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Wednesday, April 11, 2012

NORTH PARK BREAKFAST & LUNCH HITS




TOUR WAS A SUCCESS--North Park, a proudly middle-class historic neighborhood, hosted a guided tour of San Diego’s newest historical district established in June, 2011.

Starting at 9 am on April 14, the North Park Historical Society (NPHS) conducted a guided walking tour of this new North Park David O. Dryden Historical District. The tour cost $10 per person and started on the corner of Upas and 28th Streets. Tourgoers viewed remarkable Craftsman and Spanish Revival bungalows that have been well maintained despite being almost 100 years old.

The brisk morning tour was docent led and included 30 homes in the historic district. To volunteer to be part of North Park's past, present and future contact: http://www.northparkhistory.org/

First off, who is David Owen Dryden?
David Owen Dryden, builder and craftsman of more than 50 bungalows in the new suburbs north of Balboa Park, helped to create neighborhoods of middle-class, Craftsman style structures in San Diego between 1911 and 1919. Most of those structures are extant making their neighborhoods significant examples of suburban communities in the era of the first World War. As such they typify the American Arts and Crafts movement—By Don Covington, San Diego History Journal.

LET’S EAT!
Combine your historic home tour with North Park’s eclectic collection of breakfast and lunch establishments. Commentary by Holden DeMayo.

BREAKFAST & COFFEE:
Cardamom Café & Bakery, 2977 Upas St., 619-546-5609
New owners but they still have the North Park omelet and big latte mugs.

Mission, 28th & University, 619-220-8992
Long time San Diego favorite—North Park edition. Bring your kindle for the wait on weekends.

Olympic Café, 2340 University, 619-692-9082
No frills, but the food is terrific. Been around forever. Ask owner John to verbally replay his son’s soccer goal that won the state championship for his school.

COFFEE HOUSES W/FOOD
Caffe Calabria, 3933 30th St., 619-683-7787
North Park’s Euro coffee house with excellent food. Tasty Breakfast is a big secret & Coffee roasted on premises.

Claire de Lune, 2906 University, 619-688-9845
Locals will always love Claire’s. First real coffee house in North Park. Genuine.

30th Street Café, 3620 30th St., 619-269-7966
Pop about to marry mom puts his heart into this small coffee/food nook

Starbucks, 29th & University, 619-692-0755
You know what to expect. Efficient, spacious and nicely designed. Originally opened by Magic Johnson.

PASTRIES & ESPRESSO
Heaven Sent, 3001 University Ave., 619-793-4758
Among the top three professional pastry shops/coffee in town. Classy.

LUNCH:
The Station, 2204 Fern St. (1 blk east of 30th), 619-255-0657
Prime example of urban design consciousness providing a welcome eaterie. Architect Lloyd Russell designed this one-of-a-kind.

The Linkery, 3794 30th St., 619-255-7049
Farm fresh, socially conscious, not a bad seat in the house, creative menu, no-tipping. Heart of the action night & day.

Urban Solace, 3823 30th St., 619-295-6464
Culinary excellence alive and well in the neighborhood. First rate brunch.

Il Postino, 3955 30th St., 619-325-0809
Better than the favorites in Little Italy. Simply delicious. Food comes first.

True North, 3815 30th St., 619-291-3815
Perfect modern saloon for the 20-somethings with tater tots by Urban Solace.

West Coast Tavern, 2895 University Ave., 619-295-1688
Busy. Sophisticated. Full bar. Metro. Part of historic Birch North Park Theatre site.

Carnitas Snack Shack, 2632 30th St., 619-291-7500
This is what happens when a highly trained chef with style takes over a hole in the wall and makes it to-die-for good.

Casa de Luz, 2920 University, 619-550-1857
Brand new. Outstanding design. Organic, vegan, veggie and gluten-free. Inspiring but limited menu may make or break this beautiful place. Standing ovation for this place because it shows what great architect/designer/owner team can do with a former thrift store.

Saguaro’s, 3753 30th St., 619-291-7746
When you’re dying for the best carne asada burrito in the world, then stop here 24 hours. No hype, folks.

Paesano’s Italian, 3647 30th St., 619-291-4090.
Family owned. Been in North Park since before the earth cooled. Comfort food and comfort prices.

El Comal, 3946 Illinois (1/2 blk north of University), 619-239-7101.
Most genuine sit down Mexican establishment north of border. Screaming good posole, a meal in itself.

Urbn Pizza, 3085 University Ave., 619-255-7300
We go to this place as much as possible can for the food, modern looks & bar and for the fact they took over and rebuilt and forever did away with a 20-year eyesore. Thank you, thank you!

Images: North Park’s historic Thurston House is shown in 1915. It is on the tour at 28th & Myrtle. Tour meets at 9 am sharp at cul de sac in middle of Google Map image (28th & Upas Sts). Composite image courtesy of North Park Main Street shows 30th & University then and now.

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