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Bagel: The Dish
Battling out big bagel names, a late run by The Dish pushed Einstein Bros. into second place. This quaint shop, seemingly run by one hardworking woman, features fresh bagels and fast, friendly service. Serving about 150 breakfasts each weekday, its most popular bagel is jalapeño cheese served open faced with cream cheese, tomatoes and lemon pepper. 4330 La Jolla Village Drive, 455-7077.
Power lunch: St. James
St. James bests the ever-so-tough Tutto Mare. With elegant chandeliers, brass rails and mahogany booths for privacy, it’s the perfect place to wine and dine a business deal. St. James exudes an old-world feel, like being in the Big Apple in the 1920s. Located conveniently in The Plaza next to the Bank of America, its extensive wine list and full bar also impress. 4370 La Jolla Village Drive, 453-6650.
Martini: St. James
St. James drops in an olive ahead of Japengo. Friendly and knowledgeable bartender "JK" mixes traditional gin martinis for the older crowd as well as "vodkatinis" for the younger folk. On its beautiful, tiger-oak bar, the "Cosmopolitan" with Absolut Citron and a dash of cranberry is the most called-upon martini. The classic "Bombay" is another favorite complete with Bombay Sapphire gin, vermouth and a twist of lemon. Open since 1989, this joint helps keep the classic cocktail alive. 4370 La Jolla Village Drive, 453-6650.
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Known to customers as JK, bar manager
and bartender, John Kerr earns top
martini honors.
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Hamburger: Trophy's
Serving up half-pound burgers grilled to order, Trophy's takes home the top award. An array of burgers, including a chicken burger made with fresh chicken breast, are offered. They are complemented with fries and coleslaw, all for about seven bucks. With an atmosphere that screams, "kick back with a beer and watch the game," it is a comfortable break from the office. Best-sellers include the "Baja Burger" covered with mild green chiles and jack cheese, and the "Mushroom Burger." Costa Verde Center, 450-1400.
Sports Bar: Trophy's
In a tight one, Trophy's scored a fourth-quarter victory over Sports City. Both offer food, drinks and all the television you could want, but Trophy's has that cool revolving door. Swirling you into the restaurant, the hall of glass-cased trophies leads you straight to the bar. With three big screens and more than 40 monitors, any seat in the house is a good one. The menu is full of salads, hamburgers, sandwiches and more. Costa Verde Center, 450-1400.
Sandwich: The Dish
Dishing out a variety of sandwiches, including the popular Italian sandwich entitled "Il Robusto," gets The Dish its second win. Stuffed with turkey, provolone and homemade pesto, "Il Robusto" is appropriately named. 4330 La Jolla Village Drive, 455-7077.
Delivered Lunch: The Dish
The Dish won by a PB&J over the Gourmet Bagger on Miramar Road. This little place provides an array of choices that can be savored or gobbled down in the comfort of the office for those times it’s impossible to get away. One of the best offerings is the Greek salad, with mesquite grilled chicken laced with feta cheese and a house vinaigrette dressing. (In a nod to Internet ordering, Lunchnet.com got one vote.) 4330 La Jolla Village Drive, 455-7077.
Fitness Club: The Sporting Club at the Aventine
This 30,000-square-foot facility makes working out luxurious. With more than 30 professional trainers, it also provides child care and invites customers to indulge in its European day spa complete with massages, facials, salt glows, manicures and pedicures. Open at 5 a.m. on weekdays, the Sporting Club provides a multitude of classes including aerobics, aqua aerobics, yoga and martial arts, not to mention outdoor activities like power walks, mountain biking, hikes and river rafting. 8930 University Center Lane, 552-8000.
Happy Hour: Tie between Trophy's and Rusty Pelican
Trophy's tied with the dearly departed Rusty Pelican. The once-classy happy hour is gone but will long be remembered for its great, full-bar, 20 oz. margaritas and half-off prices. The party's still going on at Trophy's, however. From 5 to 7 p.m., it’s a dollar off all pints of beer and specials on all wines and cocktails. Instead of a cheap buffet, there's a great selection of appetizers, and on Sunday there are specials from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for football fans. Trophy's also has a private cigar lounge. How hip. Catch the Rusty Pelican's La Jolla staff, including its bartender, at the Downtown location: 2040 Harbor Island Drive, 291-8010. Trophy's: Costa Verde Center, 450-1400.
Movie Theater: La Jolla Village 12
Conveniently located in La Jolla Village Square, this AMC theater lies right below Sports City. Conceivably, you could do your grocery shopping, grab a meal or cocktail, depending on your mood, and still be in time for a flick. With a wide selection of movies all in one place and grand aisles of bathroom stalls you won’t miss out on any previews. 8657 Villa La Jolla Drive, 558-2234.
Pizza: Filippi's
Old-world, Chicago-style pizza is Filippi's specialty. Giant portions of pizza and pasta will leave you saying "mamma mia" as you walk out the door. Traditional red-and-white-checkered tablecloths, and bottles of Chianti line the family-style tables, and it feels like grandma is about to come out of the kitchen with a batch of her homemade cannoli. At this location only, prime rib, veal and other meaty dishes are prepared to mouth-watering, Italian bliss. Large parties are welcome in the enclosed patio. 9969 Mira Mesa Blvd., 586-0888.
Microbrewery: Hops Bistro and Brewery
Hops foams its way to the top of the brewery chain, with Rock Bottom close behind. Hops is known for its variety of beers and standard American fare. Weary workers can enjoy happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m., and shoppers find it a great place to put up their feet and bask in the sun on the patio. If you’re not a beer type, go for one of their specialty drinks. 4353 La Jolla Village Drive, 587-6677.
Diners find everything from the sea at Tutto Mare.
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Italian Lunch: Tutto Mare Ristorante
"Everything from the sea" is English for Tutto Mare, but you wouldn't think you were in San Diego as you enter and are greeted by a charming Italian accent. Only the freshest fish, vegetables and sauces are served here and everything is organic, so you can feel good about what you’re eating. Delicious cioppino or angel hair with a spicy tomato sauce and shrimp are lunchtime favorites. While some dishes are only offered for dinner, the chef will happily make a lunch-size portion on special request. 4365 Executive Drive, 597-1188
Italian Dinner:Tutto Mare Ristorante
If you didn’t have your fill at lunch, try the dinner menu.
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It’s filled with about 12 nightly specials in addition to the regular menu that diners can watch being prepared in the open kitchen. The collection of recipes from the coastal region of Italy go well with the extensive wine list with more than 100 selections. For dessert try the house favorite, "rotolo duchessa," made from homemade pasta shells filled with espresso-flavored whipped cream cheese and chocolate mousse accented with liquified chocolate. Always "delicioso" at Tutto Mare's. 4365 Executive Drive, 597-1188
Steak House: Outback Steakhouse
"G'day mate" is exclaimed as one enters the door of this Aussie-style steak house. This warm, family-style restaurant serves only choice-cut, grain-fed, American beef. Maybe you’re in the mood for a thick and juicy 20-ounce porterhouse seasoned and seared to perfection on a flat-top grill. With all of the Outback's homemade salad dressings, breads and desserts, it is impossible to go home hungry. 4196 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., 274-6283.
Chinese Food: P.F. Chang's Bistro
P.F. Chang's won in a landslide over any possible competitor. Its operators transform cooking into an art form when they harmonize taste, freshness and spices. The contemporary look lends its way to an elegant night on the town. Great for meat eaters and vegetarians alike, Chang's can accommodate the finest palate around. 4540 La Jolla Village Drive, 458-9007.
Taco: Rubio's
Rubio's does it again! Winning first place in the tantalizing taco category, Rubio's famous fish tacos are certainly San Diego’s favorite. From zesty salsas to fresh quesadillas, your fresh-mex food craving will undoubtedly be met. With their minds on expansion, expansion, expansion, in no time there will be a Rubio's on every corner. 8935 Towne Centre Drive, 453-1666; 8855 Villa La Jolla Drive, 546-9377.
Health Food Restaurant: Daily's Fit and Fresh
Established six years ago by a cardiac surgeon, Daily's is a place you can go to get low-fat, low-cholesterol meals seven days a week. Contemporary and casual best describe this oh-so-healthy haven. With no dish exceeding 10 grams of fat, including the homemade brownie sundae, you can be sure that you’re treating yourself right. Although 70 percent of the menu is vegetarian, one can always choose a fresh teriyaki salmon or chicken wrap for a heartier meal. 8915 Towne Centre Drive, 453-1112.
Smoothie: Jamba Juice
Whether it’s a Citrus Squeeze or a Razzmatazz you’re looking for, Jamba Juice is the place to find it. All of its mouth-watering smoothies are sun-ripened fresh and blended to your personal satisfaction. Boost up your vitamin or protein intake with powdered additives. This mecca of delicious fruit flavors now offers a high-carb bread called jambola. Hot and tasty, it can make a smoothie a meal. 8657 Villa La Jolla Drive, 625-2582.
Coffee House: Starbucks
From double cap, non-fat, extra-whip, natural-sugar, Guatemalan blend espressos to coffee with cream and sugar, Starbucks can attract any coffee drinker. It’s true that coffee isn’t the only treat you can find at this coffee bean junction. They also have an exotic collection of teas and some frothy, blended fruit-and-ice drinks. Locals find that it’s a great place to get their morning pick-me-up or hang out on a Saturday night to play chess. Supplying all of your coffee and tea needs, it is no wonder that Starbucks has become an American favorite. 4227 Genesee Ave., 278-6017; 8657 Villa La Jolla Drive, 452-4205; 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, (UTC) 457-1044; 4485 La Jolla Village Drive, 558-8903.
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