This week marks the start of the PGA Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament (Jan. 26-29), held annually at Torrey Pines Golf Course in the UTC/La Jolla area. Not only will this be my first time attending the major sporting event (or any golf game for that matter), but Tiger Woods will be returning to the tournament this year! Even if you’re not into golf, hanging out on the scenic course overlooking the ocean is not a bad afternoon. That’s enough to get me in knee-high argyle socks and a skort. I’m also planning to attend the Executive Women’s Day event on Jan. 25 for female professionals to network and hear from compelling speakers. A tip for tournament newbies: traffic and parking will be tricky — go early. Fore!
A nearby restaurant that just opened following a major renovation is DRIFT eat + drink at Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine. A bright, light space with a coastal feel, Drift is a far cry from a dark, seedy hotel bar. The restaurant serves Baja-inspired California cuisine including flatbread, sandwiches, salads, mac & cheese du jour, appetizers and main entrees. They also have an extensive wine, beer and cocktail list that’s perfect for out-of-town visitors or locals’ happy hour.
The Cali meat & cheese board is a perfect start to any meal (or as a meal paired with wine for those ordering room service). If you’re there for lunch, try the super superfoods salad that comes with kale, spinach, roasted cauliflower, tomatoes, blueberries, walnuts, your choice of a protein, and a citrus-ginger yogurt dressing with chia seeds.
Be sure to ask about the soup du jour and the daily baked mac & cheese special, which was a perfect choice on the cold and rainy evening I visited. You also can’t go wrong with a flatbread, like the “salami get this straight” that’s topped with salumi, four cheeses and oregano, or the smoked salmon flatbread with capers, red onions and dill cream.
My favorite entree was the sustainable salmon that’s lightly seared with a savory lemon-butter sauce and served with veggies. The SD stout-braised short ribs are also tasty, made with a stout and veal reduction and served with seasonal veggies. Both dishes are filling without being heavy or greasy.
For dessert, sample the custards served in individual cups for easy transport. Choose from flavors like lemon-blueberry, PB&J, and tiramisu. Once the food coma sets in, head to the check-in desk and book a room for the night!
Leave a Reply