Now, the southern Mexican delicacy known as chapulines (grasshoppers) are appearing on plates at Bracero Cocina de Ra\u00edz<\/strong> in Little Italy as a snack or an addition to guacamole and tacos.<\/p>\n Touted for their crunchy texture and herby flavor, the chapulines are sourced from the central valleys of Oaxaca and dehydrated before leaving the kitchen.<\/p>\n Their recent entry into American food culture has been limited mostly to cities straddling the Mexican border.<\/p>\n 1490 Kettner Blvd., 619-756-7864<\/em>, bracerococina.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n More than 100 boutique wineries from throughout the state will pour their latest and greatest releases at the Family Winemakers of California<\/strong> tasting, from 2\u20135 p.m. March 5 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds\u2019 Wyland Center.<\/p>\n Consumers can sample from nearly 40 varietals and blends offered by reps and owners of the wineries. Admission is $75, and free for non-drinking designated drivers.<\/em><\/p>\n 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar<\/em>, familywinemakers.org<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n In celebration of National Pancake Day on Feb. 28, Snooze<\/strong> in Hillcrest and Carmel Valley will donate 100 percent of its pancake sales to various local gardens in Southern California.<\/p>\n These includes gardens at Jefferson Elementary (in North Park) and Del Mar Heights Elementary schools.<\/p>\n The pancakes will be available from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. that day on a sushi-style menu, allowing customers to choose from about 10 varieties available at $4.50 per pancake.<\/p>\n 3940 Fifth Ave., 619-500-3344<\/em>, y 3435 Del Mar Heights Road, 858-703-5300<\/em>, snoozeeatery.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n Dishes such as salt-n-pepper pig ears, Chinese sausage risotto, and creamy walnut shrimp are in the offing at the long-awaited Whistling Duck Tavern<\/strong>, which opened Feb. 1 in The Hub<\/strong> shopping center in Hillcrest after a series of delays.<\/p>\n Launched by Convoy District restaurateur Charles Sun of Shanghai Saloon and the Dumpling Inn, the Asian-fusion restaurant also features wine, sake, and two-dozen craft beer choices.<\/p>\n 1040 University Ave., 619-255-4046<\/em>, whistlingducktavern.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n The Mission Valley location of Grater Grilled Cheese<\/strong> has introduced several breakfast sandwiches served on buttered brioche buns.<\/p>\n Each features scrambled eggs (or egg whites) tucked inside with either, turkey and Muenster cheese; ham and Swiss cheese; bacon and sharp cheddar; or tomatoes, arugula and goat cheese.<\/p>\n Served with tater tots, they\u2019re priced at $6.50 each ($1 extra for egg whites only).<\/p>\n 5618 Mission Center Road, Suite 1002, 619-458-9611<\/em>, gratergrilledcheese.com<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n A second San Diego location of Mr. Moto Pizza House<\/strong> recently opened in North Park with the same selection of creative pizzas as its original kitchen in Pacific Beach.<\/p>\n Owner Gibran Fernandez (aka Mr. Moto), previously ran Pizza on Pearl<\/strong> in La Jolla, where he says \u201cmy whole career in pizza making started.\u201d<\/p>\n His menu at Mr. Moto features 15 specialty pies, including the popular \u201cCalifornia love\u201d with bacon, chicken, caramelized onions and garlic paste.<\/p>\n His \u201cvodka cream\u201d pizza is topped with vodka and raspberry-chipotle sauces and sour cream. Stromboli, calzones and meatball subs are also available.<\/p>\n 3773 30th St., 619-642-0788<\/em>, mrmotopizza.com<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n![\"Uptown](\"https:\/\/sduptownnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Bracero-chapulines-225x300.jpg\")
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