Two Seat Tango: 2014

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Neighborhood Cafes & Stays: Claire's on Cedros (Solana Beach, CA)

We all get a little home sick sometimes. It's great to find a neighborhood café where you instantly feel welcome and comfortable from the moment you enter. In this Series, “Neighborhood Cafes & Stays,” we introduce you to cafes and lodging establishments that feel like home to us. We invite you to share stories about hidden gems you've discovered in Comments below.

Claire’s on Cedros
Solana Beach, California
As you enter Claire’s, across from the Solana Beach Amtrak Train Station, it’s as if you're entering a comfortable home. The cozy atmosphere features an open beam ceiling and an assortment of unmatched furniture.

I really like this place! There's plenty of unique décor to look at while you enjoy your breakfast. Check out the 6-foot fork hanging from the ceiling and matching spatula on the wall over there. I just met Owner, Claire Allison, and she says the table tops are made of sunflower seeds, so creative!

As you arrive at Claire's it's like coming home. There's a large welcoming front porch with seating for those waiting outside. As I entered, I noticed the open beam ceiling with reclaimed wooden beams and giant glowing birds nest chandeliers. This place truly is one of a kind!


*Claire's on Cedros © 2014 Consortium Awards*

Claire's Menu
The menu is unique and ever so original, prepared with mostly organic ingredients. Almost everything here is made from scratch on site. Produce arrives fresh every day. Claire worked previously for 12 years leading a large local bakery. Her attention to detail and creativity shows in every single dish that leaves the kitchen.

The Salmon Cake Benedict is to-die-for and the Gluten-free pancakes are also delicious!

I remember the first time I dined here, I ordered the Pumpkin Pancakes and Tuscan Eggs Benedict. I liked both dishes so much, I asked for a second helping of each.

After all of this scrumptious food, I wish there was a recliner here, so I could kick up my feet and stay for the afternoon! This place really does feel like home.

I’m ready to take a nap. I see a nice patio with seating out back. I wonder if there's a hammock hanging between those trees out there.

Weather you take the train, drive or walk over, you will find the ambiance and the staff at Claire's friendly and welcoming. If you can’t make it to Solana Beach, we hope you find a neighborhood café in your neck of the woods that feels just like home. As Dorothy said, "There’s no place like home… there's no place at home!"

Claire's is pet-friendly, so you can bring Toto Too!

How it's Made
Claire’s on Cedros was constructed following environmental building practices closely with sustainability in mind. In fact, it was the first LEED®Platinum certified restaurant ever in San Diego, a distinction the owners are proud of. Claire Allison opened the restaurant with long-time friend, Terrie Boley. Manager, Dee Miller is another friend. Their staff has become one big happy family. Claire, “I thought, somebody has to do breakfast right! If our customers can’t eat at home, this is a good second choice!”

Claire's on Cedros
246 N. Cedros Ave;
Solana Beach, CA 92075
Phone: (858) 259-8597
Website: clairesoncedros.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-3pm, Sat & Sun 7am-3pm, 5pm-9pm

Share your favorite Neighborhood Café in Comments...

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

The Country Friends: Making San Diego a Better Place!

San Diego is known as America's Finest City. One of the reasons for the city's popularity, is the generosity of the people who make up this sunny seaside community. Everywhere you look throughout the city you can see helping hands. Locals find many ways to contribute to their community, making San Diego one of the greatest places to live.

Here, Two Seat Tango share how one inspiring organization is making a difference in the lives of San Diegans in need. With a 60 year tradition of giving, The Country Friends®, is a wonderful organization that raises funds to support human care agencies across San Diego County. The group hosts charity events throughout the year and operates a lovely Consignment Shop in Rancho Santa Fe, California.

The Country Friends® Board of Directors

The women who lead The Country Friends® are warm and welcoming. They are passionate about giving to the community and helping to make the lives of others better!

The Country Friends® Consignment Shop

The Country Friends® Consignment Shop sells merchandise from estates and individuals, including treasures of silver, crystal, fine china, objets d'art and furniture (classic and traditional), which is either consigned or donated. Shop Location: 6030 El Tordo, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067. Phone (858) 756-1192

Recently, The Country Friends® presented its Spring Membership Luncheon at Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa to celebrate 60 years of giving. The event was also a tribute to Jean Newman, a 35-Year member and dedicated community volunteer who was Consignment Shop Manager. "She had such a sense of humor and her laughter was very infectious," said Yvette Letourneau, the consignment shop's current Manager. "I miss her laughter."

We are so inspired by this organization and its impressive legacy of giving. When I heard that some of the volunteers have helped out for decades, I couldn't wait to learn how I might participate.

On September 18, you are invited to attend Art of Fashion 2014 sponsored by South Coast Plaza, a grand event taking place at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. One of the largest outdoor fashion and style events outside of New York Fashion Week, this event will feature a runway fashion show, designer boutique shopping, a fabulous luncheon and more! Ticket Info

Membership
Experience the joy of giving by joining The Country Friends®, donating to the The Country Friends® Consignment Shop, attending one of the many wonderful events Event Calendar or volunteering. Membership provides many great benefits and starts at only $60 for a General Membership.

You don't need permission to give. Whether it's your money or your time, the act of being selfless and giving can fill your heart with tremendous joy! It can start with a simple donation to a cause you are passionate about, volunteering your time to someone in need or simply holding the door open for a stranger.

A community is not just a place, but a shared experience. Your sense of community can be enhanced by giving, volunteering or participating with others for the greater good. Joining a local organization like The Country Friends® is one way to get more involved while helping to make your city or village a better place. Here's to those who give, for giving brings you and others joy and the world could always use a little more joy.

Two Seat Tango wishes to inspire you to get involved in your community, for your community is what you make of it. Let's get ready to Tango!

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Los Angeles Art Show 2014

Join 60,000 other Art lovers at the Los Angeles Art Show 2014 Jan 15-19 at LA Convention Center. Take this rare opportunity to view works from over 100 galleries including contemporary art, modern, historic, traditional and more. There are tours, exhibitions, lectures. We could all use more Monet! www.laartshow.com

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