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.

La Jolla Art & Wine Festival

Shopping opportunities draw visitors to Girard Avenue every day, but this will be especially true on Saturday and Sunday, October 10 and 11, from 9am - 5pm. The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival will showcase the work of 300 artists from Southern California and Northern Baja (selected by jury).

The street fair will take place on upper Girard Avenue, between Pearl and Genter, and will include live entertainment and a wine and beer garden (11am - 5pm). To date, six local wineries and Ballast Point Brewery (http://www.ballastpoint.com/) are participating.

Admission is $7 for adults, $3 for children age 3-12; and free for age 2 and under. All proceeds benefit underfunded programs at three local public schools. The Open Aire Market on the La Jolla Elementary School playground will remain free of charge on Sunday.

For more information, see http://www.lajollaartandwinefestival.com/ or email info@lajollaartandwinefestival.com

This is going to be a wonderful community event and out-of-towners are welcome to join the fun.

Photo courtesy Milagro Farm Vineyards & Winery

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!

La Jolla Farmers’ Market - Part 2

I know I already posted about the La Jolla Farmers’ Market (May 2008), but recently I discovered some exciting new vendors with remarkable products, and I can’t stop myself from telling you about them.

First, the darling Swiss couple pictured to the right are serving authentic birchermuesli and a wonderful apple pastry. After consuming both items, I considered yodeling to show my enthusiasm.

I also sampled at 410 Degrees (http://www.410degrees.com/) where Derek Jaeger and his partner Adam Koven produce the most delicious cookies I have ever tasted – and that’s a lot (which explains why I am not a size 8.)

Consider this: their signature PB Overload contains Reese’s chips and a thick peanut butter crème. The lemon basil cookie is made with candied macadamia nuts and dried berries. I could go on, but writing about them is activating my sweet tooth. Check out their website and then taste the real thing at the market.

On the non-food side of things: Toni Renier at Square Meadows (http://www.squaremeadows.com/) is a photographer who transfers her images to tiles that can be used for table tops, tile walls, or decorative floors. She also puts her pictures on tee-shirts, coffee mugs, greeting cards, and other personalized gifts. In addition, she can use your photos in any of these applications.

Wendy Telford (http://www.telfordimports.com/) travels to Italy and brings home beautiful hand-painted ceramics that are both useful and decorative.

Having raved about muesli, and cookies, and ceramics – I have to tell you that the most memorable vender was Omar Sao, selling fabulous colorful African baskets.

“The women in my village made baskets and let me sell them to pay my tuition. Now I’ve graduated and I’m still selling baskets and sending the money to them,” he told me. “Many people rely on the money I send, so I have to sell a lot of baskets.”

That shouldn't be hard because these baskets are really stunning.

The Market (http://www.lajollamarket.com/) takes place every Sunday from 9am to 1pm on the playground of La Jolla Elementary School on upper Girard (in the village).

Go – and treat yourself to some birchermuesli. Then do something nice for the women in Omar’s village.