La Jolla Village News (January 2000)

Chef Peter Edwards doesn’t know ‘no’

Here’s the scoop on Putnam’s restaurant and the Grande Colonial Hotel. Not only are there new owners on board, but they are in the process of making major renovations to the tune of $3 million, including an additional banquet room to be opened on the site of the former antique shop facing Prospect Street. And there’s more. A new name for the restaurant is under consideration, as well as different décor in the dinning room, but most importantly, there’s a new executive chef in the kitchen.
Born in Australia, Chef Peter Edwards had his first taste of how exciting the world of creative cuisine could be. Peter worked in a number of prestigious establishments in the Bay Area first, then shifted to San Diego. Among the places he worked were the Westin Hotel, Sheraton Marina, the former Sheraton Grande Resort (now Hilton La Jolla) Torrey Pines, the former Grille restaurant (now Azul) and French Gourmet – not necessarily in that order.

For the past five months he has been making a name for himself with his cuisine. To accomplish this unique blend, he uses infusions of various flavors. “That’s the art of it,” Peter Said. Quality products are always used, but now and then a meat may not be as juicy as he would like; therefore marinades, and in some instances, smoking is indicated. Most importantly, he wants to provide a service for local diners, and in so doing he says, “We don’t know the meaning of ‘no.’ We’re able to work with anyone.” This energetic young chefs mission is to “make you feel very special,” to have customers return again and again.

After sampling of his new menu, we believed there will be no problem attracting and keeping a regular clientele.

Executive Chef Peter Edwards has the energy, imagination and talent to make Putnam’s restaurant and the Grand Colonial Hotel a success, and La Jolla is lucky to have him here.

The Grande Colonial Hotel and Putnam’s restaurant is located at 910 Prospect St. For information or reservations, call (858) 454-2181