Sausalito Restaurants

The Spinnaker
100 Spinnaker Drive
http://www.thespinnaker.com

This is a pleasurable place to end the day after touring and shopping with one more look at the bay with the San Francisco night skyline across the water. The food, wine and service are all outstanding.

Scoma’s
588 Bridgeway
http://www.scomassausalito.com

This quaint restaurant is located on the old tugboat pier that reaches out into the bay to bring the San Francisco skyline closer to you. To go along with their stunning views, the menu includes succulent seafood and other excellent choices!

Coronado Restaurants

Chez Loma
French Bistro
619-435-0061
www.chezloma.com

The restaurant is located downtown Coronado in the Carez Hizar House (A landmark in Coronado).  If you are staying at the Hotel Del Coronado, you are a short walk from the restaurant, but you will need reservations at this charming French Bistro. The food is excellent and they even have an early dinner menu between 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. They have three appetizers, three entrees, and three deserts to choose from.  The choices are outstanding and the price is a real bargain!  The wine list is extensive.  The servers take their time with you to explain each dish in detail.  The rooms in the restaurant are comfortable and quiet so you can hold a conversation as you enjoy your culinary delights.

The Brigantine
1333 Orange Ave

If you like Grilled Swordfish, Clam Chowder, or a succulent steak, it all can be found at the Brigantine.  The Brigantine has been a San Diego tradition since 1969 and the good food as well as the good service has not changed. The interior is cozy with booths and wood interior that enhance the nautical decor.  They are open 7 days a week and open for lunch everyday but Sunday. Happy hour at the Brig is 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and the food and drinks are priced lower.  You can sit on the sunny patio and people-watch as you enjoy it with a drink of your choice.  Try the Brig Margarita.  They are delish! This is a favorite for locals, and within easy walking to the Hotel Del Coronado so you will need reservations for dinner. Enjoy!

Santa Barbara Restaurants

Epiphany
21 W. Victoria Street
Santa Barbara, California
http://www.epiphanysb.com

Epiphany is located about half a block off State Street, but it is away from the tourist area.  We have always found the food to be exceptional and the staff very attentive.  The fish and vegetables are market fresh.  The Apple Bibb salad and the Grilled Shrimp are delish!

Bouchon
9 W. Victoria Street
Santa Barbara, California
http://www.bouchonsantabarbara.com

We found this culinary delight on the corner of State Street and Victoria.  It was new to us, but what a find!  The French word for bouchon  is “ wine cork.”  This restaurant had a very excellent selection of California Central Coast wines.  The wine along with the dishes composed with seasonally fresh ingredients was well worth the price.  The Rack of Lamb was excellent.  However, the service was a little slow, but it was a busy night; we will go back.

Louie’s
1404 De La Vina St. Santa Barbara California
http://www.louiessb.com

Elegant location at the Upham hotel and great food.
This is a California Bistro at its best. 
The salad was so fresh we thought it was picked that same day.  The salmon with the scallion vinaigrette was very tasty, and the price was reasonable.
The service was good, the people all very friendly.

San Diego Restaurants

Jsix Resturant
San Diego California
616 J Steet
http://www.jsixsandiego.com

Located in the Gaslamp Quarter, you will find a gathering place for the locals.  The seafood is very fresh and we love the menu.  It has The Small Bites, Big Bites, and Shared Bites.  It all blends well with the organic produce from the local farms and a glass of that wonderful California wine.  If you require a little sweet refreshment, try the Ice Cream Sandwich.  Don’t even ask what is in it!  Just close your eyes and enjoy!

Urban Solace
San Diego California
3823 30th Street
http://urbansolace.net
 
Located just a few minutes from Downtown San Diego in North Park Arts and Entertainment District, you will find this well liked local restaurant. When traveling, you sometimes need a homey place and some good comfort food with prices as friendly as the service.  From pork chops to chicken and dumplings, you will find it all here in hefty portions, prepared with fresh ingredients.  Be sure to try the world famous “Cheese Biscuits” with orange honey butter. Every course we had was delicious.  The wine selection is excellent.  The atmosphere is pleasing and the service good.  Reservations are recommended for this popular reasonably priced restaurant.

La Jolla Restaurants

Nine Ten
910 Prospect Street
www.nine-ten.com

A casual intimate culinary delight.  The dinner menu is prepared fresh daily.  If you choose, you can add to your epicurean experience by putting yourself at the “Mercy of the Chef.” A popular feature of the restaurant is to have the Chef use his creative expertise to prepare for you a special dinner.  It also includes a fine wine selection with each delightful course. Bon appetit!

The Spot
1005 Prospect St.

If you love a good hamburger with all the trimmings, this is The Spot! They also have fresh fish daily and wonderful Crab Cakes! This trendy joint has always been popular gathering place for the locals. Friendly service in a relaxed atmosphere goes well with their excellent food. Enjoy!

Carmel-By-The-Sea Restaurants

Casanova
831-625-0501
www.casanovarestaurant.com

If you are looking for a quaint, quiet, romantic setting, this restaurant has it all.  The cottage is made up of small, cozy rooms including the Van Gough Room.  If you prefer dinning outdoors, they also have the heated garden terrace.

The menu has some fine mouth-watering selections.  It consists of a French & Italian mix.  Be sure to save room for dessert.  The wine selection is excellent and includes international as well as California wines.  Casanova is open daily for lunch and dinner.

Katy’s Place
831-624-0199
www.katysplacecarmel.com

If you started the day late and missed breakfast, try Katy’s Place where breakfast is served from opening at 7:00 am to closing at 2:00 pm.  This is the best place for eggs Benedict we have found in all of our West Coast travels.  You have 15 different varieties to choose from, but bring your appetite.  They are made with three eggs.  Waffles are another one of Katy’s Specialties.  Try her Belgian Waffle, it is delish!

This hometown, cozy restaurant is a favorite of the locals, and they do not take reservations, so there may be a little wait.  They have complimentary coffee and nearby shops and galleries to window shop while you wait.  Leave your credit cards and checks at home; they only take cash.

Bon Appetit!

Hawaii - The Big Island Restaurants

Canoe House
Mauna Lani Resort

This is culinary delight with a spectacular view. The Canoe house is located on the property of the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel, on a tiny Island with the ocean waves rolling onto the beach a few yards away.

The Hawaiian feeling of welcome starts as soon as you cross the bridge with the staff greeting you with Alohas! The lanai, including the bar area in the building, all sit a bit higher then the terrace, giving everyone a commanding view of the setting sun over the Pacific ocean.  A stunning view for all of the guests while enjoying their favorite Hawaiian drink!  Now that is what I call thoughtful planning! This same thoughtfulness was again conveyed by their wonderful choices and impeccablel service.

The menu has some culinary delights that mix Western and Asian cuisine and add a delightful flavor to both.  One that stays in my memory is the Sipper Lobster Tempura.  It is delish!

Daniel Thiebaut Restaurant
Waimea, Hawaii

Up the Mountain in the cooler air, there is the quaint town of Waimea.  A town know for the Paniolo, the Hawaiian Cowboy. There is a restaurant you will not want to miss: Daniel Thiebaut Restaurant.  You will be dining in a renovated hundred-year-old Hawaiian General Store in intimate small rooms.

The menue uses fresh Big Island products, such as Kamuela beef, Hirabara Farm field greens, and fresh Hawaiian fish. The portions are large and served by a very friendly staff.  Our server sat at our table and drew out directions to the Hawaiian Vanilla Company located up Island.

Bon Appetit!

Maui Restaurants

Best Cheeseburger In Paradise
Lahaina Maui Hawaii

If you’re looking for a active fun place with fabulous ocean views, great cheeseburgers, and an assortment of cold beers, this is the place. It is located on the end of the famous seawall on Front Street in Lahaina.
If cheeseburgers and beer are not your thing, they have fish, chicken, salads, and a variety of wines to choose from.  The food and service were both good for such a busy place.

This is a fun, casual place to stop after sightseeing and shopping in Lahaina.  You can sit on the lanai looking over your treasures, while sipping your favorite Hawaiian drink, as you enjoy the sights of Molokini Bay.

Nick’s Fish Market
Fairmont Kealani Maui

Nick’s is casual but elegant . It sits in a lush tropical setting on a flowered terrace for outdoor dining overlooking the ocean.  It is located at the spectacular Fairmont Kea Lani Maui.

Bon Appetit!