restaurants btw san diego and LA

Jane D. wrote:
>From: [email removed] (Jane M Doherty)
>Subject: restaurants btw san diego and LA
>Date: 30 Jun 1995 19:14:49 GMT

>we'll be traveling in southern CA week of july 10.  specifically, we'll
>be driving from san diego to north of LA, probably through the temecula
>valley.  can anyone recommend an anniversary-quality restaurant en route?
>we know about, and will certainly revisit, cafe champagne at thornton
>winery.

Saddle Peak Lodge in Calabassas is fantastic.  They offer quail, venison, steak, fish, etc.  Set in a westerny outdoorsman style atmosphere.

>email to
[email removed].  thanks for your help.

>recommendations for sightseeing and hotels appreciated as well!

I may be too late to help out the couple traveling from SD to LA but en route, there's a tremendous French restaurant called Mille Fleurs in Rancho Santa Fe.  It's rather off the beaten track (about 30 miles off the 5 Freeway), but well worth the detour, in my opinion.  My recommendations would have to include their boudin of canard and, if I recall correctly, their tournedos of veal is excellent.  The wine list is quite extensive, consisting of a nice selection of French and California vintages.  The atmosphere, aided by the bucolic countryside setting, is decidedly intimate French Country (peut etre Champagne?) and should enhance any couple's anniversary celebration.

Hope this helps.