Historic Charm Meets Flavor at The Prado, Balboa Park

It’s a joy to find a restaurant that makes you want to come back time and again to enjoy the setting, ambiance, cuisine and amazing service that all blends together to create one magical dining experience.And this is exactly what my family and I experience every time we visit The Prado at Balboa Park. Part of the Cohn Restaurant Group family, The Prado is a renowned National Landmark right in the heart of Balboa Park. Constructed in 1915, it was part of the House of Hospitality Building in Balboa Park that greeted visitors to the Panama-California Exposition in celebration of the Panama Canal’s famous opening.Like many of the structures built in the park for the two-year exposition event, the building’s impressive architecture, art, and fountains reflect a combination of classic Spanish, Moorish, and Mexican design. Attention to detail is obvious in its intricate glasswork and hand-painted stenciled designs on the restaurant’s ceilings, doors, and wooden beams.Complimentary parking is available near the Spreckels Organ Pavilion and then it’s a short two or three-minute stroll to the restaurant. Valet parking is available on the weekends.Magnificent Restaurant SettingThe Prado is open for lunch and dinner on Sunday from 11:30 to 7:30 pm, Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 am to 8:00 pm and closed on Monday. Visitors will also delight in the restaurant’s Happy Hour from 2:30 to 4:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday and 2:30 to 8:30 pm every Wednesday in the lounge featuring a menu of delightful drinks and delectable small bites.Guests may choose to dine inside in the bar area or a dining room just behind the reception desk, or outdoors on the front patio overlooking the courtyard if the restaurant is busy. However, the best setting and one we always request when making our reservation is the outdoor back terrace overlooking the stunning tiered Casa del Rey Moro Garden. The tiled plant-filled outside patio with fountains features umbrella tables and heat lamps, always providing a comfortable setting for a magnificent dining experience.The Prado CuisineThe restaurant’s award-winning menu features both land and sea entrees with a definitive Spanish and Latin influence.You’ll want to start with one of The Prado’s creative cocktails or a glass of their signature Sangria. If you’re into wine, the list has some amazing choices and servers can suggest the perfect pairing with your entrée.Lunch and dinner menus offer some of the same items, however other choices may vary.Though we have dined here for lunch on occasion, we prefer coming for dinner when the twinkling lights on the patio add to the magic of an evening surrounded by history.Menu items are sectioned and include First Tastes, Signature Salads, Farm Greens, Sandwiches and Tacos (for lunch) and offerings from the Land & Sea for dinner along with Prado Favorites (for both lunch and dinner).Though the menu isn’t extensive and has not drastically changed over the past few years, the selections are so amazing that you’ll want to return for another favorite or re-visit the one you love the most.First Taste FavoritesWe’ve probably had them all, but without a doubt, the ones we have come to worship are the Steamed Mussels & Clams with chimichurri, sweet peppers, and a lomo embuchado (Spanish sausage), and the Spicy Calamari Fries, calamari strips with Korean chili sauce, micro shiso, and green onion. As our server wisely said, “You may have had calamari strips before, but none like these.” He was absolutely right, and this is a definite must-do on your visit to this charming restaurant.Farm Greens/Signature SaladsYes, you can go for a classic shrimp or chicken cobb, or a Caesar and you’ll be pleased, but give the Prado Pressed Arugula Salad a try. Made with strawberries, figs, candied walnuts, asiago and sherry-shallot vinaigrette and then pressed together, this one is definitely divine.Sea & Land FavoritesThis is where the dining experience moves from great to incredible!Our favorite chef creations include the Pan Seared Verlasso Salmon served over sesame rice with baby bok choy and topped with a miso beurre blanc. The Prado Paella is always a winner, filled with lots of fish, mussels, shrimp, calamari, scallops, chicken, chorizo, and peas in a lobster saffron broth. Other options include a pan-roasted sea bass, which is also lovely.Two of my family’s top land choices include the Mustard Crusted Pork Prime Rib over parsnip mashed potatoes, pickled red onion, and watercress with a mustard sauce. It’s not too mustardly, and the flavors here meld beautifully.My son loves the tender, slow-cooked Red Wine Short Ribs with kale, roasted garlic, shallot, mashed potatoes, bordelaise, and gremolata marrow butter. They are amazing.Other Dining OptionsLand and Sea Combos include a Chef’s Cut Steak and Marinated Shrimp, Linguine and Clams, and Verlasso salmon with Short Ribs. Pasta a La Norma with rigatoni, eggplant, ricotta salata, basil and tomato as well as a Mushroom Risotto served with white truffle mascarpone, baby arugula, red onion and parmesan Reggiano are ideal for the vegetarian palate.A kid’s menu is also available for both lunch and dinner and offers classic choices such as Mac & Cheese, Cheeseburger, Chicken Fingers, Grilled Cheese and more. But if you’re youngster has a more adventurous palate, other options are available.Save Room for DessertIf you’re a dessert lover, you’ll want to consider this when you’re ordering your starters and main entrees, as servings are plentiful and shareable.That being said, make sure to leave some space for at least one dessert to try. Word of warning, however, the choices are impressive, and you may find it hard to narrow it down to just one choice.Five sweet options include a Piloncillo Flan with seasonal berries (seasonal), Carrot Cake, Tres Leches, Pina Colado Crème Brûlée (seasonal) and German Chocolate Cake. If they sound good, they’re even better than what you’d imagine, and the presentations are very creative.Special EventsBecause the setting in picturesque Balboa Park is so impressive, The Prado is a popular venue for weddings, special occasion celebrations or corporate events. Guests have the option to book spaces from the outdoor Case Del Rey Moro Garden and Fountain Courtyard to rooms that accommodate 60 to 80 guests or the Elegant Grand Ballroom that can seat up to 320 with a space for dancing.Tips to Consider When Dining at The PradoReservations are a must, especially during the weekend or if you wish to dine on the outdoor terrace. If there is a special event happening in Balboa Park, diners should plan well in advance to reserve a dining time.At times, special events at the restaurant preclude diners from eating here as the venue may be booked for a private party. If you have your doggie friend with you, be aware that they are only welcome on the front outdoor courtyard patio. But they are welcome!Other specials (subject to change) include Sangria Sundays, where guests can enjoy Sangria pitchers for only $25. Tuesday Night is always Date Night with a menu that features a shared salad, two entrees and a bottle of wine for $68.95 per couple.No matter the occasion, we find that dining at The Prado at Balboa Park is always a special event. And I’m certain you will too!The post Historic Charm Meets Flavor at The Prado, Balboa Park appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

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Tee Time at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club: What to Expect

It’s not often I’m invited to play golf at a private country club, especially one that sits on the grounds of an Olympic Equestrian competition. So, when I was asked to play a round at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club, I jumped at the chance. Sweeping fairways, massive bunkers and generous greens were always part of the plan for this Rancho Santa Fe farmland. But Prince Charles was on the equestrian committee for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, and he loved Rancho Santa Fe, so horses galloped and jumped before Ted Robinson Sr. began designing one of the premier private golf courses in San Diego County. Fairbanks Ranch Country Club has 27 striking holes that are easily walkable. Pick between the Valley Nine, the Lakes Nine, or the Ocean Nine, or even better, play them all. Palm trees and sparkling lakes frame the sweeping fairways and undulating greens. But there are still reminders of the past. Forty years after the 1984 Olympics, some of the wooden horse jumping structures are still visible from the course.TEEING IT UP AT FAIRBANKSAfter playing Ted Robinson-designed tracks in San Diego, Riverwalk, Singing Hills, and Twin Oaks, I figured there would be his signature railroad ties around the water’s edges and wide-open fairways.Ocean NineSo, I was a little confused when I couldn’t find my second shot on the 500-yard par 5-second hole on the Ocean course. It was slightly off line, but there’s no way it could be out of play?Well, I later learned that Robinson had nothing to do with the Ocean course, which opened in 2005, 21 years after Robinson carved out the Valley and Lakes nine. Golf architect John Harbottle was the culprit.“The Ocean is much more technical,” said Cody Layton, Senior Vice President of golf course operations for the Bay Club, which manages Fairbanks Ranch. “Shots need to be placed a little better, especially approach shots need to be in right spot or you can get yourself in trouble.”Beyond the tighter fairways and narrow landing areas on approach shots, I was struggling with distance on my drives. The wind didn’t seem that blustery, but my 220-yard drives were barely going 200 yards. My son and I started out playing the blue tees, but we switched to the shorter white tees after three holes.“The ocean course is long, the wind is always in your face no matter which direction you’re going, and the air is heavy, being lower than the sea level,” Layton said. “Long irons and hybrids come into play depending on which tees you’re playing.”My favorite part of the ocean course were the greens–large, very receptive to well-struck iron shots and not lighting quick.“We want people to enjoy themselves, so we’re not going to be rolling 13 on the stimpmeter [device used to measure the speed of putts],” Layton said.  “If people can make some putts, it’s going to speed up play. We do as much as we can to keep moving and enjoying themselves.”Valley NineThe Valley course was much more forgiving. It played like a resort course with wide-open fairways, no blind shots, and receptive greens. Not surprisingly, my score was three shots better on the Valley with four pars on the scorecard.  The Lakes course, which we didn’t play, features an island fairway on the ninth hole. A FAIRBANKS RANCH MEMBERSHIPInitiation fees for Fairbanks Ranch golf memberships are $25,000, monthly dues are about $1,600. So what sets Fairbanks Ranch apart from the other private country clubs in Rancho Santa Fe, The Bridges, Rancho Santa Fe, The Farms, Santa Luz, Del Mar Country Club, and La Valle Coastal Club?“We are fully family-oriented, and we operate by the campus model, pairing the golf course with an athletic facility,” Layton said. Golf members enjoy access to Bay Club Carmel Valley. This club has three swimming pools, 11 tennis courts, a basketball court, a 15,000-square-foot fitness center, and on-site childcare. Near the golf clubhouse, there is a thriving pickleball scene with ten courts that will soon have fences between courts.“Where other clubs are going to be focused on just golf, we want families to be on the property having a good time,” Layton said. “We’re also going to have parties and throw big events.”Golf membership comes with exclusive access to Troon golf courses around the country and three other Bay Club courses in Northern California, Stonetree Golf Club in Novato, Crow Canyon in Danville and Boulder Ridge in San Jose. Fairbanks Ranch has 450 golf memberships, but Layton said there is plenty of room for growth.FAIRBANKS RANCH HISTORYThe enclave, now known as Fairbanks Ranch, was part of the original 89,000-acre Rancho San Dieguito Mexican land grant. Actors Douglas Fairbanks Sr. and Mary Pickford bought more than 3,000 acres in 1926 with dreams of building a retreat. They planted citrus trees, beans, and tomatoes, as well as grain to feed cattle. While the couple often camped in the area, they divorced before their house was built. The land was eventually sold and developed into a gated community named Fairbanks Ranch after the actor. Most of Fairbanks Ranch’s homes, which have become larger over the years, were built in the 1980s. The community has strict building and landscaping rules.There is also a bit of folklore at Fairbanks Ranch. Michael Jordan, the famous basketball player and notorious golf gambler, once came to play the course. Layton said Jordan was turned away at the Fairbanks gate. “He told the gate guard ‘I’m Mr. Jordan.’ The pro shop employee said they didn’t have a Mr. Jordan on our list, and they made him turn around. That was a big deal at the time.”If you are looking for a course with a lot of variety and different level challenges, add Fairbanks Ranch Golf Course to your list of greens to play in San Diego!Disclaimer: Dave McKibben wrote this post for San Diego Explorer. As customary in the travel writing industry, the writer was hosted to experience the golf course to research this article. This has not influenced the author’s opinion of these experiences.The post Tee Time at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club: What to Expect appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

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Things To Do On Halloween in San Diego [2024]

There are many reasons to visit San Diego; the amazing weather, the authentic Mexican food, the diversity of pretty much everything, and of course, the gorgeous beaches.  It’s no wonder so many people visit. But did you know that San Diego isn’t just for summer vacation? In the fall, when the goblins and ghouls come out to play, San Diego begins to hum with special activities and events. There are several really great Haunted Houses in San Diego. If that is your thing, you should read our recommendations by a former Haunted House scare actress for the best Haunted Houses in San Diego. Here are all the things to do on Halloween San Diego has to offer. And don’t forget your Halloween costume!Also, don’t forget to order some fun, I mean scary Halloween decorations for your home and garden. Important: Please note that we are currently updating this guide with the 2024 dates and events as they are released.Halloween ghostsHorrifying History & Culture in San DiegoAmong the top San Diego Halloween Events to choose from, the best way to get into a spooky fall mood is to do activities that pertain to the history and culture of the town. San Diego is an old town, founded in 1769. The oldest part of the city is Old Town, followed by the Gaslamp Quarter in Downtown. Get into the hauntingly amazing history and culture through some of these spooky tours.Murder Mystery Tour in the Gaslamp Quarter DowntownThis fun and scary tour takes you on a walk around the beautiful Gaslamp Quarter in downtown. You will hear a lot about the gritty history of the old (and not so old) days, from brothels, bars, and brawls to gruesome murders, ghost stories, and much more. Book your tickets here>>Ghosts & Gravestones Frightseeing Tour San DiegoFor further immersion into the San Diego Halloween events, you can take a tour on a renovated all-black “doom buggy”. Get transported back in time with such skill that by the end of the tour, you’ll feel as if you’re a ghost roaming the astral plane. This tour is not appropriate for children as the stories told contain graphic details and adult themes. Read our full review of the Ghosts and Gravestone Tour here>>Book Your Tickets HereHaunted Happening Tour San DiegoWhile not tremendously terrifying like the haunts during this time, this tour will keep you at the edge of your seat. The compelling stories of murder, mystery, and ghosts rumored to still roam will get you in a whimsical mood. You will visit all the haunted sites in San Diego, including the Whaley House – one of the most haunted places in America. Tickets are available online and kids are more than welcome on the tour. The company also offers an adult-only bonfire at the Del with wine and spirits of all sorts. Get Your Tickets HereCemetery in San Diego’s Old TownSan Diego Ghost Tour – Gaslamp QuarterThis San Diego Ghost Tour definitely hits the spot for Halloween in San Diego. You’ll walk to various haunted spots in the famous Gaslamp Quarter of downtown San Diego, also known as the “Birthplace of California”. A great mix of spooky ghost stories and interesting history about the beginnings of San Diego. Book your tickets here>>Go To A Haunted House in San DiegoWalk Through A Haunted Corn MazeThe Carlsbad Strawberry Company puts not only a pumpkin patch but also a Haunted Corn Maze for adults. Field of Screams is open on weekends starting Oct. 4th 2024 Friday & Saturdays in October and November 1-2, 7pm-10pmField of ScreamsSan Diego Haunted HousesRead our full guide on the best Haunted Houses in San Diego here – including FAQs and Insider Tips by a San Diego Haunted House Scare Actress. Scare actress playing a dead brideThe Haunted TrailDates: September 27-November 2, 2024 Location: Balboa ParkSan Diego is not lush with forest, and the classic cabin in the woods feels. However, in Balboa Park, where the trees are clustered, and you really feel like you’re in a horror movie is The Haunted Trail. So famous and well-rated, they’ve been featured on the Travel Channel and are well respected around town. The unique psychological way they traumatize guests has people lining up day after day. This is an absolute can’t-miss. You can buy tickets for both attractions at the door or online. Buy your tickets hereThe Scream Zone Del MarDates: Closed in 2024, coming back in 2025Location: Del Mar Fair GroundsTicketsThis is the ultimate Must-Do for Halloween lovers. 3 Haunts: The Haunted Hayride, Stars of the Silver “Scream”, and Labyrinth Manor make for some good terror! But that is not all. This year, they are also offering a Halloween-themed Carnival with food booths, games, and more. Try your survival skills at the Zombie Archerie or Clown Alley Axe Throwing, escape to a scary virtual reality Zombie-calypse and indulge in a few tasty cocktails. The DisturbanceDates: Not open in 2024, coming back in 2025Location: Mission Valley Target Parking LotThe Disturbance was created by the infamous Haunted Hotel in 2019. While new, it creates three horrifying haunt experiences and lives up to their Haunted Hotel reputation. The theme changes every year but a favorite is the Kill-Billy Alley, where zombie hillbillies overrun society in the most depraved way. Attend A San Diego Halloween PartiesAll throughout October, this southern Californian town is exploding with Halloween events for all kinds of people with every kind of budget. The Halloween Parties are filled with laughter, food, and some scary Halloween activities that are hard to pass on.There’s no doubt you’d have a blast meeting new people and partying with your friends all night long at this bomb block party.San Diego Halloween Pub Crawl October 2024Fri, Oct 25 | Sat, Oct 26 | Thurs, Oct 31 | Fri, Nov 1 | Sat, Nov 2, 2024Location: Gaslamp Quarter, San DiegoDress up in your favorite Halloween costume and come enjoy an all-access VIP pass to 15+ bars, lounges & nightclubs. Receive exclusive drink specials and free welcome shots, and party it up with hundreds of other costumed crawlers!Event Ticketing LinkNightmare on Normal Street – October 26, 2024 5 PM – 11 PMAlso on October 26th, Hillcrest has one of the best parties for all of Halloween. Not quite as big as WCKD but probably far more local friendly.With local food trucks and DJs plus the costume contest and the massive dance floor, there are loads of things you can do on this night of thrilling adventure.Secure Your Tickets Here Black Pearl Halloween Yacht Party San DiegoDate: October 26 & 27, 2024 9:15 PM – 1 AMLocation: San Diego BayTicketsThis haunted midnight party bay cruise takes your Halloween night to the next level. 2 spooky nights, 2 DJs, 2 dance floors, an open bar, complimentary bites, and lots of spooky fun are included in this cruise on board of the California Spirit Luxury Yacht.Special Halloween Events in San DiegoHalloween at Hotel Del CoronadoThe Hotel Del Coronado is putting on a few Halloween events this year that will help you get your fright on. The events for Halloween 2024 have yet to be announces, but here is what was offered in previous years:The Haunted Happenings Tour Ghost Roast Pumpkin Carving Halloween on the Lawn The Mad Hatter Tea Party Halloween at The US GrantOctober 2024 – TBDThis twisted feast in the style of Alice in Wonderland takes 13 guests down a culinary rabbit hole. A 13-course tasting menu prepared by Chef Mark Kropczynski will surprise and delight you until the witching hour. Make reservations here>>Kid-Friendly Halloween EventsSan Diego Zoo Halloween EventsEvery Friday, Saturday & Sunday in October The San Diego Zoo offers some great Halloween Events this year for kids. For the last three weekends in October, the San Diego Zoo puts on HalGLOween, with outdoor and socially distanced events like bubble dance parties, the python path, or Dr. Zoolittle’s Trick or Treats, and many more. And the best part? Kids (11 and under) are free for the whole month of October when accompanied by a paying adult. How awesome is that? Get your tickets here. Wicked Spooky Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Grand Del MarEvery Saturday & Sunday in October 2024 (starting October 6th) from 12 – 4 PMThe Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s signature spooky tea is a bewitching celebration of all things Halloween! Delight in a selection of delectable finger foods and sinful sweets, each crafted to transport your taste buds to a world of spellbinding indulgence. And don’t forget your Halloween costume! Costumes are more than welcome – they are encouraged! Immerse yourself in the whimsical atmosphere and receive an extra treat to make your experience even more magical. $125/adult and $63/child exclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations can be made HERE. Spooktacular Halloween Extravaganza at the Fairmont Grand Del MarSaturday, October 26, 2024 at 5 PMGet ready for the Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s much-awaited Halloween event and step into a world of enchantment as the Grand Del Mar comes alive with Halloween magic! Put on your most creative and spooky costumes for an unforgettable gathering at Grand Social. Kids can enjoy a number of live stations including the friendly Witch in Candyland, experiments in the Mad Scientist’s lab, and more. General admission is $50/adult and $25/child plus tax and gratuity. Cabanas are available for $300 and firepits for $150. For more information, click HERE.Witches of Westgate Tea – The Westgate Hotel Downtown2024 dates TBDHigh Tea with a bewitched twist is served at the marvelous Fontainebleau Room at the Westgate Hotel Downtown. From delicate pastries to sandwiches and other delectable bites, exquisite tea and a glass of Champagne are served in a spooky setting. Reservations required – book here>>Hauntfest on Main – San Diego East County October 18, 2024On October 18th, a free festival takes place from 4 PM-9 PM on Main Street in the East County neighborhood. Take the family on an outing filled with pumpkin patches, candy challenge activities, costume contests, and so much more. Gaslamp Flicks – Halloween Edition2024 dates TBDOn the corner of Island and 4th/5th Ave, you can enjoy a free spooky movie night. Bring a chair or a blanket and watch some of these classics. Full bar and free popcorn are available. Movies to be announced soon. Trick or Treating on India StreetOctober 27, 2024 3:30 PM – 7:30 PMPack your little ones and head over to the Piazza della Famiglia in Little Italy for some good ol trick or treating. The shops and restaurants have big buckets of sweets and treats waiting for the cutest ghosts, princesses, pirates, and fun disguises. Family BooBashOctober 26, 2024 11 AM – 2 PMMeet up by the Pride Flag in Hillcrest (on the corner of Washington & University) for a family-friendly spooky block party, including games, trick or treating, a costume contest, and a family-friendly Drag Show. 10th Annual Howl-O-Ween Mutt RunOctober 26, 2024Sponsored by Road Runner Sports, this 1k/5k for you and your four-legged best friend is a great way to run off the sugary treats preemptively. And all proceeds go to CA Labs & More, who rescued 2000 dogs this year What’s not to love?Dress up yourself and your pup for a chance to win awesome prizes, and don’t forget to bring your ID if you want to treat yourself to a pint at the Mike Hess Beer Garden afterward. Sign up here>>Howl-O-Scream 5k Date – October 20, 2024Location – Seaworld San DiegoType – RoadHowl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego’s largest nighttime Halloween event, is stepping up its annual spooky celebration with the introduction of its inaugural Howl-O-Sprint 5K running and walking event through its Halloween décor, vignettes and attractions, exclusively before the park opens to guests.Howl-O-Sprint 5K will kick off at 7 a.m. on Sunday, October 20 at the height of the spooky season and provide participants with a never before seen and fun-filled way to experience the park. Register hereRemember to order your Halloween decor now, before it is too late!Take a look at these other Fall Activities in San Diego:8 Ways to Celebrate Fall in San DiegoApple Picking in JulianBest Haunted Houses in San DiegoCelebrate Dia de Los MuertosThings To Do On Halloween: San Diego Edition was written and edited by Hedge Metreyeon. For more San Diego Explorer posts, check out our homepage. For more of their articles visit here. Follow them on social media here.Things To Do On Halloween: San Diego Edition – Pin For LaterLast Updated on October 3, 2024 by Maria HaaseThe post Things To Do On Halloween in San Diego [2024] appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

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