mmm-yoso!!! That's the name of this food blog. Thanks for stopping by. Kirk and Ed(from Yuma) are not writing today; they're both busy following planned events. Cathy is writing about another 'staycation' in San Diego.
The Mister and I drove West early one bright morning. We parked, walked down Newport Avenue, saw the Ocean Beach Pier and not many parked cars indicating any open businesses, so went back to the car and started driving around, seeking at least some good coffee and maybe breakfast.
We ended up on the West end of Voltaire Street and saw a lot of vehicles parked in front of this old Craftsman style home.
We parked in front of Litickers Market, an unassuming Liquor store that has a taqueria inside. (It does not open until 8 a.m. and we were there around 7 a.m..) Walking across the street, we saw this sandwich board…and a line of people inside the former family home of the restaurant's owners. Kirk, of course, is Hawaiian and would be able to speak about the authenticity of Te Mana; I've never been to Hawaii and just know what I've read. In any case, I must say the mood when you walk in is happy, friendly, laid back and we felt welcome here. The colorful atmosphere made us feel as if we were elsewhere and I would think Hawaii feels like this. Then there's good food…
When you walk in, there is a seating area to the left, complete with the fireplace of the home.
There's a coffee table with a bowl of Dove candy samples…an old coin operated phone on the wall…wonderfully healthy flowering plants…
To the right is another area with tables and chairs and accoutrement for coffee. (Along with more Dove candy samples…)
Straight ahead is where you place your order. Espresso machine to the left.
Menu on the wall in the back.
and—AND looking to your left and back toward the seating area- a pour over coffee area (cleverly crafted from an old skateboard deck).
We placed our order, including a 'regular' (drip) coffee- Kona flavor ($1.75) and sat outside in the front yard, which has plenty of seating. The Kona coffee was the best I've ever had. It was *fresh* and had a darker flavor (usually I think Kona is kind of 'hollow' flavored). Then the owner brought out a fresh made pastry ($3) (raspberry-almond; which was flaky pastry and a dense almond-paste-flavorful and quite large) we had ordered, along with our "pour over' cup of Ethiopian coffee ($2.95), which was *wonderful*…I could taste all the different spicy and sweet 'notes' of flavor. Worth it.
Soon, the owner's son (Te Mana is family owned and run) brought us our "Morning Mana" plate ($6.95). This photograph is not the best indicator of the size of the main course- it's a disk 4 inches in diameter and about two inches high- of scrambled eggs, basil and Havarti cheese. The amount and quality of the creamy scrambled egg mix and 'sides' of tomato, avocado, kiwi, strawberry and banana makes this a very hearty platter.
Here's a view of the front door when there were no comings and goings for a moment. Te Mana is another family owned hidden gem serving carefully prepared wonderful food and coffee. Definitely worth finding and a stop.
Te Mana Cafe 4956 Voltaire Street San Diego 92107 (619)255-9233 Website