CSUSM’s Brewchive and a trip down Brewery Lane
Karl Strauss recently re-released its original Amber Lager. A day later, I slid into a booth with a pint. One sip and I was taken...
Food & Wine
Amalfi Cucina: Joseph Phelps wine dinner and Oceanside revival
Franco and I were warmly welcomed to Amalfi Cucina by Amalfi Restaurant Group co-founder and general manager Emiliano Muslija, along with manager Matteo Bovio, who...
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...
Solana Beach sets permanent outdoor dining regulations
SOLANA BEACH — More than five years after rolling out emergency outdoor dining rules to help restaurants stay afloat during the COVID-19 shutdowns, Solana Beach...
Savory Farms is Carlsbad’s new one-stop gourmet destination
Carlsbad has welcomed a delicious new addition to its culinary landscape with the opening of Savory Farms, a thoughtfully curated gourmet market that is far...
Encinitas Ale House to close when lease ends in 2027
ENCINITAS — After almost 20 years, the Encinitas Ale House, a beloved local watering hole, will close its doors along Coast Highway 101 in Old...
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...
Strong Ale Festival returns to Carlsbad for its 27th year
CARLSBAD — The craft beer scene can often feel like a big family where brewers look out for one another. Evidence of that familial camaraderie...
Our 1,000th column! Daou Vineyards Chef’s Table at Catamaran Resort
Taste of Wine began with founder Frank “Franco” Mangio, whose passion for Italian wine grew after two immersive trips to Italy where he visited more...
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 &...
Seasons Restaurant: A culinary destination delighting guests, locals
From our homes just two miles away, Frank and I have long admired the elegance of the Four Seasons Aviara, a landmark of Carlsbad sophistication...
Borrelli’s Pizza & Italian Food closes after 50 years in Encinitas
ENCINITAS — After 50 years of serving handmade pizzas and Italian dishes in Encinitas, Borrelli’s Pizza & Italian Food has closed its doors following a...
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...
French Door Café offers ‘respite,’ gourmet fare in Carlsbad
Carlsbad — Elissa Benjamin is getting to know her regulars, learning who orders the soup and who prefers a mocha. The baker and owner of...
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...