Cafe 21

 | Trendy dining makes me smile |

This Friday started with some great food and even better company….

Happy weekend! One of my favorite things to do is find fabulous restaurants with unique ambiances and the added benefit of a delicious meal. My best friend and I decided it was about time to venture outside of our little PB bubble and dine out the right way — in Downtown San Diego. Being that I spent last summer in the city of all cities, I tend to recognize both the positive and negative aspects of each and every “city” atmosphere I encounter. And let’s just say, I ADORE San Diego’s downtown area — the old-fashion lighting, trendy restaurants and bars, sincere cleanliness and simply the fact that it’s a new city for me to explore.

Courtesy of a little help from local San Diego bloggers and Yelp, of course, we came across Cafe 21 — a shabby chic gem featuring all-American meals with a definite twist. I fell in love withe the colorful, patterned benches, the antique-inspired chairs and the overall presence of each decoration and each plate. My best friend couldn’t be any more adorable with her hot pink blouse in front of the beautiful blue paisley. Like I said, I can’t help but smile when I find beautiful eateries. Dining should be fun and memorable, and Cafe 21 is the perfect place to accomplish just that.

We chose to split a few appetizers, and we couldn’t leave Cafe 21 without ordering their avocado fries. These melt-in-your mouth, healthier version of traditional fried goodness were absolutely to die for. And dish #2 — a crepe filled with melting cheese and pieces of tender chicken to be dipped in strawberry and apricot puree. Can you say holy deliciousness? It was quite the interested blend of flavors, but I’d go back to Cafe 21 in a heartbeat just to have either dish again. All-in-all I give Cafe 21 twenty-one stars, and then some, for the perfect dining environment combined with unique, mouth-watering food.

I have come to learn that simple pleasures like splurging on a decadent meal are necessary for adults in the working world. Any time you can be excited about something and look forward to something, no matter how big or small — that is what makes life absolutely incredible. I love the weekends and I am so very excited for my plans for yet another perfect weekend in beautiful San Diego! Cheers to the weekend, good food, great friends and smiling every step of the way!