June 2017 – Page 3

Vancouver/Richmond – Kirin Seafood Restaurant (City Square), Parker Place Meat & BBQ, and HK BBQ Master

June 8, 2017 mmm-yoso Canada, Chinese BBQ, Chinese Restaurants, Dim Sum, Travel, Vancouver, Canada

The Missus and I really wanted to try out some Dim Sum while in Vancouver. We'd heard so much about the quality of Dim Sum in Richmond/Vancouver. The one little thing; we weren't quite sure when we'd return from visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge, so I didn't want to make reservations. Instead, after checking out the fun at Anime Revolution, we got on the SkyTrain and got off at the Broadway-City Hall stop and walked over to City Square Mall. We'd take our chances at Kirin Seafood Restaurant.

Of course, when we arrived, the first thing they asked us was if we had reservations. Though we had no problem getting a table as the place wasn't totally full.

We weren't super hungry and we had plans after lunch, so we ordered five items from the menu.

Starting with the tendon and tripe.

This was a nice and hearty dish, though pretty mild in flavor. The tendon had a slight chew to it; the tripe slightly crunchy with no off flavors. The Missus actually enjoyed the daikon more than anything else in this dish.

The Scallop Dumplings were a disappointment as the scallops were tough and overcooked.

The wrappers were very sticky and tore quite easily.

Our favorite dish of the meal was the rustic looking stuffed wintermelon.

The wintermelon still had a nice texture; providing just enough resistance. It had also absorbed the flavors of the pork and the broth nicely. The enoki mushrooms provided a nice, earthy taste and the pork was tender and just about perfect.

The Deep Fried Shrimp Dumpling with Consomme was interesting.

The fried dumplings were excellent; the wrappers light, yet crunchy, the shrimp filling tender and flavorful. We both felt the consommé was rather bland and flat…….it was like watered down chicken broth in flavor and brought nothing to the dish.

After that rather bland consommé; we were a bit concerned about the Scallop and Bamboo Pith Fungus Dumpling in Supreme Soup, but this ended up being quite good.

Great flavors all around and the soup; while rather light had a nice balance in terms of seasoning to flavor.

Overall, while pretty good, based on all the great things we heard about the Dim Sum in Vancouver, we both thought Sea Harbour in the SGV was every bit as good if not better. I'll make sure to make reservations at Chef Tony or another place for Dim Sum the next time we're in Vancouver.

Kirin Seafood Restaurant
555 W 12th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V5Z 3X7
Canada

After lunch we got back on the SkyTrain and headed on over to Richmond, getting off at the Aberdeen stop, and walking on over to Parker Place Mall and Parker Place Meat & BBQ. Yes, this place is located in a shopping mall.

The line here grows rapidly and moves quickly….it's to your benefit to have your act together and know what you want……when its your turn you need to be quick about it.

The Missus was really looking forward to some Roast Duck….so I got the Roast Duck on rice to go.

Parker Place Meat & B.B.Q (In Parker Place Mall)
4380 No 3 Rd
Richmond, BC V6X 4E8
Canada

Having gotten out unscathed; we headed to our next stop. If you thought Chinese BBQ in a shopping mall was interesting….try going to a parking garage.

For some Chinese BBQ……

This is where HK BBQ Master is located; just down the street from Parker Place BBQ. Again, a fast moving line for take-out….here there are a couple of tables as well. Some deal; roast duck on rice.

HK BBQ Master (In the parking garage of Real Canadian Superstore)
4651 No 3 Road
Richmond, BC V6X 2C4
Canada

Since we had restrained ourselves somewhat during lunch; we'd have this for an early dinner at the apartment.

Walking down No 3 Road reminded me of the SGV………without the crazy traffic…..

Choices abound…..

And guess who we ran into on the SkyTrain back to the apartment?

Yep….good 'ol DV himself.

This woman couldn't stop giggling and taking photos of DV.

Being the ever so friendly Canadian version of DV; he waved the woman over and they proceeded to take a bunch of selfies! You gotta love it.

As for the duck? Well, in spite of saying we'd be having it for dinner, we did have a couple of pieces while it was still warm…..just for comparative purposes of course!

Here's Parker Place.

Here's HK BBQ Master.

While HK BBQ Master's duck looks a lot darker; Parker Place's duck won hands down; being more moist, with a nice amount of anise-beany-duckiness. The skin HK BBQ Master's version was rubbery, the meat dry, and while it had a decent duck taste, it wasn't balanced out with anything else. Of course, both of these are vastly superior to any roast duck in San Diego. I was told that HK BBQ Master makes great roast pork, but the Missus was after duck.

It was time for a nap…..then we'd be off to our next stop(s)!

Midweek Meanderings – What’s the “Story” with Your Story, Taisho Going on Vacation, and Other “Stuffs”

June 7, 2017 mmm-yoso yoso-silly

Haven't done one of these in a while…….

What's up with Your Story:

I was doing some errands this past Sunday when I noticed Your Story looked closed.

Didn't this place just open to a bit of buzz less than three months ago? You can check out Kirbie's post here.

So, what's the story with Your Story? Well, my sources tell me that they are closed permanently and that a KFC is opening in this spot….no, not "that" KFC, but a K(orean) F(ried) C(hicken) spot. I'm fairly certain that Eater will give us the scoop when it's ready to serve.

4403 Convoy St.
San Diego, CA 92111

Taisho taking a vacation:

At least that's what the sign and Taka-san told me. Closed June 14th – 19th. Reopening on June 20th.

Nazca Grill closes:

I saw this a couple of weeks ago.

Sad, but on my last visit a couple of months back, the lomo saltado was terrible and the place just seemed tired and worn.

4310 Genesee Ave
San Diego, CA 92117

As did this Jack-In-the-Box:

On the corner of Balboa and Convoy:

Here's hoping something good takes its place.

Here's what Soo had to say about the place a couple of months back.

7786 Balboa Ave
San Diego, CA 92111

Lastly….have you ever seen a more bored looking dog?

He's not impressed with what Whole Foods had to offer at all…..

Hope you're having a great week!

Pacific Poke Co.

June 6, 2017 mmm-yoso Poke, Seafood

I first noticed this place during one of my visits to Mama Cinia. It hadn't opened yet and I had to sigh at what looked like yet another "Chi-Poke" place. A few months later, I intended on getting some pho at Cow Cali, but there was actually a bunch of people waiting in line.

PPC was right next door and had just turned on the "open" sign. So, I thought why not check them out.

And yes, this was indeed one of those pick some seafood; pick some toppings, make a bowl kind of place. They also had Spam Musubi, miso soup, and a couple of other items on the menu.

I ended up ordering a Large Bowl ($12.50); four scoops of protein, I did like that they had a marinaded version, almost like real poke (not), because the fish looked a bit dried out. So I got that, with the sweet and spicy sauce. Nice that they didn't charge extra for avocado like a lot of places do; white onions, cucumbers, and green onion. Simple is best.

This was actually not bad; the fish was relatively tender, not much connective tissue, no off flavors, the marinade and the "sauce" worked rather well. The avocado was starting to brown, but was fine. There was one sneaky little move….I don't remember requesting any wasabi, but I put this little lump of what looked like smashed avocado in my mouth….ho-ly smokes….try eating an entire spoonful of wasabi!

While not really "Poke" to me, I thought this was pretty good; perhaps on par with Tokyo Deli and much better than other versions I've had.

And yet, I just kinda let it go at that for a few months. Then a few weeks after reading Kirbie's post, I decided to head back. In search of a light lunch, I went with the Large – Salad option. And I did appreciate the availability of Hamachi, since many places don't serve it based on food cost. 2 scoops Ahi, two Hamachi, marinated (of course). I was a bit surprised at the rather small size (even for me a rather light eater) of the salad. Back "home" we call this "manini".

Man, this was on the small side….but all would be well if the fish was good. Which it wasn't. The Hamachi tasted a bit off; on the fishy end of the scale, I pushed that off to the side…my salad got even smaller. The Ahi this time had too much connective tissue and was too chewy. Well, the masago and the rest of the ingredients were decent.

In the end; I'm not quite sure which bowl is the norm here. All I've got to say is YMMV. And I really don't feel like a tie-breaker visit right now. Maybe one of these days.

Pacific Poke Co
9168 Mira Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92126
Hours:
Sun – Thurs 11am – 8pm
Fri – Sat 11am – 830pm

Montreal – (Finally) Getting There and a Late Night Dinner at Cadet

June 5, 2017 mmm-yoso Airport/Airline/Cruise/Rail Food, Canada, Canada Food and Restaurants, Montreal, Travel

I had taken a couple days off during the Memorial Day week. We'd planned a couple of trips in fits and starts. One of the basic limiting factors for us was that we both had $200 credit that we needed to use from the Great Delta Debacle of 2016 that left us stranded in Seattle overnight. In the end, the Missus's only request was; "I want to feel like I'm on a real vacation…..I don't want it to be like I'm in the US". So, in the end, Montreal and Quebec City sounded like the place.

Getting there, on the other hand was interesting. We used our credit to upgrade to Delta One, which came with lounge access…..in regards to bells and whistles, Delta's lounges aren't great, but they allow you space (most of the time) and a rather low stress environment….a decent place to grab some coffee and sparkling water.

Our flight left at 640am, pretty early in the morning. Breakfast was served on the flight….which was pretty good for airline food…maybe the best airline breakfast we've ever had.

We originally had a two hour lay over in Minneapolis; but by the time we disembarked, I received a message from Delta telling me there was a delay of an hour. Luckily, we had access to the lounge; which was rather dated, but comfortable.

By the time we got settled in, another message from Delta, this time an additional 30minute delay. I'd end up getting two more emails; for a total of a two-hours-and-change in delays. And while the food in this lounge isn't great; some soup, quinoa salad, and some cheese keeps those hunger pangs at bay.

To add insult to injury, the window over-looked our flight's gate. So, it was easy enough to see when the plane was(n't) arriving. Finally, we saw an actual aircraft rolling to the gate.

So, with evidence that there actually was an aircraft for our flight, we headed off to the gate. Meanwhile, I modified our 945pm dinner reservations; first to 1030, then to 1045….then I just gave up because I really didn't know if we'd actually make it. Back at the gate, we were delayed even longer, another 45 minutes because the flight crew and the gate staff could not agree on the correct security protocol……like they don't actually fly this route daily? And then of course, there's the D-Bag passenger….who kept asking for delay compensation, making sarcastic comments….he kept taking photos of the gate crew as they worked to get us out. He kept telling the gate staff out loud about the "Tweets" he was sending out…sheeesh…really? When we got into the queue, he boarded with Premier and First Class, saying out loud "I don't give a f@(k what seat I'm in, I'm boarding now!" Of course, when they handed out the snack boxes he took two. We had dinner plans; so we weren't going to be wasting calories. Oh, and he made the bad move of standing behind the Missus and kept pushing her with his bag, until She turned around and told him to "back off"! I turned around expecting some lip, but he just kind of shrunk away.

In the end we did make it to Montreal. The 747 Express Bus from the airport is a breeze. Get the ticket from the machine; it's a $10, 24 hour pass which allows you free access to buses and the metro as well. I had planned on staying close to the stop on our initial stay; at the Courtyard which less than a block from the Jeanne-Mance stop. I had left over CA$, enough to cover dinner in case we had problems with credit cards, so I didn't need to hit the ATM or currency exchange.

And after checking in, it was a short walk to this little restaurant, cum wine bar, like it's sister restaurant Bouillon Bilk (which would be tomorrow night's dinner) the place had no signage. This is Cadet.

We'd arrived just 5 minutes late; the Hostess was super nice and we ended up requesting to sit at the bar. Being a Sunday night, the place was fairly quiet. We loved our bartender, a sweet and very nice young lady. The Missus started with….well, I forgot what cocktail. I got an Old Fashioned.

It took thirteen hours; but we had made it……. We started to relax and let the whole day fade away.

We loved the set-up, under-stated, yet fairly sleek, and the menu; made up of small plates to share, with modern, fresh ingredients. The Missus was in Her element as there seemed to be a good selection of vegetable based dishes.

We started with the "Watercress". Basically a watercress salad, which was perfectly dressed with a nice, not too salty, blue cheese based dressing.

This was excellent. The watercress crisp and almost refreshing, the usual bitterness toned down, allowing for a mild sweetness to come through. What seemed to be preserved lemon and rind and delicious endives made up the rest of the salad. The watercress though, was the star.

The Veal Terrine was very nice.

The terrine was matched nicely with the not too sweet compote, which took the edge off. The texture was surprisingly creamy and the pickled vegetables added the acid and crunch, providing a nice contrast to things.

I actual chose Cadet because of a photo of a single dish I saw……it turned out to be the Missus's favorite dish of the night. An interesting combination of Broccoli, Labneh, and Spaetzle.

What sounds like a strange combination went so well together; the creamy, slightly salty labneh; the wonderfully toothsome sautéed spaetzle, broccoli, the crunchy sunchokes. Fanastic textures and you could taste every item in the dish….no ingredient overwhelmed the other.

The Oyster Mushrooms were decent, if not great.

I actually enjoyed the arugula the most; the flavors of vegetables here seems to "pop". The Caciotta, a mild, I believe Tuscan style cheese, went well with the greens, though I didn't care for it combined with the earthy flavors of the very meaty mushrooms.

The dish the Missus and I enjoyed the least was the Veal Skirt Steak.

We both loved the chorizo and the sauce, while on the mild side, had a decent tangy-bright flavor to it; the veal skirt was pretty tough and brought nothing to this dish. Strangely, both the Missus and I thought the cilantro tasted really good……as in the citrusy-anise flavors seemed amplified…perhaps the flight did something to our tastebuds?

The Missus had Her dessert.

I had a 12 year old Calvados as a disgestif.

This was a wonderful way to start this trip. We enjoyed the service, the price for everything was under $100 CA – think about $74-75 US! A bargain to us. We'd gladly return.

Cadet
1431 Boulevard Saint-Laurent
Montreal, Canada
Hours
Mon – Fri 1130am – 230pm, 430pm – 1am
Sat – Sun 430pm – 1am

We'd finally made it to Montreal. In spite of the upcoming forecasts of rain, I was sure we'd make the best of it.

Where in the World Were We?

June 4, 2017 mmm-yoso Canada, Montreal, Quebec City

In spite of being quite busy and rather short in the vacation time category, the Missus and I managed to sneak away for a few days. We went to a place that had been on my "list" for a while and opportunity just seemed right for this trip.

It was a fantastic time……

Our first stop was in a wonderful city, multicultural, friendly, artistic, and just plain fun.

Our second stop was a beautiful and picturesque city….full of history.

And this mysterious "red door"………..

And then of course; there was the real reason….the food of course!

While the upscale/fine dining was indeed fantastic.

It was the local specialties that really blew us away.

Hearty comfort food at its best.

While it was rainy most of the time…..we were really here to relax; though we still managed to put in about ten miles a day walking.

There's a live and let live attitude here……which was a great escape from the angry, sometimes hate-filled, rhetoric that has been brewing recently.

After all, when your song comes on….you have to be like this guy, who dropped his grocery bags, and let loose.

"Some days you gotta dance
Live it up when you get the chance
Cause when the world doesn't make no sense
And you're feeling just a little too tense
Gotta loosen up those chains and dance"

Anyway, it's time for me to scoot and catch up on my rest.

Thanks for reading!

Arely French Bakery Cafe

June 3, 2017 Cathy French Restaurants, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

Here we all are, at the food blog mmm-yoso!!!, checking out what someone has had to eat. Kirk is on his way home from vacation and Ed (from Yuma) is enjoying the 'springtime weather' (in Yuma), so Cathy is writing a short post.

This year has not been 'normal' and it's half over! There have been never-ending appointments and meetings taking me (and The Mister) all over town and when it is time for a meal, usually something quick, convenient and 'healthy' has been consumed. On the rare occasions when there is time to actually coordinate a meal together, we are exhausted and 'splurge' may mean ordering a beverage or a shared dessert.

It so happened we were in the Clairmont area of town and instead of looking for someplace new, we stopped at Arely, which has been posted here before, most recently by Kirk. Stepping inside, the menu board is easily noticed.
Breakfast is served from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. The lunch menu (sandwiches, salads and panini) is served all day and the dinner portion of the menu (pasta, chicken, seafood and soups) are served from 11 a.m.-closing Of course at eye level are the pastry cases, just as tempting as can be. But we were here in time for lunch. The Caprese salad ($8.50); made with buffalo mozzarella, fresh, tasty tomatoes, basil and topped with a slightly sweet balsamic vinaigrette was a nice item to share. As was the cup of wonderfully cheesy French Onion Soup ($3.50) which is properly made, with sherry. The Croque Madame ($8.95) was exceptionally good and quite large. Topped with two eggs (over easy by request), the grilled Black Forest ham and Swiss cheese on thick slices of house made brioche bread, lightly toasted, was just perfect for sharing.

Of course, I just decided that a dessert was going to be purchased and consumed here. A blueberry Danish ($2.40) was the choice, after much consideration. There is a thin layer of cream cheese underneath those small, flavor filled wild berries and a bite of all of that combined with the flaky crust was just so perfect.

I hope each of you has a chance to have a quality lunch.

Arely French Bakery Cafe 4961-A Clairemont Drive 92117 (858)270-1910 Tues-Sat 7:00 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun-Mon 7:00 a.m.-7 p.m.

2017 San Diego County Fair- “Where the West is Fun”- Part One, Before it opens

June 2, 2017 Cathy Festivals & Events, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!is primarily a food blog. Today's post is about anticipated food consumption and a summer tradition, the San Diego County Fair. As usual, Cathy is writing about this event; Kirk isn't around and Ed (from Yuma) is in Yuma.

Link to Part Two

Later today (4 p.m.) the official opening of the San Diego County Fair will occur. Tomorrow morning (at 7:30), in Downtown San Diego, there will be a Cattle Drive to promote the Fair theme of "Where the West is Fun". I've been at the Fairgrounds watching the preparations for this, the 6th largest County Fair in the United States. Here are a few photos and links of what to expect this year.

The front gate is set up. The statue of Don Diego, Fair Ambassador, is appropriately dressed. The historic clock tower has been moved to the front entrance area after repairs.
The Midway was repaved a couple of weeks ago in anticipation of the Fair, the race season and Autumn Breeders Cup and is now set up, with the far West end ferris wheel is in sight when you walk in.
Chicken Charlie's corner, at the first right off the Midway, was set up in its usual location, before some other food booths got here (and Chicken Charlie's has an additional location on the Midway this year).
The first left off the Midway is also set up. The entrance to Bing Crosby Hall (filled with the latest gadgets, goodies and items you never knew you needed) is at the end of this food filled corridor.
The Plaza de Mexico is set up, awaiting so many daily events. That buildings next to and behind the Plaza house the Fair entries and events. Go up to the second floor,
and you are greeted to Home and Hobby, what I consider to be the 'heart' of the Fair.
The Preserved Foods have been judged and are on display.
As have all the craft entries Two days ago, baked goods were brought in to be judged. Ribbons and prizes have been awarded.

There is so much to see and do at the Fair. This is a link to some of the new events.

It doesn't have to be expensive. This is a local news link to deals and discounts. (You can buy the multi day entrance pass ($26) until July 3, because paying for it is less expensive than paying admission two times.

But, I know you are wondering about the foods here. I noticed a few items which are not listed in this newspaper article and will be reporting on my finds in Part 2; I know that bacon wrapped cactus and sarsaparilla anything will be on my radar as well as deep fried octopus. I had also heard that the cauliflower sandwich (third photo from bottom in this linked post )was back and if it is, there will be a purchase.In any case, enjoy the start of summer and the 2017 San Diego County Fair!. It's going to be a good one.