Where NOT to eat in La Jolla

This won't make me popular with a couple of local restaurateurs, but I have had two very disappointing meals in the village recently.

Until they mend their ways (hire a new chef?), I suggest you avoid Bistro 101 and Alfonso's - both restaurants are on Prospect Street.

I don't like reporting negative experiences, but the whole point of this blog is to help you get the most out of your time in La Jolla -- and that includes leading you away from cold soup and cardboard burritos.

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.

B&B On the Sea

If you want romantic lodging with one of San Diego's best views – you can’t do better than this historic cottage on a bluff overlooking the beach in La Jolla. In contrast to a hotel, this cozy spot offers all the comforts of home while still affording plenty of privacy.

The Master Bedroom ($295) has a large wooden deck where guests can enjoy a glass of wine and watch the sun set over the ocean. The Captain’s Room ($225) offers a balcony with the same big blue vista. The Overflow Room ($125), with twin beds, is great when 5 or 6 people are traveling together.

These rates, which vary somewhat by season, include breakfast in the elegant dining room and wine and cheese served at 4pm. Guests also have the use of the living room, although the bedrooms each have their own TVs and wireless Internet.

“Historic La Jolla Cove Cottage,” as it is sometimes known, dates from 1924, when it was the first home built on this block. It’s just recently been reconfigured into a B&B and, due to its amazing location, is booking out fast.

Owners Laura Barton Williams and Mary Ruth Barton live on the premises and are fonts of information on the area’s history. Laura’s grandfather bought the house in 1957. A selection of his books and historic memorabilia line the shelves in the reading alcove of the Master Bedroom.

To make reservations, go to http://www.bartonrentals.com/ or call 858-454-4822.

B&B On the Sea offers the best of both worlds – La Jolla history in a scenic location and very comfortable accommodations.

Why am I doing this?

I live in La Jolla and I'm a travel writer.

What that means is that, in addition to enjoying my home town's great weather, beautiful surroundings, and range of cultural and recreational options, I also see La Jolla - and the rest of San Diego - as a travel destination.

And what I see sometimes drives me batty. People flock to La Jolla, but don't take advantage of everything our community offers, so I decided to start this blog and provide a heads up for would-be visitors. The "inside scoop for out-of-towners," if you will.

Hey. I figure if I can write The Insider's Hong Kong (http://www.ranchandcoast.com/archives/february2006/travel.html) and The Insider's India (http://www.ranchandcoast.com/archives/october2007/travel.html), I ought to be able to lead readers off the beaten path that starts just outside my front door.

And in the process, I'm having fun revisiting my favorite places and discovering some new ones.

Travel writers are naturally snoopy, and this blog is my excuse to have a good ol' sticky beak around my home town. Stay tuned...

Buick Goes Bye-Bye

The golf tournament formerly known as the "Buick Invitational" will take place at Torrey Pines Golf Course as planned from January 25-31, 2010, but for now it's "The Century Club of San Diego Invitational."

Members of the club are still looking for a major sponsor. Buick was the title sponsor from 1991 to 2009, but dropped out due to GM's bankruptcy reorganization.

The Century Club is a local non-profit organization that formed in 1961 to promote the PGA golf tournament in San Diego. Since that time they have raised $19 million for charities.

Many members contributed dearly to raise the funds to bring the US Open Championship to the South Course at Torrey Pines in 2008.

If you are planning to attend the 2010 tournament, it’s not too soon to buy tickets at www.buickinvitational.com.

Advance hotel reservations are also a must. The Lodge at Torrey Pines and Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines are the closest to the course. Others nearby include Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, La Jolla Shores Hotel, and Hotel La Jolla.

Bye-bye Buick. Hello ???

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!