7612 Fay Avenue, La Jolla, CA 92037
858.551.7500
A lovely dinner with my nieces, ages 11 and 16.
Summary: This was a classic French food experience that can be summarized as sophisticated relaxation. I wanted my nieces to be "wowed" by French food and possibly incite an urge to travel and curiosity for food. I am not sure about the urge and curiosity but they were definitely "wowed."
The Food: Wow. Absolutely stellar. I will say the menu itself is not anything extra-ordinary. It really is just classic French food "brilliantly" prepared. As appetizers we had the crab and mango salad and the mushroom raviolis both of which knocked us off of our feet. As my entree I had the lobster with white corn and porcini mushrooms which I chewed very carefully and slowly since I wanted the moment to last as long as possible. Both of my nieces had the sirloin steak which they asked for well-done but were coaxed into having medium rare by the waiter and they LOVED it. I was shocked but very pleased. When the waiter came by to check on us my 11 year-old niece gave a "thumbs up."
The Atmosphere: Sophisticated and well-lit but lacking something. We were there on a Wednesday night and if I had to guess most of the diners present were "regulars" and knew there wines, or were very good at pretending to know about wine. I know this because I was eavesdropping and taking notes of course. Most diners were couples dressed to the nines though there was one group table and an incredibly well-behaved toddler. I love seeing toddlers at fine restaurants. As for whatever is lacking it was a bit less atmospheric then I would have liked. I think I prefer dimmer settings.
Summary: This was a classic French food experience that can be summarized as sophisticated relaxation. I wanted my nieces to be "wowed" by French food and possibly incite an urge to travel and curiosity for food. I am not sure about the urge and curiosity but they were definitely "wowed."
The Food: Wow. Absolutely stellar. I will say the menu itself is not anything extra-ordinary. It really is just classic French food "brilliantly" prepared. As appetizers we had the crab and mango salad and the mushroom raviolis both of which knocked us off of our feet. As my entree I had the lobster with white corn and porcini mushrooms which I chewed very carefully and slowly since I wanted the moment to last as long as possible. Both of my nieces had the sirloin steak which they asked for well-done but were coaxed into having medium rare by the waiter and they LOVED it. I was shocked but very pleased. When the waiter came by to check on us my 11 year-old niece gave a "thumbs up."
The Atmosphere: Sophisticated and well-lit but lacking something. We were there on a Wednesday night and if I had to guess most of the diners present were "regulars" and knew there wines, or were very good at pretending to know about wine. I know this because I was eavesdropping and taking notes of course. Most diners were couples dressed to the nines though there was one group table and an incredibly well-behaved toddler. I love seeing toddlers at fine restaurants. As for whatever is lacking it was a bit less atmospheric then I would have liked. I think I prefer dimmer settings.
The Service: I was impressed by the service from start to finish, especially the attention given to my nieces. Their coats were checked and our waiter regularly came to check on them. The service was attentive and refined. Chef Jean-Michel Diot greeted us upon arriving and thanked us on our way out as he did the last remaining guests.
Would I go back? Yes. But probably only for a special occasion (because it is expensive) and I would love to try their lunch.
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