SoCal’s Sexiest Tasting Menu
What to know, what to wear and what to order at Lilo in Carlsbad.
Welcome to Chow Now, giving you a sneak peek and insider tips for new restaurants we're super excited about.
Michelin-starred Chef Eric Bost just opened his most ambitious restaurant yet – a 22-seat chef's counter tasting menu.
What to Know:
Bost and restaurateur John Resnick already have Carlsbad on lock with a trio of hits within walking distance, but Lilo is in a class of its own for fine dining.
You’ll kick things off in a dreamy garden with a round of single-bite snacks and a welcome cocktail. It’s quiet luxury in amuse-bouche form.
Inside, the U-shaped chef’s counter turns dinner into a front-row experience. This is tweezer food at its best, and ingredients from local farms appear in every dish, often preserved in unique ways.
It’s all elegant without being fussy — think: big flavor, small portions and just enough laminated brioche to mop up the magic. Don’t be shy with questions. The team wants you in on the story behind every bite.
What to Wear:
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Dear John Minah Denim Blazer Jacket
Denim meets chic with this structured, fitted blazer. It adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit while also still feeling casual enough for day-to-day wear.
Porridge Ruffled Peplum Strapless Corset Top
This ruffled top has a hint of tuxedo, making it ideal for a night on the town while still looking relaxed.
Linen-Blend Flare Trouser Pants
These linen pants are lightweight enough for summer sun but structured enough for a night out.
Matisse Natural Capricorn Heels
A warm-weather classic The Natural Capricorn Heels are an ultra-chic style with a sleek kitten heel, single upper band, and woven construction.
Poolside Anna Conch Clutch
This straw nautilus shell bag is a true work of art, handcrafted with care and finished with a hidden magnet closure.
What to Order:
You’re not choosing courses since this is a tasting menu — just how to drink your way through them. Go full pairing (boozy or zero-proof), or mix it up with the “Goldilocks” combo of both. Just flag any allergies ahead of time. Here are a few food highlights from more than a dozen courses.
Gougère Waffle
Comté Mornay, Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup and Ibérico Lardo
Wild Brittany Turbot
Raw and Grilled White Asparagus with a Pineau de Charentes Sabayon
Orgeat Ice Cream
Ossetra Caviar, Freshly Pressed Almond Oil and Celery Root Bushi
Hollander Farms Squab
Burnt Vanilla Oil, Preserved Green Juniper Berries, Puffed Amaranth, Charred Blueberries and Laminated Brioche
Vin Jaune Tartelette
The night ends where it began: outside in the garden, with dainty mignardises like a that’s as photogenic as it is punchy.