California

Jeffrey Dunn
May 11
3 min read

Del Mar

Poseidon

With a Chariot on Top

Del Mar, CA 92014

I love Greek Mythology. It is so full of lessons and wisdom. They are so descriptive and theatrical. Their weapons are medieval but made with precision. It is called mythology but there is a truth to it.

Myth is solved. Poseidon is the God of the West Coast beachfront dining. Their menu is diverse and their chef is absolutely spectacular. I don’t know that I have ever had a meal this colorful, delicious and unique. I am a true believer that the restaurant business is the most difficult business to excel in. People don't have to eat out, they choose to. Then you want them to choose you. Above everyone else, they must choose you.

Choose Poseidon.

I had seared tuna with sesame seed, home made wasabi, reduced soy sauce, vegetables and potatoes. There were about 8 of us at dinner and every meal arrived at the same time, perfectly prepared and artistically presented. Vegetables were aldente potatoes were perfectly mashed. Everything was the correct temperature and was placed gracefully and politely in front of us. No single plate was lackluster in presentation, and even though we dined outside, the aroma was delightful.

The waitstaff was attentive without being distracting. Naturally personable with obviously disciplined respectful boundaries.

I’m a big guy and these portions were perfect. I didn’t feel overstuffed. Which meant I had room for desert. Sorbet from scratch!

There’s no way to put into words how Poseidon hit on all 5 senses. From “first touch” with a friendly and smiling valet parking staff, escorted to a perfectly appointed table, the sounds of gulls and the surf. The warmth of the heaters when the sun began to fade, the smell of excellent food, and textures of silverware and linens. Poseidon appeals to all senses. And the name is just the name. Poseidon did not desecrate the gift of their chef and other staff by “theme parking” their brand. The value, strength and power of this restaurant earns its namesake as if bestowed on them by The Greek Gods themselves.

California business casual at the bar (. And most were in pants and a button down shirt on the deck.

Escondido

Stone Brewing

Between a Rock and a Green-Space

1999 Citricado Parkway

Escondido, CA 92029

+1 (760) 294-7866

I was invited to this restaurant for a birthday gathering on a recent trip for a wedding. So it was out of my control of how I ended up here. I usually choose a restaurant on my own.

Every place I go draws me in from how it will appeal to all 5 senses. Sight, taste, touch, sound and aroma. There is no detail too small for any business. But only in the restaurant industry do they vie for your approval so intensely.

There are few that appeal to a 6th sense. It is a sense of purpose. And it is seen here. Stone Brewing is purposefully appointed in a multi tiered garden. The patron walkways flow like tributaries into the ocean of organic seating options offering plenty of personal space for conversation and celebration.

The menu is so easy to use on an app right from your phone. No struggling to hail waitstaff. And if you do need them, they can be summoned without the chaotic raise of a hand and yell over the music or din of a crowd.

I did long for a musician somewhere in the expansive eatery estate. On this day, however, there was a large group folding a flag for a fallen marine. (The sixth sense).

I had a Mediterranean salad with falafel. Out of this world. The menu has been painstakingly diversified to accommodate every palate.