KNB Wine Cellars-Lunch

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog.  You somehow have found it on your computer.  A few of us share the blogging duties: Kirk, who is globetrotting, ed (from Yuma) who is hanging around Yuma right now and Cathy, who has somehow found her way to the SDSU area of town.

Hi.  One block North of Interstate 8 at the College Avenue exit, is the signal light for Del Cerro Boulevard. Turn right, look to your left and you'll see  Windmill Farms, a Community Market and all around great grocery store close to San Diego State University. Some students shop here, but the location, in a University neighborhood, means the locals also shop at this wonderful market.  

Right next door, attached to the Windmill Farms building, is KNB Wine Cellars.  It takes up a small storefront.   The sign on the front clarifies the name- Keg and Bottle.  

When you step up to the doorway, you can see this space is deep.

 

Walk in and the selection of non-refrigerated beers is extensive. Opposite these shelves and around the back of the store is a wall of refrigerators.

The liquors, spirits and wine selection is also extensive. 

Within this maze is a Bistro. Yes. Not hidden, but maybe you wouldn't think  this was a place to stop for a meal, other that the other part of the outdoor signage "Fine Foods"... There are seats indoors and also on a patio out front.

I had a non-alcohol lunch here recently. I did notice the beer tap selection was quite large and the menu has a variety of not only wines but also Flights (a number of small samples of reds or whites) but also mentions monthly events. 

This lunch started with one order of Huevos Diablo ($1).

Deviled eggs.  The yolk is mixed with beer and then piped back into the whites and topped with a jalapeño. A few of these would be a perfect snack or small meal for me.

The West Coast Caprese Salad ($9.50) has a beautiful presentation.

Heirloom tomatoes, Cotija cheese and avocado, topped with cilantro and a *really* nice balsamic.  This combination has inspired me to experiment a bit more at home.  I never had considered Cotija cheese as much more than a garnish, since it doesn't melt.  It is salty and has more of a slight soft-to solid texture-like Feta.  This combination of flavors was just right. A creative take on a traditional Caprese salad.

My friend had a Buster Keaton Sandwich ($9). Roast beef, Gorgonzola, roasted red peppers, mayonnaise and spinach on a toasted ciabatta. A small spring mix salad was on the side. I am unsure what roast beef has to do with Buster Keaton, a silent film actor.  I had a bite of the sandwich and it was very good. 

All in all, the KNB Wine Cellars Bistro is a hidden gem. It's a very nice, local place with a very interesting menu.  The prices and selection of beers, wines and spirits is extensive.  I'll be returning with The Mister to try out more of the menu.

KNB Wine Cellars 6380 Del Cerro Boulevard San Diego 92120 (619) 286-0321 Website

Comments

[caninecologne]

hi cathy - thanks for the 'preview'! i have a coupon for this place and haven't gone yet but will make sure to do so soon!

[Cathy]

You'll like it, cc. I understand it can get quite busy; we were there before noon on a Thursday and there were 5 or 6 tables with people. The food was really good.

[grey]

If I were to think Caprese I would do a Oaxaca cheese it is similar to mozz (even better IMHO):)))

[Cathy]

The menu said it was Cotija cheese, Grey, but the texture did make me think it was Oaxaca. It was definitely a salty Mexican cheese and not Mozzarella...and did go well with the other flavors on the plate.

[Alyssa]

Interesting place to find a meal! I like how they took some basic dishes and added their own twist.

[cathy]

If I had had some sort of alcoholic beverage to accompany the meal, the beer in the deviled egg might have made more sense, Alyssa. The photos of the interior help you to draw the conclusion.I have seen many comments about how KnB is a great source for adult beverages.