Imagine a candlelight dinner in a quaint French bistro, white table linens, the murmur of quiet conversation, a faint ocean breeze flowing through open windows; you’re dining on roasted duck in cherry sauce, peppered filet mignon, or vanilla Infused sea scallops paired with your favorite wine. If this is your kind of magical night, a visit to romantic Chez Loma on Coronado Island is the place to go for simple, but elegant authentic French cuisine in an intimate setting.
The Ambiance
Chez Loma Restaurant, a block off Orange Avenue, is located just blocks from the ocean at the corner of Loma Avenue and Loma Lane. It is set in a beautifully refurbished white Victorian house that blends seamlessly into a neighborhood of similar homes. Architect and restaurant partner Andres Girault supervised the restoration of every elegant detail in this historic home-turned-restaurant creating a charmingly subtle ambiance that complements their French inspired cuisine. Chez Loma aims to make their guests’ dining experiences memorable and special.
The Food
Chef and restaurant partner Alejandro Martinez knows that great food begins with great ingredients. Being both a chef and half-owner of the restaurant, he has a deep commitment to getting it right. Ingredients start with wild catch fish (no farm-raised fish here) and humanely raised cattle. These staples are lovingly and skillfully prepared in a traditional manner that lets the flavors of the ingredients speak for themselves. From phyllo-crusted crab cake with white wine beurre blanc to rack of lamb with honey lavender carrots to red wine pears with orange mascarpone and caramelized almonds, diners will experience a scintillating expression of flavors.
Dinners at Chez Loma may not strike the fancy of children so much, but weekend brunches cater to the whole family. Adults will still enjoy the sophisticated, flavorful preparation of dishes like a smoked salmon crepe with herbed cream cheese and citrus vinaigrette or roasted duck tacos with avocado cream, fontina cheese, and a spicy sauce; but children will also delight in a whole grain waffle with honey pecan butter and bacon. The house burger with pomme frites (French fries) can be ordered with fancy additions on the side instead of on the burger for the child’s less appreciative palate.
The Details
Chez Loma Restaurant features an eclectic brunch menu that is sure to please everyone Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9:30 to 2:00. The kiddies can enjoy juices or chocolate milk with their meals, and adult beverages include cappuccino, espresso, mimosa, Bloody Mary, and more. There is no outdoor dining, but a wall of large windows opens to the fresh air outdoors. There is space out front for bicycles, if you care to ride to brunch, and then on to the beach. The restaurant opens for dinner at 5:00 every day, but closes at 8:30 Sunday through Wednesday and 9:00 Thursday through Saturday.
The Neighborhood
After brunch or dinner, a right on Loma Avenue takes you a block to Orange Avenue. If you turn right on Orange, you’ll follow it a couple blocks directly to the historic Hotel Del and the expansive Coronado Beach, both worthy experiences on their own. If you turn left on Orange instead, you’ll be a block from the iconic Lamb’s Players Theater that showcases five productions a year. Dinner at Chez Loma and tickets to Lamb’s Players Theater is a winning combination. Just a stroll along Orange Avenue is an experience in itself with an eclectic mix of interesting boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries.
Thanks to Michelle Grimord Eggers for the photos.