You know that feeling you get when a new neighborhood café opens up around the corner from your house and you think, “Wow, is this going to make my coffee habit even more convenient?” That's the feeling our team experienced when we heard that Clara was opening down the street from our office. If you’re a local to Carlsbad, California then you know that the bustling downtown village is opening up hit after hit. Ahem, we are looking at you Campfire, Park 101, The Goods Dougnuts and Jeune et Jolie. So, it was only natural that Clara would round out the Carlsbad dining scene with their seafood and vegetarian-heavy menu.  

Upon opening night, our team was seated together at a table next to the open kitchen concept and quickly served the chili braised cauliflower tacos with crispy jicama slaw and red onions. This was the table favorite among vegetarians and meat eaters alike. Our table also got pretty excited about the skirt steak skewers which were perfectly cooked and seasoned – we recommend sharing this with your crew on a Friday night. You will get full, but not too full if you know what we mean. Plus, the interiors are serene, casual and comfortable making this spot pretty ideal for a dinner feast prior to heading out for a long night out with your friends. To be honest, the neutral interiors and menu offerings would also work for romantic dinners, awkward first dates and family feasts. There is a little something for everyone here. 

We spoke with Jess Hicks, Clara designer, for more info about designing and opening Carlsbad’s newest place-to-be. Photography by Kimberly Motos, Nathan Mueller for The Venue Report