San Diego, California: Britt Scripps Manor; hotel review

Britt Scripps Manor  

406 Maple St./4th Ave., a few blks. from Balboa Park, (888) 881-1991, (619) 230-1991. 9 rooms; $205 to $515. Evening wine; full breakfast.

This multi-gabled 1887 Queen Anne-style Victorian mansion is a historic landmark. Now known as Britt Scripps Manor, it features a striking turret, wrap-around porch, and a two-story original stained glass wall depicting morning, noon, and night in changing colors throughout the day—also an opulent parlor, hand-carved oak staircase, and music alcove with 1883 Steinway Art Case piano signed by Henry Steinway, great grandson of the founder. Exquisite attention is paid to details. Each individually decorated room represents a different design genre from the Victorian period, and each is equipped with a flat screen TV, bathrobes, and cashmere throws. Some bathrooms have claw-foot bathtubs. The exterior is painted in the original Victorian colors of yellow and red with green trim. Out front, the oldest Camphor Tree in North America--planted in 1865—is fragrant with menthol.



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San Diego, California: Asti Ristorante; restaurant review

Asti Ristorante  

728 5th Ave./W. G St., in Gaslamp Quarter, 619-232-8844. L M-Sat, D daily, SunBr.

This restaurant is named for Asti, a historic Italian town located in the northern Piedmont region that is acclaimed for its outstanding wines, white truffles and a medieval bareback horse race called “Palio.” The Interior of European-style restaurant Asti Ristorante has tall ceilings and red brick walls, but the fenced-in front patio has heat lamps and is fabulous for lunch in any weather. The menu is extensive and features a bargain three-course lunch special.



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Half Moon Bay, California: Sam’s Chowder House; restaurant review

Sam’s Chowder House  4210 N. Cabrillo Hwy. (Hwy. 1), (650) 712-0245. L-D daily; $$$. Reservations taken.

This New England-style seafood house boasts excellent views of the Pacific Ocean from almost every table. Outdoor seating is also an option. Specialties include fresh fish, live lobsters and crabs, and a raw bar. Choose from New England (white) or Manhattan (red) clam chowders, and count on the award-winning lobster roll sandwich as always a good choice. Drinks are creative and fun—anyone for a Strawjito? A seafood market (W-F 4-8, Sat-Sun 12-8.), sells locally caught fresh fish and specialty seafood items and side dishes plus picnics-to-go—the all-inclusive lobster clambake pot is an easy way to entertain right on the beach but requires 48-hours notice--and Sam’s is family-friendly, too.


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