James' Place Prime Seafood Sushi

As a former NYC chef I have higher than most expectations. This was our first time to James Place . We arrived on time last night and asked for a table by the window that has a garden in serious need of help. Young apathetic indifferent student looking host at the check in podium desk said we couldn't be seated at the window because the server for that station wouldn't be in for 15 minutes ! So he seated us and we waited ...... but fortunately the sever one table over was happy to take our order after seeing our frustration. We had a late lunch so we thought we would just order appetizer and salads and have a light pre Theater bite . The menu is limited and unremarkable especially now that they don't offer sushi . We ordered Edamame to snack on . Which was standard like any sushi restaurant But an ample portion and worth $10 . Next course was a crispy rice cake stacked with spicy tuna avocado slices crispy jalapeño and topped with an artistic drizzle of eel sauce Nice presentation , flavor and blend of textures . Definitely a winner. Next course sounded great on the menu for a summer salad. But arrived with so much heavy handed dressing that the lovely mixed greens were in edible soggy and flat . An imbalance of quantity with at least a cup of raw walnuts . They could have at least sliced and candied them minimal blue cheese barely a tablespoon and one sliver of grapefruit . Seems like no one is checking plate ups before They leave the kitchen . We watched the young student host that checked us in slouch over the podium the entire time we were there . Our server that showed up later was sweet and bussed or table as we finished but we had to ask for water refills twice. Dessert Was Crème Brûlée cloyingly sweet No vanilla flavor Unnecessary overly sweet whip cream and over ripe not fresh strawberries Despite the menu saying mixed berries This needs a recipe redo that would be easy . We were right next to the Bar at our table by the neglected Garden and we observed that the bar tender was never engaged or smiling at guests as a good bartender should always be. We didn't get the larger than life Frank Sinatra Art With pool. The only art in the room . We thought maybe they would play Frank Sinatra music which would have been lovely since the majority of the diners we over 50 locals . As a retired chef I see James place as a diamond on the rough that has potential . But after all these years in business one would think that a refresh attentions to detail would really elevate this restaurant to not make basic mistakes like soggy salad Indifferent greeting hosts and water glasses left empty . San Diego County has become a fantastic and competitive culinary mecca so if you are listening and care Chef James ....... Take this review as constructive criticism from a former chef that lives here now and someone that really hopes your heart is still in this restaurant to elevate it to excellence. Ofherwise transfer your lease to a young ambitious creative chef to innovate and inspire diners with a great culinary experience not just a meal before a show . And please get that Garden spruced up and magical with a simple water Feature and healthy not half dead succulents. And play some soft music . So much untapped potential at this restaurant In ambiance and food . You could actually be a culinary destination Regardless of its pre-theater proximity . With such a lovely setting you could be a year round restaurant ! We will return to try your fish entrees in October To give you another chance to get a better review From us . Fingers crossed you are listening to what your local discerning well traveled community members want from James' Place ! Good Luck thinking creatively .

Service is slow, food was slow. Bartender didn't know the menu and for 35 dollars you get a burger patty (no fries) on top of a mushroom with 2 pieces of sauteed peppers and 2 asparagas in a balsamic sauce. Such a waste of time and money, there needs to be more restaurants over there serving the play-goers because without competition, this place can charge astronomical prices and just be extremely mediocre. Never again

James place was an unexpected surprise experience. Better in most ways than your average restaurant in La Jolla costing twice as much. I also have to say the bartenders here are a cut above! Great job.