Larry King, spiny lobsters, and high tides

Visitors are welcome at these fall and winterLa Jolla events:

If you’ll be in town between now and November 1, I recommend you have a meal at Barbarella Restaurant in La Jolla Shores. Host Barbara Beltaire goes all out with spooky Halloween decorations – popular with kids and the young-at-heart.

Beltaire also serves great Italian meals – lunch and dinner seven days, plus breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays. Barbarella Restaurant & Bar is located at 2171 Avenida De La Playa (858- 454-7373).

If you’re a diver and you’d rather catch your dinner, note that spiny lobster season in San Diego opened October 3 and runs through March 17, 2010.

“High-tide breakfasts” are a specialty at the oceanfront Marine Room restaurant. Scheduled to coincide with dramatic surf that brings waves right up to the big picture windows, the buffets will take place from 7 – 10:30 am on Oct. 17-18 and Nov. 14; 8 – 11am on Dec. 5; 10am – 2pm on Dec. 6; and 7 – 10am on Dec. 29 and 30. This is definitely one of San Diego’s most memorable winter experiences. For more information look at their website  or call 858-459-7222.

November 5: La Jolla Gallery Wine Walk. Taste the dining highlights of seaside La Jolla at this sixth annual gallery and restaurant walk, featuring 15 art galleries offering fine art and fine wine, along with more than 20 dining establishments serving samples of their specialties. 5 to 9 p.m. 619-233-5008, .

The annual San Diego Jewish Book Fair, one of the top Jewish literacy events in the nation, will take place November 5-12 at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center. As I write this, it has just been announced that television veteran Larry King will speak on Sunday, November 8 at 12 noon. The JCC is located at 4126 Executive Drive. (858-457-3030 )

November 21: La Jolla Antique Brewery Fest. The La Jolla Historical Society celebrates the best in brews–some first made in the 11th century–at this special event at Wisteria Cottage. Guests enjoy gourmet hors d’oeuvres, sample international suds from breweries in Belgium, England, Scotland, Germany and the Czech Republic and learn about beer’s history and its impact on society. 6 to 9 p.m. 780 Prospect Street, La Jolla, 858-459-5335.

The United States Tennis Association National 40 Hard Court Championships take place November 30 – December 6 at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club in La Jolla. Spectators can watch the competition heat up during the men’s and women’s matches in singles, doubles and mixed doubles events for players over the age of 39. The event features former touring pros and the nation’s strongest players in this age group.

You can also join locals at the very family-friendly La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival on December 6. The floats and bands roll right through town on Girard Avenue.

Even with the sun shining and the palm trees swaying – you’ll swear you’re in Middle America.

Tags: Beaches, breakfast, gallery, Halloween, Italian food, Jewish book fair, La Jolla Shores, Larry King, lobster, Marine Room, ocean view, restaurants, tennis, travel information, vacation san Diego

Category: Events, Restaurants, Wildlife