Island Style Cafe Reopens (Now in Santee)

There were quite a few disappointed folks (me included) when Island Style Cafe announced they were closing their shop in Tierrasanta. On my last visit to ISC, Teri did tell me that they were going to reopen. But I heard nothing about that....until mid-January when I randomly went to ISC's Facebook page and noticed a strange address....based in Santee. Then it soon started....first "FOY" Kerri sent me an email telling me ISC was reopening, the address and target date. This was followed by emails from LaurieH and KathyQ informing me that a reopening announcement had been made on NextDoor….finally, to put the cherry on the top, our own Cathy sent me a text letting me know that ISC was reopening! As I mentioned in my previous post; our own little "coconut wireless" is still going strong!

Now Santee is not quite down the street for me; I haven't been "back East" since before the pandemic. I really didn't want to go during prime time or rush hour....in spite of having had both of my vaccinations completed at the end of January, I'm still somewhat adverse to risk. I did see an opening though. Back at the beginning of February, I took a vacation day to get my car serviced. Unfortunately.....as I was waiting for my vehicle to be ready (it was amazing how quick they completed my service) I got a bunch of text messages....there was an emergency need at work, so I started trying to set the foundation for what was needed (I had the work laptop with me), but WiFi at the dealership was really bad….I rushed home and halfway through our internet went out! Sigh....so I ended up going into the office and spending the rest of the day completing the request. Needless to say, I was fried......more on that in a later post. Anyway, I went and requested to have a replacement day.....and I took it this past week. So guess what...Santee, here I come.

And to be perfectly honest, this location is only about 15 minutes away from their former location, on the 52 East, exit at Mast...so what the heck was I whining about.

I got there at around 1035 and the phone was ringing off the hook. Teri was there running....well, everything. It was nice to see her and it seems she remembered me as well. The menu has changed a bit; no moa' Kaloko Moco...but they now have other versions; a Curry Moco, Kalua Moco….and something called the "Kanak Attack" Loco Moco. Since I'd be taking my stuffs to go (no outside seating - and I'm still waiting to feel comfortable enough with that anyway) I went with the Char Siu - Spam Scramble ($11).

Between the myriad of phone and takeout orders; Teri did have a few moments to chat while I waited for my food. She mentioned that the six months off really gave them time to reflect on life and the business, making them so much more thankful for all great customers and relationships the restaurant provided to them....thus really giving them more motivation to reopen. Teri also told me that business has been really brisk; especially during afternoon rush hour....it seems like folks were doing a bunch of takeout on the way home.

Soon enough my order was ready and with Teri telling me "Mahalo Kirk" and I responded with "Mahalo nui loa, noʻu ka hauʻoli Teri"......man, when was the last time I said that?

Anyway, unpacking things at home; the Scramble looked pretty hefty.

I like the "loco style fried rice" that ISC makes; it's always been moist and fluffy...….the eggs were nicely done, soft, slices of my favorite canned meat product, char siu (decent), kamaboko, onions......of course a nice shake of Tabasco, I ended up finishing the whole darn thing! The only thing I would replace...is that next time, I'll pass on the teriyaki sauce as it is too sweet for my taste.

Eleven bucks....heck, I just recently spent $10 for a banh mi. So this is well worth the price. At my age, I can't put these away too often, but today was special. It was reconnecting with a place that has a special spot in my heart and cardiovascular system.

Teri and I spoke about the gradual reopening of indoor dining and I told her I was holding off on my loco moco until then....she laughed. But what better way to celebrate the transition to some sort of normalcy, right?

Island Style Cafe
9828 N Magnolia Ave.
Santee, CA 92071

You know, Teri's mention of being thankful really resonates with me. I mean, we have a humble, very low-tech little blog, and yet there are wonderful folks like Kerri, LaurieH, and KathyQ  who actually take time out of their lives to contact me and let me know that Island Style Café was reopening and where! It warms my heart and keeps me inspired!

Mahalo nui loa Kerri, LaurieH, and KathyQ!

 

Comments

[Dereck]

I'm thrilled that ISC has reopened! I was really hoping that would be the case. It's on my short list.

[Kirk]

I hope you enjoy the food from ISC Dereck!

[Sandy]

Thanks for the update! I'm glad that the owners are re-charged and open again for business. I was thinking that Santee was a bit of a drive, but it really isn't that far.

[Kirk]

I really thought that it would take me longer to get from home to ISC....but I guess not being rush hour, it was pretty quick Sandy. I'm glad they are excited about reopening.

[Kerri]

Hi Kirk, Thanks for the thank you on the head's up on ISC. Sorry about not letting you know about Da Kine's temporarily closing. I'll email you as soon as I hear anything from Nelson. Now I need to make the trek out to Santee!
Take care, Kerri

[Kirk]

Thanks so much for all the wonderful info Kerri! Don't need to apologize for naything....as you see; the coconut wireless works pretty well! ;O) Hope all is well and many thanks as always! Take care!

[Junichi]

Glad they were able to re-open! Missed their locos.

[Janfrederick]

Great news!

[Kirk]

Hope you're able to get your fix soon Junichi!

Yes, really great news Jan!

[kat]

so glad you can get your fix now:)

[Kirk]

Thanks Kat! It's nice to see this place back in business. Hope all is well!

[Soo]

Nice! I'll have try the new location.

[Kirk]

Check them out Soo!