Authentic Cuisine
At the intersection of Fletcher Parkway and Jackson, right next to the 7-11 Store sits one of La Mesa’s best-kept secrets—The Village House Kalina. The Village house specializes in Ukrainian and Russian Cuisine.
Old Country Charm
The front of the restaurant has a charming rustic feel, softened by many plants in pots near the door. But when you walk in, well you get the sense that you’ve stepped onto a new continent. The ceiling is clad in wide slatted dark wood. The authentic decor evokes the sense of the Ukrainian Countryside. Owners Alex and Tanya Makarova bring the charm of Ternopol to bustling La Mesa.
Family Style Cooking
They grow some of their own produce. Tanya, the Chef de Cuisine has over twenty years of culinary experience. She can be most notably recognized for her delicious cooking at Pomegranate Russian Georgian Restaurant. These are recipes handed down in the family since her great-great grandmother.
Lunch Menu
On Monday, I had lunch at The Village House and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Here is a rundown of the lunch menu.
The soups include two kinds of borscht – beef and vegetarian. There is also Shchi [pronounced shee] that is very good.
They have a variety of great salads. I had the Vesna, which I highly recommend. Ask about what is in each recipe, as Ukrainians are known for their love of garlic. If you are not a garlic fan, the Olivier, traditional potato salad is a favorite.
For the entrees, the stroganoff and pirogy were outstanding. The dinner menu has some delightful alternatives: Chicken Kiev, Chicken or Fish in a Walnut sauce, and Chakapuli, a lamb shank, onion and white wine favorite.
I recommend The Village House Kalina. For more information you can find them on Yelp. 8302 Parkway Drive, La Mesa, CA 91942, (619) 461-1100.
