Hillcrest has the reputation of being a fabulous neighborhood for a number of reasons, among the many of which is the plethora of excellent restaurants, bistros and markets competing to entice your taste buds. Hillcrest offers dining options to match any taste and budget; a world of gastronomic pleasures demanding to be explored. Which made my assignment of writing about local eateries a difficult task – there are simply too many choices. To focus the story, I decided to imagine the perfect day tasting my way through Hillcrest. From mid-morning to late-night and anytime in between, here are my recommendations for a day of delightful dining. Eat this, Hillcrest!
Breakfast: Cozy, comfortable and inviting for almost thirty years, Crest Cafe (425 Robinson Ave.) is my favorite place to enjoy the most important meal of the day. The diverse menu offers something for everybody, from omelettes and scrambles, to pancakes and waffles. I am hooked on Sam The Cooking Guy’s Blueberry Biscuit Bundt French Toast. Slices of lemon-soaked buttermilk biscuits are baked in a bundt pan, then lightly grilled and served with your choice of real maple or blueberry syrup. The service is fast and friendly, and they don’t mind if you linger by the window and watch the people passing by. Crest Cafe also offers beer, wine and a full bar. Open daily 7 a.m. – midnight.
Honorable Mention: Harvey Milk’s American Diner. Owners Tom Brown, Michael (Big Mike) Phillips and Frank Lechner secured the exclusive license for the use of the name from Stuart Milk and the Harvey Milk Foundation, and created an instant neighborhood icon. Great food and drinks are served in the friendly and comfortable environment. Also, one percent of gross sales are donated quarterly to the Foundation.
Lunch: You don’t need a passport to savor authentic Mexican cuisine. There’s a reason the fish tacos at Mama Testa Taqueira (1417 University Ave.) won the throwdown between owner Cesar Gonzalez and the Food Network’s Bobby Flay – they’re simply amazing! The beer battered fillets are fried to a delicate golden brown, secured in a warmed tortilla, refried for a couple of minutes, then topped with hot sauce, tangy coleslaw and shredded queso fresco. So simple, yet so divine. Same with the rice and beans. Treat your taste buds with a trip to the incredible salsa bar which features several varieties of home-made condiments. Choices range from a chunky sweet mango to a creamy tomato and jalapeno form of liquid crack. Seriously. Open Mon-Thurs 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. Honorable Mention: Kato Sushi. Try the Edamame hummus. Also, don’t miss their half-off specials on Monday and Tuesday.
Dinner: If late night dining holds a cosmopolitan appeal – dinner after an enjoyable performance at the Diversionary Theatre, for example, then Amarin Thai (3843 Richmond Street) is the place for you. Chef Suree seduces your palette with a playful measure of fiery spice balanced with a delicate blend of sweet, savory and sour. Enjoy robust Tod Mun Pla fish cakes and zesty Pad Thai noodles on the comfortable patio, or a steamy bowl of Tom Kah soup and one of the house specialties in their intimate dining room. Try the Mambo Mambo Chicken, stewed chicken and mango in a red curry sauce served in a hot pot, or the Massaman Beef, braised rib-eye in a massaman curry sauce with onions and potatoes. Open daily 11 a.m.-3 p.m., and 5 p.m.-3 a.m.
Honorable Mention: Khyber Pass. Authentic Afghan food exquisitely prepared and served in a relaxed elegant setting.
Anytime: Follow your nose to Bread and Cie (350 University Ave.), because heavenly aromas don’t lie. Owner Charles Kaufman “never intended to be a bread-maker,” but I’m glad he did. All of their artisan breads are made with natural ingredients and baked fresh daily. My favorite is the Black Olive loaf. The bread is moist and filled with pitted Kalamata olives which gives it the slightly purple tint. You can also indulge your sweet tooth with one of the fresh tarts, pies, mousses or cakes. Enjoy the passing crowds from the sidewalk cafe, or view the work of local artists in the cozy dining room. Bread and Cie also donates all unsold bread and pastries to many local charities such as Casa Des Pobres (an orphanage in Tijuana), and Jewish Family Services. Open Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sun 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
DIY: As much as I enjoy dining out with friends, I also love inviting them over for a delicious home-cooked meal, and the best meals are made with the freshest ingredients. My menus begin with inspiration and selections found at the Hillcrest Farmer’s Market. Since its debut in 1997, the Market has grown to approximately 140 vendors offering an incredible variety of in-season fruit, produce and flowers. Many of the participating farmers grow their produce organically or without pesticides. The Market is also the place to find grass-fed and free-range meat, organic dairy products, eggs and fresh seafood selections. Don’t feel like cooking? San Diego’s Best Farmers Market is the place to find a wide selection of prepared foods, too. Offerings include flavors from Africa and the Mediterranean, hotdogs and sandwiches, sauces and pastas, coffees and spices. Additionally, there are a large number of arts and craft vendors, as well as weekly entertainment. Sorry, no dogs allowed (nothing personal – it’s the law). Service animals are the exception. The Market can be found on Normal Street, Sundays 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Miscellaneous: Looking for the freshest herbs and other seasonings? Search no further than Penzeys Spices (1274 University Ave.). Penzeys offers more than 250 different spices, herbs, seasonings and blends to flavor your meals and baking. The friendly staff is knowledgeable and helpful. Sample jars are provided so you can get a snootful of essence before making your purchase. You’ll find exotic Indian and Turkish spices, a variety of salts and peppers and many rubs and marinades. A gift certificate from Penzeys makes a great gift for the cooks in your life, too. You can also shop online, but why deprive yourself of the olfactory pleasure? Open Mon-Wed-Fri-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues-Thurs 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Thank you for joining me on a gastronomic stroll through Hillcrest. I’d like to hear about your favorite restaurants and dishes, too. You’re encouraged to send your recommendations to editor@lgbtweekly.jeffjungblut.com
