La Jolla Webcam - We've got Sun!

How cool is this? I just learned from Bernard Guillas, chef extraordinaire at the Marine Room Restaurant on La Jolla Shores Beach, that the LJ Beach & Tennis Club has a webcam.

And the REALLY good news is that - as you can see - the sun is shining in San Diego today. After a gray May and a gloomy June that spilled over into July, we're all thrilled that summer has finally arrived.

Yahoo!!!

P. S. Don't miss the high-tide dinners at the Marine Room. Dates are on the Calendar of Summer Events I posted earlier.

Cupcakes, Cooking Classes and More

Until recently I thought that Cups was just a cute little cupcake shop in the village. In fact, that's pretty much what I said in an earlier post.

However, I have now been introduced to “Cups Culinary,” the teaching kitchen at Cups, where all kinds of cooking classes take place. Visiting families can have a lot of fun at the "kids only" events and serious foodies might want to join the "Buttercream Breakdown" or the "Market-to-Table" experience featuring seasonal produce from the La Jolla Farmers' Market.

Cups is located at 7857 Girard Avenue. The schedule of classes is below:

July 13, 20, 27 and every Tuesday throughout the summer
– Fun with Cupcakes (kids only)

Featuring Cups Pastry Chef Vanessa Brown

This class is for kids only, age 5 and up, who want to try their hand at cupcake decorating. Here they can frost and sprinkle, pipe buttercream, play with fondant, and dip in chocolate to their heart's content. Take-out boxes will be provided for their 4 full-size cupcake masterpieces (per child). Drinks are provided. $30. 12:30-2 (Minimum 10; maximum 30).

July 23 and alternate Fridays throughout the summer – Parents’ Night Off – Cupcakes and a Movie (kids only)

Featuring Cups Pastry Chef Vanessa Brown

At this class, kids will decorate 2 cupcakes with lots of buttercream and sprinkles while watching a kid-friendly, G-rated movie. Drinks and snacks provided. Kids age 5-9. $25. 6:30- 9pm. (Minimum 10; maximum 30)

July 25 and most Sundays throughout the summer – Market-To-Table

Featuring Cups Culinary Director Chef Jesus Gonzalez, former Creative Chef for Rancho La Puerta.

Learn how to shop like a chef at the La Jolla Farmer's Market...then learn how to cook like one too! Join Jesus on a tour of the Market, as he identifies and describes the freshest, local, seasonal ingredients available that day. The class will then collectively choose items for Jesus to cook in the Cups Culinary demo kitchen. Recipes will be provided to all participants. $65 includes lunch. 11am-2pm (Minimum 10, maximum 24). Wear comfortable walking shoes. Meet at Cups Culinary at 10:45am to walk to the market as a group; if unable to walk, join the group at the gate to the farmer’s market at 11am.

July 15 – Buttercream Breakdown

Featuring Cups Pastry Chef Alvis Alforque

Does the word “buttercream” conjure up only one image - the shortening and powdered sugar variety? Then this class is for you! Learn the differences in taste, texture and consistency of the 4 primary types of buttercreams - American, Swiss, Italian, and French - and how to master the preparation of each. Once armed with their buttercreams, guests will learn decorating styles and techniques appropriate for the various buttercreams, and after some practice, perform their handiwork on tasty Cups. $50. 6-9pm (Minimum 10, maximum 30).

July 22 – Fiesta Time Cupcakes

Featuring CIA***-trained Cups Pastry Chef Priscila Marquez

Come experience South of the Border flavor in a cupcake! Mexican chocolate...churro...chile-lime...Ole! This bi-lingual hands-on class will prepare batters and frostings for three different Mexican-flavored cupcakes, then bake and decorate 4 Cups per guest; take-home carriers provided. $70. 6-9pm (Minimum 10, maximum 24). ***Culinary Institute of America

July 24 – Feast of Figs

Featuring Guest Chef Andrea Ruhl, former mixologist at The Market restaurant in Del Mar and personal chef

California figs are at their peak now. Learn sweet and savory recipes – from appetizers to mains – to utilize these wonderful delicacies – including honey & balsamic vinegar-drizzled figs with herbed goat cheese and fresh ricotta, grilled fig & onion flatbread, and fig paté. $70. 2:30-5:30pm (Minimum 10, maximum 24).

July 29 – Fun with Fondant

Featuring award-winning cake decorator and Cups Pastry Chef Tiffany Myers

Have you ever wondered how to make those terribly fancy wedding-style cakes? Making and using fondant is easier than you think. At this hands-on class, students will learn the basics of fondant preparation, and roll out and cover their own “cake,” then decorate with additional fondant décor. $50. 6-9pm (Minimum 10, maximum 30).

To ensure a place in a class, make reservations through the Cups website or by calling 858-459-2877.

Sounds yummy to me.

Good News for Car-less Visitors

So you’re going to stay in downtown San Diego, but want to visit La Jolla? Until now, I’d have said “take the #30 bus,” but recently Tour Guide Tim began offering another option.

His guided coach tours leave from the Santa Fe train station on Kettner Boulevard and include Mt. Soledad, the village of La Jolla, La Jolla Shores, and the Torrey Pines Golf Course.

Passengers have time to shop, eat lunch, and walk along the water in the village, or they can spend their time at La Jolla Shores Beach. Here, kayaking, surf lessons, or just hanging out in the sand are a few of the options. Before deciding where to spend your time, check out my earlier post “La Jolla Shores vs. the Village.”

Tour Guide Tim – Timothy Schenck – has a talent for absorbing information. After moving to San Diego from Delaware, he took classes and did so much reading about his new hometown that his friends began calling him “Ask Jeeves of La Jolla.”

At the top of Mt. Soledad, Tim informs passengers that they’re standing on the Rose Canyon Fault Line and explains how earthquakes have shaped Southern California. This knowledge came from a geology class he took at the Museum of Natural History in Balboa Park.

Tim’s tours operate daily except Sunday and leave downtown at noon. For more information, check out the TourGuideTim website or call 1-231-TimTour.

If you tour with Tim, please post a comment and tell us about your experience.

The Riford Center

If bridge, Jazzercise, and cooking classes are things you enjoy, check out La Jolla’s Riford Center while you’re in San Diego. This long-time La Jolla recreational facility located on La Jolla Boulevard has been revitalized by a new director and is drawing renewed attention from local residents.

Frankly, until I spoke with Director Dona Aumann this week, I thought The Riford Center was only open to La Jollans, but she assured me that all adults – visitors and residents – are welcome to join classes and attend events.

The cooking classes offered by Swiss Chef Urs Baumann are a particularly popular addition to the weekly calendar. As I write this, Le Chef is leading his students through a menu that includes potage vichyssoise, gazpacho, and pasta salad with gorgonzola, nuts, grapes and herbs, as well as a healthy dessert. “Students,” who enjoy the lunch they’ve made, pay a fraction of the cost of other cooking classes offered in La Jolla.

Traveling bridge players will find a home-away-from-home at the center, which originally started – 35 years ago – as a bridge club. Visitors can also take classes in yoga, tai chi, art, investing, dance, and various languages. The center also offers a fully-equipped computer lab with Internet connection.

If your La Jolla vacation is in mid-July, you might want to attend “Summer Afternoon at the Riford,” featuring an exhibit of 25 local artists, live music, a silent auction, hosted wine and appetizers.

In any case, take a look at the Riford Center’s website and see what else is on offer when you’ll be in town. After all, you can’t spend all your time on the beach.

La Jolla Playhouse

For many travelers, San Diego means beaches, the Zoo, and Sea World, but as I said in “Debunking Myths About La Jolla,” our significant cultural advantages are less known.

This was underscored Sunday night when “Memphis” won the Tony Award for “Best Musical.” The show’s director Christopher Ashley is also the Artistic Director of La Jolla Playhouse, and “Memphis” was part of the 2008 La Jolla Playhouse season before opening on Broadway in 2009.

This isn’t the first time La Jolla Playhouse has produced a show that went on to win a coveted Tony Award. “Jersey Boys” got its start here, as did “I Am My Own Wife,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “The Who’s Tommy,” and “Big River.”

Today, “Surf Report” opens at La Jolla Playhouse. This new play from an award winning San Diego playwright takes place in a costal Southern Californian town. Is this world premiere headed for Broadway? I have no idea.

What I do know is that I can’t think of anything more fun than seeing a play by a local playwright right here in my very own Southern California community.

Caption: Linda Gehringer as “Judith” and Gregory Harrison as “Bruce” in La Jolla Playhouse’s world-premiere production of SURF REPORT, by Annie Weisman, directed by Lisa Peterson, playing June 15 - July 11; photo by Craig Schwartz.

Calendar of La Jolla Summer Events

San Diego is a great year round travel destination, but summer is really our specialty. The beach scene goes into high gear, the weather is perfect for outdoor dining and open-air concerts and – the best part – neither humidity nor mosquitoes will spoil your fun.

Now thru July 5 - "June Colours" at the La Jolla Art Association, 8100 Paseo del Ocaso in La Jolla Shores, is an eclectic mixture of fine art photography, paintings and sculpture depicting hot summer colors and cool relaxing scenes.

Now thru July 16, from noon to 4pm – At the La Jolla Historical Society - "Waveriders: Perspectives of Surfing La Jolla 1930-1950" looks back at the early days when boards were big, the stories tall, and guys found fun and adventure at Windansea, The Cove and the Shores. Wisteria Cottage, 780 Prospect Street. For more information: 858-459-5335 or visit their website.

Now thru Sept. 19 – “Here not There,” at The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) in La Jolla. San Diego visual artists and the variety, strength, and vitality of individual contemporary art practices are featured. “Here not There” explores the broad range of media and techniques used by local artists including an alternative art section that ranges from painting to furniture design.

June 15 thru July 11 – “Surf Report.” This world premiere at La Jolla Playhouse is a comic drama about a surf-obsessed venture capitalist, a hard-working mother, and her starving artist daughter who all receive a wake-up call when life in a beautiful Southern California town becomes filled with more than just good surf. For tickets: 858-550-1010 or visit their website.

June 16, July 21, Aug. 18, & Sept. 11 & 15 – Green Flash Concert Series at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps. Live music and spectacular ocean sunsets make this concert series a La Jolla favorite. A sophisticated mix of national performers - including Peter and Paul of Peter, Paul & Mary - will entertain on the aquarium’s outdoor tide-pool plaza. Green Flash Concerts take place from 6 to 9 p.m. and are for guests ages 21 years and older. Tickets: 858-534-4109.

June 19; July 10, 17 & 31; Aug. 14, 21 & 28, from 8-10 a.m. – Snorkel with Sharks. Naturalists from Birch Aquarium at Scripps will lead the way as you swim with schooling leopard sharks, smoothhound sharks, and guitarfish in the mild surf of the gently sloping beach at La Jolla Shores. RSVP: 858-534-7336 or online.

June 13, 22-26; July 8-12 & 22-25 with additional dates through September. Times vary. – High tide dinners at the Marine Room. San Diego’s best “dining with a view” only gets better during the summer high tides. Enjoy award-winning cuisine and dramatic surf crashing against floor-to-ceiling windows. Reservations: 858-459-7222.

June 25, July 24, and Aug. 23 & 24 from 7-9:30 p.m. and Sept. 22 & 23 from 6-8:30 p.m. – Full-Moon Walk on Scripps Pier. During this moonlit walk along the 1,090-foot concrete pier, Birch Aquarium naturalists will teach participants about the structure's history, and guide them as they dissect a squid, make marine organisms glow in the dark, collect plankton, observe ocean conditions, and study the nocturnal habits of marine life. RSVP: 858-534-7336 or online.

June 26 & 27, 9a.m. – 5 p.m. – The 24th Annual La Jolla Festival of Arts, UCSD East Campus, corner of Genesee and Regents Rd. Over 190 award-winning local and national artists will display paintings, sculptures, fine jewelry, photography and more. Guests can enjoy a variety of cuisines in the festival food area, listen to live entertainment and visit the children's area featuring interactive booths, hands-on games and activities. Info: 858-586-1202.

July 3 & Aug. 7 from 8-10 a.m. – Snorkel La Jolla Cove with naturalists from Birch Aquarium. Enjoy the calm, picturesque waters of La Jolla Cove, part of the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park and Ecological Reserve. Discover the exotic playground of such beautiful creatures as garibaldi, lobsters and octopuses. RSVP: 858-534-7336 or online.

July 4 – Fireworks at The Cove. Arrive early and bring a picnic for this very popular annual event.

July 11, 18 & 25; Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, &29; Sept. 5 at 2 p.m. – La Jolla Concerts by the Sea. Held in Scripps Park near The Cove, these free Sunday afternoon concerts are a La Jolla summertime staple. Check the website for line-up details.

July 17-23, from 11 a.m.-­ 3 p.m. daily – Shark Week features a week of hands-on exploration for all ages into the world of these mesmerizing and misunderstood ocean predators. Birch Aquarium at Scripps.

July 20 thru Aug. 22 – La Jolla Playhouse will present A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This timeless classic of forbidden love will be re-imagined into a gravity-defying production where secret lovers find themselves in a world turned upside-down – literally. Tickets: 858-550-1010 or visit their website.

Aug. 6 - 27 – Summerfest presented by the La Jolla Music Society includes 14 concerts, three enrichment events, and a gala fundraiser - mostly in the Sherwood Auditorium at the Museum of Contemporary Art. See the LJ Music Society's website for details and ticket info.

Sept. 12 – The La Jolla Rough Water Swim. America's premier rough water swim takes place at The La Jolla Cove every September. More than 2,000 swimmers churning up the water make for a memorable sight. This event has been part of La Jolla's history since 1916.

There's more La Jolla information on iNeTours' site.

The image above "Kauai Hanalei Pier" is courtesy of photographer/publisher Laurent Martres. His book PHOTOGRAPHING OREGON just won the 22nd annual Benjamin Franklin Award in the Travel category. Look for Laurent at the La Jolla Festival of Arts on June 26 and 27.

There's so much to love about summer in La Jolla. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I do - and please let me know if I've left out a local event.

Debunking Myths About La Jolla

Countless articles have been written about La Jolla, and when I read them I sometimes want to laugh out loud - or at least groan. To begin with, "La Jolla" does not mean "the jewel" in Spanish. That word would be "La Joya." Close, but no cigar.

In fact, "La Jolla" is a corruption of the word the Kumeyaay (Native American tribe) used to call this area. The Spanish explorers may have thought this scenic location was a jewel, but they didn't call it "La Joya."

Also - and this would come as a surprise to some local residents - La Jolla is not a separate town. It is a community within the City of San Diego, just like Pacific Beach, Mission Hills, and more than another dozen places. That means that - for better or for worse - we share the same school district, fire department, sanitation district, etc.

Having said that, much of what travelers have heard is true. We (I've lived here most of my life) have gorgeous beaches and sandstone cliffs, a wonderful variety of shopping options, great restaurants, a very good selection of hotels, and a wide range of recreation options.

Our cultural advantages are less known. La Jolla Playhouse has won a Tony Award for Best Regional Theatre. Birch Aquarium at Scripps is a world-class facility. The La Jolla branch of The San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art is right in the village, and classical music concerts are offered by The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library and the La Jolla Chamber Music Society. In addition, the University of California San Diego (UCSD) plays a very important role in our community.

In short, we don't just surf and sip wine here. La Jolla is a great place for families, adventurous travelers, culture vultures, "foodies," shop-until-you-drop folks, AND those who want to surf and sip wine.

And visitors are always welcome.

Peter and Paul added to Green Flash Line-up

SAN DIEGO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS:


Since I posted the line-up for the Green Flash Concerts at Birch Aquarium, legendary folk singers Peter Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary have been signed to perform a special concert on Saturday, September 11.

Doors open at 7 p.m. Concert begins at 7:30 p.m. General admission: $45-$100 with RSVP. Reservations: 858-534-4109; Ages 21+ only.

Yarrow and Stookey, ­along with bandmate Mary Travers - who died in 2009 after a battle with leukemia - comprised one of the most influential musical groups of the socially turbulent 1960s. Their popular songs such as "Blowin' in the Wind," "If I Had a Hammer" and "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" became enduring anthems of the 1960's protest movement. Throughout their career, the trio won five Grammys, produced more than a dozen Top 40 hits ­of which six ascended into the Top 10 ­ as well as eight gold and five platinum albums.

I just can't imagine a more fitting way to acknowledge the events of September 11, 2001, than to watch the sun set into the ocean from the Birch Aquarium while listening to the thought-provoking music of these folk icons.


Photo credit: Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Redwood Hollow Cottages

SAN DIEGO'S SECRET LODGING:

One of La Jolla’s best-kept secrets, this colony of historic cottages is perfect for families and anyone seeking that home-away-from home feel. While not on the beach, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the coast and less than 10 minutes walk to La Jolla’s myriad shops and restaurants.

Two studios, 3 two-bedroom units, and 2 one-bedrooms come with kitchens stocked with popcorn, cookies, and microwave popcorn. Just what the kids want, right? And there’s coffee and tea for Mom and Dad. Another studio lacks a kitchen, but sleeps up to four people. Two of the two-bedroom cottages come with two bathrooms.

Built between 1915 – 1948, four of the 8 cottages have fireplaces, 4 offer private patios, and all are set in a garden bursting with plants.

Owner Martin Lizerbram goes out of his way to make sure that guests have what they need. He even painted a beach mural on one of the garden walls for those who wanted an “ocean view.” Laundry facilities are free of charge.

Redwood Hollow Cottages are located at 256 Prospect Street (tel. 858-459-8747; email lejolla@aol.com) Rates are by day, week, or month and vary seasonally.

A recent guest had this to say: "I've been meaning to e-mail you back since my daughter and I returned from our trip to California. We had an absolutely fantastic time and we LOVED LaJolla. I am so very glad we stayed there for part of our trip. It was just perfect. We ended up staying at Redwood Hollow. We loved our stay there. We stayed in a studio the first night - it was adorable and nicely furnished. Walking up to it and opening the door, made for a perfect start to our vacation. Since that was only available the first night, we moved to a 2 bedroom for the other 3 nights. Wow... much more room than we actually needed but it would sure be perfect for a family. We enjoyed the patio areas at both places and my daughter enjoyed taking some beautiful photos of the grounds. We walked down to the beach and sat on the rocks each evening to watch the sunset. The staff - Michele was so friendly and helpful. And it was nice to be able to do a load of laundry the night before we left for our stay downtown. I cannot say enough good things about LaJolla - it is just a beautiful, friendly and interesting place. I'm ready to go back - plan a family reunion and rent several of the cottages at Redwood Hollow. There is certainly something for everyone."

San Diego Airline News

This just in from the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau:

This spring and summer, the San Diego International Airport welcomes a handful of new flights servicing San Diego from various cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

New flights include:

· a second daily flight between San Diego and Boston begins May 1 on Jet Blue;
· year-round service between San Diego and St. Louis begins May 9 on Southwest Airlines;
· seasonal flights between San Diego and Atlanta and Milwaukee begin May 27 on airTran;
· year-round service between San Diego and Honolulu begins June 3 on Delta;
· seasonal flights between San Diego and Maui begin June 18 on Hawaiian Airlines;
· year-round service between San Diego and Toronto begins June 17 on Air Canada;
· year-round service between San Diego and Maui begins October 1 and year-round service between San Diego and Puerto Vallarta begins November 12 on Alaska Airlines.

La Jolla visitors will find the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau's Visitor Information Center at the corner of Herschel Avenue and Prospect Street.

Photo courtesy Southwest Airlines.

Green Flash Concerts - Line-Up Announced

SAN DIEGO SUNSET EVENTS:

A "green flash" is a rare optical phenomenon caused by refraction of light as the sun sets on the horizon. Many La Jollans line the beach at sunset and watch as the big orange ball sinks into the ocean, but few have ever seen the elusive flash.

Of course, there are those who claim to have seen "lots of 'em," and my guess is they downed several glasses of wine while they were waiting.

Whatever. Like grunion, the green flash is part of our local culture.

It's also the name of a concert series presented by Birch Aquarium at Scripps on their beauteous outdoor tide-pool plaza with a panoramic ocean view.

Here's the just-announced schedule :

Wednesday, May 19: ROCKOLA
Back by popular demand, San Diego's premier 60's and 70's cover band will play your favorite Beatles songs and other Classic Rock favorites.

Wednesday, June 16: VENICE
Musician David Crosby called Venice "one of the best groups of any kind I have ever heard." Their unique sound mixes soaring harmonies of rock, folk, pop, funk and R&B with lyrics that are intelligent and laced with wit.

Wednesday, July 21: SHAWN MULLINS
Singer-songwriter Shawn Mullins ­ best known for his top 10 hit "Lullaby" ­shows his southern style of humanity, heartache and hope through intricate guitar work and soothing vocals.

Wednesday, August 18: STEVE POLTZ
The clever, creative and humorous songs of local powerhouse Steve Poltz make for an unforgettable evening of great music and great fun.

Wednesday: Sept. 15: TOMMY CASTRO BAND
Bay Area bluesman Tommy Castro brings his mesmerizing blend of rock, blues and Memphis soul. Winner of numerous awards, including B.B. King Blues Entertainer of the Year.


You must be 21 to attend. Concerts take place 6 -9 p.m. General admission: $35 with RSVP ($170 season pass), $40 at the door. Admission includes the concert, entrance to all aquarium exhibits and parking. Reservations: 858-534-4109. Savory happy-hour appetizers, craft beers and wines provided by Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery will be available for purchase.

For its fifth season, Birch Aquarium at Scripps is introducing two VIP packages for the ultimate concert experience. Concertgoers can purchase a guaranteed stage-side seat within the Golden Circle for $50 per person or rock out for $250 per person on the exclusive Diamond Deck overlooking the stage and La Jolla coast. Discounts for season passes are available.

Proceeds support exhibits and educational programming at Birch Aquarium at Scripps.

So go. Have fun - and keep your eyes on the horizon as the sun sets.



Photo courtesy Birch Aquarium at Scripps.

"Secret Rates" at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

If you've looked through the Calendar of Spring Events below, you know that the annual Secret Garden Tour of Old La Jolla will take place on May 15. This is one of our community's favorite events. After all, who doesn't love snooping around private gardens that are normally hidden behind gates and walls?

What I've learned since I wrote that post, is that in support of this popular event, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa (http://www.estancialajolla.com/) is offering a special rate of $159 per room and 20% off spa services, food, and beverages to anyone attending the Garden Tour. The regular rate that night is $209.

If you ask me, this sounds like a great excuse to plan a Girls Getaway.

Calendar of Spring Events

La Jolla has beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and a plethora of shops, but there's so much more. I hope this calendar of events will lead you off the beaten path to some of the activities that those of us who live here enjoy. Visitors are always welcome.

From now until May 16 – The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) in La Jolla will feature a new exhibit, Pleasure Point: Celebrating 25 Years of Contemporary Collectors. Organized by the museum, the exhibit celebrates the achievements of two groups of passionate collectors who support the MCASD, the Contemporary Collectors and the International Collectors, by showcasing major highlights of the museum acquisitions they have made possible during the past 25 years.

Among the many works on view will be Tony Oursler’s confrontational video installation, Don’t Look at Me (1994); Doris Salcedo’s untitled, concrete-impregnated armoire (1995); Cornelia Parker’s scintillating Rorschach (Accidental IV) (2006), constructed from 70 crushed, silver-plated objects; and one of the most ambitious works ever acquired by the Museum, Nancy Rubins’ exuberant site-specific installation Pleasure Point (2006).

April 3 to June 6 – "Grunion Groupies" meet at on Saturdays and Sundays, 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps to learn about the elusive California grunion, including how these fish "run" up our local beaches and lay their eggs in the moist sand.

You can also join the Birch folks to witness an actual grunion run on the following dates: Friday, April 16, 9:30-11:30 p.m., Friday, May 14, 9:30-11:30 p.m., Friday, May 28, 9-11 p.m, and Saturday, May 29, 9:30-11:30 p.m. There’s more info in the February 14 post below.

April 3 – Egg hunt at the La Jolla Recreation Center, 615 Prospect St., for children ages 2 ½ to12. http://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/centers/lajolla.shtml or call 858-552-1658. BYO basket.

April 4 – Easter brunch? See the March 17 post below for suggestions. By the way there's no Farmer's Market on Easter Sunday.

April 19 to 21 – The San Diego Jewish Music Series will take place at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center. Performers include A. J. Croce, Broadway Extravaganza (the music of Jewish composers and lyricists), and Re-Vital, Israeli Performance Ensemble. http://sdcjc.lfjcc.org/sdjmf/2010.

Late April through summer - For a memorable evening, check the tide table on their website and book at table at the beachfront Marine Room Restaurant for one of their High Tide Dinners. While you dine, waves will roll up on the sand right in front of you and may even crash on the floor-to-ceiling windows.

May 15 – The Secret Garden Tour of Old La Jolla, sponsored by the La Jolla Historical Society, is a once-a-year opportunity to go behind the high walls and gates that enclose some of our community’s loveliest homes. The locations of the gardens are kept secret until the day of the tour, but my sources tell me that this year one “jaw-dropping” property spans over 5 acres right on the ocean.
May 19, June 16, July 21, August 18 & September 15 are the dates of the 4th Annual Green Flash Concert Series at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps - a unique summertime experience with live music and spectacular ocean sunsets. The concert series occurs on the aquarium’s stunning outdoor tide-pool plaza and offers a sophisticated mix of national performers. Green Flash Concerts take place from 6 to 9 p.m. and are for guests ages 21 years and older.

June 26 & 27 – The 24th Annual La Jolla Festival of Arts and Food Fair, at the corner of Genesee and Regents Rd., hosts over 190 award-winning local and national artists displaying paintings, sculptures, fine jewelry, photography and more. Guests can enjoy a variety of cuisines in the festival food area, listen to live entertainment and visit the children's area featuring interactive booths, hands-on games and activities.

June & July – The Tony Award-winning La Jolla Playhouse will kick-off its season with the world premier of Surf Report, a comedic drama that follows a woman named Judith and her turbulent relationships with her nagging husband and distant daughter through her life’s story that examines the sacrifices we make, or avoid, for our families.

In July & August, the Playhouse will present a rendition of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This timeless classic of forbidden love will be re-imagined into a gravity-defying production where secret lovers find themselves in a world turned upside-down – literally.

June 6 to September 19 – Here not There, at The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) in La Jolla, will feature local San Diego visual artists and will focus on the variety, strength, and vitality of individual contemporary art practices. Here not There explores the broad range of media and techniques used by local artists including an alternative art section that ranges from painting to furniture design.

Secret Garden poster courtesy La Jolla Historical Society.

La Jolla’s Sweet Life

In addition to San Diego’s most beautiful beaches, La Jolla offers some of the city’s most delicious desserts.

My husband and I both love frozen yogurt and, while Froglander’s on Pearl Street has been our perennial favorite, a newcomer in La Jolla Shores is giving them some tough competition. Yogurt Escape, tucked among the kayak rentals on Avenida de la Playa offers unusual flavors such as pomegranate raspberry and other fruity delights. Because they are open from 11am to 10pm, lots of locals wander in for an after-dinner treat. Having said that, the peanut butter and the dark chocolate frozen yogurt at Froglander’s is still my definition of nirvana.

When it comes to cakes, the only game is town is Michele Coulon Dessertier on Fay Avenue in the village. Her carrot cake made with organic carrots, walnuts, crushed pineapple and coconut with cream cheese frosting is the stuff of sweet dreams - and I have a friend who feels the same way about her lemon marbled cheesecake.

Cookies? My favorites are made by 410 Degrees and sold at the Open Aire Farmers Market on Girard Avenue every Sunday from 9am to 1pm. Derek Jaeger and his partner Adam Koven offer their signature PB Overload, which contains Reese’s chips and a thick peanut butter crème, a lemon basil cookie made with candied macadamia nuts and dried berries, and several other yummy varieties.

If you are in need of a good cookie and it isn’t Sunday, try Girard Gourmet on - surprise – Girard Avenue. Co-owner François Goedhuys designs decorated cookies that are fun for holidays and special occasions.

Cup Cakes? No contest. Cups Lounge on Girard Avenue (pictured above) offers “sweet beats and treats.” Customers can sit at the open air bar facing onto the street or at little plastic tables that are just right for pint-sized consumers. Cups’ pastry chefs use organic ingredients and create such delicacies as a pumpkin cardamom cupcake topped with chocolate frostings and pepita brittle.

Cups and Michele Coulon Dessertier tied for “Best Dessert” in a recent La Jolla Village News poll, but they offer very different surroundings. I suggest you head to Cups when you’re feeling especially young at heart and visit Michele Coulon when you’re feeling seriously self-indulgent.

I’d love to hear what you think of La Jolla’s sweet options. Will you post a comment and share your experiences?

Easter Brunch in La Jolla

It's St Patrick's Day, but the question I'm hearing from San Diego bound visitors is "where should we have Easter brunch?"

Here's a quick run-down:

In La Jolla, the beautiful La Valencia Hotel (pictured here) and the beachfront Marine Room Restaurant have great Easter brunch buffets, but they are kinda pricey.

A budget-minded friend of mine just booked brunch at The Shores Restaurant at The La Jolla Shores Hotel. It offers the same sand and sea view as the Marine Room and the buffet costs $42 for adults and $22 for children 12 and under. This is a great place for families, as the hotel is very kid-friendly. http://www.theshoresrestaurant.com/, 8110 Camino Del Oro (858) 456-0600. They are serving from 10am - 2:30pm.

If you decide to splurge, the buffet at the Marine Room is $55 per adult and $27.95 per child (http://www.marineroom.com/). La Valencia's extravaganza is $75 per adult and $32 per child (http://www.lavalencia.com/).

Roppongi Restaurant & Sushi Bar at 875 Prospect Street in the village offers another option. Here, the price is $39 per adult, $25 per child (12 and under), but there's no beach view. They are serving from 10:30 am - 2:00pm. (858) 551-5252. http://www.roppongiusa.com/

The Steakhouse at Azul on Prospect Street is offering their regular Sunday brunch menu (not a buffet) from 10am -2:30pm. Main course items range from $12- 26 and include a complimentary glass of champagne. If you dine here, try to get one of the tables with a water view. http://www.brigantine.com/locations_azul.html

Alternatively, you could put together a picnic, gather all your bunnies, and enjoy the scenery from Ellen Browning Scripps Park, The Cove, or Kellogg Park at La Jolla Shores.

Whenever you dine, I hope you enjoy Easter in La Jolla.

La Jolla Sky Tour

I thought I knew La Jolla and the rest of San Diego, but something happened last week that has given me a new perspective.

I flew over my hometown of several decades – not in a big jet that was in a hurry to get someplace, but in a five-seat Piper Seneca with time to meander along the coast.

The scenic flight was a way of introducing out-of-town guests to the area, but I almost think I enjoyed the aerial view more than they did.

I picked out my favorite landmarks and saw how things fit together – where the La Jolla Country Club is in relation to the village, how close Torrey Pines State Park is to the gliderport and the golf course, that kind of thing. I’ve driven past these places hundreds of times, but the birds-eye view was both beautiful and instructive

I came away feeling very lucky to live here – and very glad that our home is not clinging to a sandstone cliff.

We booked the tour through Air2Air (http://www.air2aircorp.com/) and President Michael Doerr was our pilot. I felt totally safe, especially after he mentioned that he formerly flew jets out of Miramar and was a Captain at Northwest Airlines for 19 years.

The twin-engine light aircraft is fixed with comfortable club seating, which enables business passengers to hold mini-meetings en route to their destination. It also makes it easy for sightseers to point things out to each other and pass cameras back and forth.

The flight left from Palomar Airport and, after cruising the La Jolla coast, continued over Lindbergh Field and Coronado to South Bay. The panorama of downtown San Diego gives meaning to the term “urban resort,” and I loved that someone had written a huge “Coronado” in the sand in front of the Hotel del.

I’ve often been asked about the best view points in La Jolla and other parts of San Diego, and I’ve hesitated, qualified my reply, and felt the need to explain – but from now on, I know what my answer will be.

La Jolla Calendar of Events - February to May

Through Sunday, February 21 - The 20th Annual San Diego Jewish Film Festival continues. See http://sdcjc.lfjcc.org/sdjff/2010/ for details.

February 23 – Wendy Craig-Purcell, author of Ask Yourself This, will speak and sign her new book at Warwick’s, 7812 Girard Avenue, at 7:30pm. http://www.warwicks.com/

February 15 to 28 - The La Jolla Art Association, 8100 Paseo del Ocaso (La Jolla Shores), Winter Invitational features artwork by prize-winning La Jolla artists (http://www.lajollaart.org/).

Through the end of February - “Travels Through Europe” watercolors by Francoise Farron are on exhibit at the La Jolla Public Library, 7555 Draper Avenue.


February 21 to May 16 - The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) in La Jolla will feature a new exhibit, Pleasure Point: Celebrating 25 Years of Contemporary Collectors. Organized by the museum, the exhibit celebrates the achievements of two groups of passionate collectors who support the MCASD, the Contemporary Collectors and the International Collectors, by showcasing major highlights of the museum acquisitions they have made possible during the past 25 years. Among the many works on view will be Tony Oursler’s confrontational video installation, Don’t Look at Me (1994); Doris Salcedo’s untitled, concrete-impregnated armoire (1995); Cornelia Parker’s scintillating Rorschach (Accidental IV) (2006), constructed from 70 crushed, silver-plated objects; and one of the most ambitious works ever acquired by the Museum, Nancy Rubins’ exuberant site-specific installation Pleasure Point (2006). http://www.mcasd.org/

February 28 to March 28 - Discover the beauty and mystery of life along the La Jolla coast during tide pooling excursions with naturalists from Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. At this time of the year, lower tides reveal wider beaches and pools teeming with native marine life, such as hermit crabs, sea hares and sea anemones. Aquarium naturalists will guide participants through these fragile environments and identify inhabitants. The cost is $12, ages 2 and older. Directions to meeting place will be provided at time of RSVP. 858-534-7336 http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/

February 28, 2-4 p.m., False Point.
March 13, 1-3 p.m., Dike Rock.
March 28, 1:30-3:30 p.m., False Point


March 4 - During six presidential administrations, Nancy K. Clarke served as the White House Chief Floral Designer. In this role, she decorated for 31 holiday seasons and prepared arrangements for numerous state dinners. On Thursday, March 4 at 1:30pm, she will share her story and photos and give a floral demonstration at Sherwood Auditorium at the Museum of Contemporary Art, La Jolla. The program is sponsored by The Village Garden Club of La Jolla and will benefit their Schoolyard Gardening Project. Tickets for non-members are $65 and include a reception following the lecture and complimentary valet parking. The $250 per person tickets also include a cocktail party on March 3 at the spectacular Mt. Soledad home of club member Judy White and her husband Jack. (http://www.villagegardencluboflajolla/, 760-814-1430)


March 4 to March 14 - As part of its Page to Stage program, the La Jolla Playhouse will showcase the one-man show, John Leguizamo Diary of a Madman. Emmy Award-winner John Leguizamo gets up close and personal with vivid accounts of where he's been and the people who’ve shaped his life in the new, uncensored and uninhibited production. Currently Leguizamo delights younger fans as the voice of “Sid” in Ice Age 1, 2, and 3 in addition to appearances in several movies including The Happening, Righteous Kill and Love in the Time of Cholera. http://www.lajollaplayhouse.org/


Photo courtesy Scripps Oceanography.

Something fishy going on in La Jolla

If you're visiting La Jolla and notice groups of locals on the beach at night shining flashlights onto the surf, chances are good the grunion - tiny little fish - are going through their odd mating ritual. Nothing - well, almost nothing - intrigues San Diegans like a good grunion run.

On certain spring and summer nights following high tides, hundreds of the small, silvery fish ride waves onto shore for this remarkable dance. While on the beach, female grunion bury themselves in the sand to lay eggs, while males wrap themselves protectively around the females to fertilize their eggs. Both catch a wave to return to sea.

You can grab a flashlight (and jacket) and head to La Jolla Shores on your own or you can join the folks at Birch Aquarium (http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/) for a more educated approach to the spawning phenomena. Reservations must be made in advance by calling 858-534-7336. The program costs $12 per person.

Dates of the spring Birch Aquarium escorted runs are:

Friday, April 16, 9:30-11:30 p.m.
Friday, May 14, 9:30-11:30 p.m.
Friday, May 28, 9-11 p.m.
Saturday, May 29, 9:30-11:30 p.m.

If you want more info, "Grunion Groupies" meet Saturdays and Sundays, April 3-June 6 at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps. Here, naturalists describe the tale of the elusive California grunion, including how these fish "run" up our local beaches and lay their eggs in the moist sand.

The Grunion Groupie lecture is included in the cost of admission to the Aquarium: $12 adult, $9 senior, $8.50 youth 3-17, and children under 2 free.

The California Department of Fish & Game also provides information on their website and posts the schedule for the "expected grunion runs" March - August 2010 http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/grunionschedule.asp

You really haven't seen La Jollans at their kookiest until you've been to a grunion run.

Watercolor courtesy of Grunion Greeter Don Longacre, www.grunion.org

Art + Culture La Jolla

La Jolla is known for its beaches, great restaurants, and variety of shopping options. In fact, it's these features that draw most visitors to our community and make it one of San Diego's most popular places.

However, in addition to seals and sand, we also offer a wide range of cultural activities. Unfortunately, until recently, it wasn't easy for out-of-towners to discover our highbrow side - and get the scoop on our performing arts, concerts, art exhibits, literature, and family activities.

Enter http://www.artculturelajolla.com/ - the brainchild of Nancy Warwick, owner of La Jolla's beloved Warwick's Books on Girard Avenue.

Nancy, with the help of Nancy Bockoven, has built a website chockablock with a comprehensive listing of events that are part of "La Jolla's vibrant and diverse arts scene."

Whether you are looking for a family activity, stimulating performing arts, an exhibit, or a musical concert - I'm willing to bet you'll find something of interest at www.artculturelajolla.com

January 17-22: La Jolla Restaurant Bargains

Welcome to San Diego Restaurant Week. From January 17-22, many local restaurants will be offering 3-course meals for $20, $30, or $40 per person.

LA JOLLA RESTAURANTS

Some of La Jolla's best places to eat are participating in this special promotion. These include George's, Nine-Ten, The Marine Room, Tapenade, Roppongi, The Steakhouse at Azul, Whisknladle, and Trattoria Acqua.

This is a just a sampling. To see all the participants, go to the San Diego Restaurant Week website. (www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com). It's set up so you can search by location, cuisine, or price.

I can't imagine an easier way to get a good deal on a great meal.

Photo courtesy George's at The Cove.

Car Guy Nirvana, January 10

SAN DIEGO:

Classic cars. Vintage vehicles. Boys' toys. Call them what you will. They'll be the center of attention at the sixth annual La Jolla Motor Car Classic held at the La Jolla Cove on Sunday, January 10 from 9am to 3pm.

Organizers expect about 130 vehicles, and the fabulous oceanfront setting will be enhanced by sunshine and a predicted temperature of 68.

The cars designed by Carroll Shelby are the featured marque, but what I'm really excited about is seeing the Munro Special #36 Streamliner Indian motorcycle - on which Burt Munro, a 68-year-old Kiwi, set the world land speed record on the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1967. If you haven't already seen it, The World's Fastest Indian, starring Anthony Hopkins as Munro, will be shown as the La Jolla Library Saturday at 3pm. It is easily one of my favorite movies.

While you're in the village, stop by The La Jolla Historical Society, sponsor of the Motor Car Classic, and check out their latest exhibit "All Roads Lead to La Jolla: A journey through our automotive past. Included are images and maps depicting the the rise and impact of the automobile in La Jolla from the first cars in 1903. The exhibit is open Thursdays and Fridays 12-4pm from now through February 20 at Wisteria Cottage, 780 Prospect Street. Admission is free, donations welcome. http://www.lajollahistory.org/.

Tickets to the Motor Car Classic (available online) are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the show. Children 13 and under are free. You'll find more details at http://www.lajollamotorcarclassic.com/

See you there.

Where NOT to eat in La Jolla

This won't make me popular with a couple of local restaurateurs, but I have had two very disappointing meals in the village recently.

Until they mend their ways (hire a new chef?), I suggest you avoid Bistro 101 and Alfonso's - both restaurants are on Prospect Street.

I don't like reporting negative experiences, but the whole point of this blog is to help you get the most out of your time in La Jolla -- and that includes leading you away from cold soup and cardboard burritos.

Artful Cuisine at the Museum Cafe

One of the most popular lunch spots in the village, the Museum Cafe offers delicious salads (shrimp and papaya is my favorite), great soups (such as country vegetable), grilled items, and creative sandwiches.

As the name suggests, the cafe is located at the La Jolla branch of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) at 700 Prospect Street. Much of the seating is outdoors - a safe bet in sunny San Diego - amidst the white pillars of the building's facade. While the Pacific Ocean is on the other side of the building, it isn't visable from the cafe.

Giuseppe Ciuffa gets the credit for this bistro's success. In addition to being its chef, he's a popular caterer and has just taken over the cafe at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park. Additional credit goes to a staff of very attentive and genuinely friendly waiters.

Museum Cafe (http://www.mcasdcafe.com/) serves breakfast and lunch Monday - Friday 11 AM to 3 PM, and Saturday and Sunday 9 AM to 3 PM. They also deliver within La Jolla.

In fact, Museum Cafe delivers in every sense of the word. Give them a call 858-581-2205.

B&B On the Sea

If you want romantic lodging with one of San Diego's best views – you can’t do better than this historic cottage on a bluff overlooking the beach in La Jolla. In contrast to a hotel, this cozy spot offers all the comforts of home while still affording plenty of privacy.

The Master Bedroom ($295) has a large wooden deck where guests can enjoy a glass of wine and watch the sun set over the ocean. The Captain’s Room ($225) offers a balcony with the same big blue vista. The Overflow Room ($125), with twin beds, is great when 5 or 6 people are traveling together.

These rates, which vary somewhat by season, include breakfast in the elegant dining room and wine and cheese served at 4pm. Guests also have the use of the living room, although the bedrooms each have their own TVs and wireless Internet.

“Historic La Jolla Cove Cottage,” as it is sometimes known, dates from 1924, when it was the first home built on this block. It’s just recently been reconfigured into a B&B and, due to its amazing location, is booking out fast.

Owners Laura Barton Williams and Mary Ruth Barton live on the premises and are fonts of information on the area’s history. Laura’s grandfather bought the house in 1957. A selection of his books and historic memorabilia line the shelves in the reading alcove of the Master Bedroom.

To make reservations, go to http://www.bartonrentals.com/ or call 858-454-4822.

B&B On the Sea offers the best of both worlds – La Jolla history in a scenic location and very comfortable accommodations.

La Jolla Lodging By Location

Where you stay in La Jolla will influence your vacation more than any other factor, so I want to make sure you find just the right hotel, motel, B&B, or resort.

LA JOLLA HOTEL RESERVATIONS

Before you make a decision, check out the deals offered via the “reservation box” in the top right corner of this blog. You may be surprised to find that La Jolla has cheap places to stay, as well as luxury hotels, suites, and spas.

What follows below is a listing of local accommodation, grouped by neighborhood. I’ll follow up with details on the various places as time permits. In the meantime, check out the this map.

North Torrey Pines Road

This is a great area if you want to play golf or watch a tournament at the beautiful Torrey Pines Golf Course. However, both of these luxury resorts sit atop sandstone cliffs, making them a poor choice for beach-goers. A car is a must here because a taxi into the village for shopping and dining costs about $20 each way.

• Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
• The Lodge at Torrey Pines

Near the University of California San Diego

Easy access to UCSD is the big draw for these three hotels. Estancia is on North Torrey Pines Road, but the Sheraton and the Residence Inn are within walking distance of places to eat and a couple of shopping centers that include a movie theatre, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, etc.

• Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
• Sheraton La Jolla Hotel
• Residence Inn

East of I-5, On La Jolla Village Drive

By definition, these places are not in La Jolla, but they are close enough to be of interest. The Embassy Suites and the Marriott are across the street from University Towne Center. Having said that, travelers don’t come to La Jolla to spend time in a mall, so you’ll need a car if you stay in this area.

• Embassy Suites – San Diego
• Marriott – San Diego La Jolla
• Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine

La Jolla Shores

Now we’re getting to the fun stuff. I walk on La Jolla Shores Beach several times a week and never tire of watching surfers, kayakers and kids digging holes in the sand. In addition to the beach, the Shores has its own little restaurant row and a handful of kayak rental places and beachy stores. In a previous post I wrote in more detail about the difference between The Shores and The Village.

• Hotel La Jolla at The Shores
• La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club
• La Jolla Riviera Apartments
• La Jolla Shores Hotel (formerly The Sea Lodge)

The Village

La Jolla’s heart has it all: charm and personality, myriad dining options, great shopping, the postcard-perfect La Jolla Cove, a world-class art museum, a seal colony, fantastic ocean views…and almost enough parking for the folks who want to enjoy our little seaside community. In fact, in this neighborhood, being car-less has its advantages.

• B & B on the Sea
• Best Western Inn By the Sea
• Empress Hotel
• Hotel Parisi
• La Jolla Cove Suites
• La Jolla Inn
• La Jolla Village Lodge
• La Valencia
• The Bed & Breakfast Inn at La Jolla (pictured above)
• The Grand Colonial
• Redwood Hollow Cottages
• Scripps Inn
• Shell Beach Motel

La Jolla Boulevard

South of the Village, a few motels provide budget lodgings within walking distance of the beach. This area (south of Nautilus Street) also includes places to eat, and the number 30 bus that runs on La Jolla Boulevard is useful for getting into the village or further a field to San Diego attractions (http://www.sdcommute.com/).

• Holiday Inn Express
• La Jolla Beach Travelodge

www.SanDiegoFoodFinds.com

My friend Maria Desiderata Montana writes a blog about San Diego restaurants, and I want you to know about it should you decide to venture outside La Jolla for a meal.

San Diego Food Finds (http://www.sandiegofoodfinds.com/) includes restaurant profiles for great places to eat all over San Diego County. Some of my favorites are: Fidel's (Mexican) in Solana Beach, Quarter Kitchen in downtown San Diego, and Con Pane (bakery/cafe) in Point Loma.

Maria is Italian, and in "cent’anni" (Italian for "May you live 100 years"), she shares recipes from her own kitchen as well as some of her chef friends. Her site also keeps foodies up-to-speed on local food "happenings."

I know La Jolla inside and out, but when I have a need to eat elsewhere, I rely on Maria's sage advice.

Pictured above: Seared Hamachi with fresh arugula salad and strawberries, available at The Loft restaurant at the Montage Laguna Beach. (Photo by Maria Desiderata Montana)

Why am I doing this?

I live in La Jolla and I'm a travel writer.

What that means is that, in addition to enjoying my home town's great weather, beautiful surroundings, and range of cultural and recreational options, I also see La Jolla - and the rest of San Diego - as a travel destination.

And what I see sometimes drives me batty. People flock to La Jolla, but don't take advantage of everything our community offers, so I decided to start this blog and provide a heads up for would-be visitors. The "inside scoop for out-of-towners," if you will.

Hey. I figure if I can write The Insider's Hong Kong (http://www.ranchandcoast.com/archives/february2006/travel.html) and The Insider's India (http://www.ranchandcoast.com/archives/october2007/travel.html), I ought to be able to lead readers off the beaten path that starts just outside my front door.

And in the process, I'm having fun revisiting my favorite places and discovering some new ones.

Travel writers are naturally snoopy, and this blog is my excuse to have a good ol' sticky beak around my home town. Stay tuned...

Update on Sorella della Taverna

I wrote about La Taverna and its sister property Sorella della Taverna in August 2008. The former is a cute little Italian bistro on a side street in the village. Sorella is a gourmet deli that provides take-away meals and delicious picnic fare.

I'm happy to report that both businesses are still going strong, and Mary Anne Vitale has just set her winter hours for Sorella. They are: Monday- Friday 8:30am - 6pm and Sunday 9am- 2pm.

Sorella della Taverna (7420 Girard) is within a block of the Sunday Farmers Market (one of San Diego's best), which makes it a handy place to pick up whatever you couldn't find at one of their many food booths - and head to a park or the beach for a picnic. The most popular items are homemade pastries, fresh-baked bread, pasta salad, mozzarella, and prosciutto. Call 858-866-6400 if you have questions.

Bon appetito.

Larry King, spiny lobsters, and high tides

Visitors are welcome at these fall and winter La Jolla events:

If you'll be in town between now and November 1, I recommend you have a meal at Barbarella Restaurant in La Jolla Shores. Host Barbara Beltaire goes all out with spooky Halloween decorations - popular with kids and the young-at-heart.

Beltaire also serves great Italian meals - lunch and dinner seven days, plus breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays. Barbarella Restaurant & Bar is located at 2171 Avenida De La Playa (858- 454-7373).

If you're a diver and you'd rather catch your dinner, note that spiny lobster season in San Diego opened October 3 and runs through March 17, 2010.

"High-tide breakfasts" are a specialty at the oceanfront Marine Room restaurant. Scheduled to coincide with dramatic surf that brings waves right up to the big picture windows, the buffets will take place from 7 - 10:30 am on Oct. 17-18 and Nov. 14; 8 - 11am on Dec. 5; 10am - 2pm on Dec. 6; and 7 - 10am on Dec. 29 and 30. This is definitely one of San Diego's most memorable winter experiences. For more information go to www.MarineRoom.com or call 858-459-7222.

November 5: La Jolla Gallery Wine Walk. Taste the dining highlights of seaside La Jolla at this sixth annual gallery and restaurant walk, featuring 15 art galleries offering fine art and fine wine, along with more than 20 dining establishments serving samples of their specialties. 5 to 9 p.m. 619-233-5008, www.lajollabythesea.com/gallery.

The annual San Diego Jewish Book Fair, one of the top Jewish literacy events in the nation, will take place November 5-12 at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center. As I write this, it has just been announced that television veteran Larry King will speak on Sunday, November 8 at 12 noon. The JCC is located at 4126 Executive Drive. (858-457-3030, http://www.lfcc.org/)

November 21: La Jolla Antique Brewery Fest. The La Jolla Historical Society celebrates the best in brews--some first made in the 11th century--at this special event at Wisteria Cottage. Guests enjoy gourmet hors d’oeuvres, sample international suds from breweries in Belgium, England, Scotland, Germany and the Czech Republic and learn about beer’s history and its impact on society. 6 to 9 p.m. 780 Prospect Street, La Jolla, 858-459-5335, http://www.lajollahistory.org/.

The United States Tennis Association National 40 Hard Court Championships take place November 30 – December 6 at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club in La Jolla. Spectators can watch the competition heat up during the men’s and women’s matches in singles, doubles and mixed doubles events for players over the age of 39. The event features former touring pros and the nation’s strongest players in this age group. For more information, visit http://www.ljbtc.com/.

You can also join locals at the very family-friendly La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival (http://www.ljparade.com/) on December 6. The floats and bands roll right through town on Girard Avenue.

Even with the sun shining and the palm trees swaying - you'll swear you're in Middle America.

La Jolla Art & Wine Festival

Shopping opportunities draw visitors to Girard Avenue every day, but this will be especially true on Saturday and Sunday, October 10 and 11, from 9am - 5pm. The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival will showcase the work of 300 artists from Southern California and Northern Baja (selected by jury).

The street fair will take place on upper Girard Avenue, between Pearl and Genter, and will include live entertainment and a wine and beer garden (11am - 5pm). To date, six local wineries and Ballast Point Brewery (http://www.ballastpoint.com/) are participating.

Admission is $7 for adults, $3 for children age 3-12; and free for age 2 and under. All proceeds benefit underfunded programs at three local public schools. The Open Aire Market on the La Jolla Elementary School playground will remain free of charge on Sunday.

For more information, see http://www.lajollaartandwinefestival.com/ or email info@lajollaartandwinefestival.com

This is going to be a wonderful community event and out-of-towners are welcome to join the fun.

Photo courtesy Milagro Farm Vineyards & Winery