Jack's La Jolla

Just a short one tonight. Nope, didn’t get to The Dining Room at Jack’s or even the Ocean Room – we intended on going to Jack’s Grille but lo and behold they do not serve lunch. Instead lunch is served in the 2nd floor Beach Bar overlooking beautiful Girard Avenue. I didn’t quite take any proper photos – instead just snapped a few “on the sly”. The place was nearly empty when we got there, but quickly filled up.

We started off with Dungeness Crab Spring Rolls ($13) for an appetizer – it ended up being just two small fried rolls. But they were tasty. Our waiter recommended wrapping that leaf of lettuce around it and then eat – so we did.

I ended up getting a delicious Angus Beef Hamburger – they offer a 8 oz. and a 10 oz. version. Each is topped with Sweet Onions, Shiitake Mushrooms, Choice of Cheddar, Swiss or Bleu Cheese and you have the option to add fries (I did not.) It was thick and meaty and I don’t care who knows! I thought I might have missed out on some great parmesan garlic fries or some such, but I saw a neighboring table get just normal fries. ($9 or $12.) The L got a Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Avocado and Tomato, Chimichurri Vinaigrette – this was really good and huge. Plus served with a side of arugula or similar salad. (And a great value at $9.) Forgot to snap a picture of this but it came with pieces of chicken on a couple of "fire"-toasted slices of bread.

To finish things off we got a chocolate cake – one of those lava cakes with the melted center with some caramel ice cream. ($8) Portion was on the small side. Overall, an enjoyable lunch. I know the almighty hamburger is a pretty standard choice but this was a great version. And that chicken sandwich was a real winner.

I'm also glad that they spelled SHIITAKE correctly!

Restaurant Week 2007
They have had the full list of restaurants and menus up for a few weeks – any places stand out as must eats? Just based on reputation (and that we haven’t eaten at these places yet) I’m thinking A.R. Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines (eh, but the menu looks a little plain), The Oceanaire and then maybe Chive or maybe Café Japengo. We’d either go for 2 or 3 nights out. Any other suggestions?