Bang for my 100 bucks

[scottrj12]

If you had 100 bucks to spend on a dinner for you and a significant other where would you go? I'm located in San Diego. I was thinking the La Jolla, Hillcrest, or Downtown areas. Also, both me and my lady seriously dig on seafood. Thanks in advance!!

[mangiatore]

Sushi Ota, no question. I guess that's not in the areas you mentioned, but that's where I'd go.

[scottrj12]

I actually live in the PB area. I've been to the fishery and thought it was nice. What about la jolla? Roppongi and Cottage have been recommended to me. How about Forever Fondue, is that just a lame idea? I kind of like the retro feel. Thanks!

[mangiatore]

The Cottage is just what it sounds like. It's more of a quaint breakfast place. When I ate there (a few years back) I wasn't impressed with the food. I haven't eaten at the others you mention, but I've heard ok-to-good things (not great) about Roppongi and ok things about Forever Fondue from people I trust. Depends on your tastes I guess.

[daantaat]

The Cottage is good for breakfast, not so sure about a good dinner. I think you can do better w/ a $100. I heard that Forever Fondue wasn't that good. Actually, I think I ended up there a while ago--was ok, nothing that blew my mind. Again, I think you can do better for $100.

At Roppongi's, stick to the tapas menu and skip their sushi. The sushi menu is average and expensive. If you want just sushi, there are better places to go.

And I saw the $30 prix fixe at Oceanaire twice on their Friday night menu. I can't remember if it was on their Saturday night menu.

[jturtle]

Not sure if your hundy includes tax/tip/drinks or amount of courses but this is what I would do:

Start at Oceanaire's happy hour; oysters are $1 generally and apps are generally half off. Have some oysters and their crabcake (it is huge and almost all crab) then move into the dining room and share a salad, entree and dessert. That should keep you at 100 bucks and having a great dinner!

[DiningDiva]

Agreed, appetizers and sides are very large at Oceanaire. With some judicious selections you could probably get out of there for around $100 with 1 shared appetizer, 2 entrees and a shared side. Booze would cost you extra.

[daantaat]

I third Oceanaire--their portions are huge and food is great. And their crabcake is the size of a large Navel orange. The crabcake entree comes with 2 big crabcakes. They also have a $30 "ballpark special"--3 course prix fixe from 5-7 pm.

Cavaillon in Santaluz has a $32 3 course prix fixe on Monday nights--one of the best deals in town for their level of cooking. Add wine, tip and you'll be in around $100.

Roppongi's happy hour from 4-6 pm (in La Jolla) offers all ther tapas at 50% off. Their tapas are made for sharing, so order 2-3, some alcohol and you've got a good meal.

[FireFlyFiftyFive]

I'll get on the Oceanaire pile. Just to mention that $30 deal is just weeknights according to a San Diego Magazine email: Stealing Home: three courses for $30. 5 to 7 p.m. weekdays throughout baseball season, whether or not the Padres are in town.