Adventure To Union Kitchen & Tap

I went to Union Kitchen & Tap yesterday after driving by it for the past few months. This quaint little restaurant located in Encinitas could easily fit in in the neighborhoods of South Park or North Park as well.

Fig Flatbread with Laura Chenel Goat Cheese, Poached Figs, Balsamic Onions and Fried Sage

The Menu is completely diverse and offers Gluten Free Options as well. They are open for Brunch also offer Late Afternoon and  Dinner options as well. I also really appreciate how they call their Happy Hour; Social Hour. They also offer a rather extensive wine menu paired with a wide variety of Scotches and Whiskys as well.  The Beer list is equally extensive and rotates frequently. Union Kitchen & Tap also has several house beers on tap as well brewed locally in Encinitas.

After much debate over the menu my guest and started with the Fig Flatbread  for a Starter, the Salmon Creek Pork Belly, Scottish Salmon and the Ricotta Scented Doughnuts and Peach Crumble for Dessert.

Pork Belly w/ Stewed Butter Beans, Wilted Greens and Molasses.

Scottish Salmon with Hopping John, Cornbread Puree and Wilted Greens

Close up of the Ricotta Scented Doughnuts

Ricotta Scented Doughnuts with Meyer Lemon Jelly

Peach Crumble with Bourbon Pecan Gelato

Long story short I will be going back as they just announced when I was there a Fall Menu.

Slaters 50/50 Adventure

So had to go back, so here it is..

Guinness Malted Milk Shake

Background: French Fries with Bacon Ketchup
Foreground: Fried Pickle Chips w/ Dijon Aioli

1/2 pound Burger with Carmelized Onions and Bacon.

Charcuterie Plate

So decided on making a Charcuterie Plate for Dinner last night.

It consisted of Homemade Olives, Salami and asst cheeses.

It was paired with a Lost Abbey Farmhouse Ale.

Breakfast Burritos

One of my weakness is Breakfast Burritos, especially if they are homemade. They are quick to make, tasty and can be a good way to clean out your fridge of leftovers.

Homemade Breakfast Burritos

Original Pancake House

I recently went to the Original Pancake House and decided to go for the gut bomb; Corned Beef Hash with Pancakes. It was pretty tasty.

Hamming it up!

I decided to break in my new Le Creuset Dutch Oven, and what better way than by cooking a whole ham.

Ham in the Pot.

Final Plate, finished and delicious

Slaters 50/50

I recently went to Slaters 50/50 Burgers located in Liberty Station.  Food was amazing, Beer list was EXTENSIVE!!!! I ate so much food, totally forgot about getting the Bacon Brownie and the Guinness Mint Chocolate Shake.

Goose Island Matilda-Belgain Strong Ale

Peanut Butter and Jeallousy

In addition to the epic food and awesome beer selections, they also have some custom libations as well for mixed drinks:

Eggs!!!Sausage!!!!Pancakes!!!

Eggs and Sausage with Pancakes dusted in Powder Sugar.

Thai Joint on Adams!!!

Lettuce Wraps

Pad Thai

Beer and Dinner Adventure

Yeppers I went to Blind Lady Ale House...Again

Ballast Point Barmy Ale

Belgian Frites w/ Trio of Dipping Aioli's

Fava Bean and Mushroom Pizza

Maple Bacon Cupcake Adventure

I decided to make French Toast Bacon Cupcakes. It was a lot of work and lot of steps but a lot of fun..


For the recipe head over here.



Cooking the Bacon



Adding the Bacon



Ready to bake



Baked and ready to be iced



Icing the Cupcakes


Completed, iced and topped with bacon



Close up!

In-N-Out Adventure...again

After a long day of driving around the county and drinking at breweries, my friend and I decided to stop into a In-N-Out located on Scripps Poway Pkwy. We found a parking spot right away (shocker) walked right up to the counter (double shocker) and when we saw that were tables open (triple shocker), we both ordered 3x3's in honor of the occasion. I could hardly believe so I had to post a review on Yelp right away.

My First 3x3 with Grilled Onions (Right side). My lunch guest is enjoying a 3x3 as well, with no added sides; just meat, bun and cheese..

Animal Style Fries.. FTW!!!

Close-up of the 3x3 with Grilled Onions.

Mauricio's Restaurants after a long day at work!

Whole Spread.. Damm Tasty

Carne Asada Fries
 

Carne Asada Nachos

Carnitas Torta

Fun Bike Ride ending in Sour Flight

Sour Flight: Front to Back: Craftsman Angelino-Weiss, Bruery-Be-Razzled, Firestone Agrestic Ale, Russian River Supplication, Craftsman El Prieto, Lost Abbey Cuvée de Tomme.

Belgian Frites w/ trio of dipping sauces: Left to Right: Miso Aioli, Curry Ketchup and Green Chili Aioli

Mac and Cheese with Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Dinner at my house, be jealous!!

Lightning Ionizer Lager

Stir Fry Night. My House

Chicken Stir-fry and a Newkie...

The Leafy Greens!

Homemade Chicken Parmigiana @ Casa De Varner

 Chicken, breaded and cheesed.

 Breaded Chicken bathed in crushed tomatoes, onions and garlic.

 Almost done, fully sauced and topped with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Cheeses melted, sauced completed, ready to serve.

All dressed up with garlic bread and and leafy greens.

Take two, same description as above.