This isn't exactly new news as Solace and the Moonlight Lounge have been open for a few weeks now, but I've been twice already so I thought it was about time I gave the establishment some props. I first wrote about the new restaurant back in January when they were digging out the massive whole for Pacific Station's underground parking lot. The anchor tenants for the summer opening were to be Whole Foods (which I'm for sure by now you've spent a couple grand there) and chef extraordinaire Matt Gordon's Solace/Moonlight Lounge combination. Matt's been all over the place the past 20+ years- executive chef duties in San Francisco/Flagstaff/Napa and then opening up Urban Solace in North Park. Based on his success in southern San Diego it was only natural to conquer the rest of the county by opening up Solace in Encinitas. I was bummed to see the old 25E/Redsand building/Grounded/101 Artists Colony grey steel warehouse get torn down for Pacific Station but the new tenants have done a great job breathing life into downtown Encinitas. Especially upscale tenants like Whole Foods and Solace.
What makes Solace unique is that it's not another fast food joint or Italian eatery but rather Matt brings a twist to American fare with unique food combinations and drinks to boot. My meal stated off with warm cheddar and chive biscuits (with this crazy good orange butter- odd I know, but it went down smooth) and finished off with a cold Mexican Victoria beer. The main course consisted of a quinoa veggie burger (I had to eat something healthy after downing biscuits and beer) and I also ate part of a grilled 4 cheese sandwich. And that was just the simple stuff off the menu. Matt brings his executive chef skills to BBQ Glazed Duroc Pork Belly, Smoked Sea Salt & Sugar Glazed Black Bass With Fennel Braised Root Vegetable Hash, and all kinds of other stuff I can't pronounce. The cool thing about Solace is that Encinitas doesn't have many hip establishments (it's mostly the beer and burger crowd or taco and Tecate joints) so it's a good place to take friends, eat some good food, and indulge in conversation. As you can imagine, it's been crowded, so reservations are a good bet.
But if you're in a rush and just want to stop by, head upstairs to their Moonlight Lounge. Cool wooden decor, a patio that overlooks part of downtown, and a quick bite and suds can be had. Either establishment will impress your lady friend so it's worth the time to head on in. Long story short, glad Solace and Moonlight Lounge have moved into town as I now have a reason to wear a button down shirt, pants, and shoes.
