anaheim to torrey pines to la jolla lunch recommendation

[palmtree38]

We are travelling from Anaheim and going to stop in the Torrey Pines park for a hike then head to La Jolla to go to childrens cove to see the seals etc.. for a few hours before heading downtown SD.

WE visited La Jolla 1 1/2 years ago and had a good lunch at Georges on the upstairs patio on rec from here for view and food. WE did have El Pescador sandwich another lunch as well as Ropongo and Alfonsos for dinner. Has anything new opened since thats a chow worthy try? We missed the Crab Catch for their happy hour last time is it still decent? looking at around 1pm meal

[SDGourmand]

Whisk n ladle is always a solid option.

[palmtree38]

hey beachie...

Funny my hubby golfed torrey pines 10 years ago and said when we walk the state park that he didnt wnat to view the course as it would be too sad not partaking in a round of golf :O) on that note he wanted to pick up a hat or golf shirt..

Is this a high end restuarant ie price and clothing attire? also kids allowed?

I did read about trattoria 1 1.2 years ago but didnt go.. Is geoges still getting the good reviews?? golf course might be good plan :O)

[carli]

I had a wonderful casual lunch on the porch at AR Valentien a few months ago. The setting was spectacular, and the food was great. I had a delicious swordfish dish. If you sit on the porch, I think you can order off of either the more upscale restaurant menu or the more casual lounge/grill room menu.

We were dressed very casually, and arrived by hiking up the Torrey Pines grade and through the park. We started out by parking at the bottom of the hill on the road overlooking the beach, and then hiked up the steep Torrey Pines park road, once around Guy Fleming trail (which is a great flat 2/3 mile trail with gorgeous ocean vistas, not to be missed, and perfect for kids) and then kept making our way up the park road, past the visitor center and golf course, to the Lodge at Torrey Pines and AR Valentien, where our lunch reservation awaited.

After our delicious lunch, we sauntered back down the hill, and even after a glass of wine, it was doable and fun. However, it wouldn't be a good idea to walk to/from the restaurant with small children unless you have a jogger.

[palmtree38]

Thanks! maybe rather then doing LA jolla for lunch we will make ressies at this AR Valentien sounds lovely!

Thanks for tip on the walking map.. We want to see more of SD not just the downtown core and we have done the Cabrillo park with lighthouse which had breathtaking views after a lunch at Point Loma looking out on the boats.

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Point Loma Cafe
4856 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92106

[palmtree38]

Is the AR Valentien menu at the lodge patio different from the menu inside dining? As there is no hamburgers listed only fixed plates with 3 courses $27 person for lunch.

[carli]

If I were you, I'd call and ask about the hamburger being available on the porch. When we went, I'm pretty sure we could've had the hamburger even though we were sitting on the porch. I remember my friend was thinking about having one so I assume the server offered it up, but I don't recall for sure. Also, I wonder if there's any opportunity to use their pool, which is beautiful. It would be so nice to make a day of it by hiking around the park, having lunch and then sitting by the pool and taking a dip. I don't know if they would give pool access to lunch guests, maybe for a fee. I've been to their day spa, which is heavenly, and was told I could use the pool afterwards. There are cabanas around it, and a great setting on the edge of the golf course amidst some Torrey pines with the ocean in the distance. It's probably a long shot, but if you're calling them anyway, you might ask about using the pool (for a fee) if you're interested...then you could make a whole day of it. A nice mini vacation!

[palmtree38]

So are these "BEST IN SD burgers" somewhere else at AR Valentien?? I will give them a call and see. thanks

[foodiechick]

The hamburger is from their "clubhouse" available to golfers, hence the name "clubhouse burger". Although it is not listed on the menu it is alwaya available at the main restaurant for lunch when requested. It is a really good burger, but not sure I would give it "the best of SD" props.

[Beach Chick]

after playing 18 holes..it is the best damn burger in SD!
; )

[palmtree38]

:O) beach chick.. Well there will be no golf playing going on! Not sure If i want to be spending $30- each on a lunch here and that seems to be what the prices are plus kids meals. I am going to call them

[SDGourmand]

I don't really like A.R., I find the food to be very old country clubish which resembles the decor in the dining room, the patio is the best part. I love that you can have a cigar after lunch or dinner, fits the atmosphere perfectly. I found some things intriguing on the menu but nothing memorable or worth the price IMO. The burger is a good solid drugstore burger but I wouldn't go out of my way for it, but if I'm already on property it's the only thing I would get again.

[palmtree38]

hmmm. well i have tentative booking at the lodge but maybe we might end up at Georges :O)

[bizzwriter]

I would skip Crab Catcher. I much prefer Trattoria Acqua next door. Try to reserve space on the deck overlooking the ocean, next to the gazebo.

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Trattoria Acqua
1298 Prospect St., La Jolla, CA 92037

Crab Catcher
1298 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037

[scott1212]

AR Valentien at the Lodge at Torrey Pines...unrea setting on the patio overlooking the 18th green of the torrey pines golf course...top it off with one of the best burgers in california..

[Beach Chick]

Good call Scott...great place for one of the best burgers in SD and the view can't be beat.
Also, you can stop off at the golf shop and get some US Open gear.
It's right next door to the reserve..lots of free parking too.