Lick the Plate
Contemporary comfort food at Bistro West in Carlsbad
I’ve seen plenty of restaurants that have an herb garden or grow some greens on a back patio, but until now, I’ve not come across one locally that has its own farm. That’s the case at Bistro West and West Steak and Seafood where Executive Chef Eugenio Martignago has access to a full one acre [...]
It’s all about the food at Encinitas Fire Station No. 2
As I was driving up to Encinitas Fire Station No. 2 with my son Quinn, who was along as a photographer for this story on firehouse food, we were discussing how cool it would be if they received a call during the interview. Well sure enough, about halfway through our conversation, the bell rings and [...]
Diving into Indian Cuisine at Passage to India
With the surge in eclectic American eateries in North County serving their spin on traditional favorites, it’s nice to revisit an old-school restaurant dedicated to one cuisine. Tucked in between trendy Craftsman New American Tavern and Firefly Grill & Wine Bar, plus another half dozen restaurants in this Encinitas shopping center is Passage to India.I [...]
Melani Gordon from TapHunter turns her passion into a career
Let’s face it, every one of us has conceived of a plan in our head to take something we cook, brew, or grow and turn it into a business that enables us to walk away from our jobs and do our own thing. Some of us even take it a step further and develop a [...]
The Brig is back and better than ever!
The Brigantine in Del Mar is one of those classic restaurants in coastal North County that exemplify all that is good about living in this area. From the near perfect location overlooking the racetrack, with coastal views to the South, to their very solid menu and festive atmosphere, the Brigantine in Del Mar is right [...]
Celebrating two culinary influences — Anthony Bourdain and Jim Harrison
Culinary celebrities are a dime a dozen these days. Remember the guy who made it to the second round of “Top Chef” in season two? Me neither but you can bet he is milking his appearance for all its worth. Not that there is anything wrong with that, it just dilutes the culinary celebrity stock [...]
From the team that brought you Blue Ribbon – Craftsman New American Tavern!
Husband and wife Wade and Kristi Hageman have expanded on their huge success with Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizza and believe it or not, have outdone themselves with Craftsman New American Tavern in Encinitas. The only drawback to Craftsman is that it will now compete for my attention with Blue Ribbon but luckily, they are for [...]
Susan Sbicca reinvents herself with Millie’s Vegan Gelato
Some people are just so entrepreneurial that no matter how successful they have been with previous ventures, they just have to keep innovating. Susan Sbicca — founder of the iconic Sbicca restaurant in Del Mar, the former Meritage in Encinitas, and now owner of Millie’s Vegan Gelato — is a prime example.
Get your seafood fix at The Catch in Carlsbad
If you have been to Paon in Carlsbad Village, you get a sense that they spared no expense to provide as many quality dining experiences under one roof as possible. That same ownership group recently opened The Catch right across the parking lot on Carlsbad Village Drive and while not as upscale as Paon, there [...]
Foodies rejoice — The Encinitas Foodie Fest is here!
This was bound to happen, there are just too many of us not to celebrate this wonderful culinary movement happening right here in North County.
