The Village Kitchen (Ocean Beach)

Thanks for stopping by to read this food blog named mmm-yoso!!! Kirk is again having a busy few days at work and Ed (from Yuma) is having a busy few days staying indoors, avoiding the heat (in Yuma).  Cathy is busy writing a few posts about places where she's had a meal.

Late one overcast morning, The Mister and I drove West and spent a considerable amount of time looking for a parking space.  We ended up about four blocks from the ocean on Newport Avenue near Sunset Cliffs Boulevard.  This bright yellow storefront caught our eye.IMG_8084IMG_8088Standout bright yellow…and such a narrow storefront…but the building is deep.  The restaurant has been in that location a long time.  Mom and Pop…everyone in here seemed to know each other…a locals hangout. IMG_8086That's the ocean…you can see the American flag on the post that's built into the sidewalk at the edge of the beach, if you squint.IMG_8068Classic diner decor…breakfast is served all day, but there were some menu items that we were more interested in trying.IMG_8073The Monday special- meatloaf ($6.95).  The slices of meatloaf were thin, but so flavorful… the color of gravy is a hint- carrot was used in the loaf and therefore the gravy, and there was not much bread filler; it was all meat.  The potatoes and veggies were standard (and went well with the gravy) and the grilled toasted dinner roll was just enough bread for the meal.IMG_8078Asking if the chili was made here (and being unaware of the Ocean Beach Chili Cook Off), I was answered with a hearty "of course!".  (Mental note: the OB Street Festival and Chili Cook Off occurs during the San Diego County Fair). I ordered a cup ($3.95).

Well.  This was more of a soup-chili, which I grew up eating.  It had beans, which is how Mom made it.  All the right flavors were there.  Nostalgia.IMG_8076What really caught my eye while reading the menu was the Stuffed Tomato ($6.75).  Stuffed with a generous portion of Tuna Salad.  A wonderful, lightly dressed, simple, made with good tuna Tuna Salad. Cutting up the tomato and having forkfuls with the lettuce, cheese and occasional pickle had some food  memories triggered.  This was a great meal…and I am on the lookout for Stuffed Tomato on menus…my new craving. 

Village Kitchen Restaurant 4853 Newport Avenue San Diego 92107 (619)222-0151 Open Mon-Tue-Wed 7:30-2, Thur-Fri 7:30-6 Sat 8-6, Sun 8-2IMG_8057