Cafe 67-Great, plentiful food at the end of the freeway!

mmm-yoso is the blog and you are looking at it.  Today's information is provided by Cathy.  Kirk is on vacation.

Hello,again.  Cathy here.  I was talking with a friend, Mrs. L, who told me I had to try this place,  located at the  end of Highway 67.  I was trying to think to myself 'where does a Highway end?'...and it occurred to me that on Highway 67 in Lakeside, once you hit  Mapleview Street with the Rodeo on the Northeast corner, there is a traffic signal.  The Highway does indeed end, goes down to one lane for a while and then vacillates from one to two lanes up to and through Ramona and to Julian and it is all called 67.  So, indeed, Highways do stop being Highways at some point.

I had seen the sign in front of the old Pernicano's, on that Southwest corner of Mapleview at 67, one day in February and had made a mental note that I should try it out one day, when I was in the area again.  I did pass it a few more times, but always was alone and not overly hungry, and it kind of looks a little too new and gimmicky and I didn't want to go inside alone to eat.  So I waited.   Then Mrs. L told me about *how* good it was, and that we should go there one day, soon. She even gave me a paper menu she had taken from the restaurant (she did not know I did this blog, which made her recommendation make me take note). Well, first thing I noticed is that the entire menu is available "To Go".  Shoot me now. Then I noticed they are only open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m..  Hmmm...limited cuisine.  I like that.

So, this past Saturday, The Mister and I decided to head East, to the Santee Swap Meet, instead of west and Kobey's Swap Meet. Of course, we were hungry and wanted breakfast. I decided to try the basic:

One poached egg, Monterey potatoes(shredded potatoes with Jack cheese and herbs), bacon and rye toast with coffee, of course. ($5.50) 

The bread was a nice, thick marble rye- I imagine the one they use to make the lunch sandwiches.  The bacon was thick and crispy, the way I like it.  The egg was poached and still runny with  a very fresh orange colored yolk ...and, wow! those Monterey potatoes.  I have had the pre-made reheated, Sysco'd Monterey cakes and I like them.  These were  made from freshly shredded potatoes, had evenly dispersed shredded Monterey Jack cheese and the herbs were a nice blend; perhaps Herbes De Provence, but I am not certain.

The Mister could not decide, and got "The Works" Omelet ($7.75) with the home fried potatoes (That is almost half a plate of red skinned potato quarters, topped with cheese) and a biscuit, served with either country gravy or honey.

The omelet was made with at least three eggs, filled with ham, bacon and sausage, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions and cheese (The Mister asked for no onions and it was no problem).  The bacon and ham were nice and thick and cut into nice sized pieces and the breakfast sausage was crumbled and excellent. The home fried potatoes were superb. Prepared simply and were so fresh tasting and wonderful, especially with that cheese.  That biscuit- oh my!.  Definitely made from scratch, shortening based, baking powder.  Wonderful, light, large and if I do say so, perfect!

This place seems to always be busy yet service is great, attentive and fast.  I have seen buses stop here on weekdays; some sort of regular, local tour group it seems to be.  There is a larger side room and I saw that the Local Rotary Club meets here also.

The only downside- I confess, I am a coffee snob.  It was fresh coffee, but either Folgers or Farmer John brand and I just don't like the flavor.  It was served with real half and half though, in those cool coffee cups.  That kind of made up for it all.

We saw several tables getting lunch menu items, sandwiches in particular which were *huge* and looked really good.  If made with the same bread I had for toast, they were a good size and at minimum, great bread.  From what I have heard, everything here is good, and I believe it.  Thanks for telling me to try this, Mrs. L! If you happen to be in Lakeside,or just traveling through it, on 67, do stop in.  I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Cafe 67 12381 Mapleview at Highway 67 Lakeside, CA 92040 (619) 443-4100 Open daily 6 a.m.-3 p.m.

Comments

[Jenn]

Oh, that makes me hungry! I love that you post the menus. I embiggen them and read the whole thing, deciding what I want to have. But then I order it from an imaginary waiter, and the food never arrives and I get cranky.The Mister's omelete looks deeeeeelish!

[bill]

It's so late and I'm so hungry after reading this. I wish there were more old school diners that server old school hearty breakfast, so sad they're not around anymore or a dime a dozen.

[Cathy]

Jenn- I can't stop laughing! I love your writing style (and yes, I do have your blog bokmarked-have for a long time now). The omelet was wonderful, and a *lot* of food. Next time, The Mister and I will just get that and a side of fruit or maybe pancakes and that will be enough food.
Hi Bill- Yes! I totally did not expect this to be like an old school Diner place. The portions were *huge* and way fresh.

[Bob]

The coffee is actually Boyds Barista brand coffee. I've seen the truck parked outside. www.boyds.com

[Cathy]

Hello and welcome, Bob. When we went for breakfast, it wasn't Boyd's, I know. In fact, many tables were opting for a pitcher of iced tea rather than the coffee for breakfast that day. I do like Boyd's and will try the coffee again with a meal next time. Thanks for taking the time to let me know.

[Patty]

I recently moved from Lakeside, CA to Texas...they say everything is bigger in TX, I don't think so! My husband and I used to frequent Cafe 67 every weekend and have not found a place yet that compares to our little restaurant back home. I was actually on google trying to find a recipe for the Monterey Potatoes when I found your blog.

[Cathy]

Hello and Welcome, Patty. What an unusual and very cool way for you to find our blog. I understand how you get those cravings when you move. You will find a local place in your area -just don't be afraid to walk into places where you see steady foot traffic, despite the exterior- The Mister and I have lived and visited a lot of places and that is the only way to do it. Just walk on in. Get something 'basic' to see if they can do it right and if they can...try more from the menu...
Did you find a good recipe?

[John Lacher]

I have been living in the Lakeside/Santee area since August 2001. I recall having my first meal at the old Pernicano's. I am Italian on my Mothers side. I spent my child hood and teenage years growing up in Little Italy in New York and finally in Baltimore. Believe me, I know what Italian food should taste like. My Mother and Grandmother made it every day. I must admit, I had one bite of food at Pernicano's, paid the bill and left. I never returned.

Today I learned about Cafe 67. Grazie mille! Sia il cibo che il servizio sono stati eccellenti!"
The food was excellent. The staff was friendly.
Salute!

[cathy]

Grazie mille, John! I am so glad you tried Cafe 67 out...and liked it. I live out in your section of the county and have tried just about every place that exists, or existed out here...and so agree about Pernicano's before it closed down. It *used to* be good, but went way downhill after some family shifting. Hmmm...New York Italian...I would assume you know the pizza places in that style...now for other dishes...Honestly, only-ONLY the Filippi's in Little Italy. None of the other locations. Now I think I need to do a post. Thanks!...oh, and welcome to our blog!

[Danielle]

I am new to blogging but found this when I was looking up the phone number for Cafe 67 (I should know it by heart). I LOVE Cafe 67. I live just down the road in Eucalyptus Hills. Their food is always great. The service is superb. I have used that back room twice for large parties and they are very accommodating. They are also great about letting you bring in your own coffee if you don't like theirs. Filippi's in Little Italy is also a personal favorite - Randall is my favorite server there.

[cathy]

Welcome to our little blog, Danielle! It's neat that people are finding it because of this particular post. I do love the food here...and it is so close to my home, without traffic congestion. Thanks for commenting.

[Richard]

Cafe 67 is the best for their food, and if you want the best Italian, Go to LIDO'S in Lemon Grove, Just off I-94 and Massachusetts.
7252 Broadway. Similar clientele and prices.
Family owned too.