There is no shortage of La Jolla restaurants, especially in the downtown area.  You will find an eclectic mix of restaurants, offering everything from upscale dining experiences with ocean views to charming neighborhood restaurants and cozy cafes. The restaurant scene here is vibrant and diverse, you will find an array of options for fresh seafood, Mexican food, sushi, and international options.  Here are my favorites. If I missed any of your favorites on my list, I hope you will let me know. MArisi Marisi in La Jolla ought to be on everyone’s top ten list.  The food and d ..read more

If you have dietary restrictions, you’ll be happy to know that the Virgin Voyage cruise ships are totally accommodating to all dietary issues.  If you have been holding up on making a booking because of food concerns and not being able to find a cruise for vegans and vegetarians, then you will enjoy learning about how they can accommodate you. My wife has a lot of them. Even before we boarded the ship, she was asked what her dietary restrictions were. That information was added to her personal profile. From the time you board the ship, your profile will tell the crew about your needs ..read more

VIRGIN VOYAGES DINING OPTIONS FOR FOODIES I have to be honest, the last time I went on a cruise ship, I did not enjoy the cruise dining options. I didn’t enjoy the buffet lines, I didn’t think the quality was really good, and my expectations for future cruises were dashed.  But after a four-night stay on Virgin Voyages Fire & Sunset Soirées cruise to the Bahamas, it was the food that was an absolute highlight for me. The first thing that I would tell you about food on a Virgin Voyages cruise, is that there are no buffets – none at all.  Because it is an all-adults cruise, inst ..read more

EXQUISITE DINING AND OCEAN VIEWS Whether you choose to dine at the original location in downtown Del Mar or the newer location in the heart of La Jolla, you are going to enjoy an incredible meal with ocean views. But keep reading, as I’ve included information about the hidden speakeasy at the La Jolla location below.  I will admit that I am a frequent diner at Beeside Balcony – I truly appreciate chef-owner Christophe Cevasco’s cooking style.  BEESIDE BALCONY IS CASUAL FINE-DINING The dishes at Beeside Balcony can be described as fine dining, yet the environment, seating, and d ..read more

ENJOY A PALM SPRINGS WEEKEND GETAWAY We spent the weekend in Palm Springs, and I had forgotten how wonderful it was. It had been a long while since our last trip. It’s a two-hour drive from San Diego, provided there is no traffic. We acted like tourists and did some of the spectacular attractions Palm Springs is known for, ate at wonderful restaurants, and stayed at a resort hotel.  I love going to Palm Springs as it offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.  There truly is something for everyone to enjoy on a Palm Springs weekend getaway.   The Agua Calient ..read more

Italian-inspired eats and inventive cocktails He has won multiple Emmy Awards for his popular television show, has written six cookbooks, and has almost four million followers on his YouTube channel which features recipes, cooking tips, and food reviews. So what does Sam do next? He opened a new restaurant called BASTA! in Little Italy, that is equally as focused on delicious dishes, as it is on creating a fun ambiance for his guests. BASTA! by Sam The Cooking Guy is the perfect reason to head down to Little Italy for a meal. My meal was absolutely delicious, there is great indoor and outd ..read more

COASTAL CALIFORNIA AND MEDITERRANEAN MENU We have great options for farm-to-table restaurants in San Diego as we have the perfect temperature for growing a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs year-round. Cellar Hand in Hillcrest just opened, and is focused on hyper-local, sourcing all their produce from local farmers within an hour of San Diego. Cellar Hand is the first full-service restaurant from the family behind Pali Wine Co., with chef Logan Kendall at the helm.  Pali Wine Co. is a family-run winery that highlights the diversity and nuanced qualities of the California C ..read more

WHERE CAN YOU GET THE BEST BRUNCH IN SAN DIEGO? Looking to find the best weekekend brunch in San Diego?  The most important thing I look for is a menu with a good mix of breakfast and lunch items, a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, a wide variety of brunch cocktails, and pricing that offers good value for the quality.  Luckily we have some great options in San Diego. crushed If you’ve seen any photos of Crushed, you already know that cocktails rule supreme at this popular brunch and lunch spot. If you spot a long line, that’s not unusual. Their selection of beers, mimosas ..read more

It is so easy to understand why spending a day in Temecula at a winery is so popular. What a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s also a lovely opportunity to see the rolling hills and lush green beauty of Southern California’s wine country. Especially if you choose a winery as beautiful as Wilson Creek Winery. A day here with friends and family can be spent enjoying exquisite wine, touring the vineyards, and having a good meal.  Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or just looking to learn more about wine, this itinerary for a Temecula wine tasting h ..read more

Before choosing a hotel to stay, I look at the location, price, amenities, and reviews. When I’m staying in a hotel and don’t intend to leave the hotel until the end of my stay, the dining options become one of the most important factors for me. Before staying at Pechanga Casino Resort, I wanted to make sure that there were plenty of dining options available. A modern gaming floor, relaxing outdoor pool area, golf, and spa – and it also has a fantastic selection of restaurants.  Whether it is fine dining or more casual options, I was so impressed with the Pechanga Casino Restaurants ..read more