SAN DIEGO — La Jolla's George's at the Cove is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024. Most San Diegans know all about George's at the Cove, but how many people have actually met the man behind the iconic restaurant?
In 1984, George Hauer fell in love with the property perched above La Jolla Cove. George says the previous restaurant was dark and dank with no windows.
"I thought somebody was really missing a big opportunity here," said George.
He eventually created a three-level dining experience called George's at the Cove and with its continued success, he was seen less and less at the restaurant.
"I was told that you are rarely seen these days," I said.
George said, "It's true. After 40 years, Trey really runs the restaurant."
Trey Foshee was recruited 24 years ago as a partner to run the restaurant after receiving a big honor. In 1998, Food and Wine Magazine named Trey the 'Best New Chef'.
"Yep. That was me," said Trey.
In the 1990's Trey was the Executive Chef at Robert Redford's Sundance Resort in Utah.
I asked him if he ever met Robert Redford and if the famous actor enjoyed his food. "Yeah, I think so, ha, ha," said
Chef Trey is very humble about his mastery of cuisine which was recognized by the Michelin Guide in 2019 when the restaurant earned Plate recognition.
George's at the Cove is celebrating 40 years of success. "We are better now than we have ever been and after 40 years that's saying something," said Trey. "Anniversaries come and go every year, of course, and we had always believed it wasn't necessary to celebrate, but George and I felt this one was different. Forty is a big number. It's a significant milestone that speaks so much to the incredibly hard-working chefs and staff members who have kept Georges a staple not just for the people of La Jolla, but for all of San Diego."
If you're looking for a wonderful meal with a million-dollar view, George's at the Cove is where you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the man himself.
"I live in La Jolla so I make a daily appearance here, yes," laughed George.
"I believe you can count on one hand the number of legacy restaurants in our city that have been in the same location and under the same ownership for forty or more years," said Trey. "We are proud to be one of them, and we can't wait to welcome back all the great chefs who helped make Georges what it is today."
George's Alumni Dinner Series
George's is celebrating '40 Years' with an alumni chef dinner series. Reservations can be made by clicking here.
July 16 – Elizabeth Murray and Yolanda Santos:
Elizabeth Murray worked as a cook and sous chef with Georges before spending time at Noma and WD-50, then as Executive Chef at Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur. Murray is currently Chef at Littler in Durham, North Carolina. Santos was a pastry chef and has held the same position at One Market SF, Aqua and Aureole in Las Vegas, Charlie Palmer's Dry Creek Kitchen in Healdsburg, and Post Ranch Inn. Santos is currently Pastry Chef at Aubergine in Carmel, Calif.
August 19 – Anthony Secviar
Anthony Secviar spent time as a cook in California Modern and now owns MICHELIN one-starred Protégé in Palo Alto. A San Diego native, Secviar spent time in kitchens in Spain, including Akelare and El Bulli, and he was a Sous Chef at The French Laundry for six years before taking the Chef de Cuisine position at Addison (currently MICHELIN three-starred).
October 15 – Pendry San Diego crew
Pendry San Diego's Brandon Sloan (Executive Sous Chef), Dara Steinrichter (Sous Chef), and Jon Hawkins (Sous Chef) all spent time with Georges as cooks and sous chefs.
For more information on all the chefs, visit the website's Q&A page.
George's at the Cove has fed some famous customers over the year such as President Ford, Oprah Winfrey and Robert Plant. For more information about the restaurant and more of their upcoming special events click here.
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