Free ice cream cone at Ben and Jerry's, Seaport Village, April 4, 2017

YEA! FREE ICE CREAM CONE AT BEN AND JERRY'S AT SEAPORT VILLAGE, APRIL 4, 2017!

Ice cream lovers can head to Ben & Jerry’s at Seaport Village (the only store location in San Diego) for the 38th annual Free Cone Day happening next Tuesday, April 4. From 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., guests can get a free scoop of their favorite flavor. In the spirit of giving back, Ben & Jerry’s will also partner with The San Diego Youth Services to collect donations that day and raise awareness about their local programs.

WHERE: SEAPORT VILLAGE, SAN DIEGO (859-A West Harbor Drive San Diego, 92101)

WHEN: APRIL 4, 2017, FROM 10 AM TO 9 PM

WHAT AGAIN? FREE ICE CREAM CONE!

For the past 38 years, Ben & Jerry’s has opened Scoop Shops to dish out free ice cream to fans, thanking them for being so uniquely awesome. The tradition has continued to grow, beginning in the small state of Vermont, and now spanning across the globe. Come join in on the company’s long-time tradition of thanking fans for their commitment and ongoing support.

The company was founded on the idea that business has not just the opportunity, but also the responsibility to give back to the community. Free Cone Day is a long standing tradition when it comes to benevolent acts, and as Jerry said, "If it’s not fun, why do it?" The annual anniversary merges the two founding principles and demonstrates that giving back to the community is just as sweet as free ice cream.

Don't miss it!  Free Ice Cream Cone at Ben & Jerry's, Seaport Village, San Diego — Don't miss it! Free Ice Cream Cone at Ben & Jerry's, Seaport Village, San Diego

"We love getting involved with and giving back to our communities. It’s amazing what we can do together over shared values and several scoops of ice cream," said Michelle Alcantar, Owner/Operator, Ben & Jerry’s of Seaport Village. Ben & Jerry’s has been a longtime advocate of social causes like marriage equality and climate justice, and ensuring that their ice cream is made in the best way possible which includes sourcing Fairtrade and non-GMO ingredients.

Ben & Jerry’s continues to deliver on the chunky and funky flavors fans have grown to love and expect. In addition to dishing out the chunks and swirls, Ben & Jerry’s of Seaport Village will partner with local organization San Diego Youth Services to spread the word about their mission to improve the lives of homeless, runaway, abused, and at-risk youth.

So the biggest question is, what flavor will you have on Free Cone Day?

Good Eats San Diego: Seasons 52 at Seaport Village Headquarters

April 20, 2016restaurantsLocal WallyComment

Nice dining room at Seasons 52 in San Diego's Seaport Village

I normally avoid chain restaurants. It's not that I'm a food snob it's that when I want consistency I go to McDonalds. I like restaurants where the chef makes a difference, where food isn't cooked on a conveyor belt. That perfectly describes Seasons 52. With 43 locations, 2 in San Diego alone, there's no getting around it - this is a chain. But with a seasonally changing menu prepared by talented chefs, Seasons 52 rises above and places itself squarely into Good Eats territory, certainly a contender for your next night out. I was lucky enough to check out their new Spring menu - let's have a look.

Start with the Flatbreads

Light and crispy flatbread at Seasons 52

Flatbreads are the rage at so many restaurants but so many fail. I'm no flatbread expert but many of them are just bad pizzas. No so at Seasons 52 where the flatbreads are thin and crispy and topped with super high quality ingredients. My favorite has to be the Lobster and Fresh Mozzerella with roasted sweet peppers, slivered scallions, lobster sour cream, and paired with a glass of Chartogne-Taillet Cuvee Sainte Anne Champagne. That's right, don't forget that Seasons 52 has an extensive wine list with 52 wines by the glass always available - try them all!

Oh My Cod!

Asian-glazed Sea Bass at Seasons 52 in San Diego

Ordering something new off a menu is a bit like internet dating. It looks good, it sounds good, but will it meet your expectations when it arrives? Well let me tell you, the Asian Glazed Chilean Sea Bass is one of the most beautiful, best executed fish dishes I have ever experienced, a true 10 on the 1-10 scale, a knockout in both looks and flavor. The black rice was insanely delicious and the glaze was just sweet enough without being cloying. Order this an watch the heads turn at the tables as it passes by, it's that stunningly perfect.

Mmmmm, Meyer Lemon Ricotta Ravioli

Say it - Wow! Yes, this is another example of why I love Seasons 52. The lemon ricotta ravioli was topped with a brown butter sauce, some roasted peppers and English peas and so tangy delicious that its memory is forever embedded into my taste buds.

Even More Good Eats at Seasons 52

Grilled Scallops at Seasons 52 in San Diego

Grilling scallops could be a disaster but Seasons 52 knocked it out of the park with their Caramelized Grilled Sea Scallops with Lemon Risotto. Scallops were delicate, the risotto complimented, the fresh peas and roasted asparagus cooked perfectly, this is a top dish. Get this one if you love seafood. But wait... there's more?

Yes, a serious Wood Grilled Rack of Lamb with spring vegetables, Yukon Gold mash and shallot jus. It was gorgeous, perhaps a touch of finishing salt would make it pop. You do bring your own Maldon Salt with you to restaurants, don't you?

Meet the Chef

Chef Mo is the guy who makes it all happen at Seasons 52 at San Diego's Seaport Village Headquarters. With a resume from some of the best restaurants in San Diego he knows his way around the kitchen. So thanks Seasons 52 and thanks Mo for an awesome meal. Chain restaurant? Perhaps. Predictable chain restaurant food? No way! Seasons 52 is good enough to rival the best in San Diego and deserves to be on your foodie bucket list.

Local Wally