JSix Restaurant
This highly pervasive trend to serve “sustainable” and “sincere” food could make JSix its poster-child. Chef Christian Graves puts his own spin on what has also been called, “conscious, coastal cuisine.” The idea is to save the Earth by growing locally and dishing up organically.
Edible borage flowers dotted my salad of organics and cheese, a feast more for the eyes than the palate. Various meals are offered, but as the sun sets, this place and its floral relief ceilings glow in ethereal light, creating a romantic ambience well suited for the dating or wannabe-dating crowd.
The restaurant’s distinctive cocktails use basil and other herbs from JSix’s rooftop garden, and an assortment of palate awakening stimulants. If indulging or getting lucky, the plush Hotel Solamar’s check-in is just steps away, or you can catch the nearby trolley.
jsixrestaurant.com
616 J St.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 531-8744
House of Blues San Diego
Praise Jesus and pass the biscuits and gravy. If you want some of that good old-fashioned religion served up with your southern fried chicken and shoofly pie, the House of Blues’ popular Gospel Brunch will satisfy your appetite and feed your soul.
The hearty, southern fare gives you the energy for what’s next: a rousing, bible thumping, old-timey dose of singing, dancing and preaching. Even the hardcore biker pagans in the audience were moved to whooping and hollering and praising. The minister almost had even me converted until he told us how small his earthly problems appeared while looking out over the vast ocean from his multimillion-dollar beachfront home.
houseofblues.com
1055 Fifth Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 299-2583
Biker Friendly Accommodations
Despite Hollywood stereotypes to the contrary, bikers enjoy their creature comforts; the cozier the better, especially for the bagger generation. Unless you actually like sleeping on the hard, wet ground or at questionable motels, there is a better way:
The 1906 Lodge
I have never before wanted to stay in a room more than to sober up and shower. That’s changed. Seventeen unique, gorgeously appointed rooms and suites make this a new, sparkling jewel in what is considered the “Crown City,” Coronado, CA.
Located within walking distance to famed beaches, seaside boutiques and contemporary cafes, the property is certainly befitting the biker who appreciates the pristine and shiny. The property is racking up high praise on travel review sites, and deservedly so. The staff, gourmet breakfasts, daily wine and cheese in the parlor, spa-ahhh tubs, and (motorcyclists will lick their chops over this) a state-of-the-art, secured, underground garage. Now that’s the lush life.
1906lodge.com
1060 Adella Ave.
Coronado, CA 92118
(866) 435-1906
El Cordova Hotel
Swashbuckling, anyone? It’s easy to imagine rollicking swordsmen being in their element here. Traditional Spanish stucco archways, awnings and shutters, red tile roof, and bougainvillea petals floating lazily onto the Spanish tiles. Guests are quickly transported into their own Roman Holiday as they present your keys, and I’m not talking about those tacky plastic key cards.
Are you the type who has some special ride tucked in your garage? You know, a little retro, sporting mileage and the patina of a lovingly maintained machine. These accommodations are like that, clean and classic.
This 40-room inn, built in 1902 as a private residence, features a courtyard-enclosed heated pool, whirlpool, and barbeque area. In-suite kitchenettes are provided in the charming accommodations. Modern amenities, such as the flat screen TVs bring the hacienda up to speed.
The friendly and efficient staff and excellent location make this boutique hotel a favorite. It’s in the heart of the village, just a short walk to one of the best beaches in America, the historic Hotel del Coronado, and main thoroughfare, Orange Avenue. On property, there are 12 shops and three restaurants.
elcordovahotel.com
1351Orange Ave.
Coronado, CA 92118
(619) 435-4131
The Italian B&B
San Diego’s Little Italy is a frenetic hub of transportation. By sky, land and sea the conveyances never cease coming and going. For an up-close eyeful of a Boeing 747, for example, just stand on the corner of Kettner Boulevard outside the Harley dealership. Every few minutes, jetliners fly in so low you can see the smile on the pilot’s face. Vespas zip by, trolleys clang and motorcycles rumble down Little Italy’s main drag, India Street.
We packed our earplugs and good humor, and nestled in at the Italian B&B. Restored and reopened in 2010, this four-room inn is located in the heart of Little Italy and just up the hill from the waterfront and near downtown San Diego.
Attracting an international clientele, a Danish couple, two Norwegian youths in for Comic Con, NoCal honeymooners, and our raggedy selves chatted over yet another incredible breakfast. The fun innkeeper, Mary Trimmins, has a custom chopper and a formal culinary background, which we tasted with every delicious breakfast bite.
theitalianbb.com
2054 Columbia St.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 238-1755