Restaurant of the Moment: Solace and the Moonlight Lounge

Solace and the Moonlight Lounge

25 East E Street, Encinitas CA, 92024

760.753.2433

www.eatatsolace.com

We held our holiday party this year at Solace and the Moonlight Lounge and had a fabulous time! Not only were they very accommodating to a large party, the food and drinks were delicious!

Just off Highway 101 in Encinitas, the decor is the right mix of modern, industrial, and natural. Exposed metal fixtures, wood, and tiny succulents combine to give off just the right ambiance.

We dined on cocktails and appetizers which were just exquisite. The warm cheddar and chive biscuits with their assorted dips were a big hit! The artisan cheese plates, assorted breads, and meats were of great quality and very fresh. We also sampled the oysters, french fries, and the ahi tuna tacos. They also served us an assortment of sliders, including pork belly, pork cheek, and fried chicken. Everyone loved the food and it disappeared quickly.

As for the cocktails, they had a number of specialty cocktails on hand for the holidays including a tequila mule, a holiday cocktail of champagne and aperol, and great craft beers and wines.

Pinteresting Five: Christmas Treats

While we hope your day has been full of good food and delicious holiday treats, here are a few more cute items that will put a smile on your face. Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Have a wonderful day with your family, friends, and loved ones!

Holiday Cookie Recipe: Salted Caramel Chocolate Shortbread Bars

We were watching the Today show yesterday morning and saw this great recipe for holiday cookies we wanted to share. Amy is so excited to make them! Let us know if you give them a try or if you your own cookie recipe you’d love to share with us!

Ingredients

• For the shortbread layer
• 2 cups all -purpose flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup sugar
• For the caramel layer
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 4 tbsp. light corn syrup
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 (14 ounces) cans sweetened condense milk
• For the chocolate glaze layer
• 8 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate bars (cut into pieces)
• 1 tsp. light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• Seal salt for sprinkling

Preparation

To make the shortbread layer, preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Stir with a fork to blend, and set aside. In another bowl, add butter and sugar, beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended for couple of minutes. Then add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, until incorporated. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan and press in an even layer over the bottom of the pan. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown (press with your fingers, gently, while it is cooling). Transfer the pat to a wire rack and let cool completely.

To make the caramel layer, combine the butter, sugar, corn syrup and condensed milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally, until the butter is melted. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, stirring constantly. Continue simmering and stirring until the mixture turns an amber color and thickens slightly. Pour the mixture over the shortbread layer, smooth the top. Chill completely in the fridge, so it can set (this ensures that the caramel layer would not melt when the warm chocolate is added on top).

To make the chocolate glaze layer, combine the chocolate, corn syrup, and butter in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Heat, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Pour evenly over the caramel layer and use a spatula or knife to smooth the top. Allow to cool for few minutes, and then sprinkle with sea salt. Cover the bars, and then chill them in the fridge until you are ready to slice and serve!

Design Trends: Farmhouse Chic

The popular rise of vintage item and thrift store finds has opened the way for an increase attention to a more rural and farmhouse chic look. No matter the exterior of your home, it’s easy to find pieces that unite the interior of your home and give it the feel of being inside an old farmhouse in the Midwest. Reclaimed wood, old signs, bottles, milk cans, crates, burlap, and plaids all help to give your home that rustic look.

All images via our Pinterest

Restaurant of the Moment: Best Pizza and Brew

Best Pizza and Brew

9172 Mira Mesa Blvd

San Diego, 92126

858-566-9900

www.bestpizzaandbrew.com

San Diego was recently voted one of the best cities for pizza. And it’s no surprise, with so many quality restaurants and hole-in-the-wall local favorites. Best Pizza and Brew is one of Mira Mesa’s best kept secrets.

Their pizza is of the thin-crust variety and is packed with delicious and quality toppings. Aside from their pizza, which you can also buy by the slice (perfect for a quick solo dinner!), they sell other great dishes like flavorful salads and their special Bacon mac’n’cheese. They have lots of craft beers and hard ciders on tap, along with a wine menu. There’s even a small bar area inside. Top off your meal with one of their tasty, fresh-baked cookies.

There isn’t much indoor seating so bring a jacket and grab a spot under the heat lamp! There’s plenty of space for dogs on their patio, too.

The next time you’re in Mira Mesa or craving some great pizza at a good prize, stop by Best Pizza and Brew! You won’t be disappointed.

Pinteresting Five: Holiday Decor

The holidays are here! Whether you’ve already got your Christmas decor up, are in the process, or haven’t started, we have your decorating inspiration.

Click through to our Pinterest board to see more!

Restaurant of the Moment: American Voodoo

American Voodoo

4655 Park Boulevard,

San Diego, CA 92116

(University Heights)

(619) 255-8504

www.american-voodoo.com

We visited American Voodoo on a freezing Sunday night. It was so quiet around University Heights and especially at the restaurant, which was serving a total of three patrons, that we almost went somewhere else. But our fears were unfounded.

Not only was the restaurant warm and cozy (it only seats a total of 37 people), the hostess was friendly and welcoming. She recommended a number of her signature dishes, which we readily tried. The portions are good-sized, not too small, but not overly large either. Between two people, we shared the biscuits and honey-butter, signature mac’n’cheese, and fried chicken plate with fries and red beans and rice. We walked out quite full, but very satisfied.

American Voodoo serves southern comfort foods in the best way. Everything was delicious and flavorful and none of the dishes felt too heavy on their own.

The biscuits and honey butter was just superb. Warm and buttery biscuits, with a crisp outside with just the right amount of crunch. Perfectly complimented by the sweet butter.

One of the dishes they are known for is there habanero mac’n’cheese. It was very flavorful and not very spicy at all, which was nice. Just a little kick and a ton of flavor.

Out of all their dishes, they are best known for their fried chicken. And it’s well-deserved. The chicken was crispy and flaky on the outside, but the meat was falling-off-the-bone tender on the inside. Not sure what they put in their batter, but the breaded coating had a unique and delicious flavor.

Even beyond the great food, this little restaurant has great ambiance. Rustic wood floors, utility pendant light fixtures, and one large wall set aside as the decor centerpiece, stuffed with feathers, bones, skulls, a stuffed wild boar, pictures, little trinkets, and all sorts of odds and ends.

All in all, will definitely make a return trip!

Recently Sold: November 2013

This is just a selection of some of the fabulous properties we’ve sold and/or helped our clients buy at Coastal Premier Properties this month!

Foxhound Way

Carmel Valley

Pending

*Represented Buyer

“Magnificent MODEL HOME-LIKE executive home in Derby Hill! Features an open floor plan with soaring ceilings, warm hardwood floors, spacious Great Room and gourmet kitchen. GE monogram double ovens, 6 burner stainless steel cooktop and designer finishes. Guest or tenant apartment with separate entrance off interior courtyard. Don’t miss the DOWNSTAIRS BEDROOM/BATH too. An absolutely ideal location close to top ranked Sage Canyon Elementary School and parks. Offered for $1,495,000 – $1,695,000.”

Seagrove Cove

Carmel Valley

Pending

*Represented Buyer

“4Br + loft & office, 3.5Ba, 4485esf on .25 acres. Premium upgrades/amenities w/hardwood floors, carpet, custom paint, & premium crown molding throughout. Granite kitchen w/built-in stainless steel Viking appliances, center island & w/seating. High ceilings, built-ins, ceiling fans & custom lighting, fireplaces & French doors. Master w/rotunda entry, Roman tub, tiled shower & walk-in closet. Rear yard w/pool, spa, waterslide, fire pit, built-in BBQ w/seating, and patio all in a tropical setting. Offered for $1,795,000.”

Winecrest Road

4S Ranch

Pending

“Gorgeous view home situated in the highly desirable gated community of Ivy Gate. Dramatic floor plan w/5 bedrooms, large loft, office, media room, study area. Beautiful finishes throughout!  Sweeping double staircase entry, formal dining & living rooms., spectacular gourmet kitchen w/high end stainless steel appliance opening to large family rm, 4 car gar. Backyard w/pebble tech salt water pool w/ solar, slide, waterfall, spa & child entry, built-in BarBQ, firepit & grass too.  All this & great Poway schools! Offered at $1,500,000-1,689,000.”

Via Alcazar

La Costa

Sold

“Look no further if a quality remodel done to today’s taste is what you are looking for. Features include; Spacious floor plan with beautiful hickory hardwood flooring, custom kitchen that has been opened up to create open flow, quartz counter tops, subway tile back splash, stainless appliances, new carpet, framed windows, new baseboards, stunning bathrooms & list goes on. Outside enjoy cul-de-sac location, large private patio w/stone pavers & green belt views. All this plus community pools, tennis & more! Offered at $484,800.”

Dell Street

Solana Beach

Sold

*Represented Buyer

“W of 5 close to all that Solana Beach has to offer. Walk to beaches, schools, shopping & more. You will be impressed with this single story’s 10,500 SF lot, functional floor plan and timeless style. Entertain guests with a salt water pool/spa and patios that are perfect for the San Diego lifestyle. Watch the hot air balloons and fireworks from the comfort of this peaceful yard. 3 BR can easily be a 4 BR by just adding a closet to the den. 2 full baths, 1,632 SF. Impeccably maintained- Truly A Must See! Offered for $1,100,000.”

Concannon Court

Carmel Valley

Pending

“Motivated Seller!!! Don’t miss the opportunity to own this beautiful 5 Br/ 4.5 Ba Sonoma Plan 3. It has one full bedroom with bathroom downstairs. Upgrades include brand new stainless steel appliances, granite kitchen counter tops, wood floors, and more. Relax in the south facing back yard or enjoy a warm day in your own swimming pool and spa. Conveniently located close to shopping, restaurants, parks, award winning schools, and major freeways. Offered for $1,289,000.”

Concord Ridge Terrace

Del Sur

Pending

“Charming 4 bedroom plus loft, 3.5 bath Del Sur home is loaded with designer upgrades and is not to be missed!  Brazilian cherry wood flooring, designer carpet and window treatments, gourmet kitchen, luxurious master retreat, perfect entertaining patio, beautifully chosen lighting and many decorator features make this a place you’ll want to come home to. Del Sur offers 5 solar heated pools and 18 miles of hiking trails.  Highly rated schools.  Easy freeway access to 56 and 15. Offered for $749,888 – $798,888.”

La Porta Point

Carmel Valley

Pending

“Former model end unit loaded with upgrades,stone floors in kitchen just cleaned & sealed, hardwoods in living rm,powder rm & one bedrm,upgraded carpet,crown moldings,built-ins,one of a kind granite,pantry,custom window treatments & plantation shutters,epoxy garage,security,sunny and bright. Offered for $645,000.”

Santa Fe Canyon Place

Torrey Highlands

Pending

“Gorgeous 4 bedroom + loft + casita, 4 bath cul de sac home, in Torrey Highlands community. Detached casita with its own AC/heat, dual master bedrooms!  Gourmet kitchen; granite counters, stainless appliances, and spacious layout open to ample family room.  Rich custom paint, upgraded flooring throughout, shutters, ceiling fans, surround sound system.  Large master boasts romantic soaking tub, his and her vanities, walk-in closet.  Large, elegant yard.  Walk to park, trails. Easy freeway access. Offered for $800,000 – $870,000.”

Amber Place

Torrey Highlands

Pending

“Pristine 4 bedroom, 3 bath cul de sac home, in coveted Torrey Del Mar community. Enjoy flowing floor plan, soaring ceilings, beautiful Brazilian Cherry hard wood flooring, generous windows, manicured grounds, custom window treatments.  Gourmet kitchen with granite counters, stainless steel appliances and walk-in pantry.  Bright and spacious family room with gas fireplace.  Master Suite boasts mountain views and gorgeous bath.  Custom paint.  Move-in ready! Poway Unified schools; easy freeway access. Offered for $799,000.”

Torrey Pines Road

La Jolla

Pending

*Represented Buyer

“PRISTINE condition SINGLE level immaculate end unit. Spacious living in a gated community with elevator access. Generous size Master Bedroom with walk-in closet, large Bathroom, separate shower & tub. Walking distance to La Jolla Shores Beach, Easy access to Freeways entrance/exit. Offered for $699,000.”

Orange Blossom

Poway

Sold

*Represented Buyer

“Beautiful home inside and out, in highly desired Midland Estates and Poway School District.  Fully updated with a chef’s dream kitchen completely upgraded.  Very tastefully designed and charming home perfect for most families.  Single story, wide open floor plan with some Mountain Views from Kitchen.  Huge front yard and great backyard for entertaining. Offered for $$469,990 – $499,990.”

Design Trends: Forest Creatures

If you’ve been out to the stores anytime recently, you may have noticed an infatuation with animal prints. No, we don’t mean zebra and leopard. Tiny birds, rabbits, deer, hedgehogs, foxes, squirrels, and more are cropping up on everything from clothing to pillows and blankets to teacups and kitchen ware. Whether you’re onboard with this trend or think it can be a bit too twee, with so many options available it’s easy to incorporate a few forest friends in your home.

All images via our Pinterest.