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 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.


Photo credit: ADAMS / HANSEN STOCK PHOTOS.

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.