Bringing fresh heat to the North County dining landscape is Campfire, which welcomes the public into its new Carlsbad digs starting this Wednesday. At 6,000-square-feet, it's an ambitious undertaking from owner John Resnick, who is steering his first solo project after playing a key role in launching CH Projects' Craft & Commerce and Ironside Fish & Oyster.
Designed by the gurus behind Bells & Whistles, who've been responsible for local stunners such as Bracero, Starlite and Sycamore Den, Campfire offers a nostalgic, modernist take on camping culture in its communally-inclined, 185-seat indoor/outdoor space, which includes a 25-seat copper bar and a kid-friendly custom teepee.
In the glass-enclosed kitchen, executive chef Andrew Bachelier (Addison, Cucina Enoteca) is playing with fire; his oak-fueled custom wood grill is the flaming hearth and heart of the restaurant's menu, which showcases seasonal, product-driven creativity across its California-inspired, shareable lineup of lunch and dinner plates. Contributing his well-earned drink prowess is bar manager Leigh Lacap, whose elevated cocktail program, centered around fresh ingredients and influenced by the live fire kitchen, may just be what North County has been thirsty for.
