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...
Lick the Plate
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,...
An excursion to Ramos House Café in San Juan Capistrano
It’s been four years since I detailed my history with and love of train travel, and my first Lick the Plate Amtrak excursion to Los...
Modern Basque tapas at the delightful CTZN in Solana Beach
The burgeoning Solana Beach restaurant scene added another winner recently with the opening of CTZN, joining Rustic Root, Lana and more on a vibrant stretch...
Lick the Plate’s Best of 2025 with Moto Deli chef Andy Halvorsen
Part of my experience of eating at the fabulous Moto Deli is when my friend, chef and co-owner Andy Halvorsen, comes out to talk about...
Literal farm-to-table at Haven Farm and Table in Encinitas
In past Lick the Plate columns, you may have seen me lament the overuse and abuse of the term farm-to-table. And for good reason, as...
An Encinitas twist on a classic deli at Ernie’s Craft Deli & Wine Bar
Given that I grew up surrounded by classic, old-school delis in the Detroit area, I have somewhat of a Pavlovian response when someone mentions the...
Chef Bachelier strikes again with Chick & Hawk in Leucadia
After five years of speculation, pop-ups, skater-only events, soft openings, and hype the likes I’ve not seen around a restaurant in these parts, Chick &...