CANTINA

Hi All,

I feel like I've been socializing a lot lately (yey), but, going out a lot less. I did get the chance to try a great breakfast place worth writing about, called "Cantina". It's located in P.B.

The food is contemporary, clean, fresh, and makes you feel good after a huge plate! If you've been to "Coffee Cup" in La Jolla, the menu is basically the same, but with one major difference: very little meat on the menu. For all the vegetarians that are reading this, Cantina is for you! There is good variety on the menu and almost everything on the menu can pass for being "healthy"! If you're not vegetarian, and enjoy meat as much as I do, you can order a side of sausage or bacon. I particularly love the "Sage Sausage". It is absolutely delicious without being too oily, see picture! We went with our fellow food lovers and a "little foodie", who's almost one.  Cantina is a great place to come to with kids. They have "smiling" pancakes and lots of room for a stroller or high-chair (the only downside, is the bathroom is not equipped for changing a child).

I had a chance to glance at their personal cookbook. The recipes seemed simply, healthy, with an emphasis on fresh, modern, California cuisine, with a definite influence from Mexican food. Since I LOVE cookbooks, I would highly recommend you check it out: cantina-cookbook

Advice for the consumer:

We ordered 3 different plates and a pancake for my friend's little munchkin.  We had the Pesto Scramble, my friend had the Tamales, and the Carnitas (pulled pork) special.  This place is not a "cheap eat", be prepared to spend $9-14 on each plate. But, for good quality, healthy food, it's the going rate for a nice sit-down establishment.

Advice for the establishment:

The coffee mugs/cups, need to be changed out because they look old. Now, I know this place does a great job at keeping the place clean; cleanliness does not appear to be the issue. It's just that, the cups look like they've worked hard enough and need to retire. If you order tea or coffee, do yourself the favor and specify that you want it in a "to go" cup.
Our food was very good, but the tamales could definitely be improved by removing some of the sauce and adding pieces of corn to the mixture!


Overall, great experience without the guilt! Maybe, a little monetary guilt!

Details:

http://www.isabelscantina.com/isabels-cantina.php

966 Felspar St.,
Pacific Beach, CA 92109
858.272.8400

Breakfast/Lunch
Mon–Sun 8am–3pm
Dinner
Mon–Thur & Sun 5–9:30pm
Fri & Sat 5–10:30pm