Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Panificio E Ristorante Solunto? Now Panetteria



One Saturday we wandered down to San Diego’s Little Italy and its wonderful farmers’ market.  What a great and diverse event.  If in San Diego on a Saturday I must recommend you wander up and down, taking in the sounds and aromas, try a sample here and there and see what you want to take home to cook with.  But when you are done grab a bite for lunch at the former Panificio E Ristorante Solunto, now Panetteria, on India Street.  You can’t miss it; it’s brightly painted a yellowish orange and has tables out on the sidewalk.  You will be greeted by a true Italian who will likely invite you to sit where you like, order what you like and take as much time as you like.  Apparently the old place, Panificio E Ristorante Solunto, was quite beloved.  However, little seems to have changed and under a new name, it will continue to please.    
Photo from http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/feast/2011/dec/23/so-long-solunto/
We had a simple lunch.  We shared a plate of calamari fritti and bruschetta (and as we all have our ‘things,’ please say ‘brus-ketta’ and not, ‘bru-shetta.’) a great salad with a light, bright, citrusy dressing.  The food was delicious, fresh, flavorful and simply perfect for a sunny afternoon.  Service was authentically Italian – kind, leisurely and informal, charming and enthusiastic about every food in the place.  The special attraction at Panetteria is the pastry and cookie selection.  We sampled at least five different ones, and they we were exquisite.  Finished off with cappuccino and espresso, and we felt as though we had stroll back through Tuscany to get to the car.  And all that Italian joy for under $40! 

In the San Diego area?…Make a Saturday of it…. andiamo!

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