Hotel Karlan San Diego—a DoubleTree by Hilton debuted a contemporary renovation as part of the rebranding of the property in December. The $12 million project touched various parts of the hotel including its 174 guest rooms, spa and fitness center, patios, and pool. The property also added two new restaurants, Asado Grill and Black Horse Pub. Overall, the hotel offers 14,000 square feet of meeting space including a 4,000-square-foot ballroom that holds 400 for receptions and a lawn for outdoor events.
San Marcos’ Lakehouse Hotel & Resort is the home to Decoy Dockside. The spacious two-story restaurant opened in August and features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake San Marcos. The upstairs indoor dining area is 9,000 square feet and can accommodate 250 for banquet-style events; the adjoining 5,400-square-foot dock bar fits 150 guests banquet-style.
The newest member to the Breakfast Republic chain of restaurants opened in November in Encinitas. Specializing in international as well as continental breakfast, the bright and spacious restaurant is 3,500 square feet inside with an additional 700 square feet on the adjoining patio. Reception capacity for the entire restaurant is 160.
Seasons Restaurant at Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara in Carlsbad opened in January. The farm-to-table restaurant features made-from-scratch New American dishes such as buttermilk-fried quail, Hudson Valley foie gras, and Kobe ribeye. The coastal-inspired restaurant spans 1,700 square feet that includes a chef’s table, a private dining room, and an outdoor veranda. The restaurant seats about 200 guests in total.
The fine-dining restaurant Ponsaty’s opened in Rancho Santa Fe in August and serves French cuisine by chef Patrick Ponsaty. The elegant restaurant filled with imported light fixtures houses a main dining room, two separate patios, and a lounge area featuring a wraparound bar. Seating for the entire restaurant is 150.
Carlsbad’s newest entertainment hub is Dave & Buster’s. Open in January, the video game haven includes a wraparound bar and individual tables filling the expansive 40,000-square-foot space. The venue is available for private events and can hold as many as 1,600 guests for a buyout. Its Function Room holds 120 guests, and smaller events can also take over the sports lounge or dining room.
Del Mar’s Flower Promenade is home to Flower Child, a fast-casual restaurant specializing in locally sourced, organic dishes such build-it-yourself sandwiches, salads, and wraps, plus a few gluten-free plates. Open since December, the bohemian chic space features rattan chairs and brightly painted walls throughout the two-floor restaurant that also includes an outdoor patio. The restaurant is 4,500 square feet and total seating capacity is about 200 guests.
Ocean Beach’s new Voltaire Beach House opened in January and serves New American cuisine such as burgers, sandwiches, and bowls. The 3,000-square-foot restaurant features covered patio seating, a wraparound bar, and several flat-screen TVs. The dining space is a mix of counter-height communal tables and single tables with a capacity for 160 seated guests.
Opened in December, El Zarape Mexican Eatery in Normal Heights serves fresh, modern Mexican fare with specialties like street tacos filled with fish, octopus, or steak alongside burritos and agua frescas. The 1,100-square-foot space features exposed brick walls and bright blue galvanized chairs. It seats 40 patrons.
Little Italy’s Herb & Eatery opened in September. Housed in a renovated warehouse, the sibling restaurant to Herb & Wood is a casual concept serving sandwiches, salads, and pastries. The main area is 2,500 square feet with a second floor alcove at 500 square feet overlooking the dining area. French doors connect to an additional 2,500 square feet of galley and event space. Capacity in the main market is as many as 75 for reception or 90 for banquets; the galley accommodates 100 for reception or 80 for banquet.
