George’s at the Cove Celebrates 40 Years in 2024
Southern California’s iconic destination restaurant has a year-long celebration planned with a series of special events.
Four Decades of Flavor: George’s at the Cove’s Culinary Milestone
Since its inception on August 9, 1984, George’s at the Cove has been an emblem of culinary excellence, and as we approach the milestone of 40 years in 2024, we're gearing up for a celebratory journey. Throughout the year, we plan to host a series of special events, featuring the incredibly talented individuals who played a pivotal role in shaping the George’s at the Cove brand. Many of these remarkable individuals have ventured on to achieve extraordinary feats, collectively boasting an impressive total of eight Michelin stars.
Originally confined to the lower and second levels of 1250 Prospect Street in the picturesque La Jolla neighborhood, our story took an exhilarating turn in June 1991 with the unveiling of the Ocean Terrace. This expansion transformed George’s at the Cove into a three-level ocean-view dining destination, setting the stage for a new era. For the first 16 years, Founder George Hauer, General Manager Mark Oliver, and Chef Scotty Meskan steered the ship. In 1998, Trey Foshee, fresh off receiving Food & Wine magazine’s Best New Chef award at Robert Redford’s Sundance Resort, joined as Executive Chef/Partner. Fast forward to 2016, Foshee assumed the role of Operating Partner, alongside General Manager Mike Grave and Executive Chef Masa Kojima.
Over four decades, George’s at the Cove has been on a relentless quest for improvement. Guided by an annual strategic plan focusing on People, Product, and Environment, our partners engage in thoughtful discussions, metaphorically deconstructing and reconstructing the restaurant to identify areas of enhancement. These sessions have birthed numerous ideas that not only shaped our establishment but also left an indelible mark on the San Diego dining scene.
The Product
In 2007, a transformative redesign of the dining room became a pivotal moment for Chef Foshee, allowing the concept at George’s at the Cove to depart from a conventional menu structure to a more flexible design inspired by locally sourced ingredients from farms like Chino Farms and seafood providers such as Catalina Offshore. The inception of the California Modern menu not only influenced numerous San Diego restaurants but also embraced the region's abundance by introducing a complete vegetarian menu in 2009, reflecting the lifestyle San Diego embodies. Fast forward to 2011, Chef Foshee introduced TBL3 (Table Three), an innovative 14-course tasting menu experience highlighting the kitchen's creative prowess and the peak freshness of local ingredients. Offered exclusively for one table per night, limited to Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights, it broke new ground in San Diego's dining scene and the broader foodie culture. Troy Johnson, writing for San Diego Magazine, questioned whether San Diego was ready for degustation, but it quickly sold out and gained national recognition.
The Environment
Founded by visionary George Hauer, who saw the boundless potential of a restaurant on Prospect Street in La Jolla, George’s at the Cove has become synonymous with sweeping ocean views across all three levels.
In 2007, the vision of the California Modern aesthetic was brought to life by the esteemed architect Jenifer Luce. As the years unfolded, our commitment to innovation remained steadfast. In 2016, the Ocean Terrace underwent a transformative expansion, now boasting a new bar and swiftly earning its reputation as one of Southern California's premier open-air bars with a breathtaking ocean view. Fast forward to 2022, and amidst the challenges of the pandemic, California Modern gracefully transitioned into a dedicated events space, catering to corporate gatherings, social events, book signings, holiday festivities, and special dinners.
The upcoming 40th anniversary of George’s at the Cove serves as a momentous occasion to embark on a significant remodel. The Ocean Terrace, Level2, the kitchen, and bathrooms are set to undergo a transformative facelift, further elevating the guest experience.
As we approach four decades in the industry, our core value of continuous improvement remains unwavering. Few restaurants celebrate a 4th birthday, let alone a 40th, and in 2024, George’s at the Cove invites guests from near and far to join us in commemorating the immense dedication given to People, Product, and Environment day in and day out.
The People
Recognizing that our people are the most crucial pillar to our success, George’s at the Cove is committed to nurturing a workplace where dedication and growth go hand in hand. Our team enjoys an array of comprehensive benefits, from vacation time to 401(k) plans and health insurance assistance. Moreover, our management team oversees a continuing education fund, allowing our staff to delve into areas of personal interest, be it wine, beer, or spirits knowledge, global culinary experiences, or professional management courses. Impressively, 8% of our esteemed staff has contributed over a decade to our establishment, contributing to a culture defined by unwavering commitment and excellence.
Jose (Yoyo) Soberanis, Line Cook – 32 years
Monica Lopez, Comptroller – 31 years
Celia Colin, Prep Cook – 30 years
Pat Glenn, Server – 27 years
Danny Andrade, Line Cook – 27 years
Robert Sylvester, Server – 24 years
Kristine Fogarty, Party Coordinator – 23 years
Megan Skewes, Server – 14 years
Nicolas Arciniega, Food Runner – 13 years
Manny Partida, Line Cook – 12 years+
Thiago Dutra, Server – 12 years
Ally Lyng, Pastry Chef – 12 years
Cindy Flores, Prep Cook – 12 years
Jimmy Ramirez, Porter – 12 years
About George’s at the Cove
George’s at the Cove is a renowned Southern California dining destination located in the heart of La Jolla overlooking the Pacific Ocean and northern coastline. Known for its splendid rooftop setting and elevated bar, the popular Ocean Terrace offers al fresco lunch and dinner perfectly complemented by sweeping ocean views. Level2, located on the second level, offers a stylish indoor-outdoor space for lunch and dinner. Located on the lower level, George’s Events provides an ideal setting for corporate or social events, with private/semi-private rooms that can be configured for intimate groups or parties of up to 197 people. George’s at the Cove is located at 1250 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037.
For more information, visit www.georgesatthecove.com, or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/georgesatthecove, Instagram at www.instagram.com/georgesatthecove/, or X @TreyFoshee.
FOR PR/MEDIA INQUIRIES CONTACT:
Mark Rogoff, Media Relations Manager, Mark@altstrategies.com | George’s at the Cove Media Center