While I might grumble about the food and restaurants here in San Diego from time to time; I do realize that there is a nice variety available to you if you take the time to enjoy things. Take breakfast/brunch for example. Over the last couple of weeks, I found myself getting something different from the usual noodle soup while doing my Saturday morning errands.
El Borrego:
It's easy to overlook El Borrego. The street parking is limited and it's in sort of a no-man's land right before the main City Heights shopping area. Heck; it's been about four years since I've last visited.
But with temps now dipping into the 40's at night, I just wanted some Lamb Consomme.
The lovely warm embrace of the gamey lamb broth ($2.25) was just the thing I needed to warm me up and get me going. As was the Mexican coffee.
Being a bit hungry, I also ordered two Quesadilla Rellenas ($2.75/ each); one with flor de calabasa and the other with; of course, huitlacoche....I'm thinking that Black Belt Jonez comment on huitlacoche had me craving it.
The huitlacoche here is fairly mild with just a bit of that fungi flavor; the squash blossom goes really well with the cheese; which adds in a slightly milky touch. That salsa roja is no joke either.
Nice and comforting, but not too much food; it was what I needed to get all systems ready for my errands.
El Borrego Restaurant
4280 El Cajon Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92115
Manila Fast Food and Desserts:
I was here just a few months back, but decided to get my Longsilog fix since I was in the neighborhood.
The Garlic Rice was decent; miost and the garlic wasn't too burnt and bitter. The steam table eggs weren't bad; still soft and runny in the middle; though I do enjoy my eggs with crisp edges. The eggs weren't seasoned, so adding your own salt is a must. The standard issue longanisa was fine; I'd prefer bit more char, but it had a nice snap, wasn't dried out, and had that sweet longanisa hamonado flavor.
Manila Fast Food and Desserts
8979 Mira Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92126
The "Moco Loco" at the High Dive:
So, I've been going into the office during most weekends since we got back from vacation. Some were necessary; on other days, it was just to catch up on admin stuff. I ran to Birdrock on Morena to pick up some coffee beans for the Missus. I'd done my Sprouts - 99 Ranch Market - Nijiya - Costco shopping and was going to grab something quick and head off to the office when I decided to "F that"......I deserved a day off and maybe a nice long weekend nap.
The car took over and parked alongside the High Dive. And my 11am Ommegang Gnomegang clinched the deal.
I haven't been the biggest fan of the food here, but hadn't seen the Brunch menu before. THD opens at 8am on Saturday and Sunday and they had something called the "Moco Loco" ($15)....you know me and Loco Mocos.
This really was a mixed bag. The egg seemed kinda small, but was fine, the yolk still runny. The gravy was straight up mushroom gravy which had a decent texture; not overly gluey, and wasn't too salty. It was just a tad over lukewarm though. The rice had an odd texture......not sure what was going on.
The best item was the burger; which, while being pretty lean and toothsome, had a really nice char with a good beefiness to it.
One word of warning; if you're ordering this and can't take something less than medium, I think you should let them know as what I got was pretty darn rare. Though it didn't bother me.
High Dive Bar and Grill
1801 Morena Blvd
San Diego, CA 92110
Well, at least I actually did take a "day off". And I got something other than noodle soup for my weekend breakfast.
Looks like the perfect combo week for you.
Posted by: nhbilly | Monday, 19 December 2016 at 05:57 AM
It was and it is Billy!
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 19 December 2016 at 06:38 AM
Wow. That's a rare patty! Haven't been to High Dive in ages. Always end up at O'Brien's.
Posted by: Junichi | Tuesday, 20 December 2016 at 09:54 AM
I know Junichi! Not the norm by San Diego standards.
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 20 December 2016 at 11:39 AM