Many Local Restaurants Serve Up Signatures at 'heART of Mt. Helix' Event

Now in its fourth year, the culutural event is one of East County's most popular festivals. And the celebration of arts, music and food and wine at is only becoming more popular each year.

The event is the main fundraising event for the Mt. Helix Park Foundation. All funds raised from the event are used to preserve, miantain and enhance the park for future generations to enjoy.

Mount Helix Patch will break down the event in three preview articles, each profiling a different aspect of the event. Today, we will focus on the Food & Wine.

Since its move to East County earlier this year, after being in the heart of Hillcrest for the previous 13, Terra American Bistro has quickly become a favorite spot for many "farm-to-table" conscious diners.  Executive Chef and owner Jeff Rossman sources his produce from local growers, offers natural hormone-free meats, and serves other items from local artisans.

Rossman is also heavily invested in educating children on sustainable eating, and how to grow, harvest, and prepare fresh produce in delicious ways. In his own way, he celebrates the arts: the art of fine cuisine. So it was natural for Terra to be involved in the "heART of Mt. Helix" event.

All in all, there will be 14 restaurants offering up either a signature appetizer for the dessert. Some of those include many local favorites: , Auntie M's Cup and Cakery, BMH Italian Deli, Casa de Pico, Devine Pastabilities, Grove Pastry Shop, Hacienda Casa Blanca, Hooley's, , Riviera Supper Club, Rubios, Souplantation, Spinners, and Terra.

Beer and wine offerings are being provided by Artesa Winery and Ballast Point Brewing Company.

In addition, Alchemy Restaurant in South Park, is creating a signature cocktail for the event, according to its co-owner Ron Trayano.

Alchemy's resident mixologist Frankie Thaheld, will be making a drink that has been dubbed, "The Flapper." 

"It's kind of a throwback with a modern twist," said Troyano. "We were going for a little bit of a Prohibition-age cocktail theme, so [Thaheld] created a drink called 'The Flapper.' It's a vodka-based drink, with some vanilla simple syrup, but it's not too sweet. Muddle some fresh blueberries and mix it up. Then you throw a little lemon juice in there to give it some balance. It's a fun, summery drink."

Another way Alchemy is contributing to the cause is by using its staff to man the bars for the evening.

"One thing we do kind of in our charity realm is to help nonprofits or charities increase their raising ability by supplying the bars with ample professional bartenders, not volunteers," said Troyano. "They can increase their 'flow' so to speak and maximize their profits.

He said it's the restaurant's first time getting involved with the "heART of Mt. Helix" event.

"We are passionate about a few different causes in San Diego. We're happy to be involved in this one given its artistic direction," he said.

For more information on the event, visit the website or call (619) 741-4363.

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