Tuesday, April 8, 2008

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

17 comments:

Michael Colvin said...

I love dining out. That looks like a beautiful place to enjoy a meal and good company.

Rhodester said...

Rick, do you ever, like, stay at a Motel 6 and eat Taco Bell? Just wondering.

Anonymous said...

This looks like a wonderful addition to a SD visitor's list.

Rick Rockhill said...

Rhodester- I can honestly say, no I have never stayed at a Motel 6 or eaten at Taco Bell. However, not every day is champagne and strawberries, really its not. ;-)

Marlupe said...

lamb has always been one of my favorite types of meat, it has such great flavor. this looks like a really nice place, all Ihave to do now is close my eyes now and can almost hear the waves crashing by. thanks for the pleasant mental images~

Mone said...

This sure looks like a nice place to hang out a while!!

PS: No Taco Bell over here, I MISS IT TERRIBLE!!!

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

motel 6 and taco bell!!! that is so funny! (i have done BOTH!)

this looks lovely but i can't help wondering what a "bed of foam" really is???

smiles, bee
xxxxooxxoxoxoxo

Rhodester said...

OKAY RICK, DARN IT! I don't know where a local Taco Bell is, but there's a Del Taco at Sunrise and Tahquitz Canyon.. it's even a tad classier than your average Taco Bell, so that should suit you. GO THERE and order at the drive thru (you have to spell it "thru").. order a half pound green burrito and supreme nachos.. then sit in the parking lot, IN YOUR CAR, and EAT IT. This is so you can relate to the rest of poor slobs for once.

There's a Motel 6 on Indian Canyon near downtown. Since you live in the area, it would be silly to stay the night there, but at least drive thru (yes, THRU) the parking lot.. just lock your doors and don't talk to the skanky looking girls who approach you.

If you need to detox after all of this, there is a nice new spa open at the Hilton.. I'll get you an appointment.

minijonb said...

Damn that's a nice view... and the stuff out the window looks pretty good as well.

WAT said...

Sounds phenomenal. Ah yes, you can't get away from California's phenomenal overused Spanish mission-style architecture.

whimsical brainpan said...

It all looks so wonderful!

captain corky said...

You have the good life, my friend.

Rick Rockhill said...

Rhodester- LOL you are a riot! btw-I was a poor slob once you know! I just stayed home and cooked Ramen noodles with frozen peas!

Rhodester said...

..and you no doubt took pics of your noodles and peas with a disposable Kodak or Fujifilm camera, no?

Diane J Standiford said...

OK, I'm starving now.

Anonymous said...

I love lamb!

Tea N. Crumpet said...

My part Alaska just got a foot of snow after we had all been out in sandals for a few days and working in our gardens. These sunny views are calming to my soul!

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