While investigating suite's amenities, Mom and I were wonderfully surprised to find a lovely basket of fresh fruit, cheese, and crackers for our enjoyment. Our room has a large walk-in closet that also serves as clever hiding place for honor bar. The Inn complimentarily stocks it with a variety of soda and water bottles. During our adventures around town, they graciously replenished our supply. The complimentary bottle of champagne coupon that we downloaded from their website was certainly used to add that extra relaxing feeling to our stay. Yes, you can also do same. (http://www.inglesideinn.com)

While sipping our champagne, munching on bits of cheese and wandering around gardens and verandas, we educated ourselves about history of Inn through vintage photo reproductions that are displayed throughout passageways.

Ruth Hardy originally purchased property as her private residence in 1930s. She was Palm Springs councilwoman who was responsible for lighted palm trees along Palm Canyon Drive. One of her passions was playing hostess to dozens of film stars and celebrities. Unlike other "happening" places at time, reservations were not taken. One could only stay if personally invited by Ms. Hardy. Her list of acceptable guests included likes of Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, and Howard Hughes, to only name a few. Unfortunately, after her death Inn fell into disrepair.

Because of Inn's surviving mystique and character, in 1975, after only 15 minutes of looking at property, Melvyn Haber from New York purchased it. After spending a small fortune restoring, remodeling, refurbishing, and redecorating Inn, he reopened its doors to all guests - well-known and unknown - equally. You can enjoy this well-documented adventure by reading his entertaining book, "Bedside Stories From The Ingleside Inn, by Mel Haber". This book journeys through steps and mis-steps of getting

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Carolyn Proctor, Jetsetters Magazine Editor – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com

Kim and Don Tatera, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com

Did I mention that La Jolla has some of best shopping, restaurants and museums? Energized with our great night's sleep, we enjoyed glorious majestic coastline of sandstone cliffs, searching for sea shells on beach, and even hiking trails rewarding us with perfect scenery and exercise.

But it was our dining experience at Hilton's Torreyana Grille and Lounge that rivaled meaning of word perfection.

We started out with Dungeness Crab Cakes served over Baby Maché with Tamarind Chili Sauce and Mango Puree. This savory delight was followed by their Local Baby Spinach and Arugula Salad with California Blue Cheese, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Sundried Strawberries, Red Onions and Toasted Pine Nuts. But it was our entrées that were prepared to perfection. I enjoyed succulent Pan Seared Veal Loin Medallions with Dijon mustard and Vermouth Sauce. My husband, Steve, feasted upon Colorado Rack of Lamb, Pan Roasted Double Chops, crusted with honey mustard and fresh herbs with Merlot au jus.

Our meal was made more perfect because "Chef de Cuisine", Joe Saldana, came to our table and extended his generous hospitality to us. He exuded great love for his profession, his restaurant, and his guests. The very art of providing fine cuisine and making something delicious is one of greatest civilized acts of love. Chef Joe Saldana has mastered this art to perfection.

Besides offering a most perfect gourmet dining experience, Torreyana Grille hosted a "Mixed Media" exhibition, curated by StudioGallery. The exhibition offered Hilton's guests, art collectors, and art lovers a wide variety of works that featured local, national, and international, young, and emerging, as well as established artists. One of my favorites was Amy Lindquist who featured her art as mixed media on canvas.

Amy is quoted as saying, "Life is happening at a rapid pace, yet calmness and belonging is always found. I will never stop believing in goodness of life, truth. There is always hope and a knowing of grace and things to come. To look beyond and see, to look beyond and feel, to look beyond and know we are never alone. It is simplicity of quiet that brings introspection and integrity of mind. I see things differently because of what I remember in moments, in shadows, in colors or maybe gestures. I see beyond surface and into depth. Painting captures my spirit in doing, in that I find freedom, in sharing I find acceptance." Amy Lindquist's paintings were yet another demonstration of Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines perfecting art of hospitality.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention grand and spacious new banquet facility that general manager, Stephen Gold, oversaw to completion in 2003. The architecture blends its perfect harmony with undulating curves and pristine views of Torrey Pines property. The banquet rooms take your breath away with their beautiful décor and inspiring views of Pacific Ocean and golf course.

The hotel also provides 26,000 sq. ft. of function space in 21 rooms to accommodate up to 1,500 people and over 17,000 square feet of flexible outdoor function space. But it is without a doubt that Mr. Gold's 6,203-square-foot Fairway Pavilion Ballroom overlooking 18th fairway of Torrey Pines Golf Course is unsurpassed in banquet and meeting facilities.

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Janice Wilson, Jetsetters Magazine Editor – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com

Janice Wilson, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com