Hungry readers were treated to a new food and beverage column when Eat This! debuted Sept. 4. What a delicious few months it’s been as we explored the culinary delights of the greater gayborhood.
We began with brunch at Heat Bar and Kitchen, 3797 Park Blvd., and the Crispy Brioche French Toast. Thick slices of the light puffy enriched bread flavored with a kiss of cinnamon are dipped in a mixture of egg and milk and then quickly grilled to a lacy golden brown. The seasonal fruit compote, orange zest and honey bourbon ricotta are the perfect accompaniment.
Then we were off to Café21, 2736 Adams Ave. for Happy Hour. What’s not to love about 21 hand-crafted tapas on the menu at $4 each? The potato pancake is served with tender short ribs, braised in a Marsala chai tea, red onion honey and mission fig sauce, and complemented by the sharp bite of gorgonzola cheese crumbles. In brief, a forkful of heaven in every bite.
We got into the spirit of Oktoberfest while dining at Kaiserhof, 2253 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., and ordered the wurst sampler. I don’t know which of the grilled sausages I preferred; the bauerwurst, a coarse smoky sausage with hints of mustard seed and marjoram, or the bratwurst, a tasty well-balanced blend of pork and veal, seasoned with a whisper of licorice-y tarragon. Both were delicious.
We drank a few beers, too, and visited Mike Hess Brewing, 3812 Grim Ave. The astounding Rye IPA, a copper-colored, satiny medium-bodied ale with overtones of apricot and mango – a magnificent and masterful brew, brought home the 2014 World Beer Cup Gold award.
Our next stop was Brazen BBQ Smokehouse and Bar, 441 Washington St., for their award winning barbecue. The thick slices of beef tri-tip, after spending 12 hours in the smoker, are pink and juicy with a savory hickory-flavored crust. The pulled pork is succulent and smoldering with hints of sweet apple and peach.
Our sweet tooth was sated at Heaven Sent Desserts, 3001 University Ave., where we ordered the Chocolate Trinity Cake which, according to Zagat, is one of the “eight most decadent chocolate desserts in San Diego”. The chocolate ganache frosted cake is striated with layers of silky milk chocolate, atop a white chocolate angel food, atop a darker Mexican chocolate with a wonderful trace of cinnamon. To die for!
We bagged lunch at Big Front Door, 4135 Park Blvd., where the sandwiches begin with wholesome artisan breads from Sadie Rose Baking Co. The Double Smoked Berkshire ham is absolutely sublime. Thin slices of velvety ham are heaped on a torpedo roll and then topped with Swiss cheese, house mustard, tomatoes and lettuce. Seriously, I’ve never tasted such flavorful luscious ham.
Finally, a change in seasons put us in the mood for traditional Mexican food and we visited Ranchos Cocina, 3910 30th St. The Pollo en Salsa de Mole begins with chunks of luscious braised chicken drenched in a thick mole sauce. The dish is served with warm tortillas, rice and black beans. I could not get enough of the delectable roasted pepper and chocolate sauce – the stuff of legend.
We live in a neighborhood offering a rainbow of variety in dining options. From Mission Hills to South Park, from Adams Avenue to Bankers Hill, from a booth in a diner to a linen-covered table – no matter the taste or budget, you’re sure to find the perfect plate. Until next time, stay hungry and Eat This!
