2051 Cucina Italiana truly is a hidden gem in Carlsbad
So, first off, I am one of the biggest skeptics of the term “hidden gem,” as I think it is way overused by food writers...
Lick the Plate
The summer menu delights at Lana Solana Beach
Most North County foodies are aware by now of this award-winning seasonal dining destination in the heart of coastal Solana Beach. And now with an...
New Wave Bagel takes it to the next level
Before I dive into the latest chapter of New Wave Bagel, a quick confession: I have a bagel problem. A problem in the sense that...
Plant-based living, festivals with Viridian founder Michelle May
Once in a while, I enjoy interviewing a guest on Lick the Plate who promotes healthy eating and lifestyle. It tends to balance out the...
Honey Baked Ham is more than a holiday tradition
I’ll admit it — I was one of those people. For years, Honey Baked Ham occupied a very specific place in my culinary calendar. A...
Scoopy Scoopy in Leucadia takes ice cream to another level
Before I get into the Scoopy Scoopy story, I thought it appropriate to provide a backstory on the Leucadia phenomenon of word repetition that began...
An elevated McRib and more at Shake Shack
I’m going to admit up front that when McDonald’s offers its limited-time, annual McRib, I make it a point to partake. I order two, one...
So much to love about Blank Slate in Encinitas
When I heard that one of my favorite husband-and-wife culinary teams, Chef Aron and Pam Schwartz of APS Hospitality Group, had a new project in...
Discovering Mendoza malbec in Leucadia with Ray Hoffmann
One of the side benefits of the regular sunset sessions at Beacons I attend is the wide range of interesting and creative people I’ve met...
Where Leucadia Cyclery eats around town
My love of bicycles started, like for most of us, as a youngster, but I never really grew out of it. I still start my...
Staycation and Padres game weekend at Bahia Resort Hotel
I have to admit I am guilty of opting out of weekend activities that have me leaving the Leucadia bubble via car on a regular...
Crack Taco, Banzai Bowls and 7-Eleven Japanese egg salad sandwich in Leucadia
I tried to dig up a name for the mini-shopping center anchored by the 7-Eleven on the corner of Leucadia Boulevard and N. Vulcan Avenue...
Clean, satisfying eating at Healthy Creations Cafe and Nectarine Grove
When I first discovered Nectarine Grove in Leucadia a few years back, it took me a while to warm up to it, but since then...
Little Fawn ignites fresh dining buzz at Fin Hotel space
Sometimes, as sad as it is to see a favorite restaurant go away, it’s always a bonus and eases the pain a bit when it’s...
Coastal charm meets elevated flavor at Cbar Carlsbad
When I heard that one of my favorite local chefs, Jarle Saupstad, had landed at Cbar, a new wine bar and bistro in Carlsbad Village,...