Del Mar isn't just for the upper-crust. It isn't just for horse racing. It isn't just for the San Diego County Fair. Let us just say that Del Mar is just as comfortable wearing her flip-flops as she is with the fine dining and her high property values.

Lettuce tell you about a place sandwiched between some other small retail shops on Camino Del Mar. Since 1979, Board and Brew has been building sandwiches for the local crowd to rave reviews. If you go there during the lunch rush, there will undoubtedly be a long, long line. This no-frills joint has 20 some odd menu items from which to select at the counter. Nearly everything on the menu is under $7.00 including tax. Not a lot of bread, huh? Your best bet is to order by phone or fax, and circumvent the line. Serving 400-600 sandwiches in a day says something. Staying in business for over 30 years, says even more about a beachy place that caters to a whole spectrum of customers. Note to all: Expect to see bikinis, flip-flops and all the assorted scantily clad beach fashionistas sauntering about.

At Board and Brew, the pace is hectic during the feeding frenzy of its famished fans. What we noticed was the grace and hospitality each customer received when placing and picking up their orders.

If you like eating on the spot, Board and Brew does have indoor and outdoor seating. Dare we say that if you want to get toasted, they do have beer on the premises.

We have another idea though. Order your sandwich, pick it up and follow us. You can choose to walk down the street a couple of blocks to the cliffs above Del Mar. You can also decide to walk to the north on Camino Del Mar, turning left on 19th Street, and head for Pepper Grove Park, the grassy park above Del Mar Beach. You could even go further north beyond Pepper Grove and park yourself on your own patch of sand. But, that's what everyone does...

Instead, get back in your car and head north on Camino Del Mar. Pass through the intersection of 19th and Camino Del Mar. Veer to the right at Jimmy Durante Blvd. Follow Jimmy Durante Blvd. to San Dieguito Drive and before the bridge, make a right on San Dieguito Drive. The street doesn't go through, but to us that just means proceed and find the unexpected. Follow San Dieguito Drive a short distance until you see the sign for the Grand Avenue Bridge on the left side. Pull in to the tiny lot and step out onto the wooden overlook.

Once you've parked the car, you may not understand why local residents flock to this overlook. Sit down, roll back the paper on your sandwich, grab a napkin and acclimate to the natural environment and soon you will realize you are in a special place. You'll probably be alone because those flocking to this spot are most often birds.

This is the Grand Avenue Bridge. The bridge is a 67-year old bridge with a history to tell. She has served the country. She has served San Diego. And now, she serves the restoration efforts of the San Dieguito Lagoon in Del Mar.

Back in the 1920s, she served the country when the Navy used the vast area as an emergency landing field. At the time, they called it the San Dieguito Field. Later, it became a municipal airport for those flying in and out for the Del Mar Racetrack. The airport existed until 1959 when talk of the I-5 freeway was becoming a reality.

In 1941, interestingly enough, the Navy began using the area for a landing field for "Blimps" that would be deployed for anti-submarine patrols, refuel at Del Mar, and continue their patrols along the coast.

This section of the San Dieguito Lagoon was threatened with development back in 1987. Local residents protested, as local residents will do when their beloved lands are threatened, and fears of this valley becoming like Mission Valley put the kabosh on that idea.

With all that history buried under the silt and water of the River Valley, we can now enjoy our own slice of the natural habitat with a sandwich in hand. Sit still on the wooden bench and you'll get a feeling that you are sitting in a wide-open aviary. You'll have the chance to spot 29 different species of birds. You'll be able to see how restorative efforts can create wonderful places for all of us to enjoy--not just the humans.

In the distance, you will hear the I-5 freeway sounds. Eventually, when you tune that out, you'll begin to hear the birds rushing by or you'll become transfixed watching a heron fly over this stretch of the San Dieguito Lagoon.

One more thing: If you are feeling adventureous, roam around in the hills above the overlook and let us know if you spot the pony and the pig. No, we are not kidding. We dare you.

Board and Brew
1212 Camino Del Mar
Del Mar, California
Phone: 858-481-1021
Fax: 858-481-8766
Open at 10am
Map to Board and Brew

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