The sound of live music on the streets of Leucadia is not uncommon. Sometimes it comes from a restaurant like Le Papagayo, a house party, or the great and late Moonage Food Co. that just closed for good.
In fact, the band Second Harvest was performing at Moonage when I first heard their “California Soul” or “Laurel Canyon” sounds rising up to my little bungalow on Saturday afternoon.
I walked downstairs and immediately thought this band would be perfect for the outdoor “Dally on Diana” I was planning in my front yard. We managed to make that happen and besides providing the perfect soundtrack to my weekend afternoon gathering, the guys in the band were all super cool and had great day jobs.
I found myself at one of their rehearsals recently, recording all four members for my radio show and inviting them to participate in one of my takeover columns. You can view this conversation at www.lick-the-plate.com.
I’ll start by saying that all of these guys are multi-instrumentalists who like to build stuff. Nathan Smith, owner of Groundswell Landscaping, was my point of contact for the group. Groundswell makes outdoor spaces more functional, enjoyable, beautiful and sustainable with a unique artistic vision. Being out all day and a surfer, hearty meals are a priority for Nate.
“Fish 101 is a must,” Nate said. “I’m a fan of Baja Fish Tacos paired with a Treevana from Burgeon Brewing. It’s a great way to start a weekend. It’s quick and always satisfying. For a little more comfort, I go to the Priority Public House. I love the pulled pork banh mi (sandwich) – it’s a great combination of sweet, salty and spicy textures and flavors. They also have a great beer list.
“My wife and I also hit Chiko because it’s nice to get a mix of flavors that’s a bit out of the ordinary. I particularly like the crispy chicken spring rolls. I wouldn’t go through the work week without fast Mexican food and for that, I favor Agave. Birria tacos are my favorite.
Good things, Nate, although some breaking news here as Priority Public House is no more. Look for the Hamburger Hut opening there soon.
As a guitarist who is also an engineer, Chris Tully scored a dream gig with Taylor Guitars. Chris also has a side business as a design consultant with Tully Engineering.
“My favorite local spots are a pretty simple combination,” Chris said. “First, I go to Swami’s Café in the morning for one of their tasty breakfast dishes or smoothies. I either go big with their French toast breakfast or on the go with their convenient croissant breakfast sandwich and Lina smoothie.
“Then all you have to do is jump, jump and jump to one of my favorite lunch and dinner spots, the Lotus Café. Lotus is an epic Nepalese and Indian inspired cafe with mostly vegan and vegetarian options and a juice bar. My meal of choice is definitely their Poseidon’s Dream Melt, a tasty tuna melt that goes well for lunch or dinner. Either way, you’re sure to see a classic car show going by and lots of people watching.
Thanks for the reminder on Lotus, Chris. It’s been a long time!
Chris Tully’s brother, Sean Tully, also plays guitar and bass. Sean owns Forward Screen Printing in Vista and supplies many of the city’s surf brands with their t-shirts and more. Sean likes to stay local in Cardiff and Encinitas.
“My favorite place to eat in town is Besta Wan in Cardiff,” Sean said. “Delicious, home-style cooking located in an old beach cottage house converted into a restaurant. Wonderful assortment of art and trinkets throughout the place, and lovely old album covers on their menus. The pizza is great, but my favorite dish is their ham and pea pasta – served with a nice big garden salad and garlic bread. The cold beer is on tap and served in mason jars to wash it down.
“Another favorite is Betty’s Pie Whole in Encinitas. Super tasty sweet and savory homemade pies. A favorite is Grandma’s Chicken Pot Pie, with sweet berry pie for dessert. That said, most of the time the family and I cook at home. I specialize in Dutch cuisine and enjoy preparing meals over hot coals. I can cook a full stew with all the toppings, then bake a chocolate cake in the same pan right after the last bowl.
Dang Sean, I have to offer you one of those meals at the Dutch Oven!
Drummer, Jon Wegener of Wegener Surfboards is a surfboard shaper and host of the jam session in one of Encinitas coolest old fashioned workshop/garages filled with surfboards and surfboards. instruments. His love of the restaurant is solely focused on one of my favorites as well, A Little Moore Coffee shop on Coast Highway in Leucadia.
“Typically my wife and I go there after our morning surf,” Wegener said. “The people who run the restaurant have been the same since I started eating there over a decade ago, which has created familiarity and friendships. The omelettes and breakfast burritos are my favorites. I add delicious crispy hash browns and ripe avocados.
“The fruit bowls are also very impressive, full of bright and crispy cuts of melon, watermelon, pineapple, etc. If I go a little later in the day, it’s a cheeseburger and fries, one of the best in town. You can eat indoors or outdoors along the sidewalk. People, dog and train watching complement coffee and dinner.
Right on Jon, love me from Little Moore!
Book Second Harvest for your event by contacting them on Instagram @second_harvest or email me and I’ll put you in touch. [email protected]
