You would be hard pressed to find this lunch spot in any dining guide. But in our debut edition of "Finney Dines Out," we are going to give it the notoriety it deserves.
The grill is hot, the kitchen is on fire and seating is at a premium. Yet finding 3 Seasons Cafe can be difficult.
"Nobody really knows where the restaurant is. We don't have like a distinct sign where are facilities are," says Nader Sharkes, culinary department chairman.
3 Seasons Cafe is part of the Culinary Arts Department of Contra Costa College in San Pablo. Students get practical experience in everything from cooking up salmon to preparing fine pastries.
"The food is delicious," says Myriam Padilla, a fifth year student.
"It has been delicious. I had the beef wellington," says Linda Reinehardt of Richmond.
Reinhardt came to 3 Seasons Café from off-campus. Everyone is encouraged to dine here, but the majority of the patrons here are students. The idea is to keep the place packed.
"It means a lot. The more volume we have, the better practice that we get," says Sharkes.
To get that practice, prices are kept to a minimum.
"Most of the money you pay for like a dinner is seven bucks for a plate," says Daniel Pacheco, a third semester student.
On the day we visited, meals could run as high as eight dollars. The menu offered a shish kabob, pasta, a salmon tuna salad or steak fajita. And whatever you do, leave room for dessert.
"The desserts are amazing. Oh my God. They're the best," says Padilla.
3 Seasons Cafe is very exclusive and is only open for lunch Tuesday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
For directions on how to get there, click here.
