New, Now, Next: La Jolla

Lucien, the debut restaurant from chef/owner Elijah Arizmendi, just began welcoming guests in the heart of La Jolla on Girard Avenue. The restaurant’s $260 tasting menu experience, served Tuesday through Saturday evenings on the third floor of La Plaza La Jolla, offers an intimate fine dining experience deeply rooted in California’s micro-seasons, with each dish designed around ingredients at peak ripeness — sourced through close, ongoing relationships with local farmers, fishermen, and artisans. A wood-fired hearth anchors the kitchen, blending primitive fire with the refined technique Chef Arizmendi honed in kitchens such as Spago, Robuchon, Per Se, Restaurant Daniel, and Gunter Seeger. Reservations are available online via OpenTable.

Perched on the bluffs at the top of La Jolla Shores Drive is the new Destiny Coast, offering an elevated coastal dining experience led by visionary chef Melissa Chickerneo, whose culinary background includes top dining destinations and a global clientele. The menu celebrates Pacific Coast flavors, with locally sourced ingredients, health-forward smoothies, and daily fresh-baked indulgences. Already open from 7:30am to 3:30pm, sunset menu service is set to join the lineup beginning August 6. 

At their July board meeting, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego officially welcomed new Board President Maryanne C. Pfister and offered thanks to outgoing president Steve M. Strauss for his three years of service working to refine the museum’s operations after its most recent renovation and expansion, completed in 2022. Pfister joined the board in 2006 and has been a vice president for ten years. She has chaired the Advancement Committee and Capital Campaign Committee, helping raise funds to support the institution and its recent expansion. The Pfister Gallery, featuring the museum’s treasured California Light and Space collection, is named in honor of Pfister and her husband, Irwin’s, generous support. 

La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, a landmark coastal retreat with a 90-year legacy, is in the midst of a $60 million resort-wide transformation of both the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club and its sister property, the La Jolla Shores Hotel. The first phase of the project, focused on La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, has recently revealed enhanced key areas including the pool and deck, restaurant and bar, and back-of-the-house facilities. The reimagined pool deck now features a more open layout with expanded seating options, including private cabanas and stylish chaise lounges. Cozy teak banquettes and long upholstered seats provide ample space to gather, relax, and enjoy the coastal surroundings. 

On September 27 from 3 to 7pm, RCG Art Advisory presents a pop-up art exhibition and charity event to raise money for Park Horse Project, a foundation that provides equine therapy for individuals with Parkinson’s disease, autism, and other health challenges. The exhibition, titled The Presence in Paint, features artwork by emerging artists available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds going to the nonprofit. The event will feature food, cocktails, an opportunity to meet the horses on the property, and to also meet and hear from the artists. RSVP to advisory@rcgartadvisory.com to confirm attendance and receive the address of the private La Jolla residence. 

La Jolla 101, a quarterly gathering of residents, business owners, city organizers, and nonprofit leaders, will next meet on September 27 from 5:30 to 7:30pm at Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty, located at 1111 Prospect Avenue, Suite 100. The group will hold a brief ceremony to remember those who died in the terrorist attacks on 9/11. Founded by real estate agent Amber Anderson, La Jolla 101 comes together for evenings of meaningful connection, conversation, and collaboration including panel discussions on local issues with curated wine tastings. Plus, beginning this month, La Jolla 101 will launch luxury, scenic 90-minute golf cart tours to showcase the community’s history, beaches, culture, and community.

By Mia Park & Andrea Naversen