The Lodge at Torrey Pines Launches into Culinary Season with Two Extraordinary Dinner Series: Artisan Table Signature Wine Dinners and Playing with Fire

La Jolla, California – Continuing its celebrated tradition of crafting exceptional culinary experiences, The Lodge at Torrey Pines kicks off two popular dinner series in May, continuing through September and October: the Artisan Table Signature Wine Dinners and Playing With Fire.

Artisan Table Signature Wine Dinners

Guests can uncork a remarkable wine and dining experience at the monthly Artisan Table Signature Wine Dinner Series, featuring specially-crafted communal meals paired with California’s finest wines. Begun in 2006, the Signature Wine Dinners have grown into a popular annual tradition celebrating the diverse seasonal abundance of local farmers, highlighting the subtle changes of flavors throughout the year.

Set on the scenic al fresco terrace of The Lodge’s acclaimed A.R. Valentien restaurant, each Signature Wine Dinner begins with a reception, followed by a custom multi-course dinner menu skillfully prepared by Executive Chef Kelli Crosson to enhance the wine pairings. Throughout the evening, guests are guided on a sensory journey with insight from A.R. Valentien’s Advanced Sommelier Paul Krikorian and a special guest from the featured winery about the winemaking process and what makes the evening’s wine selections so distinctive.

The Signature Wine Dinners are designed to create an enjoyable and convivial atmosphere, where communal table arrangements and dishes served family style encourage diners to intermingle in one of San Diego’s most beautiful coastal settings.

Following is the lineup for this year’s Artisan Table Signature Wine Dinner Series:

• May 16, 6:00-9:00 p.m. – Crocker & Starr with special guest Pam Starr, Owner. 
• June 20, 6:00-9:00 p.m. – Silver Oak and OVID Wineries with special guest Matt Duncan, Owner. 
• July 18, 6:00-9:00 p.m. – Far Niente with special guest Bruce Mooers, President. 
• August 15, 6:00-9:00 p.m. – Hundred Acre with special guest Dana Manison, Western Regional Manager.
• September 19, 6:00-9:00 p.m. – Chappellet Winery with a special guests Dominic and Amy Chappellet, Owners.

Tickets to these intimate dinners are $360.96 per person (except Hundred Acre which is $791.96 per person) and includes complimentary valet parking.

Playing with Fire Dinner Series

Things will heat up at The Grill at Torrey Pines in May with the launch of its monthly Playing with Fire Dinner Series. Executive Chef Kelli Crosson and Chef de Cuisine Ryan Dzierzawski step out of the kitchen and pair up with some of San Diego’s hottest chefs for this popular casual outdoor grilling session. Together they will serve up juicy proteins, roasted seasonal vegetables, and hearty sides straight from the flames of The Grill’s towering signature outdoor grill and rotisserie.

Hosted on The Grill’s patio overlooking the Torrey Pines Golf Course, each dinner features refreshing local craft brews for guests to enjoy with the delectable woodfired dishes.

The lineup for this year’s Playing with Fire Dinner series includes:

• May 13, 5:30-7:00 p.m. – Chef Tim Kolanko (Urban Kitchen Group) & Dogleg Brewing Company 
• June 10, 5:30-7:00 p.m. – Chef Greg Frey Jr. (Golden Door) & Duck Foot Brewing Co. 
• July 8, 5:30-7:00 p.m.– Chef Drew Deckman (Deckman’s en el Mogor) & The Original 40 Brewing Company
• August 12, 5:30-7:00 p.m. – Chef Marty Fay (Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters) & Pure Project Brewing
• September 9, 5:30-7:00 p.m. – Chef Cameron Ingle (Marisi La Jolla) & WestBrew
• October 14, 5:30-7:00 p.m. – Chef Carmine Lopez (Wolf in the Woods) & Fall Brewing Company

Tickets are $135 per person (+ tax). A portion of the proceeds from each dinner benefits various charitable causes and nonprofits, including MAKE Projects, Casa de Amparo, Zero FoodPrint, PADI AWARE Foundation, and White Buffalo Land Trust.