As the Hotel del Coronado's $50 million renovation is drawing to a close, many changes are being unveiled regarding the resort's restaurants, bars and culinary team.

Sheerwater is the name of the new ocean-front restaurant. Formerly the Ocean Terrace, this space was completely redesigned with expansive outdoor dining terraces and giant fireplaces. Sheerwater features California coastal cuisine and signature entrées that are prepared in a wood-burning oven. The Babcock & Story Bar — formally the Ocean Terrace Bar — has been redesigned to take advantage of the seaside views as well. The bar was renamed to honor the Del's founders, Elisha Babcock and H.L. Story, two Midwestern businessmen who wanted to build a resort that would be the "talk of the Western World."

The Prince of Wales and Crown Room have both been refurbished but were not renamed. A few new outlets have been added to the resort's amenities: The Sun Deck Bar and Grill features (you guessed it) ocean views, light fare, drinks and live entertainment. The Boardwalk Café and Splash Bar is pool side and the Cabana Bar offers a beach front bar where guests can wiggle their toes in the sand.

The culinary team in charge of food service for the entire resort is led by Joseph Giunta, executive chef. Prior to joining the Del, Giunta served as executive sous chef and executive chef at the Westin Rio Mar Beach Resort in Rio Grand, Puerto Rico. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. Matthew Van Marter will serve as executive chef at Prince of Wales. He attended the Atlantic Culinary Academy where he graduated class valedictorian — yes, but how would he do on Iron Chef? — and also spent four years at the award-winning Marius Restaurant at the former Le Meridian, Coronado. Kevin Takei fills the position of executive sous chef/restaurant operations. Also a graduate of the CIA, he served as chef de cuisine at the Four Seasons in Maui prior to accepting the position at the Del.

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Feel like a little royal treatment? Book yourself a stay on the Jada Royale, an 80-foot yacht designed to function like a five-star hotel. Dubbed San Diego’s "Presidential Suite on the Water," the ship features a furnished dining room (complete with chef), living room, bar, master bedroom and a stateroom that sleeps six. This elegant vessel can host a party for up to 49 guests and offers many day-cruise party packages as well. Or you can explore the open waters on The Jada Royale's hip little sister ship, the Jada, a 71-foot wooden sailing yacht built in 1938. The Jada was purchased from Marlon Brando in 1969 in Tahiti and was sailed to Hawaii to be featured on "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" before heading to the mainland. Either or both can be reserved through the Hyatt Regency San Diego or San Diego Marriott reservations or by visiting www.jadaroyale.com.

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Ladies, are you tired of waiting for your man to "pop the question?" Take advantage of a supportive "proposal" program being offered by Morton's Steakhouse. The Downtown restaurant is offering its female guests the opportunity to propose to their unsuspecting suitor. A customized evening for you and your dilatory dude will be arranged with limousine service to and from the restaurant, chilled champagne upon arrival, a celebratory cigar for the lucky gentleman, a congratulatory rose for the brave lady and a chocolate Godiva cake for the couple to share after the big moment. Call Morton's at (619) 696-3369 to make arrangements.

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The La Valencia Hotel has completed a $7 million renovation, adding four two-story buildings featuring 15 guest rooms.

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La Jolla's Grand Colonial Hotel also just completed an extensive remodel that included Putnam's Grill, the hotel restaurant. The restaurant's new eclectic southwestern menu will be accented by furnishings that complement the menu. Putnam's Grill also announced the appointment of Robert Vasquez as the restaurant's new chef and menu creator.

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Side dish … The National Restaurant Association predicts nationwide menu prices to increase 2.8 percent this year, up from 2.6 percent in 1999, an increase higher than the overall inflation rate of the country. (Gee, let's increase the minimum wage again and continue with the outrageous gas and electric bills and really see what happens.)