This will be my last full review for 2013. My next post will be the year-end recap of the best of 2013. See you all in 2014 for more restaurant reviews.
I can already feel this restaurant will be one of those favorites we will return to over and over again. Prepkitchen’s brunch menu is different to its dinner menu and there is also a separate lunch menu as well, so no matter what day, or what time of day you are here, you can be sure to be wow-ed by the selections and not feel like you’re limited to choices.
The words “made in-house” are like music to my ears and always excites me because I know I’ll be in for a treat. It is also a great way for me to gauge a chef’s passion, talent and how the kitchen team comes together in preparing an all in-house menu.
If you are a coffee drinker, Prepkitchen offers a “coffee buffet table” where customers can help themselves to unlimited coffee for only $1.
I’m going to start the sweet offerings with Jojo’s Fresh Baked Pastries ($3), and although I forgot to ask our server who exactly Jojo is, our selection of the day came in the form of cranberry orange scone served with cranberry pear jam. The tartness of the cranberries gave the scone a lovely sweet-tart finish that even I enjoyed. I didn’t find it overly sweet in any way or form. The accompanying jam had wonderful hints of pear but possessed the acidity of the cranberries as well.
I don’t have a sweet palate, but those of you who do will love the butterscotch banana nut bread served with dulce de leche dipping sauce. The bread possessed enough sweetness for me on its own but I did taste the dipping sauce as well — would go great with vanilla ice cream in my opinion!
Donut Holes ($5.50) are the in-house pride and joy and your server will recommend them to you again and again if you don’t order them. Just order them for the table! Ricotta doughnut holes are moist on the inside and sprinkled with powdered sugar on the outside.
Out of the brunch items, Housemade Biscuit & Chorizo Gravy ($12) was one which jumped out at me, and was a generous portion which I would not be able to finish on my own. The accompanying fried green tomatoes were deliciously tart with a crispy exterior and although the menu stated padron peppers, the dish wasn’t spicy. The fried runny egg on top added an even more unctuous finish to this already rich and hearty dish.
I’ve had whole wheat pancakes before and trust me when I say they are usually not very good. I really enjoyed the fluffy and airy Whole Wheat Pancakes ($11.75) topped with sugar-sweet persimmons currently in season. Usually, whole wheat creates a dense texture, but they seem to have these well-perfected. Walnuts add a lovely crunch while the date butter gives it enough sweetness for my palate. However, the spiced maple syrup with its very “holiday” aromas — our server revealed to us it is infused with cinnamon, star anise, cardamon, all-spice and nutmeg — was rather enticing especially this time of year.
Wild Mushroom Omelet ($12.75) is a delicious savory option with artisan ham and an array of mushrooms stuffed within. Slices of brie are laid on top with a hint of black truffle oil to give it an even earthier finish.
Up to now, everything I’ve tasted has been great, but I didn’t expect that the piece de resistance was still to arrive. Local Mussels & Fries ($15.50) using Carlsbad mussels are delivered fresh daily and steamed to perfectly with white wine, garlic confit, aioli and bay leaf. The fries were prepared so well they remained crispy even after we soaked them into the umami-filled broth. This is a must-order.
At the end of your meal, you are given a dessert menu. I was too full to indulge in desserts, but I saw something really interesting called the Kitchen Sixer ($7). I asked our server what that was and she said it was for customers to buy the kitchen staff a round of beers! What a cool way to show your appreciation! I did exactly that and they actually come out and thank you! Way cool!
Prepkitchen is on my list to re-visit in 2014 and I suggest you do too. They have several locations including Del Mar and La Jolla making it no excuse for you not to give them a try.
Prepkitchen (Little Italy)
1660 India Street
San Diego, CA 92101
Tel: 619-398-8383
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