Coco’s Restaurant and Bakery
www.cocosbakery.com
Thirteen locations in El Cajon, Encinitas, La Mesa, Poway, San Diego and San Ysidro.
We drive by our neighborhood Coco’s restaurant often, yet this was the first time our family had stopped in to dine. It was immediately clear that Coco’s was a favorite for many. There were lots of patrons, and we soon found out there had been a “buy one meal get one free” coupon circulating the local papers. On top of that, it was a Tuesday and kids eat free on both Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
We waited by an alluring bakery display. Fresh pies and pastries gave the feeling of a quaint bistro. A “quiche of the day” sign made my stomach growl. Despite the line, we soon were led to a large comfortable round booth. There was plenty of room to accommodate the all age’s crowd. The menu was well suited to our varied tastes and I always take note of places where the breakfast menu’s still around in the evening hours.
Our son Alex, 11, chose the Two of a Kind with Caesar Salad from the adult menu ($8.69). The two smaller sized burgers came with Coco’s “special burger sauce” and fresh buns, straight from the bakery. Alex has quite an appetite and was satisfied with this simple, yet delicious meal.
Eden, our 7-year-old daughter, barely glanced at the kids menu before requesting her old stand by, macaroni and cheese ($4.99). I tried to tempt her with something different, but to no avail. I was glad to see that it wasn’t the typical boxed variety. Veggies, salad and fruit were all side dish options. Drink was included.
The waitress was happy to tweak the barbeque quesadilla ($7.99) to our daughter’s taste, but I would pass on this appetizer as well as the spinach artichoke dip ($6.99), as I don’t think the price is justified.
My husband was quite full after the half pound Avocado Jack Burger ($9.69). The double prime beef burger came smothered in special sauce and was served on a fresh baked bun. Henry is a huge avocado fan and was happy to find his avocado slices perfectly ripened. The plate included crispy fries, perfect for sharing. He also ordered the coleslaw, which to my East Coast palate was pleasantly southern.
I scanned the Fit & Lively menu, items less than 600 calories, but opted for something more substantial—Blackened Salmon with vegetables and rice. At $13.29, it is one of the priciest dishes on the menu, but worth it. The Cajun spiced fish was moist and very tasty. The large side salad was filled with fresh greens. A welcome change from the mounds of iceberg lettuce found elsewhere.
To our dismay, the large crowd had depleted Coco’s stores of ice cream, so our Dutch Apple Pie cravings were subdued with homemade cinnamon buns. Each cost $3.49. One bun is definitely enough for two people.
Coco’s was perfect for my family’s relaxed style; we’re talking jeans and t-shirts. Now if I could just get back there for breakfast. I can smell the quiche already.
Laura Pardo lives and eats in San Carlos.