Frank Sabatini Jr. | Downtown News
Eat, drink and get your head shaved at the fifth annual St. Baldrick’s Foundation “Shave-a-Thon” to help generate funds for childhood cancer research. The hair-razing event will be held from noon to 4 p.m., March 9, at The Commons, although early registration with tray-passed appetizers and discounted drinks is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m., Feb. 13. Since the foundation’s inception 12 years ago, it has raised $78 million through hundreds of related events. The monies enable institutions nationwide to participate in pediatric cancer research studies. Participants donating $10 at Shave-a-Thon will receive complimentary hors d’oeuvres. Pay double the price and receive the addition of a free drink, T-shirt and raffle ticket. 901 Fourth Ave., 619-696-8888.
Chef Brian Malarkey of Searsucker has entered the white-hot spotlight as a celebrity judge and mentor on ABC’s new reality show, The Taste, which also features culinary icon Anthony Bourdain. The national primetime gig comes after Malarkey launched his popular Gaslamp District kitchen that he followed with Burlap, Herringbone, Gingham and Gabardine restaurants in other parts of San Diego. Big-screen viewings of the show will take place on Tuesday evenings at Searsucker during the month of February – and likely beyond. 611 Fifth Ave., 619-233-7327.
Downtown’s newest Asian-fusion restaurant, Gang Kitchen, just added a daily happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. that features half-off appetizers at the bar. Priced at $5 each, they include Szechwan lobster crepes, BBQ spareribs and jade-and-ruby tofu cups. In addition, Lucky Buddha Beer is $2 and select cocktails are $5. The stylish restaurant was launched in December by restaurateur Jon Magini, who also owns BASIC in the East Village and URBN Coal Fired Pizza in North Park. Hot sellers from the regular menu so far have been five-grain fried rice with bacon and veggies; Shanghai beef; and roast duck. 345 Sixth Ave., 619-550-1600.
Waffles are taken to a whole new level during Sunday brunch at the historic Grant Grill, where Chef Chris Kurth has introduced a build-your-own option that includes such toppings as duck confit hash, fried chicken, herb gravy, pecan crumble, fruit chutneys and chocolate. A slate of new citrus-based cocktails has also been added to the menu. The brunch is held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $26 per person. 326 Broadway, 619-744-2077.
Who knew that big names like actress Drew Barrymore, musician Dave Matthews and professional golfer Arnold Palmer were in the business of crushing grapes? The plushy wine bar in Andaz San Diego has added a lengthy list of celebrity wines to its inventory, available through self-dispensing technology. Other famous varietals in the collection include those by fellow golfer Ernie Els, movie director Francis Ford Coppola and NFL coach Dick Vermeil. Also within the luxury hotel is the newish restaurant, Katsuya, featuring robata-cooked Japanese dishes authored by master sushi chef Katsuya Uechi. 600 F St., 619-849-1234.
The previously vacant corner of Fourth and Broadway has sprung to life with the arrival of Spike Africa’s Fresh Fish Grill & Bar, a tavern-like spot with “urbanautical” décor launched in January by Seafaring Ventures in Carlsbad. Open for lunch and dinner, the menu focuses on sustainable and affordable seafood that extends to a raw bar. A fresh catch rotates daily. Beef and chicken dishes are also available. 411 Broadway, 619-795-3800.
Mention to a staffer at RA Sushi that you’re a San Diego resident and you’ll become eligible for drink discounts that include $5 vodka cocktails, $4 local craft beers and $1 hot sakes. The locals-only deal is offered from 8 p.m. to closing every Wednesday. 474 Broadway, 619-321-0021.
