Last week my family and I spent a few days in one of my favorite little California cites, La Jolla. (Pronounced "La Hoya") Our first stop for breakfast or lunch when we get into town is the Brockton Villa. It's a charming little cottage restaurant right across from the water and has amazing food!
As you go up the front steps, you’ll notice the amazing masonry wall that has inset abalone shells at the front of the restaurant. So pretty!
The seating indoors and out is equally as fabulous. The views are great just about anywhere in the place.
As you can see, the location is right across for the blue Pacific, and just down the hill from the famous La Jolla Cave!
The clam chowder and the ‘Coast Toast’ are two of their most popular menu items. We had both! What makes the chowder so good is a little hint of saffron that turns it a pale yellow.
Here’s a shot of the ‘Coast Toast’ and the recipe. Please try this at home, if you don’t get a chance to try it at the Brockton Villa! It's crispy on the outside and a little custardy on the inside. A delicious take on traditional french toast... really yummy!
Brockton Villa’s Famous Coast Toast
Ingredients
One
loaf of soft French bread (sliced)
One
quart of whipping cream
10 eggs
3/4 cup
orange juice
1/2 cup
of sugar
A pinch
of salt
2 tbs.
vanilla
2 tbs.
orange flavoring
Instructions
1.
Combine
liquid ingredients and pour over bread slices.
2.
Cover
and refrigerate at least one hour.
3.
Remove
bread and discard liquid.
4.
Spread
butter on flat grill.
5.
Cook
bread until golden brown, then bake at 450 degrees for 5-7 minutes or until
bread is puffed up like a soufflé.
6.
Dust
with powdered sugar and serve immediately.
Serves: 6 people
The inside space is darling, and you can’t miss the amazing abalone shell fireplace. It’s perfect for when there’s a little chill in the air.
Here’s a little Hollywood fact. Gregory Peck was born and raised in La Jolla and started the renown La Jolla Playhouse. Here he is sitting right near where the Brockton Villa is, in the area known as La Jolla Cove.
There's so much history in this little town!
Brockton’s location is amazing!
And right across the street you'll find a few of these little guys!
La Jolla is very close to San Diego,
so if you're in the area, make sure you stop by!
ciao! fabiana
