Karl Strauss' ProAm Winner & Marina Kitchen's New Sommelier

PACIFIC BEACH— Karl Strauss Brewing Company recently held the judging of the 55 homebrew entries in this year's ProAm Competition. Taking first place was homebrewer Jim McCaskey, who scored with his coffee and vanilla-infused Black Nose Smoked Porter. Coming in second were Jacob and Roy Bauch, with their Apricot Saison, with frequent high scorer Tim Taylor taking the bronze medal with him Albino Jackrabbit Pale Ale. McCaskey will get to brew his winning recipe with Karl Strauss' pro brewing team at the brewery's downtown location this summer and the beer submitted as Karl Strauss' entry into The Great American Beer Festival's Pro-Am Competition. [EaterWire]

HARBOR ISLAND— Marina Kitchen has named Wendy Shoemaker as its new lead sommelier, where she'll maintain the wine list and oversee the restaurant's Wine Wednesday education and tasting series. A Certified Sommelier, Shoemaker has over fourteen years of experience and helped in the creation and management of Disneyland Resort's wine education program; she's currently prepping to take the Advanced Sommelier exam this July. [EaterWire]

MIRA MESA— Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ is offering lunch deal this Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The eatery will take 20% off its multi-course set menus for two people; the Gyu-Kaku and Meat Lovers menus include appetizers, meat, seafood and vegetables, plus dessert. [EaterWire]