Restaurant Review
ParAgon Deli Café
2724 Shelter Island Dr.
San Diego, CA 92106
619-888-4997
By Judi Curry
Just recently I was told about a new restaurant that had opened up about five months ago in Point Loma that had some of the best soup on the Point.
When I asked where it was I was told it was “in the same parking lot as ‘Fiddler Green’.” I was not told that it was a deli; only that they were touting “Cinco de Mayo” and tortilla soup.
I decided that when my newly married grandson came over today that he, my daughter Stephanie and I would go try it out. The day was cool and soup sounded warm and inviting. Little did I know that we would be walking into Point Loma’s newest gem.
The first thing that we saw was a sign that listed the “specials of the day” with the admonition – “and tomorrow too”. Tortilla soup was listed. (I later found out that they fluctuate between their soups of the day with Clam Chowder).
The facility in itself is small; only 5 tables inside and 3 outside. And it is in the same parking lot as “Fiddler Green” – but tucked away in the corner. One places their order at the counter and then it is brought to you when it is ready.
And they have a heck of a lot more than just soup! For example, there is a breakfast menu – served until 11:00am – which has breakfast sandwiches, sides, plates and beverages listed. The prices are very reasonable – a scrambled egg sandwich, with your choice of bread, is only $3! Add cheese, veggies and meat and it goes up to $4.50. Items vary in price with a “Croque Madam” the most expensive breakfast item, and it consist of French Ham, Gruyere Cheese, Bechamel Sauce and Egg for only $10.95. Not bad at all.
Portuguese Francesinha – all photos by Judi Curry
Because Logan, Stephanie and I arrived after 11:00am, we did not even take a look at the breakfast menu. But the lunch menu was just as interesting. The soups were listed – there were salads, signature sandwiches, deli classics, and also a section on appetizers/ sides, coffee (espresso) and other beverages.
Logan decided to be inquisitive and tried the “Portuguese Francesinha” – made with Ham, Roast Beef, Linguica Sausage, Cheese, and had a fried egg topped with Francesinha Sauce.
It could be served with or without fries, but it was suggested that he have it with the fries to sop up the sauce on top. That was a good suggestion, and Logan truly enjoyed the meal. The sauce was delicious. It was so large that he took half of it back to his hotel. With the fries it was $14.95; without it was $12.95.
Stephanie is on a strict diet and she decided to have just a salad. But … she told them to make it up for her with those items that she could eat. There was no question about it; she was asked what she wanted on it and made to order. One doesn’t get that kind of service in many places. She said the salad was fresh, tasty, and she also took part of it back home with her.
Salad – made to order
I decided to have a “New York Deli Style Reuben”, served with shaved Corned Beef, Swiss Cheese, Sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing. It was served on Rye Bread and was $9.95. It was excellent; the bread was soft and delicious. And … true to form I took home half of it for a later time.
When we walked into the restaurant I noticed that two friends of mine were eating there also. I spent a few minutes talking to Barbara and Tim, and they told me that the two items they had to eat – “California Pacific Paragon” and “Croque Madame” were delicious and that they would be back soon.
I usually do not drink coffee, but something about the Caramel Macchiato ($4.25) sounded so good on this cool day that both Logan and I decided to have a glass. It was so good that I even had a second glass!!!
The Deli Reuben
If you notice that although I went there for their tortilla soup I did not have any – then. However, I did order 4 bowls of it to take home for dinner this evening for my students. I could not resist trying it a few hours after eating lunch, and it was delicious. The soup was in one container; cilantro and sour cream in another, and the special of the day with the soup was quesadillas. My students had an enjoyable dinner that evening!
We were all very impressed with this restaurant. For where it is located their prices are reasonable and not overpriced. All of the food was delicious, including the stripped down salad that Stephanie ordered. There is no question that we will be back – soon.
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The food is real food made by real people, who seem to make what they would like themselves. How often do you see deviled eggs on a menu? We hope it is large enough to be profitable (easy take out available should help) and remain a resource for local residents for a long, long time. Take the address with you – it isn’t easy to see from Shelter Island Drive.