Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Kirk is busily enjoying some days off (from work and the blog) and Cathy is writing about meals enjoyed.
If you drive West on the 8, just before you get to the 5, on the North side of "Hotel Circle", you may have noticed the signage.
Once you wiggle your way around and get to Camino Del Rio North, find the parking lot and walk up…
the lobby area gives you a peek as to the decorating style of your dining area. 
Ah, the 1970's, when many restaurants were designed to look like they were log cabins, with dark paint, much wood and river rock surrounded fireplaces.
This restaurant (one of two in the county-the other location is in Oceanside off the 5 at the 78) is a great throwback, in looks and in the menu.
We were here for lunch.
Once you order, a fresh, warm half loaf of molasses bread (with softened unsalted butter) is brought out. The crisped crust is thin and has the subtle sweetness of molasses glazed on it, it's a bit more sweet than the molasses in the bread itself. 
We decided to try the lunch menu's 'Appetizer Sampler' ($12) as one of our meals. Three items: 1)Lump crabmeat stuffed mushrooms, topped with Monterey Jack cheese; wonderful, large, fresh and so very good. 2)Calamari, in a cornmeal batter, fried in onion and sweet red peppers and topped with an ancho chili mayonnaise; perfectly crisp, not oily and substantial in size. 3)Potato skins; I haven't had any in such a long time and these were so very good. 
Our other meal came with a choice of soup or salads (caesar, spinach or tossed greens). At the front door, we noticed a sign that the house made Bleu Cheese dressing was available for purchase, so chose that to go with the 'tossed greens'. The dressing was wonderful, as was the very fresh salad.
The 'petite cut' of prime rib (8 oz) ($19), perfectly cooked at medium rare and encrusted in a delightful herb mix. It was quite large enough for us to share, especially after that Appetizer Sampler. The baked potato was so large that we took half home to use for breakfast the next day.
All in all, a tasty and 'fancy' lunch for the two of us.
Hunter Steakhouse 2445 Hotel Circle Place San Diego 92108 (619) 291-8074 Website Mon-Th 11:30-9:30, Fri 11:30-10, Sat, 4-10, Sun 4-9
I hope you are enjoying this extra long weekend!
