Por Frank Sabatini Jr.

Chef Mark Kropczynski of conceder parrilla won “Chef of the Fest” at this year’s annual Festival de Vino y Comida de la Bahía de San Diego held in late November.

Vying for the top honor with numerous other local chefs, Kropczynski wooed the judges with grilled lamb loin accompanied by roasted, baby root vegetables, pumpkin seed oil and fig vincotto. His win resulted in a shared purse of more than $50,000 in cash and prizes dispersed to winners of other categories. 326 Broadway, 619-744-2077, grantgrill.com.

Casa Quad Ale in the Gaslamp Quarter has introduced a lunch menu tailored to professionals on the go. Located above Taberna Gaslamp, the beer-centric establishment now offers such items as seasonal hummus served with veggies and pita bread; a barbecue chicken salad bowl with baby greens; twin ahi sliders with soy aioli; and an applewood-smoked pork belly sandwich. The new, midday dishes are priced at $11.50 or less. 868 Fifth Ave., 619-239-3339, quadalehouse.com.

The tradition of bottle service has taken a novel twist at The Nolen, the rooftop bar perched on the 14th floor of Marriott’s Courtyard San Diego Gaslamp/Convention Center hotel. Instead of the usual liquor bottles and mixers brought to your group, guests can now opt for craft cocktails served tableside in self-dispensing barrels that serve up to 16 people. The barrel options currently include a gin-based Dutchman Italiano; the rye whiskey and mezcal Fire in the Rye; and a rum with pine liqueur concoction named Christmas in Nicaragua. The cocktails start at $250 per liter. 453 Sixth Ave., 619-796-6536, thenolenrooftop.com.

More than 20 bars, restaurants and retailers are taking part in the third annual “Toast of the Gaslamp” from 1–6 p.m., Dec. 10, to help holiday shoppers refuel with drink and food samples. Participates within the several-block area include Lotus Thai Cuisine, The Field Irish Pub, Whiskey Girl, Bandar, 1919, Bubbles Boutique, San Diego Trading Company, and more. Tickets are $25 if purchased in advance through toastofgaslamp.com, or $30 the day of event at the will call booth in front of Rustic Root, located at 535 Fifth Ave.

Expansions to the Knotty Barrel in East Village are complete. The main dining is now double in size and features shuffleboard, darts, Giant Jenga and other games. A 2,300-square-foot dog-friendly patio and outdoor bar were added in the back, in addition to a 10-tap tasting room and brewing facility that went into the adjoining space previously occupied by Valentine’s Mexican Restaurant. 844 Market St., 619-269-7156, knottybarrel.com.

—Frank Sabatini Jr. puede ser contactado en [email protected].