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Chef Jason Knibb Has Nabbed Deserving Honors for Grande Colonial's Signature, Stylish Nine-Ten
EXECUTIVE DINING
We've fallen into the enjoyable habit of going to San Diego and its surrounding communities fairly often over the years.
It's just as easy for us as driving to Los Angeles and it's been nice to watch that area come into its own as a serious dining region in the past few years.
And there's a huge lure: a historical hotel (and adjoining restaurant) in La Jolla that offers a delicious package combining the best of lodging and fine restaurant dining, and with the ocean almost within touching distance.
In another column, I will share other dining possibilities in the San Diego area, but this article is all about a place that takes gracious living very seriously.
The name of the Grande Colonial hotel in La Jolla had been mentioned to me several times in various conversations and e-mails.
It was described as what the Europeans would call a "hotel particulier," a singularly intimate little hotel that's well attired and speaks of reverence for culture and good bloodlines.
Obviously it had impressed those who'd stayed there. Also, I'd jotted the name of the hotel's signature - restaurant, Nine-Ten, on my notepad some time ago, having read a few articles alluding to its stature and hearing reports from a couple of friends who had dined there.
Now after having worked it into our agenda and personally discovered what all the talk was about, the Grande Colonial has vaulted to our "special places" list.
Travel afar if you must, but only an hour away is this special place smack-dab in the center of La Jolla Village. For a weekend getaway or a week's respite from the harshness of the world, this hotel surely will help you repack your mental and physical suitcases.
First, the restaurant and later a bit more about the hotel.
After we settled in at the hotel, it was off to the bar for a martini and a look at the menu of Nine-Ten restaurant, which unfolds behind the bar into its own designer space.
The bar and restaurant feature a stylish mix of polished wood, comfortable seating and the renovated rose, white and gray marble floors...