Lunch at Campfire

I have so many nice things to say about Campfire, a new restaurant in Carlsbad on State Street, right near all the action of old Carlsbad.  The restaurant has an open kitchen, large seating inside, and lots of seating outside, on rustic wooden tables.  A little teepee in the back provides an area for children who have difficulty sitting, to explore.  The wait staff is exceptional.  From the person who greeted us when we arrived, the outstanding waitress, service was outstanding.  I wish I could remember the name of our waitress.  She explained all the dishes in detail, and even told us not to order too much, as the main courses were big.

We ended up having a Campfire bowl for lunch, which we split.  The bottom was well seasoned forbidden (black) rice, topped with roasted winter veggies, and some pickled onions and other pickled vegetables.  It was topped with avocado and a poached egg.  So delicious.  The luncheon menu is small.  A French dip sandwich, kale salad with apricots and cheese were also on the menu.  Ron would call it a foo foo menu.  That means there was no burger or hearty "man" dishes, but it was just what my mom and I liked.  For dessert, we had a savory poached pear served with a nice sauce, candied walnuts, and blue cheese ice cream.  I highly recommend this dessert.  The meal was topped off with French press coffee, with the coffee coming from the roaster across the street.

Look at the menu and decide if this is for you.  I certainly enjoyed lunch, and the dinner menu is more extensive, and has something for everyone.  You don't exactly feel like you're at a campfire, but that's ok.  The food is great, service wonderful, with just a little too much noise.  Well, you can't have everything.