Want a great and easy LA getaway for the 4th of July? Then head west. To West Inn & Suites in Carlsbad, Calif. A treat for families ready to visit Legoland or couples looking for a romantic getaway, West Inn & Suites is just a quick stroll from the seasonal Flower Garden, featuring 50 acres of ranunculus with walking paths perfect for strolling; three blocks from the beautiful South Carlsbad beach, and a very short drive to The Museum of Making Music, a fascinating series of galleries packed with hands-on exhibits about musical instruments, and the art of making music itself.
But West Inn & Suites also works as a self-contained stay, with a variety of packages from local micro-brewery tastings to a complete beach-going experience, including chairs and boogies boards. There’s also a fantastic fine-dining experience on-site, and luxury accommodations that are surprisingly reasonable.
We’ll start with the restaurant, an experience that rivals top gourmet restaurants in SoCal. Definitely not your ordinary hotel restaurant, this is a destination dining spot for the area, and truly a must for hotel guests.
According to manager Brandon Slattery, most of the fresh fruits and veggies on offer come from the West Inn & Suites’ own farm just up the street – from beets to heirloom tomatoes. “The concept of the restaurant is one that uses fresh farm to table ingredients that are switched out seasonally to take full advantage of the farm’s produce offerings,” Slattery says.
The restaurant includes a vast “wall of wine” that includes, Slattery says, “Over a thousand bottles and a specialty wine list.”
The restaurant is family-friendly, but elegant, too; stylishly appointed with features such as beautiful glass lamps, hand-blown in Italy.
The restaurant’s menu includes family favorites, but also offers delightful, creative adult cuisine.
We began our meal with letter-perfect craft cocktails, followed by a pescatarian feast.
Quickly flash-fried blue fin tuna was served with fermented black beans and West Farm’s fresh radishes. A wonderful starter, this is a unique and delicious dish that fits the close-to-the-sea location.
A beautiful beet salad, above, also features fresh-from-the-farm produce.
Above, a succulent sea bass with heirloom tomato, fresh artichoke hearts, and lemon orzo.
This dish, above, offers a rich profusion of flavor in mushroom ravioli with divers scallops. Flowers on both dishes are edible, and grown on the farm. The textures and flavors of mushrooms and scallops are a fresh combination that really works.
Above, an elegant quartet of dessert samplings: New York cheesecake, creme brulee, key lime pie, and a mud pie that’s definitely worthy of a full size portion.
“We keep our restaurant family friendly at an affordable budget and offer elegant cuisine options as well,” Slattery says.
It’s a rare combination to pull off, but the restaurant manages, with style. The hotel-owned, locally grown produce is an exceptional concept, bringing farm-to-table to an entirely new level. And the flavors and creativity on the menu are more than impressive.
The kitchen is helmed by renowned executive chef John Miller; we spoke with the restaurant’s second-in-command, Cody Carline. “Our menu features vastly different types of food from casual comfort items like pizza and pastas that are fresh and hearty, to high-end fine dining, and specialty wine and beer dinners. John pushes us to bring out special dishes for all our guests. ”
The restaurant is open for Sunday brunch as well as lunch and dinner.
Deliciously indulged? Then you’re just steps away from your room. We were impressed with the luxury linens, towels, and bedding; also with the ample space in our well-appointed suite. A small living area works perfectly to accommodate children or as a special place for entertaining and relaxing.
The pool and hot tub area are romantic at night, and are also a great spot to enjoy the hotel’s hosted full breakfast buffet in the morning. Waffles and eggs, fresh fruit, and sunshine – can’t beat that.
The hotel is also pet friendly, and perfect for private events from weddings to family reunions.
In short, when you’re looking for a place for a quick getaway or an extended stay, we can’t think of a better place to go than west, to West Inn & Suites.
- Genie Davis; Photos: Jack Burke; daytime exterior courtesy of hotel