Local Watch - Amaya La Jolla

Just got back from the newly opened Amaya La Jolla (located on busy Prospect Street) – the sister restaurant to The Grand Del Mar. Located just a couple blocks from the ocean, the 10,000-square-foot restaurant is very similar to its Del Mar counterpart: same look, same service,  same quality. But the dishes are unique to this location. It is a fine dining experience without pretension.

After heading through the iron gate you will find yourself admiring the palazzo-inspired room, with its ornate veranda-style entryway, coffered ceilings, elaborate drapery, hand-woven carpets, crystal chandeliers, marble tiled floors and other luxurious touches.

Food-wise, this swanky eatery menu offers contemporary American cuisine: slow-roasted pork chops; a duo of New York strip steak with braised Short Rib; lightly smoked king salmon.

And, because the head chef is from South Carolina, there is also a definite Southern influence to the menu, such as Quail Drumsticks and Wings, which are marinated in buttermilk then fried to a crunchy, golden brown for an appetizer.

There is also a nightly Southern special ($24), including classics such as shrimp and grits, Carolina gumbo, and buttermilk fried chicken that is served with Mac and Cheese.

I started with the seared day boat scallop, which came sitting upon on a cushion of parsnip surrounded by golden chanterelles. And then moved onto the Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast, which came slightly pink in the center, and with a delicious cornbread purée.

But Amaya is NOT supposed to be fine dining. Nothing is over $40, and dinners are massive in portion size. They don’t even have a wine bottle over $100.

I suggest going to dinner early, and then heading into Amaya’s nightclub/sports bar/tapas bar, Club M, at the back of the building. In this low-lit atmosphere, patrons will fell at ease, surrounded by the lounges 5 large plasma TV’s, shiny black piano and live music (typically Jazz). And, although the dinner menu is reserved for the dining room, a basic menu (Smoked Chicken Quesadilla, Angus Burger, Tempura Spicy Tuna roll, Fried Calamari, Hummus) is made available, as well as craft beer, wine and cocktails.