RB Prom Guide 2011: The Restaurants

Everyone knows a way into a man’s heart is through his stomach, but impressing a date on prom night is a whole other ball park. Etiquette is almost as important as a corsage on prom night and it’s always good to select a familiar restaurant so you can suit each other’s appetite.

On this big night, self-consciousness is to be expected when dining out, but don’t be caught ordering an unpleasant menu item, carrying a remnant-filled smile or showing poor table manners.

1. Skip teeth-clinging foods such as leafy greens, filled with seeds or messy. Anything with cilantro, spinach or mint can create a recipe for disaster. Items such as corn on the cob or strawberries can freckle your teeth and find its way into every nook and cranny in your smile. No matter what you order, be sure to make your way to the bathroom to make sure your teeth are in pristine condition
2. Avoid foods that require too much hand usage. However, if you choose to order items like whole seafood or ribs, handle with care. Although they are delicious, shellfish are notorious for sending juices and shell pieces flying across the table. And, if possible, avoid ribs as they're very messy and can make you appear to be a carnivorous animal.  
3. Avoid stinky sustenance foods or any items that will not sit well in your stomach. Items such as beans, cheese, garlic and onions may make your date run for the hills. Although garlic and onions are a flavor enhancer in dishes, they are a difficult smell to mask, even with mints.   

If you’re caught making reservations at the last minute, elegant eateries in Rancho Bernardo are plentiful and can still accommodate you and your finely dressed date.  

The Inn offers two sweep-you-off-your-feet fine dining restaurants that will provide you with the most bang for your buck. offers a Mediterranean cuisine served underneath the stars. The restaurant offers warm fireplaces and is a picture-perfect place to dine on a warm and balmy night. The dishes range from pan roasted salmon for $26 to a vegetarian penne pasta for $19. They also offer small plates of peekytoe crab fritters and more lighter options in case you don’t want to dance the night away on a full stomach.

takes you on a dining odyssey with its contemporary French cuisine with a wide ranch of succulent seafood and meat entrées that has been voted “Best of the Best” by San Diego Magazine. When it comes to attire, El Bizcocho goes the whole nine yards and requires gentlemen to don dress pants, dress shoes and a button-down shirt.   

Rancho Bernardo Inn, 17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr. 858-675-8470.

If you want to keep it simple, Carvers is an upscale restaurant tucked away in Rancho Bernardo that offers a variety of juicy steaks and seafood entrées ranging in price from $23 to $39. With cheesy au gratin potatoes and steamed veggies, you really can’t go wrong in this steakhouse. Carvers is also known for its fresh selection of food. Carvers Steak and Chops, 11940 Bernardo Plaza Drive, 858-485-1262.

Sharing is caring. And at this Asian restaurant, they provide banquet-style dining, which can be a good way to save some money when dining with a group of friends. Munch on crispy peking duck or share a plate of honey walnut prawns. Although Pearl may have white-linen tablecloth and rolled up napkins, this restaurant is more on the casual side. However, it is perfectly situated in front of Webb Park and has a beautiful view of the lake. Pearl, 11666 Avena Place, 858-487-3388.

Capri Blu

Located in 4S Ranch, Capri Blu is a modern semi-casual Italian bistro you would normally expect to find in the downtown Gaslamp. Its design is hip and chic with its brick walls, warm lighting, cozy booths and occasional live music. Dine on house-made gnocchi or chicken marsala—you’ll will get a touch of Italy in every bite. However, Capri Blu’s proportions tend to be on the smaller side, which could be beneficial if going dancing immediately after. Capri Blu, 10436 Craftsman Way 858-673-5100.

Find us on Facebook and Twitter @RBPatch.