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Find a Real Gem in Ruby’s Diner

May 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment

If you’re looking for a quirky 50’s style diner that’s chock full of distractions, Ruby’s will do you right. This chain has several branches in Southern California, each crammed full of tchotchkes and kitsch to keep even the most attention-deficit diner busy. The food is traditional American diner fare, spiced up with a few interesting ingredients. It’s prepared and served competently—there’s no “must-eat” dishes on the menu, but there’s also nothing that should be avoided. Burgers are grilled to order and come on excellent buns with quality toppings. Their breakfast has a better rep than lunch or dinner, with a cinnamon French toast winning praise from regulars. Be aware, this is a “family-friendly” restaurant, so if you have a low tolerance for sugar-addled children sucking down the excellent milkshakes, you might want to pack earplugs or a tranquilizer gun.

Ruby’s Diner
5630 Paseo Del Norte #130D
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 931-7829
www.rubys.com

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Pizza Port: Set Sail For Great Pizza

March 21, 2012 By Leave a Comment

In 1987, the Marsaglia siblings bought a struggling pizzeria in Solana Beach. A few years later, Vince Marsaglia started using the excess storage space in the basement to experiment with homebrewing. When friends and family sampled his excellent beers, they urged him to convert the pizzeria into a brewpub. In 1992, Pizza Port started offering craft beers along with their pies, and a local legend was born. By 2009, they were winning huge numbers of awards at the Great American Beer Festival and the Carlsbad location was named “Large Brewpub Of The Year.” Their range of beers can satisfy any thirst, from the smooth Carlsbad Cream Ale to the hoppy Port Pale Ale. The food is equally as good, with a range of pizzas available as well as seriously excellent hot wings. The atmosphere is vibrant and friendly, although the place can get a little loud as brews and pies go down.

Pizza Port          
571 Carlsbad Village
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 720-7007
/www.pizzaport.com

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Nozomi: Impressive Asian Fusion

February 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment

This incredibly impressive Japanese fusion restaurant will wow you from the minute you walk in the door. Split into three distinct floors, the décor is spectacular, with a waterfall/turtle pond, relaxing Zen décor, and remarkably urbane interior design. Thankfully, Nozomi isn’t just a one-trick pony—the service and the food is just as good. The sushi is probably the biggest reason to go; all of the standards are well-represented, but the big draws are the uniquely Americanized creations like the delicious hula roll, prepared with shrimp tempura and spicy tuna to deliver an amazing combination of taste and texture. Other exceptional rolls include the Twister and the Bomb Dynamite. In addition to the rolls and nigiri, the kitchen also produces a variety of interesting small plates like sautéed edamame and panko-breaded deep-fried oysters. Service is attentive and well-informed, and prices are fairly reasonable for the quality of food you’re getting.

Nozomi
3050 Pio Pico Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 729-7877
www.nozomicarlsbad.com

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Cocinas del Charro: A Mexican Food Fiesta

January 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Starting out as a three-table roadside stand in Escondidio, Cocinas del Charro has grown into one of the best Mexican restaurants in the region with two locations in the area. Using a simple combination of high-quality ingredients and great family recipes, the food is dependably delicious from start to finish. Begin your evening with a strong, tasty margarita—these delectable drinks will sneak up on you!—and continue with an appetizer of delectable ceviche tostadas, or a piled high plate of nachos. For entrees, you won’t find much off the beaten path here, but they execute the usuals with great finesse. Regulars rave about the cochinita pibil, a delicious Mayan marinated pork that’s roasted to a perfect tenderness. The “surf and turf” is fantastic as well, pairing delectable carne asada with tequila lime shrimp. The pozole is also amazing, robust and bursting with flavor and authentically spicy. Desserts are also well received, with fried ice cream as a standout. Make sure to visit for Sunday Brunch as well—you'll find a gigantic feast of American and Mexican dishes, a bountiful omelet station, unlimited champagne, and more. Service is great, with attentive, friendly waiters always on duty.

Cocinas del Charro
www.cocinadelcharro.com

525 North Quince
Escondido, CA 92025
(760) 745-6701

1020 W San Marcos Boulevard
San Marcos, CA 92078
(760) 471-6644
 

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Restaurant Reviews Are On The Way…

September 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Check back for full reviews of the best places to eat in your area. Thanks!

Filed Under: Dining