The first time I went to Heirloom Kitchen was when I talked to Mathew Ortiz.
That was a few years ago. He and his wife Tori had just renovated the old Payters Grill, a Stockton destination for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for 41 years.
No surprise that Heirloom Kitchen – located in Lincoln Center, an outdoor mall with plenty of independent shops and restaurants – quickly became a favorite brunch place.
My initial visit there was with my sister and her family from the Bay Area. My niece, Troy, ordered Angelica’s Chilaquiles, which did not disappoint.
The tortilla chips were house made. It was served up with ranchero sauce and shredded chicken (braised pork shoulder is optional), topped off with a fried egg.
Mathew and his wife learned to cook from their respective Mexican and Lebanese families.
Since it was closer to lunch, I had to try Tori’s Burger, which consisted of Podesto’s – that’s the family-owned market and deli located across the way in the same parking lot – chuck patty, brie, bacon, fried egg, arugula, and shallot, served on a brioche bun and topped with green Goddess aioli sauce.
I’ve been back a few times since, including my last two birthdays to kick off those special days, with friends and family.
On one occasion, I had Mat’s Chicken Omelet – much to my delight – which was made with grilled chicken thigh, Manteca’s Sunnyvalley applewood bacon, cremini mushrooms, and white American cheese.
Heirloom Kitchen, according to the website, is a place where “culinary heritage meets contemporary innovation.”
Mat and Tori are the driving force behind this shared love for food and community.
They continue to shape this restaurant into a haven for food enthusiasts.
Getting there:
61 Lincoln Center, Stockton
Hours:
Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Information:
Reservations:
(209) 477-9513
