Mediterranean Cafe

Sometimes you just want really good dependable food, you know what I mean? And maybe you had a tough day, and just need to get outside for a bit, not to eat, but just to do take-out....

As you notice the Mediterranean Cafe is located right next to El Cuervo in Hillcrest. But where El Cuervo is chaos Med Cafe is peaceful tranquility. I never see very many people eating here, but there's always a constant flow of "Take-out".

Actually, the one thing that makes me laugh on the "lunch special" menu is the "1/3 Burger", I'm sure that everyone knows that it's a 1/3lb burger...but still I picture a plate with 1/3 of a burger. I usually get the Gyro's in Pita plate ($5.95):

Very simple, a toasted pita with gyros meat, tomato, onion, and tzatiziki, nothing outstanding; but in some way comforting. Everything is routine, the salad, is dressed with red wine vinegar, a bit of feta and usually a single olive. There's always a nice container of ketchup with the middle of the road fries; not too thick not too thin. Tastes fine, no muss, no fuss.

On maybe an odd day I'll order a combination plate($7.95). You know, just to live on the edge....

And maybe the Gyros meat is a bit dry, and the tzatziki is a bit watery...the chicken kabob is moist, though short on herbs, there are really nice crusty bits, and most of all the service is oh, so friendly and nice!

Sometimes that's all you want.....

Mediterranean Cafe
112 W Washington St
San Diego, CA 92103

Comments

[honkman]

I really like your blog. You have a great way to discribe all your experiences with different restaurant that I just want to visit them the next day. Couldn't have written this one better.

[Rachel]

Thanks for sharing that kirk :)Love your photos. Gyros a fave of mine. I had them often on a plate with just salad and meats when I was on a lo-carb diet ... worked pretty well !

[Jo]

Well, that and falafel... extra tahini sauce please... ::happy sigh::

[clare eats]

we call gyros doner kebabs here... and they are often called post copious amounts of alchol food ;) Because then you don't know if the upset stomach is from the food or the alchol ;)

[Kirk]

Hi Honkman - Thank you for the compliment - just sort of the way I felt yesterday....

Hi Rachel - Gyros and Beef Souvlaki have become fav's of mine since I moved to the Mainland - I don't know why, but they just taste better here on the Mainland.

Hi Jo - And yes, maybe a Falafel, or two, or three - but don't know how that would go with a lo-carb diet. :)

Hi Clare - That's really funny! "Doner Kabobs", eh....

[Jo]

pfft to the low carb diets! =oP It's all about proper balance, Yin/Yang, energy intake/energy output, etc...

[Kirk]

Hi Jo - Don't make that noise to Pepper - you know what his response would be.... And yes, it's all about balance - Yin/Yang, Laurel/Hardy, Abbott/Costello, Skipper/Gilligan???

[Kristy]

Gyros... yum! I like Chicken Shwarma... mmm... mmm... oishiisou!!!

[Kathy]

Hey Kirk,

You explained it perfectly! Sometimes you do need comfort food and while it may not be exceptional or made with top notch ingredients it satisfies you in a way that a top notch restaurant just couldn't do.
Oh man, now I'm craving a loco moco after reading your post below! :)

[Kirk]

Hi Kristy - Hai oishi!!!!

Hi Kathy - Thanks so much for the compliment. I think you should get a loco - I've obviously already had my share!

[Jordon]

I work at Mission Hills Bikes across the street from Med. Cafe. I LOVE THIS PLACE! mmm so good. Of course i usually order the Giros, fries, and sometimes a felaffal, but what you should give a try the next time you eat here are their sandwhiches. I've had Ibis sandwhiches, and many others around hillcrest and mission hills, but their fresh made sandwhiches can't be beat! pretty strange for a med. place but ask for a toasted bun and you'll love it! and btw, the guys there are very nice and the authentic med. music makes me enjoy sitting there waiting for my food. i enjoy your blogs a lot, thanks for your cherity!