Tender Greens (revisits)(Breakfast, too)

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of this food blog. Kirk usually writes here and is needing a bit of a break.  Ed (from Yuma) usually has something interesting to write about, but not today.  Cathy is writing to share about more adventures about a favorite restaurant, which has multiple locations. 

I've written about Tender Greens after the first location opened at Liberty Station in 2009 and again in 2011. Then Kirk wrote about one of his lunches downtown when he had Jury Duty in 2013.  I followed up with a post a few months later.  It's time for an update.  Tender Greens has expanded (there are now four San Diego locations) and the menus are the same, with varied daily specials at each location. 

Earlier this year, both The Mister and I performed our civic duty involving the Jury Systems located downtown.  One of the 'perks' of showing up for duty (even if you are not chosen to be on a jury) is a small reimbursement of one Metropolitan Transit System all day trolley/bus/coaster pass good anytime within the next six months.  Since we each had a pass (and one would be expiring soon) we decided to return downtown early one morning.The downtown location is the only one that offers breakfast (Monday-Friday).  The menu is limited- there are three sandwiches (braised short rib/egg, veggie/egg and ham/egg/cheese), four 'plates and such'  (two eggs with bacon and toast, a fritatta, a 'power bowl' and granola) and 'other deliciousness' (fruit, pastries, avocado toast and a quiche).Placing our order and paying, we were asked if we wanted butter and/or jam for the toast.  Those cups were filled (not pre-filled) and the coffee poured and we found a table in the fairly empty restaurant.   Wondering what was going on, we realized the food was being prepared and was not pre-prepared, the way you normally 'follow' your lunch or dinner down the prep and serving line.  The 'Seasonal Veggie Fritatta' ($7), made with 'farm' vegetables, roasted potatoes, cage free eggs and topped with queso fresco.   The whole idea of a single fritatta was fascinating and something we will be trying at home over the holidays.  The freshness and flavors were outstanding.  The toasted grain bread on the side was really good and didn't really need the butter or jam, but we did use those condiments. The breakfast sandwiches are served on a toasted Con Pane brioche bun.  This is the 'House made Ham and Cheddar' ($7).  It's really good.  The ham is not salty, very flavorful and is great on its own.  The scrambled eggs were airy, light and fluffy. The cheddar cheese added just the right amount of saltiness.  There was a smear of apricot mustard which added just the right amount of savory.  I already want to get another breakfast sandwich here. 
  This is what the front of the University Town Center location looks like.  It's just outside the Food Court/Ice Skating Rink area.  There is seating inside as well as on the patio, but you can carry your tray out to the central outdoor area also.

One day this summer, the location at UTC had the daily special of steamed mussels (with house made bacon) ($11.50) These were a good quality of mussel, plump and in a savory sauce; the bacon added just the right amount of saltiness needed.The 'Happy Vegan' ($11.50) is still my fallback choice. Sometimes I am so overwhelmed with the menu that I just know the combination of salads (a tender green salad, a scoop of tabbouleh, a quinoa with cucumber and beets, a farro/wheat with cranberries and hazelnuts and a green hummus) will satisfy as well as taste wonderful. Some days a 'Charcuterie Board' ($11.50) is offered; some days there aren't enough ingredients left.   I mentioned in another post that P. Baluster Salumi is made here. The boards are always different either in the meats or cheeses or various condiments offered.  Each and every board has been wonderful.The latest 'comfort food' order here has been a 'Hot Plate' with the backyard marinated steak, yukon gold potatoes and a tender green salad ($11.50).  The steak is always medium rare, unless you request otherwise.  The yukon gold mashed potatoes are addictive. There are always a variety of fresh baked goods available for dessert (around $3) and this one was memorable and unexpected.  Not in any way a common cupcake.

Tender Greens. Multiple locations. Different hours, depending on location. Website

Comments

[Dennis]

Hi Cathy, makes sense that the downtown location serves breakfast. I often go to the UTC mall location for lunch and get the romain salad with fried chicken (which is crunchy and great if you have it there, otherwise tends to steam up in the to-go containers).

[caninecologne]

One of these days I'll have to try breakfast downtown. The happy vegan looks like a good and healthy variety. I have only been to the Point Loma location and that was in 09,yikes.

Good coffee can also be had at West Bean down the block

[jack]

I really enjoy Tender Greens, super fresh ingredients, simple preparations and never understood why some circles don't care for it...oh well!

[Cathy]

I've ben curious about the fried chicken here, Dennis-one item we've never tried. Now I will. I really liked the breakfast we had and hope to try it again, soon.

It was great, cc. TG is only one of two places where I've had to go back immediately (as in that evening or the next day) after the first visit. Taking out of town visitors here shows them local foods which we sometimes take for granted.

I agree, Jack. People from back East always comment how they'd do anything to have such flavorful, fresh food available all year. We here are fortunate.