Cafe 21 Serves Up Special Valentines Offerings Through Feb. 16

Cafe 21 has two locations, one on 5th Avenue Downtown and another on Adams Avenue in University Heights. The downtown location has ample space, a full bar, and is in the heart of the Gaslamp. The flagship University Heights location is a quaint neighborhood eatery that is a hot spot for brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Each location offer a different atmosphere, but no matter which location you choose, the food is guaranteed to be amazing. The food is delicious and unique, the staff is friendly, and there’s always something new to try.

This month, Cafe 21 and Chef Leyla introduce their Aphrodisiac Menu, featuring a three-course menu designed to tantalize your taste buds and stimulate your palate. Available through Feb. 16, the menu consists of a three-course menu with your option of appetizer (foreplay), entree (prime pleasure) and dessert (sweet surrender). 

When visiting Cafe 21 early in February, stuffed cabbage spring rolls as well as roast beet and fried goat cheese tartar were part of the Foreplay course. For Prime Pleasure, there was a choice of flank steak roulade with gorgonzola cream and heirloom fingerling potatoes or the star of the menu, seared lamb loin with brussel sprouts and polenta with a spicy pomegranate reduction. For the final Sweet Surrender course, there was a huge fresh baked chocolate chip cookie in a cast iron pan, drizzled with the perfect raspberry sauce and served with ice cream.

Whether you are looking for somewhere great to have a Valentine’s Day date with your special someone, or just want to have a great mid-week meal, Cafe 21 has it covered. While you’re there be sure to sample some of their sangria, or maybe a mimosa or beer flight. The cocktails are all fantastic, including an intriguingly fresh beet-based old fashion which was the highlight of the cocktails served during our visit. Have more of a sweet tooth? Try one of Chef Leyla’s two black & white cocktail concoctions: a decadent chocolate sangria and a silky or vanilla crème brûlée drink.

Stop in and visit one of the San Diego locations of Cafe 21 before February 16 to try the great aphrodisiac menu. Or head downtown or uptown any day and you’ll be impressed by the great flavors coming from the Cafe 21 kitchen. With a focus on fresh, local ingredients and world flavors, Café21 never disappoints.