Carlsbad plans flower-inspired events in April

Tourists are arriving by the busloads this spring at The Flower Fields, and a group of Carlsbad restaurants, bars and hotels are collaborating on new ways to move local flowers off the fields and into food, cocktails, massages and more.

Today is the kickoff of the second annual 10-day Petal to Plate celebration organized by Visit Carlsbad.

The goal of the program, which runs through April 15, is to capture the attention of Flower Fields visitors and encourage them to expand their visits to nearby hotels, restaurants and spas.

The event was inspired by the popular 50-acre The Flower Fields attraction, which features colorful bands of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers in bloom. It will be open through May 13.

While the ranunculus blossoms are staying put at The Flower Fields, edible blossoms, herbs and essences are being incorporated into everything from massage oils to cocktails at nearby venues. Among the local flora being used for the collaboration are edible violets, lavender, hibiscus, tangerine flower, passion flower, pansies, chamomile, rose elderflower and pollen.

Argyle Steakhouse at Park Hyatt Aviara is hosting a floral-inspired lunch special. Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is offering aromatherapy treatments and craft floral cocktails. Twenty/20 Grill at Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa is serving hibiscus coconut shrimp ceviche and other flower-crusted dishes and cocktails. Vigilucci’s Steak & Seafood is offering floral variations on its seafood, pasta and steak dishes. Chandler’s Restaurant at Cape Rey Hotel is serving “fleur de fizz” cocktails. Ocean Crest Spa is offering passion flower sugar scrubs. Campfire Restaurant & Bar is making floral-inspired cocktails. And Arcana Brewing company is producing lavender- and marigold-infused beers.

Besides these ongoing specials, there are also three ticketed Petal to Plate events coming up in the next week at The Flower Fields:

Sunset Wine Tasting & Food: 7:30 p.m. April 6 and 13.

This indoor wine tasting led by advanced certified sommelier Lamar Engel of The Wine Militia will feature wines, bites of food and live music. California coastal wines are featured on April 6. Spanish wines are the focus on April 13. The Flower Fields, 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad. $50. Register at eventbrite.com (“sunset wine tasting”).

Fashion Flowers & Fido Show: 6 to 9 p.m. April 12.

The Flower Fields, Simon Youth Foundation and Rancho Coastal Humane Society host an evening fashion show featuring retailers from the Carlsbad Premium Outlets center, adoptable dogs modeling canine fashions and food and drink from local breweries, restaurants, bakeries and more. The Flower Fields, 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad. $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Register at rchumanesociety.org/fashion-flowers-fido-2018/.

Canon Photography Workshop: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 15.

On the final day of Petal to Plate 2018, photography instructor Stacey Lynne Foster will conduct a series of free, hourlong photography workshops throughout the day. Subjects include Intro to Macro Photography, Fun With Flash, Print Like A Pro, Photo Walks and Family Portraits. Loaner cameras will be available as well as free printing services onsite. The Flower Fields, 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad. Free with paid fields’ admission, which is $16 for ages 11 and up; $14 for seniors 60 and over; $8 for children ages 3 to 10. theflowerfields.com

pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com