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| An outdoor table at Kitchen 4140. Get one. Photo by Charish Badzinski. |
On our recent visit to San Diego (read about our road trip) my travel companion and I went in search of food–without an inkling of what we wanted. It was early afternoon and we hadn’t eaten, so it was with a sense of aimless urgency that we drove around San Diego, California.
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| The daily specials sign at Chef Kurt’s Kitchen 4140. Photo by Charish Badzinski.The foodie gods must have been smiling on our rollerbag journey, as we stumbled upon Kitchen 4140. |
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| Kitchen 4140 is in a relatively non-descript building along a busy road in San Diego. You may only notice the orange “Bistro” banner. Trust me, it’s worth the stop! Photo by Charish Badzinski. |
Kitchen 4140 looks unassuming from the curb. Positioned next to a well-driven road, diners might fear car noise. Somehow, the atmosphere, the attitude of the staff, and the darling outdoor seating area made this restaurant experience seem quaint, quiet and removed from city life.
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| Table decor included charming, bright orange Gerbera Daisies. Photo by Charish Badzinski. |
Our waitress was genuinely enthusiastic about the food and beyond nice–the kind of person you want to hang out with after work. Needless to say, the service was outstanding.
But the best part of Kitchen 4140 was the food and drink. We started with a berry blend iced tea.
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| Not on the regular menu, this tea was featured on the day we visited Kitchen 4140. Photo by Charish Badzinski. |
Then came my entree: a smoked chicken sandwich. The bun was airy, thirstily soaking up the havarti cheese and caramelized onions.
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| The house-smoked chicken sandwich, with caramelized onions, tomatoes, and havarti cheese. Photo by Charish Badzinski. |
Their menu features real food, slow food, rub your belly and make mmmm sounds aloud food. It’s bolstered by the chef’s reported daily trips to the farmer’s market, so there’s a good dose of locavorism for excellent foodie karma. And the outdoor seating area is flanked by herb gardens, featuring fresh herbs that no doubt find their way to your plate.
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| Just one of many herbs growing outside Kitchen 4140. Photo by Charish Badzinski. |
Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, a staff member brought out a tray of chicken breasts and loaded them into a backyard smoker. Somehow, knowing the food is treated so lovingly, so close to home hits all of a foodie’s tastebuds.
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| Outdoor seating at Kitchen 4140 in San Diego. Photo by Charish Badzinski. |
Now when I’m hungry, I find myself wishing Kitchen 4140 were closer, or that they delivered…across long distances….to wherever I might be. Now I know exactly what I want.
Interested in learning more? Check out the Kitchen 4140 menu.
What favorite restaurants have you found by happenstance?
Based on a work at rollerbaggoddess.blogspot.com
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