Meet Executive Chef Darrell Campbell Of Carlsbad’s CLARA

Beet Salad, Roasted Cauliflower Flatbread and Grilled Artichoke are just a few of the delicious new menu items you can find at Carlsbad’s CLARA with Executive Chef Darrell Campbell now at the helm of the kitchen.

Having worked his way up through restaurants in North County, Chef Darrell Campbell brings bright and fresh new flavors to this modern Carlsbad eatery.

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByBhEKOF4gS/

Chef Darrell’s roots stem from Michigan, where he was raised and attended Michigan State. He was on the path towards pursuing a Chemical Engineering degree, when it struck him that what he really wanted to do in life was feed people. The result of this discovery led to him to  follow an exciting path towards the culinary industry.

After seven years of hands-on experience working in kitchens around Michigan, Chef Darrell headed west to Arizona, where he attended the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Scottsdale and received a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts.

In February of 2013, he was tapped to run the kitchen as Chef de Cuisine at Del Mar’s Davanti Enoteca. After Davanti, Chef Darrell worked at the racetrack in Del Mar with Chef Barry Schneider as Chef de Cuisine of the luxury suites and Directors’ Room kitchen.

In 2015, Chef Darrell became sous chef at Vintana, followed by a position as Executive Chef at Intertwined Bistro & Wine Bar in Escondido, until it closed in the fall of 2016. He became the Executive Chef at Oceanside’s Masters Kitchen and Cocktail, before his current role at CLARA.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqTPK51H4Vo/

Nestled within the Village Fair, in the heart and soul of the beachside community, CLARA is a chic dining and drinking oasis serving market-driven cuisine. Chef Darrell partners with Cyclops Farms, Smit Farms and other local purveyors to supply the produce and ingredients used in his dishes.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx0WxwQlnmE/

“I love highlighting the beautiful produce I’m able to cultivate just a few miles from my kitchen,” says Chef. “Amazing dishes should not only taste great, but also be visually enticing. That’s easy to do when you have such fresh ingredients that are naturally delicious.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxIkWJzFYIB/

As Executive Chef of CLARA, Chef Darrell says he has the opportunity to do what he loves best; present a cooking style that is uniquely simple, enhancing the natural flavor of each ingredient, using the freshest local produce, meats and seafood available.

We’ll see you there!

 

Share This Post
The Latest
big list of things to do in san diego this weekend
Check out this week’s Big List of Things to Do in San Diego this weekend and make your plans! Art Alive is turning the San...
Arts District Liberty Station Open-Air Gallery
There’s a new reason to stroll through Arts District Liberty Station this spring—the launch of their Open-Air Gallery, a fresh and interactive way to experience...
Pool House Sundays
San Diego’s rooftop scene heats up this spring with the return of Pool House Sundays at The Pool House, Pendry San Diego’s third-floor day club...
Spring Nama Sake Festival
Spring is here—and so is nama season. If you’ve never tried raw, unpasteurized sake, the 2025 Spring Sake Festival is the perfect place to start....
Ilan-Lael Spring Workshops
Looking to spark your creativity this season? The Ilan-Lael Spring Workshops are back, offering a rare chance to learn hands-on art techniques in one of...
Natalie Gonzalez creation
If you’re looking for a thoughtful, visually stunning cultural experience this spring, Ventana Huichola at Oceanside Museum of Art should be on your list. This...
Recently Featured Restaurants
Dora, a vibrant new Southern Italian restaurant from the husband-and-wife team behind Cori Trattoria, is set to open in La Jolla’s Theater District this fall—and...
There’s a breezy new addition to Little Italy’s dining scene! Brisa, an island vibes and Latin-Japanese fusion restaurant, is now open at the corner of...
Downtown La Mesa has a delicious new addition—Tour de Tapas, a restaurant offering Euro small plates and sips inspired by the culinary traditions of Spain,...
Tajima Crown Point is the latest addition to San Diego’s beloved ramen scene, officially opened on December 14 at 3782 Ingraham Street. Known for its...
Wildland in Carlsbad Village is officially opening its doors, bringing rustic cuisine and coastal-inspired dining to North County. This all-day restaurant, bar, and bakery from...
Aldea in La Jolla, a 2024 runner-up for San Diego Magazine’s “Best New Restaurant,” is setting a new standard for bold Baja-inspired cuisine and elevated...