Brunch saves
Seriously. I mean, relationships are about compromise and what is brunch if not the definition of compromise? Thanks to brunch, all the people out there like me who prefer a blissfully savory lunch can peacefully coexist with their egg-loving, bacon-craving, breakfast-eating better halves!
The only trouble with such a perfect meal is finding a restaurant that does it justice, both in food quality and in atmosphere. Because let's be honest: brunch demands atmosphere. It is meant to be eaten outside, surrounded by leafy greens and sunshine. Lucky for us San Diegans, Kitchen 4140 in Clairemont meets both these requirements with their adorable garden patio and delicious menu created by Chef Kurt Metzger.
Brunch is served from 9am-2pm every Sunday at the restaurant's inconspicuous location on Morena Boulevard. Yeah, you read that correctly. When Ryan and I were invited to check it out a couple of weeks ago, I had a hard time equating "leafy garden setting" with "Morena Boulevard"... I just couldn't picture where such a quaint resto could possibly be situated on that busy industrial street.
So to get an important detail out of the way: it's further down Morena Boulevard than you've probably ever been. At least that was the case with me.
After getting seated at a cute two-top next to a tranquil wall fountain, I couldn't help but think that there was no way I would have really known about this little oasis if not for the invite. A bummer for sure, since within minutes of sinking into my shaded chair, I was totally relaxed.
This place nailed brunch atmosphere.
There were kids playing happily in the grassy patch nearby and a little Boston Terrier, the restaurant's mascot, sunbathing outside of his dog house. Several gardens outlined the area, each boasting herbs and veggies, bringing the whole farm to table concept to a whole new level. We ordered drinks to get started, a mimosa for him and some of their amazing sangria for me, and soaked up the chill vibes.
Despite being tucked away into a hidden pocket of San Diego, Kitchen 4140 was packed with people who were obviously more clued in than I was to the savory goodness that we were about to eat. I would recommend a reservation for their Sunday brunch especially if you want to grab one of the outdoor tables. Inside, the decor was adorably rustic, but a little too dark for brunch's sake.
When our food finally arrived, it was very clear that we were in for a great meal. Ryan had ordered the Two Eggs, complete with applewood smoked bacon and home-fried potatoes, topped with a side of their toast and a tiny heirloom tomato salad (which you can bet I stole right off of his plate.... mmmm, tomatoes).
Though I did consider the Bistro Omelette for a moment, I eventually went straight for the lunch menu and it was a tough choice between their Kitchen Pasta, with handmade pappardelle pasta, and their Short Rib Sandwich, which I inevitably selected.
When it arrived, it was a beast of a brunch sandwich: a stack of beer-braised beef short ribs, pickled onion, mango chutney, and asian slaw on roasted pepper bread This came with a side of hand-cut fries and was very intimidating in person. I wasn't sure if I would be able to eat it all, so I tried to make it a little more manageable by scooping out a bit of the meat, and then I dove in.
The food was just absolutely delicious. After I gobbled mine up, I took a little stroll around the gardens and checked out their gorgeous room for private parties. This seems like it would be a great space for an intimate rehearsal dinner or birthday party.
By the time I got back, our waitress was clearing our plates and asking about dessert. Even though we were both stuffed, she totally sold us on their bacon-topped brownie with sea-salted carmel ice cream, all drenched in maple syrup. And holy shit, was it good.
After an entirely too good and too unexpected dessert, plus one more glass of sangria each, we called it and left to give into our massive food comas at home. You can bet this involved a very long, very deep, very well-deserved nap.
Getting filled in on the secret that is Kitchen 4140's brunch is half the battle. That? That I can help you with. Recovering from all the tasty food you're going to order? Well there, you're on your own.
Kitchen 4140
4140 Morena Blvd
San Diego, CA 92117
Phone: (858) 483-4140
