The Cozy Atmosphere at Whisknladle

Outside View

The Whisknladle in La Jolla known for its cozy atmosphere and great selection of beverages that provides a lively place for sitting with friends. It has an upscale bar atmosphere with just a touch of country western theme. The lighting is low but not so low as to obscure conversation. In the winter, their outdoor dining is covered with plastic to retain the warmth making a unique servicescape.

The restaurant prides themselves on the quality and freshness of their food. This was also my experience as the food was simple, appeared to be handmade, and generally tasty. You may want to try the warm Brussels Sprout salad. It was the first time I tried such a dish and it was impressive. The cutting board was not to my personal liking. Try it for yourself.  Their offerings fall in line with higher end Bistros. 

According to Yelp the average ranking for the restaurant is 4 out of 5. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and is a big draw for the establishment. The location near downtown La Jolla also makes it an attractive place to frequent. The food is higher than average price and appears to be more of an appetizer and drink type restaurant. Service was quick and friendly. 

1044 Wall St

(between Herschel Ave & Girard Ave) La Jolla, CA 92037

http://whisknladle.com/about

The Ocean Air of Osteria Romantica

Osteria Romantica offers a glimpse into Italian history whereby the Square, Church and Osteria were common meeting places between the classes in villages.  The ancient Osterias started in the late 1300’s and were typically inexpensive places where wine and sometimes food were offered. Generally, if there was food it was on a short list and people sat in common tables. Osteria Romantica is a restaurant but tries to maintain the charm of its historical cousin through expanded menu offerings. 

They maintain a full menu that includes items like Calamari Affogati which is Calamari Sauteed in Fresh Tomato Sauce and Spinach and Risotto Profumo which is Italian Arborio Rice with Scamorza Cheese, Radicchio, Pears. Prices range from around $10 to $30. Their wine selection is large and prices are under $10. Considerable selection of alternative items is also available. 

The restaurant is located down the street from La Jolla Beach. The street is busy during the lunch period but tapers off in the early evening hours. The background music, ocean air, and patio (or indoor) seating is refreshing when dinning. Parking is free and easy on the shop lined enclave. You may consider a walk around the neighborhood or down by the beach to recover from a feast.

http://www.osteriaromantica.com/index.html

Osteria Romantica

2151 Avenida De La Playa  La Jolla, CA 92037 (858) 551-1221

The Hidden Gem Harry’s Bar and American Grill

Nestled in a corporate building away from the busy streets and behind a subtle hill it is possible to find a hidden gem that is not overloaded with long lines and hurried staff. Harry’s Bar and Grill offers Italian and American cuisine with a touch of old world class. From the plush wicker chairs to the hardwood walls, you will find luxury within its decor. Located across the street from the UTC mall it is a perfect little get-a-way for lunch or dinner.

Harry’s Bar and American Grill is well known for the business lunches. The business crowd comes in droves. Salads and Appetizers are for $8.00 to $12.00 with a variety of styles and tastes.  For example, Carpaccio with sliced raw beef, light mustard sauce, capers, arugula & shaved parmesan for $12.00 or something simple like Insalata Cia with Romaine, tomatoes, onions, artichokes, mushrooms, salami, parmesan & provolone cheese, creamy vinaigrette  for $9.00. Bowls of soup for around $6.00 are also available.

Lunch specials range from $18 to $24 with specialty items such as a Lobster Burger or something simple like Hamburgers Harrys. Supper ranges from $18 to $34 for most items on the menu. Many items from Scampi to a New York Strip steak is available for purchase. Their grill is their trademarked draw for customers and a central method of cooking at the restaurant. They provide a nice variety on their menu.

Seating includes indoor, patio, booth, bar, and table. The age range is generally 50 years old and upwards and dressed casual professional. In the background is light music on Saturday nights, which does not overpower the conversation. Providing such music adds a level of entertainment to the overall ambiance. It may prolong customers stay that leads to additional purchases or draw in some customers looking for light entertainment.

Wait staff is friendly and do not take long to serve the customers their fist order or their food. A breadbasket is promptly brought with a couple of different styles which allows for some quick satisfaction from the uncomfortable nature of hunger. Price is in the high end range but matches the quality of the food and overall décor of the place. Best dinning times are between 6:00pm and 8:00 pm. By 10:00 p.m. the place becomes sparse.

Harry’s Bar and American Grill

4370 La Jolla Village Dr #150  

San Diego, CA 92122
(858) 373-1252

http://harryslajolla.com/

Forever Fondue Offers a Touch of Swiss Culture in La Jolla

Forever Fondue is a unique place that offers a service that differentiates itself from other restaurants in the area. Located in the downtown district of La Jolla its customers consist of both locals and visitor foot traffic. If you have never had your dinner cooked from a fondue pot, this is your opportunity to try it.  There is nothing wrong with engaging in the unique from time-to-time just like your parents did in the 1960’s.

The restaurant has a variety of food options but centers around cheese, desert, salads and a main course. For two people the average price for a four-course meal is around $60. I ordered the $65 seafood combination that includes Mahi Mahi, Ahi, vegetables, mussels and salmon. By the time I finished the salad, cheese, main course and desert there really was not any room to eat anything else. This size meal might have been enough for at least three or more people.

The décor is traditional American with booths and table seating. There is a small bar in the back of the restaurant. At the time, I went it did not appear to be used or staffed but this may depend on the day. A host provided you with a seat and any beverages that you desire. Staff was friendly and dressed in simple server clothing of black pants and black shirt.

Fondue feasting is a slow process. One should not come and expect to be in and out within forty-five minutes. It takes a while for the fondue pot to heat to a steamy froth and each course is brought to guests in a leisurely manner.  If is a great place to frequent if you are looking to spend some time with your family or have a long conversation with someone. The fondue bowl provides something to play and fiddle with as you connect with others on the table. It is known as a communal pot for a reason.

The fondue dish was popular in the sixties and seventies as a party offering. Originally from Switzerland the fondue pot was used to melt cheese, wine and sometimes brandy. Stale pieces of bread or cheese were dipped and eaten in a traditional peasant style. The earliest known writing about fondue came from the Alps in a work entitled “To cook cheese with wine” around 1899.  In the mid 1960’s chocolate became an addition to the whole fondue experience. 

Forever Fondue

909 Prospect St #190

  La Jolla, CA 92037

(858) 551-4509

http://www.foreverfonduesd.com/

The Public House Offers Home Brews and Grass Fed Burgers

The Public House in La Jolla is one of the best casual restaurants in the area. It is rated 4 and 5 stars by local customers. Located in the downtown area in the heart of the city’s activity center it is a great place to start an evening by getting a brewski and something to eat. With 43 craft tap beers and 350 bottled varieties this is a casual “down home” environment. They pride themselves as the “Locally World Famous” burgers with a distinct charbroiled taste.

The establishment is easy to find. Simply drive or walk down 6^th street in the evening and you won’t miss the flaming heaters on the brightly lite outdoor patio. Even though indoor seating is available the bar and all the action is outside. Sitting on the patio on a cool coastal evening watching a sports game or having great conversation makes one feel much more alive.  Tables offer accommodations up to six people, four in a booth, and two on intimate tables.

Their famous burgers are a quarter pound slab of charbroiled meat served on a patty with shoestring fries on the side. What makes The Public House unique is that all meat is made from sustainable farming techniques without the use of hormones and antibiotics. This is a restaurant with a social and health conscious flavor. Who doesn’t love sustainable agriculture?

You can choose anything ranging from the garlic burger all the way to the Grass fed Kobe Wagyu Burger. If these varieties do not suit your interests you might consider something more interesting like a lamb or bison burger. The choice is yours! General prices range from $11 to $14 making a dinner affordable to most people. Drinks are not included in that price.

Public House specialties include items such as duck tacos, baja shrimp tacos or fish and chips. A friend had fish and chips and they tasted great with their special Belgium beer batter. Appetizers, salads, and sandwiches are other items on the menu.  For additional information on their beers, menu and wine you may visit their site.

The establishment has been around for some time and had a chance to gain an entrenched following. Rarely do you see a place as busy as this in the early evening. Tuesdays offers 2 for 1 burger nights and Wednesday is bottle tasting night. You might also want to join the 80 beers in 80 days club which will get you a tour of one of the local breweries.

The Public House

http://www.the-publichouse.com/

Hours:

Mon-Closed

Tue-Saturday 11:00am -11:00pm

Sun 11:00am-9pm

830 Kline St,

La Jolla, CA. 92037

858-551-9210