July 2010 Q&A with Brian Malarkey, executive chef of Searsucker, and as seen on TV as a contestant on Bravo’s Emmy-nominated series, Top Chef 3 Miami or hosting TLC’s Mega Bites and Kick Off Cook Off.

You know that a peninsula is worthy of national monument status when even the "new" lighthouse has been safely guiding ships into port for over 125 years. The city's history can be traced back to this very spot, and today the area is dotted with pristine marinas, dockside dining, and miles of walking and hiking paths that beckon locals and tourists alike who are looking for fun on the waterfront.

It's no secret that craft beer lovers are a generally hip and cool lot who relish the opportunity to sip a few cold ones with friends, talking about hopes, dreams, and hops. The craft beer community, in turn, embraces the idea that a tasting room or beer garden should be a comfortable, laid back, friendly atmosphere that encourages relaxation and the pure enjoyment of great brews. To that end, many tasting rooms around the county have been intentionally designed to feel like the living room or rec room of your own house.

Hoppiness isn't far from happiness in San Diego. The craft beer experience is massive in this region, with more than 150 breweries, countless beer bars, innovative tasting rooms and a beer culture that's undeniably San Diegan. It even has a signature style - the West Coast-Style IPA - known for its massive flavor and ridiculous amount of hops packed into one glass. Cheers to awesome beer!