Cake De Partie

This mmm-yoso!!!  post is written by Cathy.  Kirk is having a busy week.

Back in 2016, signage went up on what had been Tea Garden, which had been closed for a while (and left some parking spaces for Pangea Bakery Cafe, where we frequented a bit more often). We were curious about the name, the food, the elk... yet even then we were avoiding crowds.  Besides, there were posts online and in print about this place. Then there was covid and we couldn't even if we wanted. A few weeks ago, we drove in the parking lot, found a spot open and parked.  Should have stopped here sooner.   'Asian Fusion, Desserts Cafe, owned and run by chef Pat & Molly' is all that is written on the web page. However, cc's 2016 blog post has an informative explanation of the business name: Cake de Partie is a play on the words, "Chef de Partie". Acording to the definition on wikipedia:
"A chef de partie, or station chef, is a cook in a restaurant who is in charge of a particular station (area of production); for example, a pastry chef or saucier. The chef de partie may be the only person working in their particular station, or may be in charge of one or more underlings."
 
 Set up now for social distancing, there are a few tables inside and out front. When you walk in the door, there is a table with this menu on it. We were here for a pancake soufflé and knew it would take 30 minutes, so when placing the order, asked for that first.  The nice lady at the counter walked back to the kitchen to let them know before we continued making the order. Since we knew we would be waiting for 'dessert', we ordered some Popcorn Chicken ($5.50)- original flavor (there is also a 'Zapp' and a 'Cheddar' option).  This was quite *perfect*- a light, crispy, non-oily bite of juicy chicken.   
 The BBQ pork rice bowl ($9) was also really good.  Honey BBQ pork over sticky rice with a small salad on the side.  The salad had a sort of strawberry vinaigrette already on it and the dipping sauce for the honey coated charred pork had a bit of sour (lime juice?) and umami (fish sauce?) and a touch of heat that was a very complimentary condiment.   
 There were several choices of crepe cake slices ($8). We chose mocha.  The Mister counted 25 crepes, each separated with a thin layer of a buttery mocha frosting.  Buttery frosting. We had never tried a crepe cake before and definitely will seek out the other flavors.
 This is why we were here.  The Very Berry Soufflé Pancake ($10).  Fresh and warm from the kitchen, served with a small scoop of strawberry ice cream and small cup of strawberry jam (pretty sure those were made in house). 
 There are two soufflé pancakes.  Here is a cross section of the delightful, jiggly treat. This is simply wonderful.

 As a side note, there is a wide array of beverages to choose from on the menu.  A simple cup of organic hot tea ($3.50) is made to order from loose tea leaves.  This was the peach blossom - a very natural flavored tea.

Everything served here is quality.  High quality.  A hidden gem right there on Convoy Street.

Cake de Partie 4685 Convoy Street San Diego 92111 Close Monday and Tuesday. Open Wed-Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (858) 987-0033 Website

 "Drink Triple, Eat Double, Act Single"

Regarding the elk: the elk depicted in the logo is due to the chefs' admiration for the elk's revered status in Japan. Their culture views elk as a spiritual force. 

Comments

[RedDevil]

Great informative post! Enjoyed the tidbits about the name and the elk, as well as the food. Thanks

[kat]

soufflé pancakes look heavenly!

[Cathy]

Thanks, RD. I must credit cc for doing the research; I had been trying to complete the post for a few weeks, checking various resources and her blog post had the answers; she is a historian in addition to blogging. The food here is remarkable; I think being forced to limit the menu (because of COVID) has made the quality shine.
Those soufflé pancakes are just the best treat, Kat. Made to order, it is worth the wait.

[Sandy]

I really liked Pangea Bakery, and I was sorry to see it go. I think it closed before 85C opened? Anyway, Cake de Partie looks delicious! I had souffle pancakes in Japan, and I can't wait to try their version.

[Cathy]

My first post about Pangea was in October 2012 and first time I went to 85C was June 2013 (in Irvine); first 85C opened in San Diego in November 2014...and Pangea was better in a lot of ways, Sandy. I do miss it. The quality at Cake de Partie is remarkable and the soufflé is a fun indulgence.

[Soo]

Cool looking pancake!

[Cathy]

The pancake tastes even better than it looks, Soo! Even 'plain' bites were rich, flavorful and didn't need enhancing with the other flavors.