Con Pane and Garden Coffee

On one of our recent trips, to a city well known for their cuisine, one of the Missus's favorite things She consumed, was, well....avocado toast? In fact, She had it three times during our visit! To be perfectly honest, the shop baked their own sourdough and the avo-toast was really good.

That sourdough bread was just perfect; sliced thin, great flavor, super texture....well, of course when got back home, the Missus wanted...avocado toast. Though finding the right bread was going to be an issue. After trying a couple of places, I ended up going back to Con Pane, which I've mentioned several times in comments and posts, but had never done a post on the place. It used to be a favorite for a passable baguette, but after the bakery reopened under the ownership of the Cohn Group, well the baguettes weren't up to what we were used to. I dropped by and picked up a sourdough loaf and had it sliced thin...and guess what, while it's still a bit on the "San Diego chewy bread" side, Con Pane has now returned as a regular stop for us. As in weekly for the last month.

    Con Pane has two distinct lines; one for ordering food and café items. The other for bread and pastry only. As you can tell, I go first thing in the morning when they open. I'll often park all the way down by Trader Joe's and get a couple of extra steps in, while shopping at both places.

The bread line usually goes fast.

Like I said; I get the sourdough boule, sliced thin. 

And I'm usually in and out in a few minutes.

    While still a bit on the chewy side, when toasted it achieves a nice crispness, with good sour-tangy tones which doesn't overwhelm the yeastiness of the bread.

The Missus enjoys a good amount of avocado, with a squeeze of lemon, topped with cilantro micro-greens. I like making panini's and pressed sandwiches with salumi, cheese, and tomato.

So, who knows, maybe I'll try the baguette again one of these days.

Con Pane Rustic Breads & Café
2750 Dewey Rd.
San Diego, CA 92106
Hours:
Mon - Wed 8am - 3pm
Thurs - Sun 8am - 5pm

At the beginning of the month, I ran into "Bruddah Noel", who told me that he was now working at Garden Coffee in Old Town. I had never heard of the place and Noel gave me instructions on how to find it. It's was supposedly close to Tuetano Taqueria and the Congress Cafe. I looked at the address on Congress street, but don't recall seeing a coffee shop. After parking my car, I saw the sign.

So, I followed the signs.....

And came to a closed gate.....

So I made my way to Congress Street to the gate I thought was closed....it wasn't......duh....

And walked down into a cute little area.....

And the little shop was doing some good business....

   There were a couple of folks working on their laptops....when things slowed down a bit I got a chance to chat with Noel. I got my cold brew....Noel knows exactly how I take it.

It's a cute little place and it seems there's quite a few regular customers. I guess the rather discreet location means you have to want to find it....

They also have plants for sale as well.

   I've been back a couple of time and all the folks working are friendly. One of Noel's coworkers went to Sacred Hearts Academy "back home"...in my old neighborhood. Nice peaceful vibe in Old Town, I can see why folks like having a cup of coffee, maybe a pastry, and working at their laptops for a while here.

Currently, Garden Coffee is only open from 9am to 3pm Tuesdays to Saturdays. So, for me, with four coffee shops in the area that I frequent Garden Coffee will be a destination for a "late" cup.

I hope Noel does well! 

Garden Coffee
2611 Congress St.
San Diego, CA 92110
Hours:
Tues - Sat 9am - 3pm

Comments

[kat]

looks like a nice place to get coffee

[Sandy]

I love cilantro, but I've never heard of cilantro microgreens. Do you grow it?

[Kirk]

It is Kat! I only wish they opened earlier.

Hi Sandy - You can get it at Sprouts. They also stock kale and other microgreens. It's in the produce section; usually by the packaged Arugula, etc.

[Loren]

Con Pane remains my all time favorite bakery, even beating out Charlie's (but CP is also closer to where I live).

If you get the chance I highly recommend trying the actual sandwiches, specifically the turkey cobb and salami which my wife and I love. I also recommend the baker's savory plate and the cookies (especially shortbread).

I definitely leave with some kind of loaf of bread but the food at con Pane can't be missed.

[Soo]

I like the French baguette at Con Pane. Cool looking plants at the coffee shop.

[Kirk]

I've tried the sandwiches at Con Pane in those days "BB" (before blogging) Loren and they were pretty good. The place gets really crowded so I go right when they open...not really sandwich time for me...but one of these days....

We used to enjoy the baguette from CP Soo....but it seemed to have changed after they got bought out....or, it could just be that we've been to France too many times.

[Som Tommy]

I like Con Panes sandwiches

[Kirk]

Glad you like the sandwiches at CP ST!