Puesto Goes Vegan; Cocktail Classes at Tiki Oasis

HEADQUARTERS AT SEAPORT— On August 5, taco specialists Puesto will launch a new vegan version created as a collaboration between executive chef Luisteen Gonzalez and local singer-songwriter and vegan home chef Tristan Prettyman. The vegan taco, a blue corn tortilla filled with charred cauliflower, pickled carrots, chile-almond cream and jalapeño pico, will be available at Puesto at The Headquarters and La Jolla; a portion of sales of the taco will go to support Olivewood Gardens, a community garden and educational center for kids in National City. [EaterWire]

MISSION VALLEY— The always-amazing Tiki Oasis, an annual Polynesian-inspired party and convention, will return to San Diego August 13 through 16 for a four-day celebration of the tiki lifestyle. This year's theme, "Yesterday's Future, Today!" will feature Space Age-influenced entertainment, from a session on sci-fi costume design to tiki cocktails events that range from Bartending Techniques for the Atomic Age to the history of rum and a tiki cocktail battle among San Diego bartenders. [EaterWire]

EAST VILLAGE— A new smoker in the kitchen is fueling a fresh menu at The Deck at Moonshine Flats, the game-filled open-air playground that opens weekdays at 4 p.m. and at 11 a.m. on weekends. There are meaty smokehouse plates piled with St. Louis ribs, beef ribs, pulled pork, kielbasa, tri-tip, or a half-chicken, served with sauces and sides, plus pulled pork-topped baked potatoes, fries smothered in brisket and cheese curds and smoked Buffalo-style wings. [EaterWire]