Kesling's Kitchen

Kesling's Kitchen Restaurant Review:

This charming eatery in the heart of town is the best thing to happen to the Borrego Spring’s challenged food scene. Airy and bright, the space welcomes diners with roomy booths, counter seating and local artwork as it’s part of the adjacent Borrego Springs Art Institute. Dynamic duo chef Thomas Hildebrandt and sous chef Pamela Lange are the force behind the thoughtfully-crafted wood-fired pizzas, gourmet panini and eye-catching salads. A gray-tiled, wood-fired oven anchors the room producing crispy Neapolitan-style pies, like the Espanola dotted with Spanish chorizo, green olives and roasted peppers and blanketed with manchego. Additionally there’s pesto chicken, triple meat (pepperoni, Canadian bacon and Italian sausage) and a seasonal version, The Roadrunner & Cactus, with chicken breast, nopalitos, ranchero sauce and habanero jack cheese for a kick of heat. Gluten-free crusts, too. Beyond the pizzas, the menu offers international flavors such as lamb or Moroccan chicken kebabs, both with cucumber yogurt sauce, and a memorable Cubano sandwich with roasted pork loin, smoked ham, Swiss cheese and house-made pickles. Share a round of potato frites with a fun medley of dipping sauces like Dijon mayo, saffron aïoli or Korean. Kesling’s also sports a notable selection of wine for a casual spot. Look crisp rosés from Paso Robles, red blends from Bordeaux and great keg wines. Rotating taps of craft beer are available.