Enjoyable and specials galore for locals at VAGA

Before I get into the meat of this story, I have to say that as a sundown chaser, I don’t assume there’s a higher coastal restaurant for wonderful sunsets and common views as VAGA on the Alila Marea Beach Resort. And for those who’re a lover of trains as I’m, you should have good views of these as properly, each north and southbound.

Now again to our commonly scheduled characteristic. There are sure eating places round North County that locals are likely to mentally categorize as “special occasion” locations. You know the drill — anniversary, birthday, visiting kin you need to impress, and so on.

VAGA Restaurant & Bar at Alila Marea, perched excessive above the ocean on the north finish of Encinitas, has in all probability fallen into that class for lots of locals. And that is smart.

Walking into Alila Marea feels such as you’ve briefly left North County and landed at some fashionable coastal resort a number of time zones away. Then you get upstairs to VAGA, catch these sweeping ocean views towards Ponto and all of the sudden do not forget that you’re nonetheless proper right here in Encinitas. What VAGA seems to be saying as of late is: We love the vacationers, however locals, this place is yours too.

And they again up that message with a full week of occasions and specials designed to make VAGA much less of a once-a-year vacation spot and extra of a spot you possibly can pop into after work, meet mates for a drink, take heed to music, convey the canine or make a Sunday afternoon out of it.

That begins with Martini Monday, which can be my favourite idea just because Mondays usually want all the assistance they’ll get.

From 5 to 7 p.m., VAGA pairs its burger with a signature martini for $25, with selections starting from a Dirty Martini and Espresso Martini to its Vagatini. Parmesan truffle frites and bone marrow can be found as add-ons. It’s served on the bar, no reservation required, which is precisely the type of low-commitment situation that may flip a resort restaurant into a neighborhood hangout.

Tuesday brings Trivia Night, overlaying popular culture, leisure, present occasions and no matter different random info has been occupying precious actual property in your mind. The present promotion consists of $35 countless margaritas and 50% off mild bites. It’s open to lodge visitors and the local people. I can be popping into this one from time to time.

Then comes Tunes on the Tide on Wednesdays at The Perch at VAGA Bar.

This one feels significantly properly fitted to Encinitas. Live music, cocktails, an ocean sundown and no have to make an elaborate night out of it. Current hours are 5 to eight p.m., and neighborhood locals obtain 15% most well-liked pricing. That final half caught my consideration as a result of there are few phrases extra enticing to a longtime Encinitas resident than “locals pricing.”

Thursday is Yappy Hour, as a result of if there’s one factor we learn about coastal North County, it’s that leaving your canine at residence when you exit for a cocktail is just unacceptable conduct.

Bring the pooch to The Perch and people can take pleasure in $12 home margaritas whereas the canine contingent will get $10 pet patties. Add the ocean breeze and sundown and you’ve got what is perhaps essentially the most Encinitas completely satisfied hour conceivable.

The native outreach continues with the resort’s Locals After Dark on Friday and Spritz into Sunset on Sunday, two extra experiences geared toward giving close by residents causes to come back via the doorways without having a room key.

VAGA has at all times had one of many extra spectacular restaurant settings in North County. The problem with eating places hooked up to luxurious accommodations is convincing individuals who stay 5 or 10 minutes away that they belong there simply as a lot as somebody who flew in for the weekend.

A lineup like this helps break down that barrier. There’s additionally the meals, in fact.

VAGA describes its cooking as San Diego delicacies with “a touch of wanderlust,” constructed round shared plates, entrees, sides and desserts influenced by neighboring land and sea. The eating room presents floor-to-ceiling views whereas the patio places you proper into the coastal setting. The lounge and bar lean closely into San Diego spirits, native microbrews, wine and seasonal cocktails.

Weekend brunch is one other apparent entry level for locals, significantly when you’ve gotten mates or household visiting and need to exhibit our stretch of shoreline with out embarking on a significant expedition. VAGA presently serves weekend brunch Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to three p.m., that includes Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs mimosas and Bellinis.

My recommendation is to hop in your bike for those who can, or e-bike in case you are of that persuasion. Or a ride-share which remains to be extra handy than driving though they do have a really environment friendly valet operation going.

I’ve at all times thought one of the best lodge eating places ultimately determine that the encircling neighborhood is simply as essential because the folks occupying the rooms upstairs. Tourists come and go. Locals are those who can flip Martini Monday right into a behavior, construct a trivia staff, present up for Wednesday music or develop into that particular person whose canine acknowledges The Perch earlier than the valet stand.

And VAGA has a fairly enviable neighborhood to attract from — Encinitas, Leucadia, Cardiff, Carlsbad and the remainder of coastal North County.

So possibly it’s time to take away VAGA from the “somewhere we should go someday” class and provides it a strive.

Check them out at 2100 N. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, vagarestaurant.com or 760-452-3500.