The Story of James Robinson

Hey Jandt,

I am guessing that you are either visiting or, like me, you’ve had your fill of cooking for the family on Christmas. RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST !!

I have a couple of favorites:

Hotel Del Coronado (There are 2 restaurants)

1500 Orange Avenue

Coronado, California

There is nothing like Christmas at the Del. They deck the place out and you’ld swear that there was magic in the air. They used to do a set menu or 4 or 5 entree’s on the Holidays. The restaurant has changed to the “1500 ” and the new Executive Chef may have made a few changes.

George’s at the Cove (There are 2 Restaurants)

1250 Prospect Street (In Old La Jolla)

San Diego, California

George Hauer and his staff know that any night is special and they always meet the need. This is the place that I take my out of town friends/relatives to when I want them to envy more than my beautiful City!

Hunters Steakhouse (Used to be called Hungry Hunter)

2445 Hotel Circle North (In Mission Valley – Near 8 + 5 Frwy)

San Diego, California

I had friends that used to work here years ago. I was with a friend and the two of use were looking for Thanksgiving Dinner. I called a week before and was told they were booked from 6:00pm forward for the night. I asked about 5:45 and they had an opening. We got there and were brought to the upstairs loft, had attentive service, a Great Meal (I love their tableside Salad Bar) and the prices were incredible! Parking can be a bear — but they do have Valet on holidays (Not-Validated)

Boat House Restaurant

2040 Harbor Island Drive – (Across from the Airport)

San Diego, California

This is an old standby! You may think that you’ve made a mistake when you walk up to the entrance and notice that there are two signs. 1 is for $11.95 Maine Lobster and the other is for a Free Meal on your Birthday. The appearance of a surfboard near the front door may also scare you! Nothing could be further from the truth! The interior is warm with a beautiful view of the Harbor and some of the city lights. The Holiday menu is fixed with 4 or 5 entree’s but I have always loved everything! The service is superb and I have never felt rushed!

Comments were made that “Don’t Do it!” and “Eat at home!” I have managed and waited tables/bartended at Restaurants and Nightclubs in San Diego since 1988! I have always known that I am working on the Holidays. If I have to be there I want to make money, so I would hope that you, the customers, would want to be there as well.

The restaurants I have listed you would feel at ease in most dress. I would check with the Hotel Del to make sure that the 1500 doesn’t have a dress code. There is a chance that these restaurants will be busy. Relax – don’t be in a hurry — you will have an excellent time at any of the places that I have mentioned.

Whenever possible, I have listed the websites for the listings below.

Good Eating and Happy Holidays!

James in San Diego