May 2014 – Page 2

St. Tropez Bakery & Bistro (Encinitas)

May 20, 2014 Cathy Breakfast/Brunch, Desserts, French Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, the title of a blog about food. Kirk is enjoying his vacation of hearty meals, Ed (from Yuma) is enjoying the end of an exuberant era and Cathy is sharing her enjoyment of a genuinely good little restaurant.

Well, time to get back to some normalcy. The weather has cooled down, the winds have slowed down and the fires are contained.

A few months ago, I met a client for an exchange of paperwork. She suggested St. Tropez Bakery and Bistro, the original location, inside The Lumberyard shopping center, located in downtown Encinitas. Turns out there are now four San Diego locations and two are franchises.

We had coffee, shared a pastry and when I was getting ready to leave, she asked me to wait and went inside, came out and presented me with a bag of what were to become a few meals and snacks.

The packaging contained two of each of the above items- ham quiche, veggie quiche, raisin swirled pastry and an apricot topped pastry. Each item was superb, fresh and of high quality. The crusts, cheesy custard and fillings of the quiches were excellent. I really enjoyed the raisin only (no cinnamon) puff pastry and the custard and crust under the torched, glazed, flavorful apricots were standouts.

Here's a photo of one meal at home. (Parisian Salad mix from Costco).

A few weeks later, I took The Mister for the drive North, so we could try more menu items. You order, pay and have a seat.

The chicken curry croissant ($9.25) (includes the salad, topped with my choice of balsamic vinaigrette- there are several vinaigrette flavors to choose from). A whole grilled (just right; juicy) chicken breast with Swiss cheese covered with a creamy European curry (not a hot curry; more of a sweet mix of flavors-there's cumin and tomato, turmeric, paprika and some garlic flavor. Have you ever had currywurst?) all on a fresh baked croissant. This unique blend of flavors, textures and freshness was excellent.

The classic Croque Madame ($9.75)(with grilled potatoes and fruit) Grilled ham and Swiss with a Bechamel (flour and butter cooked in milk) sauce, topped with a lightly cooked egg all on a hearty toasted white bread. (Croque Monsieur is the same sandwich, but without the egg. Think of a lady wearing a hat made of egg- that's Madame.)

We decided to share an order of Nutella crepes($5.95). The plate was covered with a dark chocolate sauce, real whipped cream on the side and these were wonderful. The familiar chocolate-hazelnut filling hit the spot with a cup of coffee.

All in all, excellent, tasty food. We'll be back to try more of the menu.

St. Tropez Bistro and Bakery 947 S. Coast Highway 101, Suite 103D (next to Starbucks) Encinitas 92024 (760)633-0084 Website Open daily 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Where in the world are we (part 2)

May 19, 2014 mmm-yoso Blog

Our next stop is a place the Missus has been wanting to visit for several years. It is probably one of the most visited cities in Europe over the last couple of years.

And rightfully so. There's so much here. The city is bustling and vibrant, but at the time of our visit not frightfully so. The city seems to have everything…..

A castle upon a hill.

A river spanned by beautiful bridges.

A beautful, bustling town square.

With an Astronomical Clock that dates back to the 15th century.

All of this is wonderful, but it's the stunning architecture that does it for me.

Each building is like a snowflake, unique and different.

Our sights seem to be focused upwards all the time.

One of the reasons the architecture has remained intact is that this city has never been leveled in any of the wars that ravaged Europe over the last century.

That is not to say that this country did not see it's own dark period, which is noted in many monuments and memorials around the city.

The fare here is hearty; and starch heavy…..

Well, the traditional fare is…….

The Missus wants us to focus more on hearty food this trip and it looks like we're doing a pretty good job. Of course there's all that beer as well.

We've fallen in love with this city. Yes, there's a certain edginess to it, but it seems just enough for us. Yes, there are crowds, but it's not crazy like Rome. As with everywhere, there's a certain jaded attitude in the heavily touristed areas, but just a few feet away, the folks are warm and the beer flows…..and so is our trip it seems.

Thank for reading!

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The Food Court at Seafood City (Tapioca Express, Filipino Desserts Plus, Valerios and Grill City)

May 17, 2014 Cathy Chains, Desserts, Filipino Restaurants, Markets & Grocers, Stuff, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Usually Kirk is writing posts about food, but right now He is very busy 'researching' so he will have some interesting posts. Ed (from Yuma) is also in a 'researching' mode. Today, Cathy is writing.

More than 14 months ago, I started to write a post about an epic day of visiting a plethora of places to eat in Chula Vista with fellow food bloggers, cc, writer of Pink Candles at Ridgemont High, who has taught me so much and Dennis, who writes A Radiused Corner, another blog that is so informative as well as fascinating. That post seemed frighteningly long and I have left it 'on hold' for all this time. One of the places we stopped that day was the "new" Seafood City, on Orange at Melrose in Chula Vista.

This still is the newest location in the County (new in 2011) and since discovering it, The Mister and I shop here fairly regularly, always having a bite to eat in the adjacent Food Court area before shopping.

Yes, it's a Food Court with nice, heavy wood picnic table seating; so much nicer than plastic seating. Standard Filipino chains are here (I've posted on Chow King, in various ways more than once and Kirk has posted about Jolibee in various ways). The other places here are also interesting…

The colorful wrapped candies are pastillas and made with milk; a favorite.

Other desserts are sold here also. Mostly made with rice flour, I've tried bites of many of them at parties and visits with friends and really like the selection.

The steam trays here are fascinating.

As are the grab and go foods.

On a recent visit, we shared this ukoy (fritter)($2). Onion, potato, plantain and a head on shrimp, fried into a neat patty and served with black vinegar. This is a current craving.

We also grabbed one of these to share ($1)-the cashews are very good, crispy and the cookies were not too sweet. Filipino Desserts Plus Website multiple locations

At Valerio's, we bought this still warm bibingka ($2.50), a coconut milk/rice flour based cake that is baked inside a banana leaf. It's a special item for us. Valerio's Bakeshop, multiple locations, no website.

Almost every visit here ends up with something from Tapioca Express. Snacks of fried chicken nuggets, tofu and squid rings, seasoned as spicy as you wish and served with either ranch or sweet and sour sauce along with some sort of beverage is always a meal. Tapioca Express, multiple locations. Website

A more or less new addition to the Food Court is the freestanding Grill City grill (not in this photo) and steam table area. A chain, all locations are inside Seafood City stores.

Above, fried chicken skins, a pork adobo kabob and a whole stuffed squid. All are really good items; I am always up for fried chicken skins as a snack. Pay attention to that statement.

The squid stuffing is a wonderful mix of vegetables: tomato, onion and bell pepper.

On another visit, a slice of grilled swordfish and a grilled stuffed eggplant (inihaw) was our meal. So good and so fresh. The fish is served with a fresh mango salsa; a perfect condiment. (Prices for a la carte veggies are $3, $6 or $9, depending on size)(Prices for a la cart meat and seafood are $3.50, $6.50 and $9.50).

We enjoy this Food Court area and look forward to our drives to Seafood City market.

Seafood City (also a link to Grill City) website 285 East Orange Chula Vista 91911 (619)621-2050 Open 8am-9 pm daily

TJ Oyster Bar (revisits)

May 16, 2014 Cathy Mexican Restaurants, Seafood, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping by mmm-yoso!!! Kirk and His Missus are enjoying the European vacation you've been given a peek into, Ed(from Yuma) is enjoying the end of an era and Cathy is enjoying staying indoors and listening to the radio and weather updates while adding words to photos.

About two years ago, I wrote a post about TJ Oyster Bar, mentioning it might be moving. Turns out that the original location is still open (and consistently busy) and the new location (technically on the same block, around and on the other side of the McDonalds) is also open. I like this location better. It's smaller and I don't feel self conscious when eating alone, which I had occasion to do a few times earlier this year. I was introduced to this wonderful dining establishment by cc, who writes the Pink Candles at Ridgemont High blog.

The outside signage has changed.

As has the look and pricing of the menu. The selection and freshness of the items has not changed.

There is bar stool seating. A handful of two seat tables are available inside with two four-seat tables out front.

My comfort item here, the Seafood Pescadilla ($7.99). Served with rice, this Monterey Jack quesadilla is filled with sauteed buttery, garlicy shrimp, scallops, krab and octopus bits.

The shrimp salad ($ 8.50) Romaine lettuce, tomato, avocado, topped with a dozen quite large, flavorful shrimp, Parmesan and a house dressing, this is quite large and refreshing on a hot day.

Another favorite of mine is the shrimp ceviche tostada ($3.75). Chopped plump, juicy shrimp that have been prepared in fresh lime juice with tomato, onion and cilantro. This is always satisfying on a hot day.

I hope everyone is staying cool!

TJ Oyster Bar 4246 Bonita Road Bonita, 92002 (619) 267-4577 Website

Slides-all sliders all the time. (La Mesa)

May 15, 2014 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Burgers, What Cathy Eats!

Slides has closed. It will be missed.

mmm-yoso!!! is a blog. Food is the primary subject. Kirk is vacationing on another continent, Ed(from Yuma) is working in another State and Cathy is in San Diego County, hanging close to home and being vigilant while adding words to photos.

I hope everyone is safe and keeping cool. The last few days have been horrible around here, both with heat and fires. As a diversion, here's a post about some quick visits to a small restaurant that's been open since October.

Located in a bend in strip mall (anchored by Subway and 24 Hour Fitness) on University Avenue between Pomona and Lowell (two blocks East of Yale), Slides is easy to miss.

Once you walk inside, you'll see it's decorated in the colors of SDSU and has a small menu on the wall.

Here it is. I think the oddball pricing has to do with some sort of lucky numbers or really is random, because it doesn't make the addition of sales tax result in even numbers.

The other side of the menu, with crucial factoids: daily fresh baked buns; house made pickles; 'secret' Asian seasoning.

At this meal, we shared an order of mixed (regular and sweet potato) fries ($1.98)(really good-both flavors; properly fried) and a Three-Pack of sliders ($5.47)(plus 28 cents for mild Cheddar cheese on the beef slider) {Total with tax was $8.41…oddball prices plus tax does not result in less loose change AND they don't accept tips!}. ANYHOW the color coded sticks are to tell you which flavor is which.

This is the fish slider. The fish is swai. It's half baked, then mixed with finely chopped onion and a 'secret' Asian sauce, some egg white then baked: no grease, no binder. Great flavor. This was a favorite of mine during Lent (and it still is). The photo makes it look kind of large, because it is kind of large. The fresh baked bun, lettuce, tomato, house made pickle and onions make a single Slide with a few fries enough as a meal.

Here's a blurry photo of the lean burger, topped with mild Cheddar and everything (as above), with a better photo of those wonderful slightly sweet/salty, crispy/crunchy house made pickles. Again, quite large enough as a meal. The beef is very lean and the beef flavor did not stand out on this Slide. There is a lot of meat, but I think the Cheddar is overwhelming (see last photo and description).

The veggie Slide (it's eggplant).

A lot of eggplant, sauteed perfectly and surprisingly flavorful. Seriously good.

The shakes ($2.76) are all made with the same vanilla base with a syrup added in and then mixed. As you can see, this one stopped just short of having its coffee syrup mixed in. The shakes are a good flavor and thickness, but a tad too sweet for me.

There is either a chicken or a turkey Slide centered in this photo. You can tell the difference when you taste (the turkey is dryer; both have good flavor). You can also see the 'secret' sauce in this picture.

Here's a double beef burger(additional 74 cents) topped with Monterey Jack cheese (28 cents additional). I think the cheese was not as overpowering a flavor, because the beef flavor really was shining in this serving of burger.

All in all, really good, fresh food, prepared to order, yet served quickly, by very nice people. This is one place I wish did have a Tip Jar.

Slides 7406 University Avenue La Mesa 91942 (619)461-4462 Website open 11-8 daily

Where in the world are we?

May 14, 2014 mmm-yoso Belgium, Travel

Yes, it's that time again. We needed some time off to recharge. So where are we?

Well, this city claims to have one of the grandest places….

And for the shoppers, also claims to have the first enclosed mall in the world.

The weather has been pretty cold and drizzly, but the sites are still wonderful.

This afternoon the sun peeked out giving some sunshine, which really made everything that much more photogenic.

It also brought the locals out. The folks here are very laid back and really enjoy taking their time nursing their favorite brew(s).

Since this is a food blog, here's a couple of things we've had so far.

Horse steak and frites

Veal sweetbreads in mustard sauce.

A specialty is beef stewed in beer. I won't give you the name of the dish, that'll make this way too easy.

It's 3am as I type this out. A bit of jetlag this time around.

We're headed to our next stop this morning. Hopefully, I'll have the time (and the wifi) to do another post. Thanks for reading, and, as always, thanks to Cathy for holding down the fort!

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Golden City Restaurant- (underrated) Chinese Cuisine

May 13, 2014 Cathy Chinese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog, has most posts originating in sunny San Diego. Today is going to be a scorcher. Cathy is writing a short post.

When I woke today, the temperature outside was 59 and the weather report says it will hit 95 before noon. I try to get all of my work around the house done before the heat starts to set in and then plan my day around either staying inside the house or going to air conditioned businesses. Here's where we went a few weeks ago, during the last heat wave…

On the South East corner of 163 and Clairmont Mesa, Golden City has been a mainstay since 2005, getting new management in July 2006. Kirk has written many posts about individual food items, mostly revisits, with each emphasizing the authenticity and quality of food. As you can see, there is a 'Special' lunch menu offered.

The Mister and I have visited this quite large restaurant many times; just haven't posted.

When you order hot tea, it is brewed for you, using loose tea leaves, not bags. A good quality fresh tea, I always enjoy it with my meal.

As part of our orders, we were asked if we wanted egg drop or hot and sour soup (included with the 'Regular', not the 'Special' lunch menu){ Side note, the 'Regular' lunch menu is the same after 9 p.m. each evening, it's called the 'Late Menu' then} We chose both soups. Each is high quality, flavorful and comforting.

Also part of the 'regular' lunch menu, vegetarian egg rolls are included. Fresh, crispy, always pleasant.

From the 'Special' menu, wonton noodle soup ($3.99). Really good soup broth, meaty (shrimp and pork) wontons and very tasty, non-clumpy egg noodles, along with some fresh baby bok choy make this a meal in itself.

Ma Po tofu ($6.99). We try this menu item just about everywhere, because every restaurant makes it differently using the same primary ingredients: soft tofu, ground pork, spicy sauce-and the variation here is wonderful. The smooth sauce here is medium hot (just right, I think). A sizeable portion. With some steamed rice, this is also comforting.

A dish at this restaurant I was introduced to (by Kirk) a few years ago-you know what it is. The menu calls it Deep Fried Pork Chittlins ($7.50) and I really like the quality of fry (crispy and not greasy) as well as the portion size and general flavor point (a bit salty).

An excellent, comforting meal served in air conditioned comfort. Hope your day goes well.

Golden City Restaurant 5375 Kearney Mesa Road San Diego, 92111 (858)565-6682 website

Pho Truc Xanh- Vietnamese & Chinese in Escondido

May 12, 2014 Cathy Vietnamese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!! a blog about food. Right now, Kirk is barely awake, Ed (from Yuma is) busy busy and has been awake a long while and Cathy is wide awake and trying to get things done before the heat hits.

The other day, we were driving North through Escondido and stopped at the signal light on Centre City Parkway at Mission Avenue and looked Southwest (to my left). This is what I saw. You know I had to find my way to the parking lot.After several (several) turns, I was there. There is only one entrance and it is on Mission Avenue East.There were cars parked along the row where I was standing to take this photo (there are trees and shade on this far side of the parking lot). There is a hotel/motel on each of the four corners of the signal light and each has a restaurant.

Walking inside this former 1970's Diner, the happy decor and colors greet you. Neat and clean, the tabletops are all filled with the various accoutrement and condiments you will need.Even though we ordered only from the Vietnamese side of the menu, bowls of Chinese egg drop based soup were brought out first. This was *very* good soup, filled with crunchy vegetables and nicely flavored.

We wanted to order the nem nuong (sausage) spring rolls, but were told there was no Vietnamese (or Chinese) sausage available…hm…so, I changed my choice to Goi Cuon Tom (fresh shrimp) spring rolls ($4.25). These were the only disappointment of the meal, if I had to make a list. The filling was loose and rather sparse, just sprouts, noodles and lettuce (no mint or basil) and the shrimp were plump but tasteless. It needed the peanut dipping sauce, along with some garlic chili sauce to make these interesting. Every ingredient was very fresh/crispy though.

Bun Cha Gio Thit Nuong ($7.25) I wanted to order something pretty standard (and try the egg rolls) to see how Bun was made here-the egg rolls were great (there were three cut into thirds) and had pork and shrimp as well as the usual fillers. This Bun was excellent. The noodles were on one side of the bowl and the lettuce/cucumber/mint/sprouts on the other half. The amount of grilled pork was substantial, well flavored, tender. The Egg rolls -cut into thirds were then fried again-giving the exposed parts a nice crunch. Peanuts, pickled veggies and nuoc mam (fish sauce) were all fresh/crunchy/crisp/flavorful. This was served in the 'small' bowl and quite a lot of food. I'll get this again.

Pho Tai Nam (Large, $6.75) (Pho with rare steak and flank). Looks like sparse sides, but it was just right. I don't add unless it needs it or halfway through if I am bored with the flavors. The broth itself was nicely fatty/flavored and without the unnecessary MSG.

Plenty of tender, flavorful meat, really fresh -not in a clump- noodles (which were squared and different from the rounded noodles in the Bun) and sweet, crunchy onions, scallions and cilantro flavored this much more than I ever expected.

So glad we stopped here. Unexpectedly good.

Pho Truc Xanh 503 W. Mission Avenue Escondido CA 92025 (760)489-8201 Sun-Thurs 10-9, Fri-Sat 10-10 Website

City Chicken (not a place; a food item)

May 11, 2014 Cathy Cooking, Recipes, Stuff, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a blog about food. On this day, Kirk is hustling, Ed(from Yuma) is engrossed and Cathy is busy writing a short post.

Do you ever watch the TV show/series Survivor? The premise is that people are left on an island without much and need to keep themselves alive for about 39 days, participating in various skill contests and situations while being filmed. Sometimes part of the situation results with a "Tribe" awarded three chickens, to help them eat and survive.

After a day or two with a few eggs, somebody always seems to convince the others to kill a chicken (or three) and just eat them, rather than continuing on with daily eggs…

During the Great Depression, people kept their chickens alive as long as possible, using the eggs as a protein source and not killing or consuming the chickens until those birds were not producing any eggs and were therefore only useful as other meal sources (not only eating the chicken meat, but saving the bones to make soup).

People wanted to also enjoy some sort of meat during those desperate/egg times. Along came City Chicken, at the time, a much less expensive alternative to actual chicken. Years ago, when shopping at Seisel's, I saw signage.

This is the most current price, making City Chicken not the bargain it used to be, but it is still a craving we occasionally have.

Here's an old photo I found of a purchase.

City Chicken, basically mock chicken drumsticks, consists of cubes of pork and veal placed onto thick short wooden skewers,

which are then dipped in egg wash and cracker crumbs then quick fried in some butter melted in oil,

then placed on top of some onions and baked until done.

A simple food, now a memory trigger for me. I used to help Mom make it for dinner.

Happy Mothers Day.

House Burger and Farm Fresh Market (Nestor)

May 10, 2014 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Burgers, Markets & Grocers

House Burger has closed.

Thanks for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!!, our food blog. Kirk is excessively busy today, Ed(from Yuma) is immensely overwhelmed with his work and Cathy is indeed not without unreasonable overscheduling, but she is doing the writing for this post.

One beautiful day, The Mister and I found ourselves in the South Bay area of San Diego, driving about pretty aimlessly. We spied this small corner signage-"House Burger",

attached to the same building housing this small market. Both looked interesting, so we stopped.

Despite this signage hanging near the door, it seems House Burger has been here since at least June of 2012. (Here is a LINK to a post, written by cc that October (she didn't like it)-same sign.).

A very basic, limited menu. An open kitchen. We ordered, watched and waited.

Cheeseburger ($2.99) Free formed, very, very good coarse ground meat with the char from the grill. The bun was extremely soft/fresh as were the toppings. Turns out the meat, toppings and baked items all are from the Market next door…

Cheesesteak sandwich ($4.99). Thin sliced beef, griddled with onion, bell pepper and fresh mushrooms as well as cheese, all served on a soft, fresh baked, sub shaped roll. This version was large and *very* good. Again, the ingredients are all from the market next door.

The $1.59 side of onion rings. Whole (not chopped) onions in a crispy breading, fried properly. These were also unexpectedly freshly made. When we were finished, we had to go to the market next door, to see why it seemed so busy (and, you know, check out the prices).

It has many Mexican items, is not too large. The meat counter greets you when you walk in.

Good prices.There is a steam tray/to go area straight ahead with many interesting offerings and good prices (we will be back).

It's right next to the Produce area…

Notice the glass…The bakery, where tortillas are being made.

All next to a small (three doors wide, but quite tall) area of fresh baked goods. Everything we bought here that day was very fresh and very good quality. What a great find!

Hope you're having a good start to the weekend.

House Burger 1873 Palm Avenue San Diego 92154 (619)429-1195

Farm Fresh Market 1879 Palm Avenue 92154 (619)424-6779