Succulent Café
Go Green
Fresh Pick!
Oceanside has a new secret gem, the Succulent Café. Peter Loyola serves up espressos, sandwiches, and freshly baked pastries from his coffee cart, surrounded by an enchanted garden and his stunning plant-based artwork. Succulents spill from wall art, painted planter boxes, window frames, and more. Find it next to the Apotheque Spa on Cleveland Avenue, just north of the train station.
Now Open
Tavern on the Green
Overlooking the polo fields, James Limjoco brings Sublime Tavern to Del Mar, filling the musical chairs space formerly occupied by Tommy V’s and Pasquale. The rustic eatery offers gourmet comfort food, savory seafood dishes, and 55 craft beers on tap. Stay, please?
Studebaker is Back
Chef Ryan Studebaker has landed back in North County, after some time with Brian Malarkey in La Mesa at Gingham and a stint downtown. Wisely, chef Matt Gordon has plucked the young talent to helm Solace & The Moonlight Lounge, while Gordon focuses on Del Mar’s Sea & Smoke.
SCENE
Please be Seated…
The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe’s $12 million renovation ushers in a superlative al fresco dining scene this summer with a seasonal menu by executive chef Todd Allison and his new sidekick, Brian Black. A major culinary score for North County, Black is a James Boyce alum from the Studio at Montage Laguna Beach, and a Michael Mina protégé.
MARKETS
From Peru, With Love
Our favorite ceviche spot, Del Mar’s Café Secret, has launched Secret Pantry, a gourmet Peruvian market, just two blocks south of the café. Owner Daniella Basagoitia will share the flavors of her childhood, like homemade tamales and sauces, infused olive oils, Peruvian chiles, South American fruit pulps (guanabana, anyone?) Peruvian corns, homemade jams, dulce de leche, and marzipan confections.
Sunset Grilling
Dedicated barbecuers should check out Sheraton Carlsbad’s “Sunset Grilling with the Masters.” Running from late June to mid-August, the series kicks off with Stone Brewing Co.’s chef Alex Carballo, followed by Amanda Baumgarten from Herringbone and Mario Moser from Flying Pig Pub + Kitchen.