GREAT EATS HAWAII: LAS OLAS - CARDIFF BY THE SEA, CALIFORNIA

LAS OLAS

CARDIFF BY THE SEA, CALIFORNIA

LAS OLAS

2655 SOUTH COAST HIGHWAY 101

CARDIFF BY THE SEA, CA 92007

762-942-1860

HOURS: Monday Thru Friday 11:00 TO 9:00

Saturday 10:00 TO 9:30

Sunday 10:00 TO 9:00

www.lasolasmex.com

Going back to Cardiff by the Sea near San Diego, California is very special for me as I called Cardiff home for many years. Blessed to still have great friends who live there and still hang out with me during my much to infrequent visits. Next to Hawaii, Cardiff by the Sea would be the place I would like to hang my hat. This quiet oceanfront town is void of malls, chain stores and the over development that has ruined many small seaside cities in California. The beaches are still beautiful, the air is clean and the coastline is pristine. Throw in dozens of great Mexican food places within a few mile radius and you have "paradise" for me. This trip we dined at Las Olas which is located on Highway 101 directly across from the ocean. I remember eating at this same Las Olas location when it was a takeout taco stand some 25 years ago. Now it is a full scale restaurant with a bar, waitresses and hundreds of loyal patrons who stand in line for the food and drinks. We waited about 30 minutes for a table on a Friday evening. The wait was painless as the bartender kept our chips, salsa and beer flowing. The crowd near the bar was a young twenty something year old group who were enjoying shots of tequila and margaritas in their shorts and tee shirts. The dining area was a mixed group with small and large groups enjoying conversation and some really great Mexican food. The food at Las Olas shines beyond the sunsets that fall in front of the restaurant daily. I had a three choice platter ($12.50) that included a Shredded Beef Taco, (2) Chicken Taquitos and a Carnitas Enchilada. This was a huge plate of food for the price. I loved everything on the plate including the refried beans and cabbage salad with a light avocado vinaigrette. Pure heaven chowing down this plate. My friend chose a different three choice platter. He went with (2) Carne Asada Tacos and Chicken Enchilada served with black beans. I know he enjoyed it because he did not come up for air until he was finished. All we heard from him was a few grunts and "wow" this is great. My other friend went for the Shrimp Cortez ($19.50). Huge shrimp that wrap around a scallop and then are wrapped in bacon. Nothing but raves for this dish. I loved the food at Las Olas. This is one of my favorites in San Diego's North County.