The Sky Room at La Valencia Hotel

I recently went to dinner at the Sky Room restaurant, on the top floor of the legendary La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla, California. La Valencia, one of the "Best 100 Hotels in the US" boasts stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged coastline. Built in 1926, La Valencia has an old world charm, including an old elevator with an operator who runs the lift manually. When the elevator reaches the top floor at the Sky Room, you have a sense of arrival. And then as you walk down the narrow mirrored hallway, you burst into this stunning dining room, punctuated by spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

above: The dining room is set with crisp white linens and fresh white roses on every table.

above: Some of the amazing views from atop the Sky Room restaurant.

above: I watched the sun gradually set on the ocean. I love this photo (above right) with the white roses, the white candle, and a view of the ocean.

above left: I didn't take too many food photos, but here is the "sous vide New Zealand lamb, with haricot verts, wild mushrooms, and Yorkshire pudding! Above right: a whitefish fillet served on a bed of foam and pesto paste.

It was a fantastic, memorable dinner- I can hardly wait to go back.

-Rick Rockhill