Bread & Cie v. Con Pane

On Tuesday, my friends Sara and Susan and their babies and I met for a picnic lunch near the Cove in La Jolla. Susan picked up sandwiches and macaroons from Bread and Cie and I baked some cookies and brought chips (the cookie recipe is coming). Sara brought fresh fruit and beverages. My sandwich was Bread and Cie's tuna, which I like to order on jalapeno cheese bread.

I love their tuna, there is no mayo involved - instead it's mixed with lemon and tapenade and a little olive oil. It's topped with arugula, sliced egg and fresh tomato. The effect is something like a Nicoise salad on bread. They also make a good muffuletta, and they have some panini sandwiches that are available in house.

Fiona is skeptical of the camera

Bailey prefers her bunny's ear

A couple of weeks ago, I finally made it over to Con Pane, on Rosecrans in Point Loma. I had eaten one of their sandwiches before, but I hadn't been to the bakery. The first time I tried to go, it was Wednesday and they were closed. When I went back a few days later, the place was packed. The tables were full and very few people had food - so I knew I was in for a long wait. When I got to the front of the line, I ordered two cookies, a baguette, one of their focaccia breads and a half of a roast beef sandwich. I was starving, coming straight from a yoga class, so I picked at the cookies while I waited. The sandwich took thirty minutes, but was delicious nonetheless. The bread was soft and chewy with a crisp crust, and the roast beef, goat cheese, red onion and tomato were a really good combination. I have also had their Turkey Cobb sandwich, and it was also good - but it comes with "roasted tomatoes" as opposed to fresh. I personally prefer the juiciness of a fresh tomato, but I am sure they would substitute if asked.

The take-home goods were also excellent. Overall, I think their bread matches up to Bread & Cie, and the sandwiches might even be better - though I do like that tuna. If you go to the cafe though, be prepared for a long wait - or better yet, call ahead. I like the idea of calling ahead and ordering takeout for a picnic. For more info, check out this blog entry from Food Chronicles.

Bread and Cie's location is more convenient, and their service is a little faster, but it can be a bit lazy. On a recent visit, two of the items they gave me were incorrect. Bread and Cie has a wider selection of pastries and desserts, and though I think they are too big (about 4-6 inches across) they are very good . I particularly like their lemon bread, scones and the fig and anise bread.

Bread & Cie
350 University Ave.,
San Diego, CA 92103
(619)683-9322
open 7AM to 7PM M-F
7AM to 6 PM Sa-Sun
Take credit cards (they didn't used to)

Con Pane Rustic Breads and Cafe
1110 Rosecrans (corner of Canon)
San Diego, CA 92106
(619) 224-4344
Closed Wednesdays
open 7AM to 6PM M, Tu, Th, F
Sat 8AM to 6PM
Sun 8AM to 4PM
No credit cards, but they do take checks.