Summer's End BBQ at La Jolla Beach Club

I must begin this post with a quick side note: construction is planned to begin this year on the Messina Strait Bridge, which will connect Sicily to mainland Italy. Once completed, it will be the longest suspension bridge in the world, spanning 3.3 km (2.05 miles)--more than a full kilometer longer than the current record-holder in Turkey. Thank you to my assistant blog editor for catching that omission!

After returning from our road trip, David realized summer was slipping away and we hadn't yet experienced one of the quintessential La Jolla traditions: a beach BBQ at the La Jolla Beach Club. So today was the day!

The beach at the La Jolla Beach Club 

The club provided a perfect setup right on the sand--an umbrella, two tables, ten chairs, a BBQ, and charcoal. We brought everything else. Other members had similar ideas, and by the time we arrived, the beach was full of umbrellas, firepits, and clusters of people settling in for a beautiful evening by the water. 

While the kids spent most of the time in the ocean, the adults busied themselves prepping food and setting the table. Dinner was a feast: grilled lamb chops served with salads, cheese and fresh fruit. (I somehow forgot to take a photo--clearly too busy enjoying the moment!)

Table set at the beach

David and Dawn had invited their friends Oz and Chela and their kids to join us. We lingered long after sunset, chatting as the last light faded over the Pacific.

Sunset at La Jolla Beach Club

Sunset sky

Time for Dessert

And of course, what else could dessert be but s'mores? 

Unfortunately, someone had set the bag of marshmallows on top of an ice pack, so they were a little mushy--but that didn't stop us! Everyone has their own technique (and opinions!) about the perfect roast, which made for some good-natured competition around the fire. Truth be told, I've only ever toasted marshmallows over a campfire, the BBQ was a first for me, but the concept was the same. 

Roasting marshmallows

Assembled S'more

For my international readers, here's the classic formula: Honey-maid graham crackers + Jet- Puffed marshmallows + Hershey's milk chocolate. 

This is not a paid advertisement--just pure American nostalgia! The secret is to toast the marshmallow until it's golden and gooey inside, then sandwich it quickly so the warmth melts the chocolate. It's sticky, it's sweet, it's messy...and it's perfect.

Eventually, the fire burned low and it was time to pack up. A day filled with sunshine, surf, good food, and laughter--not a bad way to close out summer in La Jolla.

A dopo!




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Few New Updates (#250)

Image
This morning we went over to the apartment. We made sure to go early since there's no electricity or lighting at the moment. Many of the rooms look the same, aside from the pile of old doors and materials that have now been cleared. The biggest change by far was the terrace. From the guest bedroom, you can see the progression: what it looked like last spring, what it looks like now...and the rendering of what it will someday become. Notice that the old bathroom is completely gone--you can now see straight through to the terrace. Guest bedroom Spring 2025 Guest Bedroom Winter 2025 (minus the terrace bathroom) Guest bedroom rendering Unfortunately, it doesn't look like they've been able to save many tiles. Our original plan was to repurpose whatever survived into a medallion or faux rug in the foyer. So...we may be moving on to plan B. Tile demolition Below is the view looking out through the former bathroom door--soon to be a window--looking out on the terrace. The thickness...
Read more

A New Lunch Spot, A Little Bonsai and a Lot of Contractors

Image
Just when we started feeling a little smug about knowing our way around town--having our favorite cafes and go-to spots--something happened to remind us how much we still have to discover. Today we had lunch plans with Tim and Izabella. We told them to choose the restaurant, and they picked one we had never even heard of: Villa La Boccia.  There are no signs pointing you there, no flashy advertising, nothing to catch your eye as you drive past--which we apparently do regularly without ever noticing it. So naturally we were curious about this "secret" local spot.  When we arrived, the parking lot was completely full. Completely. The restaurant itself was large, with indoor dining and a courtyard, and every seat seemed taken. We were stunned. How had we missed this place? Luckily Tim had made a reservation--he told us he had tried before without one and failed to get a table. Good thing he planned ahead.  Inside, the place was buzzing and the menu was extensive. It was hard...
Read more

A Busy Last Week in San Diego

Image
Our last week in San Diego arrived faster than expected, and David is feeling the pressure to get as much bonsai work done as possible. If he'd had his way, Ira probably would have been working every daylight hour and only released at night. Unfortunately for David's plan, we already had a few things scheduled. One of those plans was a long-anticipated trip to the zoo with RC. With everyone's busy schedules, this was the first day that worked for all of us. And really, we had to take advantage of our annual pass, right? Kai arrived proudly wearing the gorilla shirt we'd bought him the last time we visited the San Diego Zoo . He was eager to show us how fast he could move and had a great time climbing and weaving his way through the polar bear exhibit.  This time the polar bear was just as active. It definitely pays to visit early in the day. Sadly I stopped recording too soon because right after he jumped into the water, swam toward us, climbed out, and shook himself dr...
Read more