Yummy Food For Every Mood

Yummy Food For Every Mood

By HATTIE FOOTE

I was born with a wicked curse. For as long as I can remember, my favorite items have been taken off restaurant menus. I don’t know what this says about my taste, but that is beside the point. When Leroy’s closed, I was actually devastated. The Leroy Burger with truffle fries was my absolute favorite, and when they closed and rebranded to The Islander, I decided it was time to stand up for what I believe in! I would tell everyone who would listen about my predicament, even writing the restaurant strongly worded messages. Just kidding, I was very cutesy and demure. Then, one day, I received a message back saying the Leroy burger would be added to the menu! I was thrilled with my victory, only to eventually realize it was not served with the truffle fries, and I never ordered it again. And now the Islander is no more. Oh, the drama! My family gets great enjoyment over my woes, but my poor daughter has recently discovered the curse has been passed down to her. We have learned to enjoy it while we can because we never know when it will be our last bite!

I thought I would share some of my favorite things A) because I am a generous neighbor who wants everyone to experience the tastiness of the island and B) because I want restaurants to see my desperate pleas to never get rid of these items! I am loyal, and I ride hard for the things (food) I love. Without further ado, bon appetite!

I’m going to start bayside and work my way uptown, starting with a classic. Spiro’s, my old stomping grounds! I worked here when my husband was building his business, and I am not kidding when I say I ate the Avgolemono soup and hummus with pita every single day for a year. Up the block at Tartine, I promise you I will move if they ever stop selling their champagne vinaigrette. I don’t care what time of day it is; I am eating the Bacon Panini with salad and a lemon tart. That meal is elite. Rounding out my bayside lineup in Saiko Sushi. I have discovered people are very passionate about sushi, it seems you are either a Saiko family or a Yummy Sushi family. We have been a lifelong Saiko family, and we always order a ton of food. Tokyo Dirty Rice and the Crown Rolls are can’t-miss items. It was also my dad’s favorite restaurant, so it is very sentimental for us.

Making our way uptown, we arrive at Night and Day Café! You will not find a better chocolate chip pancake or California burrito, dare I say, anywhere. This combo will save your life after a long night that ends at The Little Club… if you know, you know. Next door is Clayton’s Bistro and Bakery. Just take my word for it and pop into the bakery side. Order a jar of the special homemade habanero salsa and keep it at home. It will change your life. Finally, if your tongue is on fire from the salsa, I suggest stopping at Bluewater Grill for the key lime pie. It is fantastic, and we have actually bought an entire pie from them for birthday cakes on numerous occasions! And while not technically food, I must include my favorite cocktail, which is served at the Tavern. The Aloe & Cucumber (or green juice as my friends and I lovingly refer to it) is a delight. Fresh and interesting, it is always our go-to order. Make sure to order the sweet potato fries with it, balance out the cucumber!

Hungry yet? I know I am! I am surely missing a ton of yummy menu items, and we are just so lucky to have such a great selection of restaurants in Coronado, all a walk, bike ride, or golf cart away! If anyone hears rumors of any of these things being taken off the menu, please let me know, because hell hath no fury like a hungry woman scorned!