Archive for January, 2008
Argyle Steakhouse: Aviara Fine Dining
January 19th, 2008 Categories: Aviara, Carlsbad, Luxury Resorts, San Diego
The Argyle Steakhouse at the Aviara Four Seasons Resort in Carlsbad, CA has long been a family favorite. The food is sublime, the views are exquisite and the ambiance is casually elegant. It was and is the perfect place for leisurely breakfasts and business lunches.
Of course, it is also part of Aviara Four Seasons, and we would expect nothing less from Aviaras premier resort.
This Aviara restaurant has been a favorite with golfers, locals and visitors since it first opened its doors in 1991. It is now the only chop house in Carlsbad serving dinner with lovely views over both Batiquitos Lagoon and Aviaras beautiful Arnold Palmer signature golf course.
Prior to December, 2006, the Argyle served only breakfast, lunches and fabulous Sunday brunches.
The newly-named Argyle Steakbouse now offers so much more, including a knock-out dinner menu.
This evening fare, crafted by Chef Kurtis Habecker, offers an array of fine seafood, fowl, with a keen focus on beef from noted sources, including the richly-marbled American version of Kobe beef otherwise known as Wagyu.
Diners appreciate the extensive complementary wine list. Side dishes are traditional and a devilishly decadent desert menu is available for the reckless and the courageous.
Soft jazz floats through the refurbished dining room that sports red leather-topped tables, set with offerings of Hawaiian red sea salt and impressive Laguiole steak knives.
Lunches range from $12 to $25, and dinners from $25 to $78.
The Argyle at The Four Seasons at Aviara is located at 7447 Batiquitos Drive, Carlsbad, CA and reservations may be made by calling 760 603 6908.
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Coronado Shores Condos: Living High
January 15th, 2008 Categories: Real Estate News
Years ago, when I first considered moving to Southern California from Houston, I used to stay with friends at the Coronado Shores on Coronado which sat just across the bay from downtown San Diego.
My friends Coronado Shores condo didnt overlook the San Diego skyline (which it might have done had it been across the hall); rather, it overlooked the Pacific Ocean and the glorious beach below.
These Coronado high rises reminded me of the oceanfront complexes in Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach, where my parents lived at the time.
Just as with the Pompano Beach Club, I loved the secure and guarded entry, the lovely lobby, and the elevator which whipped us up to one of the upper floors. I loved stepping into the unit and never tired of seeing the immediate eye-popping view of the blue ocean out the balcony sliding glass door.
I loved these high rise buildings in Coronado years ago, and still do today.
The Coronado Shores complex stands adjacent to and just south of the famed Hotel del Coronado. It is an oceanfront enclave of ten 15-story high rise condominium buildings. Each building is run by its own association, and has its own common areas and recreation facilities.
Built in the 1960s and 1970s, the Shores are highly desired because of the views they offer and their exquisite location at one of the finest beaches in the world. It is also difficult to imagine that luxury high rises such as these could be built along any San Diego beach today.
And that is why the Coronado Shores remain such a treasure today.
Each high rise has its own personality and name:
La Sierra
Las Flores
El Camino
La Playa
La Perla
El Mirador
La Princesa
Cabrillo
El Encanto
Las Palmas
Prices for condominiums at the Coronado Shores vary depending upon size, view and amenities, but as of this writing start at around $765,000 for a one bedroom unit and go all the way up to $3.3 million for a 1400+ square foot ocean view corner penthouse unit with to-die-for ocean views.
Homeowner fees for the Coronado Shores will depend upon the building and its association, but will generally include cable/TV services, common area maintenance, exterior building maintenance, security, hot water, insurance, sewer, trash pick up , water and gated grounds. They will generally range from $450 to 790 per month, depending upon unit size, location and tower.
For additional reading about Coronado and its offerings, you may also wish to read:
Coronado Recreation and Activities
Coronado Village Elementary School
For additional information about the Coronado Shores or available listings in the towers, call Mike or Roberta Murphy at 760-402-9101/9102 or 877-818-8197.
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Moving to La Jolla, California?
January 12th, 2008 Categories: La Jolla, San Diego Relocation
Some cities are the embodiment of luxury, and La Jolla, California is no exception.
La Jolla is a paradise for both the traveler and the resident. Sitting just north of coastal San Diego, it offers a breathtaking coastline with heart-stopping views.
Add to this natural beauty a world-class village, designer shopping and boutiques, fine dining and lodging, a top-ranked university (UCSD) and medical school along with a climate that is arguably the best on earth and you have The Jewel, or La Jolla as Spaniards once called it.
Undoubtedly, La Jolla real estate is expensive and luxury buyers from all over the world would like to 
own some of their own. And with the declining dollar, more and more foreign buyers are considering La Jolla a prime real estate target.
With a population standing at around 35,000, there is a strong sense of community pride and connection with the outdoors, which averages an annual balmy 74 degrees.
La Jolla beaches are some of the most exquisite in the world, and range from the ever-beautiful and seal-populated La Jolla Cove, to the craggy cliffs at Blacks Beach, the sandy expanses at La Jolla Shores and the tide pools and surfing at Windansea. All offer stunning beauty and year-round photographic opportunities.
La Jolla real estate prices stood at a median of $663,000 in 2000-and have since mushroomed to over $1.4 million median, with average prices for a La Jolla single family home standing at over $1.8 million as of April 1, 2007.
What about day-to-day living in La Jolla for residents? Its a university town, its a world class destination, and its a certain heaven for local residents.
Aside from the cultural offerings, the top-tier shopping, the beaches and the dining opportunities, there are also wonderful educational choices for families with children. The schools in La Jolla, both public and private, are very highly regarded throughout San Diego County:
Public Schools
La Jolla Elementary School, 1111 Marine Street, La Jolla, 92037
Bird Rock Elementary School, 5731 La Jolla Hermosa Ave, La Jolla, 92037
Torrey Pines Elementary School, 8750 Cliffridge Ave., La Jolla 92037
Muirlands Middle School, 1056 Nautilus Street, La Jolla, 92037
La Jolla High School, 750 Nautilus Street (corner of Nautilus and Fay), La Jolla, 92037
Private Schools
Stella Maris Academy, 7654 Herschel Ave., La Jolla 92037
The Childrens School, 2225 Torrey Pines Lane, La Jolla 92037
All Hallows Academy, 2390 Nautilus Ave., La Jolla 92037
Delphi Academy, 7527 Cuvier St., La Jolla 92037
The Gillespie School, 7380 Girard Ave., La Jolla 92037
La Jolla Country Day School, 9490 Genesee Ave., La Jolla, 92037
The Bishops School, 7607 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla, 92037
Many are interested in La Jolla real estate and investment opportunities. The following links may provide some assistance:
La Jolla and North San Diego County Market Report
La Jolla and San Diego Home Sale Statistics
San Diego Real Estate
Search La Jolla Real Estate and MLS
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Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Bargains?
January 12th, 2008 Categories: Luxury Homes, Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego
It may be hard to consider any Rancho Santa Fe (92067) real estate a bargain, when single family Rancho Santa Fe homes start at $1.15 million and currently peak at $29.9 million.
Moreover, only 16 of the current 167 active listings in RSF are priced under $2 million.
Hardly the bargain bin of real estate.
Still, we have bumped into a few notable buys:
- A 3220 square foot Del Rayo Downs home in Rancho Santa Fe was purchased for $1.74 million on 3/14/2006. It is vacant, in lovely condition and has been reduced to $1.395. The owner will even consider a trade.
- A gated, private and single story Mediterranean estate with over 5000 square feet on one acre just closed escrow at $2.1 million. It needed TLC, but the lots and bones were probably worth the total price. Located just outside Fairbanks Ranch.
- A 19.4-acre gated Covenant estate was listed at $29.5 million last August and closed escrow at a paltry $21 million last month. It was reportedly a cash sale.
- A Notice of Default has been filed against a lovely and very spacious 3-bedroom Rancho Santa Fe condo that has recently been reduced to around $1.2 million. I am already calling clients on this one.
- Another Rancho Santa Fe townhome was reportedly purchased for $1.675 million in the summer of 2005. It is now on the market at a value range of $1.3 to $1.4 million, has assumable financing, and guaranteed golf membership in the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club .
Do we expect Rancho Santa Fe real estate pricing to fall off a cliff?
Not hardly.
But it is certainly worth ones time to scour the market to find sound values such as these.
Moreover, many who are home shopping now instead of buying two years ago can thank their lucky stars.
If you would like more information on Rancho Santa Fe real estate, just give me a call at 760-402-9101 or 877-818-8197. You may also email me: roberta@sandiegopreviews.com
Read also:
Luxury Builder Claims 2007 Worst in 40 Years
San Diego Irresistible to Ex-Pats and Foreigners
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Cirque de Soleil Corteo Coming to San Diego
January 8th, 2008 Categories: Del Mar, San Diego Events
Back in late November or early December, I had tried to snag six tickets for one of Cirque de Soleil’s Corteo upcoming performances in Del Mar , but they were sold out–at least for anything approaching normal tickets.
Bummer, thought I. What a great Christmas gift it would be for the family and for my dad, now 87. Another opportunity lost.
In a rare spirit of defeat, I decided to forget about Corteo and the spirited fun of Cirque de Soleil. It just wasn’t meant to be.
Imagine my delight just before Christmas when hubby Mike confided that he had snagged six third row tickets for Corteo on February 5. Apparently, the troupe had decided to hold over their joyous funeral performance for a few more days–and that presented the magical door of opportunity for Mike to maker some dreams come true.
Now, just imagine the happiness when we announced that triumph to the family and my Dad!
Corteo premiers in San Diego on January 11, 2008 for a limited engagement at Del Mar Fairgrounds that now runs through February 10. Describes by the Los Angeles Times as “celestial entertainment for all ages,” Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo is a joyous procession or parade as imagined by a clown. The clown dreams of his own funeral occurring in a carnival atmosphere, guarded by lovely caring angels.
The playful and lyrical music moves Corteo through a celebration in which illusion toys with reality.
Cirque du Soleil currently has 15 unique and distinctive shows playing around the world. Wildly successful, this production company has played before over 60 million spectators from over 100 cities from around the world since 1984.
Are we excited about third row tickets to Corteo?
Without a doubt!
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