Artful Cuisine at the Museum Cafe

One of the most popular lunch spots in the village, the Museum Cafe offers delicious salads (shrimp and papaya is my favorite), great soups (such as country vegetable), grilled items, and creative sandwiches.

As the name suggests, the cafe is located at the La Jolla branch of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) at 700 Prospect Street. Much of the seating is outdoors - a safe bet in sunny San Diego - amidst the white pillars of the building's facade. While the Pacific Ocean is on the other side of the building, it isn't visable from the cafe.

Giuseppe Ciuffa gets the credit for this bistro's success. In addition to being its chef, he's a popular caterer and has just taken over the cafe at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park. Additional credit goes to a staff of very attentive and genuinely friendly waiters.

Museum Cafe (http://www.mcasdcafe.com/) serves breakfast and lunch Monday - Friday 11 AM to 3 PM, and Saturday and Sunday 9 AM to 3 PM. They also deliver within La Jolla.

In fact, Museum Cafe delivers in every sense of the word. Give them a call 858-581-2205.

Can I Offer You a Cocktail?

La Jolla is not lacking in adult beverage venues. In fact, “let’s meet for a drink” is often followed by a not-short discussion of where-to-go options.

Because of their specialty cocktails, Whisknladle (http://www.whisknladle.com/) is one of San Diego's most popular spots. Here, Mixologist Ian Ward infuses drinks with flavors of – among others – lavender, cinnamon, and cilantro.

If a Ginger Margarita served with Herradura Silver tequila, ginger gastrique, and a spiced rim sounds good – then pull up a stool at this Wall Street hangout. The drinks pictured to the right are a lavender cosmopolitan and a hibiscus margarita. Happy hour happens 7 days a week from 5-7pm, and during this time Mediterranean tapas go for $2 each.

Prospect Bar & Grill (http://www.prospectbar.com/) is another hot spot. Located at the top of the escalator above Prospect Street, this is the place for live music and dancing. Free salsa lessons are offered on Mondays. Check out the Events Calendar on their website for information on NFL Sundays, open mic nights, and more.

A couple of blocks down the street, Nine-Ten in the Grande Colonial Hotel (http://www.nine-ten.com/) is a classy place for a quiet-ish drink. Happy hour is Monday to Friday 3:30 – 7pm.

Cheers!

News Flash - Jack's Closes

Jack's La Jolla, the darling of the local dining and nightlife scene, suddenly closed its doors yesterday.

"The economy isn't the only factor," according to owner Bill Berkley. (My guess is that the economy is only a very small part of the decision to shut down. Cash poor restaurants don't close in the height of the tourist season when they can make tons of money.)

The 17,000 square-foot, three-level restaurant had been a popular destination for the young and the restless since it opened four years ago.

The good news is that diners and drinkers have other great choices on Prospect Street's restaurant row. George's (pictured above), Alfonso's, the Crab Catcher, Azul, and The Whaling Bar at La Valencia are all about having a good time.

Good bye, Jack.

Hello George, Alfonso, and friends.