North County Dining Guide

Coffee & Breakfast | American & Deli | Sushi | Surf & Turf | Italian | Mexican

FRESH FROM THE SEA

By: Pam Penner

The ocean with its briny scent keeps our climate temperate, giving us some of the best weather in the country, along with the finest and freshest bounty in the world. As fishermen worth their salt know, the thrill of pulling up that line and the anticipation of what’s on the other end, is what keeps them going back for more. When fishing near kelp beds, a large calico bass might become the “catch of the day”, whereas, red snapper and ling cod prefer a rocky bottom at a depth of 100 to 500 feet. If trolling along the sandy bottom, one might snag a flatty (halibut), or swimming in open waters, white sea bass, blue fin tuna, or yellowtail are a likely wager. If you are a “land lubber” and want to keep your feet on a solid surface, maybe pier fishing is the ticket. At 1,942 feet, the Oceanside pier is one of the longest wooden piers in California. Fish caught near the pier’s shoreline might include perch, bass, stingrays, guitarfish and sargo. From the middle region of the pier to the end, one can hook halibut, sand bass, sand sharks and other species such as mackerel, barracuda, and an occasional white sea bass or yellowtail. Even lobster can be randomly caught near the shore.

Whatever delicacy the fishing line produces, or a trusted fish monger at the local fish market such as Pelly’s in Carlsbad suggests, it’s bound to be as healthy for you as it is delicious. Loaded with protein and nutrients, fish and shellfish make a wonderful addition to any diet. The American Heart Association recommends at least 2 servings of fish each week to help prevent heart disease, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Found in all fish, the Omega-3 fatty acids, which keep our heart and brain healthy, are especially prevalent in salmon, tuna, trout, sardines, sea bass, oysters, crab, perch, shrimp and cod. Other benefits from fish include vitamins B-2 and D, and minerals such as iron, iodine, zinc, potassium and magnesium.

The preparation of ones “catch” has nearly limitless options. The freshest, most prime grade fish is extraordinary when sliced and served raw as sashimi or prepared in sushi. Skillfully done, and presented in an array of kaleidoscope colors and textures, sushi is like dining on fine, edible art. Or, for a more south of the border taste, when marinated in lime juice, fresh white fish, such as tuna, becomes ceviche when blended with chopped tomatoes, onion, salt and cilantro. For a special treat, serve ceviche with tortilla chips and chilled white wine or cold, cold beer. Whether it’s barbequed, baked, pan fried in panko crumbs and butter, or broiled and served with wedges of lemon, fish is a delectable treat. So, if you’re feelin’ like a fine fresh fish feast, check out our recommended local fish finds below.

Pelly’s Fish Market:

7110 Avenida Encinas #101, Carlsbad CA 92011 (760) 431-8454 www.pellysfish.com

Pelly’s Fish Market is one of the original fresh fish markets in Coastal North County. Their fresh fish display features the widest variety around. On any given day, depending on the season, you will see large fillets of Ahi, Yellow Tail, Albacore, Mahi-Mahi, Halibut, Atlantic Salmon, Swordfish, Sea Bass, and a wide assortment of local shellfish including Oysters, Clams, Crab, and Shrimp. Locals know Pellys is the best place for fresh fish, delicious lunches, and dinners.

Pellys is famous for their delicious crab cakes. Crab cakes are available only on weekends, and you should probably get there early. You can order crab cakes ala carte, as a sandwich or as an entrée. Their coconut shrimp appetizer comes with a spicy plum sauce. Fell like a salad? Then, try their special fresh Ono Salad, or Bay Shrimp and Stone Crab salad. Another Pelly’s specialty is their incredible clam chowder. It’s served daily and comes in Manhattan red or Boston white styles. A cup is only $3.25 and a large bowl is only $4.50. Look for their ad in this paper and find a coupon for free chowder with any order over $10.

Pelly’s Fish Market is open 7-days a week. It’s not at all a fancy sit down restaurant, but the quality of their freshly prepared seafood more than makes up for it. They offer everything from Grilled Fish Tacos to Grilled Scampi and Lobster. Their very affordable Char-Grilled Seafood Plates are to die for. Try their Char-Grilled Mahi-Mahi, Swordfish, or Halibut plates. I guarantee you will become a repeat customer. Check their board for their Catch of the Day!

Enoteca ZIN:

3263 Camino de Los Coches (in the Henry’s Los Coches Center (760) 479-1525)

The buzz is in the neighborhood. Everybody is talking about how great ZIN is! Drive by any night during the week and you’ll see plenty of cars parked in front of this wonderful neighborhood Italian restaurant. Once you venture in to see what the fuss is all about, you’ll quickly understand why.

These days, steakhouses, Mexican and Italian restaurants offers their guests a choice of fish entrees, because lets face it, more and more people are turning to a healthier diet. But, ZIN just doesn’t offer their guests another choice; they take their seafood dishes to the next level. The service at ZIN is impeccable and the quality of their seafood is not typical of a quaint Italian neighborhood restaurant.

Your waiter will soon be taking your drink order and bringing you a basket full of piping hot bread with a side of balsamic vinagrette dipping sauce. Be careful, you can easily over indulge before your main course arrives! The waiter will then let you know their Daily Fresh Fish Specials, or you can choose to select something from their menu. Some of their seafood offerings include an Antipasti of Jumbo Shrimp Scampi, or Steamed Clams and Mussels. Entrees include a perfectly crusted Ahi Tuna, a Seared Scallop dish that is served with a spicy aioli sauce; and a perfectly prepared Grilled Atlantic Salmon with fresh vegetables and roasted potatoes.

Blue Fire Grill:

2100 Costa del Mar at the La Costa Resort and Spa. (760) 438-9111 www.lacosta.com

According to Chef Gina Rodriguez, her Seafood Trio is the most popular menu item at BlueFire Grill. Her specialty provides healthy eaters and seafood lovers a protein packed three-in-one seafood plate. The Seafood Trio includes mouthwatering marinated and grilled lobster tail, olive oil and lemon grass poached shrimp, and pan seared ahi tuna. This Trio dish is colorful, fresh and accented with coconut curry sauce, herb mash potatoes and watercress salad.

Another BlueFire Grill favorite is their flavorful Australian sea bass and the Dungeness Crab Salad. The Sea Bass is pan-seared leaving the skin on to maintain the moisture of the fish and served with a tangerine butter sauce that is ginger and sweet shallot scented which compliments the fish beautifully.

By itself, the Dungeness Crab Salad Appetizer is prepared by tossing fresh selected crab meat with shallots, cilantro and lemon juice over a bed of Tender Baby Greens. The freshness of the crab is showcased in a ceviche-style preparation. This wonderful salad is topped with marinated cherry tomatoes and a bouquet of micro greens with avocado Mojito vinaigrette that includes avocado, mint, coconut rum, cilantro, shallots and a bit of honey.

Ask Chef Rodriguez, and she’ll tell you that she takes pride in providing and presenting the highest quality, sustainable seafood available. It really shows in the dishes she creates at BlueFire Grill. Local seafood products are delivered daily and prepared to provide a high quality product of unequaled freshness and appeal.

Leucadia Sushi Bar:

996 N. Coast Hwy 101, Leucadia CA 92024 (760) 635-9312 www.leucadiasushibar.com.

Leucadia Sushi Bar offers the highest quality, delicious, and most affordable sushi in North County. Leucadia Sushi is owned and operated by Toshi and Kayoko Takami. Chef Toshi is a Master Sushi Chef from Japan. Toshi slices, dices and prepares his sushi art for all to see and places small delectable plates on a high-tech refrigerated conveyor belt. The most unique aspect of the conveyor, is that you can see all the many types of sushi right before your eyes, before you order. And, there is usually a small sign beside the plate that describes the sushi’s name and ingredients. The Japanese term for this type of sushi service is called “kuru-kuru sushi.” There are only two kuru-kuru sushi bars in all of San Diego County.

Besides Toshi’s nightly sushi, sashimi and roll specials, he and his staff also serve Happy Hour Specials, a wide assortment of appetizers, and side dishes including Gyoza, Edamame, Miso Soup, Udon Noodles, Chicken Teriyaki, Tempura and salads.

A popular local favorite is Toshi’s famous Glazed Onion, Salmon and Crab Roll. It will make your taste buds go wild! This roll is stuffed with fresh crab, salmon, gobo radish, and cream cheese. Outside is rice, seaweed, and then topped with glazed onion, sprinkled with chili powder, and drizzled with sweet eel sauce. You have got to try this one! This item isn’t on their sushi menu, so tell Chef Toshi you want the one Publisher Andy Lee eats.

For the freshest and most authentic sushi, Leucadia Sushi Bar is a must visit when you are along the Coast Highway anywhere near Encinitas. They are open six days a week and closed on Mondays. Check their ad and coupons in this paper for special discounts.

Tomoyama Sushi:

6949 El Camino Real, Carlsbad CA 92009. (760) 930-0215 www.tomoyama.net.

Ever since the very first day they opened their doors for business Tomoyama Sushi has been a huge success. The atmosphere is lively and fun. Their open vaulted ceiling room is large and is perfect for parties. Tomoyama’s sushi and Japanese cuisine is absolutely delicious!

Located very near the La Costa Resort and Spa and the Park Hyatt Aviara, visitors and locals alike seem to find their way to Tomoyama Sushi. If you are looking for a great sushi Happy Hour, their happy hour is 50% Off and is served from 3:30 to 5:30. We suggest you get their early! Saki lovers are amazed at their wide assortment of hot and cold saki, Sushi lovers enjoy their large menu selections and keep coming back for their large sized specialty rolls.

Whether you are a Carlsbad resident or just visiting, you’ve got to try their famous Carlsbad Roll. It’s filled with fresh tuna, salmon, crab meat and cucumber with Tempura Shrimp, crunch flakes and covered with a spicy mayonnaise chili sauce! It’s a huge local favorite. But, don’t stop there, ‘cause there are so many mouth watering rolls to choose from. Their rolls are so big, you may want to share one with a friend. We suggest you also try their Monkey Roll, Caterpillar Roll, Rainbow Roll, and Dragon Roll.

Tomoyama Sushi also serves a wide assortment of Japanese-style noodle dishes including many different styles of Tempura, Udon, and Yakisoba. Not really into the raw fish experience? That’s OK because they also serve a wide assortment of dinner entrees including Chicken, Salmon, and Pork Teriyaki as well as Katsu dishes.

Check out their All You Can Eat Sushi. Lunch is $23.50 and dinner is $26.50. Happy Hour is 50% off from 3:30-5:30 PM. Find their discount coupons on their ad or on our Double Coupon Pages.

La Costa Grill:

6996 El Camino Real, Carlsbad 92009 (760) 603-1200 or visit www.lacosta-grill.com.

La Costa Grill is a classic American Grill and Bar with a southwestern flair that offers fresh seafood, steaks, pasta, sandwiches, salads and wonderful appetizers. Located near two world class resorts: the La Costa Resort and Spa, and Park Hyatt Aviara, the La Costa Grill is quickly becoming “the” place for locals as well as resort guests.

For starters, we suggest their Nightly Happy Hour Specials as well as their lovely seafood cuisine. Appetizers include a wide selection of seafood and shellfish including their spicy grilled Shrimp Coctail, fresh Ceviche and their famous LCG Crab Cakes. The LCG Crab Cakes are a local favorite. They absolutely melt in your mouth and are served with red pepper sauce and lemon beurre blanc.

Your waiter or waitress will greet you with a lovely wine and drink selection, and will soon return to take your order. They always have a nice choice of daily fish specials. When ordering from their menu, and if in season, try one of their fresh seafood dishes. Seafood entrees include La Costa Grill favorites such as their Char-Grilled Northern Halibut, Seared Jumbo Scallops, Poached Atlantic Salmon, Blackened Mahi Mahi, and Hawaiian Char-Grilled Ono. Also, their Classic Cioppino seafood stew is a complete meal and comes with grilled sourdough bread.

La Costa Grill is open daily for lunch and dinner and on weekends for breakfast. For a morning eye-opener try their complete Bloody Mary Bar. Happy Hour is served twice nightly. Their indoor bar and dining area is spacious, lively, and adorns beautiful window views. Their patio is southwest style and beautifully land and hardscaped with Spanish tile, large clay pots, outdoor bar and fireplace. La Costa Grill is located near the corner of Alga/Aviara and El Camino Real in La Coata at 6996 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92009. For reservations call (760) 603-1200 or visit www.lacosta-grill.com. Check our Double Coupon pages in this issue for great money saving coupons.

Pacific Coast Grill:

437 S. Coast Hwy 101 Solana Beach 92075 (858) 794-4632 www.pacificcoastgrill.com.

Tucked in the center of a Solana Beach strip mall along Highway 101, Pacific Coast Grill’s unassuming façade is easily overlooked. But once inside, it remains a world apart from the rest of North County’s restaurant scene. Pacific Coast Grill serves outstanding Pacific Coastal cuisine with reasonable prices, and a sleek, artful interior. Its lively bar/lounge trademark 700- bottle wine Treasure Chest is flanked by its stylish, yet unpretentious dining area filled with clever hints of whimsy.  Pacific Coast Grill’s popularity through the years has grown by letting “the concept speak for itself” through loyal patrons’ word of mouth. Locals and visitors praise their hip, fun, vibe and consistent quality of seafood, service and atmosphere.

Appetizers include their signature Shrimp Dumplings, Coco-Macadamia Nut Shrimp, Lobster Cakes , Crispy Cornmeal Calamari, and Ahi Tartare. A sampling of their delicious seafood entrees include Lobster Tacos, Pan Seared Sea Bass, Ancho Chile Crusted Ahi, Char-Grilled Wild Salmon and their special Balsamic-Ginger Mahi that comes with a sesame sticky rice, spicy pineapple sauce and chive oil.

Pacific Coast Grill is located at 437 S. Highway 101 in the heart of Solana Beach. They are open 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM Sunday through Thursday and 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM Friday and Saturday.  Their menu offers lunch and dinner selections of inspired and award-winning Pacific Coastal cuisine. Happy Hour is served nightly between 4 PM and 7 PM. Reservations can be made by calling (858) 794-4632 or visit www.pacificcoastgrill.com.

Buca di Beppo: Great Food For Any Occasion

Buca di Beppo gets to the heart of fresh Italian cooking with classics like Lasagna, Fettuccine Alfredo or Spaghetti with their famous half-pound Meatballs. They also feature new favorites like Penne San Remo, Chicken Carbonara and Prosciutto Stuffed Chicken.

Buca serves family-style food in two portion sizes: Buca Small feeds up to three and Buca Large feeds an average-size country. Well, actually it feeds up to six.

Buca di Beppo is the perfect place for any occasion.  Whether hosting a special event, celebrating a team victory or honoring Mom on her Birthday, Buca di Beppo has a vibrant and vintage atmosphere making each celebration unique. Their outgoing staff and delicious food are sure to keep any celebration energetic and fun. It’s easy to keep the conversation flowing by admiring their walls that are covered with vintage family photos and candid shots of Italian-American icons such as Sophia Loren and Joe DiMaggio. You’ll also enjoy listening to the tunes of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin while sitting at a table with your family, friends or co-workers. So whatever you're celebrating, celebrate at Buca!

Visit www.bucadibeppo.com for hours, reservations and directions. Remember there’s Buca To Go available with convenient Curb Service at most locations.

SUN’S SUGGESTED SUMMERTIME POOLSIDE COCKTAIL

Recipe provided by Rocks Lounge at the Renaissance Marriott in Palm Springs, CA
(760) 322-6000

ORANGE VANILLA MOJITO

2 oz. Whaler’s Vanilla Rum

3 Fresh Orange slices

2 Fresh Lime wedges

6 Fresh mint leaves

1 Tbs. Simple sugar syrup

Muddle above ingredients. Pour mixture into shaker over rocks. Add splash of soda water. Shake and pour into cocktail glass. Garnish with a couple of fresh orange slices. Enjoy!

Customers Thrilled La Costa’s Original Flavor is Back at Mariah’s Westwind Restaurant

By: Andy Lee 

Mariah’s Westwind owners, Terry Boatwright and son, Mike Synodin, are full of smiles and overflowing with love for their customers. They’ve brought back the trademark home cooked meals that made them famous from 1975 to 1986 when they owned and operated Grand Central Deli in La Costa. 

Grand Central Deli was “the” deli and restaurant, located next to the La Costa Resort, when there weren’t many homes, life was less complicated, food was fresh and homemade, and great service was the standard. Grand Central had all that and much more, and expectations were high. The customers were locals from all walks of life; but many of the frequent guests were the rich and famous. Some of the clientele were guests from the La Costa Resort next door; others were there due to the reputation Grand Central had gained by word of mouth. Famous guests included Burt Lancaster, Florence Henderson, Leslie Nielson, Clint Eastwood, Dustin Hoffman, Flip Wilson, Totie Fields, Alan Ladd, Coach John Robinson, Bobby Riggs, Seve Ballesteros, Rob Reiner, and Penny Marshall, to name a few. 

Terry says, one of the co-owners of the La Costa Resort, Irv Roston, took her under his wing because he wanted her to learn how to prepare Jewish-style deli cuisine. Roston sent her to some of the most famous delicatessens in Los Angeles, including Kay’s, Junior’s, Kaplan’s, and Nate and Al’s. She was also mentored by Chef Willie at the La Costa Resort, where he taught her how to slice belly lox and white fish.  

In 1986 Grand Central Deli (located at the corner of La Costa Ave. and El Camino Real) lost their lease. They opened A.T.C. (avocado, turkey, cheese) in Plaza Camino Real Mall where they flourished from 1988-1994. In 1994 they took over Mariah’s Westwind Restaurant on Elm Street (now Carlsbad Village Drive) and operated Mariah’s from 1994 to 2005. Mariah’s regular clientele list was long. People from Grand Central Deli followed her there. And now Mariah’s is back, and everyone from the rich and famous to the young and old are flocking once again to get that same wonderful food and loving, caring service!  

After just a few months, the large portions of delicious home cooked fare are overflowing once again at Mariah’s and so is the love! You can feel it, hear it, and taste it! Believe me, everyone’s talking about it! Terry, Mike and their staff are there to make you feel right at home. Eight of their original cooks and employees (for more than 20 years) are still working there. Terry says, “I value and cherish them all. We are a team.” 

Everything on the menu is delicious and their prices are surprisingly reasonable. They still roast their own meats, and their omelets are wonderful. You must try their corned beef eggs Benedict or their French toast with fresh strawberries. Check their ad in this issue for big discounts! 

Mariah’s Westwind Restaurant borders La Costa and San Marcos and is located just below San Elijo Hills east of Rancho Santa Fe Road, on the new Melrose Drive intersection at 1691 Melrose Drive, San Marcos. Call (760) 736-8108 or just stop in for a great meal.

San Diego Restaurant Week

September 19 - 24, Sunday through Friday

If cuisine is your thing, then San Diego Restaurant Week is the event for you. You’ll have the opportunity to dine at almost 200 of San Diego’s most exceptional restaurants and finest culinary talents. Each location will offer three-course prix fixe menus for only $20, $30 or $40 per person, depending on the restaurant.

These locations span the beaches from downtown North County to the South Bay. San Diego Restaurant Week offers diners and food enthusiasts the chance to discover new favorites and revisit old ones. No tickets or special passes are required; cuisine lovers just simply dine out during the week at any of the participating restaurants.

Reservations are recommended since over 100,000 people took advantage of the January 2010 event. Join us and find out why San Diego is quickly becoming one of the nation’s most popular culinary destinations! For more information and a complete list of participating eateries, please visit www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com or call (619) 233.5008.

Living is Easy at Tip Top Meats

John Haedrich, Owner of North County’s famous Tip Top Meats in Carlsbad, knows top quality and great taste when it comes to barbequing meat. Big John says, “The difference is quality and craftsmanship.”

Below is an easy barbeque sauce you can make yourself. Or, if you are in a hurry, stop into the only European butcher shop, delicatessen, and gourmet market in North County, and pick up your favorite cut of USDA prime or USDA choice meats, and buy some of their great ready-made barbeque sauces. They carry a wide variety of sauces at very reasonable prices including sauces by: Mrs. Shea’s, Dean’s Natural Grill, Stone Levitation Ale, Carlsbad Gourmet Strawberry BBQ Sauce, and Zatch Master’s Steak and BBQ Sauce.

And, speaking of reasonable prices, Tip Top offers Free Steak! That’s right, buy any (3) New York or Bacon Wrapped Fillet steaks and get one Free! It’s absolutely the best deal around! They also offer Free Hamburger meat! Buy 10 pounds of Hamburger meat and get one-pound Free!

Traditional Barbeque Sauce (Yields about 4 cups)
Ingredients
2 cups ketchup
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 tablespoons chili powder

Celebrating their 42nd Anniversary, Tip Top Meats is open 7 days a week from 6am to 8pm. Try one of their favorites: Sandwiches filled with 1/2 pound of meat; Big John Breakfast; and Big John Burger. It’s the place where North County “goes to meet, goes for meat, and goes to eat!” Shop and eat at Tip Top Meats located at 6118 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad CA 92011. Call (760) 438-2620.

Tip Top Meats is once again the Major Sponsor of the Encinitas October Festival. This is their 16th year providing the most wonderful, delicious and fulfilling sausage dinner plates. For only $8.50 Tip Top fills each plate with 3 huge Bratwurst, Knackwurst, and Polish sausages along with red cabbage, sauerkraut, potato salad and a roll. Come with a big appetite or share with a friend!

Simple Salads to Salad Bars

By Pam Penner 

Salad…ahhh, that cool refreshing crunch, the explosion of fresh vegetable flavors and textures, all perfectly coated with a crisp, tangy vinaigrette, or possibly a creamy, decadent cheese infused dressing. Salads can range from the simplest mixed greens, tossed together to cleanse the palate in preparation for a rich entrée, to the complete meal salad, which might include a protein such as hot grilled chicken, steak, salmon, shrimp or tofu.  Another salad, served with hot ingredients, is the spinach salad with a hot bacon dressing.  When the dressing is poured over the salad at the last minute, the heat slightly wilts the spinach leaves, changing the consistency to a savory, silken delight.

In coastal southern California, various lettuce choices include local, organically grown baby lettuces, spinach, or mache, also known as lamb’s lettuce.  Mache contains a third more iron than spinach and is a powerhouse of vitamins C and B-9, which help combat fatigue and stress.  Spicy arugula, another popular green, is from the mustard family and has a wonderful peppery flavor that gives salads a hot bite. Its sharpness can be cut by mixing with milder greens. Napa cabbage makes a wonderful base when shredded in Asian type salads.  Its softer, milder texture is a good alternative to traditional green or red cabbage.

Iceberg lettuce, frowned upon by serious foodies, remains the second most popular vegetable after potatoes.  It’s a retro favorite served as an icy wedge drenched with Blue Cheese dressing and possibly sprinkled with crisp, crumbled bacon. The next most commonly used lettuce is romaine. A sturdy lettuce with thick ribs and a slightly bitter herb taste, it is the basis for Caesar salad, which was created in the mid 1920s by Caesar Cardini, a Mexican-born Italian. He developed the Caesar salad recipe for his restaurant in Tijuana while he was living in San Diego.  Interestingly, anchovies, considered an essential ingredient in Caesar salad, were absent from Cardini’s original recipe.  In many upscale restaurants, Caesar salad is served table-side with dramatic flair.

Another famous salad is the Cobb salad.  Robert H. Cobb, owner of the trendy Los Angeles Brown Derby Restaurant, fixed a late night snack for Sid Grauman, operator of the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in 1937.  He finely chopped the lettuce, chives, tomatoes, crisp bacon, chicken breast, hard cooked eggs, avocado, and Roquefort cheese.  It soon became a favorite among his patrons and around the world.

Salad became popular in the United States in the late 19th Century and salad bars first appeared in the early 70s.  It was such a novel idea to have a customer put together his own salad that salad bars became a popular craze.  Typically, salads are low in calories and, therefore, have a healthy connotation.  However, it’s easy to get carried away at a salad bar where the choices are tantalizing and irresistible.  A tiny bit of each ingredient soon has your plate overflowing its capacity.  The next stop is choosing a dressing for your creation.  That can be daunting when the choices include Blue Cheese, French, Honey Dijon, Italian, Ranch, Thousand Island and several types of vinaigrettes.  Sometimes there are cruets of different oils and vinegars to create your own recipe.  For the grand finale there are condiments to garnish your salad, such as croutons, bacon bits, shredded cheese, sunflower seeds, and raisins.  The reward for all this creativity is to sit down and enjoy your masterpiece!

Hopefully, all this talk about salad has piqued your appetite and you will include one in your diet today.  Whether you like your salad in wedge form, chunky, or finely diced, all of that chop, chop, chop is definitely well worth the effort.

Boston’s Restaurant

Boston’s Restaurant and Sports Bar is a restaurant like no other offering incredible gourmet pizzas, pasta, as well as their wide assortment of unique salads.  Try one of their signature salads today!  The Mediterranean Salad is composed of mixed greens with Kalamata olives, sundried tomatoes and red onions tossed in Lemon Vinaigrette dressing and topped with Feta cheese and roasted bell peppers. Served with our parmesan flatbread. $8.79  The Spinach and Cranberry Starter Salad is refreshingly made with baby spinach, sliced mushrooms, red onions, dried cranberries, candied pecans and feta cheese.  All tossed in our citris cranberry vinaigrette. $5.29  The Greek Salad is prepared with chopped romaine, tomatoes, red onions, bellpeppers, cucumbers, and Kalamata olives tossed in greek with feta dressing.$9.29  Their Steak and Bleu Salad consists of fresh mixed greens tossed in bleu cheese dressing and topped with grilled flat iron steak, dried cranberries, pecans, smoked bacon, red onions, bleu cheese crumbles and tomatoes. $10.99  Mention this article and receive 20% off all salads!  Boston’s The Gourmet Pizza is located on 294 N. El Camino Real Encinitas, Ca 92024 Call (760) 753-6300 www.bostons.com.

Olive Garden

Olive Garden delights every guest with a genuine Italian dining experience. They serve fresh, simple, delicious Italian food, in a comfortable, home-like atmosphere. Olive Garden offers a great value with their unlimited salad, homemade soup and warm breadsticks. This lunch special costs $6.95 and after 4:00pm, $9.50. (with prices varying by market). Their signature Garden Salad ingredients include salad greens mix, fresh sliced tomatoes, black olives, peppperocini, red onion rings, signature house dressing, croutons all served on a chilled salad plate. *Note that a gluten free salad does not contain croutons. Other options include Caesar Salad and Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad.  Caesar Salad ingredients include romain lettuce, imported parmesan cheese, croutons all drizzled with their tasty Caesar dressing.  Grilled Chicken Caesar salad includes grilled chicken breast, romaine lettuce, imported parmesan cheese croutons, Caesar dressing, served in a chilled bowl. The Olive Garden Carlsbad is located at: Carlsbad 1884 Marron Road; Escondido 1107 W Valley Pkwy; Carmel Mountain 11555 Carmel Mountain Road. Call (760) 434-1016 or visit www.olivegarden.com.

Souplantation

Souplantation brings delicious and healthy dining to North County San Diego.  They offer a jaw dropping all-you-can-eat salad bar, complete with soup station, pasta station, hot baked bread and muffin station and dessert station.  You can always count on fresh, high-quality ingredients and daily made-from-scratch menu items! Encinitas:109 N. El Camino Real call 760 634 2500 or visit www.souplantation.com.  Vista:1860 University Dr. Rancho Bernardo:17210 Bernardo Center Dr. Carlsbad: 1860 Marron Rd.

ZIN

ZIN offers fine Italian cuisine in an inviting relaxing and sophisticated setting with a wide assortment of specialty salads.  Insalata Mista Novella comprises of organic mixed greens, extra virgin olive oil and raspberry vinaigrette. small $4 and large $6.  Insalata Dei Cesari is the classic Caesar salad. small $4 and large $6.  Insalata Toscana is prepared with organic mixed greens, balsamic dressing, grilled chicken, avocado, gorgonzola cheese and prosciutto $13.99.  Salads come with fresh baked basket of bread. Add chicken $4, shrimp $7 or grilled salmon $7. Carlsbad: 3263 Camino De Los Coches #105 (in Henry’s/Petco Los Coches Shopping Center) Call (760) 497-1525

Broken Yolk Café 

Broken Yolk Café has been serving San Diegans and hungry traveler’s comfort food since 1979.  They now have five locations that offer a large selection of home cooked breakfasts and lunches, including a wide variety of scrumptious salads.  Their Veggie Garden Salad includes crisp salad greens, tomatoes, artchoke and hearts, red kidney beans, red onions, red and green bell peppers and avocados served with balsamic vinaigrette. $8.99.  Very Berry Salad is created with mixed greens, goat cheese, caramelized walnuts and sliced strawberries served with a raspberry vinaigrette. $9.19.  Santa Fe Salad consists of iceberg lettuce, grilled chicken, black beans, white grilled corn, cotija and jack cheese, jicama, salsa fresca and avocado.  Topped with tortilla strips and served with creamy chipotle ranch dressing. $9.99.  La Costa: 7670 El Camino Real Call (760) 943-8182. New San Marcos location: 101 S. Las Posas Road (Nordstrom Rack Shopping Center) Call (760) 471-9655.

Carlsbad Ranch Market

Carlsbad Ranch Market has been offering locally grown produce, fresh squeezed orange juice, fresh Julian pies, home-baked breads and make their own salsa and guacamole.  Locals know Carlsbad Ranch Market for having one of the best hot and cold salad bars in North County.  Daily hot salad bar items include their famous cheese enchiladas, eggplant parmesan, and fresh green beans with garlic and parmesan.  They sell their hot and cold salad bar items by weight.  Clip their discount coupon on our Double Coupon pages.  Carlsbad Ranch Market is located at 6118 Paseo Del Norte Carlsbad, 92011. (Located next to Tip Top Meats). Call (760) 438-3202 or visit  www.carlsbadranchmarket.com

Enticing Entrees of North County

By Pam Penner

Not so long ago, residents of North County had to drive elsewhere for a special meal...maybe downtown to the Gaslamp District, Old Town, Little Italy, or into trendy La Jolla, for more exotic cuisine. Well it's no longer necessary. Let us guide you on a culinary journey that will please even the most discerning palate, and entice you to pick up the phone and book a reservation tonight.

In a scene from the movie Julie & Julia, Meryl Streep, playing the part of Julia Child, is in bed pouring over a copy of the acclaimed culinary encyclopedia, Larousse Gastronomique. We decided to go to that source and look up its definition of the term entrée; and what we found is quite interesting. The book says, "Although in French the word entree literally means ‘beginning,’ it does not in the culinary sense mean first course, as some people seem to believe. The entree is the course, which, in a full French menu, follows the releve (remove) or intermediate course which, in its turn, follows the fish (or whatever dish may be served in place of it). In other words, the entree is the third course."

So here we are...no starter, no soup or salad, just the main attraction! What are you in the mood for? A sumptuous "Maple Leaf Duck prepared Two Ways," in a port wine reduction, from Mille Fleurs in Rancho Santa Fe? Or "Turkey Mole Tamales,” from the new-to-Carlsbad Casa de Bandini? We've sampled the best of the best and have all the mouthwatering results right here.

We want to give a very special thanks to all the gracious restaurant owners, general managers, and chefs who welcomed us into their fine establishments to photograph and sample their delicious entrees. And to our readers: we hope you enjoy these entrée photos. It was a wonderful experience for us, and we hope you will be enticed to step out this holiday season and try them.

Bon Appetit!

Diane Power’s Casa de Bandini now in Carlsbad

Casa de Bandinis move north from Old Town after 25 years to the Forum in Carlsbad brings the same romantic essence of Old Mexico — reminiscent of the original location with lavish dining rooms, enchanted lighting and lush landscaping.

Once again, Casa de Bandini guests are dining under colorful umbrellas on beautiful outdoor patios and enjoying Bandini’s famous giant margaritas. Indoors, guests are enjoying cozy dining rooms, alive with fine Mexican folk art and hand-painted walls — capturing much of the flavor of its former location.

At The Forum, Powers’ flair and style once again enhances the charm of Mexican décor that contributed to Bandini’s original Old Town success. Back are comfortable equipale chairs and hand-wrought iron railing and gates; the colorful, hand-woven Zapotec fabric covers; and a charming hand-carved stone fountain framed by a large Talavara-tiled pool. The addition of Powers’ antique cantina cabinet from the early 1900s and stained glass doors — reclaimed from the former Casa de Bandini — complete the effect.

Using the freshest ingredients and a multitude of sauces to make the unforgettable authentic regional cuisine, Casa de Bandini’s menu showcases past favorites as well as innovative new entrees, celebrated seafood dishes, several healthy choice options, a children’s menu and, of course, the same frothy, frosty, giant margaritas that have become a staple at each of Powers’ restaurants — Casa de Pico in La Mesa and Casa Guadalajara in Old Town.

This holiday season, you won’t want to miss their famous traditional turkey mole tamales. And, on the way back from their tortilla and salsa bar you may want to follow up with a giant Cadillac Margarita.

For more information about catering or private and/or group reservations call (760) 634-3443 or visit www.casadebandini.com. Casa de Bandini is open daily Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is located at 1901 Calle Barcelona Carlsbad, Calif. 92009.

Mmm...Mmm...Good! Souper Signature Soup Selections of North County

By: Bridget Smith and our Soup Correspondents

Baby it’s cold outside, but not too cold. You’re hungry, and want something tasty, nutritious and hot, but you don’t want to fire up the stove, or get in the car and drive too far. We put together a select group of fastidious soup sippers, and came up with our very own hot list of delicious soups that we’d like to share with you!

First we asked our friends what their favorite soup spots were and then added some of our own. In spite of our best efforts, we may have overlooked some of your favorite soup spots, and some places just didn’t get back to us after multiple phone messages. Let us hear from you so that we can include them in a follow-up article. Email the name of the restaurant, location, and the name of their signature soup to info@HotinNorthCounty.com. Please title your email “Hot Soup.”

Many North County restaurants serve their special signature soups; some offer a menu of customer favorites; and others present a fresh take on classic soups that feature local produce or the catch of the day. A cup of soup is a delightful way to start your meal, or it can be the main entrée. If you’re watching your wallet, a bowl of hearty soup is a healthy and affordable option for lunch or dinner, especially when accompanied by a fresh crispy salad and some piping hot bread.

As our North County Soup tasting adventure has shown us, soups can be prepared in a multitude of ways. Traditionally, soups are classified as clear soups and thick soups. Clear soups usually have a broth base and include bouillon or consommé. Thick soups are classified by their thickening agent. Purèes are vegetable soups thickened with starch; bisques are traditionally made from pureed shellfish and thickened with cream. Cream based pureed vegetable soups are sometimes referred to as bisques. Cream soups are thickened with béchamel sauce. Veloutès are thickened with eggs, butter and cream. Other thickening agents are rice, flour, and grain. Thai-inspired soup can take the form of a creamy bisque or a rich broth based soup.

North County has a wide variety of local restaurants where you can experience a bit of the culture and try the different soups from many countries. So take a friend out to lunch or dinner and treat yourselves to one of the scrumptious soups profiled in this article. Happy soup sipping!

Argyle Steakhouse and Clubhouse Debut New Design

Design by a Beverly Hills Interior Design Firm

The Aviara Golf Clubhouse and The Argyle Steakhouse at the Four Seasons Resort Aviara have just unveiled an exciting re-design, inspired in part by their unique locale beside the tidal wetlands of the Batiquitos Lagoon. The interior has been revitalized to reflect a "California Coastal" impression, according to Beverly Hills interior design firm Cheryl Rowley Design.

The new space boasts a modern and elegant ambiance. Creamy white wainscoting is paired with deep walnut and mahogany wood finishes as backdrop to the fresh update. A neutral palette of fabrics in rich textures, with accents of celadon and teal tones, add brightness. Graphic patterns and contemporary finishes complete the look.

"The Argyle Steakhouse, which opened last year, has already been a tremendous success with resort guests and locals alike," says Robert Cima, Regional Vice President and General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Aviara. "The final touch on this gem is this beautiful redesign. The contemporary steakhouse menu, intuitive service and new décor all combine to create a truly memorable dining experience."

For more information on the Argyle's breakfast, lunch and dinner options, please call (760) 603-6908. The Four Seasons Resort Aviara is at 7100 Four Seasons Point, Carlsbad, CA 92011. Visit www.fourseasons.com/aviara.

North County Dining Guide

Coffee and Breakfast

 A Little Moore Coffee Shop

1030 N. Coast Hwy 101, Leucadia, CA 92024 (760) 753-8228

Al's Café in the Village

795 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, CA (760) 729-5448

Bruegger's Bagels

7680 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92009 (760) 632-1432

Carlsbad Danish Bakery

2805 Roosevelt St., Carlsbad, CA 92009 (760) 729-6186

Café Elysa

3076 Carlsbad Blvd. Carlsbad, CA 92009 (760) 434-4100

Carlsbad Danish Bakery

2805 Roosevelt St., Carlsbad, CA 92009  (760) 729-6186

Carlsbad French Pastry Café

1005 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad. CA 92009 (760) 729-2241

Cocos Café

407 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas, CA 92024 (760)436-6023

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

2508 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92009 (760) 720-1381

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

1935 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad, CA 92009 (760) 634-3268

E Street Café

128/130 W. E Street, Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 944-1107

Expo Café

1550 Leucadia Blvd., Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 632-0919

Garden State Bagels

5620 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92009 (760) 804-1800

Garden State Bagels

191 N. El Camino, Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 942-2435

Jammers Java

218 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 943-6272

Ki's Juice and Restaurant

2591 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 436-5236

La Costa Coffee Roasting

2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92009 (760) 434-3233

La Costa Coffee Roasting

6965 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92009 (760) 438-8160

Leucadia Donut Shop

1604 N. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 942-8981

Marie Callendar's

5980 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad, CA 92011 (760)434-3929

Mozy Café

696 N. Coast Hwy 101, Leucadia, CA 92024 (760) 695-9082

Noa's Bakery

5671 Palmer Way, Carlsbad, CA 92009 (760) 804-9966

Original Pancake House

944 Melrose Dr. Vista, CA (760) 758-3441

Pannikin Coffee and Tea

510 N. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 436-0033

Pipes Café

121 Liverpool Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024  (760) 632-0056

Potato Shack Café

120 W. I Street, Encinitas, CA 92024 (760)436-1282

Pronto's Gourmet Market

2812 Roosevelt St., Carlsbad, CA 92009 (760) 434-2644

Santa Fe Café

445 Santa Fe Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024  (760) 436-0646

St. Germain's Café

1010 S.Coast Hwy, Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 753-5411

Seattle's Best Coffee

1905 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad, CA 92009 (760) 436-9623

Starbucks

2924 Carlsbad Blvd. Carlsbad, CA 92009 (760) 434-0866

Starbucks

5620 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92009 (760) 804-9355

Starbucks

7680 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92009 (760) 943-8004

Starbucks

2560 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92009 (760) 729-2771

Starbucks

6951 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92009 (760) 431-0157

Starbucks

947 S. Coast Hwy, Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 318-1575

Swami's Café

1163 S. Coast Hwy, Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 944-0612

Swami's Café

1163 S. Coast Hwy, Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 944-0612

The 101 Diner

552 S. Coast Hwy, Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 753-2123

Top of the Bagel

2540 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92009 (760) 729-4647

Top of the Bagel

6955 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92009 (760) 930-0227

Vinaka Café

300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92009 (760) 720-7890

V.G Donut & Bakery

106 Aberdeen Drive Cardiff, Carlsbad, CA 92009 (760) 753-2400

American and Deli

Chicken Pie Diner & Filling Station

Marie Callendar's

5980 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad, CA 92011 (760)434-3929

Pipes Café

121 Liverpool Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024  (760) 632-0056

Potato Shack Café

120 W. I Street, Encinitas, CA 92024 (760)436-1282

Pronto's Gourmet Market

2812 Roosevelt St., Carlsbad, CA 92009 (760) 434-2644

Tip Top Meats

Hogg's Barbeque

Sushi

Akita Japanese Restaurant

330 W Felicita Av Escondido, CA (760) 746-4131

Benihana

755 Raintree Dr. Carlsbad, CA 92011 (760) 929-8311

Hana Japanese Restaurant

2415 Vista Way, Oceanside, CA (760) 439-3283

Izumi Restaurant

12245 Poway Rd., Poway, CA (858) 391-3080

Japan House

12205 Scripps Poway Pkwy, Poway, CA (858) 549-1818

Leucadia Sushi

996 N. Coast Hwy, Leucadia, CA (760) 635-9312

Sushi House

214 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 633-1088

Sushi on the Rock

1923 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad, CA 92009 (760) 436-6261

Teri Café

2249 El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA (760) 722-8399

Surf and Turf

Blue Fire Grill-La Costa Resort

2100 Costa Del Mar Rd, Carlsbad, CA (760) 929-6306

Fish House Veracruz

360 Via Vera Cruz, San Marcos, CA (760) 744-8000

Meritage

897 South Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 634-3350

Savory

267 El Camino Real, Encinitas, Ca 92024 (760) 634-5556

Red Tracton's

550 Via de la Valle, Solana Beach, CA  (858) 755-6600

Red Lobster

2685 Vista Way, Oceanside, CA (760) 433-5623

Tommy V's Steak and Seafood

7670 El Camino Real, Carlsbad CA (760) 943-8182

Charlie's By The Sea

2526 S. Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff, CA 92024 (760) 942-1300

Charthouse

2588 S. Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff, CA 92024 (760) 436-4044

West Steak Seafood and Spirits

4980 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad, CA 92011 (760) 930-9100

Italian

Fresco

264 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008 (760) 720-3737

Fresco

3263 Camino De Los Coches, Carlsbad, CA 92009 (760) 479-1525

Giovanni's Italian

764 S. Coast Hwy, Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 943-8620

Il Fornaio

1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA (858) 755-8876

Jay's Gourmet

218 N. El Camino, Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 634-5297

Leucadia Pizza

315 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 942-2222

Pino's

967 S. Coast Hwy, Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 632-1901

Pizza Factory

1910 Shadow Ridge Dr., Vista, CA (760) 598-9821

Vigilucci's

3878 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92008 (760) 434-2580

When in Rome

1108 S. Coast Hwy, Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 944-1771

Mexican

Acapulco

1020 San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, CA 92078 (760) 471-2150

Albertos Mexican Food

1920 Oceanside Blvd, CA  (760) 439-9556

Albertos Mexican Food

13095 Poway Rd., Poway, CA (858) 486-1766

Alejandro's Mexican Food

2952 Harding, Carlsbad, CA 92008 (760) 434-3908

Charo Chicken

7680 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92009 (760) 479-0444

Chipotle

2611 Vista Way Oceanside, CA (760) 721-6904

El Pollo Loco

7120 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad, CA 92011 (760) 431-0770

El Torito

1068 North El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 479-0003

El Torito

2693 Vista Way, Oceanside, CA (760) 439-5407

El Torito

16375 Bernardo Center Drive, Rancho Bernardo, CA (858) 485-1905

En Fuego Cantina

1342 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA (858) 792-6551

Epazotes

1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA (858) 259-9966

Fidel's

3003 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad, CA 92008 (760) 729-0903

La Especial Norte

664 N. Coast Hwy, Encinitas, CA, 92024 (760) 942-1040

La Playa Cantina

1020 West San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, CA 92078 (760) 744-7550

Las Olas

2939 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92008 (760) 434-5850

Rubio's

5620 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA, 92008 (760) 804-9404