GREAT EATS HAWAII: AMAYA - THE GRAND DEL MAR

Sunday, October 14, 2012

AMAYA - THE GRAND DEL MAR

AMAYA

THE GRAND DEL MAR

AMAYA

THE GRAND DEL MAR

858-314-2727
HOURS: Breakfast 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM

A La Carte Brunch (SAT/SUN 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM)

Lunch: 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM

Intermezzo: 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Dinner: 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM

www.thegranddelmar.com

Amaya is The Grand Del Mar's casual all day dining restaurant that is surrounded by the Grand's Mediterranean inspired architecture. The website states that dining experience here will whisk you off to the feeling of being on the coast of Spain, Italy or France. I would agree. Dining on the terrace at Amaya did feel like being somewhere other than San Diego County. If the weather is good, the outdoor patio is the place to be. There is comfortable seating inside but being on the terrace lets you smell the trees, take in the sun and relax in a beautiful setting. The staff is friendly and courteous from the time you approach the hostess stand until the time you walk out the door. On my first visit to Amaya I saw Huevos Rancheros on the menu and was done. I was craving something Mexican. Ordered the Huevos Rancheros without even looking at the other menu items. At $16 I was expecting something a little more tasty. The dish was bland but was saved by the two slices of thick bacon on the side. The bacon was full of flavor. Probably would not order this dish again. On my second visit I went for the Dungeness Crab Benedict ($21). A bit expensive but the crab and hollandaise sauce were excellent. Would order this dish over and over again. Loved the fresh avocado and tomatoes. Amaya is expensive but it is worth the price if you take your time and enjoy a Bloody Mary or glass of champagne. I could sit here for hours and just take in the day with great friends.