Ever wonder about the restaurant business in this town?  How PR works?  Well, here’s a great example.  The February issue of San Diego Magazine sports a cover story headlined “Kiss the Cook, 6 Top Chefs Dish Up Date Food Secrets” with a photo of Chef Jason Shaeffer (of 1500 Ocean at The Hotel Del Coronado) and his girlfriend Chelsea Clark.  Disclaimer time:  Jason is a friend of mine and a damned good chef.

What bothers me terribly is this:  The writer of the piece, Executive Editor Ron Donoho, is married to the public relations director of The Hotel Del, where, Jason is Chef de Cuisine. Hard to believe also that in this issue, 1500 Ocean is reviewed by Robin Kleven Dishon.  Am I the only person who thinks this is all too cozy?  Is it just a coincidence that 1500 Ocean is getting so much ink in one issue by the Executive Editor?  How does it affect the credibility of all concerned?