The old adage that "good restaurants are where you find them" still applied on our trip to explore Carlsbad.  Paon Restaurant and Wine Bar in picturesque Carlsbad Village proved to be a real find.
We had only been in the restaurant a few minutes and a quick look at the menu and ambiance told us we were in a five star restaurant.
Steve Barr, managing partner, greeted us and showed us the premises which are extensive with a large bar
lounge, indoor and patio dining areas and the adjacent Wine Bar and Retail Shop with over one thousand labels.  Here we met Gino Campbell, Wine Director and International Master Sommelier
Seated in the dining room we found the menu stunning with a huge two page list of enticing appetizers, salads, soups and entrees.  Rare indeed on today's menus does one find items like Veal Sweet Breads, Salmon & Tuna Tartare, Black Pearl American Paddle Fish Caviar and French Escargot Bourgugnon.
Then entrees like Pan Roasted Pheasant, New Zealand Cervina Venison and two preparations of Duck.  This besides the usual assortment of steaks and chops.
The seafoods including Indian spiced Prawn and Scallops salads and entrees like Pan Seared Maine Diver Scallops with a Ragout of Organic vegetables and  lobster, potato Puree which was our fortunate choice.  Also seared Yellowfish Tuna, King Salmon and Alaskan Halibut.
With the adjacent wine bar and shop the wine list was most extensive and our glass of 2012 Napa Meritage wine outstanding.
Paon Restaurant and Wine Bar is located in Carlsbad Village at 2975 Roosevelt Street and open daily for dinner from 5:30 p.m. Lunches served Wednesday through Saturday.  Telephone 760 729-7377, web www.paoncarlsbad.com