The New Paon Restaurant, Wine Bar & Fine Specialty Wine Shop, Carlsbad

Since the U-T began cutting back on its community news coverage, I've toyed with the idea of starting a blog to pass along bits and pieces of interesting information that comes my way. "Too much trouble," I thought. Then yesterday I had an experience that reminded me why a community blog was a good idea.

I visited my friend, interior designer extraordinaire Dru White, at the new Paon Restaurant at Roosevelt and Carlsbad Village Drive. She designed the restaurant for her significant other, Mayur Pavagadhi, and partner Steve Barr. Dru and I scheduled the meeting for the purpose of planning a fundraiser to benefit the county animal shelter on Palomar Airport Road. I was so bedazzled by the eatery that before starting I grabbed my digital camera and began snapping. Here's a brief tour:

Dru designed the restaurant and bar in classic Art Deco complemented with authentic antiques. "I wanted a place that made you feel that it's always been there and it always would," she said. "It's a warm and inviting place to come. That's what we need right now, a feeling of stability."

"Paon" means "peacock" in French. This window which separates the foyer from the bar was created by Stained Glass Overlay on State St. in Carlsbad.

Steve Barr, previously general manager of WineSellar & Brasserie in Sierra Mesa,
recruited the restaurant's Chef David Gallardo for the new venture. The Brasserie was top rated for food in the last three editions of the Zagat Guide.

Furniture from The Venetian in Las Vegas gives the dining room an elegant and cozy feel. The menu features California French cuisine made with organic and natural ingredients. Offerings include scallops, tuna, duck, pheasant, venison, lamb, pork and beef priced beginning at $18. There is a wide array of appetizers and salads.
All desserts are made onsite by a pastry chef.
There is also an onsite herb garden.

Reading glasses in a variety of magnifications are available for
the convenience of diners who have forgotten their own.

The banquet room offers the intimacy of a private dining room with one-of-a-kind
appointments and an HD television.

Paon offers a wine bar with one of the best wine selections in North County.
"Ladies are so comfortable in this restaurant because
they don't feel hit on or intimidated," Dru said.

The wine shop also features exquisite French cheeses.

Dru White and Mayur Pavagadhi.

Paon Restaurant, Wine Bar & Fine Specialty Wine Shop
560 Carlsbad Village Drive (at Roosevelt)
(760) 729-7377
www.paoncarlsbad.com
Open for Lunch and Dinner, 7 Days a Week