EAT
Lumberyard Tavern 967 S. Coast Highway 101 Encinitas, CA 760.479.1657
Ignite Bistro
www.lumberyard101.com
6996 El Camino Real Carlsbad, CA 92009 760.438.7800 www.ignitecarlsbad.com
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ith it’s relaxing atmosphere, wine shop, and stellar happy hours, Ignite Bistro has turned into a neighborhood hot spot of which Carlsbad locals just can’t get enough.
In addition to beautiful views and tasty Cabernets by the glass, this American bistro’s cuisine really hits the spot. With a variety of fresh, flavorful dishes, Ignite’s menu combines American staples like Neapolitan Wood-fired Pizzas, with touches of international influences, like Ahi Poke Tacos. Ignite Bistro features two bars, one inside and one outside, and an amazing happy hour, everyday from 3-6pm. There’s a warm, inviting ambience at Ignite - it’s the kind of place you would hang out at with friends. Whether you sit inside next to the panoramic, wall-to-wall window overlooking the hills of Carlsbad, or on the outdoor patio strung with lanterns and adorned with succulents, you’ve got a great seat. Inside, you can watch your favorite sports events on one of the numerous flat screen TVs mounted around the restaurant, making Ignite a great place for sports fans to go on Sunday. Executive Chef Alex Rodriguez prepared Ignite’s most popular bacon dish for us, an appetizer called Man Candy. Man Candy is slow-cooked bacon coated with brown sugar, black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes. The candied bacon was similar, but far superior to, beef jerky. The spiciness of the pepper with the sweetness of the brown sugar, and the sultriness of the bacon made for the perfect snack - flavorful, filling, yet relatively healthy. Grab some Man Candy (the appetizer definitely, but maybe also living, breathing Man Candy?) or friends if you’re so inclined, sit next to the window, order a nice cabernet (we drank the Hayman and Hill) and enjoy a wonderful happy hour that’s easy on the pocketbook. One of the most unique features about Ignite is The Wine Spot, a small wine shop located just inside the lobby of the restaurant. Head to The Wine Spot on a Wednesday or Friday for twenty bucks off all wines priced at forty dollars or more. Also, everyday, take ten bucks off all wines by the bottle when you take it to go. Ignite also offers great cocktails, including a collection of five different mules. Lucky us.
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his family-owned seaside tavern is a favorite neighborhood hangout located in the heart of Encinitas. With a pleasant open-air atmosphere and casual feel, Lumberyard is a great place to enjoy your favorite sporting events, unwind with friends, or just relax on its pet-friendly patio. With a little something for everyone, Lumberyard Tavern is truly the perfect spot for locals. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, so whenever it’s a good time for you, it’s also a good time for Lumberyard Tavern. Stop in on Mexican Mondays, and sample the Mexican menu and $5 premium margaritas. Come by on Tri-Tip Tuesday, when Lumberyard cooks up Cardiff Crack from Seaside Market, which for years has been known to be the best Tri-Tip in San Diego. Are you a wine person? On Wine Wednesdays, bottles are half off. Sunday is Service Industry Night, so if you’re a server or in the restaurant business at all, waitresses will take half off your bar tab and there are food specials as well. Depending on what nights are good for you, and what makes you itch, there really is something to satisfy every craving at this cozy American eatery. Opened in November 2009, this place used to be an old lumber mill, and owner Lisa Belasco wanted that to shine through in the restaurant’s interior design. Vintage, reclaimed lumber is visible all over the restaurant, giving it a striking appearance, and a comfy, dated feel. One of the best features of the restaurant is the outdoor patio. So get your grub, friends, and one of the 20 craft beers on tap, and go soak in some sunshine and salty sea air. During our visit, Executive Chef Javier Rubio Montoya prepared a Shrimp Burger layered with bacon. The patty consisted of tiger shrimp grilled to perfection, mixed with bell pepper and onion, and topped with strips of maple glazed, brown sugar covered bacon, spicy slaw, avocado, all sandwiched together in a toasted pretzel roll. He paired the dish with a Belgian wheat beer, the fruity and refreshing Alagash White. Another must-try is the Tavern 2X4. A bacon burger at it’s finest, the Tavern 2X4 features two patties, your choice of cheese, topped with four slices of bacon. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, ask your waitress about the Tavern 4X4 Challenge. You’re given a half an hour to eat the burger, which includes four burger patties, cheese and four slices of bacon, and a pound of fries. It might not end well, but if you do it, you’ll get glory and your name up on the plaque that sits on Lumberyard Tavern’s eastern-most wall. | Holiday 2013 Issue | 35