June 2012 – Page 3

Carnival Supermarket-Lunch in the Store

June 7, 2012 Cathy Markets & Grocers, What Cathy Eats!

Well. You've found yourself at the mmm-yoso!!! food blog again. Kirk is vacationing in a colorful part of the world, ed (from Yuma) is having fun in Yuma, a colorful part of the United States and Cathy has ventured to a colorful part of San Diego.

Hello again. If you've ever been on Convoy street at Mesa College Drive, in the parking lot where K Sandwiches and Anh Hong are, or maybe parked in that parking lot and walked over to Mien Trung or Sushi Diner and then left the parking lot on the side street (onto Mesa College Drive), you have to turn right and at the signal light, which is Ashford Street, make a U-Turn to get back to Convoy, (or you can turn right into that parking lot, where Homestyle Hawaiian is located).

If you make a right on Ashford, about a half mile through that neighborhood of houses is a signal light (which is Beagle Street and Stalmer Street) and Carnival Market is about 100 feet further, on the West side of Ashford.

Carnival is a local, neighborhood Supermarket. It is small. When you walk in the main door, you are in the Produce Department. To your left are the check out counters.

To your right are the Ready to Eat counters.

Yes. Lamb shanks- this is not just a Mexican Market; several Middle Eastern items are made and sold here, but not flatbreads. The Chicharron in Salsa Verde is a specialty that not many markets or restaurants sell; it is really good.

Whole roasted chickens, various pork preparations…

We'll be back to this counter for lunch after a short tour.

There is a bakery section, which makes all sorts of desserts.

Five floor-to-taller-than-me doors of small baked goods. (Made without preservatives or lard).

The small (10 for $1.10) and large (4 for $1) bolillos are made fresh several times a day.

As are the tortillas, which I always purchase.

The seafood counter is small, but has good choices.

As does the meat counter.

and the cheese counter.

Just enough selection and variety and good prices to get me to visit here regularly.

Then there is the Eat In Area. A visit here isn't complete without a ready to eat item or three…

The tables are next to the Taqueria and there is a salsa bar available.

There are several house made salsas (which you can purchase in the cases) and other condiments available. You get your hot foods and pay at the front cash registers then walk back here to the tables to eat.

The Guisado of the day was $5.99 a pound. This much was $5.27. It was Beef Birria -essentially pot roast- definitely made with garlic, cumin, cloves, cinnamon and I am sure many other spices as well as several types of chilies. The meat was very tender, the sauce very rich and deep flavored.

This is about 1/2 pound of shrimp and octopus cocktail ($4.27). Fresh, fresh made. Fresh, plump, large shrimp. The sauce is very mild and salsa and hot sauce were added while I was eating.

I'm sure you noticed above that the fried tilapia, whole or fillets, was $2.99. Add rice, beans and four hot, fresh tortillas and this plate was…$3.99. You know I had to. The lady behind the counter was surprised I wanted the whole fish and went to some trouble to select one of the larger, meatier ones for me.

Once again, I finished it all.

Carnival Market isn't large, but it has everything you might want or need. And then some.

Carnival Supermarket 3560 Ashford Street San Diego 92111 (858) 277-1505 Open 7 am-10 pm, seven days

Los Palmitos Taco Shop-Salads, Soup and Fish

June 6, 2012 Cathy Taco Shops, What Cathy Eats!

Yes, you're reading mmm-yoso!!!, the food blog. Kirk is enjoying a vacation and doesn't have the bandwidth to blog. ed (from Yuma) is doing lots of things (in Yuma) and blogging isn't one of them. Cathy is the blogger for today.

Hello. I blogged about Los Palmitos in 2008 and thought the food was really good, but the taco shop did not become part of the "regular rotation" for The Mister or me, since it is not near home or work for either of us. However, I do have friends who give me recommendations about their favorite places and items to try and so when driving around town, I have stopped here on a more regular basis have found some standout selections for the times when I don't want a taco or burrito.

You can tell by the architecture of the building that Los Palmitos used to be a Taco Bell. The kitchen is intact and used as a kitchen. There are no other similarities.

This is the poster in the side window, if you need a reason or want an excuse to stop here. Yes, beer. At a Taco Shop.

The salsa bar, which has rules, is filled with four fresh made salsas and other condiments.

The brown-ish salsa is habañero. It is *very* good; there is heat but the other flavors come through. The next hottest is the green salsa, which has a touch of garlic in the flavor. The darker red one is my favorite: it is a chipotle- a roasted jalapeño- and tastes 'full' and rich, almost creamy to me. The lightest red one is very mild; almost like just tomato sauce with a bit of onion, especially after you taste the stronger flavors and then go back to this mildest salsa. Fresh chips come with all orders.

Ground Beef Tostada ($6.10)- simple meal that isn't a burrito. Beans on the bottom, ground beef, cheese, sour cream, guacamole and salsa fresca (chopped tomato/onion/cilantro) all inside an edible flour tortilla bowl. This is very good. However, for a few pennies more-

The Carne Asada Salad ($6.25) is beautifully presented. It isn't in a flour tortilla bowl and there are no beans (less carbohydrates!). It is flavorful and quite large and filling. Lettuce topped with a mild, creamy house dressing, cucumbers, carne asada, cheese and shredded tortilla strips. This is a healthy, filling choice for a meal here.

Caldo de Res ($6.99) Beef soup, with add ins. Rich beefy broth, corn,carrots, squash and a lot of tender pieces of beef. I usually eat half the soup 'as is' and then add in the lime, onions and cilantro and rice…it's like having two different main courses.

Whole fish, fried ($10.05). Usually listed on menus as mojarra frita, this traditional Mexican tilapia preparation is perfectly done at Los Palmitos. The cleaned fish is slit (so it won't curl when being fried) and then rubbed with a marinade of lime juice, garlic, salt and pepper. Then the fish is pan fried in olive oil. The fish is served with rice, beans (the beans are really good here), tomatoes, salsa fresca, cucumbers, pickled onions, sour cream, guacamole and tortillas.

The day I ordered this fish, the chef from the kitchen brought it out to me. I think he was proud of this presentation, and the fact that someone had ordered something other than burritos. Usually the nice lady working the cash register will hand the fish to me over the counter. This fish was large and the meat was moist and had a good fresh flavor.

Once again, I ate every last bit.

I think Los Palmitos is a hidden gem.

Los Palmitos Taco Shop 5145 Clairmont Mesa Boulevard (between Limerick and Longford) San Diego 92117

(858)974-1946 Open 8 a.m.-midnight, daily Website

Where the heck we’ve been. But where are we headed next?

June 5, 2012 mmm-yoso Travel, Tunisia, yoso-silly

FOY Michaela got it right. We're in Tunisia, though by the time you read this we've hopefully moved on to our next destination. Following a two day stop in Tunis, we did a quick six day road trip through much of the country. From Roman ruins, through the Fourth most holiest city in Islam….

To desert oasis….

Spending a night in the part of the Sahara called the Grand Erg Oriental then finally the Island of Djerba.

We're now relaxing, well, relaxing as much as is possible with the Missus in the laid back town of Sidi Bou Said. I really didn't know what to expect when we left on this trip and I have to say that the food here has taken me on a sometimes strange ride.

Yet, it's all been interesting and we've had a couple of great meals the last few nights.

Our favorite little town in Tunisia is La Marsa. The folks we've run into there have been some of the friendliest and kindest.

I can only hope that the rest of our trip will be the same.

Thanks for reading!

Kneaders Bakery & Café: Yuma and Elsewhere

June 4, 2012 ed fromyuma Bakery, Chains, Sandwiches, What Ed Eats -You too can be like Ed!, Yuma

At this moment Kirk is eating somewhere in this world, Cathy is eating somewhere in San Diego, and ed (from Yuma) is still eating somewhere in Yuma. This post is from him.

You know how sometimes you just don't get around to doing something. I have been eating at Kneaders Bakery and Café and taking pictures of the food now for over four years. Of course, I've wanted to do a post about the place, but I just haven't gotten around to it until today. I guess it's about time.

The Kneaders restaurants in Yuma are part of a small chain centered in Utah (12 locations there and one in Idaho). They seem to specialize in small town locations desperately in need of good bread and sandwich shops – hence the chain’s only two Arizona locations in Yuma. The first one is in the southwest part of town on Avenue B and 28th St.:

The newer location is at the South West edge of Yuma Palms shopping center, close to the 16th St. exit off of I-8 (and close to Ninja Sushi):

Not only do both locations look pretty much the same, they also share a general layout. If you enter from the side door, you are immediately in a line that leads to the cash registers where you place your order. As you can see, there is often a line of customers:

While this line sometimes goes slowly, it has the advantage (for Kneaders, at least) of allowing everyone to salivate over the delicious looking desserts:

You also can choose a loaf of one of their European-style, natural breads baked in an Italian hearthstone oven:

The bread is what keeps me coming back. Although the baguettes ($2.59), French country sourdough ($4.99), and Paisano ($3.19) are perhaps not as good as at Bread et Cie, they are certainly better than other breads available in Yuma. In particular, I love the Rye bread ($4.79):

It is dark, rustic, and flavored nicely with caraway seeds:

The breads are also a key ingredient in the generally excellent sandwiches at Kneaders. The Chicken, Cheese and Ham on Ciabatta ($6.99) is very tasty:

Here you can see the ingredients, which include lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, Swiss cheese, ham, grilled chicken, and honey mustard sauce:

The roll has been lightly toasted and the cheese slightly melted.

My favorite sandwich is called Turkey Bacon Avocado on Focaccia ($6.99):

I remember first ordering the sandwich and wondering if the sandwich had turkey bacon on it or if turkey and bacon were separate ingredients – as they are. Even with the confusing name, I order it often and have numerous pictures of it, such as this one:

As I was thinking about this post, I realized that I needed to talk about some sandwich that doesn't involve chicken or turkey, so I had an excellent excuse to try the French Dip on Baguette ($5.79):

As I feared, the beef was nothing special:

Clearly, this sandwich was also not a messy sloppy drippy decadent French dip, but it was actually pretty good. It had a nice beef flavor, and the barely melted Swiss cheese contributed a certain balance. And the baguette was perfect– very flavorful with a nice complex taste from the levain and a crusty crust that was not too hard and crunchy. The steaming hot jus came in a generous portion and was not one dimensional or too salty. It added to the taste; it didn't take over. All in all, a satisfying sandwich.

Kneaders also has Panini, which are served with a dill pickle spear and extremely good, thick crunchy Parmesan chips. Here's what they call Chicken Pesto on French Country ($7.19):

The chips are really excellent. However, I find this sandwich a little underwhelming and rather ordinary. The menu says the sandwich has pesto sauce, but whenever we've had it, the pesto sauce consists of basil leaves:

A better Panini, to my palate at least, is the Turkey Artichoke on Focaccia ($7.19):

Kneaders’ focaccia bread is quite good and seems to match up with turkey nicely. As on all their turkey sandwiches, this is actual roasted turkey, not some reconfigured turkey breast product:

I also enjoy the interplay between the turkey and the marinated artichoke heart, but often I wish there was a little more of everything on the sandwich:

Sandwiches are also available on croissants, such as this turkey cranberry ($5.79):

As you can see, the croissant sandwiches are served with a small side salad. There is plenty of cranberry sauce as well as lettuce and Swiss cheese:

A range of other sandwiches (called Café sandwiches) are available as whole sandwiches or halves, such as this BLT:

You can also make various combo meals by adding chips or a side salad or soup:

Though I do not know about them personally, Kneaders serves breakfasts of various kinds from 7 AM until 11 and a range of "Gourmet Salads" at lunch:

As you can tell by this post, I focus on the sandwiches mostly. Well, okay, also on the often irresistible desserts. Look at these German chocolate brownies, for example:

And I love the tarts ($1.99), including the mixed fruit tart:

Or the lime tart:

Strawberry anyone?:

And my favorite – available only in season – the peach tart with cinnamon:
I don't remember what these chocolate, coconut, nut and gooey cupcakes are called, but I think I gain a couple of pounds just looking at them:

Overall, Kneaders contributes significantly to the quality of eating in Yuma. In my mind, Kneaders is the best bakery in town. The breads, desserts, and sandwiches are generally good. They do catering for business get-togethers or parties. Unfortunately, no beer or wine is served (it is a chain out of Utah, after all), but sodas, coffee beverages, and tea are available.

Kneaders Bakery & Café, 2851 S. Ave. B #33 (928-726-9700), and 1651 E. Castle Dome Ave. (928-783-4099) – both in Yuma AZ. The location in Yuma Palms is open daily, the other location is closed on Sundays.

KNB Wine Cellars-Lunch

June 3, 2012 Cathy Pubs and Pub Grub, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog. You somehow have found it on your computer. A few of us share the blogging duties: Kirk, who is globetrotting, ed (from Yuma) who is hanging around Yuma right now and Cathy, who has somehow found her way to the SDSU area of town.

Hi. One block North of Interstate 8 at the College Avenue exit, is the signal light for Del Cerro Boulevard. Turn right, look to your left and you'll see Windmill Farms, a Community Market and all around great grocery store close to San Diego State University. Some students shop here, but the location, in a University neighborhood, means the locals also shop at this wonderful market.

Right next door, attached to the Windmill Farms building, is KNB Wine Cellars. It takes up a small storefront. The sign on the front clarifies the name- Keg and Bottle.

When you step up to the doorway, you can see this space is deep.

Walk in and the selection of non-refrigerated beers is extensive. Opposite these shelves and around the back of the store is a wall of refrigerators.

The liquors, spirits and wine selection is also extensive.

Within this maze is a Bistro. Yes. Not hidden, but maybe you wouldn't think this was a place to stop for a meal, other that the other part of the outdoor signage "Fine Foods"… There are seats indoors and also on a patio out front.

I had a non-alcohol lunch here recently. I did notice the beer tap selection was quite large and the menu has a variety of not only wines but also Flights (a number of small samples of reds or whites) but also mentions monthly events.

This lunch started with one order of Huevos Diablo ($1).

Deviled eggs. The yolk is mixed with beer and then piped back into the whites and topped with a jalapeño. A few of these would be a perfect snack or small meal for me.

The West Coast Caprese Salad ($9.50) has a beautiful presentation.

Heirloom tomatoes, Cotija cheese and avocado, topped with cilantro and a *really* nice balsamic. This combination has inspired me to experiment a bit more at home. I never had considered Cotija cheese as much more than a garnish, since it doesn't melt. It is salty and has more of a slight soft-to solid texture-like Feta. This combination of flavors was just right. A creative take on a traditional Caprese salad.

My friend had a Buster Keaton Sandwich ($9). Roast beef, Gorgonzola, roasted red peppers, mayonnaise and spinach on a toasted ciabatta. A small spring mix salad was on the side. I am unsure what roast beef has to do with Buster Keaton, a silent film actor. I had a bite of the sandwich and it was very good.

All in all, the KNB Wine Cellars Bistro is a hidden gem. It's a very nice, local place with a very interesting menu. The prices and selection of beers, wines and spirits is extensive. I'll be returning with The Mister to try out more of the menu.

KNB Wine Cellars 6380 Del Cerro Boulevard San Diego 92120 (619) 286-0321 Website

Current Obsession: Mango, Chamango, Mangoneada.

June 2, 2012 Cathy Desserts, Mexican Restaurants, Sandwiches, Stuff, What Cathy Eats!

You are reading mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Kirk is busy (with things to do and eat in an exotic part of the world), ed (from Yuma) is busy (with things to do and eat in Yuma) and Cathy is busy (blogging about things she did and ate recently).

So. I was cleaning up 'my' area of the kitchen today and noticed something about my current snacks. There is a commonality in all of these items.

I'm not a chocoholic; never was. Sugary sweets don't interest me. I am currently a craver of a combination of tangy mango with salty-savory-pickled-sour with chile powder heat and occasionally the sweet of gooey tamarind candy. Every possible receptor cell taste bud being active in a single food item. How did this happen?

In December I went on a Major Food Crawl with fellow Bloggers caninecologne (Pink Candles at Ridgemont High), Carol (CAB Cooks) and Dennis (A Radiused Corner)-no, I never wrote about the eight or so places we stopped at; I started to and the post got *huge*. Instead, I have returned to each of the eateries we stopped at and have been enjoying the specialties enjoyed at each. There will be more posts.

This is where the spicy and mango comes into play. We stopped at Teresita's Fruiteria.

Teresita's is located in a mall anchored by a KFC and McDonald's on the Northwest corner of I-805 and Palm Avenue. Technically, it is in San Diego City, but it is way South.

There is an extensive menu, however, not only was it late in the very long day for the four of us, but CC knew what Teresita's sold that nobody else does- Chamango. We ordered four.

A frozen mango smoothie-with chunks of mango, swirled with chamoy liquid and topped with bits of Chaca Chaca– a gooey tamarind candy. The combination of sweet-tart mango with the pickled sour saltiness and chili heat of the chamoy and the gooey fruit candy bits of tamarind was delightful, refreshing and a combination of flavors I had never tasted (and those who know what I do around this time of year know that I have tasted a lot of bizarre stuff). I have returned many times to Teresita's, even though it is a long drive from home.

I really only want the Chamango (small is about $4) but also order a small pico de gallo ($3.50) (the long white pieces on tope are slices of fresh coconut) (really good) and, on this visit a grilled cheese sandwich ($2.50) so as to appear to be eating a healthy meal. The pico, topped with Tajin, or a Tajin-like mix of salt, red chile and lime is a wonderful combination of fruit, vegetable and heat. The grilled cheese is particularly addicting for me. There is only one bread, no choice. It is a *really* nice, chewy whole wheat that is crisped up and…filled (you can see) filled with an unusually high quality sliced processed American cheese. Really. I *hate* Kraft slices and don't even want cheese on burgers, but this cheese, slightly melted with this bread…heaven. Creamy and salty and a great sandwich.

Teresita's Fruiteria 4370 Palm Ave, Suite 5 San Diego 92154

So. I have posted about Tropical Fruit Paradise, a fruiteria right down Mission Gorge Road, closer to where The Mister and I live.

I do enjoy fruiterias because the whole concept of a fruit shop is fascinating. Growing up in colder climates, the idea of walking into a store and finding fresh fruit, much less having it prepared in various ways was never considered by either myself or The Mister.

In addition to the torta sandwiches mentioned in my other post, wraps are offered here.

The chicken wrap costs about 50¢ more than a turkey or ham wrap. All are made with a spinach wrapper and simply filled with lettuce, tomato and Ranch dressing. But the chicken is heated on the grill and tastes that much better.

As with most fruiterias, Tostilocos is (are?) available ($3.99). The version here uses regular cucumber as well as jicama and the hot sauce coating everything is quite spicy hot. A bit different and very good.

The mango-chamoy beverage here is a Mangoneada. It is made with frozen mango chunks and orange juice. The chamoy is nicely distributed as the beverage is poured in the cup. BUT instead of being topped with tamarind pieces- the straw is coated in Chaca Chaca, the chewy, salty tamarind candy…

That's a small Fruit Salad Freeze ($3.75). Also very good -strawberries, peaches and banana.

I hope everyone is having a good weekend and satisfying current cravings. Thanks for introducing me to this one, caninecologne!

Tropical Fruit Paradise 10387 Friars Road San Diego 92120 (619) 584-4786

Where the heck are we? Part 4.

June 1, 2012 mmm-yoso Travel, Tunisia, yoso-silly

Have you figured out where we are by now? We have a couple of more days here, than are moving on. This country is pretty amazing. You can go from this……