out and about: the whaling bar

For you non-locals, the la valencia hotel (affectionately refered to as la v or the pink laday), has long been an icon and flagship, if you will, of la jolla village. My parents dined there, my sister-in-law vacationed there with her family (and toyed with the idea of getting married there), the kids I babysat parents’ went there, and on and on.

And one of the most iconic parts of la v, was/is the whaling bar. Closed for 11 years or so, it got a rebrand, make over, and partnership with the sdcm restaurant group - the driving force behind kettner exchange, the grass skirt, captains quarters, etc.

We enjoy a good la v date night. Happy hour at the whaling bar. Dinner if we’re feeling frisky, and live music in the lounge on friday and saturday nights. Yes, we are turning into our parents. And yes, it’s still a good time.

dirty martini: gin, olive brine

pilsner

I love their happy hour tiny-tini menu. Mini coupes with all the tini choices. I like having the sip of a martini, without being commited to a full one, ya know? And of course, they have my fav- a dirty gin, regular olives. Perfection.

While I’m perfectly happy with the drink choices… jamie falls on the otherside of the spectrum. There is currently one beer, and one beer only on the menu. And? It’s a pilsner. However, the one drink he can manage to get down is made up for by the fact that the lounge carries stone ipa. Which, come to think of it, is probably why we usually only do a quick happy hour run and then head down the hall for music.

caesar “twinkies”: ramaine lettuce, parmesan, olive oil

While our drink opinions may vary, our opinions on the food are directly in line. As in, it is excellent. Happy hour bites are perfect, shareable, and not overly heavy.

The caesar salad bites? Yeah, that’s a non negotiable. I’ve talked before about how I’m not a huge fan of crutons in caesar salad, and the whaling bar has delivered. The description is “twinkies” and that’s basically what the vehicle for the romaine is. It’s slightly crispy on the outside, but soft and pillowy on the inside - think twinkie consistance… if that twinkie was savory, then stuffed with lettuce, caesar dressing, and smothered with shredded parm.

filet-o-fish bao: lettuce, cheese, tartar sauce

We spotted the filet-o-fish bao on the menu and immediately new we wanted to try it. The pig mac bao at grass skirt is one of our favorite bites in san diego… and we knew this one wouldn’t disappoint. And I’m seriously thinking brian could base a whole fast service concept purely around turning mcdonalds sandwiches into bao buns. He’s certainly inspired me to make my own versions…

the sidepiece: tequila, guave eu-di-vie, passionfruit, orange, lemon, habanero

I typically have to avoid any sort of tropical drink (hello pineapple); but not this one. And I loved the refreshing juice played against the spicy habenero. If you are adverse to spice - don’t be afraid. It’s just a hint. Nothing crazy.

double smashburger: lettuce, cheese, onion, pickles, special sauce, fries

Yeah. So about that take on mcdonalds, lol. If mcdonalds was high quality, fresh, and what you imagined it would taste like. That’s this smashburger. No need for an extra bun to get in the way… just two “all beef” patties, special sauce, lettuce cheese, pickles, onions on a non-sesame seed bun. And man does it hit that burger craving. They even have a single version for $10 on the happy hour menu… but that one doesn’t come with fries. You have to order them separately… and who’s gonna order a burger without fries? Not me.

Gotta love a spot that hit’s all your cravings and that’s only five minutes away.

There’s a reason la v is a la jolla icon.