It's great when two friends get together and create something unique, something just right for this time and place. That is what happened when longtime friends Terrie and Claire decided to open a restaurant together. Claire had a long history in the food industry, working 12 years running the bakery at Milton's in Del Mar, and creating the bread recipe that she sold to them for their now famous, Milton's Multi Grain Bread. Terrie brought her talents to the project, and together they have created a breakfast/lunch restaurant that I think you will like.
I've been there twice now, once for lunch, once for breakfast. The food is fresh, creative, and artististically presented. For breakfast, you'll find omelettes of every variety, huevos rancheros, bacon and eggs, and fritattas. I had the caprese fritatta, their best selling breakfast item. It's a fritatta with mozarella and tomatoes on top, finished with a lightly dressed salad of small, delicate lettuce leaves. Just delicious. Our group also had the multi grain pancakes which were excellent and the fruit and yogurt combo with a homemade muffin. Everything was fresh and the baked goods were all made in house. The coffee was great too. For lunch I had a warm chicken salad with nuts, cranberries and olives in a delicious dressing. This was served with homemade pumpkin muffins to die for. Other luncheon items included burgers, salads of every variety, soups, quiche and fresh, warm, breads. Following the meal our server brought us two wonderful butter cookies. I don't know if this is standard, or if they're just doing that to get us interested in the bakery. In any event, it topped off the meal beautifully and made us want more.
One of my favorite things about Claire's is the building itself. Their goal is for the building to be as sustainable as the menu. It is the first free standing restaurant in the country with LEED Platinum certification. (leadership in energy and environmental design). They have also joined the Green Restaurant Association, which strives to run businesses using environmental practices and ensure sustainability. This is all important to me, and the space they have created is both trendy, homey and green. It appeals to a certain crowd, those interested in the environment and up to the minute fashion. There are lots of businessmen there as well, so don't get the idea it's just for women. Especially for lunch on the patio, you will see many men discussing business.
I highly recommend Claire's on Cedros (http://www.clairesoncedros.com/) for something new, different and delicious. Just across from the Solana Beach train station, it makes for easy parking. They also cater private parties after closing, with different menu items altogether. Give it a try.
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