Overview: Evolution
Evolution shares space with Donna Jean, an affiliated vegan restaurant that was also displaced because of new housing and retail development currently underway in the 2900 block of Fifth Avenue
Since moving several months ago from Hillcrest to North Park, the all-vegan Evolution Fast Food recently added drive-through service.
The amenity allows customers on the go to order via a QR code on their Smartphones from a full menu of plant-based options such as “chik’n” tenders, loaded fries, tacos, sandwiches, and assorted burgers made in-house with tempeh or black beans. Desserts, shakes, and smoothies are also available.
“It was expensive to move and we didn’t have the resources at first to open a drive-through like what we had at the Hillcrest location,” said manager Mitch Wallis.
He noted that an early-morning coffee service, starting at 7 a.m., will soon be added to the schedule. “We will be the first 100-percent vegan coffee and pastry drive-through service in San Diego once we do that.”
Evolution shares space with Donna Jean, an affiliated vegan restaurant that was also displaced because of new housing and retail development currently underway in the 2900 block of Fifth Avenue.
Both businesses are now located at 2611 El Cajon Blvd. For more information, call (619) 550-1818.
October is a great month to be a kid in San Diego
From museums and attractions to hotel stays and restaurant meals, numerous free activities are available to kids throughout San Diego during the month of October.
It’s all part of a program organized each year by the San Diego Tourism Authority.
We’ve zeroed in on some of the standout culinary comps, which are available to those aged 12 and younger.
Look no further than Hasta Manana Cantina in the Gaslamp Quarter to feed your kiddos chicken tacos, cheese quesadillas, and bean-and-cheese burritos.
The items include a choice of rice, fruit, or French fries. The plates are available with the purchase of an adult entree. 310 Fifth Ave., (858) 321-5515, hastamananacantina.com.
The kid-friendly Original 40 Brewing Company in North Park allows kids to pick from a menu that extends to hearty sandwiches and meaty entrees. Some restrictions apply.
The promotion is available with the purchase of an adult entree of equal or greater value. 3117 University Ave., (619) 255-7380.
Families vacationing at Courtyard by Marriott Old Town can enjoy free meals for kids 12 and under at The Bistro, which makes breakfast sandwiches, salads, flat breads, burgers, and more. The offer requires the purchase of an adult entree. 2435 Jefferson St., (619) 260-8500, marriott.com.
A short distance away at the lively Casa Guadalajara, also in Old Town, kids can eat up to $11.95 worth of Mexican favorites at no charge from a menu designated for them. Each free meal requires the purchase of an adult entree. 4105 Taylor St., (619) 295-5111.
Cheeseburgers, quesadillas, and chicken tenders are up for grabs for “lil’ piglets” at the Carnitas Snack Shack in downtown’s waterfront Embarcadero. The free plates are available with adult purchases of $11 or more. 1004 N. Harbor Drive, (619) 696-7675.
Step right up for tortas and tons of fresh fruit
For those assuming the newest location of Senor Mango’s in Hillcrest offers only an abbreviated menu of the vast offerings found at its established digs in North Park, think again.
The A-frame walk-up, formerly home to Weinerschnizel and a couple of coffee-donut businesses, belts out nearly the same number of colorful salads, well-endowed tortas, juicy fruit cups, and refreshing smoothies as what you’ll find at its established kitchens at 4607 30th St. and 3042 North Park Way.
An employee we spoke with said the quaint structure gives many consumers the impression that the menu is limited compared to its North Park spots.
Top sellers include the vegetarian and pork loin tortas using fresh telera rolls, and the parfait-like escamochas made with cubed pieces of tropical fruit, sweet cream, slivered almonds, and shredded coconut. 101 W. Washington. (619) 228-9381.
Fast-food factoid
Did you know that Costco’s $1.50 deal for a quarter-pound hot dog and 20-ounce Coca-Cola has remained firmly in place since 1985?
The unbeatable food-court bargain came under potential threat earlier this year when Costco shareholders decided to switch the included drink from Pepsi to Coca-Cola. Rumors flew that the change in vendors would increase the combo price by 50 cents or more.
The soda change was made, but logic prevailed.
Costco’s top brass upheld the wisdom of company co-founder James Sinegal, who insisted years ago that, despite taking an ongoing loss from the deal, it steadily drives traffic into the store, where it is easy to drop $100 or more on merchandise and groceries that consumers might not necessarily need.
Moral of the story from a business standpoint: Give a little, get a little more.
Eating for a good LGBTQ cause
Hillcrest’s go-to diner for lemon-ricotta pancakes, butter burgers, tuna melts, and other hearty fare is raising funds this month for Casa De Luz SD, a collective house in Tijuana that provides a haven for LGBTQ refugees who fled their countries because of persecution.
If you eat at the Crest Cafe between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., Oct. 16, the establishment will donate 15 percent of your meal bill to the non-profit organization, which serves as the U.S. arm to the 23-room Tijuana shelter. 425 Robinson Ave., (619) 295-2510, crestcafe.com.
From New Mexico to the East Village
San Diego’s newest urban hot spot is The Farmacy, where crafty fare such as grapefruit brulee, streusel waffles, fried chicken diablo sandwiches, and Reubens made with house-brined corned beef rise to the occasion.
The restaurant takes over the space that previously housed Minou Creperie.
Its flagship establishment is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where chef-owner Jacob Elliott and his wife maintain a farm-to-table credo that is also evident at their East Village offshoot.
A sleek, modern interior leads to a roomy and secluded outdoor patio. Beverages include hard punch, peach bellinis, craft beer, and various coffee drinks. 721 Eighth Ave., (619) 895-1989.
