Slip on a coat or long-sleeve shirt and stroll down your block but stay alert. By the glow of carved jack-o-lanterns and flickering lights, the neighborhood offers brand new sights. Perhaps you’re sipping a cozy mug of mulled cider as you dodge the cobweb of a sneaky spider. It’s enough to keep you warm under the night sky in hopes of catching a shooting star or meteor passing by. Enjoy this solace now because before you know, kids of all ages will be haunting the streets of San Diego. Treat yourself to a candy or two while perusing our list of seasonal things to do.

Not in the mood to pick your own persimmons but still want to enjoy this seasonal delight? Head to Specialty Produce and look for rare varieties like chocolate persimmons. Image: Courtesy of Specialty Produce.

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U-Pick Persimmons at Shoemaker Farm in Ramona

Thursdays - Sundays from 1-4pm at 18131 Traylor Road, Ramona, CA 92065

Often outshined by the popularity of pumpkins, pears, and apples, persimmons are one of the season’s tastiest fruits. These plump and stout orange delicacies are technically berries and the vast majority of the world’s crop is grown in China. However, California is known for its’ iconic fuyu variety. That’s what you’ll find growing alongside other persimmon heirloom varieties at Shoemaker Farm in Ramona. From now until Thanksgiving, the Shoemaker family invites you to pick your own persimmons by the bucket. Consider turning them into sweet and tart Autumn Persimmon and Pomegranate Salad or try Chef Robin Ross’ Persimmon Walnut Loaf. Their flavor is rich, tangy and silky all at once so be sure to save a few to eat on their own or pair them with charcuterie and cheese on your Thanksgiving table. 

Halloween at Cutwater Spirits

Now - October 31, 2023

In the mood for ghouls, goblets, and gimlets? Cutwater Spirits bewitched their tasting room and cocktail menu to send chills down your spine. Book a tour and a tasting at their Miramar flagship to swig Toil & Trouble from a cauldron, an horchata vodka concoction with a floating smoke bubble. Enter if you dare for the fright flight, amuse-boo, and char-boo-terie board.

Image: Courtesy of Cutwater Spirits.

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San Diego Bay Food & Wine Festival

November 6 - November 12, 2023

Each year nationally recognized celebrity chefs, legendary winemakers, guest mixologists, James Beard Award-winning authors, Master Sommeliers, brewmasters, and artisans pull out all the stops to bring you a week of wine and dine events. Kicking off this year is a “boundary bending” six-course dinner series Oceanside’s The Plot restaurant led by Chefs Davin and Jessica Waite. 

Don’t miss out on the inspiring fundraising event The Secret Family Recipe - The Magic Behind the Making of a Chef by Bad Boyz of Culinary. This unique dinner held at Storyhouse Spirits will feature six courses, each inspired by a secret family recipe. The dinner will raise money to provide guest of honor and culinary apprentice, Rasonte Parsons from Barbados, with innovative prosthetics which allow for culinary equipment attachments to propel her on her journey of becoming a chef.

The week concludes with a Grand Tasting at San Diego’s Embarcadero with tastings from over 200 wine, beer, and spirit purveyors and cuisine from over 60 local chefs.

Image: Courtesy of San Diego Bay Food & Wine Festival.

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Olivewood Gardens’ Kids Cooking Class: Chefcito Cozy Fall Recipes

Saturday, November 11, 2023

Children grades kindergarten through 6th grade are invited to register for Olivewood Gardens’ Kids Cooking Class series. In November, your chefcito can learn cozy seasonal recipes using garden-to-table produce. On the menu this month is spaghetti squash casserole and baked apples. Sign your little one up here!

Image: Courtesy of Olivewoood Gardens.

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Mama’s Pies 19th Annual Thanksgiving Bake Sale

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Mama’s Pies is San Diego’s largest annual bake sale that unites bakers from across the city to bake for a cause. Each pie sold allows Mama’s Kitchen to cook, prepare and deliver 12 meals to homebound individuals vulnerable to malnutrition. Pies are available for sale from now until Saturday, November 18th or until supplies last. The dutch apple, pumpkin, pecan, and traditional apple pies are made by chefs and bakers from throughout the city and are available for purchase online. Cheers to the upcoming season of baking and eating for a cause!

Stay hungry, curious, and considerate,

Chef Ryan Rizzuto

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Image: Courtesy of Mama's Pies.

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About the Contributor
Ryan Rizzuto
Ryan Rizzuto is a chef, entrepreneur, and event curator in San Diego. You can taste his work at his own soul food popup, Southside Biscuits. Chef Ryan was nationally-recognized as a 2020 Food Hero by Edible Communities and Niman Ranch for his Covid-19-related hunger relief operations at Kitchens for Good. Follow him on Instagram at @chefryanrizzuto and his soul food and public events at @southsidebiscuits.
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