THE BREWSPAPER / THREE FOR THE ROAD

Solterra Winery & Kitchen, Leucadia, CA along vintage U.S. highway 101

ROAD TRIP--Mr. Brewster (whose real name is Holden DeMayo) points out Pillar to Post’s first rule of fun is try to avoid zipping over to a dining or drinking establishment in the week after it has been reviewed by beer and foodie reviewers.  Point is the media attention brings out the Looky Lous’ and the added madding crowds often overwhelm cuisine and service quality.  Better run places manage to take on the extra business after big reviews just fine, but certainly not the ones I visit.

Sign says it all in Oceanside, CA

GOOD RIBBING--This week, for example, NBC put on its Goods website that the best BBQ in San Diego County was to be found in Oceanside at “That Boy Good BBQ,” (207 North Coast Highway, Oceanside CA, 760-433-4227.  Problem is with rib joints it’s like a saloon story you had to be there to get it.  To me ribs should be judged for the better if they’re lean.   Gratefully, most of my pile of That Boy Good pork ribs was low fat, which will bring me back next time I want to tan my hide in Oceanside.  I’m not making this stuff up.  The last line was from O’Side’s tourist bureau back in the day.  Tip: Good food here, but go next weekend as the newbies will take over the joint after NBC and Yelp called this place the rock star of local ribs. 

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PIZZA GOOD, CRAFT BEER AWESOME--Good as That Boy when it comes to ribs, my ticket for the best beach cities beer to wash down a solid plate of BBQ is nearby in Carlsbad at Pizza Port, a tasty grub and grob emporium that first opened in 1997.  Pizza Port (571 Carlsbad Village Dr., 760-720-7007) was well established making craft beer long before hipster nation anointed brew pubs with coolness.  Menu is crafted to go with the internationally known brewing skills.  Tip: Go now for the Wipeout IPA.  Love the patio.

Pizza Port in Carlsbad proves San Diego County's south coast cities are the place to be for outstanding craft beer with paired menus

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LOCATION, LOCATION, LEUCADIA--Next stop on our sojourn up old highway 101 stops at Solterra Winery and Kitchen, a casual but highly stylish winery and restaurant.  Only a few years old, but that’s a lifetime in the hospitality biz.  The place (934 North Coast Highway 101, Leucadia CA. 760-230-2970) has design class.  Menu is first rate and features small plates. Don’t expect mother lode of food (I mean that as a compliment).  As for the wine, I’ll leave the wine tasting to your taste as I’ve been off the wine wagon since my son started West Coaster craft beer magazine in San Diego.  Wine maker and owner Chris Van Alyea hails from Sonoma, where grapes rule and the wine gurus locally rave over his selections.  Tip. Go now before it becomes even more uber popular.  During the week is best for more casual comfort and they have wine flight happy hour prices.--By Holden DeMayo.