out and about: pesto italian craft kitchen

It’s spring, and we are all over the place with track meets every weekend.

So is it any question that we need to carb load and fuel, and find the perfect spot to feed everyone before, during, and/or after said meets.

Pesto kitchen in mission valley is one of these places. Centrally located in the middle of the county, so it’s easy to access. And also checks all the boxes on everyone’s preferences.

italian margarita: tequila, housemade limoncello, lime

Cheers. Love a good housemade cocktail. And this housemade italian margarita is good. And now has me wanting to make my own lemoncello.

If there are garlic knots on the menu; best you bet my kids are ordering them. And these? Are some of their favorite.

Lve the addition of garlicy pesto on top of the knots, v/s just the standard garlic butter.

giant meatball: house marinara, and topped with mozzarella and herbs, baked in the oven

This meatball. Tender, flavorful, and while covered in meat and cheese… is not over powered by either. Not trying to hide anything here. The sauce and chese just add to the bite as a whole.

fettuccine alfredo: fettuccine with delicious alfredo sauce and a touch of garlic

Fetticcini alfredo is a classic for a reason. It was my grandfather’s favorite pasta dish. And it’s one of my kiddos. This creamy, parmesany dish stands the test of time with all it’s simplicity.

Which is why it’s the go to for carb loading at pesto.

italian chop: romaine lettuce, cherry tomato, mixed olives, garbanzo beans, banana peppers, provolone cheese, pesto vinaigrette (add pepperoni or prosciutto for antipasto)

Nothing I love more than a chopped salad. And this vinaigrette is the perfect flavor bomb for it.

My only issue is that I asked for no garbanzo beans, and they still put them on… but since they’re easy to avoid, no big whoop.

Pro tip. If you are at pesto before 2pm you can add a protien to your salad for no additional cost. Like I did with the salmon filet.

new york classico: mozzarella, oregano, organic tomato sauce (add your favorite topping)

Okay, I lied. I love pairing a chopped salad with a new york style pizza more than just a chopped salad.

Perfect pairing.

And you guys! This cheese pizza is one of my favorites. It reminds me of pernicanos, the now defunct pizza parlor of my childhood. So good, I have to pause and pace myself before eating the whole thing.