David Krimmel has a fig tree.

A gnarly, big, old, gigantic fig tree.

So we've been getting some beautiful Brown Turkey figs from him for the restaurant. These figs are green, but don't let that fool you. They are sweet as high fructose corn syrup... $2 on our tapas menu with goat cheese and drizzled with honey. Don't miss 'em. (We're also getting black mission figs from other people in the neighborhood.)

But David K is not just about figs. He has also created a community art event called Wheat Harvest that will be taking place on September 11th from 5-10pm. This event is interesting because, not only will there be a Dance Flash Mob with Eveoke Dance Theatre, but David also gives you the opportunity to grind your own wheat and see wheat in it's different stages of growth. Any way to really get into your food is something I appreciate. Another thing that makes this event rock is that it's taking place at Art Produce Gallery. If you know anything about what Lynn has been doing with that space, especially the back garden area, you know what I mean.

The San Diego Lawyer's Club is raising funds to donate to the Shakti Garden Project, which you can read a little more about on their flier below or on their website here. Dine In at the bistro on Monday, August 16th and 15% of your bill will be donated to the project!

We just picked up a couple of wines from Pear Valley Vineyard in Paso Robles, a dry Muscat Canelli, and a Syrah. Not only is their winemaker from San Diego, and the wines are excellent for a great price, but the winery is doing some very progressive things to make their property and business a highly sustainable and biodynamic one, working with Cal Poly to institute various energy and resource-saving techniques.

Here's an article about how they've "gone green." And here's a video tour of the winery on youtube.

Here is the biography of winemaker James Hendon.

James Hendon, born in sunny San Diego, lives the California lifestyle that most people dream
of-rocking out in a band, surfing, tennis, golf and, in his spare time, painting and sculpture.
Did I also mention his is a licensed pilot? Yes, James is a true renaissance man. In order to
round out his renaissance resume, James studied Fermentation Science at UC Davis under
the guidance of Ann Noble, noted Sensory Scientist/Flavor Chemist and developer of the Wine
Aroma Wheel. James graduated UC Davis in 2002 and began his winemaking career as an
apprentice in the sparkling wine caves of Gloria Ferrer and then a boutique winery called Tulip
Hill. After discovering that Northern California didn’t have much good surf or beautiful weather
like San Diego, James began a search for paradise . . . and he found it in Paso Robles.

James became the winemaker at Paso Robles Wine Services in 2007, where he was introduced
to Tom and Kathleen Maas, owners of Pear Valley. After a year of working with James, Tom
and Kathleen developed an appreciation for his winemaking artistry. Once Tom and Kathleen
completed construction of Pear Valley’s winery and tasting room they hired James as their
official winemaker. Now James can be seen at Pear Valley, where his spends most of his time
in the winery, but sometimes you’ll see him roaming the vineyards singing to the grapes, sipping
wine with tasting room guests, or strumming the guitar on the patio with his cat, Wasabi.

Next time you're in, give 'em a try!

Having a cool summer? Sorry, no pun intended! Here's what's been going on at the Rocket lately.

News & Upcoming Events

Our weekend hours have changed! Come by for lunch, a beer, or a really early supper anytime after 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays from now on...we won't turn you away in that between meals time anymore.

We're hosting a Gouda Cheese Tasting Dinner this Thursday, August 5th at 7pm. Come sample 5 unique courses cooked with 5 different varieties of Gouda from our very own Winchester Cheese Co. Expert cheese maker, Jeffrey Smoot, will join us to chat about the company and about making gouda. Call 619-997-8043 for reservations, and see the blog above for more details.

We recently created a new Facebook Page. Please take a click to like (or re-like) us!

On Thursday, August 19th, we'll be hosting a fundraiser for an Engineers Without Borders project in Kenya. Enjoy some Sea Rocket tapas for a $10 donation, all of which goes right to their cause.

If you fancy yourself a good photographer, check out this New Roots Farm Art of Agriculture contest, and you may just find yourself eating at the bistro for free!

Our Local Farm Salad has changed to a more seasonal Summer Salad. We've been enjoying fruits like peaches, plums and blueberries, all from our great local farms like Suzie's, Sage Mountain, and Black Dog Farms. Christy's pickled green tomatoes provide the perfect contrast with these sweet fruits, and it's all tossed together with some walnuts in our new citrus vinaigrette.

One of our guests wrote a book about coral...just sharing.

Cool Past Events

We went to an amazing event at Suzie's Farm last month, a fundraiser for the Roots educational farm. We got to plant corn, sing, enjoy farm-fresh foods, and be a part of something wonderful...the beginnings of more urban agriculture.

We ran a promotion with the Moxie Theater last month to raise funds for them. They are great folks doing great work!

Ever heard of the California Center for Sustainable Energy? If not, check it out- it could save you money or at least teach you something interesting about energy use.

On Thursday, August 19th starting at 5:30pm, we'll be hosting a fundraiser for Engineers Without Borders San Diego chapter. See the flier below or check out their website.