Casa Gabriela, in the heart of La Mesa Village, is in its third year of feeding hungry San Diegans and has added weekend brunch to its repertoire.

Gabriela Lopez, chef and partner at Casa Gabriela, has created a very tasty and unique menu with recipes handed down from her grandmother. Recipes that are rooted in tradition and elevated for today. Now serving brunch on Saturday and Sunday, enjoy your meal al fresco on the patio or indoors in the main dining area.

Enter the Casa, and you feel that you have been invited into Gabriela’s home.

Along with brightly colored lights and a touch of whimsy, you will see many hearts and wings. “The hearts are for the food that comes from my heart. The wings mean it’s my time to fly now after raising children and setting them on their path,” Lopez said.

Here’s a fun fact: when you look closely at her mural, the left side of the wing pays homage to her grandmother, the right side to her two brothers who have passed away and are watching over her.

Starting with Bebidas (drinks) such as Café de Olla, a mixture of coffee, piloncillo (cane sugar), orange and cinnamon, perfectly complemented with a nostalgic crumble of a Mexican wedding cookie. Another drink is the luscious Abuela’s Hot Chocolate, a mixture of Mexican chocolate with cinnamon and whipped cream and a Mexican wedding cookie.

If you are in the mood for Bloody Mary, try the Bloody de la Casa with Hanson Habanero Vodka or Ghost Blanco Tequila, and house made bloody mix.

Aperitivos include Ceviche Verde with local white fish, Tomatillo Salsa, cilantro and lime that is the perfect amount of zest for first thing in the morning. Panela a la Plancha with arugula, grilled white corn, jicama, roasted pepitas, and Pomegranate Vinaigrette.

Main courses or entradas include Enchiladas Marisco Suiza, enchiladas filled with shrimp, lobster, and scallops with tomatillo-jalapeño crema. The Chicken Barbacoa Chilaquiles are known for the crispy chips. You can have red or green sauce or both. Two eggs and an ancho and avocado crema add layers of depth to the dish. Another creative dish is the Sopes Benedictos, which is Eggs Benedict on Sopes with Birria, poached eggs, and a Guajillo Hollandaise sauce.

If you prefer a traditional Mexican breakfast, Gabriela offers Huevos Rancheros, Bistec con Huevos, or Crispy Carnitas, all with refried black beans and molcajete salsa. A nice surprise is that eleven of the twelve entradas are gluten-free.

If you enjoy a sweet brunch meal, try the French Toast of the day, the Abuelita’s Waffles or the Desayuno con Corazon (Breakfast with Heart), which is brûléed oatmeal and banana, toasted coconut, chia seeds and mascerated berries.

Casa Gabriela is located at 8384 La Mesa Blvd.

Brunch is available on Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Call them at (619) 337-3445 or make reservations on Open Table.

Plan your meal at: casagabrielalamesa.com/.