An Afternoon to Remember: Taste Brunch Edition Delivers Flavors & Fun

Blog Post - May 21, 2025

Carlsbad Village came alive on Saturday, May 17th as the inaugural Taste of Carlsbad Village: Brunch Edition treated attendees to a sold-out celebration of local flavor, community, and coastal charm. From 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, guests embarked on a self-guided tasting tour filled with gourmet brunch bites, creative beverages, live music, and unforgettable local hospitality.

Cream cheese stuffed French toast with kiwis and strawberries at Swami's Cafe

The event was an overwhelming success, thanks to the incredible collaboration of Village restaurants, beverage partners, sip stop hosts, and community supporters who came together to create an experience that was both vibrant and delicious.

Los Cuernos canned wines served at Sun Diego Board Shop

Guests enjoyed everything from savory chilaquiles, biscuits and gravy, and chicken and waffles to sweet pastries, crepes, gluten-free options, and even Captain Crunch French toast. The variety of drinks was just as impressive, with fresh-squeezed orange juice, green juice, espresso martinis, sparkling wine, Bloody Marys, and a lineup of coffee options that kept attendees fueled for their food and drink expedition.

Jemille Vialet performing outside Sun Diego

Between tastings, attendees snapped photos in front of the flower wall and lined up for fun, vintage-style shots inside the popular Camera Camper. These little moments gave guests a chance to capture memories from a truly unique Village experience.

A perfect floral backdrop provided for some fun selfies at the event

Who doesn't like a vintage camera camper to capture the memory?

Participating Restaurants:

Local culinary talent was on full display, with 22 eateries serving up brunch favorites that ranged from comforting classics to inspired new creations:

• American Heroes & Brew

• Baba Coffee

• Barons Market

• Beach City Smoothies

• Better Buzz Coffee

• Bite Me Bistro

• Chocolate Bar Carlsbad

• Coyote Café

• Daily News Café

• Dini’s Bistro

• Fresco Cocina

• Froglanders

• Gelato Love

• Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream

• Hennessey’s Tavern

• Le Papagayo

• Lofty Coffee

• Lola’s Mexican Deli

• Señor Grubby’s

• Strawberry Shack

• Swami’s Café

• Sweet Spot

Mini biscuits and gravy with bacon from the Daily News Cafe

Beverage Providers:

To pair perfectly with the delicious bites, these beverage brands served up everything from bubbly mimosas to smooth espresso martinis:

• Carruth Cellars

• Fig & Feather (Espresso Martinis)

• JuneShine

• Pacific Coast Spirits

• Seaborn Cocktails

• Sipwell Wine Co.

• Topo Chico

• Witch Creek Winery

A little vino and sweets from Baba Coffee

Sip Stop Hosts:

A heartfelt thank-you to the local businesses who generously hosted beverage stops, adding personality and warmth to the tasting experience:

• Always Hungry Grocery and Goods

• Barrio Glassworks

• Calor Sauna Studios

• Chandelier Room

• Sun Diego

• The Hair Spa

• Village Rock Shop

Thank You to our Event Partner!

We extend our deepest gratitude to our official event partner, Minuteman Press Carlsbad, who ensured every guest had what they needed to navigate the day with ease. From beautifully printed passports and maps to event signage throughout the Village, their support was integral to the event’s success.

A beautiful passport and map courtesy of Minuteman Press Carlsbad

With over 600 tickets sold out well in advance and glowing reviews from attendees, Taste: Brunch Edition proved that Carlsbad Village knows how to brunch in style. From the first sip to the last bite, it was a morning filled with flavor, fun, and community spirit.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this inaugural event unforgettable. We can’t wait to see you in the fall at Taste of Carlsbad Village (the original) and next year for brunch!

Special thank you to photographer, Tanya Perez, for capturing this festive day of fun.