"Open" Wide -- Where to Eat near Torrey Pines

Phil Mickelson is a big fan of Barbarella in La Jolla Shores.

Tiger heads for Pasquale on Prospect Street.

Clearly there’s more to the U.S. Open than birdies and bogeys. 

Where to eat and drink when it’s all over but the shouting is of vital importance.

Here are my picks for delicious food, style, atmosphere and comfort. All are within a short drive (car drive, that is) of Torrey Pines Golf Course.

*** George’s California Modern. There are plenty of good reasons why George’s has been one of San Diego’s most popular restaurants for decades. For starters, a great host (George Hauer), terrific chef (Trey Foshee), stylish but not overblown décor, and spectacular ocean view. (The al fresco rooftop Ocean Café offers more casual fare.) Located in the heart of La Jolla village.

BEST BITES: Meyer lemon ravioli with asparagus and morels

                   Roasted beet salad with arugula, currants, frisee
                   and feta cheese puree

                   Niman Ranch pork meatballs with polenta and
                   spicy tomato sauce

 

*** Whisknladle.  Who comes to California to eat indoors? All the seating at this popular new spot in the heart of La Jolla is on an open terrace that manages to be warm and cozy year-round. Lively young crowd. Very tuned in to artisanal products.

BEST BITES: Clever cocktails include a Lavender Cosmo

                   Squash blossoms with goat cheese and walnut honey

                    WNL Burger with three cheeses, bacon and a                  
                    sunny-side-up egg

*** Market. The talented chef Carl Schroeder makes every meal in this casually elegant eatery a memorable one. A five-minute drive from village of Del Mar

BEST BITES: Day-boat scallops with root vegetable rice and coconut      
                   ginger foam

                   Blue cheese soufflé with mache salad

                   Warm chocolate ganache cake with tangerine
                   “creamsicle” shake

*** Pacifica Del Mar.  Just a stone’s throw north of Torrey Pines in Del Mar, this good-looking seafood house has a large open terrace with a bluewater view, a lively bar scene and professional service.

BEST BITES: Ahi tartare with avocado, mango and wasabi creme   
                  fraiche

                  Barbecued sugar-spice salmon

                  Pan-roasted seabass with sticky rice

*** Barbarella. A cozy neighborhood place with a sophisticated and loyal clientele. Inviting sidewalk terrace is centered with a roaring fireplace. (Web site in the works. Located at 2171 Avenida de la Playa in La Jolla Shores; 858-454-7373.)

BEST BITES:  Best Caesar salad in town, bar none

                    Creamy risotto changes daily

                    Crispy pizzas from wood-fired oven

                    Ravioli with ricotta and roasted garlic

*** Harry's Bar & American Grill. Very pretty, relatively subdued spot in a Golden Triangle office building. Professional service and high comfort level.

BEST BITES: Skewer of shrimp, goat cheese-stuffed zucchini blossoms in a roasted red pepper sauce

                   Linguine with prawns, baby artichokes and brown butter sage sauce   
                  

***Pasquale on Prospect. It’s party time almost every night here thanks to live music (many nights), an exuberant owner and a vivacious crowd. Bumpin’ bar scene.  Elegant but not fussy. In the heart of La Jolla.

BEST BITES: Beef carpaccio with arugula, capers and Parmesan

                   Homemade lasagna

                   Seared yellowfin tuna in a pinenut/hazelnut crust