Valentines Day - Bertrand at Mr. A's or Marine Room

[setesami]

I'm coming down from LA and planning a Valentines Day dinner for my girlfriend (she lives in Mission Valley). My price point is about $150 per person so I cant afford Addison. I've read some good things about Bertrand at Mr. A's and the Marine Room. I'm looking for something with a romantic/fine dining setting. My girlfriend isnt picky or a foodie, so any type of cuisine is fine. Obviously I'd like a suggestion with great food, but I'm willing to give up a bit of the quality of food for ambiance.

I've also read a few good reviews of Mistral and A.R. Valentien (although its a bit out of the way)

Since I'm not from the area its a bit difficult to choose a location based on online photos only. Any suggestions are appreciated.

[Beach Chick]

I would do neither...
Marine Room is meh on food..better to go to their high tide breakfast.
Grant Grill at US Grant Hotel Gaslamp.
A.R. Valentine at the Lodge at Torrey Pines.
Manhattans La Jolla is old school ambience Italian.
Veladora at the Rancho Valencia Resort in Rancho Santa Fe.
Mille Fleurs or the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe is lovely.

[Dagney]

(Or Dobson's for bisque, lol...)

+1 on the Grant Grill. Then you could take cab through the Gaslamp to the Top of the Hyatt for after dinner drinks.

[Beach Chick]

;^)

[Fake Name]

I recently had dinner at Bertrand at MrA's, and based on that experience, I'd encourage you to consider Marine Room. Or anywhere else.

[Dagney]

To get a little thread-jacky, what did you not like about Mr A's? I have not eaten there in years, but I do remember a poor little piece of foie gras cooked to within an inch of it's life, and then smothered, SMOTHERED in some kind of silly Blackberry sauce...utterly ruining a perfectly lovely dish.

[Fake Name]

As you know, it's my policy to say positive things about dining experiences I enjoy and encourage others to try. There are plenty of 'hounds around to trash places.

Suffice to say my experience with the food and service prompts me to recommend another place.

I've been giving this a lot of thought, and I'd rather go to Super Sergios and keep the $150 difference.

[cstr]

Totally 2nd, and as the OP was concerned, there's no need to give up quality for amibance.

[Fake Name]

Well, the ambiance...I like ambiance. Ambiance is good.

Still going with Super Sergios.

[Tripeler]

So, are you one of those "ambiance chasers" we hear a lot about these days?

[Dagney]

Hmmmm, ocean or a high top view?.......

Between those two I would vote for The Marine Room, it's a tad cozier than Bertrand's, and the room is located right on the beach. The food is fine, not progressive by any stretch, but the ambiance is warm and romantic.

Also, The Marine Room is an old school, seasoned place, they know how to do Valentine's Day and do it it properly.