5 days Ago By Kamal Jenkins
Carlsbad, California, is about to make a new splash in the culinary scene with the opening of Lilo, an exclusive 22-seat tasting menu venue set within the walls of a repurposed boogie board factory. Chef Eric Bost and restaurateur John Resnick are behind this new gastronomic venture, promising a global journey for the palate, heavily inspired by local ingredients. According to the Robb Report, Bost emphasizes the fusion of flavors from various coastal regions, aiming to attract local diners and an international crowd, according to Robb Report.
Despite its intimate size, Lilo offers an immersive experience from the patio to the chef's counter or one of two chef's tables. As per Robb Report, Bost described the cuisine as a melange of influences from France, Japan, and broader Asian flavors while deeply grounded in Southern California's bounty. Running on a different note but under the same roof as their Wildland establishment, Lilo distinguishes itself with a separate entrance and a focused gastronomic narrative that bridges the land and the sea.
Lilo's approach to dining involves elaborate dishes such as locally caught spot prawns matched with exotic muddled sea buckthorn and lime leaf sauces. In an interview with the Robb Report, Bost details how the menu showcases a "fruit forward" and "high acid" philosophy, aiming to create vibrant and full-of-life flavors. It's a deliberate ode to the regional produce, with sporadic gustatory nods to international excellence, like wild-caught turbot from France, adding a touch of sophistication to the offerings.
Lilo's Instagram announcement echoed Bost's sentiments, framing Lilo as a dream coming to life that seamlessly melds the raw appeal of the California coastline with the intricate tastes from shorelines worldwide. Serving as an invitation for patrons to indulge in life's celebratory moments, the post affirms Lilo's commitment to an elegant yet spirited dining atmosphere. Not to be overshadowed by the innovative food, the beverage program at Lilo has been curated to complement each course, offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic pairings.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by LILO (@restaurantlilo)Anticipation for this ambitious establishment has been high, with reservations opening up before the official start date on April 17. With Michelin-starred roots in the partnership of Bost and Resnick and the glowing reputation of their previous collaborations like Jeune et Jolie, Lilo is pitched to be a crown jewel in Northern San Diego County's rising status as a culinary hub..
