Southern California Road Trip

In September, Ms. Rev and I are driving from Tahoe down to San Diego, up to L.A., and then a night each in Santa Barbara and Paso Robles. The plan was 1 night along the road then 3 nights each in San Diego and LA. We're interested in the Santa Barbara-Paso Robles wine country. Haven't been to Southern Cal since we were kids so we have no idea of highlights. Are 3 nights in each city enough or too much time. I would love recommendations on where to stay. Someone mentioned the Valencia in La Jolla or the Coronado, but I don't want to spend quite that much. I'd be interested in 1 hot new restaurant in each city, and some less expensive options for the other nights. Thanks in advance for any help.

Andy,

The Los Angeles restaurant of the moment is Michael Cimarusti's Providence. I cannot speak about it firsthand, as it had not yet opened at the time of my recent visit. Preliminary reviews can be found here, here, and here.

I would highly recommend Suzanne Goin's A.O.C. I have yet to write up my recent dinner there, but I have commented on the unique value of Suzanne's restaurants before.

On this last visit, my brother and I had a very nice meal at Suzanne's husband's place, The Hungry Cat.

In Santa Barbara, I would suggest a visit to La Super Rica if you have not been.

Regards,
Erik M.

I second Erik M.'s nomination of La Super Rica in Santa Barbara. It was one of the dining highlights of our California trip many years ago and I would love to go back again!

Suzy

Andy,

When you are in San Diego, I recommend taking the bridge over to Coranado and going to the Crown Bistrofor breakfast at least once (you may decide to go back again). I really loved this place when I was there. It's a small unpretentious mostly locals only spot that is somewhat out of character for Coranado. I'm sure you will like it. They also serve lunch and dinner, but I have only been for breakfast.

Crown Bistro Sauteed Pear French Toast


Crown Bistro Restaurant
520 Orange Avenue
At Crown City Inn
Coronado, CA 92118
Tel: (619) 435-3678

In Santa Barbara, I would suggest a visit to La Super Rica if you have not been.

Ok, it looks like LSR is a must visit. The food looks awesome. However, that seems more of a lunch experience. Still need dinner. AOC is a slam dunk. Right up our alley. Looks like the same concept as Avec, which I love. Who stole the idea from whom? Erik, Hungry Cat also is intriguing. Good seafood is tough to come by in Tahoe, and your suggestion seems the cat's meow(ouch).

The French Toast looks right up there with an apple pancake from Walker Bros.

I very highly recommend the sfogliatelle [sp?] at Cafe Zucchero in San Diego's Little Italy if you are there in the morning--baked fresh daily, even if you're going to breakfast elsewhere.

I've had versions around here that left me wondering what the fuss was about this pastry...the key here is that they're baked fresh every morning. Delicately crisp outside, moist and warm on the inside, these were absolutely heavenly. More on the trip anon.