Infusing Art & The Village Differential: The Walking Beauty Of Carlsbad - Feature
Arts education and proliferation creates the foundation for any city for within an artists' heart lies the expansion both of commerce and community. In Carlsbad Village just north of San Diego, the sleepy little town has begun its renaissance of sorts. While huge resorts and homes loom up in the hills, the small confluence in downtown lurking around the auspice of the Coaster train station shows an inkling of what is to come.
The Art Walk is a brand new initiative using local businesses and galleries to shepherd local artists. While a little bit of the element is infused in a brand of marketing, alot of it is roundly organic. The personification of the walk is situated in a 5 block radius. Two of the major sections are located on the East Side of the railroad tracks which makes a dinner and a walk possibility optimal for couples simply coming in for a late evening supper.The first gallery, Ivanffy-Uhler, presented as the flagship offering the art of Nanette Newbry whose "In Between" presupposed a sense of foreshowing bathed in greens with a wisful yet drowning subtext whereas on the other end of the spectrum Scott Rolfes' "Disenchanted Lullaby" offered a lythe but overwrought supplement of titilation.Across Grand Avenue at Chandler's Gallery & Boutique, which is run by the resident artist showing her wares, the lyrical yet undeniably streamlined "Dangerous Liaisons" which has a cubist yet essential framework is overwhelmed by the dark romanticism of her "In The Mood" piece which is intrinsic despite being over structured in its offering.The venue which offered the most in terms of raw vision resided in The Foundry which is an artist loft shared with the New Village Arts Theater Company, which has drawn regional acclaim for its experimental and lithe productions.
The art that popped in a visceral essence was the work of Sonja Kodimer whose shadowy visions of identify in her two paintings "Fades Into You" and especially "Touch, Don't Look" captured a rawness of feeling that is both intrinsic and connecting. After speaking to the artist and gauging her intentions, this feeling rings true, especially within the structure the arena provides.
Within the same abode, a view into the experimental creative process in the New Village Arts Theater behind the curtain led to the witness of a closed rehearsal where the tweaks and blocking of "A Man Who" due to premiere in the next weeks is being streamlined. The inherent nature of the story structure follows the case history of the neurologically impaired allowing for some very interesting interpretations. One of the more intrinsic elements of the piece beyond the acting is the musical accompaniment which uses both synth and the incomparible possibilities of the Moog.Residing within the Village during this presence of art is possible with an easy traverse since much of what is seen is within walking distance of a variety of accommodations.
The Beach Terrace Inn, recently renovated, offers a front seat view to the art as well as exceptional sunsets as the crashing of the waves reverberates through the open sliding door. Good wi-fi and sense of peace within the resort makes it a perfect getaway with a strategically placed pool and jacuzzi allowing for freedom of movement. Spacious suites and simple parking also make it quite effective with a courteous staff willing to help at a moment's notice.
With day spas and relaxation abounding, selection can be specific. The Carlsbad Mineral Water Spa, steps from the Beach Terrace Inn, is an unassuming historical landmark which is located on the site of a deep mineral spring. While different possibilities are available, it is "The Royal Treatment" that quite invigorates. Beginning with a mineral bath soak, you can feel the organic elements opening your pores as the relaxing element of an upstairs, deep soothing suite places your chi in the perfect spot.The treatment itself takes into account all measures with dedicated tissue massage without overcoming with a sense of intention. The techniques are decidedly unique from normal spas focusing on specific regions without overinundating the procedure. The requisite mud facial using crystals and mango ingredients in congruence allows the aromatherapy essence of the treatment to shine through while reinvigorating the skin with a sense of knowing. Stepping out into the sunlight afterwards gives one peace without the overwhelming sense of being inside a resort, which necessitates a much different reaction in tone.
For the paradoxical yet parallel enticement of sport, The Crossings At Carlsbad Golf Course is a welcome intersect from the work of the day. Many an executive and local play here with a sense of the play through. Interestingly enough for a course spread out within such a big space and with extensive changes in elevation, the playability of the course felt specifically intimate. The front nine offered a bit of play but encouraged its way along because business could be discussed and done before the intrinsic play at hand which followed on the back nine. Unusually structured but well thought out, the course benefits from exceptional landscaping without overwhelming the player. The greens, especially on the back nine, becomes undeniably undulating and adds to the challenge.
In terms of specific shooting elements with the front nine, Hole 8 with its forest brush jumps overlooking the coast adds with an uphill sense of traction. On the back nine, Hole 10 begins the portrayal with a multi-layered hit that requires precise handling. Hole 11 wonders with its deep vista across the landscape marked by a canyon-like progression while Hole 16 allows for a deep cut with a visual acuity with a significant drop. In all progression, a visually intensive 18 holes with an emphasis on the later strategy to finish out the round.Of course within this strategy, food and drink is always of specific interest.In terms of post-golf, the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort offers a unique progression of Southern California cuisine with its Twenty/20 Grille's new Beer Pairing Dinners in congruence with Stone Brewery.
As a comparative to vitner dinners which have become much more within the norm, these pairings, which a significant amount of breweries around the world are starting to participate in, offers a different aspect of dining that has cross sex appeal perhaps more than the relative.The intro of the meal involved a goat cheese bruschetta tinged by a small glass of Vertical Epic Ale which allowed for a light lemon wheat taste. The requisite "Knights & Farmers" course encompassed cacciatore salami with a smoked gouda and an intensive Swiss style bratwurst mignon which was smoothed out by a Smoked Porter which was subsequently mixed with a Cali-Beligique IPA to varied results.
The intermedium which tended to swell better with the IPA was an icy infused Pale Ale sorbet which blended beautifully on the tongue. The main course consisting of a pan seared adobe breast of duck offered a pinnacle of taste with the Oakes Arrogant Bastard Ale providing a nice quip without overcoming the subtlety of the meat. The requisite baby pear wrapped in tangy lamb bacon prepared with freshness as a walnut and chocolate encrusted praline pedestal mixed with a Levitation Ale for an exceptional yet mellow conclusion.By comparison in the Village post-haste after soaking in the glow of the art walk, Le Passage offers a getaway for the taste conscious with an intimate bistro experience that enraptures with the heartiness of an exquisite French meal.
Enthralled with the exceptional enthusiasm of the owner, the progression of tastes here were visual and filling. The inception of escargot ensconced in a white wine garlic sauce was intensive combined with a light pastry that simply fit. The ensuing salad made all the more special with the inclusion of a bed of sliced strawberries showed that visual style does not necessitate a lack of taste. The smoked walnuts and blue cheese crumbles on top allowed for a light but potent bite.
The main course of lamb chops encrusted with spice over a bed of multi-colored squash satisfied with the pillowy inclusion of potatoes that simply melted in your mouth. As with all good French cuisine, taste is never sacrificed because it has to be as pleasing to the eye as the palette as Passage's truly French chef proved. The vintage of a Chateau de Pepe from the Bordeaux infused a tart and welcome antecedent to the meal as a chocolate infused port, comparable with the Graham's 20-year, highlighted the chocolate store that Passage runs concurrently. The sweet of taste melds in the love of good food that this family- run operation excels in.
For a lighter and quicker taste to vindicate the afternoons after the sun warms the skin, a Stone Pale Ale draft at The Village Pubrollicks the senses with beauty availing itself in broad daylight around many a pint. Despite its liquid assets, food found itself intrinsic in lunch at KO Burgers across Carlsbad Blvd where a Middleweight Burger with fries settles the vision with a filling but not overdone snack.
Carlsbad has the feelings of a getaway town but the intent is to find a balance of community and culture. With the introduction of its Art Walks, the first step to a thriving scene steps forward with a fantastic coastal setting replete with food and golf to open the eyes.