Eating on Pacific Time
The best of regionally sourced cheeses, wines and specialty baked breads
“I think I could live here,” said one customer as she paid her bill after shopping and eating her way through Pacific Time, one of the newest food establishments off Morena Boulevard. Owners Dave and Donna Loretta chose to follow their passion for good food, local wines and tasty cheeses when they created Pacific Time. They believe San Diegans should celebrate the local food community and the many craft beers and regional wines cultivated by people who share a passion for quality ingredients, freshness and use of artisanal techniques. “By sourcing closer to home, we’re tapping into the freshest products available and supporting local growers and makers,” they claim.
Pacific Time is in the newly renovated strip mall just off Morena Boulevard and Linda Vista Road. If you’re a foodie like this Chowhound, you’ll find this area is hopping with plenty to howl about. Kona Kakes shares this location, as does the new J&T Thai Street Food restaurant (more on that in a future issue). Once inside, Pacific Time is a cozy, industrial-style modern deli, wine bar and cheese lovers’ paradise. Wine bottles cover a large section of wall with a pacific coast wine map serving as the focal point. Several shelves are stacked with locally sourced pickled veggies, olive oils, chutneys and other regional delectables.
On my first visit, I opted for the daily special of blue cheese and herb quiche served with a green salad ($6). The quiche was airy and delicate, almost like a soufflé. The flavor was outstanding with hints of toasted herbs finished with a creamy and savory blue cheese backdrop. I washed it down with a 12 oz. organic lemonade and was on my way with a big smile and happy belly. On my next visit, I sampled the “cheesemonger’s board” for 1 person ($12). This board included a Point Reyes original blue cheese and a creamy cow’s milk cheese called Highway 1.
The cheese was served with a delicious fig and balsamic chutney, beer-kissed popcorn, and some tasty pickled cauliflower. The cauliflower was spicy and had just a hint of curry—a perfect compliment to the cold and buttery Jack Hammer chardonnay ($6) I had ordered. And the best part, I received $3 off because it was happy hour! Speaking of pickled goodness, Pacific Time also offers a special pickle board ($6) with an assortment of vegetables artfully arranged on a slate board. And if you’re a meat eater, the antipasti platter and meat boards include specialty meats as well.
Pacific Time has its own bakery where breads, cookies, scones and more are baked fresh daily. I purchased a cranberry-orange scone ($3) that was perfect with my morning coffee. Says owner and “head cheese” Dave, “our sandwiches—especially the breakfast sandwiches—are extremely popular with locals and USD students.” I can see why… the breads are super fresh and the meats and cheeses work in perfect harmony.
Pacific Time is open 7am-7pm Monday thru Thursday, 7am-9pm Friday and 10am-10om on Saturday. Closed on Sunday.
Pacific Time
5277 Linda Vista Road
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 260-8446
All photos courtesy of Michael Baehr the San Diego Chowhound.
Michael Baehr is known as the San Diego Chowhound. He is an accomplished home cook, food blogger, cooking demonstrator and self-proclaimed foodie. He also loves to sample and write about new eateries, local restaurants, fast food and specialty markets. You can follow his food journeys at www.sdchowhound.com
