| Restaurant Review San Diego Family Magazine -- December 2007 |
out at Pat & Oscar’s. This family-friendly perennial favorite not only sated our appetites, but got a finicky 13 year old to eat salad (and ask for seconds!). The varied menu at Pat & Oscar’s ensures there’ll be something to satisfy every member of your family. My two teenage sons and I decided on one of the family combination meals ($16.99). Ours included a 10” pizza, a medium chicken Caesar salad (we upgraded from the plain Caesar salad), and a dozen breadsticks – plenty of food to fuel two teens after a workout, and enough left over for mom. Our salad was full of fresh lettuce and tomatoes and topped with crunchy croutons. But what really set this salad apart was the savory, perfectly seasoned cooked chicken that turned what could have been a mere salad into a satisfying but calorie-conscious meal in itself. The salad comes tossed with Pat & Oscar’s trademark Caesar dressing, a less caustic version of a typical Caesar dressing. Words I thought I’d never hear – “Mom, can I have some more salad?” – melodiously left my son’s lips, as I lunged for the tongs to pile a second helping on his plate. Could it be? Could Pat & Oscar’s have created an elixir so magical and delicious as to turn a teen who disdains greens (almost as much as he dislikes ‘N Sync) into a veggie-loving guy? While the jury’s still out on that one, I wasn’t taking any chances and piled a third helping on his plate. When it came to the pizza, we opted for basic pepperoni. The crust was a well-balanced blend of doughy goodness with a bit of a crunch – perfect for families who feud between thick & chewy vs. thin & crispy. Smothered in a zesty sauce, then topped with cheese and pepperoni, the pizza arrived hot and bubbling at our table, delivered by our courteous server. My husband, who had opted for more heart-healthy fare, ordered the lemon chicken pocket sandwich ($5.99). Flavorful lemon chicken along with verdant lettuce and tomato was nestled inside a pita-bread pocket to make a tasty and filling sandwich. But we couldn’t leave before trying one of Pat & Oscar’s signature cookies (99¢) or brownies ($1.49). As I walked away from the counter, the clerk pointed at the brownie, smiled, and said, “You’re gonna want some milk with that.” I returned to the table and handed each son their requested dessert. As my oldest son savored the gooey chocolaty goodness, he fulfilled the clerk’s prophecy by asking for a glass of milk. So if some night soon you find yourself seeking a respite from your midweek cooking chores, check out Pat & Oscar’s. With 10 convenient locations throughout the county, their newest restaurants are now open at San Marcos (at the San Marcos Grand Plaza, 137 S. Los Posas Rd.), and in Chula Vista (at Eastlake Village Walk, 872 Eastlake Parkway). For location and hours, visit their website, www.patandoscars.com. |
| Restaurant Review Pat & Oscar’s – Parkway Plaza |
