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Business & Tech

Domenic's Italian Food Warms Powegian Souls

For 20 years, Domenic's has been serving up hearty and flavorful Italian food.

I love Italian food.  Along with my quest to find the meaning of life, I have been on a quest to find spots where I can get some of the best lasagna in San Diego County.  It’s my favorite Italian dish.

I should preface by adding that I make a mean lasagna dish myself and have become known for it, so I have high expectations anytime I try a new Italian restaurant.

And, lasagna meets those high expectations.

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My partner and I were famished one night and needed a hearty meal, so we decided to try Domenic’s. 

Our dinner started with delicious garlic bread.  It was moist, warm and wonderful.  Different from any other garlic bread I’ve had before, the bread was bite size, buttery and topped with a lot of garlic.     

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For our appetizers we ordered the mozzarella caprese ($9.95).  It’s a simple and elegant dish and all the ingredients were fresh.  Large slices of tomatoes are topped with basil and a thick slice of mozzarella.  Combined with olive oil, mushrooms and olives, it’s a refreshing first plate to share.     

My partner and I also had minestrone soup. Filled with chunks of fresh vegetables, the stock was flavorful and well rounded.  The portion size for the soup was large and I had to force myself not to finish the soup in order to make room for my lasagna.

Maybe I’m a being a little narrow-minded but I judge how good an Italian restaurant is by the quality of its lasagna since that is pretty much what I will order about 90 percent of the time.

There are 3 key things that I think makes some lasagnas better than others. 

First, not all tomato sauces are equal.  The consistency and flavor can make all the difference.  I prefer tomato sauce that is thick and rich.  In my opinion, tomato sauce that is watery and light in taste makes an average lasagna.  

Domenic’s tomato sauce was thick, creamy, sweet and flavorful. 

Second, the meat filling needs to be hearty and seasoned well.  This was certainly the case for Domenic’s.  Layers of fresh soft noodles hide a savory filling of beef, ricotta and mozzarella.

Third, an abundance of cheese is essential to an excellent lasagna dish.

And there was plenty of cheese with my lasagna.  On top is a little bit of basil over melted mozzarella and parmesan, which brings everything together.  The lasagna ($16.95) was a delicious dish and sure to please any picky palate.

My partner had the cannelloni ($16.95).  To my surprise, the filling was a combination of two different types of meat: chicken and veal.  It gave an interesting consistency for the dish and created multiple textures and flavors.  Layered on top were mushrooms in a cream sauce and finished with tomato sauce.  The dish was meaty and tasty. 

At the end of my soul-warming meal, I couldn't help but sit back, stretch and rub my big round belly in satisfaction. 

While it was our first time here, it was apparent to me that most of the customers were probably regulars and have been coming here for many years.  It’s one of those things you just feel and know when you come to a place like Domenic’s. 

The atmosphere is very cozy and has a small town feel.  You can see the cooks in the back doing magical things and plants hang throughout the room to give an earthy feel. 

It’s been around for about 20 years and according to my Powegian friend who recommended this place, Domenic’s is a local favorite for many Powegians.

I have not discovered the meaning of life yet, but I’ve discovered a new spot where I can dine on delicious Italian food.  

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