1. Emjaye Inspired

    1. Emjaye Inspired

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    San Diego, CA

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    Emjaye Inspired

    4.7 (20 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 2:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    Services - Emjaye Inspired

    Gluten-free catering

    Kosher catering

    Vegan catering

    Emjaye Inspired Photos

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    CritDicks ..

    An interesting evening under the stars...then (uh oh!) rainbow, then rain, then clouds with no rain. Make up your mind Mother Nature on this mid-summer Southern California eve as MJ helped gather, "Get the cushions!", stage stuff and other event hosting stuff from the weather. As the very good acoustic (but amplified) band Coral Bells continued their performance, now under the canopies in a more intimate finale to the evening, MJ sat in the back and enjoyed her showcase of the available stage/patio gathering area of Emjaye Inspired / Culinary Art / Comfy Kitchen located on the campus of Alliant International University in San Diego, CA. I still struggle a bit with understanding just how, what and where Chef MJ gets to display, sell and serve her cuisine. Does she serve food here, in the former cafeteria of the university, provide catered meals to big corporate functions, or deliver to those that chose to use local services like Uber Eats or Grub Hub. I thinks it's a little (or a lot) of all of that. The food that I sampled (available at the event) was hot, in large portions and very very tasty. I can't necessarily say the plated presentation was good because I was now eating my Shepherds (was it really lamb?) Pie from a reusable plastic food box. The same plating was used to present our BBQ Pork Mac and Cheese (I was still struggling to find the bacon even the next day). The only plating that seemed consistent with the website picture were the deserts; they were served in small prepackaged plastic cups. Not that any of the plating was lacking or otherwise insufficient, but it seemed to work well this evening at the event. Once ordered, the food came out very fast, very hot and very tasty. As evidenced by the compliments from our table and the comment of the leftovers from my son the next day, the food was really good. I personally thought it was also very good, but somewhat predictable in flavor and texture; and then, what do you do about presenting it in a plastic microwave-safe container? You do just what MJ does, . . . the best that MJ can. A good job all the way around. Take a stop through the campus and check out Emjaye Inspired cuisine. Way in the back, just follow the signs Dicks

    Gluten free personal cheesecake
    Deanna S.

    The best catering company in the greater San Diego area! After going to an event that was catered by Emjaye, I was impressed first by the presentation of the food. Everything looked and smelled amazing and the display was beautiful. I have used them on numerous occasions for simple desserts like cupcakes for my daughter's birthday to a full spread for small parties. From appetizers and charcuterie boards to full meals, food is always delicious and presentation is almost too pretty to touch. I have to mention, the chef, Melissa, is wonderful at accommodating food allergies. My husband has celiac and the Chef Melissa always works with us on the menu to provide tasty alternatives he can enjoy from cookies and cupcakes to the best baked ziti he has had since being diagnosed. Their cheesecake with a gluten free crust is his absolute favorite and don't forget the brownies! Hire Emjaye Inspired and you will be blown away.

    #workbreakfast

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    11 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Great service with quality food, what more can you ask for. The food presentation was amazing definitely a 5 star!

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    Emjaye I.

    Thank you so much for the kind words Lizette!!

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    7 years ago

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    Ask the Community - Emjaye Inspired

    Review Highlights - Emjaye Inspired

    Melissa and her wonderful team provided catering for our Friday night welcome event, the night before our wedding.

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    The Point

    The Point

    (68 reviews)

    Venue is absolutely breathtaking and cannot go wrong enjoying a bright sunny day overlooking the…read morebay. Event planners are awesome to work with, they done an exceptional job with taking care of my event and I will be returning to them for my next event. Thank Y-O-U, I APPRECIATE Y-O-U all more.

    This was a very nice event space. The space is airy and all the furniture can be modified to where…read moreyou want it. There's no need to rent out tables or chairs because they already have it. You can decorate the space however you want so it's very customizable. They also allow any outside vendors for food and drink which is a plus because I know some venues make you work their list of food vendors only. I found the staff very easy to work with. We communicated via email the weeks before our party and they answered any questions I had promptly. The only con I had this place was the parking situation. I toured this place in the late afternoon after work when things were nice and quiet, so I didn't think the parking was bad at that time. But on weekends at around noon, it gets really crazy. Factor in the weekend crowd and if there are any other events taking place in the area, it is a nightmare. Some of my family members weren't able to attend my event bc they spent 40+ minutes driving around. I would definitely recommend getting there early or ride sharing, or maybe hosting your event later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. It was also pretty warm. They do have air conditioning, but since it's an indoor/outdoor space, it's hard to keep the cold air in. It's not the venue's fault for the hot and humid weather we have been experiencing though. Just something to be aware of. Overall, my party turned out great. I would recommend, but just really assess the parking situation.

    Myst - Thai chili drinking chocolate

    Myst

    (36 reviews)

    $$

    Kearny Mesa

    Last month in June, I did a tour at Encore Event Center. I worked with a gentleman named Peter…read moreCharles. He seemed to be friendly, but very fast talking and very salesy. Sad to say I fell for the okey-doke! We were made to believe that they are completely booked up all the way till 2027 and the only way to possibly book the date we were interested in was to pay $1000 booking deposit. He also quoted us $15,000 for an all-inclusive package, which is a great deal, but we noticed him changing the numbers on the quote to get it to equal a certain amount which we thought was a little bit shady. other venues we viewed, it was cut and dry what their cost was and what each element costs. Anyways, we put down the deposit because we were told that we have two weeks to decide and we did not see any harm in holding our date while we figured out what we were doing. Fast-forward only 4 days later, we decided not to go with them because we found a venue we loved with staff that were very transparent. It took me three days to get a response from Peter to get a refund. He only wanted to do things on the phone, he avoided trying to text me details. But I wanted things in writing. he called me and dropped our package down to $10,000! Because he didn't want us to cancel. I thought that was interesting that he was able to cut our price down so easily within seconds down to 10,000. That shows me he was just trying to make a sale instead of genuinely helping us on the biggest day of our lives. He told me it would be 10 business days to get my refund. I waited 10 business days and never seen a refund. I even have text messages of him telling me that I'll get a confirmation once the refund is processed. He absolutely confirmed that my refund was on the way. So after 10 business days,. I then called the venue and spoke with Maria. She told me Peter never requested my refund or never notated that I wanted a refund! Sounds like he was trying to run the clock out on my two week grace period. It's now been a month and I'm still going back-and-forth with them and now taking legal action. I just wanted to share my experience with anyone considering Encore Event Center. They are definite scammers. Not to mention, the venue itself was messy, the floors creaked , everything was outdated and tacky. He was trying to offer us the tiniest room for 140 people. There was no way we could fit 140 people in that space. While I'm excited to plan my wedding and create the most beautiful day of my life, it's starting out so dampend and dark because of Encore Event Center. Nobody has reached out to me, I still have not gotten a refund after a month. I have no confirmation emails that this has been worked on. It has been an absolute nightmare! I've worked in customer service over 10+ years. Nobody has tried to check in on me and make sure I'm OK or needed anything or communicated that things were in process etc. It's like crickets over there. Do not waste your time!

    Had a great time at my company holiday party that was held here! Beautiful venue inside but you…read morewould have never have guessed from the outside, since it's located in a business park around Miramar/Mira Mesa. The walls inside were beautifully painted like a dark fairy tale forest with unique lighted trees and hanging plants as chandeliers. Haven't seen a place like this before. They had buffet style food, bar, dance floor, DJ and even a photo booth. My coworkers had me vote before the party for what menu I would like, so I know there are about 4 menus to pick from if I remember correctly. I came late so there wasn't as much food out, but I did enjoy my plate. The food isn't fancy, but there was a good variety... wedge salad, prime rib, au gratin potatoes. I just remembered that it wasn't exactly hot anymore when I got there Think we had about 10 tables, which was a tight fit. They had a dance floor I've never seen before! It had a purple glow and was squishy when you stepped on it. I'm obviously easily amused. They did have a bar as well, which accepted cash and card. Sodas were free so my coworker told me a life hack... instead of buying a mixed drink, for example a coke and whiskey... just order a double shot and a side of soda for the same price! More liquor and not watered down. The bartender there on December 1st 2017 was really friendly and down to earth. Photobooth was fun too Great for events like weddings, baby shower, holiday company parties and kids birthdays!

    Bernardo Winery

    Bernardo Winery

    (974 reviews)

    $$

    Rancho Bernardo

    This place is fantastic! Whether you want to come for a date, with friends, or family - I think…read morethis place is great for all. I love the feeling of unwinding and I don't feel rushed. I'm glad this place gives me the space to do that. I want to go back to try different dishes and wines, browse the shops, and save room for dessert! Perhaps I will come on a Friday since they have a farmer's market that day from 9am-1 pm! I had a date night and went on a Saturday, 2 hours before closing. We ordered Calabrese Pizza, Apple & Gorgonzola Pizza, Parmesan Fries, and Rigatoni & Vodka Sauce Pasta. My goodness, everything was GOOD! The Apple & Gorgonzola Pizza was my favorite, pure perfection of flavors. I know there's always a debate with pineapple on pizza but this apple and gorgonzola makes sense, I don't think anyone would ever question it. The parmesan fries was so yummy as well, you get a HEFTY amount. We actually didn't finish a good amount and took this home along with a few slices of pizza. Pasta was delicious as well, there was leftover pasta sauce that we just scooped up with the crust of the pizza. The ambience - amazing and beautiful. It is pretty spread out. I've only been here a couple times but I was able to find a table both times aside from the good amount of people the times I've came. We sat inside the tasting room and the food came out promptly. I do love that on hot days they will turn their misters on, great touch Way to keep us cool! We decided to do the Traditional Wine Tasting where you get six 1.5 oz pours of your choice for $32. Also, you can get free chocolate to pair with your wine at the dessert shop. Delicious, everything I ordered was what I needed. Everyone here just seems incredibly nice. From the people who took your order at the Kitchen, food runners, pourers, even the lady at the dessert shop (even though we didn't get any dessert lol) was friendly. We wanted to get dessert, but we had 15 minutes left till closing, however she didn't rush us out the outside area. I saw that there was a sugar free pistachio gelato flavor. I love that, seems like it was a hit because it was nearly all out! Next time I do go, I definitely want to try that and their cannolis!!! I love Cannolis. Anyways, back to the wine tasting, I believe her name is Cecilia (?), She was great. Great service along with the other pourer at the counter. I did not catch her name but she has blonde short hair and was very nice and friendly as well! Overall, 10/10, & I will be back very soon.

    Taste: 4 Value: 4…read moreService: 5 Been here multiple times. Great place to eat, wine taste or host an event. Wine is good for a local winery. Prices are reasonable. Service is always responsive and helpful. They regularly have events or markets on the weekend, so check out their website for the latest details!

    VASA - Bridal suite

    VASA

    (94 reviews)

    North Park

    This was by far one of the most inclusive and budget friendly wedding options we toured…read more This venue was a strong contender for us largely because Oscar did an excellent job highlighting all of its advantages. He was incredibly responsive throughout the process and remained highly engaged in discussing our plans. =PROS= *Extensive decor included. The package came with beautiful florals and centerpieces, and we were able to view a sample table set up that felt simple yet elegant *Food was included and notably served plated, which is typically an expensive upgrade at many other venues *Clean bathrooms with multiple stalls, which was surprisingly uncommon after touring so many venues *DJ and wedding planner services were already included *Photobooth upgrade was offered at a very reasonable price =CONS= *Very limited parking. We were grateful valet service was included for our larger guest count, but I would strongly recommend this upgrade if not already part of the package *No groom suite. There was a small bridal suite available, though it would feel cramped for anyone beyond just the bride *Limited greenery surrounding the ceremony area. Aside from some shrubbery, there was very little natural scenery and noticeable street noise nearby The pricing was extremely competitive and this likely would have been our choice had I not personally prioritized a venue with more natural surroundings. From both a financial and planning standpoint, this option removed a lot of the usual wedding stress because of how many services were already bundled together. On top of that, Oscar and his team stood out for being exceptionally organized and efficient during both the tour and quoting process.

    Hosted a holiday party here for my employer. The staff were attentive and amazing from start to…read morefinish. They answered all my texts and emails in a timely manner. I was not disappointed in their service as they were attentive and met all of my requests. They also made a few accommodations for my guests with allergies and for those who were vegan. As for the venue, it was absolutely beautiful, inside and out! Don't waste your money choosing a venue that is a blank slate. If you do, you'll be spending more than $60K. If you want something affordable, all-inclusive(food, flowers, DJ, photobooth, centerpieces) and luxurious, this is the venue! Thank you Carlo, Oscar, and Michelle!

    Emjaye Inspired - catering - Updated September 2026

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