Back at the end of March, we decided to take JJ up to Julian. I know it might sound strange, but we hadn't been back to Julian since like 2003-2004…over 20 years ago!
And upon parking, we were instantly thrust into the charming old west-mining town. Several businesses were dog friendly and the Missus enjoyed doing some shopping. First at the fun, tourist kitschy, old Americana wielding, Old Julian Garage.
The Old Julian Garage
2126 Main St.
Julian, CA 92036
We also enjoyed The Olde Goat.
Where we ended up getting some freeze-dried goat milk and freeze-dried goat milk ice cream for JJ.
It's too bad The Olde Goat doesn't include these for mail order, because JJ really enjoyed them.
The Olde Goat
2106 Main St.
Julian, CA 92036
And JJ waited while Momma went and did some pie shopping…..
Though in the end, the Missus decided to go without. She'd never taken to the pies from Julian.
We then had to find a place for an early lunch. We settled on a place with outdoor seating close to where we parked that served Vegan style cuisine named Kali's Garden Cafe.
The Missus went in and ordered while I hung out with JJ in the patio. After ordering, we just enjoyed the clean, crisp air…..it had been snowing as recently as the week before, but we didn't come across traces during our visit and drive.
Soon enough, the friendly, cheerful young lady brought over our food.
The Missus got the Avocado Toast.
The bread was nice and crisp-yeasty. A decent sourdough. The avocado was a thin layer of mashed with a sprinkling of a smoky-spicy powder. The bread was the best part of the dish.
The Missus ordered me a jackfruit burger.
Like the avocado toast, it was the bread; in this case a brioche like bun that had been nicely toasted that was the best part of the dish. The jackfruit "burger" had a mushy texture, and I really couldn't make out much in terms of flavor as it was slatered in a very sweet BBQ sauce and there was a lot of Thousand Island like dressing poured over it.
All in all, an ok meal. We'll explore other options in the area the next time we visit.
Kali’s Garden Cafe
1921 Main St.
Julian, CA 92036
Current Hours:
Fri – Tues 830am – 3pm
Closed on Wed – Thurs
JJ did have a fun time exploring Julian.
As a postscript…..I'm sure most of you know. But three weeks after our visit a 5.2 magnitude earthquake with an epicenter outside of Julian occurred.
I'm relieved to note that even thought there was some minor damage, that there were no fatalities. As for me; I was driving east on the 52 when my phone went off. I didn't notice a thing. I guess this is a good warning for us to be ready…..
wow scary but good chance to prepare
We felt that in our offices off Morena pretty scary
I was actually on a remote call with co-workers when it happened. Everyone’s phone went off first then it hit right after. Haven’t felt one that strong in a while.
You should check out Vulcan Mountain some time. It’s a nice hike in Julian. I bet JJ will enjoy it!
My wife and I eat plant-based (OK — I sneak in some fish a couple times a month), and we tried Kali’s a year and a half ago. I had the tofu yakisoba (!!) and my wife the jackfruit burger and fries. Overall, pretty good that day. Next time you’re in Julian, consider giving Quecho Elevated Mexican Eatery a try. We enjoyed that place.
It’s fun to go apple picking in that area in the fall, so keep that in mind.
I was in my house near camino del sur and 56 when the earthquake hit. I was caught off guard and a little worried with the second shake.
Glad that everyone in Julian was OK! I definitely felt that shake.
How much is a slice of apple there nowadays? I last bought a whole frozen pie at Von’s for Thanksgiving, and it was close to $30, which I felt was high. Plus considering you need to bake it. I think I’ll be skipping that this year.
Next time, consider lunch at the Pub at Lake Cuyamaca. Great views over the lake and excellent pub grub. Same owners as O’Brians, West Coast Smoke & Taphouse and Nickel Brewing.
Yes, totally Kat!
I’m guessing if we were home we would have felt it ST!
Thanks for the recommendation Junichi!
Awesome! Thanks for the recommendation Peter.
I don’t think they allow dogs at the apple picking places Dereck, but I’ll double check.
I didn’t go into the bakeries because I had JJ, but the Missus told me they were too expensive Mar!
Thanks for the heads up Kenneth! I’ll keep that place in mind.