About Wendy Lemlin

Wendy Lemlin is an award-winning travel and food writer who has been afflicted with an acute case of wanderlust for as long as she can remember. Whether traveling to the far-flung corners of the globe, or the near-flung corners of the county, she constantly seeks out the path least taken in search of unique experiences---geographical, cultural and culinary. She also indulges her addiction to dancing to the joyous music of the Louisiana bayous---Cajun and zydeco---whenever and wherever she can, whether on frequent visits to Louisiana, or at music festivals throughout the US.

Celebrating Misión 19’s Fifth Anniversary

Posted on January 22, 2016 by Wendy Lemlin

By Wendy Lemlin

When Misión 19 opened in 2011, the sophisticated, stylish restaurant was a game changer for the Tijuana dining scene. The city was just beginning a rebound from some tough years—years when the crossborder tourist stream had slowed to barely a trickle and when even residents were less enthusiastic about going out and socializing at night. Now, five years later, Tijuana is widely acknowledged as a hot culinary destination, and chef/owner Javier Plascencia’s star is shining brighter than ever. Misión 19 has had a lot to do with that. Continue reading →

Duke-ing It Out

Posted on January 18, 2016 by Wendy Lemlin

The long-awaited Duke’s La Jolla is a winner

By Wendy Lemlin

I’ve always been a fan of Chef Anthony Sinsay. Since I first tasted his creations at Harney Sushi, where he was one of San Diego’s first chefs to experiment with the then-revolutionary magic of “molecular gastronomy”, and later at the now-defunct Burlap, I’ve been more than a little in awe of his ability to coax multi-layers of flavor from relatively simple ingredients. I was expecting great things from him at the newly opened Duke’s La Jolla, but even so, on my recent visit I was wowed by how the Exec Chef is able to let his sparkling culinary personality shine within the confines of a corporately owned restaurant group with numerous eateries in California and Hawaii. I think his creativity will be very instrumental in modernizing the traditional menus of a long standing brand. Continue reading →

Sleeping Around: What’s New in Valle de Guadalupe Lodging

Posted on December 17, 2015 by Wendy Lemlin

By Wendy Lemlin

One of 4 casitas at Casa Mayoral

The first time I visited Baja’s lovely Valle de Guadalupe was in the fall of 2004, about 6 months after I moved to San Diego from Florida. I discovered it somewhat by accident, having driven down the coast with a visiting friend. In the spirit of adventure, heading back from Ensenada we decided to take the turnoff for Route 3, recommended as a scenic drive that would eventually lead back to the border crossing at Tecate. At that time, I knew nothing about the handful of wineries already established in the valley, but I remember that the two of us, both Baja newbies, were blown away by the beauty and tranquility of our surroundings as we drove, and the happy feeling that we were actually in another country with a pastoral ambience very different from the frenetic Gringo/Mexican border hybridism of Tijuana, Rosarito and Ensenada.

About two years later, while working on an article about the Baja coastal areas, I deliberately made a detour to the Valle and began in earnest my love affair with her mountain-lined vistas, and the growing food and wine culture that was soon to permeate the landscape. I think that there were around 10 registered wineries at that time. Now that number is approximately 150, most of which have popped up in the last 3 years or so.

All of which begs the question: what’s new in the Valle de Guadalupe? Of course, the answer is: plenty. There are more wineries, more restaurants—some of which are now staying open year-round—and thankfully, more lodging options. In the last couple of months, after not having been there in a year, I’ve made several trips to the Valle, checking out places I hadn’t been before—some new, and some just new to me, and revisiting several favorites to see how they’ve progressed. Continue reading →

Fishing for Compliments at San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival

Posted on November 13, 2015 by Wendy Lemlin

Ocean-to-Table Wine Pairing Luncheon features an impressive roster of chefs

By Wendy Lemlin

Something’s fishy at the 12th annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival this year—- and that’s a good thing!

The abundance of delectable seafood found in our local waters will be the inspiration for a 5 course wine pairing luncheon held at The Marine Room, La Jolla’s iconic oceanfront restaurant, on Wednesday, November 18, from 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM. Hosted by Executive Chef Bernard Guillas, the exclusive luncheon will feature the formidable talents of a cadre of local celebrity chefs known for their creativity and passionate respect for the sea’s bounty.

Chef Bernard Guillas

Continue reading →

San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival November 15-22

Posted on October 27, 2015 by Wendy Lemlin

By Wendy Lemlin

Wonder how much San Diego loves food and drink? Just look at the success of the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival, now in it’s 12^th year, bigger and more comprehensive than ever. Running November 15-22, with a full roster of events, dinners, tastings, classes, and exhibits, it is one of the largest food and wine festivals in the country, shining a spotlight on both San Diego’s burgeoning gourmet dining scene and our cross-border connection with Baja’s exciting culinary landscape. From tacos and beer to wine paired-haute cuisine, there is something for anyone who loves indulging in crave-worthy food and spirits. And really, who doesn’t?

More than a dozen celebrated national chefs, including Rick Bayless, Gayle Gand, and Suzette Gresham will join over 40 local luminaries in presenting delicacies and/or cuisine-related educational programs. Look for such regional favorites as The Marine Room’s Bernard Guillas, Javier Plascencia of Bracero, Finca Altozano, and Mision 19, Jason Knibb of NINE-TEN, Chad White of Comun and La Justina, Ironside Fish & Oyster’s Jason McLeod, Flor Franco of Finca La Carrodilla and Indulge Contemporary Catering, Mario Medina of Bernini’s Bistro, The Patio Group’s John Medall, Anthony Sinsay of Dukes’s La Jolla, James Montejano of La Valencia Hotel, and a host of others.

October Food Events

Posted on October 1, 2015 by Wendy Lemlin

Eat Your Way Through October

by Wendy Lemlin

What is it about October that always makes it such a busy month for food events? Is it because it’s usually one of the best weather months in San Diego, when temperatures start to cool down and skies are clear? Is it because it fits so nicely between summer vacations and holiday frenzies? Or maybe it’s more about fiscal calendars and venue availabilities. Whatever the reason, this will be every foodie’s dream month—just be prepared to splurge, both calorie-wise and money-wise, if you plan to go to everything! Here are a few events coming up. Continue reading →

Giving Hunger the Blues

Posted on September 25, 2015 by Wendy Lemlin

by Wendy Lemlin

Chronic hunger can give anyone the blues. This weekend, however, the blues will be helping to kick hunger’s butt when the 4^th annual AimLoan.com San Diego Blues Festival

Marcia Ball headlines Saturday at 6:30 pm

benefits the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank. With headliners such as Marcia Ball, Booker T. Jones, Tommy Castro & the Painkillers, Kim Wilson, and Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials, this year’s festival promises an eclectic spectrum of blues performers.

Running on September 26 & 27, from noon til 8pm at Embarcadero Marina Park North, the festival features continuous music alternating back and forth between 2 stages. Click here for the complete lineup. Tickets are $25 for a 1 day pass, $40 for a 2 day pass. VIP passes are $125 for one day, $200 for 2 days and include

Early admission
Preferred viewing area with tables, chairs and some shade
Catered lunch and munchies
Private bar service
Private restrooms
Two complimentary adult beverages
Unlimited complimentary water and soft drinks

The festival began in 2011 with a mission to provide great blues music at an affordable price, and raise money to support the battle against hunger in our community. Since then, the festival’s sponsors and attendees have helped contribute more than 18 tons of food and more than $350,000 to help the Food Bank fight hunger in San Diego County.

For all the info, go to www,sdbluesfest.com

KAABOO for You

Posted on September 15, 2015 by Wendy Lemlin

By Wendy Lemlin

Back in 1969, the most well known of all music festivals EVER was optimistically billed as Woodstock Music & Art Fair, in hopes that it would be remembered as more than just a regular ol’ music festival. Which of course it was, but not because of any art exhibits, but rather as the iconic representation of the art of high hippieness.

Forty-six years later (yikes!), KAABOO, the hip, but not hippie, three day music and arts festival taking place this weekend, September 18-20 at Del Mar Fairgrounds will distinguish itself not only by presenting over 100 musical performances, from legends to emerging artists, on seven stages. As if that wouldn’t be ambitious enough, adding to the total “mix-perience” the festival includes components of experiential “indulgences”, art installations, a comedy club, and opportunities for indulging our seemingly insatiable food obsessions at the “Palate” area.

The musical lineup is truly impressive, with something seemingly for everyone. On Friday, the highlights include, among others, Bonnie Raitt, Ozomatli, Fitz & the Tantrums, Sheryl Crow, No Doubt, and Snoop Dog. On Saturday, some of the big names are Counting Crows, Slightly Stoopid, Ozomatli, Zac Brown Band, and Spoon. Sunday features Donovan Frankenreiter, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, O.A.R., Minnie Driver, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Grace Potter, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Brandi Carlisle, Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals, and Train. On Friday and Saturday, the music runs from 11 AM-2:30 AM, on Sunday from 11AM-10pm.

As for food, according to KAABOO’s website, the “Palate” component will present fare that’s “way more tasteful than at a typical music festival”, representing an upscale culinary environment where guests can sample specialties from a variety of carefully selected culinary artisans, and limited production wines and craft libations:

18 top local restaurants & chefs
20 exclusive California wineries pouring approximately 60 different wines
25 craft distilleries sampling small batch tequila, mezcal, bourbon, gin, rum, vodka, sake, and other spirits

On the Palate Stage on Saturday, starting at noon, six chefs will compete in the KAABOO Rockin’ Chef Competition, with three teams of two chefs with each team making an appetizer and entrée. The competing chefs are

Amy di Biase
Brian Malarkey
Chad White
James Montejano
Jason McLeod
Javier Plascencia.

Their entries will be judged by Master Chef Ferdinand Metz, Candice Woo of EATER SD, Darlene Horn of ZAGAT, Josh Kopelman of DiningOutSD, and Sam the Cooking Guy.

The Palate stage will also be the place to catch:

Chef Band Performances
Celebrity Chef Demos
Chef & Artist Book Signings
Surprise Musical Performances

For all the detailed info for this “grown up” party, click here. One day passes start at $125, 2 day passes start at $229, and 3 day passes start at $299 in advance, $329 at the gate, all plus service charges. A variety of VIP passes are also available. $1 per pass purchased will be donated to KAABOO’s “KINDNESS” charity program. Additional charity contributions made at time of pass purchase will be matched dollar for dollar by KAABOO.

A Girlfriends’ Getaway Around Park City, Utah

Posted on August 9, 2015 by Wendy Lemlin

By Wendy Lemlin

What makes a great girlfriend’s getaway? A spa day is always special; fabulous food goes without saying, and a little whiskey or wine never hurt. Shopping? Sure! Hiking amidst spectacular scenery? Not to be missed! Yoga in a hot spring, a foodie tour of culinary hotspots, or a symphony performance at a mountain amphitheater? Now you’re talkin’! And, really, can anything beat sharing a bottle of wine with your gal pals around a firepit on the balcony of the amazing vacation home you’ve rented, while a zillion stars twinkle above your heads and the full moon is just peaking above the mountaintops that surround you?

After a day of fun, can anything beat sharing a bottle of wine with your gal pals around a firepit on the balcony of the amazing vacation home you’ve rented?

When you hear “Park City”, you might think of snow and skiing, but I think of lush, green mountainsides, flower strewn meadows, and gushing waterfalls—not to mention living in the lap of luxury that I couldn’t even contemplate in “real life”. Continue reading →

Grand Junction, CO: A Grand Place For A Getaway

Posted on August 3, 2015 by Wendy Lemlin

by Wendy Lemlin

Colorado National Monument, near Grand Junction, is touted as one of the top places to find solitude in the US. Credit: Grand Junction Visitor & Convention Bureau

I won’t lie; Grand Junction, CO was not foremost on my getaway destination radar when my longtime friend suggested it for our annual exploit. After spending three activity-packed days there, however, my only regret was that we hadn’t planned to stay longer. Continue reading →

BORDERLINES Food & Travel

Crossing Borders from Here to There

Author Archives: Wendy Lemlin

About Wendy Lemlin

Celebrating Misión 19’s Fifth Anniversary

Duke-ing It Out

Sleeping Around: What’s New in Valle de Guadalupe Lodging

Fishing for Compliments at San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival

San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival November 15-22

October Food Events

Giving Hunger the Blues

KAABOO for You

A Girlfriends’ Getaway Around Park City, Utah

Grand Junction, CO: A Grand Place For A Getaway