George’s California Modern Closing for Refresh in La Jolla

George’s California Modern, the anchor of three-story George’s at the Cove in La Jolla, will shutter its lower level ocean view dining room for a two week refresh, from Tuesday, October 31 to Tuesday, November 14. Remaining open are George’s rooftop Ocean Terrace and Level2 bar, which both got a major facelift last summer.

The fine-dining stronghold of the iconic Prospect Street dining destination first opened by owner George Hauer in 1984, George’s California Modern will undergo a $400,000 update that includes upgrades to the kitchen, a redone staircase and general attention to wear and tear. Partner and culinary director Trey Foshee, who joined George’s in 1998 and remains one of San Diego’s highest profile chefs, tells Eater that the refresh is part of their team’s constant reinvestment in the restaurant to keep it relevant and moving forward, which includes sending its staff on annual development and educational trips; chef de cuisine Jonathan Bautista recently returned from a trip to Spain and France and sous chef Brad Chance is headed to San Francisco to stage at the three Michelin-starred Quince.

Though California Modern offers dishes a la carte, a more immersive experience can be had via a four or 11 course chef’s tasting menu or the 12 to 14 course TBL3 dinners offered Tuesday through Saturday evenings that put local ingredients, including Chino Farms’ produce, firmly in the spotlight. During the temporary closure, its culinary team along with Galaxy Taco’s Christine Rivera, will be headed to cook at the Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival after a November 1 Dia de los Muertos dinner at Galaxy Taco featuring several other top chefs. Foshee tells Eater that he plans to organize more guest chef collaboration dinners once Cal Mod reopens.