Time Change Brunch - European Bistro

*** European Bistro has since closed. Chef Axel currently does catering only.

As is our "tradition" we had our "time change" Sunday Brunch. Only thing, this year we're going to Daylight savings a month early, which not only caused a wave of panic within the various technology sectors, but totally discombobulated our scheduling. And so we were left at noon today, without brunch reservations. In cases like this Jim's San Diego Sunday Brunchmaster site is a godsend. The Missus was in mood for something a bit "different", so she finally came up with European Bistro in La Mesa. And we were off.

European Bistro is in kind of a strange setting, a "store-front" strip mall, and you can park literally 3 yards from the front the door of the restaurant! Since we'd arrived late and with no reservations, the little bistro was humming, and it seemed like everyone was a "regular". Lucky for us, we didn't feel like champagne, and so were able to sit outside, on the little table on the sidewalk. We kind of enjoyed sitting there, since it was such a warm and beautiful day...the only thing a bit disconcerting was the proximity of pedestrians walking by on the sidewalk(luckily there weren't very many)....they could have bent over and grabbed a spoonful of spaetzle if they so desired. But let me tell you, the service was very warm and friendly, Helen and Chef Axel kept dropping by to see how we were enjoying ourselves.

The buffet itself is rather small with a dozen cooked items, a salad, a selection of sausages, cold cuts, breads. and cheeses, a soup, and several desserts. I also understand that the kitchen will whip up an omelet on request. Still, we enjoyed the selection....

For a typical listing and more info on the brunch, I'll refer you again to Jim's posting on His website. There were several items we enjoyed....

We both enjoyed the prosciutto, cold sausages, German potato salad, "home fries", and the green beans! Man, those home fries were really good, with onions that have been perfectly fried and caramelized. I thought the Frikadellen(ground meat patties) were very moist, but kind of low on flavor. The Missus enjoyed the Hungarian Goulash, but I thought it bland, and not full of the spice, onions, and other flavors I'm used too..... Still the meat was very tender and moist.

The Missus absolutely adored the green salad, especially the Raspberry Vinaigrette, to the extent of eating three plates of it.

As you can tell, we enjoyed the appetizers and side dishes, much more than most of the cooked main courses...but that doesn't mean you won't. Other main courses offered today was a tilapia, penne carbonara, and of course schnitzel(on the dry side).

The Missus also had 3 desserts, a slice of cheesecake.

And two slices of the Chocolate Cake(looked like a bundt to me), with Cherries Jubilee on it.....

As busy as they were, Helen always had time to stop and chat, and answer any questions. There is also a small "deli" case with sausages and various meats for sale.

Now here's the "kicker", so this a champagne brunch, and you can get mimosas and the like, along with the standard orange juice and coffee(which the Missus liked)......for $15.95! Which we think is an excellent price. The restaurant is small, but very clean, and has a neighborhood bistro feel. And did I mention Helen was wonderful!

Now at that price for Champagne Brunch, combined with excellent service, can you really go wrong?

European Bistro
7097 University Ave
La Mesa, CA 91941

And don't forget to check out the Sunday Brunchmaster!

Comments

[Kathy]

hey kirk!
ooh man, there's nothing like a plate of home fries done right...I can almost taste it now!
haha, i like the Missus' take on dessert, why have one when you can have three? :)

[Jim]

Hey Kirk,

Can’t agree more with you on this one. Axel and Helen provide a quality brunch with a decent German sparkling wine for an extremely low price. Not sure how they profit from the brunch…maybe because the taste of brunch brings people back for lunch and dinner.

Axel and Helen always make us feel at home when we go there. They really got a handle on customer service!

I guess they were not serving lamb shanks yesterday, or else the Missus would have seized 6 or 8 bones for the boys!

[Kirk]

Hi Kathy - And why have 3 when you can have....bread pudding! I hope you're enjoying your break!

Hi Jim - Ooooh Lamb Shanks! We'll have to head back for sure. We loved the service.......

[Chubbypanda]

I wish they had a brunchmaster site for OC. I likies my brunch.

[Kirk]

Hi CP - Every city should have a Brunchmaster!