Addison, the over-the-top restaurant at The Grand Del Mar recently hosted a lovely media holiday party.  The restaurant just became San Diego’s first and only recipient of the AAA Five Diamond Award.  Executive chef  William Bradley (who is getting married next September) and master sommelier Jesse Rodriguez were on hand to meet and greet.  Locavores may not rave about Bradley’s use of Iranian caviar even though  he feels it’s the best.  I wonder, however, when it is served with chopped egg, onion and other diversions, as it was at the party, can one really detect the delicate quality of the eggs?   On the wine side, Rodriguez created some wonderful house blends–ones that he has traveled the world to make (with top producers) especially for the restaurant.  Addison’s service, as well, is worth the trip and the setting, especially at night, makes a lovely diversion from the hectic daily grind.  5200 Grand Del Mar Way, 858-314-1900.

Well-known ex-food critic of the Union Tribune, Maria Hunt has been named Wine & Spirits editor at Ranch & Coast Magazine.

More holiday cheer:

The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe celebrates its history with a new 200 page cookbook that features the culinary talent of executive chef John Beriker.  Written by Ranch & Coast’s Food Editor, Maria Desiderata Montana, the book includes many of the Inn’s famous dishes, all with photos to whet your appetite.  Sounds like a perfect gift and it can be ordered online from the Inn starting December 18, for $29.95.  For more information:  858-756-1131.

Ring in the New Year with dinner at Cafe Chloe.  Two seatings:  6pm seating features five courses for $65 and the 9:30pm includes six courses and a Champagne toast for $85.  Weekdays, they offer their Four, Five Six menu from 4pm to 6pm with appetizers and a small selection of wine and beer at $4, $5 and $6. 721 Ninth Avenue, 619-232-3242.

Over in North Park, Sea Rocket Bistro, has a three-course New Year’s Eve dinner for $25! Draft beers will be $3 and Champagne will be served at midnight.  You’ll be able to see New Year’s celebrations around the world on their large screen tv. 3382 30th Avenue, 619-255-7049.

Wine Vault & Bistro brings in the New Year with two seatings:  4:15pm starts the Champagne reception for the 5pm seating ($65) and the later one begins at 8:30pm with the reception and dinner at 9pm ($95).  For reservations and information:  619-295-3535.

Don’t forget if you have a favorite place, check with them to see what dining options they may have for the holidays.

The holidays can be crazy so why not take time out from the shopping frenzy and treat yourself to something a little different:

Eclipse Chocolat serves up a very interesting dinner for $40 on December 13:  A five course Creole Christmas Dinner that sounds very intriguing and includes fried plantain with chile-burnt caramel sauce and jambalaya with smoked beef-cocoa nib sausage.  Reservations and information:  2121 El Cajon Boulevard, 619-578-2984.

Roseville offers holiday lunch on Friday December 19, from noon to 2pm.  For reservations and information:  619-450-6800.

Tender Greens offers homemade cannoli (with house-made ricotta), pies and, all lovingly prepared by executive pastry chef, Sue Brandenburg who also happens to be the mom of co-owner Rian.  If you’ve not been to Tender Greens at Liberty Station, it’s very good food, nothing more than $10 and even a boutique wine list.

Down in the Gaslamp, Ivy Hotel calls it a Happier Hour.  it’s a good way to beat the down economy with $5 cocktails, half-priced bar menu items and select wines by the glass.  Available Sunday through Friday from 4pm to 9pm.  Ivy Hotel, 600 F Street, 619-814-2000.

La Hadas now occupies the former Chive location and offers happy hours from 5pm to 7pm as well as 10  pm to midnight that includes half off their seafood bar, some of their appetizers and of course, drinks.  558 Fourth Ave.