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,...
Lick the Plate
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 &...
Artist’s book celebrates Tempchin’s 13-year run at Calypso in Leucadia
I was approached a few months ago by local artist Tracy Sabin, who was putting together a book, “Tuesday Nights at the Calypso: A Decade...
Lutchi and Mary: Authentic Filipino food in San Marcos
Given the plethora of culinary options in coastal North County, with more restaurants opening each week, it seems I do get caught up in “the...
Johnny Rad’z Pizza lands in Leucadia
I’ll start this feature with a gesture of gratitude that the former Pandora’s Pizza spot on Coast Highway and Leucadia Boulevard is back to being...
New Wave Bagel lands in coastal Encinitas
If you have followed my plate licking adventures over the years, you are probably aware that I have a bit of an obsession with bagels...
Leu Leu captures the essence of Leucadia
My approach to hot new trendy restaurants with Lick the Plate has always been to let the hype subside a bit, then make a couple...
Everingham Bros. Bait Co. — Fueling San Diego’s sportfishing community for 74 years
I was preparing to embark on one of my regular Boundless Boat Charters fishing trips with Captain Mark Mihelich recently, when conversation turned to what...
The Henry in Carlsbad delivers on every level
I must admit that when the J. Crew store left The Forum Carlsbad, my reasons for regular visits to the “shopping and lifestyle hub,” as...
Mahalo to Breakers Café, Bar & Grill in Encinitas
In the 17 years I’ve been writing this column, I can’t recall more buzz around a restaurant opening than what’s happening with Breakers Café, Bar...