SD | A.R. Valentien: An Unexpectedly Amazing Meal 🌅✨

With 4th of July plans up in the air and last-minute P-mode kicking in, I was frantically calling places near UCSD as the sunset glowed. Found this Michelin-recommended spot that took walk-ins—I rushed over thinking, “Even if the food’s average, the ocean view will save it.” But wow, was I wrong—it was incredible! This is French-inspired cuisine, a far cry from typical hotel-American fare (goodbye, crab cakes and BBQ wings). 😂 The kanpachi and duck were absolute standouts—even our table of four Cantonese food lovers were thoroughly impressed. The halibut came with tender pea shoots, and the scallops were beautifully plated and delicious. Best part? The whole meal for four, all included, came to just $474. Unbeatable value for this level of cooking and setting. Sometimes the unplanned meals turn out to be the most memorable. ❤️🍽️ #Food #LifeAbroad #FoodPhotography #LADiningGuide #SoCalLife #HiddenGems #FrenchCuisine #LAEats #DateNightSpot #MichelinRecommended