Carlsbad Real Estate News and Views

Here's the REAL scoop on living in Carlsbad ~ beaches, things to do, places to eat, community events, and of course neighborhoods, homes and the Carlsbad real estate market in general, including surrounding communities like Encinitas, Cardiff, San Marcos, Oceanside, Solana Beach and Del Mar.

Little Italy Restaurants - Trattoria Fantastica in San Diego's Little Italy

Little Italy Restaurants - Trattoria Fantastica in San Diego's Little Italy

Little Italy in San Diego CA 

I love visiting San Diego's Little Italy, and of the Little Italy restaurants Trattoria Fantastica is one of my favorites. We had dinner there last night on the patio, as the weather was gorgeous, while we watched the world go by. 

Little Italy is a busy place on the weekend and the streets and sidewalks were crowded with people out shopping and heading for their favorite places to eat. Filippi's Pizza Grotto had the usual line way out the door and every place seemed crowded with diners waiting to get in.

 

Trattoria Fantastica in Little Italy in San Diego CA

Trattoria Fantastica has a very comfortable feel, with great fresh pasta and seafood dishes, including classic Italian preparations, and their popular wood-fired pizzas. It gets crowded, and noisy, so being outside is much more conducive to dining conversation and people watching.

My son-in-law giving a thumbs up to his dinner at Trattoria Fantastica My lobster ravioli at Trattoria Fantastica in Little Italy San Diego CA

They have a fabulous desert counter at Trattoria Fantastica, with pastries, gelato, cannolis, and other baked goods. It's much more fun to peruse the wall of desserts to pick out something to have, and something to take home, than to gaze on a menu, in my opinion.

Salmon dish at Trattoria Fantastica in Little Italy San Diego Caprese Salad at Trattoria Fantastica in LIttle Italy

Trattoria Fantastica is a fun place to dine, with good food and service, right next to the beloved Little Italy sign over the street. Be aware that they don't take reservations on weekends except for parties of 5 or larger. Trattoria Fantastica is a terrific place for brunch on the weekends, too.

Trattoria Fantastica 

1735 India Street

San Diego, CA 

(619) 234-1735

 

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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad homes and real estate for sale and surrounding areas, the housing market in general (or locally), or otherwise assist you, friends or family in a home search or sale, please contact my mobile office or text me at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JeffDowlerSolutions@gmail.com

Serving Carlsbad (including Aviara, La Costa & Carlsbad Village),  Encinitas (including Leucadia & Olivenhain), Cardiff, Solana Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos (including San Elijo Hills), Oceanside, Carmel Valley, Escondido, and San Diego

Carlsbad Breaking News ~ Oceanside Breaking News ~ Encinitas Breaking News

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10 comments • Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Homes for Sale ~ 760-840-1360 • July 03 2011 09:17PM

Cardiff CA Restaurants - The Chart House on the Ocean at Restaurant Row in Cardiff-by-the-Sea CA

The Chart House Restaurant on the Ocean at Restaurant Row in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

 The Chart House Restaurant in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA

Those in search of a good restaurant to enjoy waterfront dining won't be disappointed at The Chart House in Cardiff, at Restaurant Row on the Coast Road/Route 101 at Cardiff State Beach. 

Yes, The Chart House is a chain restaurant, with a number of locations in coastal areas on both coasts. The one in Cardiff-by-the-Sea CA is directly on the ocean, with waves crashing just a few yards from the dining room, offering spectacular views of the surfers, pelicans cruising by, and sunsets. 

The Chart House Restaurant in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA

The Chart House menu is primarily seafood as one would hope for but there are other options as well. The bar and just about every table offers a view through the wall of windows. You can request a window seat but cannot reserve them in advance. 

Food at the Chart House was quite good, and the service was friendly and efficient. In fact, I would say it was too efficient, feeling a bit rushed. I'm sure you can ask to slow things down, or not order right away, but it felt a bit hurried. 

My seared ahi tuna was wonderful, as was the stuffed flounder enjoyed by my wife. Being the chocoholic I am, I ordered the chocolate lava cake for desert (do this when you order dinner as it takes some time).

The Chart House Restaurant in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA The Chart House Restaurant in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA

Chart House

2588 South Coast Highway 101

Cardiff, CA  92007

(760) 436-4044

 

Make your reservations on-line using Open Table - it's a snap.

 

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ALL ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA RELOCATION DUDE

 

If I can provide more information about Carlsbad homes and real estate for sale and surrounding areas, the housing market in general (or locally), or otherwise assist you, friends or family in a home search or sale, please contact my mobile office or text me at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JeffDowlerSolutions@gmail.com

Serving Carlsbad (including Aviara, La Costa & Carlsbad Village),  Encinitas (including Leucadia & Olivenhain), Cardiff, Solana Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos (including San Elijo Hills), Oceanside, Carmel Valley, Escondido, and San Diego

Carlsbad Breaking News ~ Oceanside Breaking News ~ Encinitas Breaking News

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8 comments • Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Homes for Sale ~ 760-840-1360 • May 01 2011 06:38PM

Oceanside Restaurants - 333 Pacific Steak and Seafood at the Wyndham Hotel, Oceanside CA

333 Pacific Steak and Seafood at the Wyndham Hotel, Oceanside California 

333 Pacific in Oceanside California333 Pacific is fast becoming a favorite haunt of mine...at least the Vodka Bar is that adjoins the popular restaurant. 

333 Pacific is several blocks west of the coast road with great views of the Pacific and the Oceanside Pier on the first floor of the Wyndham.

333 Pacific offers about 100 different vodkas, a terrific bar menu, and intriguing specials (e.g., the Sunday sushi special with a glass of chardonnay or champagne). They have a half price wine night among other neat events like their 3-course dinner for $33 on select nights, and the place has been pretty busy the few times we have been there at happy hour. 

333 Pacific in Oceanside California 333 Pacific in Oceanside California

The food is great, the staff friendly and efficient...sit at the bar so you can talk with Kevin...and a number of the seats in the bar area as well as the restaurant have great ocean and sunset views. We haven't eaten dinner in the restaurant yet but have had great reviews from good friends who have dined there a number of times. 

Bar at 333 Pacific in Oceanside California 333 Pacific in Oceanside California

An upscale but casual environment, great wine and bar list, good food and ocean views combine for a great experience - not a surprise given 333 Pacific is part of the well known Cohn Restaurant group in San Diego that is known for great restaurants like Indigo Grill, Pineapple Grill, and Island Prime.

333 Pacific

333 N. Pacific Street (at the end of the Oceanside Pier)

Oceanside, CA

(760) 433-3333

 

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   Southern California Chapter of Certified Residential Specialists (CRS)

 My New Brokerage - Solutions Real Estate in Carlsbad CA

 

ALL ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA RELOCATION DUDE

 

If I can provide more information about Carlsbad homes and real estate for sale and surrounding areas, the housing market in general (or locally), or otherwise assist you, friends or family in a home search or sale, please contact my mobile office or text me at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JeffDowlerSolutions@gmail.com

Serving Carlsbad (including Aviara, La Costa & Carlsbad Village),  Encinitas (including Leucadia & Olivenhain), Cardiff, Solana Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos (including San Elijo Hills), Oceanside, Carmel Valley, Escondido, and San Diego

Carlsbad Breaking News ~ Oceanside Breaking News ~ Encinitas Breaking News

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11 comments • Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Homes for Sale ~ 760-840-1360 • March 27 2011 11:54PM

Ristorante La Terrazza | Great Dining in Coronado, San Diego CA

Ristorante La Terrazza Offers Great Dining in Coronado, San Diego CA

Entrance to Ristorante La Terrazza in Coronado CA 

After our visit to the Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Island, we took a short walk through the downtown area to explore a bit. The food bell was ringing so we dropped in at Ristorante La Terrazza, just a block from The Del, for lunch. 

Ristorante La Terrazza offers rooftop dining indoors or out with view of the downtown area. With the bright sunshine, blue skies, and temps about 58, it was a great time to sit outside above the street and watch the world go by while enjoying a terrific lunch.

 Crab Cakes Louisiana at Entrance to Ristorante La Terrazza in Coronado CA

The Ristorante La Terrazza menu is extensive, as one usually seems to find in Italian restaurants, with a good wine list. We both decided on the Crab Cakes Louisiana that comes with a small side salad. A basket of warm foccaccia with olive oil, and a good glass of chardonnay made for an excellent meal. 

The restaurant was quiet, and the service was attentive and efficient. Dining al fresco with terrific weather, great views, and good food was a wonderful way to spend a relaxing hour on New Year's Day. Ristorante La Terrazza was a most pleasant find, and I would go back in a heartbeat. It's well worth a visit if you are in the area. 

Ristorante La Terrazza

1309 Orange Avenue

Coronado, CA  92118

(760) 522-0077 for information and reservations

Open Daily for lunch (11 - 4) and dinner (4 - 9:30, 10 on Fri and Sat)

 

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365 Things to Do in Carlsbad (and Nearby) on Facebook   Lifestyle Search on AtHomeInCarlsbad.com - Jeff Dowler

Jeff Dowler's Flickr Profile  Jeff Dowler's Facebook Profile   Jeff Dowler's YouTube Profile  Jeff Dowler's StumbleUpon Profile  Jeff Dowler's Twitter Profile  Jeff Dowler's Friendfeed ProfileSubscribe to this blog Jeff Dowler's LinkedIn Profile

Click to Search for All San Diego Homes          First Time Home Buyer Central Website          Relocation A to Z blog

Home Owner's Short Sale Guide

 

   Southern California Chapter of Certified Residential Specialists (CRS)

 My New Brokerage - Solutions Real Estate in Carlsbad CA

 

ALL ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA RELOCATION DUDE

 

If I can provide more information about Carlsbad homes and real estate for sale and surrounding areas, the housing market in general (or locally), or otherwise assist you, friends or family in a home search or sale, please contact my mobile office or text me at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JeffDowlerSolutions@gmail.com

Serving Carlsbad (including Aviara, La Costa & Carlsbad Village),  Encinitas (including Leucadia & Olivenhain), Cardiff, Solana Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos (including San Elijo Hills), Oceanside, Carmel Valley, Escondido, and San Diego

Carlsbad Breaking News ~ Oceanside Breaking News ~ Encinitas Breaking News

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6 comments • Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Homes for Sale ~ 760-840-1360 • January 02 2011 12:07PM

Leucadia Restaurants - Auggie's House of Crab is a Terrific Find (LOCALISM FEATURED)

As a dedicated foodie, finding new restaurants, and visiting the favorites, is a passion of mine.

Auggie's House of Crab in Leucadia, EncinitasThat’s not to say I am out eating at some eatery daily or even multiple times a week – after all, the food at home is some of the best, IMO. But now and then the opportunity arises to check out a new place.

I was in Leucadia yesterday visiting Sanctum, a relatively new gallery along the Coast Highway, and since it was lunch time my wife and I decided to check out a new Leucadia restaurant - Auggie’s House of Crab founded by Agostino Scalercio (Auggie)...owner, cook, you name it.

Auggie’s House of Crab is on the coast road at the northern end of Leucadia (Encinitas) and well worth a visit, especially if you are a seafood lover. Leucadia is a funky beach town and Auggie’s fits right in.

Mural at Auggie's House of Crab in Leucadia, Encinitas

No pretension here. Come as you are to enjoy the simple but colorful décor, a wide range of seafood offerings, and friendly staff (ask for Diane to wait on you – she’s terrific), all of which make for an ideal quick lunch, one of Auggie’s feasts, or a casual dinner. Crab, of course, is popular. But I understand their shrimp burgers are outstanding.

Now that Auggie’s is open for lunch, they have daily specials that are a real bargain – 3 seafood quesadillas yesterday (with chips and salsa) for $5 plus a beverage? How can you miss?

Auggie’s is destined for dining greatness in Leucadia and I will definitely be back to enjoy more. Stop by for a terrific meal at 1468 North Coast Highway 101 in Encinitas. (760) 634-CRAB [2722] and visit their website for more information.

The mural was designed by Courtney and Nicole Fischer at TransformationInteriors.com

Here's a virtual tour:

NOTE - Sadly Auggie's is now closed.

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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 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (760) 840-1360      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
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365 Things to Do in Carlsbad (and Nearby) on Facebook   Lifestyle Search on AtHomeInCarlsbad.com - Jeff Dowler

Jeff Dowler's Flickr Profile  Jeff Dowler's Facebook Profile   Jeff Dowler's YouTube Profile  Jeff Dowler's StumbleUpon Profile  Jeff Dowler's Twitter Profile  Jeff Dowler's Friendfeed ProfileSubscribe to this blog Jeff Dowler's LinkedIn Profile

Click to Search for All San Diego Homes          First Time Home Buyer Central Website          Relocation A to Z blog

Home Owner's Short Sale Guide

 

   Southern California Chapter of Certified Residential Specialists (CRS)

 My New Brokerage - Solutions Real Estate in Carlsbad CA

 

ALL ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA RELOCATION DUDE

 

If I can provide more information about Carlsbad homes and real estate for sale and surrounding areas, the housing market in general (or locally), or otherwise assist you, friends or family in a home search or sale, please contact my mobile office or text me at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JeffDowlerSolutions@gmail.com

Serving Carlsbad (including Aviara, La Costa & Carlsbad Village),  Encinitas (including Leucadia & Olivenhain), Cardiff, Solana Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos (including San Elijo Hills), Oceanside, Carmel Valley, Escondido, and San Diego

Carlsbad Breaking News ~ Oceanside Breaking News ~ Encinitas Breaking News

All content ©Copyright by Jeff Dowler. All rights reserved.

28 comments • Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Homes for Sale ~ 760-840-1360 • July 04 2008 12:27PM