What’s the story, Morning Glory? After some brief Google searches, I’ve learned that Morning Glory is the name of a flower that blossoms in the morning, the British term for “morning wood” and also the name of the first HIT album by ‘90s rock band, Oasis (you know, “Champagne Supernova” and “Wonderwall”). All great things. However, it’s also the name of Little Italy’s new gem of a breakfast spot. Located on India and Date, I had this place spotted before I even investigated what it was going to be – you can’t miss those gorgeous, giant, copper walls on the second floor overlooking the Piazza della Famiglia. Finally open for business, I have been DYING to check it out. I read in San Diego Eater that it was open to reservations only, however one quick look at the new, humble website will describe otherwise. In chatting with some local industry people, I heard that the place is really good, but really PACKED, and it can be very hard to get a table – best bet is the bar top. So keeping the party small for our maiden voyage, my girlfriend and I took our chances and ventured over. Wow. Just WOW.
Expecting a wait, we were quoted with a 40min time; we were sat in probably 30 minutes. During that time we were so entertained by the beauty of the restaurant, the attention to detail, and the witty, diverse menu that we hardly even noticed the wait. We were seated in a little cozy booth on the inside of the joint, right next to a glorious Moet vending machine. Inside is just as cute as the outside, with a diner-like feel to it, décor consisting of mint greens and pinks with some black and white accents – a kind of ‘60s modern, Mad-Men feel. The indoor space is open to the outside just enough to catch a breeze, but sheltered enough to take off your sweater.
Starting with drinks was difficult. . . in the best way possible! It was so hard to choose among the plethora of mouthwatering cocktails, I just went for my go-to Michelada ($8). But even this had a twist, adding fresh cucumber to the mix.
Deciding on food was just as difficult. I ended up going with the McFunnin’ (not to be confused with “McMuffin”), an egg and Canadian bacon sandwich ($6), and added some fried scalloped potatoes on the side ($4). My friend got the Morning Glory Fried Rice ($9), a dish the restaurant believes will be an “instant classic” consisting of fried rice with pork belly accompanied by an old school eye-dropper full of soy sauce. She added a hearty side of bacon ($4). The food was perfect. Flavorful, fun-presentation, and a great price. Also, not overwhelmingly large, which is often why I shy away from brunch because I gorge myself and then feel like crap for the rest of the day, but I digress. Everything at Morning Glory is juuust right!
Because I was treating myself, I did manage to squeeze in another couple drinks. “The Socialist Republic of Coffee Cocktail” ($9) was just the perfect amount of rum, coconut and coffee flavors. Did I mention that I NEVER order coffee cocktails? Bonus: it has BOBA in it! To finish my brunch experience, I chose the Goldstein’s Orange Joolius drink: pretty, polished, and potent ($10)!
Before leaving, I paid a visit to the loo. Even that was an experience in itself! I really wish I could use emojis in this write-up because if I could, I would use the Heart Eyes, and the Diamond, and any other emoji that makes you think of sparkles right HERE. The bathroom is lined with narrow slices of mirror from head to toe. It feels more like you are about to take a shit in a chandelier! Now, I try not to go number 2 in public restrooms, but if I was going to, this would be the best place to do it. And yes, they only have 2 bathroom stalls and you may have to wait in line, but I can assure you that when you finally sit down, that seat is not warm because the last patron sat there for too long. THE TOILET SEATS ARE HEATED! I’ve heard this is a common thing in Japan, so maybe not everyone is so impressed, but THIS ‘Merican was alllll about it!
Needless to say, I can’t wait to go back. Can’t wait to take a bigger group of gals, or maybe I’ll just stop in solo for a cocktail and a bathroom visit! Thanks Morning Glory, you are so worth all the hype!
The Practical Priss 