Persian-inspired cafe in Encinitas highlights hospitality, community
ENCINITAS — As the streets of Encinitas sit quiet before dawn, Pauni Nazami is already at work. By 4 a.m., the co-owner of Para Cafe...
Food & Wine
A garden grows in South Oceanside at The Plot
Jessica and Davin Waite are on a mission. The couple’s vision for the backyard, surrounding alley and side street of The Plot restaurant in Oceanside...
CTZN brings Basque spirit, California soul to Solana Beach
CTZN is the creation of Willy Wu Jye Hwa and Karine Beers, a brother-sister duo whose warmth and hospitality are as memorable as the food...
La Costa’s Nomada a bold new chapter for GRG; Encinitas’ Pastaria Vivi opens
Recently opened in La Costa, Nómada marks an exciting new chapter for the San Diego-based Grand Restaurant Group (GRG). The concept is led by newly...
Pala Casino’s Elementa shines as a culinary oasis
At Pala Casino Spa Golf Resort, the energy hits you right away. More than 2,000 slot machines fill a 90,000-square-foot gaming floor, from penny reels...
Tip Top Meats reopens, carrying forward Big John’s legacy
CARLSBAD — Tip Top Meats, a beloved Carlsbad butcher shop that closed last year after nearly six decades in business, has reopened at its same...
An’s Gelato opening new shop in Oceanside ‘Top Gun’ house
OCEANSIDE — After operating ice cream parlors out of a former dry cleaner’s, hat store, and electronics repair shop, the nationally-recognized An’s Gelato is preparing...
Guy Fieri brings taste of Flavortown to La Costa
When celebrity chef Guy Fieri rolls into town, the crowd follows. That was the case at the recent Santo Tequila signing at the La Costa...
Necessity Coffee brews success with expansion to San Marcos
SAN MARCOS — Back in 2021, when he was still looking for a location to open his own Encinitas-based coffee shop, entrepreneur Jon Runion made...
Dora Ristorante brings Tre Forchette distinction to La Jolla
Chef Accursio Lota and Corinne Goria, the husband-and-wife team behind North Park’s acclaimed Cori Pastificio Trattoria, a Gambero Rosso Tre Forchette awardee, have opened Dora...
Raising Cane’s to replace Mimi’s Cafe in Oceanside
OCEANSIDE — Raising Cane’s, a popular fried chicken fast food chain, will fill a site that formerly housed a French-inspired comfort food restaurant in southern...
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...
Breakfast Republic serves up morning magic in Encinitas
From coffee cups to kicking off the day, mornings demand a proper breakfast. When Frank Mangio and I visited the Encinitas location of Breakfast Republic,...
Greek yogurt shop opens at Del Mar Highlands Town Center
CARMEL VALLEY — A Greek yogurt shop has opened its first San Diego-area location at Del Mar Highlands Town Center, bringing the Mediterranean-style cafe’s customizable...
Butcher Shop, Rombauer set the table for a standout wine dinner
When Sal Ercolano stepped to the microphone to kick off the evening, it was immediately clear this was more than just another wine dinner. Not...