August 22, 2009 - The Curbside Cafe, Vista

To start, let me say that the pictures don't do this trendy little eatery justice. But...there is such a large amount of outside seating that was filled with people (and dogs) - I felt a little like a paparazzi. So instead of trying to get a GOOD shot like we usually try, I more or less hid in a bush across the street, and in so doing, REALLY looked like a paparazzi (minus the bruises and lawsuits, and with a bit more dignity and teeth).

But - this is about the atmosphere and food. Although it looked like we would have a wait based on the crowd seated outside, there was plenty of seating inside. I was a little concerned that the cafe-type seats would be hard on back backs - but Bubba felt they'd be fine - and he was right. They weren't absoLUTely the best chairs I ever sat on, but they were fine.

This Cafe was recommended by Bubba's wife, who we'll call "Mrs. B". We started with a cinnimon roll, but when it was delivered to the table, Bubba just stared at it. Turns out, he really isn't crazy about nuts on sweet rolls. But - he sacrificed & we split it. It was very good, especially if you like nuts (hopefully the staff found where Bubba put his, up under the seat). I took one home to MY wife, who we'll call "Mrs. B-B", & Mrs. B-B's mom.

The main breakfast arrived: Country fried steak for Bubba, Eggs Benedict for Barnacle-Butt (I know, big surprise, right?). Bubba stared for the second time since we arrived, but this time there were no nuts on his steak, it was just that the plate was literally 14 inches wide - and stacked up with hash browns, CF Steak, gravy, etc. There was so much that he couldn't finish it. My meal was very good, the sauce on the Eggs Benedict was a little different than I'm used to, but I somehow got used to it & ate it all.

A note on the hash browns: If you read the premise for this blog, you'll remember that we love-love-love hash brown potatoes. THESE potatoes were the best we've had. Why? Because they were able to not only get the outside very brown and crisp, but were also able to keep the inside just perfect - not too mushy, not overcooked.

The coffee was good, not scream-at-the-top-of-your-lungs good, but good enough to keep asking for refills. We actually refilled quite a bit while after we finished the main breakfast.

The last paragraph segues into the only negative, but a minor one. We had to hunt down our waitress to get refills on the coffee. Other than that, she was friendly and courteous, even noting when we came in that we both dressed alike (Turquoise polo shirts and dark shorts). Hmmm - I guess that could be considered another negative, or else B & I need to communicate better ahead of time...

Until next time...

B-B, for the B's