brewhouse and beer engine-equipped tasting bar in Sorrento Valley. His pub-friendly flagship Explorer ESB, an archetypal iteration of a British extra special bitter, is a beer style very rarely seen in Southern California. 11545 Sorrento Valley Road, Sorrento Valley, newenglishbrewing.com

BREWERY

Lightning Brewery   

A biochemist who rubbed elbows with Nobel laureates, Jim Crute utilizes his extensive science know-how as the county’s foremost producer of lagers. From a crisp pilsner with a sturdy hop backbone to a refreshing Hefeweizen rife with flavors of banana and clove, he rounds out San Diego’s ale-centric scene. 13200 Kirkham Way, Poway, lightningbrewery.com

MORE!

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All Over the Map

San Diego's Craft Beer Guide

San Diego’s Craft Beer Guide

BREW PUB

Karl Strauss Brewing Company   

Twenty-three years after becoming San Diego’s first post-Prohibition brewery, this groundbreaking company shows no signs of slowing down. This fall, the company will finish a grand-scale renovation of its Pacific Beach production brewery, including a tasting room, outdoor beer garden, and upstairs decks with sweeping overhead views of the place where most of Uncle Karl’s magic is made. It’s the perfect place to enjoy some of the brewers’ innovative new concoctions, like the barrel-aged Old Ale cooked up to celebrate the 23rd anniversary. Carlsbad, downtown, La Jolla, Sorrento Mesa, Pacific Beach, karlstrauss.com

BREW PUB

Pizza Port

This San Diego institution was the starting point for some of the county’s most heralded brewing talent (Tomme Arthur, Jeff Bagby, Tom Nickel). Over the past two decades, Pizza Port’s brew crew has collaborated to create dozens of exceptional, textbook iterations of beer styles from around the world. That mastery has led to the chain’s Carlsbad location being named best large U.S. brewpub of the year in 2009, 2010, and 2011. Not to be outdone, Pizza Port OB nabbed best small U.S. brewpub of the year in 2011 behind the beers of head brewer (and one of San Diego Magazine’s 50 People to Watch) Yiga Miyashiro. Look for this stellar hometown success story to add a new chapter when it opens a large restaurant-affixed production brewery at Carlsbad’s Bressi Ranch development. Carlsbad, Ocean Beach, Solana Beach, pizzaport.com

BREW PUB

Gordon Biersch

Don’t write off this brewery restaurant just because it’s a chain. Brewer Doug Hasker produces some of the best, most true-to-form lager beers in the county. 5010 Mission Center Road, Mission Valley, gordonbiersch.com

BREW PUB

Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing Company

Several of the San Diego company’s beers (now produced by Left Coast Brewing) have made waves on a global scale, notably the Black Magic Stout and McGarvey’s Scottish Ale, both of which were named the best beers of their respective styles in the entire world at the World Beer Cup. Carmel Mountain, Carmel Valley, Eastlake, Liberty Station, Mission Valley, Santee, Encinitas, oggis.com

BREW PUB

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery

Many mistakenly believe the beers at each of this nationwide chain’s brewpubs are exactly the same, but the beer board at each location is populated by selections created by individual brewmasters. Rock Bottom’s La Jolla brew house is presided over by San Diego Brewers Guild president Marty Mendiola, whose Moonlight Porter was named the number one robust porter in the country last year. 8980 Villa La Jolla Drive, La Jolla, 401 G Street, downtown, rockbottom.com


Off the Map

CONTRACT BREWER

Butcher’s Brewing Company      

Local artisan Rey Knight is already well known for the charcuterie skills he displayed with his old company, Knight’s Salumi. Nowadays, he’s pursuing his other longtime passion—craft brewing. The result are beers like his tropical Mucho Aloha HPA (Hawaiian India Pale Ale) and strapping Double Shaka double IPA, both of which are solid enough to make you forgive his departure from San Diego’s meat market. Well … almost. butchersbrewing.com

CONTRACT BREWER

TailGate Beer

SDSU grad Wesley Keegan’s all about game time or, to be more exact, the pre-game ritual otherwise known as a raucous tailgate party. So much so, his entire operation is built around manufacturing parking lot-approved canned beers that are high on drinkability and low on ABV. tailgatebeer.com


And Coming Soon…

BREWERY

Benchmark Brewing Company   

Experience and freedom are just as important as ingredients like malt and hops. Longtime AleSmith brewer Matt Akin is working on a return to the local scene, and this time, he’s the one calling the shots. 6190 Fairmont Avenue, Grantville,

benchmarkbrewing.com

NANO BREWERY

Devil’s Forge Brewing Company    

San Diego has more homebrewers per capita than most states. Several are making the leap to the big leagues, such as Wes McCann, who’s perfecting his recipes while searching for a site. devilsforgebrewing.com

NANO BREWERY

Fezziwig’s Brewing

A handful of homebrewing compatriots are conspiring to start a company that, in addition to its regular line, will create custom batches for patrons who like to choose their own adventure. Carlsbad, fezziwigsbrewing.com

BREWERY

Hillcrest Brewing Company

Expect to find beer at the end of the rainbow when the family tree that includes Urban Mo’s, Gossip Grill, and Baja Betty’s sprouts a fourth branch later this year. hillcrestbrewingcompany.com

NANO BREWERY

Mad Lab Craft Brewing   

All that’s known about this business-to-be is the location, but its pre-opening blog provides background on all the paperwork and procedures that must be completed for a brewery to get up and running. Otay Mesa, madlabbrewing.blogspot.com

NANO BREWERY

Modern Times   

One of San Diego’s most unexpected works in progress is this brainchild of former Stone Brewing Co. social media director Jacob McKean. moderntimesbeer.com

NANO BREWERY

Rip Current Brewing Company     

Paul Sangster, the reigning top homebrewer in the country (awarded by the American Homebrewers Association’s annual National Homebrewers Conference), is hitting the pro circuit with beer bud Guy Shobe. They’re opening a tasting bar stocked with a dozen taps combining Shobe’s low-alcohol ales and lagers with Sangster’s aggressively hopped, over-the-top, award-winning quaffs. When this promising newbie debuts this summer, look for medal-worthy numbers like Sangster’s Raked Over Red Ale and Lupulin Lust IPA, as well as experiments like a Belgian farmhouse ale brewed with apricots. San Marcos, ripcurrentbrewing.com

BREW PUB

Taproot Brewing

A trio of North County beer buds are banding together to build a public house that will offer a mix of English and Belgian-style ales. Escondido, taprootbrewing.com

BREW PUB

Unnamed Project

Jeff Bagby, known throughout the country for helming Pizza Port Carlsbad during its three-year run as America’s best large brewpub (Great American Beer Festival), shocked the craft beer world last December when he resigned from his post to pursue the dream of opening his very own brewpub. He’s currently cruising North County’s coastal expanses in search of the perfect location, but has no shortage of capital-waving suitors. His is, without a doubt, the most anticipated upcoming project of any in San Diego… or just about anywhere.

MORE!

Craft Beer 101: An Interactive Flavor Guide

Craft Beer Cheat Sheet

Beer of the Week Blog

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Studio S JUNE 15, 2026

A Modern Take on Steak

Stake Chophouse & Bar brings contemporary classics and old-school service to the heart of Coronado

A Modern Take on Steak
Courtesy of Stake Chophouse

Stake Chophouse & Bar isn’t your average steakhouse. Blue Bridge Hospitality’s Coronado outpost is a modern interpretation of a big-city steakhouse nestled in the heart of the small coastal community. The team at Stake has reimagined the whole steakhouse experience. By prioritizing a seasonal farm-to-table sourcing philosophy, a personalized guest experience, and unique service touches, like a formal steak presentation and a bespoke knife selection process, Stake distinguishes itself in a sea of steakhouses.

Exceptional steaks, including Wagyu from Japan, Australia, and the U.S., and fresh seafood flown in daily form the core of Stake’s culinary identity. The menu features a five-course omakase-style steak experience highlighting house favorites, plus an array of cuts, and classic steakhouse staples—think a wedge salad, baked potato, or pasta carbonara—refined for a contemporary palate without losing their traditional appeal. Stake focuses on seasonal sourcing from the region’s best family farms and specialty purveyors, and incorporates intentionally unexpected touches to create something truly unique.

“I challenge our chefs and myself to take it a step further in sourcing,” says Chef Ronnie Schwandt. “It’s important to us to highlight different farms, unique one-off farms—whether it’s cattle, strawberries, a local fisherman or from anywhere in the United States, we’re always trying to find that niche.”

Beyond the menu, Stake emphasizes outstanding service, says Vinny Spatafore, Director of Hospitality Operations. Staff maintains detailed notes, allowing them to remember guests by name, recall previous orders such as a favorite martini (also memorable for the customer since it’s served in an extra tall, distinctly-shaped glass), and celebrate special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.

“When you have those points of topic that you remember about a guest, they appreciate that,” he says. “Our servers are really good with that—we have a couple servers who have been here since the beginning and they’ll remember somebody from years ago, their name, their kids’ names, where they live. I’m really thankful to have a great front of house staff.”

Award-winning wines, rare whiskeys, special events, and a complementary black car service that provides transportation for guests throughout Coronado add to Stake’s appeal.

Schwandt stresses that Stake offers more than a meal; they aim to give patrons something unforgettable.

“It starts when you walk up the stairs and are greeted by the hostess—that sets the tone for the night. Then you’re greeted by a server, who may know you by name, and can guide you through the menu and curate as they get to know you,” says Schwandt. “Most people leave kind of blown away; they leave feeling like they just had an experience. That’s the goal, right? Whether you’re serving smash burgers or high-end steak, you want somebody to leave thinking, Wow, that was awesome.”

Partner Content
Partner Content APRIL 3, 2024

Best CBD Gummies in Canada [2024]

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Best CBD Gummies in Canada [2024]
Screenshot 2024-04-03 at 12.08.08 PM

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Top 3 Brands Of CBD Gummies Canada

1. CBDNorth– Overall Best Brand To Buy CBD Gummies in Canada

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Customer Reviews:

 Ange T

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Does great for my chronic pain.”

CBD gummies are easy to take and do not bother my acid reflux. I find that if I space out taking the gummies regularly (like every 4-5 hours), then my chronic pain is helped. Give it a try. I was convinced only THC would help with my pain, but I didn’t like the euphoria. I tried CBDNorth gummies, and they worked just as well for me. Less pain plus a clearer brain equals a happier me.

Nancy Morin

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“My Parents love them.”

My father is recovering from a pneumonectomy after a prolonged hospitalization for post-obstructive pneumonia. He’s always had insomnia, but the period of delirium and pain made sleep even more difficult. These gummies really helped him.

=> Click here to visit the official website “CBD North”

#2. MaxxCanna: Best CBD Gummies in Canada To Reduce Joint Pain

The next one on our CBD gummy brand list is MaxxCanna, a leading online dispensary in Canada for premium products. Their top-quality CBD gummies are available under isolation and full spectrum. These products are tested in third-party labs and via safe farming practices. 

These bite-sized gummies are available in 3 delicious flavors – Peach Hearts, Blue Raspberry, and Sour Cherry. They are ideal for relaxation while relieving anxiety and stress. Moreover, the soothing sensation can help reduce joint pain and improve sleep quality.

MaxxCanna’s CBD Gummies are crafted from premium-quality, GMO-free CBD, ensuring you get the best without any added solvents. Each batch undergoes rigorous third-party lab testing, with clear labels showing the exact CBD concentration. These gummies won’t leave you feeling “high” and are legal in many areas, offering relief from pain and anxiety with minimal side effects.

For your convenience, the brand also posts a recommended dosage chart with the product pages. Plus, all the necessary information is mentioned about usage. But that’s not all. Our team appreciated their packaging – tear–free and odor–proof for a hassle–free ordering and shipping experience!   

Highlights

All-Natural Ingredients:  Maxxcanna’s CBD gummies are 100%  pure  and made with pure, Canadian-grown CBD extract and all-natural ingredients. Forget artificial sweeteners and flavors – Maxxcanna uses the goodness of nature.  

Transparent Sourcing: Maxxcanna believes in transparency. Every gummy is clearly labeled, detailing the potency and source of the CBD, along with all other ingredients. So you can relax, knowing you’re getting high-quality, worry-free CBD with every bite.  

Long-lasting Effects: Maxxcanna’s CBD gummies are designed for long-lasting relief. These gummies stay in your system for up to 6-9 hours, providing steady support to your wellness throughout the day.

Customizable Options: Maxxcanna offers several dosage options to suit your individual needs. Ensuring you can find the perfect balance for your needs and wellness goals. 

Third-Party Lab Tested: Maxxcanna’s CBD gummies go through third-party lab testing to guarantee purity, potency, and safety, so you can trust what you’re consuming is pure and safe for you. 

Pros

  • 30-day money-back and satisfaction guarantee.
  • Free shipping services for orders beyond $99.
  • Special winter discounts of 25%.
  • Orders shipped within 2 to 3 business days.

Cons

  • Products delivered only within Canada

Customer Reviews:

Janet Stacey 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Top rated gummies”

I have tried other respected companies for their CBD Full Spectrum Gummies. Still, these are by far the best I have used. I take a gummy around 30 minutes before bed, and my brain shuts down, and I can fall asleep with ease. Not to mention the price is better as well.

Patsi Chalmers

⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Breakthrough relief!” 

I use the oil at night, and I have the gummies with me throughout the day. I find them fantastic and convenient for breakthrough pain. I can pop them wherever I am

=> Click here to visit the official website “MaxxCanna”

#3. CBDMagic: Effective CBD Gummies For Sleep

CBD Magic’s unique blend of melatonin and gelatin sets its CBD gummies apart. Melatonin is a dietary supplement that is useful in the short-term management of hyperactivity and insomnia. However, animal gelatin is created from collagen to improve hair, nails, and skin. You can enjoy peaceful nights and wake up feeling refreshed and energized every time you take them.

CBDMagic stands by its product with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Experience the calmness and smoothness of CBD with CBD magic, giving a break to your brain and releasing all the exhaustion of the day. 

Highlights

Pure CBD Isolate: CBDMagic only uses the purest and highest quality CBD isolate. Also, they ensure that there is zero THC content while maintaining a high level of CBD content. Even the sweetness and flavors they add are extracted from the natural flavors. 

Special combination: CBDMagic’s gummies are made from a special blend of Melatonin and Gelatin. Well, Melatonin is a dietary supplement and helpful for the short-term treatment of sleeplessness, insomnia, and hyperactivity animal gelatin is made from collagen for better skin, nails, and hair. 

Reputed Brand: CBDMagic is one of the reputed brands in Canada due to its commitment to delivering high-quality CBD gummies. It is spotted at third place in our list of best CBD gummies. 

Transparency: CBDMagic believes in transparency. That’s why they are so open with their ingredients list. Also, they provide third-party lab test results on their website. So you can enjoy your CBD experience without worrying about the quality of the product. 

GMO-free: CBDMagic’s CBD gummies do not contain any harmful pesticides or chemicals even after the ethanol extraction process.

Pros

  • Made with a Blend of melatonin
  • Non-addictive in nature 
  • Calming and soothing effects
  • Helps in managing sleep cycle
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Gets out of stock easily- due to high demand

Customer Reviews:

Isabella C.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I’ve ordered 900mg multiple times now and it never ceases to work whether I take a half or a whole gummy, making me so tired I have no choice but to go to sleep. I think it also helps me get back to sleep quicker when my baby wakes me up in the night. 10/10

S. D.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Love the product. It helps me fall asleep quickly and fall back to sleep soon after a bathroom break during the night. It helps provide a much more restful sleep.

=> Click here to visit the official website “CBDMagic.”

What Are CBD Gummies? 

CBD gummies are a popular and convenient way to consume cannabidiol (CBD), a compound derived from the cannabis plant. Unlike its more well-known counterpart, THC, CBD does not produce a “high” feeling. Instead, it is believed to offer various potential health benefits without the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana.

These gummies are infused with CBD oil extracted from hemp plants. Hemp is a variety of cannabis with low THC levels, making it legal in many places. The CBD in the gummies interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a complex network of receptors that regulate various physiological processes.

CBD gummies come in multiple flavors, shapes, and concentrations, making them a tasty and discreet option for those seeking to incorporate CBD into their wellness routine. 

How Did We Select the Best CBD Gummies in Canada?

When selecting the best CBD gummies in Canada, we assessed several key factors to ensure quality, effectiveness, and safety. Here’s a glimpse into our selection criteria: 

Quality Ingredients

Our selection process focuses on the brands that value quality ingredients.  We prioritize CBD gummies made with high-quality ingredients, including organic hemp-derived CBD extract and natural flavorings. To ensure you only get 100% organic products.  We believe in the power of pure ingredients, delivering a potent and delicious experience in every bite.

Third-Party Testing

Rigorous third-party testing is essential to verify the potency, purity, and safety of CBD gummies. In our list of Top CBD gummies in Canada, we only recommend brands that provide comprehensive lab reports for transparency and accountability. So that you can enjoy the bliss of CBD gummies without worrying about the contaminants. 

Full Spectrum Formulation

For the fullest potential benefits, we recommend seeking out full-spectrum CBD gummies. Opting for full-spectrum CBD gummies ensures a strong blend of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, maximizing the potential benefits of CBD. In our list, you will find high-quality, full-spectrum CBD gummies made from Canadian-grown hemp. 

Price and Value

We picked the brand that prioritized both quality and cost. Now, get premium quality CBD gummies at a reasonable price. All the suggested brands in the list are cost-friendly and deliver premium-quality CBD gummies at a reasonable price. So, you don’t have to compromise on quality for the sake of money. 

Customer Reviews

We carefully consider customer feedback to gauge overall satisfaction, effectiveness, and flavor preferences, ensuring our recommendations align with real-world experiences. 

By prioritizing these factors, we curate a selection of the top CBD gummies for Canadian users that offer superior quality and effectiveness, providing users with a premium CBD experience.

How to Consume CBD gummies? 

Consuming CBD gummies is a simple and enjoyable way to incorporate CBD into your daily routine. Here’s a guide on consuming CBD gummies effectively: 

1. Start with Dosage: Determine the appropriate dosage based on your needs and tolerance. Begin with a small dosage, such as one gummy, and slowly increase as needed until you find the optimal dose for your desired effects. 

2. Chew Thoroughly: When consuming CBD gummies, chew them thoroughly before swallowing. This helps to break down the gummy and allows for better absorption of the CBD into your bloodstream. 

3. Consistent Timing: Incorporate CBD gummies into your daily routine at a consistent time each day. Whether it’s in the morning to kickstart your day or in the evening for relaxation, consistency is key to experiencing the full benefits. 

4. Hydration: Drink water before and after consuming CBD gummies. Hydration aids in digestion and can enhance the absorption of CBD into your system, ensuring maximum effectiveness. 

5. Observe Effects: Pay attention to how your body responds to CBD gummies. Keep a journal to track any changes in your mood, energy levels, or symptoms. Adjust your dosage or timing as needed to achieve the desired effects. 

6. Consultation: If you’re unsure about dosage or usage, consult a healthcare professional or CBD specialist for personalized recommendations. They can provide guidance based on your individual needs and health conditions. 

Potential Benefits of CBD Gummies

From relieving pain and anxiety to improving sleep quality and supporting heart health, CBD gummies boast many potential health benefits. Let’s explore these benefits to understand how incorporating CBD gummies into your daily routine can contribute to a happier, healthier lifestyle. 

Pain Relief

CBD gummies are renowned for their analgesic properties, making them an effective natural remedy for alleviating various types of pain, including chronic pain conditions like arthritis, migraines, and neuropathic pain. 

Anxiety and Stress Reduction

Many users turn to CBD gummies to reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. The calming properties of CBD promote relaxation without the intoxicating effects of THC, making it a safe and effective option for managing stress and anxiety. 

Improved Sleep Quality

CBD gummies may offer relief by promoting relaxation and regulating sleep patterns. By interacting with receptors in the brain involved in sleep-wake cycles, CBD can help improve sleep quality and duration. 

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Chronic inflammation is linked to various health issues, including autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, and chronic pain conditions. CBD gummies have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and related symptoms. 

Mood Regulation

CBD gummies can positively impact mood and emotional well-being by interacting with neurotransmitter systems involved in mood regulation, such as serotonin and dopamine. By promoting feelings of relaxation and happiness, CBD can help maintain emotional balance and mental clarity. 

Skin Health

The topical application of CBD gummies may benefit skin health by reducing inflammation, regulating oil production, and promoting cell turnover. CBD has been shown to help skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis, making it a promising ingredient in skincare products. 

Digestive Support

CBD can help regulate digestion and promote gastrointestinal health by interacting with receptors in the gut. CBD gummies may also help with digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and promote overall digestive wellness. 

Incorporating CBD gummies into your wellness routine allows you to experience these diverse health benefits and naturally support your overall well-being.  

Factors to Consider Before Buying CBD Gummies in Canada

When selecting the best CBD gummies Canada, we recommend you look into the factors mentioned below.

Quality and Source

Opt for CBD gummies derived from organically grown hemp sourced from reputable farms. The quality of the hemp directly influences the potency and effectiveness of the CBD extract used in the gummies. Choose brands prioritizing sustainable farming practices and using clean extraction methods for a pure and potent CBD product. 

Potency

The potency of CBD gummies’ potency is significant in determining their effectiveness. Beginners may prefer lower potency options to gauge their tolerance levels, while experienced users may opt for higher concentrations. Finding a balance that matches your needs and desired outcomes is crucial. 

Ingredients

Carefully examine the ingredient list of CBD gummies to ensure they contain natural and high-quality components. Avoid products that contain artificial additives, preservatives, or unnecessary fillers. Instead, prioritize brands that use organic ingredients and natural flavors for a healthier and more enjoyable experience. 

Third-party Testing

Only purchase CBD gummies from brands that conduct comprehensive third-party testing on their products. These tests should verify the potency, purity, and safety of the CBD extract, assuring that it meets regulatory standards and is free from harmful contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and residual solvents. 

Customer Service

Consider the level of customer service the CBD company offers before making a purchase. Look for brands that prioritize customer satisfaction and provide responsive support channels to promptly address inquiries or concerns. A reputable company values its customers’ feedback and strives to deliver exceptional service throughout the purchasing process. 

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision and select CBD gummies that meet your expectations regarding quality, potency, and overall satisfaction. 

How Do CBD Gummies Work in the System? 

Once ingested, CBD gummies pass through the stomach and are broken down by enzymes in the liver. During this process, CBD is released into the bloodstream, interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). 

The ECS is crucial in regulating various functions, including mood, sleep, appetite, pain sensation, and immune response. 

CBD can regulate processes such as pain perception, inflammation, and mood. Additionally, CBD has been shown to enhance the body’s natural production of endocannabinoids, further contributing to its therapeutic effects. 

Furthermore, CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic, and neuroprotective properties, making it a versatile compound for promoting overall health and well-being. The effects of CBD gummies may take longer to show up as compared to other methods of consumption, as they must first be digested and metabolized before entering the bloodstream. However, once absorbed, the effects can last for several hours, providing long-lasting relief and support. 

In short, CBD gummies deliver CBD into the body, where it interacts with the ECS to regulate various physiological functions and promote balance and homeostasis.  

Why Should You Try CBD Gummies? 

Now that we’ve explored how CBD gummies work in the system let’s delve into why you should consider incorporating them into your wellness routine. 

Convenient and Discreet

CBD gummies offer a convenient and discreet way to enjoy the benefits of CBD anytime, anywhere. Whether at home, at work, or on the go, you can simply pop a gummy and experience the calming effects of CBD without drawing attention. 

Precise Dosage

With CBD gummies, you can easily control your dosage and tailor it to your specific needs. Each gummy is infused with a precise amount of CBD, allowing for accurate dosing without the guesswork. 

Delicious Flavors

Unlike other CBD products that may have a strong hemp taste, CBD gummies come in a variety of delicious flavors. From fruity to sour to sweet, there’s a gummy flavor to suit every palate. 

Long-lasting Effects

CBD gummies are ingested orally, allowing for gradual absorption and long-lasting effects. Unlike vaping or sublingual administration, which provide rapid but short-lived effects, CBD gummies provide sustained relief that can last for several hours. 

Non-psychotropic

CBD gummies contain negligible amounts of THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. As a result, they won’t produce any intoxicating effects or make you feel “high,” making them suitable for daily use without any issues in regular functioning.  

What’s the Difference Between CBD Gummies and CBD Oil? 

When comparing CBD gummies to CBD oil, it’s essential to understand the key differences between these two popular forms of CBD consumption.

Firstly, in terms of form, CBD gummies are edible treats infused with CBD oil, while CBD oil is a liquid extract typically administered sublingually using a dropper. This difference impacts factors such as dosage. With gummies, each piece contains a pre-measured amount of CBD, while oil allows for adjustable dosages based on individual needs. 

Taste is another differentiating factor. Gummies come in a variety of flavors, masking the earthy taste of CBD oil, which some consumers may not like. We also love gummies for convenience –a discreet and straightforward way to consume CBD on the go, whereas oil requires more careful administration. 

Additionally, the onset of effects differs. Gummies may take longer to kick in due to the digestive process, while CBD oil returns faster results. 

Finally, potency varies between the two. While gummies provide a consistent dosage per serving, CBD oil may offer higher concentrations of CBD per dose.

AspectCBD GummiesCBD Oil
FormEdible treats infused with CBD oilLiquid extract administered sublingually
DosagePre-measured dosage per gummyAdjustable dosage using a dropper
TasteRange of flavors, masking CBD tasteThe earthy taste of CBD oil may be less palatable
ConvenienceConvenient and discreet on-the-go consumptionVersatile, can be mixed into food or beverages
Onset of EffectsSlower onset due to the digestion processFaster onset when administered sublingually
PotencyTypically lower concentrations per servingMay contain higher concentrations per serving

FAQs About CBD Gummies 

Q1. Are CBD Gummies Legal in Canada? 

Yes, CBD gummies are legal in Canada. In 2018, the Canadian government passed a bill to legalize recreational cannabis products, including CBD extracts, as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC. 

Q2. Do CBD Gummies Have THC? 

CBD gummies derived from hemp typically contain minimal THC, below the legal limit of 0.3%. However, it’s essential to check the product label and third-party lab reports to ensure THC levels comply with regulations and meet personal preferences. 

Q3. How Long Do CBD Gummies Take to Start Working? 

The onset of effects from CBD gummies can vary based on factors like metabolism and dosage. Typically, it may take 30 minutes to 2 hours to feel the effects, as the gummies need to be digested before the CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream. 

Q4. How Many CBD Gummies Should You Take In A Day? 

The ideal dosage of CBD gummies varies based on body weight, tolerance, and desired effects. It’s recommended to start with a smaller dose, such as one gummy, and increase slowly as needed while monitoring the effects and consulting with a medical professional. 

Q5. Are CBD Gummies Safe For Everyone? 

While CBD gummies are typically said to be safe for most adults, individuals with certain medical conditions or those taking medications should consult with a doctor or medical professional before using them. Additionally, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid CBD products altogether due to potential risks to the fetus or infant. 

Q6. What Is The Most Popular Way To Consume CBD? 

CBD gummies are among the most popular methods of consuming CBD due to their convenience, discreetness, and ease of use. They offer a tasty and enjoyable way to incorporate CBD into one’s daily wellness routine without the need for specialized equipment or measuring tools.  

Conclusion 

In conclusion, CBD gummies offer a convenient and enjoyable way to experience the potential benefits of CBD. With their delicious flavors and precise dosages from brands like CBDNorth, consumers can easily incorporate CBD into their wellness routine. 

From promoting relaxation and stress relief to helping you manage pain and support overall well-being, CBD gummies have become immensely popular among consumers. 

However, it’s essential to choose quality CBD gummies in Canada from reputable brands and consult with a healthcare professional when necessary. If you’re ready to get started with CBD, pick the best from our range, and enjoy the benefits.

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Uncategorized MAY 19, 2023

Eat With Your Hands At Villa Manila’s Kamayan Dinners

After Covid, I’m still a little squeamish about hitting a buffet with a hundred sneezing strangers, but I’m definitely ready for the resurgence of kamayan Thursday nights at National City’s Villa Manila (which is, naturally, in a strip mall). Kayaman, a precolonial Filipino method of eating with your hands, “is a great experience because it […]

Eat With Your Hands At Villa Manila’s Kamayan Dinners
Courtesy of Villa Manila Restaurant

After Covid, I’m still a little squeamish about hitting a buffet with a hundred sneezing strangers, but I’m definitely ready for the resurgence of kamayan Thursday nights at National City’s Villa Manila (which is, naturally, in a strip mall). Kayaman, a precolonial Filipino method of eating with your hands, “is a great experience because it promotes community and togetherness,” says James Camanyag, PR marketing director at Villa Manila. Large banana leaves line the table, upon which communal dishes are dumped and devoured without utensils or pretension. It’s not a public buffet—just a way to eat favorites like adobo, daing na bangus (fried milkfish),

lumpia, lechon kawali (pork belly), and more with friends and family. I like to make small rice balls with my right hand, add a bite of tender meat to it with my left, nom, and repeat. That’s the beauty of kamayan: there’s no wrong way to dig in.

Understandably, the practice took a significant hit during the pandemic, but that’s not the first time kamayan has come under attack. “The practice was tolerated during the Spanish period, but it was suppressed during the American Colonial Period when American dining etiquette and the use of spoons and

forks were aggressively promoted,” explains Camanyag. Today, Villa Manila’s kamayan experience is the only one in San Diego that’s regularly available with a reservation. The food is always amazing, but there’s just something about eating with your hands that makes it taste that much better.

Camanyag says first-timers are always welcome, recommending dishes like the spicy bicol express (stewed pork in coconut milk and shrimp paste with jalapeno), kare-kare (a thick peanut stew cooked with oxtail, tripe, beef shank, and more), Shanghai lumpia (Chinese- Filipino fusion pork egg rolls), or the “Sizzling Sisig” (crunchy pork belly and pork ears served on a sizzling plate, fajita-style). Come with clean hands, an empty belly, and a few friends.

Beth Demmon

About Beth Demmon

Beth Demmon is an award-winning writer and podcaster whose work regularly appears in national outlets and San Diego Magazine. Her first book, The Beer Lover's Guide to Cider, is now available. Find out more on bethdemmon.com.

Studio S JUNE 12, 2026

Nominations Open for the San Diego Business Impact Awards

The annual event honors middle market companies creating jobs, scaling up, and investing in the region

Nominations Open for the San Diego Business Impact Awards
Photo Credit: Kimberly Motos

San Diego is known for its startup culture and innovation economy, but what happens when the company moves beyond its early-stage years? The San Diego Business Impact Awards aim to answer that question, spotlighting the middle market businesses helping drive the region’s economy.

Hosted by San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and JPMorganChase, the second annual awards celebration takes place on Thursday, July 23, from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Scripps Research Auditorium. More than 200 executives, entrepreneurs, and business leaders are expected to attend the networking and cocktail event honoring some of San Diego County’s fastest-growing companies.

Businesses headquartered in San Diego County that have operated for at least two years are encouraged to submit their nomination by Thursday, June 18 at 4 p.m. Companies across industries—from technology and life sciences to tourism and consumer products, as well as pre-revenue startups—are eligible for recognition.

For EDC President and CEO Mark Cafferty, the event is as much about building connections as celebrating success. “We’ve had a longtime partnership with JPMorganChase; their work aligns with our efforts to support underserved communities and drive talent development,” says Cafferty. “And the networking was invaluable last year. I’m still in touch with people I met at last year’s awards.”

Photo Credit: Kimberly Motos

EDC is an independently-funded nonprofit that works directly with San Diego companies to help them grow the local economy, make the region as a whole more competitive, and attract and retain top-tier talent with quality jobs. Through EDC, companies can get help starting or expanding their business with support for things like site selection, permit navigation, and regulatory guidance, plus connections to local resources and potential business collaborators.

The San Diego Business Impact Awards began as an idea with one of EDC’s longtime strategic partners, JPMorganChase. The two organizations share a commitment to San Diego and are dedicated to bolstering middle market businesses.

“We’re blessed with a robust innovation economy and startup community,” says Aaron Ryan, San Diego Region Manager for JPMorgan’s Commercial and Investment Bank and vice chair of the firm’s’ San Diego Market Leadership Team. “But one of the segments of the business community we felt was overlooked was emerging middle market companies—the businesses that are no longer small but not yet large.”

Ryan says supporting those companies is critical as they scale and decide where to invest, hire, and grow.

San Diego’s high cost of living remains one of the region’s biggest business challenges, making talent recruitment and retention increasingly competitive. But local leaders point to the region’s quality of life, climate, and collaborative business community as advantages that continue to attract employers and workers.

Photo Credit: Kimberly Motos

“In order to support thriving households, there has to be enough high-quality jobs for people to be able to afford to live here,” Cafferty says. “Once a company grows and excels past that middle market point in their growth cycle, they become much more likely to pay higher wages and compete globally.”

Both Cafferty and Ryan proudly tout the unique collaboration that exists among San Diego County businesses. Bringing together top universities producing high-quality talent, cutting-edge research institutions, a robust military and defense presence, leading ocean science and environmental organizations, and a binational, cross-border identity creates a distinct business ecosystem that defines and strengthens the San Diego region. 

Last year’s San Diego Business Impact Awards celebrated nearly 60 honorees from 49 industries, representing a total of 8,232 jobs across eight sectors, including: software and technology, healthcare and life sciences, consumer goods, professional services, finance, construction and manufacturing, defense, and hospitality and tourism. On average, honoree companies doubled their revenues over the previous year, employed more than 145 San Diegans each, and offered an average annual compensation of $192,415.

Top honorees included defense contractor Innoflight, environmental consulting firm Bancroft Construction Services, life sciences startup Element Biosciences, defense technology contractor GALT Aerospace, organic grocery store chain Jimbo’s, and biopharmaceutical company LENZ Therapeutics. During the event, Innoflight Founder and CEO Jeff Janicik held a fireside chat offering his insights on investing in the community and embracing San Diego culture.

This year, organizers hope to continue highlighting the middle market players driving economic impact across the region. Nominations are now open through June 18 at 4 p.m. Get your tickets to the San Diego Business Impact Awards celebration to enjoy drinks by Snake Oil Cocktail Co., light bites, live music, and networking.

Uncategorized APRIL 1, 2023

Best of San Diego 2023 Nominations

We're celebrating our 75th anniversary by inviting you to nominate and vote for the Best of San Diego People's Choice Award this year

Best of San Diego 2023 Nominations

It’s time to unleash your local loves and insider favorites that live rent-free in your head (on the off chance you’re not already there).

We’re celebrating our 75th anniversary by inviting you to nominate and vote for the Best of San Diego People’s Choice Award. The winners will be announced this August in the Best of San Diego issue and on our website.

Your nomination and vote will help your favorite businesses get some well-deserved recognition and bragging rights for the year. So go ahead. Show some love. In return, your vote enters you to win 2 tickets to The Best of San Diego Party on August 18, 2023, and $200 to spend at Trust Restaurant Group.

Nominations are closed, we hope to see you soon at the
Best of San Diego Party on August 18th!

Uncategorized MARCH 14, 2023

Best CBD Flower Brands: Top-Shelf CBD Hemp Flowers Of 2022

Looking for the top CBD flowers brands out there? Read the article below to learn what goes into producing the best CBD flowers and the brands to go for.

Best CBD Flower Brands: Top-Shelf CBD Hemp Flowers Of 2022
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The cannabinoid market’s newest obsession is CBD flowers. Because of its modest but extremely fast-acting psychotropic effects, they have exploded in popularity. People who want to vary their CBD consumption are increasingly inhaling these blossoms. The best aspect is that most states consider the flower to be lawful.

However, given the rising craze for the products, many cannabis companies are rushing to release their CBD flower varieties into the market, often with subpar quality by using fillers and chemicals.

As a result, it is prudent to conduct extensive research into these various kinds. You must learn what goes into producing high-quality CBD flowers and which brands offer the best value.

In order to give you a head start into the world of the best CBD flowers, we have tried to put together just the right amount of information for you to make your decision.

Our list of the best 25 CBD flower brands of 2022 is not your regular “written by an amateur” list. Instead, ours is a well-researched, product quality rated, and distinctively benefit-based list that intends to offer accurate and sound information.

We spent a lot of time assessing various brands against our rigorous standards. The below-mentioned brands have not just met but surpassed a few of our expectations. The following article lists the best 4 CBD flower brands of 2022, rated from one to four depending on their best characteristic.

Our List Of Best CBD Flower & Smokable Hemp Strains: 

  1. Exhale Wellness – Overall Best CBD Flower & CBD Bud Strains

  2. Budpop – Top-Rated CBD Brands For Buying CBD Hemp Flowers

  3. Cheef Botanicals – Popular CBD Flower Strains To Smoke

  4. Hollyweed – Premium CBD Flowers & Hemp Flower Brand

Here are the detailed reviews of our top picks:

#1. Exhale Wellness – Overall Best CBD Flower & CBD Bud Strains

What is there to not trust completely? Exhale Wellness is a well-known brand for those interested in delving deeper into the CBD market. Their website offers informational guides that help educate visitors about the differences between Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC, CBD, and other compounds.

Exhale Wellness focuses on sourcing only the best hemp crops worldwide for their high-quality CBD flower. CBD flowers are the most flavorful manner of absorbing CBD in the form of joints, with flavors ranging from cherry wine to northern lights.

Exhale Wellness uses 100% natural ingredients with no deceiving additives or supplements to do their work. As you inhale some of the most delicious strains available, you will experience relaxing clarity of mind and full-body stress relief. Exhale Wellness’ CBD flower is simply the best there is.

Exhale Wellness’s research team goes above and beyond to identify the best hemp buds. This is why the Exhale Wellness CBD Flower is regarded as one of the best buds available in the cannabis market.

Research suggests that high-quality CBD flowers are excellent for mental relaxation. It may also help with more serious disorders such as severe anxiety and extreme depression in some people. And Exhale Wellness’ CBD flower is better than the highest quality.

The company has a detailed website that includes product specifications and information for each flower strain. Other useful information like dose instructions, a weblog, and customer reviews can also be found. All of this will assist you in obtaining the ideal strain and flavor for your requirements.

Exhale Wellness offers its customers unlimited benefits when they buy from them. The benefits include free flash delivery for every product purchased and a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with your purchase.

They provide exceptional delivery standards since all orders are shipped within 24 to 48 hours of confirmation. The United States Postal Service offers two mailing options: economy and priority. The economy shipping option is free of charge and takes seven to eleven business days for delivery. On the other hand, Priority shipping promises delivery within five to eight business days. On the other hand, Priority shipping has a standard rate of $7.50.

The company offers 20% OFF on your first order and affordable price packages. Furthermore, their exchange and return procedures are accommodating to customers. You have a 15-day grace period to return and get a refund. You can also return sealed and unopened merchandise to the company for no additional charge. Exhale Wellness has a long list of delighted customers thanks to its accommodating and flexible purchasing and delivery methods.

Partner Content JUNE 10, 2026

New Options for GLP-1 Users

Scripps study shows that some patients may be able to taper their dose and maintain results

New Options for GLP-1 Users
Courtesy of Scripps Health

While glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agents have been used to treat Type 2 diabetes for more than 20 years, their recent emergence as weight-loss wonder drugs marked a new frontier in medicine. But their effectiveness has left some patients wondering what to do once they’ve reached their goal. Stopping the medication could mean regaining some, if not all, of the weight. A Scripps Clinic internal medicine physician recently conducted a small study of whether GLP-1 patients who had reached their goal weight could maintain that weight by taking their regularly prescribed injection every other week instead of weekly. Spoiler alert: 30 of 34 patients did. Read more about the study here and what that may mean as pharmaceutical companies roll out oral GLP-1s.

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