San Diego is buzzing with exciting developments in the culinary scene, especially with the rise of vegan dining and family-friendly activities this October.
One notable mention is Evolution Fast Food, an all-vegan establishment that recently relocated from Hillcrest to North Park. With the recent addition of drive-through service, customers can now order delicious plant-based meals on the go.
The menu boasts a range of options, from ‘chik’n’ tenders and loaded fries to tacos, sandwiches, and an assortment of burgers crafted in-house from tempeh and black beans. Desserts, shakes, and smoothies further enhance their offerings.
Mitch Wallis, the manager of Evolution, highlighted the financial challenges they faced during the move. Initially, they didn’t have the resources to open a drive-through like the one they had at their former Hillcrest location. However, they are now preparing to offer early-morning coffee service starting at 7 a.m.
Once operational, Evolution will be the first establishment in San Diego to provide a fully vegan coffee and pastry drive-through service.
Located at 2611 El Cajon Blvd, Evolution shares its space with Donna Jean, another vegan restaurant that also faced displacement due to new housing and retail development in the 2900 block of Fifth Avenue.
For families looking for fun this month, October offers a fantastic selection of free activities for children across San Diego, courtesy of the San Diego Tourism Authority.
Restaurants and attractions are rolling out special deals specifically for kids aged 12 and under, making it a great opportunity for family outings. Hasta Manana Cantina, situated in the Gaslamp Quarter, is serving up chicken tacos, cheese quesadillas, and bean-and-cheese burritos. Each meal comes with a choice of rice, fruit, or French fries, available with the purchase of an adult entree.
In North Park, families can enjoy kid-friendly options at Original 40 Brewing Company, which features hearty sandwiches and meaty entrees, though some restrictions apply.
The Courtyard by Marriott Old Town offers complimentary meals for children under 12 at The Bistro, providing an enticing range of breakfast sandwiches, salads, flatbreads, and burgers with an adult entree purchase.
Just a short distance away, Casa Guadalajara in Old Town allows kids to dine for free up to $11.95 off a designated kids’ menu, with an adult entree purchase required.
Over at Carnitas Snack Shack in downtown’s waterfront Embarcadero, the ‘lil’ piglets’ can indulge in cheeseburgers, quesadillas, and chicken tenders when an adult spends $11 or more on their meal.
As food enthusiasts make their way through Hillcrest, Senor Mango’s newest location promises a broad menu of colorful salads, tortas, juicy fruit cups, and refreshing smoothies, debunking the misconception that it offers a limited menu compared to its established North Park counterparts.
The A-frame walk-up, which previously housed Weinerschnitzel and other coffee businesses, is now a go-to destination for its top-selling vegetarian and pork loin tortas, made with fresh telera rolls. The escamochas, a parfait-like dish made with tropical fruit, sweet cream, slivered almonds, and shredded coconut, is also a customer favorite.
In a quick food fact, Costco’s iconic $1.50 deal for a quarter-pound hot dog and 20-ounce Coca-Cola has maintained its price since 1985. While there was speculation earlier this year about a potential price increase due to a shift in soda vendors from Pepsi to Coca-Cola, the company upheld its commitment to attract customers, demonstrating the adage of giving a little to gain more.
On a charitable note, the Crest Cafe in Hillcrest is taking part in a fundraiser this month for Casa De Luz SD, a collective house that offers refuge for LGBTQ individuals who have fled their countries due to persecution.
On October 16, patrons dining at the Crest Cafe between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. can contribute to the cause, as the cafe will donate 15 percent of the bill to the non-profit organization.
Finally, The Farmacy is making its mark in San Diego’s East Village with a fresh menu that includes grapefruit brulee, streusel waffles, fried chicken diablo sandwiches, and house-brined corned beef Reubens.
Chef-owner Jacob Elliott and his wife carry a farm-to-table philosophy from their flagship location in Albuquerque, New Mexico, into this new urban hot spot. The sleek design includes a spacious outdoor patio, perfect for enjoying craft beverages such as hard punch and peach bellinis alongside various coffee offerings.
San Diego’s vibrant culinary landscape continues to evolve, embracing plant-based options and community-oriented initiatives this October.
image source from：timesofsandiego
