Hotel Del Coronado has been hailed by USA Today as "one of the top ten resorts on an enchanted island setting" - and it's all true! A week ago, I decided to check it out by treating my Mom to a day at "The Del".
Halfway onto the Coronado Island Bridge, we immediately spotted the hotel's famous red turrets. Built in 1888, the Del has appeared in many movies, including "Some Like it Hot" with Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis. In 1977, The Del was pronounced a National Historic Landmark. We were already excited!
Although this resort is 123 years old, we were impressed by the high maintenance which keeps it luscious, beautiful and
sparkling clean.
The beach and its path for bikers, joggers, rollerbladers, people pushing strollers or walking dogs make you look out yonder and sigh (a feeling of being relaxed and invigorated). We were mesmerized by the waves and bright blue ocean.
The fresh air must have given us hunger pangs because we headed towards Sheerwater Restaurant 20 minutes before my reservation time.
Lots of people were enjoying the weekday buffet breakfast and I must admit that it all looked very inviting - and comforting. However, I was also visiting The Del because of all the hubbub I had heard about Sheerwater's lunch fare.
Before making a decision on our food entrees, we met the chefs - Charles Watson, Julian Quinones and John Shelton. I learned that when Chef Charles Watson (seen in photograph) arrived on the Sheerwater scene, he created a new menu for this restaurant, "FISH BY THE SEA". Hence, we were on an enchanted isle, about to enjoy fresh catch from the surrounding sea.
I decided on the Local Baja Halibut from the "Baked in Cast-Iron" section. Although I have enjoyed halibut at other fine seafood restaurants, it was neither as fork tender nor as fresh as this one. And these vegetables taste as spectacular as they look!
From the "Wood-Fired Pizzettas" section, we chose the Heirloom Tomato & Basil pizzetta (Italian for "little pizza"). However, I was so glad to see that it wasn't so little. The pizzetta was thin-crusted and deliziosa! As an experienced Italian chef, I could taste the fine quality of the tomato and the cheese.
Finally, the most chaotic moment - in my family there are always three to six people fighting over which two desserts they'll share. Here, the Cobbler section is a good one. So we chose "Flight of all 3 ..." which is a cobbler made with Granny Smith apples, Peaches and Strawberry Rhubarb.
Now, doesn't that cobbler look like it's more than enough for three people? That's exactly why we ordered a second dessert - Orange Panna Cotta. And the best part of all is that none of us had any regrets.
Last but not least, I would like to thank one of The Del's best professionals for making it possible for me to meet the Sheerwater chefs, conducting interviews and asking so many questions about the resort - Aldo Boccaccio (Market Research Analyst). Aldo, you are a great asset to Hotel del Coronado.
Happy Mother's Day to All! Whether dining at Sheerwater Restaurant, the Mother's Day Champagne Brunch Buffet with live entertainment or just basking in the Sun Deck Bar & Grill for a hamburger, enjoy it all at The Del!
Treat your mom, your wife, your grandma or someone else's mom to an unforgettable day at "The Del". Its history, magical setting, various dining spots (for all budgets), beach activities, shopping and spa products will please all family members.
Hotel del Coronado
1500 Orange Avenue
Coronado, CA. 92118
Telephone: 800-468-3533
www.hoteldel.com/
Text and Photographs © Nancy Real 2011
