May 2013 – mmm-yoso

Yogurt Swirl-(Mira Mesa)-Yogurt and Shaved Snow

May 31, 2013 Cathy Desserts, Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of this food blog. Kirk and Ed (from Yuma) just have no time to blog today. Cathy has plenty of time, so she's sharing this little food find.

One overcast morning last week looked gloomy, but was going to be warm, according to the weather report on the radio. Planning ahead (and satisfying a craving), The Mister and I drove toward Mira Mesa Boulevard. The mall across Black Mountain (same side of MMB) from Lucky Seafood seemed to be a good place to stop.

Located next to Pho Cow Cali Express (and a soon to open Indian Supermarket), I was inspired to finally stop here for a snack after seeing several posts on the Pink Candles blog, written by friend and fellow blogger, canine cologne. I also read Kirbie's post about shaved snow, Mary's viewpoint of Yogurt Swirl and Jinxi's post describing shaved snow last October.

When you walk in the door, you see the usual frozen yogurt serve yourself stations straight ahead.

The Mister took a small amount of yogurt flavors to try. The plain yougurt is wonderfully tart, the way I like it. The chocolate had a very pronounced cocoa flavor. His third choice, strawberry, had no artificial color (as you can see) and it tasted very much like fresh (not artificial) strawberry.

Turn to the left when you walk in and there's the area where you order, pay, get toppings…and in the far corner to the right-see it?

The snow ice shaver. We ordered a small mocha flavored snow and the nice lady went to the back and brought out that rounded block of ice creamy goodness, placed it in under the clear dome and started the machine going with the foot pedal.

We were given a choice of two toppings, one from each side of the divider. (Sweetened condensed milk also comes with the shaved snow, but I thought that would take away from the flavor and declined).

The small mocha flavored snow ($4.99) is quite a substantial size. The 'larger' size is $2 more and basically you can have another flavor of snow, served on a large plate(it looked to be 7"x7"). The snow had a very good combination of coffee and chocolate as its flavor. The chopped almonds seemd a natural topping to mix with the flavors and the side of sweet choices had a coffee jelly among choices, but also had those cute, multicolored mini mochi. The above photo doesn't quite show how large a serving is, but The Mister and I shared and neither of us went home hungry.

Now for pictures that will clarify any descriptions. Shaved. Slices. Snow Light, thin, easily melt in your mouth goodness of cold ice cream.

Through and through your serving bowl, light airy, flaky. This is a wonderful cold treat and I will seek out other versions around town, but am very happy here at Yogurt Swirl.

Yogurt Swirl 9168 Mira Mesa Blvd San Diego 92126 (858) 693-9999 Mon-Th noon-9 p.m., Fri-Sat 11 am-10 pm, Sun 11 am-9 pm

Takka Sushi Bar & Grill-Santee

May 30, 2013 Cathy Japanese Restaurants, Sushi and Sashimi, What Cathy Eats!

Hi there and welcome to mmm-yoso!!! Cathy is writing today while Kirk is busy vacationing and Ed (from Yuma) is busy planning on vacationing.

In between 'staycationing' around this large County of San Diego, there have been daily chores, gardening, tying loose ends and general catching up. On the days when neither The Mister nor I feel like cooking, we've found a place close to home. In the same mall as Pho Ca Do, which Kirk posted about in February, is Santee's newest (and fifth) Sushi bar.

Located across the street from the Post Office, this location is convenient for anyone who shops at the Costco a block away. You'll notice the signage indicating traditional rolls are 50% off. Special rolls are 30% off. I still don't understand this whole marketing of discounted rolls, since I never have seen any sold at full price.

Neat and clean, the fairly large space (there's an additional zashiki room (you sit on pillows on the floor) in the back) has a sushi bar spanning the length of the room- more than 12 seats. Of course there are two televisions on the wall behind the sushi bar.

Tea here is $1 per person. It's green tea.

The meals we have ordered here usually start out with a small bowl of miso soup. It's unremarkable.

One time we ordered the Rainbow Roll ('regular' price $13 final price $6.50)

This roll is remarkable in that there isn't much rice. I sometimes feel some places overfill their rolls with rice and that takes away from the fish flavor. However the rice used here is a very good sushi rice.

The mixed tempura vegetable appetizer ($4.25) is properly fried, light and crispy, not greasy.

The spicy tuna salad ($7.95) was quite spicy. I had to add soy sauce to 'cut' some of the heat. The vegetables were fresh and crispy and there was a good amount of tuna, but the 'spicy' kind of ruined it for me. The Mister ordered the chicken Katsu don meal, which came with the above salad as well as a choice of gyoza or California roll. The gyoza was filled with a good amount of pork and was very fresh tasting. The chicken Katsu was lightly breaded, fried crispy and topped with a soft scramble of egg, a house made Katsu sauce that was slightly sweet and slightly spicy and some sesame seeds. It was *very* good.

One visit, we shared the agedashi tofu ($3.25). Lightly (corn starch or potato starch) coated and fried crispy soft tofu served in a warm dashi-mirin-soy based broth. Again, very good and something I could eat as a main dish…

The Veggie Roll ('regular' price $8, so final price $4) and Hamachi Maki ('regular' $6 final price $3). The hamachi was unremarkable, the Veggie Roll I will get again. There is the 'inner roll' that is wrapped with seaweed, a thin layer of good sushi rice and the final outer roll is wrapped with soy paper. I liked this one.

The Rainbow Salad ($12.95) is an even better version of the Rainbow Roll. No rice, plenty of all the same fish that are on the Rainbow Roll on top of crispy lettuces, cucumber and other vegetables topped with a not overpowering sesame-soy based dressing.

Takka is a nice addition to the neighborhood.

Takka Sushi Bar & Grill 9535 Mission Gorge Road Santee 92071 (619) 562-8006 Mon-Sat 11-9, Sun 12:30-9

Te Mana Cafe- Aloha in a cup- Ocean Beach

May 29, 2013 Cathy Breakfast/Brunch, Caffeine Fix, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! That's the name of this food blog. Thanks for stopping by. Kirk and Ed(from Yuma) are not writing today; they're both busy following planned events. Cathy is writing about another 'staycation' in San Diego.

The Mister and I drove West early one bright morning. We parked, walked down Newport Avenue, saw the Ocean Beach Pier and not many parked cars indicating any open businesses, so went back to the car and started driving around, seeking at least some good coffee and maybe breakfast.

We ended up on the West end of Voltaire Street and saw a lot of vehicles parked in front of this old Craftsman style home.

We parked in front of Litickers Market, an unassuming Liquor store that has a taqueria inside. (It does not open until 8 a.m. and we were there around 7 a.m..) Walking across the street, we saw this sandwich board…and a line of people inside the former family home of the restaurant's owners. Kirk, of course, is Hawaiian and would be able to speak about the authenticity of Te Mana; I've never been to Hawaii and just know what I've read. In any case, I must say the mood when you walk in is happy, friendly, laid back and we felt welcome here. The colorful atmosphere made us feel as if we were elsewhere and I would think Hawaii feels like this. Then there's good food…

When you walk in, there is a seating area to the left, complete with the fireplace of the home.

There's a coffee table with a bowl of Dove candy samples…an old coin operated phone on the wall…wonderfully healthy flowering plants…

To the right is another area with tables and chairs and accoutrement for coffee. (Along with more Dove candy samples…)

Straight ahead is where you place your order. Espresso machine to the left.

Menu on the wall in the back.

and—AND looking to your left and back toward the seating area- a pour over coffee area (cleverly crafted from an old skateboard deck).

We placed our order, including a 'regular' (drip) coffee- Kona flavor ($1.75) and sat outside in the front yard, which has plenty of seating. The Kona coffee was the best I've ever had. It was *fresh* and had a darker flavor (usually I think Kona is kind of 'hollow' flavored). Then the owner brought out a fresh made pastry ($3) (raspberry-almond; which was flaky pastry and a dense almond-paste-flavorful and quite large) we had ordered, along with our "pour over' cup of Ethiopian coffee ($2.95), which was *wonderful*…I could taste all the different spicy and sweet 'notes' of flavor. Worth it.

Soon, the owner's son (Te Mana is family owned and run) brought us our "Morning Mana" plate ($6.95). This photograph is not the best indicator of the size of the main course- it's a disk 4 inches in diameter and about two inches high- of scrambled eggs, basil and Havarti cheese. The amount and quality of the creamy scrambled egg mix and 'sides' of tomato, avocado, kiwi, strawberry and banana makes this a very hearty platter.

Here's a view of the front door when there were no comings and goings for a moment. Te Mana is another family owned hidden gem serving carefully prepared wonderful food and coffee. Definitely worth finding and a stop.

Te Mana Cafe 4956 Voltaire Street San Diego 92107 (619)255-9233 Website

The Fish Bucket Grill-San Carlos

May 28, 2013 Cathy Seafood, What Cathy Eats!

The Fish Bucket has closed.

You are reading mmm-yoso!!! a food blog. Kirk is exhausted (from vacationing), Ed (from Yuma) is exhausted from appointments and Cathy is exhausted from catching up on a lot of neglected chores. Today she is writing about a quick meal out.

I wrote about The Fish Bucket Seafood Market and Grotto location in Tierrasanta in 2008. Just a short drive from home, it was a regular stop for us. However in late 2012, this location (no seafood market, but instead a bar and lounge area) opened in San Carlos, a few storefronts down from Trails Eatery which is also close to home (but the other direction).

This location is larger, the quality is the same and we seem to eat here more often.

The decor is of course an underwater theme. There are various proper condiments on each table (including vinegar, for use on French fried potatoes, if that's part of your order)

You may have noticed a lot of writing on the front window. In addition to a 'take out' discount of 15% on everything, there are also Early Bird specials from 3-6 daily. Above is a photo of the Early Bird grilled salmon plate ($8.95) which is served on a bed of grilled vegetables with grilled garlic bread and Spanish rice. This is a large portion and very filling. Always fresh fish grilled perfectly.

Above is the Seafood Combo appetizer ($10.95). Perfectly fried, lightly breaded fish pieces(4), clams (1/4 lb), shrimp (3) and oysters (3). I'll order this as my main and The Mister and I share it.

Another nice, local family owned business serving good, fresh food.

The Fish Bucket Grill 7407 Jackson Drive (at Navajo) San Diego 92119 (619) 460-6280 Website Mon-Fri 11:30-8:30, Sat-Sun 3-8:30

Where in the world have we gone?

May 27, 2013 mmm-yoso Portugal, Travel

Yes, we were in Lisbon for my last post. Of course we've moved on to several different locales since then.

First, to a wonderful city, with an historic university, but known for even more than that.

Like the remnants of an ancient aqueduct.

There are even buildings using the arches of the aqueduct as foundations and frames.

There are also Roman ruins.

The entire city is considered a UNESCO Heritage site.

Oh, and there's a "church of bones"

We managed to have some wonderful meals.

Even managing some of the traditional dishes of the region. We loved the food! The Missus loved the town and was sad to leave.

Our next stop was another city known for its university, the most prestigious in Portugal.

Though my calves were screaming for mercy after walking up and down the hills, I thought the city was beautiful.

We ended up eating at the same, unique hole-in-the-wall restaurant twice for dinner. Each night folks eating there told us this was cozinha typico for the region.

I was also able to add to my "sandwich collection"

We're currently in the Missus' favorite city so far. Folks here are down to earth, friendly, and very nice. Due to all the wonderful tips from the folks who do the apartment rental, we've had a wonderful time in this city known for its wine, though I must say the views are spectacular.

Like everywhere else, there's history everywhere around us.

Along with being able to add yet another sandwich……

This one a monstrosity of several meats, coated with cheese, and drenched in a tomato sauce.

That aside….well, I liked it, but the Missus didn't, we've really eaten well here.

We were advised to head out of the city center area today since it was Sunday and most places are closed. We had a wonderful and inexpensive lunch at an area where the fish harder is.

And finally got to try a dish from my "bucket list" and I can't wait to have it again.

I wish you all could be here……

So what's next?

Well, by the time you read this, we'll hopefully be on our next leg of our trip. Leaving Portugal is kind of bittersweet for us as we've really taken to the people and food here.

Time willing, I'll try to do a post when we get there.

Thanks for reading.

Posted with Blogsy

The Pancake Cart in front of the cash registers at 99Ranch Market (snack time)

May 26, 2013 Cathy Desserts, What Cathy Eats!

You are reading a food blog called mmm-yoso!!! Kirk, who usually writes about His food adventures, is somewhere in the world having those adventures. Ed(from Yuma) is planning His adventures. Cathy is writing about an adventure around here.

If you've shopped at 99 Ranch Market, you've seen it. The cart in front of the cash registers. During the week, it's not open. On the weekend, though, it is.

The lady at the pancake cart…making Chinese pancakes before your eyes.We pay for the pancakes at the cash register, then can walk up with the receipt and order.

On the center section are already baked red bean paste pancakes. The fresh batter is being baked in the unique pan and when finished baking (the top is baked/not sticky but not browned…with the rounded top-like what happens when you make cupcakes) and then is placed on top of another baked half, which has filling in it (in this case, the custard cream) the two halves manage to stay together, because they are both hot and ready when placed on top of each other.

One of each flavor; our usual order. You can see the bottoms are baked and the complete 65¢ pancake is secure.

Here's a cross section view. You can see the dense yet bubbly batter is all baked, with nice outer crusts. The custard is not runny and the red bean paste has a nice texture. These were still warm when we got home…so good.

I hope you are all having a nice weekend!

99Ranch Market 7330 CLairmont Mesa Boulevard San Diego 92111 (858) 974-8899

Zion Market-new location (finally!)-first look

May 24, 2013 Cathy Markets & Grocers, What Cathy Eats!

Welcome to mmm-yoso!!!, the food blog. Kirk is vacationing-following plans, ed(from Yuma) is planning for a vacation and Cathy is writing today about something unplanned.

Yesterday I was talking with a friend I hadn't seen in a year. We were (of course) talking about food and somehow the conversation went to the new Zion Market, which she told me was going to open today. Finally!!! (Kirk wrote about Zion Market in 2005 and again when announcing it would be moving (look at the date when he knew it would be moving). (Zion is a Korean Market, in case you didn't know)(I've posted about the 'food court' area inside the old Zion).

I hadn't planned on the market ever opening, and had a major assignment Friday morning, but managed to make it here in the afternoon. Located inside the old Kmart/Sears building on Clairmont Mesa at Convoy, the parking lot is able to handle the crowds.

I don't exactly remember the footprint of the old Kmart, but when I walked in, this place seemed a LOT larger than I recall! To the right will be the many individual run shops and franchises. None are open yet.

To the left when you walk in – the grocery aisles.

Wide aisles that run far to the back of the store.

A refrigerated wall runs along the front…

Items for sale are the usual suspects. Quite a few sale items are located interspersed in the store (not necessarily on the end caps).

The seafood and meat counters dominate the back wall…

as well as a really large refrigerator of panchan…

Sort of near the center back of the store is an 'island' area that looks like it will have ovens going all the time.

for now, the surrounding counters are holding the pre-cooked grab and go items.

The produce area is at least three times larger than at the 'old' Zion.

There is so much extra space and a greater selection. This Zion has 12 cash registers. The overhead lighting is all LED, not florescent (probably what took a bit of time in getting this space ready).

This is the view from the cash registers to the 'other side' – the storefront area of the building…see all the storefronts to the left? I cound eight.

If you look to the right from the checkout registers, you can see the soon to open Paris Baguette store.

Today was the first day and so things are a bit of a frenzy, as I would think will be happening all this long three day Memorial Day weekend.

Zion Market 7655 Clairmont Mesa Boulevard San Diego 92111 (858) 268-3300 Website

La Casa Blanca-La Mesa

May 23, 2013 Cathy Mexican Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog. You somehow found your way here, either from a Bookmark or a Google or a Bing. In any case, stay a while and read a post from Cathy, who is writing today.

In the middle part of very large San Diego County, in the City of La Mesa, which some people consider "East" is a nice sit down Mexican restaurant serving homemade/grandma's recipes of simple Mexican foods. La Casa Blanca has been here, parallel to the I-8, next to the Charcoal House, just East of Grossmont Center since 2007. { Yes-charcoal and blanca-The Mister and I sometimes say 'do you want to eat at black or white?' once we park the car.}

There is plenty of parking behind the restaurant, not too much right in front.

There are three tables in front and about eight in the front room. The Cantina is to the back of the building. Not too large, always neat and clean, with friendly waiters. We feel at home here.

Fresh house made salsa and fresh, warm corn chips are brought to your table while you peruse the menu.

This is a lunch special- the Mi Amigo plate ($6.95). Three mini tacos (tortillas made here)one topped with carne asada, one with pollo asada and the third carnitas. This comes with a choice of rice or beans…and the beans here are very good (lard). The meats are all very good, moist and properly seasoned.

The lunch soup and salad ($5.95). Chicken tortilla soup. Excellent, magical chicken tortilla soup. This always hits the spot for me. It's another one of those deceptive bowls; quite deep.

An a la carte chile relleno ($3.95). Made here. Light, crunchy eggy crust on a fresh Pasilla chile stuffed with a fresh Mexican cheese topped with a house made sauce. We always order something with cheese.

…The Queso Fundido appetizer ($6.95) Melted cheese, topped with either chorizo (this version) or rajas (roasted sliced Poblano chiles; my Friday/meatless choice). Served with the house made tortillas. Cheesy gooey spicy goodness.

A simple Caesar salad ($7.95). Sometimes this large serving of crisp lettuce topped with garlicy goodness is shared along with some other item.

The shrimp coctele ($10.95).

I particularly like the seafood here. The shrimp for the coctele are large, butterflied and plentiful in the very fresh lime-tomato-cucumber avocado topped broth.

La Casa Blanca is very nice, family run restaurant that serves good fresh food. If you happen to be in the area, it is worth the stop.

La Casa Blanca 9570 Murray Drive La Mesa, CA 92042 (619) 466-2912 Website

Reds-Point Loma

May 22, 2013 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Caffeine Fix, Cajun, Southern, and Soul Food, What Cathy Eats!

Reds is Closed

Hello (again). You're (back) looking at the food blog named mmm-yoso!!! Kirk and His Missus are enjoying their vacation in Portugal (and other places). ed(from Yuma) and His Tina are venturing around Yuma and making plans for their next vacation. Today is another post from Cathy and The Mister and their staycation.

The other day, we drove West on the 8, then South, somehow ending up near the Marina. We had passed several restaurants and decided to take a walk. Neighborhood clientele as well as yacht owners hang out near the South end of Rosecrans.

The jacaranda trees are in bloom and just beautiful.

We decided to stop here. It's right across the street from The Living Room, which I posted about last year. Let me just say I wish we had stopped here sooner.
Grabbing a menu, we sat down and…I smelled fresh-fresh coffee…

Slightly confused, because I saw all these pump pots, I ordered a cup of coffee and was told they roast all the beans right here(!)-that's why I smelled fresh coffee. Organic, free trade and bird free, roasted in small batches coffee. We ordered and I took a small (1/2 pump) taste of each of the three coffees that interested me (decaf and a vanilla something flavored coffee are not anything I'd choose, ever). Ultimately, I preferred the middle selection-"Mad Red".

After ordering from the lunch menu, which had an admonition of "We guarantee 'same day' service. Thank you for your patience in preparing your handcrafted meal. Delicious not pretentious slow food." I walked around the small, ten table large interior, finally comprehending the theme.
There was also a very nice outdoor seating area in the back.

Beads on the ceiling, Mardi Gras masks, skeletons and skulls, voodoo.
Combined with some of the French named and Cajun spiced items on the menu…the synapses connected-New Orleans.

Of course, the eclectic condiment selection on every table was also a clue.

It did not take too long for our food to be brought out. I must say that every person working here was helping on all the tables and each one was very friendly.

When we ordered, I only slightly mentioned that The Mister and I would be sharing the sandwich and salad we had ordered, and the sandwich was brought out in two baskets. Nice. This was under the 'grilled cheese' part of the menu- a "Cochon" ($9) Provolone and Swiss cheeses…with pulled pork, ham and artisan pepper bacon, on sliced brioche. It's served with a house made jalapeño strawberry jam. No, not a Monte Cristo, not a Cuban, just a great, wonderful, fresh, pork-ham-bacon-cheese wonderful tasty sandwich. The menu has pork belly on it and I suspect the bacon comes from the same place; it was not crispy bacon, but thick sliced, lightly peppered and excellent. Toasted seasoned bagel slices as a side was a very nice, different touch.

The Paleo salad (large, $10). Mixed super greens (kale and spinach and other lettuces) avocado, tomato, a boiled organic free range egg, walnuts and sunflower seeds and the artisan peppered bacon that was on the Cochon sandwich. This photo does not do it justice, but the salad bowl was HUGE and more than enough for us to share.

When we went to pay, I noticed some very nice looking pastries next to the cash register, probably wonderful also. We are already planning a return visit.

Reds 1017 Rosecrans Street San Diego 92016 (619) 523-5540 Website open 6 am-11pm

Where in the world are we?

May 21, 2013 mmm-yoso Lisbon, Portugal

So where the heck are we this time?

After visiting Turkey and the Greek Islands two years in a row, we needed a change of pace. Myanmar, Laos, and Yunnan beckoned but after having some sausages the Missus made up Her mind. I threw in another location and we added another as sort of a hub.

Our first stop is a lovely city with warm and friendly people, tons of history, bright colors…..oh, and lots of hills. My calves were killing me for the first two days.

History runs deep here. People talk in terms of centuries. Do the photos give you a clue yet?

Plus, you gotta love the food here. At it's best are items like a simple pork sandwich…..for breakfast.

Eaten standing up, along with a beer. Man, this was good.

And who wouldn't want a some suckling pig? Crisp skin, moist, flavorful. And for breakfast too!!! All washed down with a glass of beer…..for breakfast! Well, all that pork and beer…..we're obviously not in a Muslim Country.

All that hearty and heart stopping food doesn't mean that this city can't pull off Michelin Star quality when it wants too.