Meet Cherimarie Poulos | Owner of Carlsbad Food Tours

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cherimarie Poulos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cherimarie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
After going on a food tour in Carmel, California. I recognized that Carlsbad Village by the Sea offers a unique culinary experience as well has it’s history, culture and architecture, that I would love to share with others. And our food tour does just that.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I founded Carlsbad Food Tours after a long and fulfilling career in nursing. The journey began in 2013 during an anniversary weekend with my husband in Carmel, where we enjoyed a fantastic food tour. Inspired, I thought, “We have a village with wonderful restaurants; why can’t we have a food tour in Carlsbad?” This idea took root because I believe the best way to experience a town is through its food, as it tells the story of the community’s people, history, and culture.

Upon returning to Carlsbad, I was eager to start this venture before someone else did. Without previous business ownership experience, I sought guidance from Stacy, the owner of the Carmel Food Tour. She advised me to contact Shane Kost in Chicago and take his Food Tour Pros course. Shane’s course was incredibly valuable, providing me with a template to set up my business. He taught me how to present the idea to vendors, price the tours, and ensure success from day one. After completing the course in Chicago, I returned home brimming with enthusiasm and ideas, immediately starting to pitch my concept to local restaurants and gather vendors.

One significant challenge was selecting the right restaurants and food tastings, given the abundance of great eateries in Carlsbad. I focused on two main criteria: great food and a compelling story. I chose unique, family-owned establishments that offer something distinctive to our guests, giving them a true taste of what Carlsbad has to offer.

Carlsbad is an excellent location for family vacations, getaways, and staycations, making it ideal for food tours. After setting up my tour, I invited Shane to visit and provide feedback. He flew in from Chicago, took notes, and offered numerous suggestions for improvement. Initially, I balanced nursing shifts with weekend tours, which was demanding but rewarding. Eventually, I retired from nursing to focus fully on my business, setting it up as a seasonal venture to allow for sailing trips with my husband. This balance of travel and work was perfect until we lost our boat in Hurricane Dorian, prompting us to settle back in Carlsbad full-time.

Carlsbad Food Tours is now in its tenth year and thriving, with fantastic tour guides and stellar reviews. I am incredibly proud of winning the “Woman-Owned Business of the Year” award from the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce in 2017 and being featured on MSNBC’s “Tour Traffic: Working Up an Appetite for Local Businesses”.
Fox News San Diego: “Local food tours named best food and culinary experiences in US” and
ABC News: “Life in Carlsbad: The Food Scene”.
2023 Winner: Viator Experience Award: One of the top 10 Food Tours and Experiences in the USA..
2023 Most Influential Women in Carlsbad – Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Business Journal.
2021-2024 Kindness Certified Company.
Donated tickets to Carlsbad Food Tours to over 50 local 501c3 organizations.

My journey has had its challenges, but perseverance, passion, and a supportive community have been key to overcoming them. I’ve learned that flexibility, continuous learning, and a genuine love for what you do are crucial for success. I want the world to know that Carlsbad Food Tours is about more than just food—it’s about sharing the rich history and vibrant culture of Carlsbad with our guests.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Carlsbad for a week, I’d want to ensure they experience the best this charming town has to offer. Here’s a fun-filled itinerary for their visit:

Day 1: Welcome to Carlsbad
Start your visit with Carlsbad Food Tours. It is a 3-hour guided walking tour around the village with 6 stops at unique eateries for food, wine and or beer tastings. Learn about Carlsbad’s history, culture and art while eating your way through our town.
Afternoon: Visit the Carlsbad Village to explore the boutiques, galleries, and local shops.
Evening: Enjoy a delicious Italian dinner at Cicciotti’s Trattoria Italiana & Seafood. Try the Gnocchi Al Gorgonzola or Pennette Alla Vodka, my favorites.

Day 2: Relax and Enjoy.
Morning: Start with breakfast at The Naked Cafe for a healthy and delicious start to the day.
Afternoon: Head to Carlsbad State Beach for some sun and surf. Relax and soak in the beautiful ocean views.
Evening: Dinner at Campfire for some unique and flavorful wood-fired cuisine. Finish the night with a stroll along the beach.

Day 3: Local Delights
Morning: Coffee and pastries at The Goods Donuts. The brown butter donut was voted best donut in San Diego 2023.
Afternoon: Visit the Carlsbad Flower Fields (if in season) or explore the Carlsbad Premium Outlets for some shopping.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at our best tasting Mediterranean restaurant Village Kabob. I recommend their Mezze Sample: A

combination of village hummus, Baba Ghanoush, tzatziki, falafel, dolma.

Day 4: Explore and Adventure
Morning: Have breakfast at Beach Break Cafe, known for its hearty and tasty dishes.
Afternoon: Visit Legoland California for some fun and adventure. It’s not just for kids—there’s plenty for adults to enjoy too!
Evening: Savor a fabulous fine dining experience at our Michelin Star restaurant Jeune & Jolie.

Day 5: Culture and History
Morning: Start with breakfast at , a local favorite Cafe Topes known for their cozy ambiance and delicious food.
Afternoon: Explore the Museum of Making Music and learn about the history of American music or take a walking history tour.
Evening: Have a casual dinner at Pizza Port, where you can enjoy some local craft beers and delicious pizza or Senor Grubby’s for their Al Pastor Tacos.

Day 6: Outdoor Fun
Morning: Breakfast at Cafe Elysa with a lovely outdoor seating area.
Afternoon: Take a hike at Batiquitos Lagoon or Calavera Hills for some scenic trails and wildlife viewing.
Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner at Vigilucci’s Seafood & Steakhouse with stunning ocean views or Gregorio’s for handmade pizzas & specialty pasta dishes along with meat & fish in a cozy Italian villa setting.

Day 7: Relax and Reflect
Morning: Brunch at Park 101, a trendy spot with a great outdoor patio.
Afternoon: Maybe take a yoga class at Yoga on State street or enjoy a spa treatment at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa.
Evening: Finish the trip with a memorable dinner at Chandler’s Restaurant & Lounge at Cape Rey, known for its relaxed yet elegant setting.

Highlights and Must-See Attractions:
Carlsbad Village: A must-visit for its charming shops, restaurants, and local vibe.
Tamarack Surf Beach: Great for surfing or simply watching the waves.
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park: Explore this historic park with its peacocks and beautiful landscapes.
Carlsbad Strawberry Company: If in season, pick your own strawberries for a sweet treat.
Fun and Interesting People:
Local artists and musicians: Often found performing in the Village or at local events.
Food tour guides: Like those from Carlsbad Food Tours, who share fascinating stories and insights about the area.
This itinerary ensures a mix of relaxation, adventure, culture, and, of course, delicious food, making for an unforgettable week in Carlsbad!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to shoutout to my fantastic 5 Star Tour Guides: Ben Mastracco, David Jensen and Ed Adams!

Website: https://www.carlsbadfoodtours.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlsbadfoodtours

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlsbadfoodtours/

Twitter: https://x.com/CarlsbadFood

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthCountySanDiegoFoodTours

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/carlsbad-food-tours-carlsbad

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPUNX6wiIdc5HEG2jKmiqwg