I woke up this morning on the wrong side of the bed. Hungry, cranky, still tired – I wasn’t feeling wholly convinced I could turn my day around. Begrudgingly, I drove to the restaurant I intended to review today. I parked as close as possible, which in Coronado is typically about a half-mile away.
On the trek to the establishment, I passed another eatery. Its outdoor seating area full, the ambient restaurant sounds and smells wafted onto the sidewalk. I was immediately captivated, and made a mental note to revisit it down the line. However a few paces later I decided to change my plan. The universe bestowed a quaint diner upon me; who was I to decline such an invitation?
So I marched right back to Villa Nueva Bakery. The space was nostalgic and inviting, but more remarkable than the spot was the diverse cast of characters: a wealthy family vacationing from Rhode Island, two retired women complaining about their husbands, a tiny and remarkably disproportionate dog. This felt like the kind of restaurant that was for everyone.
The breakfast menu was lengthy and in line with what I anticipated: eggs in many forms, a variety of toasts and a wide selection of Mexican dishes such as huevos con chorizo and chilaquiles. I knew the only cure to my ailment is what I call the Great American Breakfast, a staple of diners, hotel continental breakfasts and chain restaurants across the country. It is a no-bells-and-whistles breakfast with three components – an egg, a protein and a carb – however, it is typically served with a cup of coffee from a pot that was around for the 2007 financial crisis.
And a Great American Breakfast I received. Two fat and buttery pancakes, two strips of bacon cooked to perfection and a wonderfully non-offensive scrambled egg. A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice and a coffee rounded out the meal. It was blissful. It was not a presumptuous meal, just good simple food that fills you up.
I sat in the outdoor area enjoying my meal and listening to the conversations of the tables around me. The East Coast family didn’t think the daughter’s gap year was a good idea as the parents didn’t believe she was motivated enough to join the workforce after. Both of the retired women were complaining that their respective husbands wouldn’t contribute to household chores. The pocket sized dog with spindle legs and a giant midsection stood shaking in the corner.
Villa Nueva Bakery isn’t an exclusive or uppity establishment. It is a come-as-you-are restaurant. And, possibly more persuasive than a perfectly executed Great American Breakfast, it’s a place that is appealing for everyone.
Villa Nueva is located on Orange Ave. and is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
