June 4th, 2012 
Photo credit: Chantelle Photography
Tuesday -the forgotten day of the week; better than the dreaded Monday, but not quite as appreciated as Hump Day and most definitely not as anticipated as Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It seems to fall into that step-sister category, forced to scrub the floors and sweep the chimney to earn its pay. But thanks to Gingham in La Mesa, Tuesday is getting her Cinderella moment as she has “unofficially” been declared “Date Night.”
That’s right, Tuesday is the new Saturday these days as Gingham is providing San Diego couples the opportunity to take a pause in their busy work-weeks to savor not only each others’ company but also the unique and crave-worthy flavors of their featured cuisine.
Tucked away in the quaint downtown area of La Mesa, Gingham is a member of the Enlightened Hospitality Group family of restaurants (the brainchild of Top Chef alum Brian Malarkey and James Brennan) offering an eclectically comfortable atmosphere whose aesthetic can best be described as “cowboy chic.” From cattle-horn door handles to animal hide adorned ottomans, to mis-matched shabby chic furniture on the backyard patio and a life size cow painted in the pattern of the American flag, Gingham offers dating diners a laid back environment in which to truly relax and focus on the sentiment at hand –spending quality time together and partaking in the delectable treats on the custom Date Night menu.
Photo credit: Chantelle Malarkey
Now calorie-counters beware, with items like Fried Pickles (they are delicious!) and BLT Fries (drizzled with a heavenly condiment called “baconaise”), Date Night dinner may just have to be the time you allow yourself a little splurge. But that’s the beauty of the menu itself, all of the items are prepared to be shared so you know, I’m no dietitian, but I have to believe that lessens that blow.
For $45, couples are offered “4 courses of romantic awesomeness,” choosing from an array of options including “Horny Devil” Eggs, Local Halibut with Bacon and Whole Grain Beurre Blanc, Chorizo Smoked Corn, and my personal favorites -the Fried Brussels Sprouts (a signature item offered at all of the Malarkey eateries) and the decadent and “if dessert is wrong, I don’t want to be right” Candy Bar Cake (three words: peanut butter mousse).
Photo credit: Chantelle Malarkey
And take it from a bottomless pit who is dating another bottomless pit, the Date Night menu is still plenty of food to satisfy two.
With summer now upon us, Gingham’s backyard patio would be the perfect locale to add a little romance to your Tuesday evening. So show Tuesday a little love and honor her Cinderella moment by venturing out to Gingham for a “feast in the east” and relish in a date night with your sweetie. But remember, sharing is caring; you may want to keep this in mind when dessert rolls around. Touch my peanut butter mousse and we have a problem.
Photo credit: Shawna Nadelman
Just kidding, babe. But not really.
In addition to Tuesday evenings, Gingham is also doing some really awesome things on those other days that end with “y,” (like hosting Backyard Movie Nights every Wednesday starting at 7:30 P.M.) so check out their website to learn more and get to planning your summer culinary calendar!
WHERE:
Gingham
8384 La Mesa Boulevard
La Mesa, CA 91942
Ph. 619-797-1922
HOURS:
Reservations encouraged for Dinner and Sunday Brunch.
Lunch: Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bar: Daily 5 p.m.-Close
Dinner:
Sunday-Thursday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 5 p.m.to 11 p.m.
Brunch: Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Backyard BBQ & Biergarten: Saturday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
