Yes, It's Jury Duty - Coava Coffee, Abandoned Horton Plaza, and a Return to Sultan Baklava

**** Coava Coffee has closed

Yes, it was that time again, and I caught the bus, then trolley downtown to perform my civic obligation.

I decided to stop for my caffeine fix at Coava Coffee Roasters, a branch of the very popular Portland based roastery/café which opened up in the Westin on Broadway.

Had a very inexpensive Kenyan pour-over; which while as distinctive in flavor as what we get at Birdrock had a nice mild fruitiness and acidity.

And gave me just enough of a boost for the morning.

You can read CC's post on Coava here.

Coava Coffee Roasters
400 W Broadway
San Diego, CA 92101
Hours:
Mon - Fri 6am - 6pm
Sat - Sun 7am - 6pm

This was my first JD since they moved things over to the Central Courthouse where the "lounge" is located on the third floor. Of course, we were excused for like a two hour lunch break. I had a place in mind and took my time getting there. Last time, I walked over and checked out Horton Plaza Park. I'd read that Horton Plaza had been sold and have also read of it's impending demise, so I thought I'd take a look.

It was quite eerie; all the closed shops, not a single customer. It reminded me of some movie set.

The only two main shops still open are Macy's on the North side and Jimbo's on the Southwest corner.

I took a look at the directory to see what tenants were still in place. It was very sparse and quite deceiving.....take a quick look and you'll see Macy's listed 10 times!

Both Cathy and CC mentioned remembering when Horton Plaza opened back in 1985.

It was quite sad.

Even Horton Plaza Park was quite empty....this on a very sunny (it was before the last storm system hit) day. Seems that the businesses there were closed down as well.

I'm hoping the proposed redevelopment is successful.

As I made my way to the South end of the mall; I noticed that 24 Hour Fitness and Jimbo's was doing well. I also noticed that the mall was quite clean and in good shape.

It was, as a whole depressing....I needed some lunch.

Call me a creature of habit; but just like last time I headed back to Sultan Baklava. When Sultan was opened in El Cajon it was a regular stop for us. These days....well, we're older and sometimes just getting around downtown is a hassle. But Jury Duty is the perfect time for another visit.

The owner was setting up the baklava when I entered and greeted me heartily, I had a seat, and quickly got some warming Tea.

The fragrance of bergamot wafting up to my nose.

Being the fairly boring person I am...plus not wanting to over eat because I still had an afternoon (and what turned out to be another full day) in front of me. I ordered the same two items I did last time.

Starting with my favorite meze; the Antipezme (acili ezme). This was much better than what I'd had on my previous visit; nice smokey tones of paprika, good acidity, and a surprising dose of spice. The lavas however was too hard and crumbly; lacking any stretch.

I was worried about my Lahmacun, but it was very well done and quite satisfying.

From the nice crisp edges to the tender center. Nicely balanced and well seasoned meat, this turned over some nice memories for me. Sweet-savory-acidity, it does the trick. I know I always say this....but I gotta return more often.

Sultan Baklava
770 4th Ave
San Diego, CA
Hours:
Mon - Thurs 11am - 1030pm
Fri - Sum   11am - 1130pm

Sultan was one of those places for the Missus and I....it inspired us to travel to Turkey, not once, but twice all those years ago. Sitting, finishing up my tea all those memories returned.

From the bustling and historic Istanbul.

To the exotic land of "fairy chimneys", "underground cities", and cathedrals build into mountainsides; Cappadocia.

To the historic ruins of Ephesus and even the wonderful Mediterranean city of Antalya.

We saw, learned, and ate so much. Those images are imprinted in my mind...….

Comments

[caninecologne]

Wow, that video about Horton Plaza's opening takes me back. I remember when driving downtown was kind of scary. There were lots of XXX theatres, strip clubs and such there before the now called Gaslamp District got gentrified. Kind of sad seeing your pix of the mall. It used to be a cool and fun place to hang out. I won't miss getting lost parking in their confusing fruit/vegetable parking lot floors.

All shoppers who came during those first days of the opening got free shopping bags (they had an 80's design on it, with geometric shapes and checkers). There is actually an old episode of "Growing Pains" where one of the characters had that same shopping bag (the show debuted in 1985, no I'm not a fan of it, but I remember stuff like this)

[kat]

glad your lunch was nice:)

[Kirk]

It kind of sad and depressing CC.....hope they turn things around.

It brought back some nice memories Kat!

[Soo]

That's great jury duty helped you remember your awesome Turkey adventure. I loved going to Horton Plaza back when Panda Inn was still open:
www.hungryones.com/2017/01/panda-inn-horton-plaza

[Kirk]

Horton Plaza is in a kind of sad state right now Soo. Did enjoy my lunch at Sultan though.

[Lynn @ Oh-So Yummy]

I remember eating at Tom Han's and the waiter recommending some tourists to visit downtown and Horton Plaza. After which I let them know it wasn't much at the mall these days... They did that nice courtyard too but it's dead. So sad.

[Kirk]

It's very sad Lynn.....

[Derek R]

Wow... I can't believe that's the current state of Horton Plaza. I'm in disbelief.

On a different note - what beans tend to be your favorite at Bird Rock Coffee? Right now we're working on a bag of the Borboya (VERY good!).

[caninecologne]

Looks like the video you included is now gone?

[Kirk]

We prefer African beans - Ethiopian/Kenyan, for the fruitiness. The Yemen Haraaz is a favorite of the Missus; who is much more picky than I am.

The link worked just fine for me CC:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAbByjzwr9U

[Junichi]

Ah jury duty. It's everyone's excuse to explore downtown dining spots.

[Kirk]

It is a great excuse Junichi!