News Flash - Jack's Closes

Jack's La Jolla, the darling of the local dining and nightlife scene, suddenly closed its doors yesterday.

"The economy isn't the only factor," according to owner Bill Berkley. (My guess is that the economy is only a very small part of the decision to shut down. Cash poor restaurants don't close in the height of the tourist season when they can make tons of money.)

The 17,000 square-foot, three-level restaurant had been a popular destination for the young and the restless since it opened four years ago.

The good news is that diners and drinkers have other great choices on Prospect Street's restaurant row. George's (pictured above), Alfonso's, the Crab Catcher, Azul, and The Whaling Bar at La Valencia are all about having a good time.

Good bye, Jack.

Hello George, Alfonso, and friends.

La Jolla Shores vs. “the Village”

In addition to dispensing La Jolla travel information via this blog, I also answer questions on TripAdvisor’s La Jolla Forum. It’s recently become apparent on this site that many visitors aren’t aware that what we locals call “the village” is not the same place as “the Shores.”

The village (think Prospect Street and Girard Avenue) is great for shopping and dining, but (about a mile away) the Shores is THE PLACE for wiggling your toes in the sand, surfing, and kayaking. In addition, Avenida de La Playa – the main street in the Shores – is home to some of La Jolla’s best restaurants.

Admittedly, The Cove is great for snorkeling, but La Jolla Shores Beach is the best overall for families. Surf Diva (858-454-8273) offers surf lessons for females of all ages, and Menehune specializes in teaching kids to hang ten. Kayak rentals are available at La Jolla Kayak (2199 Avenida de La Playa, 858-459-1114).

Most folks seem to know that The La Jolla Shores Hotel is right on the beach. In addition, you might consider staying at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club. It's right next door and offers free parking, as well as a private, less crowded beach.

The “B&T” is primarily a private club, but savvy visitors can take advantage of the resort’s wide variety of accommodations, including two-bedroom, two-bath units.

I live about a mile from La Jolla Shores Beach and walk along this beautiful stretch of sand several times a week year around.

I also dine in the Shores regularly. My favorite place is Osteria Romantica (2151 Avenida de la Playa, Tel 858-551-1221).

Book early for dinner during the summer. It’s easier to get a table at lunch because all the nearby parking is consumed by beach-goers. Osteria Romantica’s food is great, and I love the waiters – imported directly from Italy.

Fabio and his staff will make you feel like familia. .

Dog Friendly La Jolla

If your family vacations plans include one or more “people” with four legs and a wagging tail, know that you will all be welcome in La Jolla.

Dog-friendly beaches include La Jolla Shores between 6pm and 9am, and Fido can socialize 24 hours a day off-leash at Capehart Dog Park on the corner of Soledad Mountain Road and Felspar Street (just north of Garnet in Pacific Beach).

Kate Sessions Park, where leashed dogs are welcome, is a beautiful green oasis on Soledad Road with a south facing view of downtown and Mission Bay.

San Diego’s best known Dog Beach is in Ocean Beach. Here, dogs of all sizes are free to race up and down the sand and play in the water 24/7. If you go to OB, you might also feel the need to stop in at the Dog Beach Dog Wash and give man’s best friend a shampoo. Ocean Beach is 20 about minutes from La Jolla.

And whatever you do, don’t miss Muttropolis “a Utopia for pets and their parents,” at 7755 Girard Avenue in La Jolla (858-459-9663). This cute store sells all kinds of practical supplies for our four-legged friends – including bowls, collars, beds, food, and leashes. They also carry a somewhat eccentric line of dog jewelry and clothing – the watermelon sorbet pink dog dress being one example.

If Pooch isn’t a good swimmer, buy a doggie life jacket at Muttropolis, and if he doesn’t like to walk, they offer several models of dog strollers.

Hey. It’s La Jolla. What can I say?