Walking tours are a wonderful way to discover a new location, especially when they include tasty pit stops at local restaurants! Here we join Barb Trenchi of So Cal Food Tours as she hosts a memorable afternoon of yummy bites and historical insights.
Duration: 3-3.5 hours Distance: 1.5 miles Price: $100 per person.
1. Tent City Murals at Glorietta Bay Marina
The tour begins at the ultra scenic Glorietta Bay Marina with a welcome bottle of mineral water and tote bag courtesy of Boney’s Bayside Market. Today we meet locals Bobbie, Shellee and Heidi, plus Coronado Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rena Clancy (blue dress) and her Director of Events Kerri Dowling (pink top).
Imagine: Tent City is a stunning tiled mural created by artist Todd Stands. Evocative images take us back in time to Coronado’s unique and bustling vacation encampment, which offered holiday-makers an affordable and highly entertaining alternative to the Hotel del Coronado from 1900 to 1938.
Walking tours aren’t just for tourists – even Coronado locals were cooing, “Oooh, I didn’t know that!” as Barb shared fascinating facts about how this magical island was first inhabited.
2. Glorietta Bay Inn
Next stop: the Glorietta Bay Inn, a designated Coronado Historic Landmark, opened in 1908 as the dream home of sugar baron J.D. Spreckels. This visionary businessman invested $500k in developing the Hotel Del and bestowed Coronado with its library, several parks and the largest commercial building on Orange Avenue. The tour includes a peek at his elegant Music Room.
3. Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar
The Brig is a locals’ favorite, especially during Happy Hour which runs Mon 3pm-close and Tue-Fri + Sun from 3pm-6pm. Whether you take a casual seat at the bar or are joining a group celebration on the patio, you can relax and enjoy quality fare, just steps from the Del and the beach.
Tour treat: You will experience one of The Brig’s Famous Fish Tacos – grilled or in a crispy batter, served with shredded cabbage, cheddar, salsa fresca, corn tortillas and ranch dressing. Don’t forget that tangy squeeze of lime to bring out the freshness!
On your next visit: Try the Grilled Sonoran Spiced Swordfish Tacos or Crispy Lobster Tempura Tacos with marinated cucumber-jicama salad and cilantro remoulade on blue corn tortillas, served with garlic truffle fries.
4. Nado Republic
Nado Republic is a charming Italian restaurant with whimsical “living room” decor and attentive service. Chef Giorgio Corletti has worked with some of the best chefs at Michelin-starred restaurants in Rome and creates ever-evolving but always authentic recipes.
Tour treat: Rigantoni (or gluten-free Penne) Bolognese with a rich tomato/red wine sauce and Ravioli Cacio e Pepe – the creamy, sheep’s milk cheese sauce accented with black pepper was a big hit with the group.
On your next visit: Say “cin cin” with a Venetian Spritz as you enjoy Polpette meatballs with a marinara sauce or Brussel Sprouts with lemon and pecorino cheese. One of the main attractions is Veal Saltinbocca with butter and sage, wrapped in prosciutto and served with seasonal veggies.
5. Nado Gelato Cafe
Nado Gelato Cafe serves hand-crafted, artisanal Italian gelato, made in small quantities to ensure freshness. New recipes are added regularly based on seasonal ingredients, like the mouth-watering Marscapone Lemon Zest!
Tour treat: Choose a scoop from over 20 options including amaretto or mojito! Kerri, Rena and Shellee loved every silken spoonful.
On your next visit: Try a waffle cone with the pistachio or hazelnut gelato – the nuts that create that signature flavor come from Italy!
6. Pacific Western Bank 7. Star Park 8. Hotel Marisol
From the grand, neo classical Pacific Western Bank (1911) to the Spanish eclectic Marisol Boutique Hotel (1927), via L. Frank Baum’s lemon-painted clapboard house on Star Park (the author spent two winters here while working on sequels to the Wizard of Oz), the tour wends around Coronado’s picturesque neighborhoods, while offering time to smell the roses…
9. Coronado Taste of Oils
Coronado Taste of Oils offers the highest quality, health-giving EVOO, and all manner of foodie delights. One of the advantages of visiting a gourmet wonderland with new friends is the lively exchange of recipes, including easy tips for salad dressings, marinades and dipping oils.
Tour treat: Peruse an inspired collection of organic vinegars (including Golden Pineapple and Cranberry Pear White Balsamic) then add a splash to your glass of Prosecco or sparkling water – such a fun way to liven up your dinner party drink menu! Added bonus: So Cal Food Tour participants get 10% discount on all purchases!
Prior to your next visit: Check out the recipes on the Coronado Taste of Oils Tasty Blog so you can select the products to create tempting dishes like Sicilian Lemon Balsamic & Rosemary Olive Oil Shepherd’s Pie – perfect for a cool Fall night!
10. Wine A Bit
Offering exceptional wines from around the world, Wine A Bit has an indoor bar, patio seating and unique gift items for the wine-lover in your life!
Tour treat: This is a fun one: you will be presented with a wine tasting card and a description of your options, ranging from Chateau Beauregard Semillon to Midnight Cellars’ Merlot. You then slot your card into the dispenser and make your selection, with the pour amount varying according to the price point. Between sips you will enjoy a tasty cheese and cracker board. Note: If wine is not your cup of tea, you can trade your tasting for one of the amazing truffles, like this festive Birthday Cake design!
On your next visit: Indulge in fine wine and flatbreads while swaying to the music of Mocha Tones – musical duet La Don Jones and Barbara Linett appear every Friday and Saturday from 6-9pm, creating a special atmosphere with their blend R&B, pop, country and jazz standards.
Now it’s your turn to take the tour!
SO CAL FOOD TOURS with BARB TRENCHI
When: Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays @2pm
Duration: 3-3.5 hours
Starts: Tent City Murals, 1715 Strand Way, Coronado, CA 92118
Ends: Wine A Bit, 928 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
Walking Distance: 1.5 miles of mostly flat streets
Ticket Price: $100 per person
