Dining

During my visitations to a vast array of high-end restaurants, I have confronted my share of disappointments, in my effort to separate the chafe from the wheat. For example, on a cold January day when my mother was visiting from out of town, we planned to lunch at Bernard'Os, a restaurant in northern San Diego County, while I reviewed its baby-friendliness for this site. Aware that the restaurant stopped serving lunch at 2:00 p.m., we woke Mandalin early from her nap, bundled her up, placed her in the car seat, and arrived there at 1:45. As we wheeled her into the restaurant, which was about half-filled with people enjoying leisurely lunches, a middle-aged woman abruptly approached us and declared that lunch was over. The customers at their tables looked far from ready to leave, and it would not have been difficult at all for her to seat us, but she clearly did not want to. It felt like a discriminatory act based on her distaste for having a baby in the restaurant. I was eight months pregnant with Autumn at the time, which heightened my fatigue and hunger, and I remember my stunned realization that we would have to refold the stroller, put Mandalin back in the car seat, and look for another restaurant in the outside chill. None of this mattered to this woman who was anxious to shuffle us out the door. It was probably the crudest treatment in a restaurant or resort that I have encountered to date.

It was necessary for me to experience this kind of effrontery in developing my own list of the best romantic, family-friendly destinations. Obviously, not all restaurants demonstrate their distaste for babies as boldly as this one, but, on the other hand, not all scored high on my criteria list either. The good news is that while I at times had to wade into unknown culinary waters hoping for the best, you will not have to with this site at your disposal. For instance, if you are in the San Diego area looking for an upscale dining experience that is also amenable to your family, I have recommended several excellent choices so you would not have to blindly walk into a restaurant such as the one described, and feel the same exclusionary sensation.

For example, Azzura Point restaurant, located in Loews Coronado Bay Resort, tops my list. This restaurant has been rightly touted for its romantic ambiance that includes a panoramic view of the Coronado Bay Bridge and the San Diego skyline. The food is masterfully prepared like savory artwork by the then Chef de Cuisine, Michael Stebner, who comes out to greet many of his guests. At this restaurant I found a staff extremely attentive to the needs of my baby, starting with the pleasant maitre d', Kate Lidner, who happily greeted my husband and I at the front entrance, welcoming, rather than scowling at, Mandalin in her stroller.

If your experience resembles mine, you will find a staff that rushes to assist you with the needs of your youngster--whether you need hot water to warm a bottle, or help maneuvering your stroller up the three steps in the restaurant. The soothing music played calmed Mandalin to sleep. The spacious room provided large table space a good distance from the next table, so that neither you nor your baby are cramped during your meal. The luxurious, sofa-like booths actually provide large pillows for your comfort, and also seem perfect for cradling a baby or holding a young child on your lap.

The wines that accompany each course with the fixe prix menus are varied and excellent. I ordered the Chef's Menu, a six-course meal at $75.00, along with the optional wines brought with each course for an additional $35.00. This unforgettable dining experience started with osetra caviar, followed by Maine lobster risotto, then seared turbot, leading to the roasted Muscovy duck breast, followed by a very French style cheese course, and finally a vacherin of Bartlett pear. The accompanying wines were impressive, particularly the Perrin, a sweet, white wine brought with the Bartlett pear dessert. Lovers of dessert wines will also love their Banfi, a sweet, red wine. Stebner, who had been at Azzura Point for over two years at the time of my visit, exhibited an aromatic use of spices in each flavorful course.

Azzura Point is the crystallization of high-class romance and family-friendliness combined in one dining experience. My site will also direct you to other exceptional dining choices in the San Diego area, for example, both of the fine restaurants found at Carlsbad's Four Seasons Aviara, Vivace or California Bistro, or the restaurants at the La Costa Resort and Spa, particularly Pisces. You do not need to be a guest at these resorts to dine at their restaurants.