Recently, a week of travel and a lack of grocery shopping led to eating out much more than usual — at least two meals a day.
During one of these meals, the idea for this column was born: what if I ate out in Encinitas for a week, three meals a day, at reasonably priced restaurants? It sounded like a fun exercise I plan to repeat in other cities.
This list also reflects my attempt to eat healthily most of the time while maintaining regular exercise.
Monday
- Breakfast: It’s always nice to start the week with a breakfast that makes me smile. Queenstage Coffee House is next door to Moto Deli on Coast Highway. The Mr. Ham Toast with Black Forest Ham, Gruyere, and Dijon mustard on brioche is delightful. I could eat about five, but I’m all about portion control.
- Lunch: Shrimp Ceviche Tostada at Cancun in Leucadia. The restaurant is located at the gas station with the cheapest gas in town, and its seafood menu is excellent. The ceviche is the perfect light yet satisfying lunch, something you will hear me say often in this column.
- Dinner: Mexican-style chicken soup at Jorge’s in Leucadia. I’m not saying it’s replaced La Especial Norte, but I’ve developed a fun rapport with the crew there, and they know I like my flour tortillas, which are charred on the burner.
Tuesday
- Breakfast: Encinitas Café, a classic old-school diner that connects me to the history and soul of Encinitas.
- Lunch: I highly recommend the Avocado and Quinoa Superfood Salad at Mendocino Farms. It’s a perfect lunchtime salad. (I wrote about it in detail when I discovered Mendocino Farms.)
- Dinner: My Father’s Pizza at Blue Ribbon. A simple pie with Italian sausage, pepperoni, and onion, followed by their famous Butterscotch Pudding.
Wednesday
- Breakfast: Bagels and cream cheese from Garden State Bagels. Just because once in a while, bagels hit the spot.
- Lunch: A poke bowl from Fish 101 with brown rice and extra avocado paired with a Blueberry Tart Kombucha. It’s healthy and delicious and another perfect lunch option that fills me up without weighing me down.
- Dinner: Oysters followed by meatballs from Corner Pizza. Since they don’t offer a meatball sub, I bring my buns to create subs myself and order extra sauce.
Thursday
- Breakfast: The best quiche in Encinitas at The Pannikin. People-watching is as good as food.
- Lunch: Amazing vegan dishes at Peace Pies in Leucadia to balance out some indulging. The new space is incredible; you must check it out and support them.
- Dinner: Besta Wan in Cardiff. The weekly specials, like the amazing Steak Frites, are always a pleasant surprise.
Friday
- Breakfast: Savory crepes at French Corner in Leucadia. It’s such a sexy place, and the crepes are the real deal.
- Lunch: California Burrito at Nectarine Grove. The gluten-free menu makes the California Burrito a lighter option and not such a gut bomb.
- Dinner: Sushi at Kai Ola. Arrive at 5 pm to get a table before the evening rush. It’s still my favorite place for sushi in Encinitas.
Saturday
- Breakfast: Breakfast burrito from Raul’s Shack. It’s a perfect and filling post-surf reward.
- Lunch: A leisurely meal at Q’ero in downtown Encinitas. Take your time and enjoy this one.
- Dinner: At Birdseye, I typically get three orders of Summer Rolls — chicken, pork and beef — and a glass of Gruner Veltliner, a dry Austrian white wine.
Sunday
- Breakfast: Breakfast sandwiches or lox on a bagel at Coffee Coffee in Leucadia. Their breakfast sandwiches or lox on a bagel will do the trick.
- Lunch: Leucadia Farmers Market has been a Sunday tradition since it opened. Try a decadent dish from the Pastrami Stand.
- Dinner: Takeout lasagna from Rosanna’s Pasta. I saved half for breakfast the following day because I love cold lasagna.
And there you go, 21 meals in Encinitas!
