Carlsbad Real Estate News and Views

Encinitas restaurant Le Papagayo remains at the top of our list of favorite places to dine along the coast. The atmosphere is always friendly, lively and comfortable and a reminder of dining in the islands - a-come-in-your-shorts-and-flip-flops type of place, and the food is varied and presented well. Yes, the trains roar by on the other side of the Coast Road now and then, but for a casual, fun place with great prices, a respectable wine list, and a colorful interior (lots of original artwork), Le Papagayo is well worth a visit.

Read a recent review in the North County Voice on Le Papagayo

Owner Francois Patanchon, who hails from the Bordeaux region of France, is charming, and goes out of his way to make sure customers, whether new or old friends, are well taken care of. I don't think I have even been there and not seen him greeting friends, checking on people's experiences, or just stopping by to chat about what is going on with his enlarged outdoor dining area where the liquor license is still, unfortunately pending (as he did last night).

But have no fear, you can wine and dine in the main dining room or at the bar where the music plays, on their outside deck to watch the activity on the Coast Road, or in the "Blue Room" a few steps down from the main dining area.

The music varies throughout the week (see the Le Papagayo website for the music schedule, although I find it can change from what's listed from time to time) - Flamenco Nova on alternating Thursdays is a favorite.

Le Papagayo can get a bit noisy, depending on who is playing and the crowd (it was jammed last night) so I suggest dinner earlier, say 6, so you can enjoy talking before the music starts when chatting becomes more difficult, at least in the main dining area.

It's not bad idea to make reservations, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights, and especially in the summer when it is the most crowded. If you have to wait, you can hang around outside or pop into the Andrews Gallery next door.

 Some other great reasons to checking out this terrific Encinitas Restaurant Le Papagayo - Cuban Night (Thursdays), Happy Hour, Happy Hour all night Tuesdays, outdoor dining, brunch on the weekends...

Le Papagayo is located at 1002 N. Coast Highway 101 in Leucadia (Encinitas) on the west side of the road between Leucadia Blvd. and La Costa Avenue (760) 944-8252

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If I can provide more information about Encinitas real estate and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Breakfast, and especially brunch, is a popular activity it seems, especially on the weekends

 The Broken Yolk Café adjacent to the Starbucks in South Carlsbad is a popular gathering place for foodies on the weekend. There is both indoor and outdoor dining, and an extensive breakfast and lunch menu with just about everything you could want (carbs, protein, vegetarian).

Starbucks remains a popular gathering spot, but let's face it, their breakfast and brunch offerings are pretty limited, so if a good sized meal is on your plate for the day, The Broken Yolk way be just the ticket.

Don't be surprised if you have to wait. The place is popular, and despite being a decent size you may find yourself waiting for 10-15 minutes, especially on Saturday and Sunday mornings. The food is decent - not great, IMO (you can read some reviews on Yelp) - but it will fill you up at a price I think many will feel is a respectable value. Our service the day we were there was friendly, prompt and efficient - hopefully that is true in general but I have no information on that. 

If you know the Albertson's Shopping Center at the corned of El Camino Real and La Costa Avenue in Carlsbad, you know The Broken Yolk Cafe is not a quaint, charming eatery on a quiet tree-lined street. But then that's not why you're there, right? Check out the street view on Google Maps.

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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

As a confirmed foodie, dining out and find new places to enjoy is a favorite pastime.

Despite living in Carlsbad, with a terrific list of eateries to experience, I often venture beyond the Carlsbad boundaries, either by invitation or because of things I have heard.  I am learning more and more about some wonderful dining places in San Marcos, and after a 3^rd visit to one, decided to share the secret. You may already be a devotee.

First off, San Marcos has an area called Restaurant Row on the north side of San Marcos Boulevard midway between Rancho Santa Fe Road and the 78. Restaurant Row, as you can imagine, is a collection of perhaps 18 eateries (I don't know the exact number but once I have tried them all I'll let you in on the tally). Here's a summary site about Restaurant Row.

Our wonderful neighbors introduced us to dinner at the Market Street Café at Restaurant Row in San Marcos and a second visit for dinner confirmed this was a place we will continue dining at. Their ½ price wine night (50% for full bottles) is a terrific deal on Tuesdays, and coupled with a diverse menu, pleasant dining atmosphere, and prompt and friendly service, are just some of the reasons I think this place is popular. They also have a terrific French bakery loaded with goodies...my weakness...and with a choice of indoor and outdoor (with firepits and heat lamps as needed) dining, you can't go wrong.

After hours of showing property to some out of town buyers yesterday it was time for a short meal to discuss a possible offer. The Market Street Café was close by so I decided to introduce my buyers, who may be moving here, to this neat place and Restaurant Row in general. They were pleasantly surprised with the charm and the food, and lunch outdoors was a rewarding experience. My chicken and mushroom quiche served with a small side salad was excellent. Choices include salads, soup, pastas, paninis, hot sandwiches and several types of quiche. And of course there is their marvelous dessert counter.

Market Street Café is located at 1080 West San Marcos Boulevard, Suite 104 and can be reached at (760) 471-7646. You can read more and learn about their extensive menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner at Market Street Café.

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If I can provide more information about San Marcos, Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Folks who know me, and those who have chanced upon my blog, know that I am a dedicated foodie (there is no doubt after seeing this pic I suppose). I really appreciate good food, enjoy finding new places to eat, and love to share what I find with others.

As you can see, eating good seafood can be a real hands-on affair. Some of the best seafood is eaten in casual surroundings with the fingers, a bunch of utensils, a pile of paper towels, and good wine (or beer).

I wrote about Auggie's House of Crab in Leucadia before so you can read more about it there, and enjoy some photos and a slide show. This was a serious dinner (the "big feast for two" - and yes, I shared it) which arrived in a gigantic bowl and was emptied on the paper on the table.

Snow crab, Alaska king crab legs, mussels, clams, head-on shrimp, corn on the cob, andouille sausage and red skins - what a feast. Terrific seasonings, great flavor, and every bite gone. A true compliment to any chef.

Auggie's is celebrating their 1 year anniversary and YOU get to celebrate too. It's happy hour all day every day (as you can see in the photo) with some great special prices and good house wine for only $3 a glass. The celebration lasts until New Year's Day 2009. Stop on by and enjoy. Tell Auggie I sent you - he'll appreciate it, and you will as well.

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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

I discovered another Encinitas restaurant over the weekend.

Perhaps discover is not quite correct. It is not a new restaurant, I just hadn't been there. Now that I have, I'd recommend you check it out some time if you are in the Encinitas/Carlsbad area.

Robbie's Roadhouse is on the coast highway (historic Route 101) in Encinitas between Encinitas and Leucadia Boulevards in the west side of the road. Robbie's Roadhouse is part of the Vigilucci's Restaurant Group, with locations in Carlsbad (downtown and on the Coast Road at Tamarack), Encinitas (downtown), Oceanside, La Jolla (in the village on Prospect Street) and soon to be in Coronado downtown. Each restaurant has a different feel, menu and ambiance.

After helping my wife (Something Old Linens and Vadiar Designs) and good friend Nancy Bahr Kelly (N. Bahr Designs) take down their booth at the Olivenhain Crafts Fair on Sunday, we got together with some other friends at Robbie's. It was a bit chilly so we opted to dine inside (outside dining is available with the usual heat lamps you find at every outdoor Southern California restaurant).

This casual, friendly tavern has a large bar area for folks to take in the sports scene on one of several large-screen TVs (not blaring, fortunately), an eclectic reasonably-priced menu with plenty of seafood, beef and burgers, appetizers and salads, and a respectable and extensive wine list ranging in price from $21 to $110 (as you would expect there are a good number of Italian reds and whites to choose from).

Robbie's is the kind of comfortable place you can drop in for lunch, dinner or brunch (Champagne brunch on Sunday's from 9 - 2), on a whim, after the beach or whenever. It can get crowded on weekends especially in the summer and reservations can be a good idea. Worth a visit.

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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

 Carlsbad has no lack of good restaurants to enjoy, with a wide range of food styles, prices, and atmospheres, from high end at the Four Seasons in Aviara, to casual. Being a coastal town, enjoying ocean views while dining is desired by many, and a number of Carlsbad restaurants offer that opportunity.

Dini's Bistro has been a Carlsbad landmark for 21 years, and a popular one at that. Dini's is located right on the Coast Highway/Carlsbad Boulevard (historic Route 101 - you can take a video road trip here) at the Tamarack Beach Resort, just a couple of blocks south of the main part of Carlsbad Village. Dini's offers a casual, fun, lively atmosphere to appreciate an eclectic menu, watch people walk or ride their bikes along the coastal road, and enjoy terrific ocean views and sunsets. 

Lunch, dinner and brunch are served (we enjoyed brunch yesterday on the enclosed patio, with champagne for only a $1.00 - what a deal. The weather was gray but being by the ocean is always a pleasure) with special sunset dinners served from 4:30 until 7 pm, and they have a reasonably priced and diverse wine list.

The patio adjacent to the bar at Dini's Bistro is especially popular at Happy Hour with crowds gathered to enjoy the setting sun and watch the cars and crowds go by on the coast road. It's worth a visit to enjoy a glass of wine, beer or a drink.

If you are visiting or live in the area, Dini's Bistro is worth a visit to soak up some of the beach atmosphere that is so much a part of Carlsbad Village.

Dini's Bistro

3290 Carlsbad Boulevard

Carlsbad, CA  92008

(760) 434-6000

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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Another foodie alert for Encinitas.

When I am up for pizza, Domino's and similar places just don't cut it for me. I'm spoiled I guess.

The Sammy's Woodfired Pizza chain is good, but for something local to South Carlsbad and for folks in Encinitas, head to the Tuscan Sun Italian Deli and Pizzeria.

The Tuscan Sun Italian Deli and Pizzeria is located in a shopping center, as many restaurants are in Southern California.

That doesn't mean they aren't worth a visit, although the image of malls and dining conjures up the classic food court. Yuck.

The Tuscan Sun Italian Deli and Pizzeria can be found at the Encinitas Ranch Town Center off El Camino (which, BTW, has a large selection of stores, including larger retailers like Ross Dress for Less, Best Buy, Office Depot, Target, and is across the road from the Home Depot) and offers both take-out and eat in (the place is tiny - with room for maybe 8 inside and several tables outside on the patio - the view of the parking lot is, well, not very exciting).

There is a wide range of offerings - the freshly made Gourmet pizzas are my favorite (the Red Sun has artichoke, marinated mushrooms, roasted red peppers and fontina and mozzarella cheese), with a series of specialties or you can, of course, create your own masterpiece.

They offer several different types of salads (the Caprese, the classic basil, tomato, mozzarella cheese and olive oil, is great - add some roasted red peppers to spice it up).

Terrific Panini sandwiches (2 sizes, from $5.25 to $9.00) and sub rolls, too - enjoy their creations or make your own.

Tuscan Sun Italian Deli and Pizzeria

(760) 633-4546

1070 N El Camino Real, Encinitas

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If I can provide more information about Leucadia, Encinitas, Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360
or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

The Fish House Vera Cruz in Carlsbad (there’s one in San Marcos and in Temecula, too) has a great reputation for fresh seafood, simply prepared, as well as large portions (many of the dinners come with 2 choices of side dishes, more than most folks can eat).

This family style restaurant is a no frills/come-as-you-are kind of place, but residents and visitors alike love it. You can expect to wait on the weekends, and summer time, as you would expect, is the busiest. It’s a great lunch spot too.

Just a couple of blocks from the beach in downtown Carlsbad Village, Fish House Vera Cruz has a huge menu with a wide selection of fresh fish everyday (it changes daily). There are other selections, too, for non-fish eaters.

But Fish House Vera Cruz also has a fabulous fish counter for those who want the best to cook at home on the grill.

Sure the big stores like VONS, Albertsons, Jimbo’s, and Stater Bros. have fish counters, but NOTHING to compare to this.

There are usually at least 20 different fish choices, some of which you NEVER see in the big chain stores – how about Ono? Thresher shark (it’s excellent for grilling)? Cobia? When do you see Orange Roughy in the chain stores?

The prices are good from what I have seen, and the fish quality is excellent – some of the fish at the “big guys” can look kinda tired and unappealing, and pricey.

But that’s the opinion of a seafood snob.

My recommendation?

For the best fresh seafood around in Carlsbad, Fish House Vera Cruz gets my vote, and my money. Plus I prefer that someone else catch my dinner.

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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360
or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits