Unusual Staycation

One of the family goals we had this year was to take the family to La Jolla Groves. Most of you have probably not heard of it, but it is one of the best restaurants I have been to in my life. It competes with anything the East coast has to offer. The chef is a french trained top U.S. chef. The food is delicate and amazing and beautiful and yummy.

Peter and I go there as often as we can afford it. I've brought home food for the kids to try and they have been dying to go there.

 This summer instead of doing a large vacation, we did three smaller staycations. Since we had the funds for it, we decided that La Jolla groves would be one of our staycations.

So we booked the private dining room for just our family and invaded enmasse. Poor waiter. He had a tough time keeping up with everything (busy night) but he came through with flying colors.

Drinks:
I couldn't find a picture, but everyone had a beautiful strawberry smoothie.

Appetizer:
Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella Caprese with basil infused olive oil and balsamic vinegar




Tomato and Basil Bruschetta




Artisan Cheese, Fresh Fruit, Candied Walnuts and Hearth Breads. We had a mix up with the order and ended up with three of these instead of one!



Several people wanted to try their potato leek soup. It was fabulous! (This shows a cup but you get the idea.)



Here are some of the main dishes the we had:

Jeffrey had the Salmon with cilanto butter:



Several of the children had Thyme and Citrus Roasted Chicken Breast with Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Butternut Squash & Carrots.They were kind enough to give them a breast instead of the usual thigh.



But my all time favorite: Grilled Filet of Beef Tenderloin, Served with Three Types of Roasted Baby Potatoes, Baby Asparagus and Heirloom Carrots, Finished with a Mango & Ginger Reduction Sauce



Melt in your mouth to die for soft with a hint of sweet with the most amazing vegetables. Can't begin to explain. Just try it if you can.

But on to dessert (yes we did that too!)

Moist, Rich, Dark Chocolate Cake Served with a Molten Chocolate Center and a Light Vanilla Sauce.My favorite. Several of us had it. Moist, rich, delicious, amazing, yummy and to die for!!!



Berries and ice cream. Berries of the Season Served Over Vanilla Bean or Rich Chocolate Ice Cream in a Pistachio Tuile Cup. I had seen this on the menu, but had never actually tried it. Stephanie ordered it. It was art on a plate!



Moist Lemon Cake Served with Handmade Crème Anglaise Under a Caramel Dome, Berries and Mint. I've been trying to get Peter to order this. I can't ever order it myself because I have to have the chocolate cake. He finally caved in and ordered the lemon cake. It was art on a plate! And exceptionally good.



Triple Chocolate Mouse. I had never tried this one, but it was good. Light, fluffy, and chocolate!



After dinner the kids went outside and played in the fountains. A few of them ended up soaked. After many giggles, we eventually went home. Definitely the most expensive meal I have ever paid for, but one of the cheapest vacations!