THE FOODIST / TASTY, SMART, UNPRETENTIOUS CAFÉ IN THE ’HOOD

For many years, before knives and forks were invented, my North Park neighborhood had one sit down restaurant.  The Romano Family ran Paesano’s until they closed this summer.

Latter-day, North Park has come along way in three decades since Paesano’s was the one and only.  Now, the ‘hood is labeled by the national press as Craft Beer Heaven and Hipster City and that translates to a brew or dining experience on every North Park business district corner.

But after mourning the 2019 loss of Paesano’s (and the Pekin Café) along came Two Blu Ducks Restaurant.

Owners of Two Blu Ducks took over a 4K sq. ft. worth of dead space at the corner of Utah and University.  This summer Two Blu Ducks opened with modest décor, a simple menu, but TERRIFIC cuisine. 

Locals cheered to see a business with a pulse come into an eyesore building.  Don’t let the humble appearance of the building influence your opinion of Two Blu Ducks because it’s the café’s fault for what the land landlords have neglected.  Granted the building today looks as good as it ever was—sorry to go on about this but the corner until this year was an embarrassment.

The more positive news is simply, Two Blu Ducks is a neighborhood hit that’s waiting to be discovered by those seeking a top-notch breakfast at fair prices.

Two Blu Ducks began serving breakfast and lunch only with an idea to open for dinner later in the year.

Meaty cheese omelet with avocado with bubbles.

Restaurant cognoscenti shouldn’t be surprised at the quality coming out of Two Blu Ducks kitchen.  The new eatery is the third in a successful mini-chain of tasty San Diego Restaurants opened by Djani Ivanov and his partner German Feuchter.  The duo also operates The Hopping Pig gastropub in the Gaslamp.

Recent (all day) specials include a large pile of eggs (fixed your way), too many roasted breakfast potatoes and egg bread French toast, and bacon (crispy not overcooked) and for $3.50 extra, a pineapple mimosa.  BTW, the French toast rules with six choices ranging from Bananas Foster to Tiramisu!  A French Toast sampler plate is $17 is worth every penny.

        

On a busy Friday morning (open 7 am to 3 pm), there was a brisk trade in the aforementioned mimosas among the locals.

  

      

My favorite so far is the soy chorizo breakfast ( 3 eggs scrambled), flour tortilla and the endless supply of potatoes.  I added avocado ($1.50) and a side of the crispy bacon ($3.50).  Of the espresso drinks, I like the Cortado ($3.50) as well as any made in this coffee heaven of a city.

Manager Jose says a new menu is coming, which will add more vegan dishes and omelets.

Tip: if you don’t wish to stand in line to be seated at any of North Park’s booming other breakfast spots—wander over to Two Blu Ducks because you’ll find a seat.  Not because of a lack of trade but more reflective of smart ownership that knows North Park will support its breakfast cafes and they provided the space to accommodate.

Two Blu Ducks (that’s the name on the menu)

2835 University at Utah, 619-915-5572