San Diego Memorial Weekend Fun

La Jolla Cove (check out the seals sunbathing!)

As many of you know, I lived out in San Diego for a few years. When I tell people that, almost inevitably, the first thing they ask is “Why did you leave?”

Believe me, I ask myself that same question every time I go back for a visit!

Yes, I truly love Nashville and it is home. It’s doubtful that I’ll ever move back to sunny Southern California, but then again, I’ll never say never.

With gorgeous (mild) year-round weather, beaches, and close proximity to Mexico where it’s easy to get my street taco fix, San Diego will always be one of my favorite places in the U.S., even if I don’t ever again call it home.

Brockton Villa Restaurant, La Jolla

And my friends there? Well, they’re awesome.

We just got back from an incredible Memorial Day weekend in La Jolla where I was able to spend time with all of them, plus see one get married in a beautiful ceremony at her home in Solana Beach.

Looking back at the pictures makes me happy, so I’m sharing a few with you today. These are in no particular order and are a hodge podge of various things… Including, of course, some food porn.

Brockton Villa’s Pulled Pork Chilaquiles

Our first morning we took a walk down to La Jolla Cove to dine across the street at Brockton Villa.

I’m typically a savory breakfast kind of girl, so I opted for the pulled pork chilaquiles. The husband chose the very interesting Crab Ipanema Benedict, which consisted of two lump blue crab cakes, sliced tomatoes, poached eggs, English muffin and a tomato coconut sauce.

While both of those were fantastic, the amazing “Coast Toast” stole the show.

 Brockon Villa’s 1/2 order of Coast Toast

This French Toast is their house specialty. Similar to a Soufflé, with a hint of orange, it was absolutely heaven on a plate. Too bad we only got a 1/2 order.

If you find yourself in La Jolla, California, take my advice and go have breakfast at Brockton Villa, breathe in the fresh ocean air, and eat the Coast Toast. You’re welcome.

 La Jolla Cove

Oh and did I mention the view from Brockton Villa? That’s La Jolla Cove directly across the street. In my next life I’m going to be a multi-millionaire and own one of the many homes dotting the cliffs above the village. Fer shur.

Archer chillin’ at the Grand Colonial pool

This trip was a monumental one because it was baby boy’s very first trip by airplane! Of course I was a little stressed in the days leading up to the flight because I wasn’t sure how he would handle it all. Turns out I worried for nothing. He was so great!!

Besides a couple of 2-3 minute bouts of crying, he slept, ate, and enjoyed looking at himself in the lavatory mirror.

As you can see he also really enjoyed chillin’ by the pool once we arrived at the hotel.

 Nine-Ten’s Harissa Shrimp with Risotto and Eggplant

We stayed in the suites at the Grand Colonial, mostly because of location, but the fact that the hotel houses one of the best restaurants in La Jolla certainly made it quite appealing too.

And when you’re traveling with a baby, the hotel restaurant might be your best bet for dining out… and having an adult beverage or two.

Mommy and Me Happy Hour at Nine-Ten La Jolla

Archer’s: Milk, straight up
Mommy’s: Two Lip Trip – Gin, Dry Vermouth, Falernum, Lemon, Cardamon Honey

Not sure you guys understand this, but I really do judge a restaurant by it’s cocktails. There, I said it. If a restaurant doesn’t have an interesting cocktail menu, I’m likely to either not go at all (if I’m traveling), or not return very often (if it’s here in Nashville).

In addition to excellent food, Nine-Ten has stellar cocktails. And a secluded rooftop patio that overlooks the ocean. Le sigh.

Andrew and Archer

Archer also made a new buddy while in San Diego, his “Uncle” Andrew. When it was time for mom and dad to go to the wedding, my friend Andrew, who is great with kids and lives just 5 minutes away, came to our hotel to hang out with our little guy. Thanks Andrew!!

 Me, my friend Kim and the MihoGastrotruck!

Okay, so now for pictures from the event that was the whole reason for our trip in the first place- my friend Alisa’s wedding!

Saturday night she and her fiance’ Dave got married in the backyard of their home in Solana Beach. The wedding had several touches that I especially appreciated: a food truck, jello shots, and a view of the sunset over the Pacific.

The Kiss

Truly, I think this was the best wedding I’ve ever attended.

Note: as her “Something Borrowed” Alisa wore the silk flower hair piece and earrings that I wore in my own wedding.  Love.

The backyard was so pretty. But the real reason I’m sharing this photo is so you can see my funny husband playing photographer and attempting to get the perfect shot of the ceremony :-)

Wedding jello shots

As my close friends know, I’m a fan of jello shots. Back in the day, a party at Beth’s place wasn’t a party til the jello shots came out.

So when a tray of fancy jello shots appeared in front of my face at the reception, I was tickled. Let the games begin!

In addition to the champagne and raspberry jello shots pictured above, there were also mojito jello shots. And another really yummy one that I can’t recall now…probably because I did too many of them!

Thanks Alisa and Dave for letting us be a part of your special day! Love you guys!