Best of 2001: Best Place To Rub Shoulders With Local Politicians

Kensington Village Café
4090 Adams Avenue, Kensington
619-283-7546

"You are who you eat with." At Jim and Sandy's place, you eat with the best -- if you look up to politicians, that is. Dick Murphy, Susan Golding, Michael Dukakis, Bill Bradley -- they've all been through. Maybe because it's inexpensive, homey, yet classy in its retro way. One wall has cool posters like "Nord Express" and "Chapeau Mossant." Quilted stainless steel and white tile cover the kitchen area. Betty Boop looks down from behind the high-stool bar. Jim (an ex-Navy officer) and Sandy (an ex-English prof) met and married through the Reader Phone Matches section. With him cooking and her out front, they've created an inexpensive social center here for Kensington. People hold meetings here. Kids bring their paintings and stick them on the walls. One couple comes to eat twice every day. The food is basic but good. Polish sausage, a half-pound Village Burger with fries, BBQ beef or ham. Sandy has learned to read politicians. "As soon as I saw Bill Bradley, I knew he'd never win the presidency," she says. "His face was too honest."