Trifecta Tavern-another restaurant inside a grocery store

mmm-yoso!!! is the blog you are reading. It's about food.  Cathy is blogging today: Kirk is busy and so is ed(from Yuma).

After reading about Kirk's post about Whole Foods Market in Hawaii, The Mister and I were curious about 'our' location and when we drove to the La Jolla location, saw it was being remodeled; the parking lot was a mess and signs about a grand reopening in a few weeks were everywhere. We jumped back onto the 5 and headed North, knowing a new Whole Foods had opened at the Via de la Valle exit -the same exit that you take when going to the Del Mar Racetrack.  Signage there indicated '400 additional parking places behind Whole Foods', so we drove into Flower Hill Promenade and found the new parking structure. It was practically empty.

An excellent map of the current and soon to be shops of the mall was just inside the walkway to the 'front' of the parking lot. We walked into the store and straight ahead were a series of hot food trays, and to the right of those were a bakery, grab and go area, a sandwich shop, pizza and deli area and  to the direct right - right from the front door was the Trifecta Tavern. Because every grocery store seems to have an eat in area.

But- this one, inside Whole Foods, also serves a choice of 24 beers on tap, has a nice wine selection, daily specials and a very easy one page menu. It was lunchtime so we didn't choose an adult beverage, but we may share a beer next time.

You seat yourself, but the waitresses are constantly checking the seating and ready to take your order.  Here's a view of the above mentioned area of the store from my seat. 

The Mister ordered the grass fed burger, which comes with fries ($8).  This was *wonderful*.  The bun was light, fluffy, toasted.  The burger was cooked to a perfect medium rare and had such flavor. The fries were perfectly crisp, not greasy and lightly salted. Even the ketchup, which was just the Whole Foods 365 organic store brand, had a more pronounced, tomato flavor than I have noticed from other brands of ketchup.

I chose to try a bit of everything- the Nosh Plate ($9). Really really good.  Two meats, three cheeses, grilled bread slices, fruit, pickled vegetables and seasoned nuts all served with a house made blackberry mostard.  So nice, filling and refreshing. Being able to try the sliced proscuitto and salame was enough for me to purchase some before leaving the store, along with stopping at the coffee and juice bar and purchasing a small cup of gelato before the drive home.

Whole Foods Market-Del Mar 2600 Via de la Valle, Suite 100 Del Mar, CA 92014 (858)436-9800 open 7 am-10pm, seven days a week

Comments

[Faye]

The prices seem reasonable! Last few times I visited this new WF this restaurant was packed . Will have to check it out now after seeing your post :)

[Ed (from Yuma)]

Nice to see a post from you again. I've never been to that WF.

[Cathy]

Seriously good food at very reasonable prices, Faye. We were there around 11:30 on a weekday; unsure what it'll be like during Racing Season, but so very worth it.

Thanks, ed. The Del Mar one opened Feb 28, so is very new. The La Jolla location is now re-opened after a remodel; haven't been yet but am hoping for a similar eat in the store restaurant.

[caninecologne]

Aaah, that WF is so far! Great price on that burger too! I like how some grocery stores have eating areas in them now...

[Cathy]

Almost every grocery store and quite a few Department stores seem to have an eat-in area it seems, cc. I was going to put in links to all the posts I've done and there were too many! We tend to overlook them and most are excellent. If you are up that way, it is worth the stop. Whole Foods is a fascinating store in general and the 'amenities' at this new location are fascinating.