Citysearch Restaurant and Hotel Profiles The following are briefs from Citysearch Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange County web sites. Mirabelle Restaurant 8768 Sunset Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 (310) 659-6022 www.mirabelleonsunset.com A landmark on Sunset Blvd for 34 years, Mirabelle has evolved from a no-frills hamburger stand to a casually elegant bistro where locals, tourists and film stars mingle for lunch, happy hour and late night dining. Unlike many of the hip Hollywood hot spots that seem to come and go, this affordably priced restaurant with a killer view treats everyone like family while serving up California cuisine like blue crab cakes, pestocrusted salmon and Roquefort-topped Angus burgers. While it s not guaranteed you ll spot a celebrity here, Halle Berry, Eddie Murphy and Warren Beatty are a few of the many stars who drop in frequently. Hotel Solamar 435 Sixth Ave (Gaslamp) San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 531-8740 (877) 230-0300 www.hotelsolamar.com CROSS STREETS J St and Cedar PAYMENT American Express Discover MasterCard Visa PARKING
Valet $24 IN BRIEF Hip boutique hotel provides a luxury retreat and close proximity to dining, shopping and nightlife. IN SHORT Located in the heart of the Gaslamp District near the San Diego Convention Center, this Kimpton hotel is convenient for both business and leisure travelers. The pet-friendly property features a modern design palette of aqua blues and chocolate browns accenting dark mahogany furniture. Guest rooms have plush beds, flat screen TVs with DVD/CD players, high-speed Internet access, oversized desks with ergonomic chairs and an honor bar with treats, libations, spa products and flip-flops. INSIDER TIPS The Extras Pamper yourself with a choice of in-room spa services including massage, facial, hand and foot treatments. Save Money Take advantage of package deals like the Girlfriends Weekend Getaway, designed to give women a chance to relax and do the town in style. JBar located on the fourth floor rooftop deck is a tropical poolside retreat by day and a high-energy hangout for trendy singles by night. Food and Restaurant Samples (Citysearch Orange County, CA) Blue Coral Seafood & Spirits 451 Newport Center Dr. (Fashion Island) Newport Beach, CA 92660 (949) 856-2583 www.bluecoralseafood.com REVIEW The ocean-themed bar attracts hipsters in droves, but it s the expertly prepared seafood that keeps OC s elite enthralled.
IN SHORT Restaurateur Paul Fleming of Fleming s Steakhouse is the guiding force behind this upscale seafood spot. Aquatic décor, including flat screen images of tropical fish at the bar, water droplet chandeliers, scallop-shaped booths and an iridescent blue mosaic wall give the huge space a sea-like ambience that perfectly complements the cuisine. The standout appetizer is lobster cobb salad tossed tableside. Chilean sea bass en papillote and Maine lobster en fuego are the in-demand entrees. Reservations are a must on weekends. For a quieter, low-key experience visit on a weeknight. What To Drink Choose from a selection of 60 vodkas from around the world, 14 handstirred martinis and 31 original cocktails. Private dining for up to 80 is available on the spacious curved patio where guests can cozy up to an inviting firepit. L Escale 2000 Second St. (Coronado Island Marriott Resort) Coronado, CA 92110 (619) 522-3150 FAX: (619) 435-3032 In Brief Creative Mediterranean cuisine served indoors and outdoors with views of the San Diego skyline In Short
Taking inspiration from Provence, Madrid and Tuscany, then infusing dishes with California flair, the chef presents a menu that changes seasonally to take advantage of locally grown fresh produce. Specialties include bone-in filet mignon with black pepper Zinfandel sauce and Muscovy duck breast served with squash gratin and pomegranate sauce. Jumbo lump crab cakes and seared ahi tuna nicoise salad are favorites with the lunch crowd. Classic breakfast fare is served from 6:30-11:30am. Don t miss the summer live jazz buffets on Friday and Saturday evenings from 6:30-9:30pm. ($32) Champagne brunch is served on Sunday from 11am-2pm. ($28.95) The Extras Order the dessert sampler for a taste of three seasonal desserts that change daily. Leatherby's Cafe Rouge 615 Town Center Dr Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714) 429-7640 REVIEW In Brief Modern American cuisine served in a swanky setting perfect for a celebratory lunch or elegant dinner In Short
Architect Cesar Pelli designed this sleek restaurant to complement the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. High-backed banquettes surrounded by shiny steel, gleaming glass and a color palette of blues, greens and tans provide a stylish backdrop for a pre-concert meal. Chef Joachim Splichal, noted for his flagship eatery Patina in LA, created the menu that includes specialties like Sonoma duck breast on candied yams with pomegranate jus, and macadamia nut-crusted ono with lemongrass-coconut sauce. The Grand Menu, a prix-fixe option at dinner, includes your choice of five items plus dessert and coffee for $55 or six selections for $65. Parking If you prefer self-parking to valet, use the Plaza Tower Garage across from the Westin South Coast Plaza ($7). Stop in for lunch after a free guided tour of Segerstrom Concert Hall conducted Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:30 am.