First Stop, Dan Diegos Pub
Plus: Dean Penny in the Spotlight, Another LV Little Free Library, Nominating a NonProfit, Fish Fry, and Let Us Celebrate National Weed Appreciation Day.
Steve and I had an idea that it might be fun to start taking the new Blue Line trolley extension and get off at each stop to find something interesting and write about it. Although the places won’t be in Linda Vista, they will be trolley stops away from Linda Vista and therefore easy to get to.
We will not necessarily do them in order but will be sure to get to each one in the coming months.
Our first stop in this quest occurred this week at Dan Diegos Euro Cafe and Pub in Bay Park, close to the new Clairemont Drive trolley station. Because we had a recommendation about this place from Howard Wayne, Interim Chair of the LV Planning Group, we thought it might be worth checking out.
Dan Diegos Euro Café and Pub is located at 2415 Morena Blvd, and open Mon-Thurs 3:30 pm – 9:30 pm, Fri-Sun 1pm – 10 pm
According to their website, it is a family-owned Pub which prides itself in homemade dishes, traditional flavors, and welcoming environment. This restaurant was opened in 2013 by Chef Ryan Fulton to honor his brother Daniel Fulton who passed away prior to the restaurant opening,
Recently Steve and I, along with our carnivore sidekick, and his even more carnivorous mother, went to this Irish Pub even though we missed St Patrick’s Day by 4 days. We can attest to its welcoming environment. If you are a sports fan, there plenty of widescreens available to view athletic events. There is ample seating, and we chose to sit outside (in a covered patio area) since the weather was so nice. There is a parking lot attached.
The menu is very extensive with Irish dishes to make your mouth water as well as other entrees. Every day there is a special and Mondays happened to be Ribeye Steak at a $6.00 savings. What first struck my eye was the Soda Bread Menu. Soda Bread with butter, soda bread beignets, soda bread waffles, soda biscuits and gravy. Yum. You can view the entire menu here.
There is also a large craft beer selection.
Of course, the carnivore mother ordered the ribeye steak which came with two sides. Our sidekick ordered the French dip with caramelized onions and swiss cheese and substituted turkey for the beef. It came with a gravy dip. Steve ordered a craisin and nut salad, and I got the fish and chips.
All meals were of very nice quantity. The steak came with a Dublin whiskey sauce which sidekick's mother said was outstanding though she swore the whiskey had worn off in the cooking (sure, as she licked the container clean). Her sides were cucumber salad and seasonal mixed veggies. It must have been good as there was nothing left on the plate but a few stray carrots. She said it was very tasty.
Our sidekick’s French dip came on a large crunchy Italian roll cut in half and probably enough for two people but eaten by one. It was piled high with turkey, swiss cheese, and caramelized onions. Seasoned just right, he said. The dipping gravy was plentiful and “awesome”.
Besides craisins and nuts, Steve’s salad included apples, bleu cheese, lettuce, and a great balsamic dressing. He commented that it tasted very healthy and that he enjoyed the taste of the craisins and bleu cheese.
And, what can I say about the fish and chips? Crispy, large pieces of pacific cod, not greasy, plenty of fries for me and some others (not named), which I drenched with malt vinegar. So much I had to take some home for another meal.
Because we were all so full, I ordered what I thought was a slice of carrot cake to go. When I opened it, it was a small round one layer carrot cake, enough for 4 people and very good.
The service was excellent, and our server was very friendly and helpful. The Irish menu included Irish bacon and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, corned beef and cabbage as well as the fish and chips. Entrees from $10.00 to $16.00.
So ride the trolley (or drive) to Dan Diegos. We think you will like it.
2415 Morena Blvd
San Diego 92110
Linda Vistan in the Spotlight
Penny Bridges, Dean at St Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral
Ed. Note: We continue celebrating Women’s History Month by featuring an interview with a another female resident of Linda Vista (last week we featured Sera Turley, co-owner of Sushi Yorimichi).
The Fashion Hills area of Linda Vista happens to be the home of one of the more prominent local religious leaders in San Diego. Penny Bridges serves as Dean of St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, which is located across Mission Valley at 2728 Sixth Ave in Bankers Hill. She took time from her busy schedule to answer some questions for the Linda Vista Update. Here is what she had to say:
—What is your official job title?
I am the Dean and CEO at the Cathedral Church of St Paul, which is a senior pastor position. St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in San Diego, it was first established in 1869. I am the priest in charge of the Cathedral under the oversight of the Bishop. The bishop is often visiting the other parishes. There is a civic dimension to my position. I maintain a relationship with several civic leaders. I aim to ensure an inclusive congregation and a safe place for the LBGTQ population.
—Where are you originally from?
Belfast, Northern Ireland.
—How long have you lived in Fashion Hills?
8 years
—Where did you study to become a minister?
Yale Divinity School
—What kind of occupation or profession did you have before becoming a priest?
This is my second career. I came to the U.S. in 1985 to work as a computer programmer.
—How long have you been a priest?
24 years
—What have been the subjects of some of your recent sermons?
Turning away from gossip and grumbling to gratitude and trust. Preaching about how God loves you without exception and without condition.
—How did COVID affect your job? How did you adapt to COVID restrictions?
It has involved a huge adaptation. In a sense, I had to become like a television evangelist. We had to close our office, and I began to broadcast via Zoom from my house. I learned how to do Zoom, and do videos with a good background. I learned how to lead a service without being in a church. Besides using technology, I also sent 700 letters to parishioners to stay connected. These letters went out to newcomers, and people on the fringes, the ill and the isolated. We’ve continued to adapt. Some of the changes will remain permanent. Our church committee meetings continued use of ZOOM makes it easy for everybody to participate. And now everyone around the world can see our sermons via the internet.
—What unique features define or distinguishe your parish?
There are several things. Our music, we have a long tradition of excellent music, we have one of the best organs in the country. We have regular recitals in the cathedral. Furthermore, the beauty of the space and its architecture has an effect on people right away. Also, the prominence of our LBGTQ folks; they feel welcome, and they appreciate the safety that we can provide.
—What is the biggest challenge you face in your job?
Worrying too much about what I can’t change. As far as the church is concerned, there is a chronic concern as to how we can be self-sustainable. Nationwide, attendance at church shrinks, and a generation is raised by a people who didn’t go to church. The challenge is to find ways to communicate, and show that we have something of value.
—What is the most interesting aspect of your job?
The variety. I never know when the phone rings if it will be about bereavement, a marriage, people wanting to complain about me or my staff or one of my sermons, or someone who wants to get in on the ordination process. There are also financial issues, staff management issues, real estate negotiations, aesthetics concerns, and events.
—What changes would you like to see in the next couple years either here in Linda Vista or in San Diego?
More housing for low-income people. The homeless/unsheltered given a safe space to live. More comprehensive public transportation system. And regarding the big picture, having Christianity regain its reputation as a religion of love and acceptance
—Any other comments you would like to make to our readers?
Find ways to be grateful for what you have. Instead of complaining about the price of gas, be thankful that we have peaceful streets to drive on. We are incredibly lucky to live in San Diego. Our church’s mission statement is “Love Christ. Serve Others. Welcome all”
***
The Linda Vista Update thanks Penny Bridges for taking the time to answer our questions.
Another Attractive LV Little Free Library
We want to draw our readers’ attention to the latest Little Free Library discovered in Linda Vista. This very attractive Library located on Ulric Street uses a theme of fruit produce for its design. Great art work on the sides! We applaud this aesthetic and literary contribution to the community.
Recognizing the 79th District Nonprofit of the Year
The office of Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber (79th District) is accepting applications to recognize the District’s Nonprofit of the Year. Nominations must be submitted by March 30, 2022 at the following link: https://a79.asmdc.org/nonprofit-year-nomination. Here is your chance to help recognize a deserving Linda Vista non-profit organization.
Fish Fry at Holy Family Catholic Church
The Knights of Columbus will be sponsoring a Fish Fry at Holy Family Catholic Church this Friday. Take out orders are available.
Essay
This Monday We Appreciate Weeds!
One of the more curious pieces of property in Linda Vista happens to be located at Mission Heights Neighborhood Park. It’s an undeveloped chunk of city-owned park land—perhaps an acre in size—that has long been dominated by weeds. Locals who visit the park and look at this weedy area often shake their heads, and react by asking, “Why doesn’t somebody do something with this part of the park?” And if those visitors are dog lovers, the next thing out of their mouths is, “Wouldn’t that area make for a great dog park?” Though I understand the natural urge to do something with this empty lot of weeds, and I certainly understand the desire for a dog park, I want to offer the unique notion that weeds should be looked at in a different light. Perhaps on March 28, known as National Weed Appreciation Day, we can take a moment to appreciate what we already have in the form of weeds, and rest easy that no extensive time, energy, or money need be expended to improve this property.
As we wrote in a previous post of the Update, this park is a hidden gem—a peaceful, grassy oasis tucked away within an older neighborhood. It’s a great place for young kids to frolic on the playground equipment, for adults who want to toss a frisbee on the grass field or shoot baskets on the court, or for those who want to walk their leashed dogs on the concrete path that loops around most of the venue. However, the far west end of the park has been inexplicably ignored for a number of years. Dominated by weeds, and absent any of the usual park playground equipment, it stands in stark contrast to the lush, green aspects of the park’s main area.
A few local residents have recently cast their eye on this property. Of course, if such an undeveloped piece of land existed in Mission Valley, some developer would have already bought the small property and built a multi-story condo complex along with a Home Depot facility on it, thus adding to the already intense density of the area. Fortunately, this property is located in a quiet Linda Vista neighborhood. The expectations for this property are much different—much more limited—than those pertaining to any Mission Valley property.
Recognizing that this undeveloped property is located at a city park, several local residents have looked at this land as a place for a potential dog park—a place where dogs can be allowed to be off a leash and run around to their canine hearts’ content. I think every dog lover in Linda Vista, of which there are many, would agree with the idea of adding a dog park to the area. It would be a first for our community.
Unfortunately, getting a dog park approved by the city is a tough proposition. While taking a glance at the city requirements for building a dog park on city park land, I discovered there are at least three tough hurdles that must be overcome in any dog park effort. First, a sponsoring group (made up of local citizen volunteers) interested in establishing an off-leash area “is fully responsible for ushering their proposal through the approval process and obtaining the necessary funding for the design, construction and long-term enhanced maintenance of the off-leash area.” That involves a lot of time and energy! Second, the sponsor group is required to provide the Parks and Recreation department with funding in the amount of $5,000.00 to pay for P&R staff time to assist the sponsor group in proceeding through the approval process. That’s a lot of money! And third, the city requires there be 3 acres of land available for any proposed dog park, thus allowing for three pens. That’s a lot of land! I don’t think the area in question consists of more than an acre.
If the above news sounds too discouraging for dog lovers, if the idea of remaining stuck with a bunch of weeds seems to be the future of this empty lot, I strongly suggest we see this not as a problem, but as a unique opportunity. Let me remind you that March 28—which occurs this Monday—happens to be National Weed Appreciation Day. I know what you’re thinking…not that kind of weed…in fact, the kind of weed day associated with marijuana occurs on April 20 (National Weed Day). I, on the other hand, am referring to the kind of weed that grows in gardens, in sidewalk cracks, and in empty lots like the one at Mission Heights Park. According to the web site National Today, the U.S. officially sets aside each March 28 to appreciate weeds because “some weeds are actually beneficial for us and our ecosystem. They act as nutritious food and herbs and some of them even have medicinal value.” The website reminds us to “take this day as an opportunity to go out in your garden (or empty lot) and appreciate those weeds for the benefits they provide.”
It turns out we can currently do this every day at Mission Heights Park. So next time you’re there, take a moment to celebrate the clover and the dandelion. Become one with the milkweed. And reassure yourself that an undeveloped piece of land (along with all its weeds) is not an eyesore, but actually a way to remind us of the importance of avoiding the densification that dominates neighboring Mission Valley.
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Food is so good !! I love my steak done!! The highlight of my plate was the sauce with Whisky !! Delicious!!