Grinds & Vine has closed
Here you are, back at mmm-yoso!!!, looking for someplace new, different or just to see if Kirk or Ed (from Yuma) or Cathy go to the same places as you. Today's post is written by Cathy.
In between rainy and windy days, there tend to be some really beautiful ones interspersed here in San Diego County. Driving East on El Cajon Boulevard one of those days, we noticed the signage above the building as well as a sandwich board on the sidewalk. You know we had to stop.
Curious about the idea of having to go though the Winery door to get to the coffee shop area, we walked in and looked to the right, where the sunlight was streaming in through the open roll up wall door; because it is being constructed to be a pre-order and drive up spot. 
Back inside, there is a walk up sort of grab and go case of pastries, pre-made sandwiches, salads and bottled/canned beverages. But there is also a small menu of foods as well as beverages (hot, cold, smoothies). The coffees are from both Lavazza and Bird Rock.
We decided to try an iced coffee (the cold brew was not ready) which is kept cold with coffee ice cubes (you have no idea how much I appreciate non-diluting chilling methods). There are so many 'Specialty' drinks offered here, a few seen on this blog post by cc, from September.
The Mister decided to try a 'Kale Superfood Salad' ($7.95) (add rotisserie chicken $3.50). The bowl it was served in was quite large and deep. We shared and this was great, quite enough food.
The only person working that day was the owner and we overheard him talking to some 'regulars' about a Special for $6 and decided to order it. Thick slices of cucumber, toped with a thick layer of goat cheese, topped with a nicely sweet/spicy chutney (there was ginger in it) and drizzled with honey. Simple, yet a flavor combination I never considered. We have since purchased several chutneys at Trader Joe's and enjoyed a similar snack at home.
Grinds and Vine Coffee Bar 2419 El Cajon Blvd San Diego 92104 (Between Texas Street and Arizona Street) (619) 512-2423 Website Closed Mondays. Tue and Wed 6:30 am – 3:00 pm. Thur and Fri 6:30 am – 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Sat 7:30 am – 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Sun 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Never thought about eating cucumbers like that.
Thanks
My friends and I returned shortly after my previous visits for a wine tasting (they had a good meat/cheese board as well). The vibe is casual and the manager is super nice. I have yet to try the Cafe Chango but plan to do so once I have more free time. Glad you and the Mister had a chance to try out G & V.
So simple and so good, Bill. Probably would pair well with wine from Negotiant, but not a lunchtime on a weekday.
It is so nice here, cc. We definitely will be going back for some of the ‘fancier’ caffeine based beverages.
I’ve been wanting to stop by here, thanks for the post. I’ll definitely check it out.
It’s a nice little place, Jack. Supporting local/non-chain businesses has been my goal this year. The food was prepared with care and very good.