On the corner of Encinitas Blvd. and Coast Highway, a new restaurant has just opened. Actually, it's four restaurants under one roof. It's owned and operated by Kurt Wageman, owner of Blue Ribbon Pizza and Craftsman Tavern, both in Encinitas. The new venue has taken over the space formerly occupied by El Callejon, a popular Mexican Restaurant. Here's what's in store for you when you visit the new occupants.
As I said, it's really four restaurants in one, and there are two separate kitchens. Crafty is the burger restaurant and occupies a big space. Tequilla Bar takes up another space. It's a bar, with many tequilla and other alcohol choices, and food and a raw bar, mostly small plates and snacks. Driftwood is a third area that is yet to open, which will be another bar. The fourth, and the one I ate at, is Asian Kitchen, and it is fabulous! The menu has dishes from all over Asia. We ordered chicken wings with a sweet/spicy Asian sauce. I'm not a wing lover, but these wings were great. We also ordered the Asian garlic noodles. They were thin noodles, with a garlic sauce, topped with sliced almonds and scallions. For an extra $2, you can have it topped with a perfectly fried egg. Other dishes that our friends ordered were the fried calamari and a chicken on a skewer. They have poke dishes and ramen, lots of ramen. Several dishes with large prawns, including a salad topped with grilled prawns and another dish with prawns and fried rice. We didn't have it, but the pork fried rice is supposed to be killer. Of course, Blue Ribbon's famous butterscotch pudding is available for dessert.
This restaurant is an interesting concept. Several different restaurants under one roof. I think it will be a hit. I can't go back and try several other dishes. The menu is designed for guests to share each dish, something that appeals to me. I love to try a little bit of this, and a little bit of that. Prices are moderate, parking is difficult. Stop by next time you're in the area.
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
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