sticky buns

Trust, San Diego, 4/12/25

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment
building – 3752 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92103

Trust Restaurant is another of Chef/Owner Brad Wise’s concepts.  He is the chef at the Fort Oak restaurant written up a couple days ago.  This is a similar place in the idea of shared plates and wood-fired cooking.  This place opened in 2016 and was the start to a half dozen places he now owns.  On the ground level of a multi-story building, the corner restaurant takes full advantage of the patios outside to add extra dining space.  Inside some bench seating bisects the room between the bar with seating and the tables.   The back of the room is part of an open kitchen and there is music in the background.  The bare wood tables are matched by wood in the ceiling above the exposed ductwork.   Some sound absorbing panels hang up there to help with all the hard surfaces below.  It’s stylish but much more casual feeling than Fort Oak.  We were there for the brunch which is available on Sat and Sun but dinner is the mainstay, serving that every night but Tues.  Service was friendly and efficient and the food is good.  I’d love to know what you think if you go there for dinner. Continue reading →

Home Kitchen Cafe, Rockland, ME., 9/28/24

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building – 650 Main St, Rockland, ME 04841

Home Kitchen Cafe opened in early 2009 in a former gas station location.  In 2013 they renovated to expand the kitchen and add a second floor deck.  Offering breakfast and lunch all day they want you to “remember, when you’re hungry, come home.”  They have their own bakery but also try and make most dishes in-house and use local ingredients.  There are parking places around the building but also street parking.  Benches outside served as a waiting area and the line moved quickly.  Inside there were tables in one part and the other part was just a lower L-shaped counter seating and a cabinet with items for sale.  There was music in the background and service was friendly and efficient.  If you need breakfast or lunch in the area this would be a fine place to get it, but come hungry. Continue reading →

Red Brick Cafe, Barronett, WI., 11/11/23

~ hsnixon ~ 2 Comments
building – 2974 US Highway 63, Barronett, WI

This small place was right on the highway in an old building that has been pleasantly updated inside.  Owner Deb Lehmann has had it 16 years and took it on after having her fill of low-pay-for-too-much work factory jobs.  She had no restaurant experience but it sure doesn’t show now.  The cozy spot was decorated with lots of newer wood paneling on the walls, old narrow gauge wood flooring, light wood tables and lots of bears from her collection.  Three stools are at a low counter and the tables by the windows are booth-style seating.  Fresh cookies, muffins and pies are listed on a whiteboard and there was one breakfast special combination.  Then there are the homemade caramel and cinnamon rolls that she makes herself every couple of days.  These are not to be missed.  Service was super friendly and welcoming and when we inquired about the building Deb came out from the kitchen to talk and answer questions.  They are open from 7 till 2 daily except for Tues and Thurs but she suggests you check the Facebook page for temporary closures due to staffing difficulties.  It’s a place I heartily recommend you try – no tweezer food here just good solid honest food served with a warmth we could all use these days.  Give it a try – I’ll be back! Continue reading →