Brunch at Kitchen 4140

Last fall, I noticed a somewhat unusual site on the strip of Morena Boulevard just North of Balboa, amongst the various shops a place that seemed to be named Chef Kurt Kitchen was opening up.

 

I was curious and dropped in soon after they opened, and found out that the official name of the place is Kitchen 4140 Bistro and was the headquarters of Concept Catering. The restaurant was all organic and a look at the menu had me interested. This part of Morena was in dire need of a nice dining choice. Sadly, at that time the place was only open for weekday breakfast and lunch. The Missus and I did manage a visit during a monday holiday day....and were underwhelmed. The Kobe Beef Burger ordered medium was tough and overcooked. It was also on the greasy side, and really looked like the preformed "Wagyu" burgers one can buy at Seisel's.......

 

The Missus had the special, the lamb chops, also ordered medium.... also overcooked, and bland.

 

The fries were also greasy.....

The vegetables however, were perfect and the prices really weren't too bad. The young lady working here was so nice and cheerful.....so I stowed my photos and we placed Kitchen 4140 on our "try again" list. Easier said than done as we just couldn't find time to revisit. Until I found out that the place served brunch on Sunday from 9 til 2. The menu for Sunday brunch combines both breakfast and lunch menus giving one a a nice variety from which to choose.

I had the poached eggs with the sage-truffle buerre blanc, applewood smoked bacon, and breakfast potatoes ($11):

 

The eggs were perfect, the beurre blanc was light and mild. The bacon was tasty without being too salty or over-powering. It could have been a bit more crisp. Sopping up the drippy egg had me wishing for more of the wonderful toast. The potatoes were unremarkable and had me wishing for the fries on the Missus plate.

Speaking of the Missus, She picked a real winner, the Smoked Salmon Sandwich ($14):

 

This was a very nice dish; the avocado creme fraiche along with the capers added a nice rich-tangy edge to the sandwich, the heirloom tomatoes on the sandwich were very tasty. The arugula added a nice light bitterness. The salmon itself was very moist, perhaps a bit light with regards to a smoke flavor, the then I'm used to very aggressive smoked flavors.

 
These fries were totally different from what I've experienced on our previous visit. I couldn't get enough.....nice potato flavor!

We really enjoyed our meal....and the Missus is craving that salmon as I'm typing this post. So I guess we'll be revisiting on another Sunday in the near future.

Kitchen 4140
4140 Morena Blvd
San Diego, CA 92117

Comments

[Alice]

They are usually a hit or miss.

I've been there twice in the past 3 months, and one time everything was perfection and the second time..eh not so much.

But overall, it is still a pretty decent place.

Their coffee and drinks are pretty good as well if you haven't tried them.

[Kirk]

Hi Alice - That's too bad.....consistency is a key to a successful restaurant...well, being constantly good that is.

[Jason]

Hmmmm... sounds like an interesting option, that salmon sandwich does look quite good... maybe this place is worth a stop on the way to Costco. And if they are having a bad day, you can always get a hot dog!

[Carol]

Hi Kirk! I hope they fix their inconsistency issue since your brunch dishes look delicious and that area does really need a good place to eat.

[Faye]

The Kobe Beef Burger looked awkward! The meat doesn't even look like meat!

I've never had smoked salmon w/ arugula before - that's an interesting combination that I need to try out.

Is Seisel's the same as Iowa Meat Farms?

Is there parking for this place? How's the seating?

Nice post w/ great pics :)

[Jenne]

Hi Kirk! Nice article in the Reader. :-D

I'm glad you posted about this place cause I've been meaning to go--my friend gave me a gift certificate.

Do they have the salmon sandwich all the time, or just for brunch?

[Mary]

I saw a coupon for this place awhile ago and when I checked the hours I thought, well, I'll never have time to go there! Nice to see they have some brunch hours now, but its weird to see a place without dinner or Saturday service!

[Chris]

Hi Kirk as an observation it seems like the bun on that burger has been deflated. Is it a brioche bun? Those are OK but as odd as it sounds I like a burger on a Kaiser roll that stands up to the meat but that is just my opinion.

[Kirk]

LOL Jason! That'a a great strategy!

Hi Carol - I hope so too!

Hi Faye - Seisel's is owned by the same folks as Iowa Meat. The place is bistro-sized, not huge, but of a nice size. There's parknig in front, and a good sized parking lot to the North of the palce.

Hi Jennne - Somehow, I knew you'd enjoy that one! ;o) They have the sandwich on the lunch menu.

Hi Mary - I guess the folks think the location is good for just breakfast and lunch.

Hi Chris - I believe it was a brioche.

[Green Turtle]

Hi Kirk, not related directly to this post, but just wanted to get your advice on Shanghai style cuisine. Since Shanghai City's gone now, where's the best place to get XLB and those big rice filled shumai? Thanks.

[Kirk]

Hi GT - Honestly, not being smarta$$..... I tihnk you'll have to go to LA.