Caffé Bene

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of the blog you are reading.  Kirk has an even busier day than usual and Ed (from Yuma) is out and about (in Yuma) doing his things, so Cathy is writing today's post. 

Caffe Bene has over 1600 locations in a dozen countries around the world.  One of those locations is in San Diego, on Convoy Street (it shares the same parking lot with Prime Grill).  Opening over a year ago, cc and Kirbie posted about it.Spacious with a simple decor, the 'Global Coffee House' offers a fairly quiet meeting space with free wifi...

 coffees, teas, beverages as well as a variety of snack foods, treats and small sandwiches.  The Signature drink here, 'multigrain power drink', Misugaru, can be served cold or hot and I like each version and have purchased one or the other on each visit here.  It's tasty, not too sweet and quite filling.  I think it may also be good for you.  

There is a small selection of sandwiches on the menu.  The above is a Spicy Chicken Sandwich ($8.95).  Served hot on a fresh roll, the chicken breast, fresh spinach and melted cheese were quite fresh and tasty.  The 'spicy' sauce was nicely hot, (not Sriracha sweet, just a good punch of heat).  The side of potato salad was just enough to compliment the other flavors.  

 The ham and egg sandwich ($7.95) was not served hot, but was just as pleasant in flavor pairings.  Hard boiled eggs, a good amount of ham, spinach, red onion and a mustard based sauce were all complimentary and made a nice little shared meal.  

 Caffe Bene is known for its Liege waffles and honey bread and we tried a simple order of a waffle with gelato ($5.50). Liege waffles are small, rich, stretchy/chewy and a bit crunchy from embedded pearl sugar in the batter; another variety of waffle.  The gelato?  Strawberry- a very densely flavored gelato, which would be good on its own but also went very well with pieces of the waffle.

Yes, it is a chain, but this is the only location around and it is quite nice. 

Caffè Bene Website 4620 Convoy St San Diego, CA 92111 (858) 278-2204 Open daily 9 a.m.-midnight   Website

Comments

[caninecologne]

My friends and I really liked the bingsu dessert here, especially the strawberry flavor. It also looked exactly like the plastic replica at the counter. :)

I was not a fan of their coffee drinks. They do not serve it in actual cups as depicted on their banners (complete with latte art); instead it was served in a paper cup and tasted burnt, at least the day of my visit.

My friend "kept" the bingsu bowl because he liked it so much. On a subsequent visit, I noticed a sign by the trash that read, "Please do not take bingsu bowl"! D'oh!

[nhb]

Sounds like a little nice shop to hang out and grab a bite

[Cathy]

Wow, hardly ever does the plastic representation look like the final product, although based on photos online, the majority of presentations are beautiful, cc. One my hot misugaru's tasted burned; now I wonder. Perhaps the reason for no real cups is now the same reason there is signage about the bingsu bowls...
It is a very nice, quite large place, Bill. There are a great variety of items to choose from- sweet and savory. A little different 'mood' than a Starbucks.

[Lynn @ Oh-So Yummy]

hmm, I always thought this was a coffee shop only so never stopped by, but that drink and dessert setup looks so tempting. may have to pop in for sandwiches and waffles if I ever have an open lunch break.

[Cathy]

Caffe Bene is a good choice, Lynn. I've tried to avoid chains (New Year resolution) but this unique location with unique choices is quite nice.