Tuscany is an Italian Restaurant in a sweet spot in Carlsbad’s La Costa neighborhood, at a busy shopping center at El Camino Real and Alga Road. Since its beginnings in the early ‘90s, it’s always had fine food, and a busy bar with an occasional piano player.
A change of ownership was made recently when a Los Angeles musician with a dream of showcasing award-winning entertainment, with fine wine and food, took the musical wraps off Tuscany.
Danny DiCarlo, a musician himself, has been putting the final touches on a musical program at Tuscany that’s been long overdue in North San Diego County.
It starts at the piano bar where nightly, your favorite easy listening live music is heard seven nights week. The lounge area has been enlarged with lots of room for small bites and your favorite glass of wine.
But if you’re like a lot of friends of mine, there are plenty of reasons to make Tuscany a place to stay longer and make a night of it. The occasional showroom events are becoming a key reason for Tuscany’s success. On a given date, you might see award-winning comedy, opera, a full-house jazz band or a favorite singer.
“This is a California inspired Italian restaurant,” DiCarlo said, when asked about how he would describe Tuscany. “With our piano lounge, live entertainment showroom and Sunday morning jazz, we have a wide selection of food, wine, cocktails and entertainment, in a casual, sophisticated setting.”
Getting back to the new way to enjoy jazz with brunch and beverages, Tuscany’s Live Jazz Brunch, served from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., is shaping up to be a Sunday go-to meeting place.
The smooth jazz is intimate with diners and has an uptown sound. The menu is versatile and Italian in flavor. Diners can choose from ala carte traditional favorites, with the luxury of seven brick-oven fired pizza choices.
“Now that’s Italian,” describes a unique choice of several luscious omelets like the Tuscany Traditional and the Sicilian Three Cheese. I took the advice of my favorite Italian waiter, Pino Battalico, a legend among Italian food specialists.
His advice: “You have to choose the Danny D’Omelet, named after our owner Danny DiCarlo, and I want you to have it with a Banfi Chianti Classico Reserve from Italy, vintage 2011.”
Ingredients include: Smoked ham, Italian sausage, salami, bacon, cheddar cheese, roasted tomatoes, wild arugula, spicy Srirachi Aioli and served with roasted potatoes. All this with Jazz music to make it perfect! Six other omelet selections await you at Tuscany.
To learn more about this lovely Italian restaurant, be sure to search their web site at tuscanylacosta.com. Tickets to the stage shows are also available at the site. For dining reservations, call (760) 929-8111.
Wine Bytes
RELM Wine Bar in Carlsbad is celebrating 5 years in business with the Tastes of RELM event, June 28 from 4 to 7 p.m. There will be live music, a 40+ wine tasting, silent auction, food and wine pairing and more. Half the proceeds are going to a house building nonprofit. $40. Call (760) 434-9463.
Twenty/20 restaurant in the Sheraton Carlsbad has a 4th of July American BBQ Buffet, from 5 to 9 p.m. Live music, exclusive terrace seating for viewing fireworks. Cost is $50 for adults, $25 for kids. Children under 3 years old get in free. Book now at (760) 827-2500.
Falkner Winery in Temecula is celebrating their 15th Anniversary from July 3 to July 5. Free concerts, winery tours, huge discounts on wines, outdoor BBQs, lunch specials at the Pinnacle Restaurant. More details available by calling (951) 676-8231 ext. 1.
Frank Mangio is a renowned wine connoisseur certified by Wine Spectator. He is one of the leading wine commentators on the web. View and link up with his columns at tasteofwinetv.com, and reach him at [email protected]. Follow him on Facebook.
