At Home with Jeff and Jodi Mastro

Arizona residents Jeff and Jodi Mastro fell in love with Coronado in 2010 after vacationing there with friends in a rented 1940s-era bungalow. Eight years later they purchased a new California coastal-style home which, ironically, had been built on the very same spot after the bungalow was torn down. Why Coronado? “We love the feel of a small town with the big city just a ferry ride away,” notes Jodi.

Their vacation home in Coronado is also close to Del Mar’s uber popular Steak 48, owned and operated by their Arizona-based business, Prime Steak Concepts. Jeff and his brother Michael, both James Beard-nominated, grew up in the restaurant business with their father.

“Steak 48 is more of the current version of a great American steakhouse, a warm contemporary interior with great, interesting, and fun food and lots of energy,” says Jeff. “I love to see our guests come together and converse and laugh and just have fun in our places. I love to make people happy.” His favorites include New York strip steaks, Chef Marc Lupino’s meatballs, crispy shrimp deviled eggs, caviar cones, corn crème brûlée and the “beignet tree.”

The company is known for giving generously to nonprofits by donating dinners and other culinary experiences at fundraisers. “It is our passion to give back,” says Jeff. “All our [resaurants] do charity events every year — helping children, fighting cancer, just doing what we can.”

Like their steakhouses, the couple’s Coronado home is a gathering space for friends and family, including their three adult sons who often visit. There is plenty of room for entertaining, whether playing games on the cozy front porch, sipping drinks on the rooftop deck with expansive views of this coastal town, or relaxing in the spacious backyard. The couple gutted the yard, installing a larger covered patio, fireplace, and pool with the help of contractor Kraig Nicolls of Nicolls Design Build and Joe Marsh with Catalina Pools.

The kitchen adjoining the living room is also a favorite spot, given the family’s roots in the restaurant business. The couple renovated the space with the help of Bungalow 56 Living, a Coronado-based design firm with a showroom and shop along Orange Avenue, owned by Karyn Molina and Jessica Nicolls, Kraig’s wife. Molina says Bungalow 56 is known for its California coastal aesthetic, layered neutrals, and organic textures. The Mastros’ kitchen reflects that philosophy, featuring white oak cabinetry, marble counters, a quartzite island, and dining table.

“Jodi is the chef,” says Jeff, but Jodi adds, “Honestly, we both are.” Favorites include steak, meatballs, and pasta, and when dining out, plenty of seafood. Jeff is an avid runner, having completed 40 marathons. “I am his biggest cheerleader,” says Jodi. The Mastros also stay in shape with pickleball and bicycle rides to the Hotel del Coronado. 

“Coronado Dreamin’” reads a sign in the couple’s family room. For the Mastros, that dream has come true.