International Deli and Cafe-first look

mmm-yoso!!! a food blog.  Kirk has some interesting things going on at work right now; long hours, not enough time to write any posts.  Similarly, Ed (from Yuma) has things going on (in Yuma) and also is using his free time wisely and not posting.  Cathy is writing today, using this time as a break from the norm.   

In April, I was meeting a client in the dark hours of early morning at Rose Donuts and noticed that Ryan's Cafe had closed, replaced by 'International Cafe and Deli'.  A mental note was made and eventually there was time to return for a visit. 

 Stepping inside, I was greeted with a hearty 'Good Afternoon! Have you ever had Hungarian or Romanian food?" There was some small talk; this location of International Deli is a branch of a longtime (since 2007) Garden Grove Romanian-Hungarian Cafe/Deli. People were driving there from San Diego, asking the owners to please move closer.

I asked about the menu behind the counter and an offer of a sample of mititei (skinless  pork/beef sausage) to be cooked for me was made.  I began to peruse the small deli and grocery while waiting.   The deli area was intriguing. 
    As were the various shelf stable choices.   There are several seating arrangements in the center of the cafe.   The cooked piece of mititei, two cabanos sausages (dry texture, yet not tough; black pepper is in this smoked pork sausage) and three slices of head cheese(mild, not spicy)(excellent, with tongue and many other meat parts).   The mititei was juicy, plump and mild flavored; pleasant. I will be ordering a sandwich next time.    I also ordered eight slices of homemade smoked bacon ($6.99/lb) It cooked up almost too quickly since there wasn't much fat.  Very meaty and well flavored. Smoked meat here is done properly.  Langos, a Hungarian flatbread, is offered in both sweet and savory  versions.  This is the savory version ($6.25), topped with 'everything'- sour cream, garlic, Feta cheese and dill.  A fresh made, tasty snack.  It can be ordered topped with any deli meat for an additional $1.99- that will make it a meal.
   On the menu board is "Kurtos"- Chimney cake. The available cakes are to the left of the cash register. I had heard of this delicate dessert, but never saw it up close.  I had to purchase the walnut version ($6.99)(there are also plain, coconut and almond versions).

The raised dough is wrapped around a metal tube sort of device, rolled in granulated sugar then baked while being basted with butter.  So, yes' crisp, yet delicate with a combination of butter/sugar and walnuts; a perfect accompaniment to coffee.  

I'll be going back; there's a nice breakfast menu in addition to the sandwiches and flatbread...and deli meats...and desserts. 

International Deli and Cafe 5201 Linda Vista Road San Diego 92110 (619) 294-5755 Open Mon-Fri 7-7, Sat-Sun 8-5 website

Comments

[Kirk]

Very nice Cathy - I just noticed this place two weeks ago and had been wondering about it.

[caninecologne]

My friends and I tried this place, thanks to your recommendation. We enjoyed the langos (without feta) - I was excited to see langos on the menu; I hadn't had it since House of Hungary stopped making it for the International Food Fair years ago. Fried bread is good.

More recently, Bert and I stopped by to try that skinless sausage sandwich which was very tasty. I would get that again. Their bacon was so thick cut and meaty. Enjoyed all that we tried here (the cabanos sausage and the smoked).