Annual trip to Carlsbad................

[bigredd]

Every year we seem to go to Market, Trattoria i Trulli, Pamplemousse, Bistro West and Sammy's. Anything new this year? Still looking for a good "gringo" mexican retaurant where the margaritas are strong and the food decent. I am always amazed how difficult it seems to be to get good enchillada's and fajitas in southern cal. No sushi please.

TIA

[SeanT]

Carlsbad village, go to Garcia"s it is good. Las Olas has a spot in the village now also. Decent Margaritas and the food is good but Garcia's is better. Might want to try Senor grubbys while in the village also. They make a formidable al pastor.

[littlestevie]

After watching the senor grubby's ad on channel 4 SD and surviving the grubbys pizza debacle, I will pass. The ad makes the customers and the staff look so hammered, I am not sure what I would get if I actually ordered someting. I guess they were going for the beach crowd vibe, but it looks like they captured the homeless dude vibe. Garcia's may not be great but at least I will get something decent.

[SDGourmand]

That really is the dumbest commercial ever. IMO restaurants shouldn't have TV commercials. They never turn out well (I.E. Grubbys, West steakhouse and bistro)

[SeanT]

I have not seen the ad but the Grubbys pizza had nothing to do with the Grubby's/ Los Tacos owners. The guy who owned the pizza place used their name without permission.

[bigredd]

Back from another great week in North County. No earth shattering new discoveries but solid meals at Trattoria i Trulli, When in Rome, and Pamplemouse Grill. Less satisfying was Bistro West and The Beach House although sitting on the patio is pretty nice.
Tried Casa de Bandini in Carlsbad and it was ok with good cocktails.

I do have to say the service at all restaurants was excellent. Maybe it is the down economy but it sure was nice to be treated so well.

Thanks for all the help.

[JRSD]

It never gets favorable mentions on the board, but we have had good meals at When in Rome. They have excellent gnocchi and salads and a special of brasciole that was outstanding.

Haven't been there in a while as we moved right near Trattoria Antica which we love.

[bigredd]

It was really good. Fresh salads, excellent pastas, with again exceptional service. I thought the prices were very reasonable. We went about 5 years ago and I think it is much improved.

[wanker]

Solid Mexican American food can be had in Solana Beach at Fidel's, Tony's Jacal and Don Chuy. They're right next to each other off Stevens Ave and Genevieve. Tony's Jacal has the best enchilada's of the three, and their drinks are also the stiffest.

[honkman]

For gringo mexican you should look at El Callejon in Encinitas.

[Sampaguita]

That's for sure. (...and stiff margarrritas too. Rrrrrrr.)

[Beach Chick]

Haven't been yet but a huge fan of Diane Powers..Casa de Bandini opened in Carlsbad recently...classic gringo mex and fishbowl marg's!

www.casadebandini.com

[goodhealthgourmet]

have you been to Blanca in Solana Beach? it's not "new" but you didn't mention it. here's a recent CH review:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/623565

other newer additions to the North County dining scene:
- Kitchen 1540
- Addison at the Grand Del Mar
- Cavaillon

plenty of feedback on them if you search the board.

[daantaat]

Your good "gringo" Mexican w/ good margaritas may be in Del Mar, at En Fuego. It's on Camino del Mar, the main drag through Del Mar.

[goodhealthgourmet]

i didn't love the food at En Fuego (in fact, IIRC it was mediocre at best) and the service is beyond awful...but i have heard their magaritas are excellent.