The wildly famous Richard Walkers Pancake House in Downtown San Diego celebrates its third anniversary this month. In addition to the long lines commonly seen in front, the namesake owner has revealed some staggering numbers regarding food output. Since opening, Walker calculated that the restaurant has served 18.9 million pancakes (they come six to an order), 16.8 million cups of coffee (the cups are smallish, so the average customer drinks three servings) and 12.6 million eggs. In addition, the kitchen has used more than 1.2 million oranges for making juice. Wowza! 520 Front St., 619-231-7777.

The Wine Smarties now offers the first internationally recognized wine certification program in San Diego, which falls under the auspices of The Wine & Spirit Education Trust. The certification courses will be available beginning in late July, and held at The Holiday Inn in Mission Valley. The program requires 16 course hours and a one-hour exam. The cost is $700. For more information, call 619-955-8884 or e-mail Lindsay@winesmarties.com.

The longstanding, upscale atmosphere at Laurel Restaurant in Bankers Hill is about to radically change. Owner Tracy Borkum is reportedly aiming for a more casual vibe by transitioning the interior design to casual and the menu to Italian. Until our economy improves, expect to continue seeing a shrinkage in fine-dining options. 505 Laurel St., 619-239-2222.

Eclipse Chocolat Café in North Park is holding an “exotic chocolate bar-b-que” with five different seating times from morning until evening on June 20. The menu, presented by the café’s owner William Gustwiller, features a chocolate-caramel cheeseburger with cocoa-glazed bacon and gjetost cheese, plus other dishes mixing sweet with savory. The cost is $25. 2121 El Cajon Blvd., 619-578-2984.

Chef Pascal Vignau of Savory Casual Fare in Encinitas has made available a variety of preservative-free jarred foods, plus breads, jams, wines and more in a new section of the restaurant called The Savory Pantry. The offerings also include vegan and gluten-free soups. 267 N. El Camino Real, 760-634-5556.

Chefs, artisan food producers and farmers will gather from 1 to 6 p.m., June 28, at Old Town Historic Park for “Stagecoach Day,” the first full-scale fundraiser presented by Slow Food Urban San Diego. The event will afford visitors samplings of food, beer and wine, some of it reflecting the food cultures of early San Diego. Participating restaurants include Starlite, 1500 Ocean, Café Chloe, JSix, Romesco and more. Tickets are $45, and can be purchased online at: slowfoodsandiego.org.