orioninthesky's Profile
Laja WAY OVERRATED
A couple of follow up comments. First, in reply to the person who says there is a factual error in my posting I'll clarify that we heard from a very credible local source that both the La and the Ja of Laja were no longer actively involved with the restaurant. I can tell you that neither made themselves known to our group of 12. Second, in terms of the dishes that we ordered. I'm sorry to say that it's been a few weeks since we were there and I didn't keep notes on what we ate. We dine out very frequently so a couple of weeks plus the fires in San Diego mean that the details of a mediocre meal are not very memorable. I will say that the person in our group who recommended Laja was very embarrassed because we expected a really nice experience. As I said in my original post the food was ok considering that the restaurant is in the middle of nowhere. Also, we arrived at 7pm after dark so the view that we had was the stark interior which is almost impossible to describe other than to imagine nothing but a non descript room with plain wooden tables and plain chairs. No ambience whatsoever. The wine was priced at such a high multiple over retail that we were somewhat perplexed. Maybe the secret is to go for lunch. Finally, we stayed at Adobe which we enjoyed a lot. We've stayed at Brisas in the past which is also very nice. By the way, my intention is not to harm a restaurant owner. I would just never go to Laja again and I would never ever try to describe this as one of the best restaurants in Mexico or even Baja. I actually began to wonder if there were promoters on this board trying to push a restaurant that doesn't deserve the praise that some people seem to give it.
Four nights in SD
If you want a really romantic night with great food, go to Bertrand's at Mr. A's. It's one of the best restaurants in SD. The owner, Bertrand Hug, is a friend and also owns Mille Fleurs in Rancho Santa Fe. If you really want to have a special evening drive north and have drinks at Rancho Valencia and then dinner at Mille Fleurs in Rancho Santa Fe. It will be an evening to remember. However, if you want to stay downtown all four nights you could certainly do that. Ivy is great...For something different in the gaslamp try Monsoon or Masala for Indian. Red Pearl Kitchen (Asian) is outstanding as is Rama (Thai). One night after dinner go to the top of the Marriott to the Altitude Skybar that overlooks Petco Park (if you like cigars you can even take them). You could also try the top of Stingaree. That's enough to keep you busy for a couple of days.
Laja WAY OVERRATED
We visiting Valle Guadalupe a couple of weeks ago and because of all of the hype related to Laja on this board we decided to have dinner there. I can tell you that anyone who thinks that this place rates among the best restaurants in all of Mexico, in Baja, or in Southern California, has to be joking. First of all, both the "La" and the "Ja" who were involved in owning the restaurant are both gone. I think they were married or at least a couple but word is that they have both flown the coop. Also, the place is absolutely stark. No tablecloths, not even candles or flowers on the tables. Not a piece of art work on the walls. Just a room with basic tables. I would add that it was almost an empty room the night that we were there and it was a Saturday night. Obviously word has gotten around to avoid this place. Also, with the few people who were there it was very loud. No sound deadening at all. Additionally, not one person came to our table and said "my name is ....., I'll be your waiter". Didn't even say buenos noches or hello. We were shown to our table, the waiter came over, handed out the menu, walked away, back in 5 minutes to take the order, back when we were finished to deliver the check and that was it. The food was ok considering the restaurant is in the middle of nowhere. However, it doesn't compare to the better restaurants of San Diego and I would say is mediocre at best. Oh, by the way, for what it's worth we had an ok wine and the check was $100 a person. Not extremely expensive but to be honest I'd be embarrassed to recommend that anyone go there.
Suggestions for upscale San Diego restaurant
Either of Bertrand Hug's restaurants would work out well. Assuming you are in San Diego (near downtown) go to Mr. A's then drinks in the Gaslamp (Stingaree top floor). If you're in North County Mille Fleurs (drinks at Rancho Valencia before or after). In the La Jolla area Tapenade followed by drinks in the bar at The Marine Room.
best thai in San Diego?
I can't remember the name of it but there is a relatively new thai place in the gaslamp. I don't recall if the food was great but the ambience, especially at dinner, was fairly nice. If someone says the food isn't that good it might be true but I liked the flashiness of it.
Lunch List - North County SD
I don't think that anyone mentioned it and it might be a bit more expensive than you're looking for but Vigilucci's Seafood and Steak on the coast in Carlsbad has a nice lunch menu. I'm not fond of all of his restaurants but I do like that one for lunch. Especially if you have a nice glass of wine with it.... Oh, I forgot, we have to return to work in the afternoon, right? :-) Anyway, on one of those days when you don't have to go back try it.
Odd Food in San Diego County
Just have to respectfully disagree with Joseph's comment regarding Indian food. My wife is actually Indian and we travel frequently to India. Although San Diego is desparately in need of more great Indian restaurants (especially coastal north county) I think that Monsoon (gaslamp) and Bombay (hillcrest) are perhaps the best Indian in southern california. I'd agree with his other comments.
Some SANTA BARBARA restaurant news
Don't know about squash blooms but I had a very nice dinner at Wine Cask recently. I was visiting from San Diego and like you had researched all the places online. I think that choosing the Wine Cask was the perfect decision for my wife and me. They didn't have the wine (pinot) that I wanted but selected another one from off the list that was awesome. Had drinks next door in the bar after dinner. The restaurant wasn't very full but the service, food and ambiance was very nice.
