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Tops on my list for special occasions is Addison, not only the sole Michelin three-star in Southern California, but one of just six in California and only 14 in the United States. Dining here, with picturesque views of the surrounding hillsides at the ultra-luxe Fairmont Grand Del Mar, is a vacation in itself. addisondelmar.com Over the decades, I have had many lovely lunches and dinners at Rancho Santa Fe's Mille Fleurs, where longtime owner Bertrand Hug and his lovely wife, Denise, are local royalty. e food and service are first rate. On weekend nights, Randy Beecher is still tickling the ivories in the piano lounge as locals and visitors alike sing along. e Ranch's own "piano man" just marked 30 years at Mille Fleurs. millefleurs.com I love Vaga at Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas because of its coastal setting, striking dining room, friendly but professional service, and especially, delicious, inventive cuisine. My husband and I attended the unveiling of Vaga's seasonal menu in March which focused on the element of fire. ink: roasted, toasted, and smoke-infused. Curated by Chef Claudette Zepeda, Chef Ananda Bareno, and their talented team, the five-course dinner began with a smoky specialty cocktail and ended with a decadent dessert that included toasting marshmallows right at our table. I can't wait to taste what Chef Zepeda and team do next! (See page 39 for details about Vaga's earth-inspired menu in June.) vagarestaurant.com I'm also a huge fan of Valle, a relative newcomer on the culinary scene, located in the Mission Pacific Hotel in Oceanside. Recognized in the Michelin Guide, Valle is led by Executive Chef Roberto Alcocer, who hails from Mexico's famed Valle de Guadalupe wine region where he owns the acclaimed Malva Cocina de Roberto Alcocer. Valle features a fresh, seasonal prix- fixe four-course dinner and an eight-course tasting menu paired with the Valle's best wines. I especially enjoy the "Chef 's Table," a more intimate experience with Chef Alcocer and staff offered on Friday and Saturday evenings. is chef also has a giving heart, having launched "12 Chefs Before Christmas," inviting guest chefs to prepare six-course dinners over two nights to benefit the Autism Society of San Diego and an orphanage in Valle de Guadalupe. valleoceanside.com Encinitas Mainstays BOB STEFANKO, PUBLISHER Living within walking distance to Moonlight Beach and Swami's has its perks, but it's the walk two blocks east to Coast Highway 101 that excites this food enthusiast. Having been in the neighborhood for more than a decade, I've watched the exciting ways that dining in downtown Encinitas has evolved. Today, it's hands-down the best it's ever been. A personal favorite even since before it was just paces from my front door is Encinitas Café, which has been serving breakfast, >> Mille Fleurs @ranchandcoast RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE JUNE 2023 59