Tuck Shop Experience

He Said

Across the street from a high school and tucked within the historic Coronado neighborhood is Tuck Shop. A house converted into a comfortable eating establishment complete with a retro ‘living room’ section. While I haven’t had the time to sit and relax with a cocktail in the ‘living room’ I love the idea. Instead we got seated right away and quickly ordered the cocktail at our table. They do run some specials and I tried their Dark & Stormy. They must use a different ginger beer as it had a slightly different taste than I am used to in this cocktail. I enjoyed it and must ask next time which brand they use.

I only have to say this once, order the cheese curds. Now, I know what you’re thinking if you aren’t from Wisconsin, “Cheese Curds”? These little pieces of cheese curd are fried with a sprinkling of salt and pepper and they disappeared pretty quickly. These aren’t your typical mozzarella sticks. Order them.

We followed it up with the chorizo dates. Again, you are probably thinking, “what”? But the sweet dates and spicy chorizo were perfect compliments to each other. Tuck Shop focuses on combinations you might not actually think of doing yourself, but actually pair very well. For my meal I ordered the Pine AZ Skirt Steak. It had an enjoyable rub, very tender and topped with sautéed mushrooms with a sweet twinge to them. I feel like it might have been a balsamic type sauce on the mushrooms. Again, it was a combination that worked perfectly.

We didn’t order any of the desserts but we were each given a complimentary chocolate chip cookie truffle. It’s a different selection each day based on the kitchens decision. But we gave our feedback to the manager on these little delights, “Make these all the time and sell us a box please!”

She Said

I was looking forward to trying Tuck Shop because of all the great things people were saying about it. “What a cute place” I thought, as we walked up. The Tuck Shop owner has converted a Historic Coronado home into a quaint, warm and welcoming restaurant.  We went on a week night and were seated right away. If you have to wait for a table, don’t worry they have a darling little living room where you can kick back and sip a cocktail while you wait. The staff couldn’t have been friendlier and make you feel right at home. (pun intended)

There are nightly drink specials and I decided on a $5 glass of wine that was very good. We ordered two appetizers. The Stuffed Medjool Dates and the Cheese Curds (we HAD to have ’em) The Dates were delicious! A combinations of sweet from the dates, creamy from the gruyere cheese and spice from the chorizo. The flavors blending together was like a fiesta in my mouth! The Cheese Curds were lightly fried and as soon as they hit my tongue they melted into yummy gooeyness…a must have!!

For dinner I had the Pork Tenderloin which came with blue cheese polenta and asparagus. Perfectly cooked Pork Tenderloin which natural flavors were mouthwatering. The polenta was creamy with just enough saltiness from the blue cheese and the asparagus was a perfect veggie to compliment the dish. I thoroughly enjoyed everything on my plate. We were too stuffed for dessert but that didn’t stop the Tuck Shop staff, they gave us two eggless cookie dough truffles that were heavenly. I was so full and comfy I literally could have “tucked” right into one of the couches in the living room and taken a nap! This is truly a neighborhood gem!