Here's a far ranging edition of Saturday Stuffs for you.
U Mart? What's U Mart?:
I had been wondering what was happening with the old Zion Marketplace site. I don't recall seeing some of the old food court shops in the new Zion and thought perhaps they were hold-outs? So imagine my surprise when I drove past that location and saw this:
No, there weren't any businesses in the empty shell of a location, but what was U Mart? After calling around a bit, the best info I could find was that the folks behind First Korean Market will be running this place. Not sure why "U Mart" for a Korean Market….but I guess "K Mart" is already taken, right?
4611 Mercury St
San Diego, CA 92111
Between Engineer Rd and Dagget St
Where Voltero's is popping up:
Not sure if you folks have noticed, but that strip mall on Balboa where Einstein Bagels used to be is going to become a Chipotle and a Five Guys. I was wondering what happened to Voltero's? I did a post on the cheeseseals there, during my cheesesteak round-up that started in 2010. Voltero's is pretty much your generic neighborhood pizza joint, nothing amazing, but they had a pretty loyal following, and if I recall were owned by local folks.
So I was fairly pleased to see this sign when I ate at Szechuan Chef.
4344 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111
It's now Blue Korea House:
Did you even notice?
Haven't been here in over a decade, as I didn't care for the food. An acquaintance of mine used to call this "Baegin-gyp", 'nuff said.
Anyone eat here since the change?
4620 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111
What I wear for three weeks of travel:
"David" emailed me about my comment on only taking about 6-7 kilos in a carry-on for over three weeks of travel. He asked how much did I really pack….well, other than what I wore, that was it. If we didn't have a couple of more formal dinners, I'd have lost the two dress shirts. I was actually going to take a jacket, but didn't in the end. I use Eagle Creek packing cubes and a packing folder. I went for it and actually used a $30 Campmor Essential Carry-On, which weighs about half a pound. The packing folder gave the rather floppy bag structure and I had no problems with the bag, nor laundry either. What about wrinkles? A spritz from a spray bottle, a good shake, and a steamy bathroom does wonders…irons are perfectly fine as well of course. I did end up buying a "hoodie" from H&M, which are everywhere in Europe for about 10 Euros.
I'm now sold on One Bag Travel….until I have to go home or visit relatives…you know, the "gifts" thing, right?
The Missus favorite new "pet" – Xiang Chun Ya:
One of the dishes the missed most by the Missus is eggs with shoots from the Xiang Chun Ya, the Chinese Toon tree. This was one of Her favorites growing up and was one of the first things She wanted to eat when we visited QingDao.
We finally got a plant this year….thank "SL"! Sadly, SH left the tree in her hot car that day and it looked dead. But, after transplanting and some TLC, shoots are coming out which has the Missus going nuts…..you see, it's the tender shoots of this plant which are used for scrambled eggs:
The Missus has told me that She's going to pick these shoots already and buy some eggs…I said, "based on the size of these, it better be quail eggs….."
I also told Da Boyz that they aren't Her favorites anymore….they've been replaced by a tree!
Seriously, it's about time we actually used the space in the backyard to grow some stuff.
Anyway, I hope everyone's having a great weekend!
Healthy tree! It should give you many meals. In other news- I know where to park for U Mart…whenever it will open.
I’m just happy that we haven’t killed that tree yet! It’ll be interesting to see how long it takes them to turn that spot around.
I think I have that tree but I didn’t know what to do with it.
Also, is that your ghost pepper tree?
Hi TFD – For most people the Chinese Toon tree is just foliage. Folks in Northern China are the only people I know of who eat this. They use the young and tender shoots in scrambled eggs. It’s a classic dish for them. The photo is of my serrano peppers. We’ve got three; well four if you count shishito growing in the back yard.
I like hearing about what people pack on their trips, I think I most always over pack :p
I kind of always feel I over-pack too Kat….even on this trip.
Bert was quite impressed by your minimalist packing method. I’m a notorious over packer myself.
Hi CC – We’re all different and it really depends where we’re traveling. Europe has everything we have, so pacl for the norm and buy when things come up.
Oh thanks for the post! I totally forgot about the old Zion location – it’ll be interesting to see how this U Mart works out in this location!
Thanks for the tip about travel and wrinkles!
Hi Faye – I’m kind of surprised at how many folks were interested in how we travel.
Ooh where did you get the Chinese Toon? I’ve been looking for one since I know my mom loves that stuff but I can’t seem to find one here in San Diego. Have I just been looking in the wrong places? Thanks!!
Hi Katie – It was a gift from a friend. But let me look around and I’ll let you know if I see it, ok? I did see them in Irvine and LA before.
Ah (: What a great gift! Thank you, Kirk! Only if it’s not too much trouble. I’ll keep my eyes peeled as well!
No problem Katie. Let me see what I can find!
Does anyone know if the outstanding bakery at the previous Zion location will be returning with U Mart? Among their many treats, I’m totally missing their amazing red-bean doughnuts.
Hi Marc – I was wondering the samething, so that’s why I went over to see if everything had moved, which it had. I’m hoping some of those businesses reopen in the same spot. We’ll let you know if we find anything.