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Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Which Wich Review (Carlsbad Restaurants)


Pricing:
They boast all over the restaurant that no matter which "wich" you pick it's $5.  But there's a lot of fine print to this.  If you want a slightly bigger sandwich or, say, a drink, you're going to be reasonably spending about $8 per person for lunch.

Distance:
Located in the Forum shopping center in Carlsbad.  5-10 minute drive for Encinitas residents.  Unless you get stuck in El Camino Real traffic.  Then it will take 20-30 minutes.

Thoughts:
I like Which Wich enough to be a repeat customer.  But I go there knowing that it's a slight rip-off.  Yes, the sandwiches are only $5 but so are the sandwiches at every other sub sandwich place.  $5 foot long, anyone?  So you basically are getting a sandwich that is the same price as everywhere else but is a lot smaller.  You do feel full when done.  But one still can't help but go "hmm...."

In their defense, I do feel like the ingredients are a lot more fresh than, say, Subway.  The toasted feature is also nice. In no way do I feel like this is a spin on Quiznos.  Which Wich is definitely its own flavor experience.

This particular location is a good one.  It's located in a higher end shopping plaza and has some nice outdoor seating which is a refreshing change from the sterile environment sub places usually boast.  Plus, it's right next door to a Cold Stone and a toy store.  So not at all a bad option for kids and adults alike.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

The Fish Market Review (Solana Beach Restaurants)


Pricing:
Decent considering that they're selling fresh seafood.  Much will depend on what you feel like eating (lobster vs. salmon) and if it's in season or not.  Most of the entrees range from $16-28.


Distance:
Right off of the Via de la Valle exit.  About a 10-15 minute drive for Encinitas residents.


Thoughts:
I really enjoy The Fish Market.  Yes, it's a chain seafood restaurant but I think it's fair to say that you would never guess it walking in to any of locations.  The Solana Beach branch has been around forever.  Off the top of my head, I can't think of a better place around here to eat seafood (fish tacos don't count).

You wouldn't want to waltz in still covered in beach sand but the environment is very laid back.  I have a hard time enjoying myself at restaurants that feel a little too formal.  The Fish Market always feels cozy and friendly.

The food is fantastic but you have to like seafood.  Don't expect a whole lot of non-seafood options.  The entrees are filling all by themselves but many of their appetizers are just too tasty to pass up.  They have excellent clam chowder, shrimp cocktails, artichokes, etc...  They'll also do seasonal appetizers such as corn on the cob which I think is a nice touch.

When it's Del Mar Fair and Horse Racing seasons, this restaurant can be difficult to get into (it's right across the street from said locations).  Expect a 30 minute wait during those times.  The rest of the year, it's usually fairly easy to get seated.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Joey's Smokin' BBQ Review (Carlsbad Restaurants)



Pricing:
Not too bad.  Most of the entrees (pulled pork sandwiches, ribs, etc...) are about $8.  Every entree includes a side of your choice.  

Distance:
It's in the La Costa shopping center cornered by El Camino Real and Aviara Parkway.  Takes about 15 minutes to drive to from Encinitas.

Thoughts:
I confess that I have pretty high standards when it comes to barbeque.  I have visited Kansas City numerous times so I've had the original stuff.  The cooked-with-sauce-that-probably-was-made-in-the-Civil-War kind of original bbq.  And once you've gone to that level it's tough to look imitators in the eye.  But I do try because I like bbq.

Joey's Smokin' BBQ is not the original stuff.  It's not even good stuff.  It's corporate stuff.    The service was mediocre at best.  There's a soulless attempt at creating a Southern farm atmosphere.  And the food was average at best.  The whole experience was just... depressing.

I really can't see this place lasting.  There's no trademark sauce or anything that would make it remotely memorable.  Plus, there are a dozen other places where you could get pulled pork or ribs; practically every brewery restaurant serves them.

The only upside that I can see to Joey's is that it's cheap.  So I guess if you're looking for a lunch place and you don't feel like Subway, this could be an okay option.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Chart House Review (Cardiff by Sea Restaurants)



Pricing:
Expensive.  With fresh fish, steak and lobster, you could hardly expect otherwise.  Most of the entrees are between $20-32.


Distance:
A Cardiff restaurant on the Highway 101.  Right across the street from Las Olas.  Will be about a 10 minute drive for most Encinitas residents.


Thoughts:
The Chart House is practically a landmark in the Encinitas/Cardiff area.  It's kind of the go-to nice restaurant around here.  Yes, there is plenty of nice dining in Del Mar or La Jolla.  But in Encinitas, you go to Chart House to spend the big bucks.

The food is fantastic, the service is great and the view is unparalleled.  With windows on practically all sides of the restaurant, there's not a bad seat in the house.  Sometimes it seems like the food is just there to add to the view rather than the other way around.

Sure, you'll be forking over the big bucks to eat here.  But if you're celebrating a special occasion, it's really a classy way to go.  I've never had a meal here I didn't like.  The menu has a nice range of selection so there's sure to be something to please everyone.  Plus, their chocolate lava cake is died-and-gone-to-heaven delicious.

I would highly recommend making a point to visit the Chart House at least once if you haven't.  As I said before, it makes for a classy special occasion.  For everyday dining?  You'd have to have a lot more money than I.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Elevation Burger Review (Carlsbad Restaurants)



Pricing:
The burgers themselves are $4-6.  So slightly more than going to McDonald's.  Slightly less than going to a sit down burger joint like The Counter.  The french fries are separate and cost about $3.  A single order of fries is definitely large enough to share.

Distance:
In that same new Carlsbad (La Costa) shopping center as Tommy V's.  It takes about 20 minutes to get to whether you take back roads or the freeway.

Thoughts:
It was kind of strange walking into this place.  It felt like I had just entered a parallel universe and Elevation Burger was what they called their Five Guys.  Because it was Five Guys.  Only it was blue and not red.  And there weren't any peanuts.

The format was exactly the same "build it yourself" high end fast food style.  There are posters everywhere with pictures of cows and farms that boast over how organic their meat is.  Whatever.  If the meat was that organic they wouldn't be charging only $4 for it.

But I digress.  I admit, I liked this place more than Five Guys.  It was less greasy and more flavorful.  The fries were freshly cut and cooked.  I also appreciated the fact that their milkshakes contained actual fruit (it was frozen fruit, but still).

The major drawback to Elevation Burger is the out-of-the-way-deep-La-Costa location.  Yes, I liked it more than Five Guys.  But was it so much better that it warrants a twenty minute drive...?  No.  If I was in the area, however, I would definitely seek it out again.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Tommy V's Urban Kitchen and Bar Review (Carlsbad Restaurants)


Pricing:
This is one of those places where the appetizers will get ya.  At $9-12 for snackage, it costs almost as much as their entrees which run in the $12-18.


Distance:
Nestled in the La Costa part of Carlsbad which means that there's no quick way to get there.  From the freeway it takes 20 minutes to get there because you have to drive on Palomar Airport Road for awhile.  Even if you opt for a non-freeway route it will still take about 20 minutes to drive to from Encinitas because it's impossible to hit every light green.  Trust me, I've tried.


Thoughts:
I was actually kind of pleasantly surprised by this place.  I admit, I approached it with a skeptical eyebrow raised.  It's in a newly developed commercial area in La Costa that seems to want to give off an "urban trendy" vibe.  I'm extremely wary of trendy restaurants because it usually just means below average food for a higher than average price.

Part of my theory rang true with Tommy V's.  The prices are slightly higher than they probably really should be.  Especially considering that the portions are, well, average.  However, the food is quite good.  Though this is not a strictly Italian restaurant, they do offer quite a few Italian dishes.  The lasagna that I had was better than a lot of Italian-only places I've tried.

I will also give Tommy V's points for having some interesting dishes.  I find it refreshing to have a choice of both classic food options and options with a little bit of a "spin" on them (such as a salad with duck on top).

I also wasn't at all disappointed with their appetizers even though they were a bit on the expensive side.  With a large portion of this restaurant devoted to an enormous bar counter, you can tell it caters to an after-work crowd.

So I will admit that Tommy V's didn't entirely fall into the trendy trap.  And despite the dubious "urban kitchen" title (I mean, what the heck does that even mean?) the food is tasty.  Definitely worth a shot if you want to try and mix up your regular restaurant rotation list.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Buon Appetito Review (San Diego Restaurants)


Pricing:
This place is a hole-in-the-wall but it ain't cheap.  Most of the dishes are $12-18.  Throw in a few glasses of wine, appetizer and one of their fantastic desserts and it will make quite a dent in your bank account.

Distance:
In the Little Italy portion of downtown San Diego.  It's on India Street.  From Encinitas it takes about 20-30 minutes to drive there traffic permitting.

Thoughts:
I love eating in the Little Italy area of San Diego.  It's just so much fun.  There are a ton of really good places to eat but Buon Appetito definitely is one of the better ones.

Be warned that if you choose to dine here it will not be a quick in-and-out experience.  There's almost always a wait around dinner time due to the limited seating.  You can't call ahead.  The only way to put your name down on their list is to do so in person.  The seating host(ess) will call you when it's your turn so you can wander around a bit and go get a coffee.  If they call you up and your whole party is not present, they won't seat you.  So just be mentally prepared to wait.

That aside, the food is fantastic.  It's good Italian food as opposed to "chain restaurant" Italian food.  There's more of an emphasis on flavor rather than quantity.  I've tried a variety of items on their menu from soup to fish to pasta and I've yet to be disappointed.

Though people get a little dressed up to go here, the atmosphere is still fun and relaxed.  Many of the waiters seem to be imported straight from Italy which adds to the dining experience.  Italians consider it very rude to rush someone's eating.  So despite the large number of people trying to get into the place, you never feel rushed out once you're seated.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

California Pizza Kitchen Review (Solana Beach Restaurants)


Pricing:
Not too bad, actually.  Your pizza/pasta dishes are $8-12.  However, when you order an entree it's only pizza or only pasta.  So if you want some variety, you'll have to order something like a salad separate.  The salads and appetizers are $6-10.  Most of the salads are large enough to share.

Distance:
This restaurant is a chain so there are several locations around San Diego.  The closest one to Encinitas folks is in Solana Beach on the Highway 101.  About a 10 minute drive.

Thoughts:
I kind of wish I could enjoy California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) more than I really do.  Because there are just so many good things about this restaurant!  However, every time I go I just end up thinking "meh."

Let's start with the pros.  The food isn't bad.  The menu is a nice mix between standard pepperoni pizza choices and slightly more adventurous Gorgonzola/pine nut/pear pizza options.  I like adventurous pizza so this aspect to the restaurant appeals to me. 

CPK is also a chain located in several areas around San Diego including Solana Beach, La Jolla and downtown San Diego area (off Friars Road).  These locations make it a reliable, convenient choice.  I've never had to wait longer than 20 minutes at any location.  So if you're starving, it's the kind of place you know you could get into on a Friday/Saturday night in areas of San Diego that normally tend to be more crowded.

The cons?  While the food isn't bad, it's not great either.  Nothing I've had at CPK has been especially memorable.  I don't mind eating the food but there's really nothing "signature" about a CPK pizza.  I would just as soon get a pizza from any other place.

However, I will admit that CPK is a great place to take kids.  It's definitely a step up from Pizza Hut but still has the kind of things that kids like to eat.  So as a family outing it's a good option.  As a going out on the town with your date option?  Meh.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Samurai Japanese Restaurant Review (Solana Beach Restaurants)




Pricing:  
This place is really three restaurants in one.  There are cooking tables in the back room.  Up front, there's a sushi bar and sit down restaurant area.  So the price varies depending on what dining experience you go for.  The cooking tables around going to be around $22-32 per person.  Each roll at the sushi bar is about $7-10 apiece.  The sit down restaurant costs about $10-15 per entree.  The sushi is cheaper if you go during happy hour.


Distance:
A Solana Beach restaurant.  Right off of the Lomas Santa Fe exit.  From Encinitas, it will take 5-15 minutes to get there depending on which part of Encinitas you're driving from.


Thoughts:
This is one of my favorite special event restaurants (birthdays, anniversaries, etc...).  As far as the cooking tables go, they're not as "showy" as Benihana or Miyabi but the food more than makes up for it in quality and taste.  Their steak and scallops are phenomenal.

 Their sushi is good.  Better than most places, I would say.  It's freshly prepared and not too expensive especially if you go at happy hour.  Still, if I'm in the mood for sushi, I would rather go to Love Boat Sushi in San Marcos.  What I'll frequently do at Samurai is order a single roll as an appetizer.  Because it is quite tasty.

Their dine in restaurant is also a nice experience.  It's a good option if you don't want to spend the big bucks on the cooking table.  The only complaint is the lack of choices.  This probably arises from having two other "events" going on in the same restaurant.  But there are enough standard choices (beef, shrimp, chicken) that it's not hard to find something to eat.  It just doesn't have the same pizzazz as the cooking tables.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

The Tractor Room Review (San Diego Restaurants)



Pricing:
The food is on the pricey side.  Most of the entrees are in the $15-18 range.  A major part of their menu is selecting a few of their side dishes (big enough to share) to accompany your entrees.  The side dishes are an extra $5-8 apiece.

Distance:
A downtown San Diego restaurant.  You take the 163 and then get off on Robinson Ave.  The Tractor Room is on 5th Ave which intersects with Robinson.  Bring change for parking, it can get a little crowded at night.  Takes about 20 minutes to drive there and then what sometimes feels like an hour to park.

Thoughts:
It's cozy, it's cooky, it has cocktails... The Tractor Room is the perfect date night getaway.  The menu selections are not your standard burger/pizza/pasta choices.  So you're going to have to be a little adventurous and maybe order duck kabobs or a lamb burger instead.  Don't worry, the food is all excellent and you can tell your friends that you tried something exotic.

The food is a little too expensive to for me to put The Tractor Room on the regular rotation (plus, it's a little far).  It's also wise to make a reservation with this place.  However, all these things combined make it a fantastic date night.  You can hear the person you're eating with talk.  I also think having to share the side dishes makes things fun.  It gives you something to argue about.

The Tractor Room is kind of has an artsy vibe to it.  It's definitely not mainstream.  Which I think works to it's advantage.  If you're on a first date you can impress your date at your knowledge of the town.  If you've been with your significant other for awhile, you feel like you got out of the house and didn't just go to the local pizza joint for dinner.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Mama Kat's Restaurant & Pie Shop Review (San Marcos Restaurants)



Pricing:
Pretty cheap for a non-chain breakfast/lunch restaurant.  The main courses are $7-12.  And then you'll have to get pie which is about $3 a slice.  Two people can go here and each get coffee, breakfast and a slice of pie and the total bill will be about $35.

Distance:
A San Marcos restaurant.  It's technically on restaurant row though a little out of the way of the mainstream places there.  The street you turn on is called Park.  Just past the movie theater and Fry's.  Takes about 15 minutes to drive there.

Thoughts:
This place markets itself as being good ol' home-style cookin'.  I've never totally understood that phrase.  If you want home-style cooking, why are you going out to eat?  Whatever.  Basically, their entire menu specializes in comfort foods.

For the most part, all the food they use grease to cook is fantastic.  Their potatoes and eggs are oozing with flavor.  Where Mama Kat's falls short is in the fresh produce category.  As an example, one of their featured dishes is the Eggs Benedict.  The English muffin, egg and hollandaise sauce are all delicious.  Order these eggs with a slice of tomato or avocado... even the good flavor of the other ingredients doesn't cancel out the fact that the tomato and avocado are clearly not ripe.  Like, hard as a rock not ripe.

I feel that since they are a San Diego restaurant, serving really bad avocados is a pretty serious offense.  But not bad enough to totally turn me off from this place.  The staff is really friendly and the overall experience is a good one.  Just read through their menu with a wary eye.


Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Pappalecco Review (San Diego Restaurants)


Pricing:
More bistro than restaurant, Pappalecco has a little of everything.  Your panini and pizza is going to be $8-10.  And, of course, you have to get the gelato which is about $3-6 (depending on the size you get).


Distance:
A downtown San Diego restaurant.  It's on State Street.  You take the Front Street exit off the freeway from the 5.  Not technically on the Little Italy restaurant row but very close.  Takes about 25 minutes to get there.


Thoughts:
I have been to Italy several times.  Every time I've gone I get heavily involved with gelato (Italian ice cream for those that don't know).  Every time I come back to the States I go on a mad, frantic quest to find good gelato in order to feed my addiction.  For years, this was a futile quest.  But that was until I discovered Papalecco.

The owners are from Italy and many of the servers barely speak English.  They make their gelato from scratch here every day and good lord is it good.  Since Pappalecco is more bistro style rather than restaurant, it's a great place to just pop in and pick up some gelato to eat as you wander around Little Italy.

Oh, and they have food there too, by the way.  Pappalecco opens up in the afternoon and stays open late.  Their pizza is very Italian.  Quite frankly, I think Americans win in the pizza department.  But the other dishes they serve are fantastic.  Though this is an Italian establishment, their menu consists more of salads and sandwiches rather than pasta. All of their panini have fresh ingredients and are drizzled with liberal amounts of olive oil and vinaigrette.

The seating is very limited but if you can find a table it's a great place to just lounge around on a warm afternoon/evening to talk and drink coffee or wine.


Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Wine Steals Review (Cardiff By Sea Restaurants)


Pricing:
Another one of those "artisan" food places (I have theories about that word related to cost).  The food menu consists mostly of pizza, wraps and cheese/meat plates.  You're going to be spending about $25 per  food item (per pizza or per cheese plate).  But the food is kind of an afterthought.  Most people go here to drink.  The wine here ranges from $10-50 with the average bottle being about $17.

Distance:
A Cardiff By Sea restaurant.  Right off San Elijo Ave. and very close to Birmingham as an intersection.  Right next to the Jack in the Box if you're familiar with the area.  5-10 minute drive for most Encinitas people.

Thoughts:  
This place is overpriced.  The pizza is almost forgivable but $25 for a cheese board containing a few sparse chunks of cheese is just ridiculous.  The wine they sell is average.  If you know a little about wine you can find a decent bottle for a good price but most of the options there are little more than table wine.

But, I won't deny that it's a fun environment.  After 5pm most evenings it gets pretty crowded.  On Friday and Saturday nights it's packed and very much a single's bar type of scene.  So you go for the experience.  It's by the beach, it has a great view at sunset... not a bad way to get a buzz and have relaxed conversation with friends.  

If you're not into the overly crowded bar scene, the best time to go to Wine Steals in the afternoon around 3:30 or 4.  No one is there and you can have your pick of table or couch and just hang out drinking wine.  Then it doesn't really matter how crowded it gets later because you've already claimed your spot.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

The Cottage Review (La Jolla Restaurants)


Pricing:  
A cute but pricey little breakfast/lunch/dinner place.  Breakfast ranges $10-12.  Lunch is going to be more $12-15.  Dinner starts heading to the $18-22.  The portions are satisfying and tasty but not enormous.  Expect salads and panini for your $12 at lunch.

Distance:
A La Jolla restaurant.  It's right off Prospect St. (as most things are in La Jolla).  From Encinitas, it only takes about 15 minutes to drive to the La Jolla Blvd. exit on the freeway.  Depending on the time of day you go, getting into La Jolla can take a whole lot longer.

Thoughts:
I like this place though it would never be somewhere I go on a regular basis due to the whole price/portions issue.  But the food is very good and is definitely the kind of place I would go to with my mom or friends to have a meal and chat.  

Though it's not a kid-friendly breakfast place, it has a somewhat relaxed environment in the afternoon.  I like that it's slightly away from the main La Jolla streets so you can sit outside and still hear the person you're with speak.

At night, The Cottage goes from a girl gossip haunt to more date-night.  It cleans up nicely and the wine selection is good.  A perfect place to spend an evening getting to know someone.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Casa de Bandini Review (Carlsbad Restaurants)


Pricing:
The full size entrees cost $10-15 apiece.  The enormous fish bowl sized margaritas are about $5-8 apiece.

Distance:
A Carlsbad restaurant.  Though I count this portion of Carlsbad as part of Encinitas.  It's in The Forum shopping center.  Right off Encinitas Blvd., you can use either Lucadia or Calle Barcelona to enter this mall.

Thoughts:
Formerly a fixture in Old Town, Casa de Bandini moved to Carlsbad and got a face lift.  The atmosphere changed ever so slightly from Old Town charming to suburbia dining.  But it's still a fun place to go.  The waitresses walk around wearing flamenco outfits and expect to be serenaded during your meal by the resident mariachi band.

The food is good but could best be described as generic Mexican.  It's really not all that different from El Torito or Garcia's flavor-wise.  One nice thing about this place is that they do have whole parts of their menu devoted to various diet needs such as vegetarian or gluten-free. 

I only have one major gripe about Casa de Bandini: they barely put any alcohol in their margaritas.  Yes, they serve fish bowl sized drinks.  But it's basically just a really expensive slurpee.  And it's not just me.  I have been to this place with people who barely drink at all and were actually worried about ordering a margarita so large.  Every single person ends up saying "is there any booze at all in this?"  I feel kind of ripped off on this point.  I mean, this place is making money hand over fist.  Skimping on the booze is just tacky.

Other than the questionable margaritas, I enjoy going to this restaurant.  It has a fun atmosphere that makes it a perfect outing on a warm evening (good patio seating).  Do keep in mind that there is almost always a wait there of at least twenty minutes.  So plan accordingly.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Beachside Bar & Grill Review (Encinitas Restaurants)


Pricing:  
Most of your selections will range from $8-12 per plate.  As most of the entrees are essentially "finger foods" (panini, pizza, etc...), this is actually not a bad place to go during happy hour and just ordering a bunch of appetizers as your meal.

Distance:  
An Encinitas restaurant.  On the highway 101.  Close to Encinitas Blvd.  Takes about 5-10 minutes to get there.

Thoughts:  
Very much a laid back bar type environment.  While many of the restaurants on the 101 are more "date night," this place is definitely more "game night."  With a TV easily viewed from most angles in the restaurant and a nice open air feel, it's not a bad way to go.

This place is a bar.  So it has more than five beers to choose from which is nice.  As I mentioned in the pricing section, going during happy hour is a really good deal.  Order some nachos, soup and chicken tenders (all on their appetizer menu) and you'll have a pretty substantial meal in front of you that is easily shared.

Beachside Bar & Grill is a fun place to go with friends and just hang out for a few hours.  But definitely don't take the friends that are on some sort of health food/no soy/gluten free kind of diet.  They won't find much to eat here.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Rico's Taco Shop Review (Encinitas Restaurants)


Pricing:
Hole-in-the-wall Mexican dining experience.  $4-6 burritos.  The combinations range from $5-9.

Distance:
An Encinitas restaurant.  Right by the El Camino Real/Encinitas Blvd. intersection.  In the LA Fittness (the old Target if you've lived here for as long as I have) shopping area.

Thoughts:
If you live in Encinitas, dive Mexican food is probably a staple part of your diet.  Life really can't get much better than eating a California burrito on the beach.  And, if you've lived in Encinitas for more than a year, you've probably been to Rico's.  More than once.  If you haven't: go now.

There are a multitude of burrito places to choose from around here, but I think Rico's is one of the best.  It's fantastic Mexican food run by Greeks.  How can you go wrong?  They have just about every combination of beans, rice, cheese and meat you can possibly think of.  And if they don't have it, you're welcome to ask for your own custom order.  Rico's also does breakfast starting at 7am.  They serve a pretty mean breakfast burrito.

In my years of going to Rico's I have seen people walk in wearing swimsuits and I have seen homecoming parties exit a limo to dine at this fine establishment.  A landmark to Encinitas cuisine, this restaurant is packed with both flavor and charm.   

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Naked Cafe Review (Encinitas Restaurants)


Pricing:
It's no Denny's.  Naked Cafe runs about $10 per entree.  The food portions are generous, so you don't go away feeling hungry.  Buy a nice glass of Naked OJ or a mimosa and it's going to be more like $12-15 a person.

Distance:
An Encinitas restaurant.  In the shopping center at El Camino Real and Via Montoro.  If you want a landmark, it's in the shopping center with the Wells Fargo, Home Goods, See's Candy and Radio Shack.  About a 5-10 minute drive for most Encinitas residents.

Thoughts:
I like this place though it's definitely not for everyone.  With a slew of healthy/organic/vegetarian/gluten-free type options, Naked Cafe is largely populated by women who want to have their breakfast with a mimosa and a side of gossip.  But there are plenty of dishes that also appeal to men here as well.  I go here all the time with my boyfriend (he will even suggest it) and he never feels like he just had to graze.

Naked Cafe is only open for breakfast and lunch.  I believe they close at 2:30 or 3 in the afternoon.  It is a little pricey but a nice place to go for a change of pace.  It can get crowded but I've never had to wait more than 10 minutes for a table.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Cheesecake Factory Review (San Diego Restaurants)


Pricing:
Most of their dishes range from $10-25.  They have an enormous selection of food.  Everything from burgers to pasta to steak and seafood.  Be warned: where they nail you is in the drinks and dessert.  They don't list prices for any of their mixed alcoholic beverages but each one costs about $10.  Plus you have to get cheesecake for dessert which is another $5-7 a slice.

Distance:
There are a few located around San Diego.  But the closest one to Encinitas folk is the restaurant located in the Fashion Valley mall in the city of San Diego area.  It's right off Friar's Rd.  Takes about 20 minutes to drive there.

Thoughts:
Much like Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, this place is an event.  On any given night you're looking at at least a 20 minute wait.  Fortunately, the location I mentioned is right by a mall, so it's easy to kill time while you're waiting.

Once finally seated, you are presented with a short novel they like to call their "menu."  It's overwhelming how many food choices they have.  This does make it nice for large parties as there is sure to be something for everyone.  The actual entrees are quite good.  I've been to this place several times and I've yet to have a meal I didn't like.  Don't expect to win any weight loss points though.  

Which brings us to the highlight of the evening: the cheesecake.  Keeping with the theme, the cheesecake menu is just as overwhelming as everything else.  You look over the mouth-watering list and find yourself thinking "Oh god, I am not going to fit in my pants after this."  You can order an entire cheesecake or individual slices.  Due to the sheer number of flavor selections, I find it's fun to order several slices and everyone can sample.

The Cheesecake Factory is not a quick and easy dinner.  It's a "let's do something!" dinner.  The atmosphere is fun.  Since the one in San Diego is by a mall, the dress code is pretty laid back as most of the people are eating after a day of shopping.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Las Olas Review (Cardiff By Sea Restaurants)


Pricing:
You'll be looking at $9-15 per entree.  By entree I mean one of those rice and beans plus food type combinations.  And then of course you'll have to get margaritas.  While the margaritas don't come in a large fishbowl, they do pack a punch.  When I go here with three or more people, I usually order a pitcher of margarita which is about $30.  Saves you a few dollars if you want to drink.

Distance:
A Cardiff restaurant.  Located on the 101.  5-10 minute drive if you're located in Encinitas.  50-60 minute walk back after too many margaritas.

Thoughts:
The epitome of a Southern California Mexican food dining experience.  It's by the beach, the hygiene of the bathrooms is questionable and they serve large quantities of good food.  When it's lobster season, they serve super cheap, really fresh lobster (I think they walk across the street to the ocean and catch them).  Las Olas is great for just about any occasion.  It's a fun date night, it's family friendly and it's a good place to take out-of-town guests.

The food is not too unlike your typical sit-down Mexican restaurant.  But, in my opinion, it tastes a little better than, say, Casa de Bandini or El Torito.  It's also more laid back than other said establishments.  The environment is one that encourages conversation rather than getting in and out as quickly as possible.  There's also a nice selection on the menu.  There's the standard entrees for the hungry.  But I also will sometimes just order their chicken tortilla soup (which is excellent) for a light but filling meal.

On a Friday and Saturday night it can get a little crowded.  But I've never had to wait longer than 45 minutes for a table.  And 45 minutes is unusual.  Most of the time it's about a 20 minute wait.  If you get antsy, it's fun to go and talk a walk on the beach.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Ki's Review (Cardiff By Sea Restaurants)


Pricing:
Ki's offers breakfast through dinner.  So the prices vary depending on which meal you're on.  Breakfast and lunch is about $6-12 per entree.  Dinner is in the $10-25 range.

Distance:
A Cardiff restaurant.  On the highway 101 so very close to most Encinitas residents.  Right next to Las Olas and Yogi's bar.

Thoughts:
The picture does not do Ki's justice.  One of the major selling points is that right across the street is the ocean.  So if you want breakfast with a view, this is your place.

Ki's is unusual in that it does offer all three meals over the course of the day.  There are set hours for each type of meal, so don't expect to be eating breakfast for dinner here.  During the day, it's a laid back beach place.  They pride themselves on serving fresh, organic food.  So you can get humongous omelettes that actually feel somewhat healthy.  They're not swimming in grease.

At night, this restaurant completely changes.  It's not at all uncommon for live music to be present on the weekends.  The dinner menu is a little bit more refined.  Expect to see your standard steak or fish served with some interesting sauces or sides.  For example, one of my favorite appetizers there is a quesadilla that has brie, avocados and mangoes.  Sounds like a strange combination, right?  But it's really tasty.  So you do have to be willing to try new things in order to get the most out of this place.

Their wine list is also impressive.  It's not more or less extensive than any other restaurant.  They just have some really nice ones to choose from.  One nice little feature on the dinner menu is they offer food and wine pairings.

I only really have one complaint about Ki's.  90% of the time, the food and service is fantastic.  But every once in awhile, it seems like they have their "B team" running the entire establishment.  Incorrect orders will arrive or the food will be cold... things like that.  It doesn't happen often enough to turn me away from this place.  I still frequent it on a regular basis.  But when everyone at your table has something wrong with their meal, you know something is up.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Karl Strauss Review (Carlsbad Restaurants)


Pricing:
There's actually a wide range on their menu.  Most of the burger/sandwich/pasta dishes are about $10-15.  But you can definitely go all out with steak which ranges from $25-32 depending on the cut.  The beer is about $6 a glass.  Every Thursday is cask night and the price of beer is reduced to $4.

Distance:
There are several locations around San Diego.  The most convenient one for Encinitas residents is the restaurant in Carlsbad.  It's not too far off the Palomar Airport Rd. exit.  Right past the flower fields.  Provided there is no traffic, it takes about 15-20 minutes to get there.

Thoughts:
I love this place.  The food is always just so consistently good.  The laid back "brewery" environment  makes for a fun going out to eat event.  The Carlsbad location always has people in it, but there's almost never a long wait.  Compared to Stone Brewery where you have to kick your heels for well over thirty minutes on any given night, I find this to be an excellent feature.

While pretty much everything on their menu is good, the steak outshines them all.  When I want a good steak, I go to Karl Strauss.  They actually cook the steak the way that you request it.  No medium-rare that looks suspiciously like a medium-well situations.  Plus they have a really tasty beer-based steak sauce they drizzle on top.

The beer is a little more expensive than if you were going to a bar and ordering a Bud.  But that's because the beer they serve actually has flavor and alcohol content.  Most of the beers served on tap are tried and true classics that you can also purchase in the stores: Amber Lager, Red Trolley, Endless Summer, etc.  On any given night they will also have what's called the "tenth tap" which is their seasonal special.  In addition to the tenth tap, they will do cask night every Thursday.  The cask beer is served until it runs out (one night, basically).  If there's any cask beer left by Saturday, you're either very lucky or the beer wasn't a hit.

So while Karl Strauss lacks the enormous beer selection that Stone Brewery sports, I find the experience as a whole to be a much more enjoyable one.  No wait, better food and good beers.  

Monday, July 25, 2011

Love Boat Sushi Review (San Marcos Restaurants)


Pricing:
Each of the Sushi rolls cost about $8-15.  You can get Japanese entrees that are in the $15 range.  But, let's face it, you go to a joint like this for the Sushi.  And the sake.  Sake is good.

Distance:
There are three Love Boat Sushi restaurants in San Diego.  I'm biased, but the San Marcos restaurant is the best.  From Encinitas, it takes about 20 minutes to drive to this branch.

Thoughts:
For a city that prides itself on being surf-town cool and, well, not land-locked, good sushi can be surprisingly hard to find in San Diego much less North County.  As I see it, sushi generally falls into one of two categories in this neck of America’s finest city:

1)  Really cheap pre-made stuff that has been kept in a fridge for lord knows how many days.

2)  Really expensive pre-made stuff served in smaller portions that has been kept in a fridge for lord knows how many days.

The silver lining to this sad tale is that there are exceptions to this rule and Love Boat Sushi is most definitely one of them.  Love Boat serves fantastic, FRESH sushi for a very reasonable price.  The food is actually filling which, for me, is a major plus.  All too often have I had a friend invite me “for sushi” and I inwardly cringe and decide if I want to eat fast food before or after my sushi snack.

The only downside to this restaurant is that it's really chaotic.  Expect a 45 minute wait on Fri/Sat evening.  With strobe light happy birthday songs and the chefs constantly calling out for sake bombs, it's a wonder that anything gets done or that more fingers haven't been lost.  However, all the servers are so entertaining that you find yourself happily issuing out a large tip by the end of your night.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Golden Baked Ham Review (Encinitas Restaurants)


Pricing:
The sandwiches range from $4-8 depending on what size you get.  Plus, there's a plethora of macaroni/potato salad/soup sides to choose from that are about $3 each.  Whole hams may be purchased for parties.

Distance:
An Encinitas restaurant.  Right by the El Camino Real/Encinitas Blvd. intersection.  5-10 minute drive.

Thoughts:
A hidden gem in Encinitas.  It's the kind of place that no one notices as they drive by but once you've had their food, you're a customer for life.  The sub sandwiches are, in my opinion, the best in town.  There are tons of choices and all the ingredients are fresh (they make all of their soups from scratch).  Plus, you get a heckofalot of food for your money.

The party platters are also excellent.  In my family, it makes for a really easy dinner.  You get a half ham and a few sides and then serve it with a salad at home.  If you want to order something for the holidays, be sure to call in early.  They get swamped there at Christmas and Easter and will be literally sold out.

The staff there are all quite friendly.  It's the kind of place where they remember your name after you frequent their place a few times.  It does get busy around lunchtime, but there are always seats available for dine-in.  Much more laid back than some of the more high traffic lunch hot spots around here.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Trattoria I Trulli Review (Encinitas Restaurants)


Pricing:
Most of the entrees range about $15-22.  The appetizers are $8-10.  If you want to get wine it's going to be about $8 a glass or $28 for the bottle.  They don't have a very expensive corking fee here, so it's actually worth it to bring your own bottle.

Distance:
An Encinitas restaurant.  Right on the Highway 101.  5-10 minutes away if you're a local Encinitas resident.

Thoughts:
A fun restaurant with a relaxed date night environment.  Trattoria I Trulli could best be described as a “hole in the wall” dining experience with limited seating (make a reservation early!) but seemingly endless amounts of good food selections.  The menu covers the basic lasagna/fettuccini alfredo/chicken parmesan type options for the unadventurous souls.  But tossed in with these tried and true dishes are some really nice choices for the more discerning pallet.

Though slightly more pricey than an evening at Bucca di Beppo or Borelli’s, Trulli definitely compensates in flavor and overall food quality.  You’ll leave this charming little establishment feeling satisfied from a good meal; not stuffed from consuming daunting heaps of mediocre pasta. 

Friday, July 15, 2011

Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizzeria Review (Encinitas Restaurants)


Pricing:
The appetizers are about $10-12.  For the actual pizza entree, expect to fork over at least $15.  The beer and wine is about $6-12 a glass.

Distance:
An Encinitas restaurant.  On the Highway 101.  5-10 minute drive for most Encinitas locals.

Thoughts:
To me, "artisan" has become synonymous with "overpriced" these days.  But I will give this place credit for all their attempts to mask the pricey-ness with trendiness.  Instead of having actual monetary values on the menu they list numbers such as 15 1/2.  The tap water is given to you in a preserve jar (which is cool...?).  There's a huge chalk board on one of the walls explaining how the sausage they serve is handmade and sustainable (as opposed to non-sustainable sausage).

But all these things are nitpicking details.  As far as a dining experience goes, it's not terrible.  Half of the menu is comprised of salads that will require a knife to eat (because breaking up lettuce leaves is not trendy).  The other half consists of artisan pizza.  While sparse, the options are standard enough to please most people.

The food is good and I have to say that I enjoyed their small brewery selection of beer.  The general atmosphere makes this place a good date night choice.  But at $15 1/2 for a personal sized pizza, I can't help but wonder if Sammy's Woodfire wouldn't have been the better choice.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Five Guys Review (Encinitas Restaurants)


Pricing:
This place is tricky.  On one side of the menu they list the usual "hamburger" or "cheeseburger."  On the other side they list "little hamburger" or "little cheeseburger."  Don't be fooled.  Their "regular" food actually consists of a two patty burger and is a very sneaky way of up-selling you an $8 burger rather than just buying a regular one patty "little" burger for $5.  Fries and a drink are sold separately.  If you buy the whole burger/fry/drink experience, expect to spend about $12.

Distance:
An Encinitas restaurant.  Very close to the Encinitas Blvd./El Camino Real intersection.  5-10 minute drive for most Encinitas folk.

Thoughts:
So after years of Encinitas clamoring for an In-and-Out they finally give us... Five Guys.  It's practically the same thing, right?  Arguable.  It's the same thing in that it's a step up from Burger King.  But with unlimited peanut snacks and a space-age soda machine, Five Guys is definitely its own unique experience.  It seems to specialize in having 5 bajillion toppings you could potentially add to your burger and 10 bajillion employees trying to actually make it.

The food is actually pretty good.  The burger is dripping in a satisfying amount of grease and if you get the cajun style fries, your salt allotment for the month will be taken care of.  Despite being a hair more pricey than In-and-Out, this place is fun to go to on its own merit.  Plus, if you live in Encinitas, it definitely has the advantage of being conveniently close.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens Review (Escondido Restaurants)


Pricing:
While you can find a few bargain dishes, realistically you are looking to spend about $12-25 per plate for dinner.  The beer averages about $8-10 a glass.

Distance:
An Escondido restaurant.  Takes about 30 minutes to get to from Encinitas.  If you go on a Friday or Saturday night, expect freeway traffic.

Thoughts:
It should be clearly understood that Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens (Stone Brewery) is an event, not a restaurant.  This fact is blaringly obvious from almost the first moment you open the door and enter their gift shop, not the dining establishment itself.  Racks of Stone Brewery paraphernalia from sweatshirts to shot glasses must be passed by before one could even consider putting a name down for dinner.

If you manage to make it out of the gift shop unscathed, putting your name on their waiting list should be done with all possible haste.  Since reservations or call-ins are not allowed at this venue, the wait is about forty-five minutes to an hour on almost any given evening.  On a Friday or Saturday night, expect an hour and a half wait.

Once actually seated, the dining experience has both good points and bad points.  Stone Brewery obviously put great care into creating their atmosphere.  Lush foliage, romantic lighting, rustic furniture and beautiful stone walls coupled with the ever present hum of conversation makes you feel like you’re actually “going out on the town.” 

The menu presents a variety of dishes but is somewhat baffling to read.  In an effort to be creative and funny, the menu writers decided to forgo the traditional section titles such as “appetizers,” “entrees, or “desserts.” Instead, they clump together your selections like classified ads and head them with confusing labels such as “things you could eat before other things” or “things you could eat after some other stuff or maybe with stuff.”  This is amusing for about ten seconds.  But once everyone has chuckled over the novelty and the low blood sugar starts to set in, you really just end up wishing you knew where to look to order a substantial meal.

With options such as burgers, pasta, and cheese plates, Stone Brewery could best be described as American cuisine. I have had a cheeseburger and tomato-mozzarella pasta there.  The food is filling and tasty but not especially memorable.  It is also a bit on the pricey side, but not obscene.  Expect to pay about twelve dollars for a burger.

This brings us to the beer.  Unlike the food menu, the beer menu is abundantly clear.  There is absolutely no question in your mind as to what Stone Brewery has to offer in this arena.  For a local brewery, the sheer number of house beers that they offer is very impressive.  In the stores, Stone only offers about five or six different types of beer for purchase.  The restaurant offers well over twenty.  If not for the food, this alone would be a good reason to visit Stone Brewery more than once.

After one or two of their beers, any agitation you may have felt about how long it took for you to get a table or for a server to come and take your food order usually melts away and you find yourself enjoying the experience.  Even the Stone Brewery golf balls start to look more appealing as you weave your way back through the gift shop.

Stone Brewery could be compared to Casa De Bandini or The Cheesecake Factory.  Quite simply, you go to these types of restaurants because they are a crowded ordeal.  There are plenty of places where you could walk in and be instantly seated.  If speed is a concern, there are always drive-through or pick-up food establishments.  You eat at Stone Brewery to have an evening activity.