Carlsbad's most prominent Victorian mansion, previously known as The Twin Inns since 1919 and more recently Neimans restaurant, entered a new chapter with the opening of Ocean House last week.
With subtle tropical d?cor, Ocean House emphasizes the relaxing grace of a long-ago seaside resort serving "casual coastal cuisine", that is, American cuisine with a flair.
"We are focusing on its historical roots as a home," says Ocean House co-owner Martin Blair. "Our hope is that San Diegans and visitors will enjoy Ocean House as their home on the Pacific with an informal setting to gather, enjoy a drink, dine and celebrate."
Blair, who purchased the restaurant a little over a year ago, remembers the classic structure as The Twin Inns from his childhood, when Sunday drives ended up at the "family-style chicken dinner place."
Built in 1887 by Gerhard Schutte, the owner of Carlsbad Land and Water Company, the expansive home became a favorite stopping place for travelers and diners in the 1920s. Inside, the beautiful Rotunda Salon became an ideal setting for weddings, Sunday brunch and large parties when it was added in 1922 to accommodate increased traffic between Los Angeles and San Diego.
Today, that venue, with its long wrap-around veranda, is called The Palm Room, where dinner is served nightly. The nearby Sandbar features lighter fare and large-screen televisions for watching your favorite game with friends. The Gallery displays ocean art painted by local surfers, depicting their favorite surf spots. San Diego restaurateurs Blair and Max Gutierrez said Friday that they have invested roughly $250,000 on redecorating the building’s interior.
"It's a great place for small gatherings and parties; a banquet lined gallery in an intimate space," added Blair.
Ocean House offers casual dining for lunch and dinner, an elegant Sunday brunch and entertainment and dancing on Thursday through Sunday evenings. Featured dishes include: Riviera Piccata, a tender breast of chicken crusted with herbs saut?ed in lemon caper butter; pacific pasta carbonara, angel hair pasta with proscuitto ham, fresh spinach and herbs topped with poached salmon and creamy alfredo sauce; macadamia crusted salmon; New York steak San Francisco, a ten ounce New York cut, charbroiled to perfection and smothered with crab and b?arnaise sauce and stuffed chicken breast catalan. Traditional burgers, sandwiches, salads and pastas are available as well. For dessert, guests can enjoy such treats as chocolate rum pie or Snickers pie.
Located at 300 Carlsbad Village Drive (at Highway 101), Ocean House is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call the restaurant at (760) 729-4131 or visit www.oceanhousecarlsbad.com. Catering and private parties are also available.
With subtle tropical d?cor, Ocean House emphasizes the relaxing grace of a long-ago seaside resort serving "casual coastal cuisine", that is, American cuisine with a flair.
"We are focusing on its historical roots as a home," says Ocean House co-owner Martin Blair. "Our hope is that San Diegans and visitors will enjoy Ocean House as their home on the Pacific with an informal setting to gather, enjoy a drink, dine and celebrate."
Blair, who purchased the restaurant a little over a year ago, remembers the classic structure as The Twin Inns from his childhood, when Sunday drives ended up at the "family-style chicken dinner place."
Built in 1887 by Gerhard Schutte, the owner of Carlsbad Land and Water Company, the expansive home became a favorite stopping place for travelers and diners in the 1920s. Inside, the beautiful Rotunda Salon became an ideal setting for weddings, Sunday brunch and large parties when it was added in 1922 to accommodate increased traffic between Los Angeles and San Diego.
Today, that venue, with its long wrap-around veranda, is called The Palm Room, where dinner is served nightly. The nearby Sandbar features lighter fare and large-screen televisions for watching your favorite game with friends. The Gallery displays ocean art painted by local surfers, depicting their favorite surf spots. San Diego restaurateurs Blair and Max Gutierrez said Friday that they have invested roughly $250,000 on redecorating the building’s interior.
"It's a great place for small gatherings and parties; a banquet lined gallery in an intimate space," added Blair.
Ocean House offers casual dining for lunch and dinner, an elegant Sunday brunch and entertainment and dancing on Thursday through Sunday evenings. Featured dishes include: Riviera Piccata, a tender breast of chicken crusted with herbs saut?ed in lemon caper butter; pacific pasta carbonara, angel hair pasta with proscuitto ham, fresh spinach and herbs topped with poached salmon and creamy alfredo sauce; macadamia crusted salmon; New York steak San Francisco, a ten ounce New York cut, charbroiled to perfection and smothered with crab and b?arnaise sauce and stuffed chicken breast catalan. Traditional burgers, sandwiches, salads and pastas are available as well. For dessert, guests can enjoy such treats as chocolate rum pie or Snickers pie.
Located at 300 Carlsbad Village Drive (at Highway 101), Ocean House is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call the restaurant at (760) 729-4131 or visit www.oceanhousecarlsbad.com. Catering and private parties are also available.