Bella Vista Caffe (La Jolla)(brunch in an office park setting)

Welcome to mmm-yoso!!! the food blog.  Things are getting busy in anticipation of all the upcoming holidays and events.  Kirk and Ed(from Yuma) are a bit busy and Cathy is sharing a lovely meal because she appears to be organized.

I don't remember the last time The Mister and I went out to brunch.  We've tried many times and lines were out the door and, trying to avoid crowds, we've ended up with simple breakfasts if we do go out.

After reading several blog posts of great lunches (and some breakfasts) at Bella Vista Social Club and Caffe, located in La Jolla in the Sanford Consortium campus, I decided to read their website menu, noting they served breakfast during the week (starting at 7:30) AND brunch on weekends, beginning at 8 a.m.. We figured since it's not located directly in the middle of a populated neighborhood, there might not be a line at around 9:30 a.m., when we happened to be in the area.

Located  on the second floor of the first building you see at the North West corner Torrey Pines Road at Torrey Pines Scenic Drive (which is the road to Torrey Pines Glider Port), across the street from UCSD, when you head toward the Complex, there is an employee parking lot on the left and what looks to be a pay for parking lot to your right.  Don't worry- Bella Vista validates your parking ticket.  

We decided to eat inside on this beautiful, chilly morning. There's still a nice view, with floor to ceiling windows and the main doors remained open for fresh air and easy access for the waiters to the outside tables. Coffee ($2.15) was fresh made and brought out with real cream.       

Here's a bit of a better scenery view...that's the Pacific Ocean and Glider Port straight ahead, Torrey Pines Golf Course is just to the right.

 During the week, the walk up counter is buzzing with people grabbing items to go. 

 As you can see, there are several different types of seating areas. 

 Soon enough, my Leek and Black Truffle (fresh Goat Cheese topped) quiche ($10.95) was brought out.  The slice may look narrow, but know that is was about two inches in height, filled with wonderful, fresh leeks, specks of black truffle and the creamiest most flavorful custard I can recall, and it was all baked into

the most perfect, flaky, flavorful crust. Served with a deceptively large side salad and wonderful, creamy balsamic, this was quite a large breakfast.

 The Mister ordered an Italian Tartine ($7.75) Proscuitto di Parma on top of toasted ciabatta slices, 

 topped with two fresh, perfectly poached eggs.  This was accompanied by wonderfully crisp rosemary potatoes and some seasonal fruit. 

When we were leaving, there was a photographer on the far end of the balcony-you can see the green grass of Torrey pines golf course to the right...

A wonderful, delicious, scenic brunch in a very unexpected location. 

Bella Vista Social Caffe 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive La Jolla 92037 (they validate parking) Website 

M-W 7:30-7, Th-F 7:30-8, Sat & Sun 8-3

Comments

[Jeni]

There's a special place in my heart for restaurants that serve real cream with coffee.

[caninecologne]

Great brunch post Cathy! I'm hardly ever out for brunch but it's always nice to live vicariously thru your posts (and others). :)

Your quiche looked so good (thick too!), except I would not have goat cheese or truffles (just regular mushrooms)!!!

[Cathy]

Understand completely, Jeni-just that small business decision of serving real cream makes a simple Caffe brunch special. Thanks for keeping up with our blog.
Thanks, cc. This is a perfect space with wonderful food- there were only three choices of quiche - Lorriane (with onion and Pancetta), Mr. Seguin (spinach, sun dried tomato and goat cheese) and this Truffe Poireau (leeks, black truffle and fresh goat cheese). I was curious about leeks in a quiche (more than black truffle) and wanted to try it made the 'right' way before attempting it at home.

[nhbilly]

Simple food and beautiful scenery.

[Cathy]

We all have to live somewhere, bill. Might as well take the drive and enjoy what really is so close.

[dereck]

I will also note that parking is very easy here during the week at lunch. I've always found a space and the validated parking is a major perk.
It's great to see another good restaurant up here on the hill. Cathy, you might want to try the lunchroom at General Atomics sometime. It's not open to the public, but it is certainly a blast in the past.

[Cathy]

I think a weekday lunch at Bella Vista is in order, Dereck. The SDGE cafeteria used to be open to the public and had the best short order cooking area, which is always fascinating to watch. I'll have to talk to some General Atomics friends...thanks for the tip.