Bits and Bites of Coronado Island
I recently had the offer to stay with a friend at her family home in San Diego. Which, having been before and loved, felt like a no brainer in itself. But, after hearing that we would be staying on Coronado, I knew that it was time to pull up the Google Flights page for ORD to SAN immediately.
Just 15 minutes from the airport, this area commonly known for being home to the famous Hotel De Coronado, was a quiet oasis filled with locals, slow morning walks, a treat yourself mentality and daily sunset ventures. As I reminisce on my visit, and daydream about a visit back, I figured I’d share some of my food reccs from our long weekend there. Writing this making this daydreaming productive right?
Bites:
Tartine: Banana Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake (how could that combination be bad?) pictured. Also tried a few different scones that they had on display, the waiter recommended their lemon tarts for our next visit.
Boney’s Bayside Market: One thing about me is I LOVE a specialty grocery store. This one-off grocery store on Coronado not only has great small brands featured throughout the store, but all the way in the back is home to some of the best deli sandwiches you can buy for $8. Call ahead to place your order because this place is well known on the island. I recommend the Island Baja (salsalito turkey, pepper jack cheese, avocado, tomato, sprouts, cucumbers, chipotle mayo on focaccia bread) or the Chicken Parm Sub (breaded chicken breast, parmesan cheese, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese on focaccia bread).
In-N-Out: It felt unjust to leave California without going at least once. One of the better things to come out of social media is that people have hacked every fast-food menu known to man. With this research thoroughly in place, I knew I wanted to try either a flying dutchman (a grilled onion wrapped burger) or a tomato wrapped burger. HIGHLY recommend the tomato wrap. It held together very well, and all the flavors were there without the onion breath. For balance, a chocolate shake was also acquired.
Brockton Villa: GO HERE. Visited this place as a rec from one of the co-founders of the Lit Cafe and it did not disappoint. Nestled into the cliff side with an ocean view, is Brockton Villa. We sat on their semi-enclosed patio and had the luxury of listening to the waves and seals say good morning as we waited for our food. The rosemary potatoes are worth a trip back and everyone left as members of the clean plate club after ordering the traditional breakfast and two orders of chilaquiles. To top it all off, my friend and I left with a mug and a bag of their house blend coffee to remember the visit by. A must try.
Garage Buona Forchetta: Stumbled upon this place after a sunset bike ride after seeing a line waiting outside as the place opened. Follow the crowds, right? We sat outside under heat lamps and enjoyed cozy entrees like the Carbonara shown above. A perfect bite accompanied by a happy hour wine special treated us nicely before we rode the rest of the way home.
Lincoln Park Zoo: Now, call me crazy but I felt called to include this one from our visit. The San Diego Zoo not only exceeded expectations from an exhibits and experience perspective, but we also enjoyed the food as well. Near the new panda exhibit was an Asian-Inspired grill that caught our attention. Cherry Blossom Boba Tea and Sweet Chili Chicken Tender Baskets were ordered and devoured before continuing off to see the other half of the park.
More Space: One of our first cafe stops on this trip was to More Space in La Jolla. Their menu required some critical decision making as every option sounded superb. Landed on the acai bowl with almond butter and would definitely get again. Located just a few blocks from the ocean, we took this as our sign to have a breakfast picnic on the beach. This is what dreams are made of people.
United (!!!): Yes, I know, an odd call out and not specific to San Diego. However, I feel like it has to be shared with the world that United now carries Magnolia’s Banana Pudding as their dessert option in First Class. WOW - So delicious and made our trek home the tiniest bit less sad.