September 2015 – mmm-yoso

Nishiki Ramen – A First Look

September 30, 2015 mmm-yoso Japanese Restaurants, Ramen

Folks know I'm not real keen on being among the first in the door when a place opens. But sometimes curiosity gets the better of me and with all the hype Nishiki Ramen was getting…when Candice asked me if I was up for lunch…..during their soft opening; I just couldn't help myself. Still, I tempered my expectations. I mean, even my initial visit to Santouka when they first opened was not very good….and we really don't need to mention Dumpling Hut.

The interior of the shop is wide open and there were perhaps just a dozen people in front of us….something to do with the 1230 opening I think.

The young guys working here are very nice; friendly, pretty well versed in the product, and kept our waters filled….I know; it's a soft opening….but isn't that the purpose of doing that?

The menu for today was simply one ramen ($10), boiled egg is extra ($2), something called "Volcano Sauce" ($1.50) and Chicken Karaage ($7).

So this is the one time I can accurately claim to have had everything on the menu!

So after all the hype over the noodles???? I gotta say, it delivered; nice pull and chew, great texture, maybe the best I've had since Ippudo in Osaka. That red paste in the little bowl is the Volcano Sauce, basically a mildly spicy bean/miso paste which tasted like Gochujang. Overpowers anything in the ramen, but was decent on the chicken karaage. The broth was chicken forward; I believe it's a pork-chicken combination, it's not too thick, but also not overly salty (I was told no MSG is used). Really nice flavor, the black sesame oil was pretty mild. I think it's better than RakiRaki's Premium Ramen. The Chashu is sliced a bit too thin for my tastes. It's very tender and moist, but needs a bit more flavoring. I really couldn't detect any special flavor from the "sea salt seasoning" for the egg; but it was prepared perfectly. My favorite thing? The noodles…..

The Chicken Karaage had nice flavor, but wasn't light and crisp like I prefer.

It's passable but nowhere near as good as my favorites…it's missing a nice deep savory flavor, but did fine dipped in the Volcano Sauce.

While I think the prices are on the high side, I do think I have another place for my ramen rotation. Enjoyed the service, and really liked the noodles. I understand that there's another, thicker version that I'm looking forward to trying.

I'm glad to have had a chance to check this place out. I was told that the planned grand opening is scheduled for Sunday, October 4th. Until then it's the limited menu.

Nishiki Ramen
8055 Armour St
San Diego, CA 92111

Revisits: Dumpling Hut and Golden City

September 29, 2015 mmm-yoso Chinese Restaurants

So here's a duo of revisits……..

Dumpling Hut:

**** Dumpling Hut has closed

I'd been wondering what was going with Dumpling Hut since they opened in June. During those visits, the quality control seemed lacking as was the service which was totally out of synch….all the "little things" seemed to have been missed. And while the folks here seemed really nice, they looked like they were totally out of their depth. I did make myself a promise to return to try the lamb jiaozi….so sooner was better than later, right?

Wow, this was really strange……while the place was quite busy during my previous visits; this time around the place was totally empty….during my entire meal! The state of Chinese cuisine in San Diego is quite interesting…..the old guard are loyal to the places that have been around a long time, even though the product is mediocre….but they have a problem with change. Other folks don't mind mediocre technique and products, so long the portion size is large. But it seems that everyone draws the line, and rightly so, at waiting 40 minutes plus for jiaozi, wrong orders, having to hunt down your own utensils and napkins (which I had to do on this visit though I was the only customer – my napkins were soiled by vinegar), and other problems, which is what I saw and experienced on my previous visits….though perhaps this visit was an exception and they do a booming business on other days (this was a Thursday 1115 am).

Anyway, my lamb jiaozi. As before, the jiaozi wrappers were decent…..

The lamb had a decent gamey flavor, but was really dry, tough, and gritty. It also needed a bit more flavor. This ain't even close to our favorite version of lamb jiaozi.

The attitudes, like before was very cordial and nice….though the execution of small things…like having napkins was lacking. It seems like there are no systems in place here. Too bad……. I'd hoped that they'd improve.

Dumpling Hut
8046 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92111

Golden City:

I should really know better….after all of my visits over the years. I won't bother you with too many details, but will leave you with a simple rule….

Kwai Fei Chicken makes for a nice lunch.

Adding Macao Roast Pork shows lack of self control…….

And can lead to meat sweats and problems staying awake for afternoon meetings……

Bad move on my part….

Golden City Restaurant
5375 Kearny Villa Rd.
San Diego, CA 92123

What’s My Craving? Koon Thai

September 28, 2015 mmm-yoso Thai Restaurants

Last week I was craving my Thai Hospital Food Court special; some Khao Karr Moo. I figured it was time for a revisit to Koon Thai.

They've gussied the place up a bit and I noticed a few more "House Specials" on the menu, so perhaps I'll be able to talk the Missus into another visit.

I think Koon has hit their stride. In the past, no more surly service during my last couple of visits. They've got a nice mix of Gringo Thai and a couple of pretty nice dishes…..like the Chinese influenced simmered pork leg dish named Khao Karr Moo ($8.95).

A bit drier and tougher than what I had last time, but still nice sweet-soy flavor. The preserved vegetable really helps to cut the richness of the dish. Forget the sweet chili sauce…..rice is a must, though! The boiled egg was over-cooked and the yolk was dry as heck. But that's splitting hairs….this still hit the spot; though not quite a bullseye…..

Koon Thai Kitchen
3860 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111

Sunday Sandwiches: Elijah’s Restaurant & Delicatessen

September 27, 2015 mmm-yoso Diner, Sandwiches

A few months back, Elijah's opened up in the spot that used to house Players Sports Bar. If you think the name sounds familiar, you'd be right. This is the Elijah's that used to be located in La Jolla Village. I've been complaining about the lack of a decent diner/deli in the Kearny Mesa/Clairemont area.

The space really doesn't look like a deli…but what's a deli really supposed to look like? It is wide open and the tables are well spaced. There's a bar area as well.

The staff is here has been really friendly and efficient on our visits. Very likeable folks.

On my first visit I brought the Missus along….I don't think I mentioned it before, but the Missus loves Chopped Liver….perhaps why She loves me? So, I wanted Her to try the chopped liver.

She told me this was bit drier and much more "liver-y" than other versions….in other words, She loved it. On subsequent visits, I've bought a pound or so of the chopped liver when I visit.

I had the Beef Tongue Sandwich ($10.95).

Simply served on rye, this looked quite good. You'll notice what my friend, who worked in a couple of deli's on the East Coast calls the "deli stack"……the meats are piled high in the middle and when cut makes it look quite hefty. There is a decent amount of beefy, but not too salty, tongue. It had been heated on the flattop and was fairly tender. With some deli mustard it was a nice sandwich. I got fries with my sandwich; I believe an extra $2.25. It was a pretty large portion, salty, with a mild spice…very crisp thin cut.

It was a nice meal, nothing fancy, but we really enjoyed the folks working here. A few weeks later I dropped by for lunch……it's quite close to work and is a nice standby.

The time I got the Hot Pastrami ($9.95).

Nicely shaved pastrami….not great quality, a bit too fatty, greasy, and chewy, but griddled nicely so it seemed a bit bacon like. The rye bread was nice and of course the deli mustard helped to cut the grease. I think the portion size was a bit on the small side.

Not a big fan of the coleslaw which was bland.

Last week, I just needed to get out of the office between meetings and Elijah's was close by.

This time I had "Turkey off the Bird" ($10.25).

Yes, this was real deal turkey; but just breast, and was very dry and bland. The mayo provided on the side (I like this add what you want/need) provided some help as did the lettuce. But the tomatoes weren't ripe enough and lacked flavor.

Looking in total; perhaps Elijah's doesn't quite fulfill all of my desires when it comes to a deli/diner. Still, it's not bad and fills a niche for me. And the folks here have always been quite nice and friendly.

Elijah’s Restaurant & Delicatessen
7061 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92111

Nigiri Break at Sushi Yaro

September 26, 2015 mmm-yoso Japanese Restaurants, Sushi and Sashimi

**** Sushi Yaro has closed

Man, it has been a tough week. I decided to give my self a break and headed over to Sushi Yaro. It had been a while. I arrived right at opening, so as not to tax Sam and the staff too much.

I simply told Sam, "can I just get 8 pieces of nigiri……you choose". This turned out to be quite a meal. It seems like Sam's recent trip to Japan has energized him a bit and he's trying a few new things.

Anyway, here are the photos…..

That Sunazuri Hamachi was really good.

At the end of the meal I saw Sam laughing to himself……he then passed this to me. Sheesh…what the heck… It was like a half piece of unagi. I put my chopsticks next to for scale.

Apparently one of Sam's sushi stops in Tokyo made something like this…….

Needless to say; this was a very nice meal and it really hit the spot. Sam needs to take trips more often I think!

Sushi Yaro
7905 Engineer Road
San Diego, CA 92111

Recently Consumed

September 24, 2015 mmm-yoso Cooking

I haven't done one of these in a while….so here goes. Stuff I've made recently.

I picked up some nice Bay Shrimp at Catalina Offshore as an impulse buy….without anything in mind. So I ended up making at smoked spicy mayo Louie salad with avocado….really nice with all the hot weather.

And paired it with a nice Edamame – Smoked Corn salad….

One of our favorite things lately is very simple…..a nice heirloom tomato and good quality mozzarella topped with 18 year old balsamic and Arbequina Olive Oil.

You really don't need anything else…..

Remember, the XO Sauce we got as a gift from the Missus's friend? Well, we recently got another batch….so I put the Big Kahuna to work and made some Shrimp Fried Rice….it was delici-yoso…..

Funny thing was….I forgot the bean sprouts. I didn't want to waste, so I made a stir fry dish using Serrano peppers from the yard, black vinegar, and Finadene (I'll get to that post soon).

For some reason, this really hit home with the Missus and was fairly close to comfort food to Her……so I've made this about 5-6 times since! Bean sprouts….sheesh….

Of course there are the old standby items…..

So Faye, this is what the stovetop smoked salmon is really supposed to look like.

Tommy told me he got really busy and kind of forgot about the salmon he was making……

And finally, some breakfast dish I don't even remember making….it must be recently since the picture is dated less than two weeks ago….must've have been tired and on auto-pilot.

So there you go….

What have you been eating recently?

¡Salud!

September 23, 2015 mmm-yoso Mexican Restaurants, Taco Shops

**** Salud has closed.

I believe I first read about Salud on Mary's Food Blog, then some friends told me they really like the place. They described it as sort of hipster tacos put together by the San Diego Taco Company. I had wanted to check out Border X Brewing Company, so decided to make it a two-fer. Unnfortunately, Border X was closed…but at least Salud was open. Man, I hadn't been in this part of Barrio Logan since this location was Porkyland over 9 years ago!

The interior is nice and bright with high ceilings making the dining area seem wide open and airy. The folks here are very friendly. You order at the counter then have a seat with a number….

The menu is simple, with tacos, bowls, quesadillas, and such.

Loved this mural…..

Also enjoyed the salsa bar….nice variety, well made salsas, though in the end I choose the traditional Chile de Arbol Salsa.

I order three tacos, $2.50 each….so $7.50 for three tacos. I gotta say, they were pretty sloppy.

The fried tortilla for the birria (this version is pork) was superb, light, crusty, really nice. This was basically a mes. The birria was pretty bland, really lacking any chile flavor, richness, or anything else notable. It's not even close to say; what Fernandez and even milder than Tacos Revolucion's version. Too bad, that tortilla was excellent.

The obviously hand made tortilla used for the Taco de Al Pastor was also excellent.

The al pastor was nice and crisp, but the flavor was really lacking……there was also a slight bitterness to the meat as well. Not my favorite thing.

I really enjoyed the Taco de Barrio, which didn't look like much, but was quite good.

Loved the combinations of textures, the creamy, almost too salty, but delicious frijoles, the tender stewed beef, the pieces of nopales, the nice smooth crema, and a really good hand made flour tortilla. Very nice topped off with that salsa that added the heat and the acid to harmonize all the flavors. Very nice!

The next weekend, I had to head down to National City for something, so decided to drop by Salud again to try some other tacos. I again got three.

A much nicer presentation this time. As with the previous visit, the tortillas were all excellent.

The carnitas was also pretty mild in flavor, though the texture was good, I'd want something a bit more "pork forward". The avocado crema was quite nice.

I enjoyed everything but the flavor of the fish; which was on the muddy side on the fish taco.

The nice crunchy batter, the cabbage and pico de gallo, and of course the tortilla worked well together, though it won't make me forget about my favorite versions of fish tacos in San Diego.

And of course, another Taco de Barrio, which was just as satisfying as my previous one. Really satisfying, if a tad on the salty side.

To me, not a place to go out of the way for. Though I'd gladly drop in if/when I ever make it to Border X Brewing or if for some reason I'm back in the neighborhood.

¡Salud!
2196 Logan Ave
San Diego, CA 92113

Farmer and The Seahorse (another lunch in an Office Park)

September 22, 2015 Cathy American Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!!, a blog about food. Kirk has a cumbersome load at work today, while Ed (from Yuma) has a comparatively small list of 'to-do' items and Cathy has an unsubstantial schedule on this rainy Tuesday; that's why she is writing this post.

Since about November, The Mister and I have been in the La Jolla area once a month, for various appointments. Following those, we look for lunch, more often than not stopping at one of the two locations of Green Acre, a great set of restaurants founded by Top Chef (Season 3) 'Cheftestant' Brian Malarkey, a San Diego resident and co-owner of "fabric themed" (Searsucker, Gabardine, Burlap, Gingham and Herringbone) restaurants around town. It turns out that Farmer and The Seahorse is another great place founded by Malarkey.

Everyone has to eat, and finding a restaurant near work is usually easy, but not always interesting. So, when we saw this signage…attached to the front of one of the buildings in the 'Biotech' area of Torrey Pines Road (just across from Scripps Green Hospital)…we figured the same concept applied (good, quality food in an office park).Driving toward Torreyana Road, we saw this view of an outdoor seating area just behind a nondescript office building…When we rounded the corner to park in the front lot of that decidedly generic office building…anticipating another possibly great lunch ahead we noticed the lobby area was buzzing with people in a large, open adjacent room. There were signs directing us to take the stairs or elevator to the second floor…Arriving at the top of the stairs, we saw it…while noticing an area of office spaces you can rent, just off to the right. The multipurpose building is interesting.Walking toward the self order/cash register/reception area, you pass this beautifully converted (into a meeting room area) Airstream. There are a variety of seating areas here, as well as various separate rooms, similar to the second location of Green Acre.

There is no garden here, though, because the food concept, while similar, is a bit different.Because we didn't have a reservation (?)(it was a Friday, and…well my guess is there may have been some sort of 'event' planned) we were seated outside, which was fine; the day was nice.Here is a little peek inside…and the bar area. Usually, we don't order beverages, but I had been curious about Butterscotch (instead of root) Beer ($2) after seeing it sold in a six pack…but not wanting to obligate myself to a large purchase. This was a great melding of flavors…spicy with with a smooth almost carmel-y butterscotch/vanilla undertone.

That's not beer in the glass. Both of us have been trying cold brew coffees this summer and the menu showed a 'cold press' ($4.50), so we had to try it (excellent).

{The menu photos will turn as they enlarge}

The small menu means all items are fresh…and within the theme of both 'farmer' and 'the sea'. The Shrimp Louie Louie ($14) sounded good- and not like a 'traditional' Shrimp Louie. This included four very large fresh tasting grilled shrimp, the soft lettuces enjoyed at Green Acre, green beans, cucumber, scallions, capers and peppadew peppers with a light, creamy house dressing. Wow. Fresh and plenty and great tasting.The Farmer and Seahorse version of 'fish and chips' ($13): Local Cod, served with garden chips and slaw (and a wonderful house made tartar sauce) was beer battered to a perfect crispness. The cod was not your standard, frozen nasty fish, but large, thick, fresh and flaky..all complimented by the light batter.

All in all this was really nice, really good, quite fancy. We'll be back.

Farmer and The Seahorse 10996 Torreyana Road San Diego 92121 (858)260-5401 (no website yet) Open Mon-Fri 7-3 (closed on weekends)

2016 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade Float Road Test #5, breakfast at Lucky Boy (Pasadena)

September 21, 2015 Cathy Breakfast/Brunch, Farmer's Markets/Night Market, Festivals & Events, Los Angeles County, Road Trip, What Cathy Eats!

Here's another mmm-yoso!!! post with a bit of food, a bit of preparation and another road trip North. Kirk and Ed (from Yuma) are not posting today; it's Cathy who is writing.

Saturday was going to be a hot day and The Mister and I left the house earlier than usual to try to avoid traffic and hopefully get to another road testing of some floats which will participate in the 2016 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade a bit sooner than 7 a.m.. This is the City Of Hope's entry as being tested on Saturday… …and this is how it looked about one month ago.
Similarly, this June road test of a rebar framed bison and horse and…other shapes… Has evolved into 'The Great Faces and Great Places of South Dakota', a float design in keeping with the 2016 Rose Parade theme of "Find Your Adventure", a collaboration between the Tournament of Roses and the National Park Service.
Last month, the City of Glendale float, "Getting There is Half the Fun!" looked interesting… …and it is-there's even 'steam' coming from the locomotive!
Here's a 'Before and After' of "Innovation Rocks", the 2016 entry by Destination Irvine (on that webpage link is the artist rendition of the final float, and all of its colors). The testing this weekend was of the many moveable 'gears' on the float.

So, on to the food part of this blog post… Always, a stop at Cream Pan is first…We were there at about 6:05 and our quick snack choices were still warm. The short walk from the Phoenix Decorating Company barn, over the Metro tracks and one block North to Lucky Boy was completed with these hearty breakfast choices of the Bacon Plate ($7) with sourdough, three eggs, hash browns and ..bacon! (yes, it weighed more than a pound) and my standing choice of breakfast egg sandwich ($3.75) on rye.

Lucky Boy Drive-In 640 S. Arroyo Parkway Pasadena, CA 91105 Website It is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, otherwise it's always open.

Proceeding over to the High School parking lot, the Certified Farmers Market had just opened and wasn't yet too crowded.

We picked up a good variety of vegetables and fruits and headed home, arriving back just before noon…and the heat of the day.

I hope everyone has a good week.

Sunday Stuffs: AppeThai replacing Yes! Pingo, Mama Testa Looks Ready to Go, and Saying Goodbye to a Fellow Food Blogger

September 20, 2015 mmm-yoso Blog

A few things for a super hot Sunday…..

AppeThai replacing Yes! Pingo:

Yes! Pingo went quietly into the night about the same time Yu's Garden did. I saw this sign when driving past the other day. Seems like a Thai restaurant is going to be here.

As the Convoy Street shuffles keep on coming……

4813 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111

Mama Testa Looks ready to go:

Drove up to Mira Mesa for a haircut yesterday and decided to see what, if any progress was happening with regards to Mama Testa, which closed and announced it was moving nearly a year ago.

To my surprise, it looks like they are ready to open any day now.

In it's day, MT was sort of a pioneer (like Chilango's before it) with regards to the Mexican cuisine scene. And while I'd tried the place a couple of times and never took to it, it's good to see they are back. I'm excited to check them out. In the same mall as Cali Express and QT Pot.

9225 Mira Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92126

Saying Goodbye to a Fellow Food Blogger:

My friend and fellow food blogger Kat sent me an email a little over a week ago informing me that fellow long time food blogger (since 2004) Santos, whom you might know from her blog the scent of green bananas had passed away. The last time I heard from Santos was last summer. In emails over the last couple of years, I knew she was not in good health.

Santos was in San Diego in the summer of 2013 and I offered to meet for a meal, but she wasn't feeling too well and asked for a couple of recommendations. Santos was eating quite healthy at the time, vegan and all that…so of course I included Slater's 50/50 as a recommendation

Her response?

"hey kirk! i just started laughing the second i saw the slater's menu…and yes! my first reaction was to look for vegan restaurant alternative. ha! thanks for making my day (although the more i think of the 50/50 burger, the less appealing it becomes)"

We'll miss you Santos. Rest in Peace.

From the Pacific Daily News.