Lost Abbey takes over at Keystone in Vista
There are only a handful of brewers whose very names ring as icons. Tomme Arthur, co-founder of Lost Abbey, is one of those. An astonishing...
Food & Wine
Del Mar Wine and Food Festival dazzles; Blue Angels soar
Now in its third year, the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival has quickly become one of San Diego’s signature culinary events, thanks to the...
Renowned chef Christophe Rull opens patisserie in North City
SAN MARCOS — Michelin-trained pastry chef, U.S. Chocolate Master, and culinary TV personality Christophe Rull has brought his talents to North City with the opening...
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...
Ruffino shines at Del Mar Wine and Food Festival, The Godfather
Ruffino made a strong showing at this year’s Del Mar Wine and Food Festival, pouring at two locations. In the general section, Ariana introduced guests...
Family fun meets German tradition at Oktoberfests in Carlsbad, Encinitas
CARLSBAD — Oktoberfest season is back in North County, and Carlsbad and Encinitas, including the historic Olivenhain neighborhood, are raising steins for three straight weekends...
Del Mar Wine and Food Festival returning for third year
DEL MAR — The Del Mar Food and Wine Festival is returning to San Diego next week for its third year, featuring a menu of...
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...
Coastal comfort at Rustic Root in Solana Beach
Wondering what the hottest new restaurant is in coastal North County? Well, based on the full house every night and the stellar reviews on the...
Breakers brings Hawaiian-inspired cuisine, local nostalgia
ENCINITAS — Nearly two weeks after opening, retired professional surfer Benji Weatherley said he is thrilled to see how his new Encinitas restaurant is bringing...
Lucien sets a new standard for fine dining in La Jolla
In a town rich with culinary talent, Lucien immediately raises the bar. On July 16, I had the privilege of a sneak preview before the...
I Like Beer: The return of Vista’s Rhythm and Brews
On June 28, Downtown Vista hosted the return of Rhythm and Brews. The event is the premier San Diego Brewers Guild craft beer and music...
Jano’s Garden: Berry Berry summer desserts
As I walk through the summer farmers’ markets, filled with stalls offering boxes of sweet strawberries and blueberries, I am reminded of Sunday dinners at...
A toast to Urban Kitchen Group’s dazzling Cucina restaurants
Urban Kitchen Group (UKG), founded and led by visionary restaurateur Tracy Borkum, recently celebrated a milestone 16 years in the making: the Sweet 16 of...
Lick the Plate’s guilty pleasures
Given all the great food I’ve experienced over the years via my Lick the Plate column and radio show, I still get the occasional desire...