November 18, 2022
I only post exceptionally positive dining-out experiences here...no negative reviews.
One of my closest friends lives in Encinitas, just north of San Diego. We've enjoyed many great meals together and I'm looking forward to more shared food experiences in the future!
These are fantastic choices...combination of great vibe, food and hospitality:
BREAKFAST
Izola Bakery
Downtown San Diego, CA
November 19, 2022
This lovely sun-filled bakery is a wonderful way to start your day. The sourdoughs are all delicious and warm from the oven, made from a true starter. And for those who also eat and enjoy pastries, they're buttery bites of heaven. The live music, bright morning light streaming in through large warehouse windows, delicious smells, and very happy customers, creates a space where you'll want to linger. Definitely try the sourdough flight...you can order an assortment of 3 half-loaves! If you add a pastry to that, I recommend the morning bun or Tahitian vanilla knot. I sampled 4 pastries and these were my favorite. Of the sourdoughs, the olive was my top pick!
LUNCH
Sweetfin
Del Mar, CA
November 20, 2022
The restaurant is darling, and I recommend sitting outside so you can enjoy the mural wrapped around the exterior. Absolutely delicious poke bowl. I ordered a small spicy tuna, over a mix of bamboo rice, black rice and kale. I also tried a no-sugar-added guava lemonade, and it was yummy and sweet. Save some time for shopping after lunch. This location will tempt some window shopping at the least.
DINNER
Jeun et Julie
Carlsbad, CA
November 18, 2022
The patio setting is delightful, with cozy booths, stringed lights overhead, and warm flames flickering in the outdoor fireplace. Additionally, the outdoor heaters keep diners cozy on cool evenings and the overall lighting, decor and spacing provides an inviting intimate vibe. The indoor space is equally inviting, however there is more volume from the acoustics of joyful friendly chatter, and an energy stirred from the large bar area and completely open kitchen. The service is exceptional, thoughtful, friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable.
My dear friend treated me to this phenomenal dinner, where we ordered something different from each course, and shared...so instead of 4 courses, we both really got 8, in addition to the amuse bouche, bread service and bit of dark chocolate at the conclusion of our meal. After the scrumptious taste of the amuse bouche (top left), our "un" appetizer courses came out - the crudo (3rd on top) and tomate (top right) were both unique, and the tomate had an especially surprising depth of flavor. We agreed this was our favorite dish of the evening! For our "deux" course, we ordered the betterave & champignon (middle) again, SO tasty! Our "trios" courses were the turbo (2nd on bottom) and the Canard (3rd on bottom). The duck was cooked to mouth-watering perfection. Our dessert course "quatre" consisted of the miele (bottom right) and the fromage (not pictured). If you like very strong, stinky cheese, as I do, you'll love this dish. The dark chocolate bite served at the conclusion was delicious as well. Wonderful, memorable meal out!
Campfire
Carlsbad, CA
June 30, 2018
Campfire is a must if you're visiting Carlsbad! Such a fun vibe, wood fire cooking, S'mores, delicious drinks and food, and a great place to "just be" with friends! (The pic on bottom right was taken from Campfire site images...see website link below..., rest of photos taken by my besties and me.)
EXTRA - Things to do in San Diego
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