I live in California because of the ocean. I'm not a surfer or sun worshipper, there's just something about the sound of the waves, the water and the sun drifting toward the horizon that evokes a feeling that I get nowhere else. At the beach, I've left the grind, and if I look toward the West, I'm in awe, thoughts drift, ideas float by and dreams come to the surface. I think dreamers live at the beach. And often times their dreams are expressed in a myriad of unique businesses that dot the coastal cities of California.
"Do what you love, the rest comes" is printed on the menu of the Second Nature vegetarian cafe. The owner John Saslow must have responded to his dream, because the restaurant, which has been open for three years, embodies more then just food. A quick glance at the menu and you're suddenly enveloped in a philosophy which encompasses vegetarianism, healthy dining, holistic health, animal rights, environmentalism, and as the menu states: "the higher values of respect, creativity, generosity, faith, trust and love". I think the manager Robert Hart summed things up when he stated , "it's a state of mind here".
State of mind? Philosophy? But how's the food? Today, the San Diego Eater sampled the "spring rolls and Asian salsa". They were made with broccoli, beansprouts, green onions, carrots, celery and napa cabbage, wrapped up and sauteed, served with Asian salsa on the side. Light and delicious, the spring rolls themselves are worth the trip to Second Nature. Next, I sampled the breakfast burrito, with beans. It's made with garlic, cilantro, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, tofu, corn, spices, crushed tortilla chips served with whole wheat tortillas. The breakfast burrito is a favorite at Second Nature. It's no wonder, it was mildly spiced, and was very flavorful. One soon forgets that the food at Second Nature not only tastes good, but is healthy too. Lastly, I sampled the Quesadilla, which was wheat flour tortillas filled with carrots, mushrooms, sprouts, cashews and soy cheese served with salsa and tofu sour cream. Again, tasty, and with the salsa you could give it an extra zing if the mood struck. Of course, I had to have some fresh carrot juice, to complete the meal.
Second Nature is casual beach dining, and if you're a people watcher, there's plenty of opportunity with both inside and outside dining. Located on Mission Blvd, Second Nature is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:30am to 9:30 p.m. And if you love the ocean, you're only a few steps away from the sound of the waves, the sun drifting toward the horizon, and maybe, just maybe you might catch a glimpse of some dreams of your own.
Robert Ross can be reached by e-mail at: SanDiegoRoss@Yahoo.com
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