GIO. Breakfast. La Mesa.

GIO has closed.

This is mmm-yoso!!, the food blog.  Kirk isn't writing, because he is on vacation.  Really.  He is on another continent, visiting, photographing and eating in an exotic and beautiful country. ed(from Yuma) is in Yuma, working diligently.  Cathy is  in San Diego's East County, eating and blogging about it. 

Hi.  The original Drew Ford was on the triangle shaped block in the Village of La Mesa, at the end of La Mesa Boulevard and Allison Street.  It has moved a few miles away, closer to the I-8 location most of you know and is now Drew Auto Center .  This original building was preserved, windows and all. It has gone through many incarnations of restaurants, one I remember fondly was called "The Black Forest", which had a weeknight prime rib special (like two for $12) which was very popular and that restaurant eventually moved to the Mission Hills area of San Diego and closed.   
When GIO, more or less an Wine Bar and Bistro, is open so are the windows.  All of that courtyard you see in the photo is filled with tables and fountains, and makes a comfortable outdoor eating area.   
When you walk in, to your left is the bar area. You can see the open window and original industrial wall that used to be part of the Drew Ford Auto Dealership… 
  Just behind the counter is the espresso machine. There are about 6 indoor booths and tables to you right and then the majority of the seating is outdoors.  

 We were here early (9:15) on a Saturday morning a few weekends ago and were seated quickly.  It took a while to have our order taken, but once that happened, coffee ($2.75.  Each.) was brought out. 
It was an excellent French Roast coffee.  Both of our cups were refilled, twice, before our food was ready. 

 When the food came out, it was prepared properly and was hot.  I got the  "Eye Opener" ($7)  .  Three poached eggs, rye toast, homestyle potatoes- shredded potatoes sauteed with onions and bell peppers- not plain hash browns- and 3 slices of wonderful thick sliced applewood smoked bacon.  This was served with a side of catsup and strawberry jam- a nice touch instead of tossing bottles on the table as condiments. 

 
Here is a good cross section photo of my poached egg.  All three eggs were done properly, were placed in the cup with no excess water draining and I was very pleased with my meal.

 
The Mister ordered a  Breakfast combo  plate ($ 11 ).  Three eggs, over easy, with homestyle potatoes, two very nice, skin on link sausages and… a golden Belgium waffle, served with loads of butter and warm maple syrup.  The waffle batter was very nice and sweet all by itself, without the need to add the condiments. 
  
GIO is more or less a leisurely lunch and 'date night' dinner place, offering wine tastings, happy hour prices for appetizers and good food.  Service is spotty- and has been every time I have been here.  It is like they don't have enough staff slated to come in at opening time.  The basic meal I ordered was a good value, but I don't think  the waffle was worth the extra $4 in lieu of two slices of toast… and in general I don't usually order a beverage with meals, but in the morning I have to have coffee.  It seemed kind of expensive…

GIO 8384 La Mesa Boulevard (at Allison, between 3rd and 4th) La Mesa 91941 (619) 462-9100

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