My dearests, I could give you a line-up of Valentine's (and anti-Valentine's) Day events in San Diego, the likes of which, by now, are no doubt coming out the wazoo, but I'll spare you. Instead, I turn your attention to other news bits, equally important, yet less saccharine-laden.
On Thursday, Feb. 10, food movie = Foovie at The Loft at UCSD (in the Price Center), features a feast of food (wedge salad, turkey meatloaf, truffle mashed potatoes, grilled veggies and desserts) and live music at 7 p.m., followed at 8 p.m. by four Oscar-nominated short films meant to be paired with said food. It's $30 for the films and food or $8 for the films only. artpowerfilm.ucsd.edu.
In last week's Nibbles, you learned that Terra Restaurant is leaving Hillcrest for East County. Know what's taking its place? Panera Bread. Yes, Terra is becoming a Panera. My desperate hopes for a franchise or corporately owned establishment have been answered.
Bernard Guillas, The Marine Room and Shores Restaurant's executive chef and fan of fennel pollen and all that is French, will be inducted into the Maitres Cuisiniers de France Cuisiniers de France (Master Chefs of France) this March. The designation is given to folks who “preserve, advance and perpetuate the tradition of great French cuisine.”
Wha? You want more cupcakes? People, please! Frosted Robin Cupcakes comes to Seaport Village on Sunday, Feb. 13. With only one other location—in the Cayman Islands—the husband-and-wife owners will helm the café, which will also feature a selection of loose-leaf teas and organic coffees.
I'm predicting a full house—er, parking lot—for this one, so prepare to stake out a spot: From 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18, 57 Degrees (1735 Hancock St. in Middletown) will host a quintet of food trucks, calling it San Diego's Largest Food Truck Gathering: Sweet Treats and Papa's Tapas from L.A. and local trucks Chop Soo-ey, Devilicious and Tabe. fiftysevendegrees.com
No cute clothes and hair's all frazzled? Friday, Feb. 11, through Monday, Feb. 14, dine where nobody can judge you at Opaque Dining in the Dark at the U.S. Grant Hotel's Grant Hall. It's a $99 per peep prix-fixer with no drinks. Yes, you'll be eating in a pitch-black room. And, yes, this is a Valentine's Day item. No hate mail, please. sddarkdining.com
And, because I really can't resist, one more Valentinesy item: For those who can't stomach the idea of going to a restaurant on V-Day, you can pick up a pizza kit with fresh dough and sauce, cheese and herbs at your nearest Sammy's Woodfired Pizza between Feb. 11 and 14 for $5. Add other toppings (or don't) and you've got your own creation. Even challenge your beau to a pizza cook-off, like I did in 2009. sammyspizza.com
Got food news? Write to brookl@sdcitybeat.com.