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Delicias
The Top List of Delicious Hideaways-San Diego, CA
Many of the most interesting and best restaurants are hidden.
by Chris Faust
Once one of the best kept secrets in the USA, San Diego has reached national and in fact international attention for its weather and relaxed lifestyle. While the world has found San Diego they have yet to find all that is hidden in the little nooks and cranny's of this sun-bleached, laid back region. Many of the most interesting and best restaurants are secreted away either geographically or in terms of awareness. Here are just a few which the locals know well and you may discover on your next visit. Whether it be June or January, bring your suntan lotion and bring your appetite.
LAMONT STREET GRILL
4445 Lamont Street
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 270-3060
Dinner only from 5:00 pm
Hidden away on a cross street between two major thoroughfares and situated in a 1940' bungalow behind a tall fence lies the Lamont Street Grill. With its lovely patio and cozy interior the Lamont Street Grill is a popular and well known 'locals' haunt and has been for years. While trendy cuisine's and flashy restaurants du jour have come and gone the Grill has maintained its loyal and grateful clientele through thick and thin. With significant menu changes every six weeks, chef/owner Robert Manrul keeps his creative juices flowing and his patrons anticipating. While not formally trained, Chef Robert has a wealth of experience and a palate to match. In fact this lack of formal training may be one of the things which separates his cuisine from the rest of the overeducated pack. He regularly breaks ethnic barriers to find the flavors which will marry his imagination and experience. Start with "Spicy Chicken Wontons with Jalapeno sauce", a delicious concoction combining Asia and Mexico for $5.50. Steak, Seafood and Pasta round out the Grill's current menu with mouthwatering selections like "Baked Petrole Sole Spinach Au gratin" $15.95 or "Baked Sea Scallops with Bleu Cheese", fresh Basil and Walnuts, $16.95. The wine list touches on all the necessary categories and won't lift your wallet with the purchase. Lamont Street Grill has a great ambiance and great food and San Diegans love it.
Estimated cost per person for dinner $28.00 to $35.00
Holiday schedule, Lamont Street Grill is closed Christmas Day and New Years Day
RANCHO VALENCIA RESTAURANT
at the Rancho Valencia Hotel
5921 Valencia Circle
San Diego, CA 92067
(858) 756-1123
Hours; 7:30 am to 11:30 am, 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm Sunday Brunch 11:00 am to 2:30 pm, room service 24 hours a day
Somewhere in every sophisticated city large and small lies a hotel/restaurant which is largely unknown to most folks, even the locals. However if you have the means and travel only first cabin then you will be aware of such places as the Rancho Valencia Inn and the Rancho Valencia Restaurant. Located in the wealthy enclave of Ranch Santa Fe here in San Diego the Rancho Valencia Restaurant is first cabin all the way. The hotel/restaurant is located right in the middle of a residential area of mansions and tree covered hills far from the hustle and bustle of the city . The Rancho Valencia Restaurant has the cuisine and service expected in such an establishment and Chef Steven Sumner executes his preparations with both subtlety and panache. Decorated to remind one of a French Country Inn, the dining room is open to the courtyard replete with a French style wall fountain. Dining here whether a hotel guest or not, is an extremely satisfying experience. Creativity and tradition are beautifully combined by Chef Sumner. Breakfast, largely overlooked as a creative opportunity by most chefs is met with the same dedication and thoughtfulness as dinner by Chef Sumner. "Hickory smoked and Mesquite grilled Hillshire Farms Kielbasa with eggs, English muffins and Black Cherry preserves" is a savory and greatly appreciated alternative to sausage and eggs. You might also enjoy" Blue Crab and imported Brie Omelette" with Coleman Avocado, Red Bliss breakfast potatoes and Julienne sweet peppers. Start your lunch with "Spicy sautéed Crabcake on a bed of Shitake mushrooms", with grilled Asparagus and wilted greens in a lemon butter sauce. Chose your lunch entrée from a "Traditional Cubano Sandwich" of thinly sliced Applewood smoked Black Forest roasted ham with Swiss cheese on a grill toasted roll with bread and butter chips and crispy sweet potatoes. Try the "Baked Chilean Seabass wrapped in Spinach" served in a puff pastry with young vegetables and garlic, tomato, lemon and butter sauce. Dinner is sublime, offering starter choices of "Blue Pointe Oysters in Ice" with pink Guava cocktail sauce, Lemon Thai basil sauce and Brunoise Coleman Avocado or "Hudson Valley Foie Gras" with Granny Smith Apple galette, toasted Pistachios and Black Cherry scented 25 year Balsamic Glaze. Entrée offerings include "Baked Crab stuffed Colossal White Shrimp", with spicy Creole rice, grilled Scallions and roasted Red Pepper Echire sauce, or "Applewood fired Lido Veal chop" with golden Chantrelles, oven roasted Tomato, Italian herbs, Pearl Onions and Moderna Balsamic Port wine mirror. For ambiance, cuisine and its dedication to excellence the Rancho Valencia is a well hidden treasure in San Diego. But bring some treasure when you come as the Valencia is "top drawer" and "top dollar".
Estimated dinner per person $75 to $125.00
Holiday schedule, Open all holidays
STATION SUSHI
125 N. Highway 101 (Pacific Coast Highway)
Solana Beach, CA 92075
(858) 481-9800
(Mon.-Fri.) 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
You have heard people say, "I couldn't see it and it was right in front of my face". This is the story with Station Sushi. With one of the nicest locations in Solana Beach, Station Sushi is located next to the storied Highway 101, yet it can be hard to find among the many small businesses in the area. Station Sushi has ample seating facing this venerable highway so people watching is definitely on the menu. However people watching soon becomes secondary once the food arrives, and oh that food! This menu is filled with traditional and exotic foods and one visit will not be enough. Warm up your palate for the adventure ahead with a bowl of Miso soup delicately flavored with miso, seaweed and a generous amount of tofu. Don't be concerned about pronouncing the Japanese names as Station Sushi supplies all its guests with a Mini-Mini Japanese lesson. Glass tops the white linen tablecloths and between is a How-to-say sheet of basic Japanese translations. Thank you is "Ariga-toe and please is "Kuda-sigh". This is just one of the thoughtful touches that Tony and his crew have done to make you feel at home. Once you have finished your appetizer your job becomes more difficult. There are so many mouth watering choices, like the "Seafood Combination" $10.95. Served with soup and salad, fresh seasonal vegetables and a large scoop of shrimp fried rice, your choice of Halibut, Salmon, Seabass, Swordfish or Mahi-Mahi steamed in a delicious sauce of Cilantro and lime juice which enhances but does not mask the flavor of the fish. In any Sushi bar one of the favorite items are the cut rolls. Station Sushi has a great selection of cut rolls including the "Bruce Lee", a combination of spicy crab, cucumber, Ahi tuna and fresh avocado rolled in a paper thin sheet of dried seaweed, mmm! Then there is the "101 Fletcher" roll with shrimp, salmon, cucumber and avocado and a spicy scallop topping. Make sure to try some of Tony's brown rice green tea, this delightful variation of the Japanese staple green tea is refreshing and will cleanse your palate in preparation for the next delicious bite. Dessert at Station Sushi takes a back seat to no one. The dessert sampler for $4.95 consists of Tempura fried banana with Mochi Ice cream (an ice cream filled rice cake) and your choice of Green Tea ice cream, Ginger ice cream or Red Bean ice cream. Tony and Chef Yoshi believe in quality and value and they will throw in a little good natured friendliness at no charge. Now that is what a restaurant is all about.
Estimated cost per person for dinner, $20.00 to $30.00
Holiday schedule, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Years Day
THE GODFATHER
7878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
Clairemont, CA 9110
(858) 560-1747
(Mon. - Fri.) 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., (Mon. - Sun.) 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
If you didn't know it was there you wouldn't know it was there. The Godfather survives and survives quite nicely on reputation alone. Located in the far corner of a small strip center with only a small sign and a door (no windows) the Godfather is jam packed everyday for lunch and dinner, so you better have a reservation. While it may be a bright sunny day outside it is perpetually night at the Godfather. Red leather booths, dark wood walls and Tuxedo clad waiters will treat you to some of the finest traditional Italian Continental Cuisine to be found anywhere, that's right New York! The "Veal Marsala" is terrific with a gently pounded veal steak seasoned to perfection then slathered in a creamy Marsala wine and butter sauce. Vito Corlione never had better. I tried the baked Sole in a lemon butter sauce with an array of fresh vegetable steamed al'dente and seasoned with, you guessed it, butter. Don't think diet here just enjoy the myriad of choices and the old world quality of Chef Isidoro Balistreri. And don't be surprised to see Marlon Brando lunching with Al Pacino.
Estimated cost per person for dinner, $30.00 to $45.00
Holiday schedule, closed Easter, Thankgiving, Christmas Day and Superbowl Sunday
THE BOAT HOUSE
2040 Harbor Island Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 291-8011
(Mon. - Sun.) 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., (Sat.-Sun.) 'till 11:00 p.m.
The Boat House is located on Harbor Island facing the San Diego Bay. While well known the Boat House lies on a man made peninsula across from Lindbergh Field, San Diego's International Airport. This is one of the most beautiful and underutilized areas of the San Diego Harbor and for that reason is a delight to visit. The Boat House makes no pretense, it is the quintessential California Steak and Seafood and Restaurant. On a hot day you can start with "Chilled Jumbo Prawn Cocktail" $9.95, served over a bed of ice with a tangy red cocktail sauce. Or if the wind is up on the bay and there is a little chill in the air start with a generous bowl of "New England Clam Chowder" $4.95, rich, chunky and delicious. Entrees include "Cajun Halibut Malia $22.95", a Halibut steak charbroiled with Cajun spices and finished with a zesty Chipolte (a hot Mexican chili) butter. The steaks include New York's and Filet Mignon and the Boat House serves appetite busting combos of steaks and prawns and steak and Lobster at market prices. The Boat House also has a creative selection of Pastas and Chicken. While in San Diego, what better thing to do than try a truly California steak and seafood house, the Boat House.
Estimated cost per person for dinner, $35.00 to $45.00
Holiday schedule, Open all holidays
BACI RISTORANTE ITALIANO
1955 Morena Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 275-2094
(Mon.-Fri.) 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 P.m., (Mon-Sat.) 5:30 to 10:00 p.m.
Antipasti, Insalata, Vitello, Pollo, Pesce, Carne. Sort of says it all doesn't it? After 22 years in the same location and with the original owners, Baci Ristorante is a restaurant with old world traditions, old world charm, classical preparations and one of the hardest to find locations in San Diego. Located on a frontage road next to the San Diego Freeway in the sleepy little suburb of Bay Park, Baci stands tall among fine ethnic restaurants. If you visit Baci more than once you may notice some of the same patrons as your last visit, that is because Baci patrons know a good thing when they find it. This is no Mom and Pop restaurant with plastic table cloths and wine bottles with woven baskets about them. This is first class cuisine with a fine wine list. Antipasti for me is "Carpaccio di Manzo" $8.95, thin sheets of Filet Mignon accented with Dijon, olive oil, parmesan cheese garlic and capers. Then on to the Insalata. "Caesar Salad" $4.95 of course, home made with fresh whole egg, garlic, salt and pepper and anchovy. Vitello entrée has to be the "Lombata Porcini" (market price) medallions of veal, sautéed Porcini mushrooms with cognac, shallots and cream. Hmm?, what wine to pick? Puligny Montrachet Louis Latour $85.00 or Borolo Cannubi 1990 Brezza for $195.00 or you can select from a vertical of Dominus 1989 through 1995. It's all there, fine champagnes, domestics, French and Italian selections and all will go well with the fine cuisine at Baci Ristorante.
Estimated cost per person for dinner, $45.00 to $75.00
Holiday schedule, closed Christmas Eve and Day and January 1st, 2nd 3rd, and 4th for vacation.
ALPINE INN
2225 Alpine Road
Alpine, CA 91901
(619) 445-5172
(Mon.-Thurs.) 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., (Fri.-Sat.) untill 11:00 p.m.,
Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Want to get away from it all and stay in the San Diego area? Well take a drive in the country to Alpine. Located in the mountains just east of the city of San Diego, the Alpine Inn is one of the favorite local getaways. Clean, fresh, chilly mountain air and a little hike either in the mountains or through one of the local antique shops will invigorate your appetite, and the Alpine Inn is just the place to satisfy that appetite. At the Alpine Inn the food is simple, the folks are friendly, and the Inn is homey and charming. Sort'a like going back in time to a familiar place or seeing an old friend. With a large stone fireplace and wood interior, wide country booths and linen table cloths the Inn will dish up a fine steak, some fresh fish, some beans and bacon or a piece of pipin' hot homemade pie (served at chef's discretion and not advertised) that is sure to please. The locals go there for the "Alaskan King Crab Legs dinner" $23.95, one full pound of King Crab legs served with drawn butter, a one pound Idaho baked potato with your choice of butter, sour cream, melted cheese or bacon bits, a fresh garden salad and your soup. Hope you are hungry! So when someone tells you to "take a hike" go ahead and take a hike to the Alpine Inn.
Estimated cost per person for dinner, $25.00 to $35.00
Holiday schedule, Open 365 days a year
DELICIAS
6106 Paseo Delicias
Rancho Sante Fe, CA 92067
(858) 756-8000
Hours, (Tues.-Sat.) 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., (Sun.) 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Delicias is located in what is known as the Rancho Santa Fe covenant. This ultra-exclusive area is known for its large, private spreads filled with old California orange orchards, eucalyptus groves, and populated by the horsy set, is set aside with a "covenant" of rules and regulations about how you may use your land and what you may build. Sort of like a rich mans homeowners association. In the heart of "the ranch" as it is known is the quaint little village of Rancho Santa Fe. Just 3 blocks wide and two blocks long there is not much here, save the post office and the ubiquitous real estate office. There is, however, a fantastic restaurant called Delicias. The nice thing about restaurants is no matter how exclusive, if you have a reservation you can go and eat there. The ambiance here is very well done with the emphasis on white. White walls, white furniture on the patio, white table cloths and a white fireplace. This makes the color that is there jump out at you. And there is color there, in a kaleidoscope of grandly styled flower arrangements. The food will jump out at you as well. "Flash grilled Tuna" served with a creamy six onion risotto, or a "Sage Infused Grilled Free Range Chicken" which is succulent and tender. The wine list is formidable and the menu includes nightly specials. The service is a one might expect, attentive and gracious. Bright comfortable, friendly and above all, mmm "Delicias".
Estimated cost per person for dinner, $45.00 to $75.00
Holiday schedule, Open 365 days a year
ARRIVEDERCI
3845 4th Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103
(619)299-6282
Hours, (Mon-Fri) 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., (Mon-Thurs.) 5:00 p.m. to 10:0 p.m., (Sat.-Sun.) until 11:00 p.m., (Sun.) 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Arreviderci means good bye in Italian, however, they should have named this restaurant "Hello". Because once you have enjoyed this bastion of food, wine and friendliness you won't want to say Arrivederci (goodbye). Located on a side street in the neighborhood of Hillcrest, Arrivederci has found its place in San Diego dining. With a steady and regular clientele which is ever growing, reservations are a must. With many daily specials the menu is never dull. Crisp fried Calamari, or a warm soup of the day will start you off in fine fettle. The "Ravioli Stuffed with Pumpkin and Sage" or a hearty "Osso Buco" will warm you heart and your stomach. There are many excellent pastas here and all pasta sauces are made to order from scratch. There is a wonderfully eclectic wine list and a good selection of domestic and imported beer. If you wish to "bring your own" that is encouraged and while there is a cork fee I have yet to see it actually appear on my bill. If you don't mind waiting a little, and most people don't mind waiting for a seat at Arriederci, then come and enjoy and don't say "goodbye" (Arrivederci) say "hello" (Bon Journo).
Estimated cost per person for dinner, $25.00 to $30.00
Holiday schedule, Open 365 days a year
DIVINAS CABO GRILL
1950 N. Coast Hwy. 101
Leucadia, CA 92024
(760) 944-8165
Hours, (Mon.-Sun.) 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Talk about a hideaway, the whole town of Leucadia is a hideaway. Located on the coast sandwiched between fast growing Carlsbad and upscale Encinitas, this sleepy little town still has the ambiance of a 1950's beach town. Divinas Cabo Grill is located high on a bluff overlooking Ponto beach in this throwback little burg. The views are breathtaking, unobstructed views of the mighty Pacific and the sunsets are powerful mixes of color and texture as only the Pacific can conjure. The food at Divinas is a creative blend of contemporary imagination and southwestern Mexican cuisine. With an understanding of the unique and delicious Mexican sauces, dishes like "Honey Chipolte Chicken" $13.95 is grilled up the "Divinas way" with the chicken marinated in a sweet and spicy honey based marinade with crushed Chipolte chili peppers to create the zing. "Shrimp Borrachos" (which means drunken shrimp) $14.99 are shrimp sautéed in cilantro, butter and garlic then flambe'd in agave tequila adding a rich glaze to the dish. With featured daily specials a regular part of the menu and a monthly special to take advantage of seasonal variation such as the November special (served Monday through Thursday) of a whole California Spiny Lobster with rice beans and tortillas for $18.95. Divinas is serving up some fine Baja style Mexican food and a healthy portion of breath-taking sunsets.
Estimated cost per person for dinner, $25.00 to $30.00
Holiday schedule, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Years Day
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