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A.R. Valentien

The Lodge at Torrey Pines
11480 N. Torrey Pines Rd. Send to Phone
La JollaCA 92037
858-777-6635
Dining at A.R. Valentien transports us back to a more genteel time. A.R. Valentien Restaurant is one of our | Top 10 San Diego FoodRating Restaurants | Top 10 San Diego Romantic Restaurants | Top 10 San Diego Special Occasion Restaurants |

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Dining room at A.R. Valentien, La Jolla, CADining at A.R. Valentien transports us back to a more genteel time. From the moment we arrive at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, the resort that hosts this homage to the craftsman movement, we are mesmerized by the architecture, the stained glass, the ambient lighting. Inside the cozy restaurant we are not disappointed with executive chef Jeff Jackson’s farm fresh fare. The menu is constantly evolving, based on what is in season and Jackson’s fancy. Fine food lovers shouldn’t miss the Thursday night Artisan’s Table---where diners are seated with other epicureans and served family-style. We swoon for the sweet Chino Farms cantaloupe slices wrapped in salty prosciutto. The unique crostini with fresh chick peas, poached pullet egg and summer truffles makes an ideal starter. For something on the richer side, try the horseradish-crusted beef cheeks served with English peas. The locally caught fluke with clams and white wine sauce pairs well with Romano beans sautéed with sofrito. The cream-less cream corn is nothing short of miraculous; by far the best fresh corn dish we’ve ever experienced. Those who prefer cheese to chocolate will enjoy the well-researched selection, especially when paired with Ferano beets roasted in citrus juices. Fear not chocolate addicts, the boca negra with Bing cherry compote and pistachio chocolate ice cream can satisfy even the most particular dessert connoisseurs.

User Ratings & Reviews for A.R. Valentien
Average rating    1
Reviews 1 - 1 of 11
Uninspired food at A.R. Valenien
by ischraufstatter on 10/03/2008
 
The quality of the ingredients was impeccable, the main course fish or meat were well-prepared, but everything else lacked finesse. Initially we were just bored, it all seemed like something an experienced cook can assemble in ten minutes without sweat, and I felt that I could have prepared everything at home for 10% of the cost, but at the end of a three course meal, we all felt half-sick from the overdose of fat that had been used in every single dish in order to give flavor to uninspired cooking. It's bad enough that this strategy seems to have worked for hamburgers - causing our current problem with obesity, - but should fine dining succumb to the grease sirens? There are better ways to tickle the taste buds, but they may be a bit more labor-intensive.
 
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