Carlsbad, California, is about to make a new splash in the culinary scene with the opening of Lilo, an exclusive 22-seat tasting menu venue set within the walls of a repurposed boogie board factory. Chef Eric Bost and restaurateur John Resnick are behind this new gastronomic venture, promising a global journey for the palate, heavily inspired by local ingredients. According to the Robb Report, Bost emphasizes the fusion of flavors from various coastal regions, aiming to attract local diners and an international crowd, according to Robb Report.
Despite its intimate size, Lilo offers an immersive experience from the patio to the chef's counter or one of two chef's tables. As per Robb Report, Bost described the cuisine as a melange of influences from France, Japan, and broader Asian flavors while deeply grounded in Southern California's bounty. Running on a different note but under the same roof as their Wildland establishment, Lilo distinguishes itself with a separate entrance and a focused gastronomic narrative that bridges the land and the sea.
Lilo's approach to dining involves elaborate dishes such as locally caught spot prawns matched with exotic muddled sea buckthorn and lime leaf sauces. In an interview with the Robb Report, Bost details how the menu showcases a "fruit forward" and "high acid" philosophy, aiming to create vibrant and full-of-life flavors. It's a deliberate ode to the regional produce, with sporadic gustatory nods to international excellence, like wild-caug.