A Food Lover’s Weekend Road Trip from LA to San Diego
Looking for the perfect weekend escape from Los Angeles? Let me guide you on a delicious, experience-rich road trip to San Diego—my home base and one of Southern California’s fastest-growing foodie destinations. Whether you’re staying in La Jolla, Coronado, or a cozy coastal Airbnb in Encinitas, this itinerary has it all: farm stops, croissants worth the drive, just-caught seafood, and unforgettable dinners. Here’s how I’d do it: Friday: Grab & Go, Then Hit the Road Start your weekend with a proper breakfast. I always recommend Lodge Bread Company—they have locations in Pasadena, Woodland Hills, Beverly Hills, and Culver City. Whether it’s their savory breakfast sandwich or one of the best cinnamon rolls in LA, it’s a road trip-worthy stop before you even hit the freeway. Have a little extra time? Detour to The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano (open 9am–3pm, Wednesday through Sunday). Enjoy coffee, pastries, and fresh farm-to-table bites in a beautiful open-air setting. Trust me—nothing hits like real food eaten on a farm, not in a drive-thru. Arrive in San Diego & Unwind Once you arrive, check into your hotel or vacation rental. If you’re staying in an Airbnb, here’s my favorite tip: book a private chef for your first night. (Yes, I know someone fabulous!) Settle in, pour a glass of wine, and let the restaurant come to you. It’s the perfect way to start your stay relaxed and well-fed. Saturday: Croissants, Markets & Coastal Adventures Kick off your morning with Izola Bakery in downtown San Diego. Their croissants—96 layers of buttery bliss—are architectural wonders, and they’re baked fresh throughout the day. After breakfast, hop on the ferry to Coronado Island for a scenic stroll or beachfront lunch at the iconic Hotel del Coronado. Prefer something more local? Visit the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market, where you can meet San Diego fishermen and pick up some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever find—think uni cracked open to order. Dinner to Remember: Anime or Kingfisher San Diego’s restaurant scene is seriously leveling up. With so many incredible places to choose from, I’ve narrowed it down to two standout spots that combine stunning ambiance with exceptional cuisine. Anime – A sleek, Asian-influenced West Coast steakhouse with major wow factor. Expect a tour of bold, globally inspired dishes like crispy pig ears, Australian wagyu, uni, and cocktails as beautiful as they are delicious. Kingfisher – Located in historic Golden Hill, this Vietnamese-French fusion restaurant is pure magic. Soulful dishes, bold flavors, and a dazzling art deco space paired with a creative cocktail program make for an unforgettable night out. After-Dinner Vibes: Lou Lou’s or The Lafayette Still in the mood to explore? Stop by The Lafayette Hotel for vintage bowling lanes and expertly crafted cocktails, or grab a seat at Lou Lou’s Jungle Room & Supper Club. With moody lighting, a clamshell stage, and old-school lounge vibes, it’s part speakeasy, part transportive experience—and open to the public most nights. Sunday: Sleep In, Then Fuel Up Soak up your last day in San Diego with a slow morning and something satisfying. Grab a breakfast burrito from Lucha Libre Taco Shop for the ride back, or swing through Pipes Café in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. It’s casual, local, and a bit legendary. (Don’t tell anyone I told you.) See You in San Diego Whether you’re coming for the croissants, the cocktails, or the calm of the coast, San Diego is ready to spoil you. And if you’re looking for a private dining experience that brings the restaurant to you—I’d love to cook for you. Let’s make your weekend getaway even more delicious.
Boost Your Brand with Custom Recipe Development and Food Content
https://chefjenncooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/YouCut_20240912_124028025.mp4 Are you looking to showcase your food product or kitchen equipment in a way that truly engages your audience? High-quality recipe creation paired with stunning food photography and engaging video content is the key to driving traffic, increasing brand awareness, and converting followers into customers. As a professional chef, food stylist, and content creator, Chef Jenn specializes in recipe development for brands, websites, and social media. Whether you need tested recipes featuring your product, eye-catching photography, or short-form videos for Instagram and TikTok, Chef Jenn delivers expertly crafted content that makes your brand stand out. What Chef Jenn Offers: Custom recipe development featuring your product Food photography to showcase dishes in the best light Short-form videos & reels for Instagram, TikTok & YouTube Live or recorded cooking demonstrations for social media or events A well-crafted recipe campaign doesn’t just sell a product—it builds trust and excitement among your audience. Ready to take your brand to the next level? Available for brands, food businesses & social media campaigns Get in Touch for Custom Recipe Content
Roasted Beet & Citrus Salad with Ginger Maple Dressing
At Chef Jenn Cooks, we believe every meal should nourish the body and delight the senses. As a personal chef specializing in creating unforgettable dining experiences, I’m excited to showcase a stunning seasonal winter recipe: Roasted Beet & Citrus Salad! This vibrant and flavorful dish is a recent highlight from an engagement brunch I prepared for a lovely couple. While the couple embraced a vegan lifestyle, their extended family had varying tastes, and my goal was to craft a meal that would impress everyone at the table. This salad did just that, bringing together colorful roasted beets, zesty citrus, and a zippy maple-ginger vinaigrette. Here’s how you can create this showstopper at your next dinner party! Ready to elevate your culinary gatherings? Contact me today to discuss how we can create unforgettable moments through delicious food! With my expertise in crafting unique and inclusive menus, I can turn your next event into a culinary celebration that everyone can enjoy! Let’s make your next dinner party an event to remember! Roasted Beet & Citrus Salad Ingredients: For the Salad: 2 pounds assorted beets (red, yellow, Chioggia, candy cane, etc.), scrubbed clean and greens removed 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 3 oz candied walnuts 1 grapefruit (cut into suprêmes or wedges) 1 orange (cut into suprêmes) 1 blood orange (cut into suprèmes) 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice Pickled red onion (see recipe below) 4 to 7 oz crumbled vegan cheese or goat cheese Edible flowers for garnish (optional) For the Dressing: 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger 1 teaspoon maple syrup 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1/3 cup white balsamic vinegar 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste Quick Pickled Red Onion: 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1/2 cup white balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon sugar Kosher salt Instructions: Roast the Beets: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Use cold water to wash the beets and cut off the tops and bottoms. Cut the beets in half and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Wrap the beets in aluminum foil, lined with parchment paper, to create a sealed package. Roast for about 1 hour or until tender. Once roasted, wear rubber gloves or use paper towels to gently rub the skins off the beets. Cut the peeled beets into wedges. Prepare the Citrus: Segment the grapefruit, orange, and blood orange, reserving any juice for the dressing. Make the Quick Pickled Red Onion: In a jar, combine the sliced onions, white balsamic vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Let sit for at least 30 minutes. Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together grated ginger, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, white balsamic vinegar, and juices from segmented citrus. Then slowly pour in olive oil, whisking constantly as you add the oil in a slow steady stream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the citrus segments in 1/3 of the dressing. In a separate bowl toss the beet in a 1/3 of the dressing, keeping any dark-colored or red beets separate. Arrange the beets on a large platter, layering them with citrus, candied walnuts, crumbled cheese, and pickled onions. Drizzle with the remaining 1/3 of the dressing over the top and finish with edible flowers for a beautiful presentation. This Roasted Beet & Citrus Salad is visually stunning and packed with flavors that harmonize beautifully. This recipe showcases the best of the winter season in Southern California. Whether hosting a brunch, dinner party, or a special celebration, this dish will leave your guests raving. If you’re looking to impress friends and family at your next event, consider booking Chef Jenn Cooks for personalized dining experiences that cater to all dietary preferences.
