“Jelly roll” is more than somebody’s idea of a delicacy, see – this time of year, it also makes you think of crazy ol’ Santa, with his humongous tummy and that caloric, sticky-sweet personality to match. Hey, maybe that’s the method behind The Marine Room’s efforts at hawking this year’s holiday fare. In the big guy’s name (sort of), it’s offering something called the Valrhona Dark Chocolate Yule Log Jelly Roll among its desert entries on Dec. 25 – the thing is loony with meringue, organic berry marmalade and holly leaf fruit, all waiting to pounce on unsuspecting dentition in a fit of abandon the likes of which are rarely seen the other 364 days of the year. The Marine Room boasts 17 delicious holiday installments on its Christmas menu this time, like its Plum Wine Braised Kurobuta Pork Cheek and its Lemon Thyme Cider Brined Free-Ranged Turkey Breast – but if you want a piece of ’em, you best get a move on. The holiday is only three weeks away, which in reindeer time equals about four and a half minutes, so space is at more of a premium. Call (855) 923-8057 or see marineroom.com for further information – meanwhile, we’d hate to see you out in the cold for lack of a spot to eat. The following places don’t have Valrhona Dark Chocolate Yule Log Jelly Rolls for the taking, but your reservation would be welcome just the same. Cusp Dining & Drinks
7955 La Jolla Shores Drive
(858) 551-3620
cusprestaurant.com Chef Donald Lockhart’s eggnog trifle is anything but. Add a turkey dinner, a celery root puree and classy craft cocktails, and Christmas day is complete, at least from noon to 8 p.m., which are Cusp’s holiday hours. The coastal-focused menu and the view of the Pacific are designed to help you unwind after what was for sure a busy holiday skein – you can start with the grilled octopus appetizer, my favorite thing in the history of the whole universe. Cusp is also located on 11th floor of Hotel La Jolla, which is kind of neat; here, the vibe takes on an out-of-town feel. Sorry – we don’t even know what that means. The Shores Restaurant & Bar
8110 Camino del Oro
(866) 644-2630
theshoresrestaurant.com Ever hear of a charcuterie board? “Charcuterie” is a French word, which automatically means the board is one of the coolest things ever – it connotes the smoking and curing of meat products like ham, salami, ballotines and terrines and stuff. The Shores will have one on hand as part of its holiday buffet offerings from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; other entries include butterfish, cider-glazed turkey and a dessert station. And, like with so many places in La Jolla, you can walk pretty much right off the sand into the venue. Jeff’s Burgers
2152 Avenida de la Playa
(858) 454-8038
jeffsburgerslajolla.com Looking for something quick and reliable before you go pick up the folks? Gotta be at Jeff’s Burgers, which is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, and that means Christmas too. Jeff’s is totally into American eats, like its one-pound double jumbo burger, gyro, fish ‘n’ chips, grilled fish sandwich and torpedo, served on a foot-long baguette (there’s the French stuff again). The place is crazy with salads and sandwiches too – in fact, Jeff’s doesn’t miss a trick, especially if you’re seeking something less formal on what’s often regarded as the country’s most formal day of celebration. George’s at the Cove
1250 Prospect St.
(858) 454-4244
georgesatthecove.com If there ever were a venue that cried “reservation,” this is it. George’s is actually three eateries in one – California Modern, George’s Bar and George’s Open Terrace cater to a variety of tastes and cuisines and are proud to share them from 3 until 11 p.m. on the big day depending on the venue, so you can bet the staff’s gonna be glad you reserved a spot. California Modern, for example, touts the finest in locally grown seasonal coastal cuisine, and its ocean view is legendary, or very close to it. Then go wash everything down at George’s Bar, rife with its craft cocktails and holiday spirit. It’s all part of the wash in the Village, which reveres this locale like no other.