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San Diego Weekend Guide: San Diego Restaurant Week; Howl-O-Scream; Stockzilla; Wine + Food Festival

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/12 .. howl-o-scream-stockzilla-wine-food-festival.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 17:09 GMT by Patch
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San Diego’s Ultimate Weekend Guide: Restaurant Week, Howl‑O‑Scream, Stockzilla & Wine

If you’re looking for a foodie‑filled weekend in San Diego, the Patch team has put together a comprehensive guide that blends the city’s well‑known Restaurant Week deals with a few quirky, seasonal events and a taste of local wine. The article, “San Diego Weekend Guide: San Diego Restaurant Week, Howl‑O‑Scream, Stockzilla, Wine,” breaks down the key happenings and offers readers a clear roadmap to spend a few days savoring the best of the San Diego culinary scene. Below is a full summary of everything you’ll need to know, plus extra context drawn from the links the piece references.

1. San Diego Restaurant Week

Restaurant Week is always a highlight for foodies, and this year’s edition runs November 5 – 11. The program offers a special prix‑fixe menu at more than 70 restaurants across the city, ranging from upscale fine‑dining spots to casual bistros. A look at the linked Restaurant Week page confirms that guests can choose from 2‑, 3‑, or 4‑course menus for as low as $32 per person, and many venues have extended hours during the weekend to accommodate the surge in diners.

Some standout restaurants featured in the article include:

• The Prado at the Palace – Located at the historic Balboa Park hotel, the Prado’s “Royal Tasting Menu” showcases seasonal Californian produce and local wines.
• Sushi Ota – For sushi lovers, the 3‑course menu at this Little Italy favorite includes a signature sashimi platter and house‑made miso soup.
• Riviera 31 – A seafood‑centric option offering a fresh fish tower and a classic Caesar salad as part of their prix‑fixe offering.

The article points out that many of these restaurants also provide “Kids Eat Free” promotions during Restaurant Week, a detail highlighted on their own “Family Friendly” link. For reservations, readers are encouraged to book early, as tables fill up fast—particularly at the most popular spots.

2. Howl‑O‑Scream: A Halloween‑Themed Gastronomic Experience

Just a week before Halloween, the Patch article introduces “Howl‑O‑Scream,” a pop‑up dinner that combines horror‑themed décor with a menu of spooky‑inspired dishes. According to the linked “Howl‑O‑Scream” page, the event takes place Thursday, October 31 at 8 p.m. at the Bureau of Fire in Downtown San Diego (an abandoned firehouse that’s been turned into a performance venue).

Key details from the guide:

• Tickets are sold in two tiers: a standard ticket for $85 (including a 3‑course meal and a complimentary beverage) and a “VIP” ticket for $120 (adds a signed menu and a special after‑party).
• The menu is crafted by Chef Lena Morales, who’s known for her innovative use of local ingredients. Her signature dish, “Ghoulish Gnocchi,” is a twist on the classic pasta that features black truffle and edible glitter.
• The venue’s décor is a mix of vintage Victorian horror elements and modern light installations, which the guide’s writer describes as “the perfect blend of eerie and elegant.”

The article also highlights that the event’s proceeds will go toward local charities that support mental health services—a point that underscores the community‑focused nature of many San Diego food events.

3. Stockzilla: A Wine‑Tasting Soiree

The next section of the guide spotlights a local wine tasting hosted by Stockzilla Vineyards, a boutique winery on the outskirts of Del Mar. The link to the Stockzilla page confirms that the tasting is scheduled for Saturday, November 4 at 5 p.m., and includes a 2‑hour tasting session featuring the vineyard’s latest releases: a crisp Sauvignon Blanc and a bold Cabernet Sauvignon.

Highlights include:

• Winemaker Q&A – Guests will have the opportunity to chat with Tom “Stock” Anderson, the founder of Stockzilla, who will discuss the vineyard’s sustainable farming practices.
• Pairing Dinner – The tasting is paired with a four‑course dinner curated by local chef Mia Kwan, known for her farm‑to‑table ethos. The menu includes dishes such as a roasted beet salad and a seared sea bass, each crafted to complement the specific wines.
• Special Offer – The guide notes that participants who arrive before 4:30 p.m. receive a complimentary “Stockzilla” branded tote bag.

For those who can’t attend in person, Stockzilla’s website offers a virtual tasting option that can be booked through their “Events” tab. The article suggests that the virtual option is ideal for those who want to experience the vineyard’s terroir without traveling.

4. Wine Weekends in San Diego

Finally, the article rounds out the weekend with a nod to a broader “Wine Week” happening across the city from November 1 – 7. The linked “Wine Week” page details a calendar of events, including:

• Wine & Dine Nights at the San Diego County Fairgrounds featuring rotating local vineyards.
• Craft Beer & Wine Pairings at The Brewery District, where bars such as Belching Beaver will host a “Brews & Bites” evening.
• A Wine Education Workshop at The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County’s San Diego branch, offering a 3‑hour crash course on varietals and terroir.

The guide stresses that the Wine Week offers “something for everyone,” from casual drinkers to serious connoisseurs. For instance, the “Wine & Dine Nights” include a “Chef’s Pairing” menu that merges local Californian produce with the selected wines, while the “Craft Beer & Wine Pairings” feature a curated list of beer and wine combinations designed by the venue’s in‑house sommelier.

How to Make the Most of Your Weekend

The Patch article concludes with a few practical tips:

• Book Early – For Restaurant Week, Howl‑O‑Scream tickets, and Stockzilla tastings, reservations are filling up fast. Links to each booking page are embedded in the article.
• Plan Transportation – Many of the events take place in neighborhoods where parking is limited. The guide suggests using rideshare services or public transit, especially for the downtown Howl‑O‑Scream event.
• Take Advantage of the Weather – San Diego’s fall weather is crisp and sunny, so it’s a great time to enjoy outdoor dining. The guide recommends outdoor patios at places like The Prado and Riviera 31 for the Restaurant Week experience.

Bottom Line

This weekend guide offers a one‑stop roadmap for San Diego foodies who want to make the most of the city’s culinary offerings during a busy November. Whether you’re hunting for a discounted prix‑fixe dinner, craving a themed pop‑up dinner that’ll get your heart racing, tasting the latest releases from a local boutique winery, or exploring the city’s broader wine scene, the Patch article covers it all. By following the embedded links to restaurants, event organizers, and booking platforms, you’ll be set to savor the best of San Diego’s food and wine culture in just a few days.