Page 9 - Carol LeBeau

After your spa treatment and hubby’s 18 holes, you can- even years later I can recall the incredible meal course by
not pass up the opportunity to enjoy a delicious dinner at course. It was truly a memorable experience, and one you
award winning El Bizcocho Restaurant. The elegant setting should not miss. Their Sunday brunch is equally wonderful,
along with the gourmet fare, makes it easy to understand so try to book your stay to include a Sunday morning, you will
why this restaurant has received awards from AAA as “Best not be disappointed.
of the Best” and “Best Service,” as well as Southern Cali- If you are looking for a nearby location for an unforgettable
fornia Restaurant Writer’s Association’s “Golden Baccus,” getaway The Rancho Bernardo Inn should definitely be
and “Golden Sceptre,” Awards, Wine Spectator award, and considered. When you enter the property you will feel as if
Zagat’s Top Rated Restaurant in San Diego distinction. El you have entered a Mediterranean paradise, not a resort only
Bizococho Chef de Cuisine Gavin Kaysen was named a moments from downtown San Diego.
2007 Best New Chef by Food and Wine Magazine, the first
chef from a San Diego Restaurant to ever win this honor. El Rancho Bernardo Inn
Bizococho is known for its extensive wine cellar valued at 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive
more than $1 million and featuring over 1,600 selections. San Diego, California 92128
This is one of the few restaurants in which I have dined that www.ranchobernardoinn.com

The Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa

With all of the great resorts and spas that I had
the opportunity to visit while writing this feature
I must say this was one of my favorite locations.
One of the main qualities I look for while stay-
ing at a resort is the professionalism of the staff
and the way they treat their guests. The Hilton
outshined some of the more expensive options in
this area. Everyone was so pleasant and help-
ful no matter what the request or need. This is
among the resorts that I found to be extremely
‘kid friendly.’ So once again I packed the kids
into the car and headed for an overnight stay.
The one thing I have to admit when it comes to
selecting a resort for your children is that it is San Diego
sometimes a tricky choice if you don’t know all Woman
the facts. The amenities are important; many
hotels are age appropriate to preschool or teens
so an investigation into the specifics of the hotel 9
choice you make may be essential to your deci-
sion process. The Hilton offers a kids club, which

The Hilton just underwent a 13 million dollar re-
hab of their property - and it shows. The entire
pool area was redesigned with a walk in pool
- which is unique among the resorts we visited.
They have live music by the pool and a kids club
close to the swim area where there are games
and activities for your little ones. The nearby
dock area offers myriad water crafts which you
can rent to help add a new perspective to a typi-
cal hotel stay. We decided on the water cycles
and took turns pedaling our way out on Mission
Bay.
When we first arrived at the resort our room
wasn’t quite ready so we took up residence in
one of the cabanas around the pool which are
available to rent for the day at very reasonable
is a godsend to moms and dads with little ones who are in rates. The cabana was stocked with Lemonade
desperate need of some rest and relaxation. and waters and boasted a flat screen TV - which helps to
keep antsy kids at bay for some time.
Sep/Oct2008