mmm-yoso!!!, a blog about food and sometimes interspersed with other stories. This isn't anything about another story, it's just about food. Kirk is taking a breather, Ed(from Yuma) is putting his feet up and Cathy is at the computer, settling back and sharing a meal while taking a Continuing Education class online.
This summer had some hot and humid days when eating out *any*where with air conditioning was the only criterion. In August, while being seated at Pho Pasteur Anh Hong, I noted a salad on another table, asked our waiter what it was and ordered it: Lemon Beef. I *really* liked that version and decided to try 'Lemon Beef Salad' at each Vietnamese Restaurant this summer.
Saigon Restaurant has been located on El Cajon Boulevard, across from Hoover High School, for about ten years now. Here is a link to Kirk's 2006 visit. Here is a link to one of my visits. That building on the next corner with the 1950's architecture overhanging what looks to be a parking lot is a drive through Dry Cleaners, one of few left in the city.
The interior of Saigon is simple and unchanged for all these years. There are about 12 eight-person round tables as well as another 30 or so square four person tables; quite large inside. There are also two televisions (which aren't always turned on) and a gigantic (five feet tall by eight feet long by three feet wide) fish tank filled with Koi.
Why I was here- the lemon beef salad (Bo Than Chanh) ($10.90). You can see pieces of pale colored (i.e freshly cooked by lemon juice) thin sliced beef along with various sliced vegetables (carrot, cucumber, daikon radish, onion) and no lettuce. The flavors were reminiscent of Kirk's Thai Beef Salad without any chilis or heat. The beef reminded The Mister of unseasoned larb. I tried various combinations of condiments from the tabletop tray, but it wasn't quite right, as far as heat goes- the beef seemed 'plain'. Everything was fresh and 'sparkling' with flavor, but overall, it lacked something. 
Another reason I was here- the Nem Nuong ($5.50). I still haven't posted about it, but after two trips to Brodard, I have been on a search for Summer rolls as fresh and good as are made there. The Nem Nuong here are very good- the beef has flavor, the lettuce fresh and crispy but far too many rice noodles and not enough of other vegetables. On the plus side, these were tightly wrapped. 
The Mister ordered beef stew (Bo Kho) ($9) and this tasted really great; nice spices within the 'gravy' and many soft tendon pieces. It was fresh and satisfying.
Hope the week ahead is good for you!
Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant 4455 El Cajon Boulevard San Diego 92115 (619)284-4215 Open Sun-Th 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri-Sat 9a.m.-11 p.m.