At Rocky Peak Deli organic means flavorful

Rocky Peak Deli serves food that is fresh, but there is a twist. They focus on the organic. Erin Bergfeld, owner for 2 ½ years, explained, “I want people to eat organically. I want people to know what is in their food and I want people to eat healthy.”

Running a vegetarian and vegan establishment with an organic bent takes perseverance and a great deal of research. Erin does her share of research; and Jamie Greenwood, cook for the establishment, is also “a plethora of information,” according to Erin. The two women work together to create food surprises for their customers.

“We serve a lot of specialized food,” Erin commented, “but it doesn’t have to taste like sprouts – we are way beyond sprouts.”

Much of the food served by the establishment is grown locally. These organic fruits and vegetables not only have flavor, but they are packed with nutrients.

Organic foods are often misunderstood. Some think “tasteless,” but in reality it is just the opposite. In 2011 Rocky Peak won “Best Taste of Fallbrook” in the dessert division for their strawberry/rhubarb pie. Organically grown food has some of the best natural flavors around.

Merriam-webster.com defines “organic” as: “(2): of, relating to, yielding, or involving the use of food produced with the use of feed or fertilizer of plant or animal origin without employment of chemically formulated fertilizers, growth stimulants, antibiotics, or pesticides…”

Rocky Peak’s “Ultimate California Quesadilla,” is wrapped in a wheat tortilla, but they will make it gluten-free upon request. A flavorful combination of black beans, tomatoes, cilantro, avocado and muenster cheese is mixed with chipotle sauce. The chipotle lends a mild natural sweet flavor. No complaints here, except you might need an extra napkin or two because it’s dripping with good things. (Jalapeños are normally a part of this flavor bunch, but I ordered my quesadilla without them.)

Parmesan cheese, spinach, onions, tomatoes, and kalamata olives make a tasty combination for the “Gourmet Personal Pizzas.” Because these pizzas are not heavy on the tomato sauce, the flavors of the other ingredients are more evident. The pizza crust is light with a toasted flavor because house-made focaccia bread is the base for the crust.

Everything I tasted was bursting with flavor – and it was nice to enjoy my lunch in Rocky Peak’s cozy antique-filled dining room.

Find Rocky Peak Deli and Store at 936 S. Main Ave. in Fallbrook. Call (760) 728-9309 for hours and further information.