We got to Cafe 21 on Adams Ave bright and early.
I wasn't sure how busy it would be for Sunday Brunch so our plans were to go uber early since they don't take reservations...
We snagged a spot in the parking lot and were happy that there was no wait (at least not yet) at all. The patio is now fully covered by umbrellas and shaded with "curtains" as movable walls.
This was also the last day to use my free birthday meal coupon which says "free dinner entree" but it could also be used for lunch (or brunch). MFH hates eggs so she usually gets something sweet like waffles or pancakes. This time, she ordered the strawberry crepes while I
My Moscow Mule because why now. I texted Mr. TJ the photo below and he said it was "too early" for a Moscow Mule, surprisingly enough. But then, he's not a morning person.
My drink was really nice and refreshing. Today ended up being quite warm actually, like unseasonably hot for this month.
They were out of brioche buns so it was subbed out with sour dough instead, which was fine with me. I ended up having to deconstruct the burger since there was no way I would pick that up and bite into it without making a big mess. This short rib burger was so delicious, especially with the fried egg (over hard, yay), fresh tomato, lettuce and creamy avocado. I'd asked them to not put in the goat cheese or feta cheese or whatever gross cheese they usually put. Instead, they used just regular aioli, thank goodness because stinky cheese = barf.
OMG, the meat was so good but I ate only half, intending to take the rest home. More on this in a bit.
The morning was still young so we headed over to a place I went to the week prior with the Educator GF's, the Kouch Lounge. We were lucky enough to find street parking near the Crest Cafe.
You know it's Spring Time in San Diego when the jacarandas are in full bloom.
Heh, the ManMosa.
Not crowded this time!
Plus, those triangular pastries were beckoning us. They are called Hamentaschen, a cookie with a pocket of fruit filling. The name refers to "Haman's Ears" and is associated with the Jewish holiday Purim. Hamentasch is singular, the suffix 'taschen' makes it plural. Hamentash is the villain of Purim, as described in the Book of Esther (a book in the third section of the Hebrew Bible). The holiday Purim celebrates the saving of the Jews from Haman, who was planning to Jewish genocide. His plans were thwarted and as a result, the day was celebrated with feasts.
There were several delicious varieties of Hamentaschen - chocolate, raspberry, strawberry, apricot and even a few kinds that were chocolate dipped. The top rack of their case had rugalachs, which me and my friends enjoyed the week before.
In addition to the ManMosa, you can also get a Brose. Brose?
I noticed a new couch against. the wall. Gone were the bar height tables and uncomfortable stools.
The new couch looked just like the one depicted in their logo. I wasn't a fan of the brown shade but at least it was more comfortable to relax in so the color didn't matter as much.
The owner gave us two complimentary rugalachs (so nice of him) - one chocolate, the other apricot. We shared three Hamentaschen - chocolate raspberry, chocolate dipped apricot and strawberry.
All three of these were so delicious, with the thick and buttery shortbread-like crust. I loved the chocolate raspberry the best. I really liked the thick walled crust and the jam fillings.
MFH got the Mexican Mocha (seems like a popular choice) while I opted for the Cafe Cubano which was one of the best I've had. It was so strong but smooth and balanced with the condensed milk. There was no need to add additional sugar.
I paced myself well today but I wanted to kick myself for not getting the rest of my burger to go. I left to use the restroom at Cafe 21 and when I got back to the table, the bill was settled and we got up to leave. I had forgotten about it altogether and remembered only when we drove off in the car! Aaaagh, and I really wanted to enjoy those leftovers later too. (insert angry poo emoji here)
Previous visit to Cafe 21 on Adams:
"Bert's belated birthday dinner @ Cafe 21, Adams Ave" September 2016
Previous visit to the Kouch Lounge Espresso Bar
April 2017 (during my birthday crawl with the Educator GF's)
Well, it was cool to see an actual couch at the new coffee place. How quickly things change! Another one is on its way, according to the owner, and it will go in the foyer.
I had a fab time of course with my good friend MFH. I really miss the times when we used to have offices next to each other. One day, I'll be enjoying life even more like her (retirement does that, ha ha). Believe it or not, my birthday month wasn't quite over yet. I still had a dinner date later this day with one of my former students (we are ten years apart). I was looking forward to seeing her (and her sister) again....
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