Summer Solstice 2011

Todd and I have a tradition to both take June 21st off work every year. Why? Because it's Summer Solstice and the longest day of the year. We want to spend the longest day of the year enjoying summer and NOT at work! :) This year, we took it one step further and took the next day off too. Why? Because Todd had made some plans for our wedding anniversary and they could not be accomplished on our actual anniversary day this Saturday, so we decided to celebrate it a few days earlier.

For lunch on Tuesday, we went to Pacifica Breeze in Del Mar because it has an ocean view. We could not think of a better place to eat lunch on Summer Solstice!

The ocean view from our table on the terrace.


Todd had blackened fish tacos.


I had sugar-glazed salmon wrap.


We hadn't had lunch there in a few years, and I must say, the food was pretty darn good, on top of the great views.


Tuesdays are BOGO cookies there. So guess who got cookies?


After lunch, we walked down to Seagrove Park for a view of the beach. This is one of our favorite beach parks in San Diego!


The sunny and blue skies, combined with the beach, is the perfect quintessential scene for our Summer Solstice outing.




We both wore plaid shorts on purpose, although not matching ones.


After lunch, we went home for a couple of hours to get stuff done and to pack. We were staying the night at Hotel Indigo downtown! I had seen this hotel on someone's blog about their trip to San Diego, and I was mesmerized by the decor and fresh modern designs. I had told Todd about it and he filed it away for a special occasion. He had wanted to book it for our anniversary this Saturday, but the rate was very high then. He booked a great rate for Tuesday night and we made our Summer Solstice celebration two days instead of one! :) I will blog about the hotel in my New 52 post.

For dinner on Tuesday night, Todd made reservations at Donovan's Steakhouse, which was a few blocks from our hotel. We had gone there for Taste of Gaslamp before and always loved their generous servings during the tasting. Not only that, their filet mignon is really awesome! We went there with Sally during Restaurant Week last year and loved it. This time, someone offered us filet mignon burrito bites as soon as we walked in. I remember loving Donovan's friendly wait staff and great service, and this time was no exception. I'm still so impressed! They never fail to make me feel comfortable and taken care of there.

Todd got the Prix Fixe menu which included a salad, filet mignon medallions with veggies and garlic mashed potatoes, and creme brulee for dessert.





I got bacon-wrapped scallops and a filet mignon with garlic mashed potatoes. YUM!


We shared the vanilla bean creme brulee. SO good!


We had yet another great dining experience at Donovan's. Love that place! And I loved our early anniversary celebration!