Del Mar Summer Solstice. It’s the longest day of the year. And every year we have a festival steps from the ocean in Del Mar at Powerhouse Park.
This is a regular Event I attend each year because we have a store in Del Mar and I like to promote our city events. And it’s also because I have my favorite Restaurants here, that present tastings, along with different wines, shots of tequila, beer and other items like dessert.
This year unfortunately more than 3/4 of the vendors served raw fish and sushi. Makes no sense to me.
Well, let’s talk about what I do like. First my absolute all-time favorite restaurant in Del Mar is The Cottage. It’s just a little local breakfast place that you can get a really great breakfast and lunch at, but they close early.
And the thing I like most about this restaurant is: Their Executive Chef who creates the menu and the chef on duty at this location is consistently great. I also like the one in La Jolla. And they have an Encinitas location.
Second on my list is Monarch. I love their oysters and they have unbeatable French Fries. Different shape. Amazingly satisfying. There’s nothing better than champagne or a Sauvignon blanc and adding Oysters and French Fries!
My 3rd ‘go to’ is now Zen. It’s Chef Ethan’s Dad, from Glass Box also in the Sky Deck at the Highlands Town Center, who was a ‘no show’ for this event. It’s great to have good Chinese food available locally so I recommend both Dad and Son’s Restaurants.
Since I always come as a VIP I get an hour early which kills me a chance to test and taste without fighting big crowds. So I appreciate that advantage.
They always have decent live music. Although we were surprised that being right by the ocean band didn’t know any beach boys music and not much from the 60s or 70s. Still, Live music at the edge of the water really can’t be bad!
I really enjoy yes how much fun everybody has. I get lucky and find a couple of cushioned seat. It’s great for the three Foodies that attend with me. Eating, drinking and dancing in my seat while I watch the waves crash and the surfers surf …. well, I will say although highly over priced, it’s worth your time and money to attend.
I had a good time saying high to vendors I know and meeting new people, especially ‘new’ to our fair city!
With garlic, gusto & gratitude,
Chef Marian🥂
📧 ChefMarianKitchenConfident@gmail.com
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