Snooze is only open until 2:30PM and should not be missed for a special breakfast or brunch.  Snooze started in Denver, but they now have outlets in California, Texas, and Arizona. You'll certainly have to wait for at least 45 minutes so be prepared but the food is worth the wait especially the pancakes and French Toast. 

Carlsbad Village is a quintessential beach town with plenty of places to hang out in the evening. Escaping the heat of the summer, we came down to the village on Friday night. 
What better way to beat the heat than a light dinner of Poke followed up with a stroll and gelato?

At Carlsbad Village Faire Shopping Center, you'll find an assortment of shops and restaurants both large and small along with a nice fountain in the middle courtyard gathering spot. There were at least 2 venues with live music playing with one hot spot playing dance music outside  for the well lubricated night beach crowd who boogie down to both the electric slide and daft punk. 

As for us we split a large poke bowl, had a large gelato with pistachio, marzipan and Dutch chocolate gelato and a decaf cappuccino for $25 and we had a nice stroll down by the beach.

Encinitas fish shop features fresh fish, micro brews, killer hand cut fries and a dog friendly patio. They also sell fresh fish the same fish they cook on the menu everyday.  You select your fish, then select your seasoning (they have 8 choices) then choose how you want to eat your fish, taco, sandwich, salad, or plate. They also feature a tomato based fish stew, clam chowder with sausage instead of bacon, onion rings, seafood lumpia, and ceviche, They always have a line out the door but don't be alarmed it moves fast. You order at the counter then select your seat, inside or out on the enclosed patio, then your friendly server brings your order to your table. They have large selection of craft brews on tap and at least 4 flavors of wine. The patio features a full bar where you can top off your IPA, Kolsch, Lager, or soft drink. Everywhere you look there is a large screen TV showing whatever sport is on at the time. Family and dog friendly and there will always kids and dogs there enjoying the laid back atmosphere.

The fish is fresh, you get it exactly how you want it prepared with nicely done sides and they have a large selection of beverages so what's not to like? 

The Fish Shop Encinitas
1010 S. Coast Hwy 101
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760)436-4665
Mon-Sun From 11am to 10pm

Poke bowls are certainly here to stay and Pokewan in Carlsbad is a good addition to the Poke scene with an added benefit. Pokewan features a few new items I haven't seen on Poke bowl menus before. The first item is cucumber noodles as a base in addition to rice and salad. Pokewan also they have blue crab (real crab) as a topping choice albeit with an additional charge. Pokewan has the typical toppings, avocado, edamame, wakame (seaweed salad), spicy and savoy sauces and some new items such as roasted corn and mango salsa as options. If you're in North County stop by Pokewan not only for poke but for desert as well, They have Dole Whip and even Dole Whip floats just like at Disneyland.
Pokewan
2958 Madison St.
Carlsbad, CA 92008
​www.pokewan.com

As I live near Highway 101 in beautiful, coastal Encinitas/Leucadia, I thought it would be appropriate to give some love to the local merchants and restraunts and feature them here. 

Pok Pok Portland is Chef Andy Ricker's original Thai street food outpost. It even looks like a typical restaurant in Thailand. If you haven't seen Anthony Bourdain's trip to Thailand with Andy Ricker make sure you do before you partake of Pok Pok's fare you'll understand it better.