A grand jewel of La Jolla took a final bow and ended its celebrated run amid much love and applause Feb. 14, 2013, when guests crowded the Whaling Bar at La Valencia Hotel for one last hurrah!
Whether sunlight is streaming through the multi-paned windows or votives are illuminating the tables, Rancho Valencia’s Veladora is always glowing. The restaurant — whose name means “candle” in Spanish — conforms to the traditional hacienda style of the property with its rich colors and natural materials, yet there’s a hint of new age. By day, it’s vibrant — there are orange and yellow place mats on the tables. The multicolored hues of the real butterflies in the $1.1 million, 84-by-84-inch “Imploration” art piece by Damien Hirst are brilliant against the neutral-toned wall. But at night, it’s dramatic and romantic, with flickering lights cast from the hurricane lamps and fireplace. In the background, jazz music can be overheard.
Quinoa • 1 part quinoa • 2 parts water • Salt to taste • 1 bouquet garni (1 ounce fresh thyme, 6 bay leaves and 1 Tablespoon black peppercorn tied in a cheesecloth) Steps 1. In a sauce pot, combine quinoa, water, salt and bouquet garni. Bring to a boil and simmer until quinoa is [...]
Naturally, there are patios on Lamont Street in Pacific Beach. But then there is The Patio. Located midway between two of the area’s busiest thoroughfares — Garnet and Grand avenues — the restaurant is unexpectedly found on the corner of a predominantly residential street. This casual neighborhood eatery is where urban chic meets the beach, shorts and flip-flops are as acceptable as formal gowns and heels, and age knows no boundaries.
Pork: • 1 pork shank, 1.5 pounds raw weight • 1 large carrot, peeled • 2 stalks of celery • 1 medium white onion • Water Risotto: • 1/8 cup unsalted butter • 1 cup Arborio rice • 1 cup white wine • 1 1/2 cups water • 1/2 cup Asiago cheese • 2 pieces cooked [...]
From sunrise until sundown, La Jolla’s Pannikin Coffee & Tea is constantly buzzing with customers. It’s a cozy setting, a haven for all ages. On the patio, birds serenade customers from the treetops all day long. Dogs curl up next to their owners, who sip on steaming cups of java while perusing a newspaper from the stands on the sidewalk. A chalkboard just outside the restaurant’s door highlights menu items and notes the hours with an artistic flair. And if it’s not a typically warm Southern California day, heat lamps keep the temperature comfortable.
Ingredients • 2 eggs • Dash of sea salt • 2 Tablespoons feta • 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh tomato • 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh basil Method: In a tall porcelain jar, beat together eggs and salt. Hold the jar underneath a steamer wand (milk steamer on an espresso machine) and let the wand dip into [...]
The burger is back! In addition to honoring the classic we all know and love, local hamburger emporiums are taking them up a notch by offering unique flavor pairings, better buns and craft beers.
La Jolla Light asked the burgermeisters to give us the particulars on their patties.
A seafood lover in San Diego doesn’t have to travel far to enjoy edible crustaceans from all over the world. Truluck’s is a high-end establishment that offers fare from waters near and far, along with steaks. But it especially stands out for its crab. “Our No. 1 point difference (from other seafood and steak houses) is that we are committed to buying the best crab that money can buy from around the globe,” said Todd Perry, managing partner of Truluck’s La Jolla location.
Ingredients • 2 cups flour • 2 Tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon pepper • 2 soft shell blue crabs • 4 Tablespoons butter • 2 Tablespoons capers • 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley • Juice of 1 lemon METHOD 1. Combine flour, Old Bay Seasoning, and salt and pepper [...]
North Coastal News
