Archive for the ‘Good Eats’ Category

Ocean Beach San Diego’s #1 Cafe

2
February 7th, 2010

By Scott Ingenito


“At Newbreak our mission is to provide our guest the experience of  a full flavor of quality service, Rich in the aroma of smile and wrapped in a robusto blend of enthusiasm”

It goes without saying that Californians are much more laid back than New Yorkers, but it seems that in Ocean Beach San Diego the locals are even more laid back than other west coasters.  Another thing about the west coast, culinarily speaking, is that they have much more healthy choices, and a lot of them even vegetarian & vegan. It shocked me from the moment I stepped into my first eatery out here, I actually had choices, and not just a veggie burger or modified recipe that adds tofu or some tasteless substitute. Just real, fresh, delicious and honest menu options that to me seemed so different and odd but to these locals- completely commonplace.

My first morning in San Diego after sleeping the jet lag off, I woke up at 6 a.m. and even though this is early I did not mind waking up because it is so beautiful here. It’s february, Im wearing sandals, jeans & a t-shirt as I stroll across the street from my studio rental over to this little local cafe, The Newbreak Coffee Company, for a latte & bagel, so simple yet so Amazing! kicked Starbucks’ ass!  The first thing that I took notice of when walking into the cafe was this huge wall unit with all fresh grain teas & coffee beans, and a rack of mugs with names painted on them. The names of the Locals whom visit for breakfast or coffee each day, which lends even more credibility to how amazing this place is. The staff were so extremely sweet and helpful, helping with menu options and even a little bit of advice for other places to go in OB to visit while I am in town.

I took my latte down to the pier, watched the storm waves roll in, strolled through the local shops, I stopped back into this amazing little cafe and ordered lunch later on in the day. I ordered “The Secret Garden” inside: a gardenburger grilled to perfection, fresh made hummus, lettuce, alfalfa sprouts, cucumber, tomato, red onion all wrapped up in a super soft spinach wrap. All with a side of fresh melon & apples! all for $5.49! Without a doubt one of the top 5 healthiest & tastiest lunches I have ever had!!!  I know for sure that for my next 9 days in OB I will be heading down to the NewBreak Coffee Company everyday at least once if not twice.

Special thanks to Owner Norma & her amazing staff @ the Sunset Cliffs location for all her help and hospitality. She is making my stay in OB extra pleasant.

If you get the chance next time you are in the Ocean Beach/Point Loma area of San Diego stop in and have breakfast or lunch at the #1 voted best Cafe.

(the location which I reviewed)

Newbreak Coffee Co. & Cafe

Sunset Cliffs location exudes the charming style of a European café.

1830 D Sunset Cliffs Blvd

Ocean Beach, CA 92107

619-226-4471

Store Hours:

6:00 am-5:00 pm Weekdays

6:30 am-5:00 pm Weekends

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Newbreak @ the Beach

Newbreak @ the Beach boasts a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean

1959 Abbott Street

Ocean Beach, CA 92107

619-224-6666

Store Hours:

6:00 am – 6:00 pm

6:30 am – 6:00 pm

http://www.newbreakcafe.com

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Good Eats

Today’s spotlight restaurant: TULA KITCHEN

6
January 12th, 2010

Located at 41 East Main Street in Bay Shore New York, Owner Jackie Sharlup has created a gem that shines above any other privately owned restaurant in the area.

This establishment has something for everyone, from its unique and serene ambiance to its exceptional staff, I was hooked from my first visit. The menu is very diverse, it offers something for everyone, especially those vegetarians and vegans who find it hard to dine out and have more than just a veggie burger as an option. It stands alone as the only quality restaurant where vegans, vegetarians, and carnivores can equally enjoy a high quality meal in a super comfortable setting for a great price.  Appetizers range from $9-$18, Main dishes $16+, and those healthy vegetarian/vegan alternatives start at just $7. They also run Chef specials friday – sunday which are amazing, and the full lounge area has a great wine list with ordinary and extraordinary choices.

What’s in a name?  Owner Jackie Sharlup tells us….
” EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US HAS OUR OWN PERSONAL GOALS IN LIFE THAT WE STRIVE
TOWARDS EVERYDAY. THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS IN MY LIFE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN FAMILY,FRIENDS, LOVE, LAUGHTER, HEALTH & BELIEF IN ONES CAUSE. THE KEY TO MAINTAINING ALL OF THAT IS THROUGH “BALANCE”. WHEN I DISCOVERED THE WORD “ TULA ” WHICH IS THE SANSKRIT MEANING FOR BALANCE, I KNEW IN MY HEART THAT IT WAS THE PERFECT NAME. TO BE SURROUNDED BY DELICIOUS, NUTRITIOUS FOOD, GOOD COMPANY & ENJOY ONESELF IMPLICITLY IS TO BE AT TULA “.

Being a patron and long time fan of this restaurant I could not agree with Jackie’s vision more. Tula Kitchen not only satisfies your appetite, but all of your senses. From the minute you walk in, all of your senses are catered to from the amazing staff that keep Tula Kitchen running like a well oiled machine. Right from the start Jackie and her staff made me feel like a long lost friend, not just another customer. No matter when you dine at Tula Kitchen you will notice familiar faces and have the odd sense that everyone there is like one big family, There is certainly a lot of passion and love inside this amazing little gem.

Tula Kitchen’s motto: ” Live to Eat, Eat to live”  not only do they live up to this, but they far surpass it and exemplify the true spirit of what quality food service is. For me, eating at Tula Kitchen is like returning home for a big family dinner,  so stress free and satisfying.

Tula Kitchen has become a staple eatery for me, and anyone who goes there seems to feel the same. So give it a try and I am sure you will be hooked.

For more information, directions, and reservations visit: www.tulakitchen.com

Picture of the main dining area, Pictures do not do it justice. Stop in and see for yourself!

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Good Eats