Dessert was served last, but was definitely memorable when invited media were treated to the new culinary changes in the works at Hotel del Coronado this week. To celebrate the property’s milestone 130th birthday, the Del is putting on a curated, summer-long culinary spectacular to amplify its Grand American Beach Vacation experience. What a treat ~ s’mores gooey and sweet were among the highlights of the evening, 
as we enjoyed pastries, sorbet, three flavors of homemade marshmallows and a plethora of toppings by the glowing fire on the beach. Roasting mint and vanilla marshmallows and then squishing them between graham crackers and adding chocolate creates a gooey combination of deliciousness reminiscent of childhood camping trips. Locals and guests alike can reserve the fire pits for an hour for families and guests up to 10 people, on a nightly basis at 6 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 8 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. for $100. Details are available at https://hoteldel.com/activities/beach-smores/.
Whether you are from the snowy East Coast or live right here in perfect Coronado, nothing says year round summer like sitting in a wooden Adirondack chair with a 
Sunset Beach cocktail or a frozen concoction in front of the newly transformed Beach Shack, beachfront at the Del. Guests have Amanda McNeil, director of beverages, to thank for the inventive new libation offerings, which she designed specifically with the ambiance of the sea, sand and sun in mind. “Our most unusual drink is the Double Sesh, which combines Myer’s Dark Rum, Campari, and a few other ingredients, served in a freshly hollowed out pineapple,” says McNeil. Check out her personal favorite, Desert Point, a combination of Citrus, Amaro, Vodka and Mint, which she promises tastes like a refreshing herbaceous iced tea. Stroll by for something from the full bar, beer and wine on tap, specialty cocktails and coming soon, what they are promising to be the island’s best fish tacos.
Last fall, Chef Patrick Ponsaty took the helm as Chef de Cuisine at 1500 Ocean. Ponsaty is a fifth generation French chef who comes with a long list of accolades and partnerships with the finest San Diego farmers and purveyors. We were treated to a sampling from his new three and five course tasting menu focused on seasonally-based coastal cuisine. 
Dishes like Siberian Caviar featuring smoked eel, hazelnut, cauliflower and a 63.5 degree egg, Pacific Opah Crudo which includes cucumber curry, raw vegetable salad and scallop chicharrones, Orange Glazed Iceland Salmon accompanied with forgotten black rice and kombu bonito consommé; Lobster Stuffed Veal Loin with candied carrots, forest mushrooms and orange blossoms, Baja California Octopus Tower with eggplant tart, capers and roasted chicken reduction, and a Spring Garden Medley filled with fresh vegetables, confit tomato, fingerling potatoes, green garlic coulis and garden flowers, a veritable bouquet for the vegetarian crowd, are all on the menu. The combination of fresh ingredients is sure to tantalize any palate and can be enjoyed on the patio overlooking the beach or inside by a cozy fireplace.
Food changes started in January, when the hotel updated the pizza and dessert menu at ENO, which now includes gluten free options, and Moo Time Creamery changed to Sundae’s, which now offers sweet gelato treats and toppings. Sun Deck’s menu has been updated with new food and cocktail options, including some unique non-alcoholic options. New seasonal cocktail selections will debut at Sheerwater and Babcock and Story mid-June, with more changes coming in the fall.
Favorite family movies are also offered throughout the summer at the Hotel del for both guests and residents. Locals can bring their own chairs to these free events. General admission tickets, which guarantee a VIP Del Beach sand chair are $20, and for the full VIP experience, the Family Movie Package includes s’mores for four at a private beach bonfire, two Del Beach chairs and daybed for $300. Check out movie dates and details at https://hoteldel.com/activities/movies-on-the-beach/.
From fine dining to innovative drinks to s’mores, there is something for every taste at the Hotel del Coronado this summer and beyond.
