BLAINE H. MOGIL
PRIDE STAFF WRITER

Eat Here – Debbie’s Restaurant and Pie Shop at 740 Nordahl Road, Suite 114 just north of the 78 freeway.

This is good old fashioned, down home cooking. If you’re looking for home style cooking made with fresh ingredients, great taste and reasonable prices, then this is the place to eat. Open from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., you can get breakfast and lunch as well as some of the best pies around. The food is always freshly prepared from fresh ingredients, and that’s the key to good food anywhere. Portion size is generous and the recipes range from traditional favorites such as yummy biscuits and country gravy to innovative dishes such as the huevos rancheros served smothered in Debbie’s own fresh bell pepper sauce. Get past the surprise of this novel approach to the dish and take one bite; you’ll be hooked. The service is always pleasant and welcoming. The décor is pure country kitchen. I doubt you’ll ever come back for the atmosphere, but there’s a mighty good chance you’ll be back for the food. 4 out of 5 stars.

Eat Here – Pita’s Mediterranean Grill in the 763 Center Drive # 104 north of the 78 and just west of Nordahl Road.

The restaurant gives patrons a chance to enjoy fresh food in a healthier form than Debbie’s. The interior of the place is rather chic for fast food; pleasant, yet not too flashy. The food is excellent with choices from Lamb Shawarma to Baba Ghanouj along with more familiar choices such as Chicken Kebabs and Pita sandwiches served with tasty fried pita chips. Take the opportunity to pass up the Mickey D’s, KFC and the other fast fried frankenfood on the way here and treat your body and taste buds to a better choice in dining at reasonable prices. Oh, and did I mention the Baklava? Mmmm… 4 out of 5 stars.

Stay Clear – Randolfo’s Tacos at 197 Woodland Parkway, Suite 103 in San Marcos.

I admit it, I am a Mexican food snob. With so many amazing choices in North San Diego County, which may be the mecca of Mexican food, high expectations can easily be unmet. On my only visit here, the inside of the restaurant was clean, the staff polite and attentive and the menu selection good. I ordered the meal that is standard fare when trying a new place, the nachos with carnitas. Although the presentation was nice, along with freshly shredded jack and cheddar cheese on top, the portion size was skimpy at best with about half the size of other taco shops yet at the same price. The worst was hidden underneath— a liquid cheese substance of the 7-11 nacho variety, and it tasted as bad as it looked. Perhaps other menu items provide a more satisfying eating experience and better value, but alas, I will likely never find out. The best Mexican food will be the focus in our next issue. 1 of 5 stars.