Quebec City – Lunch at Le Saint-Armour

We decided to cap off a fun morning in QC, with a nice lunch. During our walk around QC the previous day, we wandered away from Rue Saint-Jean and came across one of the restaurants I had on my list; Le Saint-Armour. The lunch menu, while not cheap, looked interesting. One of the Servers came out and chatted with us. Since the restaurant was a short detour from the way back to the hotel; we decided to stop and have lunch.

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We were led to our table by the nice gentleman who chatted with us yesterday. He even remembered us.

The elegant, though simple exterior of the restaurant belies the charming, classy, and quite elegant dining area. A garden like ambiance, what seems to be a former courtyard is topped with a glass ceiling….the natural light and colors just give the place so much character. Quite romantic…..

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It was easy to pick our choices from the lunch menu…I think we're getting a bit predictable these days….

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The baguette was lovely and warm; which doesn't seem to be the norm in QC.

And of course, I started with the Foie Gras.

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The foie gras was very refined; super smooth, perhaps too much for my tastes these days; which is now evolving to enjoy more earthy flavors. The purees were interesting; Sea Buckthorn Jelly, slightly bitter with a touch of tanginess and sweetness, and "Apple Spruce", which tasted like a basic apple based sauce.

The Missus's choice was more interesting, called "Asparagus Elegance".

IMG_5600 IMG_5603The asparagus had such a nice, pronounced flavor, it seems that vegetables really shine in this part of the world. The parma ham was tender and added a nice salty component to the dish as did the cheese; a washed rind cheese from Charlevoix (in Canada), which added a fairly mild, milky-acidity to the dish. Of course there was that perfectly poached quail egg.

The Missus got the Pork Cheek for Her main, which She loved.

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The mushrooms and sunchokes really added nice earthy tones to the dish. The pork cheek was perfectly braised…spoon tender; though the sauce was a bit too strong for my taste.

I got the "Red Deer"….possibly the most tender venison I've ever had.

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I could cut that venison with my fork! The jus was seasoned perfectly and added a velvety, earthy elegance. The Missus loved the cauliflower and sweet potato purees. And that one lovely piece of mushroom in the corner had me wishing for a whole plate of it.

Dessert, is of course the Missus's department and She enjoyed both.

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I thought the chocolate cake was very nice….not too sweet.

IMG_5612 IMG_1216And then there was my shining moment. While waiting for coffee service, I walked over to the restroom. As I was returning, a party of four middle aged Asian women walked up and told the hostess, "we have reservations for xxxxxx". They were Japanese! They sat at the table right in front of us. The Missus was quick to point out the 20k Hermes bag one of the women had. They spoke very little English and the good natured Server was trying his best to explain items on the menu to them. In the end he smiled and said; "Madam, I can explain the menu in five languages….unfortunately, Japanese is not one of them…." I decided to seize the moment, walked up to the table, bowed slightly, and said "sumimasen", one of the few words I know in Japanese. Luckily, when it comes to food…perhaps it wasn't perfect, but I was able to go down the menu and say…."hotate……buta tontoro (while pointing to my cheek)…rokuniku….bīfu-sutoroganofu……." all the four women made that Japanese game show sound "aaaah"! They then asked me if I am Japanese and I mentioned that I'm sansei….so speak very little Japanese. They all thanked me and went ahead and ordered. I walked back to the table head held up high! As the Missus smirked, shook Her head, and said; "you're such a show off!" But even She couldn't bring me down. Heck, I milked what little Japanese I knew!

And heck, Le Saint-Armour was probably the best meal we had during this trip. Great food, superb service…..

Le Saint-Amour
48 Rue Sainte-Ursule
Quebec City, Quebec

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We did some shopping at Place Royale on the way back to the room. Picking up a few gifts.

The Missus looked at this shop and laughed…..

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Nope it's not "Prada"….it's Frada!

We were having a great time in Quebec City!

Los Palmitos (revisits)

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog which we (Kirk, Ed(from Yuma) and Cathy) thank you for stopping by to read some of our sometimes interesting and sometimes mundane posts about meals consumed.  Cathy is writing about a typical San Diego Taco shop today.

According to the phone book, San Diego has over 200 'Taco Shops' within its 4200 square miles.  I think everyone has a couple of favorite, conveniently located shops-one close to home and one close to work, maybe a handful of others where they stop in for a quick bite or to go meal. Los Palmitos is one of ours, despite only blogging about  it twice; in 2008 and again in 2012.

The exterior was upgraded within the past year.IMG_3392 New. IMG_0769 Old.

It's not air conditioned, but being shaded keeps the eating area a bit cooler than just being under umbrellas. 

IMG_1530 When you have a 'for here' order, fresh fried corn chips and cups for the salsa bar are provided.
IMG_0759 The salads here are refreshing; lettuce, tomato, cucumber, pickled onions and cojita cheese, topped with (in this case) carne asada. ($7)IMG_0765A simple shrimp ceviche tostada ($5) is just perfect on some days; not too large, but definitely not small. IMG_1535My 'usual order here is the whole fried fish ($12.50)IMG_1539Which I enjoy completely. IMG_1534This is a grilled chicken salad ($7), similar to the carne asada one, above. You can see the cilantro-lime dressing on the chicken, which is so refreshing.
IMG_2544 Sometimes, I crave fried items and the 'side order' (no rice or beans) of beef flautas ($5) satisfies.IMG_2546 On chilly days, the fish soup ($10) is just perfect.  Large pieces of fish, plenty of vegetables in a seafood/tomato broth. It really hits the spot.

Stay cool!

Los Palmitos Taco Shop 5145 Clairmont Mesa Boulevard (between Limerick and Longford) San Diego 92117

(858)974-1946 Open 8 a.m.-midnight, daily Website

 

IMG_3388IMG_3389Why, yes, the first photos are from meals prior to the addition being built. These above photos show the new plates being used as well as the new tabletops.  

It's hot, I wanted to post about a favorite place and really, the food is the same…although the slices of orange on that above whole fish plate were painfully thin and dry…

Szechuan Chef (again)

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of this food blog, written by three friends.  Today, Kirk and Ed(from Yuma) are unable to write about any meals either has consumed recently and Cathy's got a meal recorded on her camera, ready to share.

It's been *hot* the past few days! When I woke (around 2 a.m.) it was 65 and by 2 p.m., it was 101.  {I fall asleep around 7 p.m., if you are concerned}.  It was a day to get chores done early and then do nothing when the heat hit.  Cooking inside our (non-air conditioned) house was not considered.

IMG_6269So, back we went down Convoy Street.  Szechuan Chef is part of our 'rotation', which Kirk first wrote about in 2013  then I wrote about in 2015, posting once more as one of our 'birthday meals' in 2016 and most recently, Kirk wrote about a meal in April

  We try to order one 'new to us' dish as well as one 'familiar' item when we go out and today was no exception. IMG_6263 Fish filet with tofu in black bean sauce ($10.99){rice is $1} was very nice, quite a large portion, had some great flavors and textures. Crispy fish, fried tofu and a not too salty black bean sauce with onion. Mild-no heat.  IMG_6266Of course, my go to here is the deep fried cumin (not turmeric) fish ($10.99). Red pepper, onion, Chinese celery, garlic, ginger and  IMG_6267chile peppers.  We are never asked about what spice level we would like and it always is just enough.  

Stay cool!

Szechuan Chef 4344 Convoy Street #F San Diego 92111 (858) 279-8881

2018 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float road testing. Small snack at Cream Pan-Tustin. Breakfast at BMC Pho-Hacienda Heights.

mmm-yoso!!!, this food blog, usually has a story about how a meal or meals occurred.  Today, Cathy is writing.  Kirk and Ed (from Yuma) are busy with meetings and appointments and 'check off the list' stuff.

Saturday morning, leaving the driveway at 5 a.m., heading North.  After about an hour, getting to the parking lot and stepping inside Cream Pan, 

IMG_7233IMG_7227for the first time this year. IMG_7230 It's mostly the same, 

IMG_7226other than the slight (10¢) price increase for the strawberry croissant… IMG_7232…and the new, secondary check out area. Cream Pan 602 El Camino Real Tustin, CA 92780 Website 
IMG_7234 We purchased a ham and cheese croissant ($2.60) and a cheese crisp ($2.50) and jumped back on the freeway, heading to Irwindale and the new location of Phoenix Decorating Company, arriving before 7 a.m.. IMG_7261 We passed the new Construction/Decorating 'barn' and saw some of the floats which were tested last month.  

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We noticed only three floats were lined up for testing this morning.   IMG_7239"Story Time", the entry from the City of Alhambra features a bookworm reading the book 'Tales from the Alhambra', ladybugs flying, zinnias, leaves and lily of the valley.  

The openings in the above photo are where the 'observer' and the 'driver' will be seated when the float is driving down Colorado Boulevard on January 1.  

The colors are painted on the floats as a marking for the decorators and also in case of weather (in the event of rain or wind, the float might lose some of its natural decorations and people on the parade route will still see color).

The road test is for both mechanics and maneuverability of the float.  Each float has at least three tests, the final test that everyone can get off of and out of the float in 45 seconds or less. 
IMG_7240The Lions Club International entry to the parade, "Preserving Our Environment" will have a water feature- IMG_7254flowing around the rotating water wheel. The colors have not been marked yet.IMG_7247The third float tested on Saturday was this one from Trader Joe's- interesting  in that there is a long hitch on both the front and the rear, which makes this a part of a multi-piece float. 

Now you've seen floats in three stages of testing!

Phoenix Decorating Company 5400 Irwindale Avenue Irwindale, CA 91706 Website

Since this float builder location and part of Los Angeles County is 'new' to us, The Mister and I began to drive South and explore, looking for breakfast places as well as possible places to eat after we decorate floats in December.  
IMG_7284 Noticing this at the corner of Gale Avenue and Hacienda Boulevard,we stopped. 
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IMG_7268 So much is offered here, but the banh mi menu (to the far right, just behind the cash register) caught my eye. I'm always on the lookout for a good banh mi (nothing in San Diego satisfies me any more since the fire of August 4, 2015, destroying the now almost reopened K Sandwiches).   IMG_7276 We were very pleasantly surprised.  BMC has a 'buy two, get one' deal, so all three sandwiches cost a total of $7.50.  We chose the #2, #4 and #6-BBQ pork, shredded chicken and egg. Each was prepared on wonderful, fresh, crispy crusted light bread, a spread of mayonnaise and topped with pickled daikon, carrots, cilantro and fresh slices of jalapeño. We were impressed with the char grilled flavor of the (plentiful amount of) pork and flavorful shredded chicken…oh but the egg…IMG_4073 Crispy whites, solid yolks and just a perfect breakfast sandwich.  

We will be returning here at some point to try out other menu items. 

BMC Pho 1104 S. Hacienda Boulevard Hacienda Heights, CA 91745 (626)330-3765 Open daily 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

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Bun Mam Thru the Years from Nhu Y

We had a bit of cool down recently, which was great for having noodle soup. For some reason, I'd been craving Bun Mam; I hadn't had it in a while, so I decided to "scratch that itch" and headed to Nhu Y.

Nhu Y Rev Ag 01

After being Nhu Y for a number of years, it seemed that the place went thru a couple of name changes over the last couple of years. Now, I think they're back to being Nhu Y. In spite of those changes; the heart of the menu has been the same for me. And the one item I get here is the Bun Mam, which has also gone thru a number of changes over time….I'll get to that at the end of the post.

Here's the Bun Mam circa August 2017.

Nhu Y Rev Ag 02 Nhu Y Rev Ag 03I'm going to mostly stick to the broth on this post. Which was much "redder" than I recalled; more than the 2012 version. While it still has that rather swirly, darkish, cloudy, almost thick look and feel, this was much lighter than other versions. It was also less funky; I believe they don't use as much fermented fish paste as they used too. This had less of a savory punch and was more sweet and spicy.

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As for the rest; well, I'm used to the catfish being on the muddy side here these days; the shrimp was actually deveined on this day. The eggplant was soft and velvety, the pork belly a bit on the chewy side.

I wore dark clothes and was careful to not spill any broth on my shirt.

After all these years; still a pretty good soup to have when you want something hearty and rich.

And I think they've gone back to being Nhu Y again….I think.

Nhu Y Restaurant
4712 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92115
Open Daily: 7am – 9pm

As mentioned in the title and first paragraph of the post. The Bun Mam at this location has changed over the years. And just looking the photos tells the story.

From the first bowl of Bun Mam I had here in 2006.

NhuY06 NhuY07Dark and pungent. The broth hit you from the first sip….perhaps not in the most pleasant way, but you just kept on going because it seemed to just get better and better. The catfish was quite good in those days and the pork belly was very "swiney" and tender.

In 2010 Nhu Y became Com Tam Thuan Kieu though the Bun Mam didn't change much.

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To quote – "The broth was as before, salty, slight sweetness, pungent, and spice, all converging in a bowl."

Then, in May of 2012 my dry cleaner lady told me that Thuan Kieu had changed the recipe, so I dropped by and noticed that yes, it had indeed changed.

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Less pungent fermented flavors and more spicy, sweet, tangy, and lighter. Though in terms of fragrance; "For the two women who stopped and sniffed the air and the one kid who actually whiffed his armpits when I walked past you at Nijiya after my meal. It was just me….'ol Mam Tom breath………."

By 2014; the place had become Com Tam Nhu Y. And it seems that the recipe had reverted back to a facsimile of the original.

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This wasn't quite as thick and there's the addition of the stuffed jalapeno. It was still pretty potent though: "This was actually pretty close to what I had recently at Nhu Y Clairemont and I didn't have to wait until after 3pm to order it. Though that Hispanic couple who came in and sat behind me, then moved after my soup arrived may want that 3pm rule implemented here…."

And then the version I had at the end of last year.

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Kind of on the "oily" side; a ton more shallot and garlic tones, the broth had started down the road of more sweeter than pungent tones. "It's quite a savory concoction……you want to make sure that you don't spill any of it on your clothes. Sammy will often follow me around the house after I eat this….must smell great to him!"

Who knows what the Bun Mam here will be like the next time I get that itch? I do hope it'll head back in the direction of that first bowl I had in 2006. At the least; I'm sure it'll be interesting.

Bolsa (revisit)

Here you are,  reading mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. This is a quick Saturday post, since Kirk, Ed (from Yuma) and Cathy are each out and about (in their own way) and still, there is some sort of food item that should be shared. This is Cathy posting.

Cha Ca Thang Long, turmeric coated, pan fried fish.  This is one of my favorite meals,  so much so, that I chose it as one of my birthday meals during 'birthday week' last year (the Mister and I were born seven days apart and our tradition is to go out to eat on each of those eight days).

We were on Mira Mesa Boulevard, avoiding traffic, and decided to stop at Bolsa before the final few miles home.  

 IMG_3415 On this day, my dill and onion topped freshly pan fried turmeric coated fish plate ($15)IMG_3414 was accompanied by the 'traditional' sides- lettuce, mint, chilled rice noodles, peanuts and a few pieces of  Bang Trang Me (sesame rice crackers). Again, everything was perfect.  The individual as well as combined flavors of this dish are cravable.   IMG_3411IMG_3418 The Mister wanted a salad of some type on this (another) hot day, and the shrimp, pork and jellyfish salad ($8) matched his cravings.  The jellyfish is marinated in a vinegar/fish sauce and the resulting salad is sweet, spicy and sour at each bite.  The lettuce, cucumber, mint and peanuts round out the vivid flavor combinations.

I hope your weekend is relaxing and not too hot!

Bolsa 9225 Mira Mesa Boulevard San Diego 92126 (858) 693-3663 open 9-9 daily Website

P.L.Bagels (and some Point Loma exploring)(A stop at the new Jensen’s Foods)

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of this food blog.  Writing of posts is shared by three friends.  Today, Cathy is writing because Kirk and Ed(from Yuma) are busy tying up loose ends.  

Yes, I've written about P.L. Bagel a few times, 2012, 2013 and most recently in 2014. It's a regular stop, because it's good..and on the way to a place where The Mister and I can take a peaceful walk.  IMG_6928
  IMG_6915IMG_6914 IMG_6913Prices for a 'Breakfast Special' with a coffee  have gone up by 25¢ since 2014, which is minuscule for this family owned and run business. A plain bagel (as well as a bialy) is still 95¢.  IMG_6918 The mini bagels are now 50¢  IMG_6920 Here's a size comparison. That's a Bialy on the left, only available on weekends.  I enjoy the baked chewy dough, which has a bit of chopped onion in the center top.  IMG_6922 This was a nice breakfast, with eggs and cheese.   IMG_6923IMG_6924  The salt bagel (as are all the bagels here) is covered on both sides with toppings.  Not many bagel shops make salt bagels anymore.  The bagels here are a 'proper' size- not crazy large nor crazy fluffy.  

We've enjoyed visiting this local longstanding business (which makes a great product!). 

P.L. Bagel 3704 Voltaire Street, Suite 107 San Diego 92107 (619) 223-4788 open daily 6a.m.-1 p.m.

IMG_6929 Our regular walks take us to Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, where we enjoy the overcast mornings and peaceful quietness. IMG_6942 Earlier this year, the only market on Catalina Boulevard (the main road on The Point) re-opened as a new location for Jensen's Foods (it had been a Fresh and Easy before that chain left the U.S.). Jensen's slogan is "Make Every Day an Occasion". IMG_6943 If you have been paying attention, it is Hatch Chile season and Jensen's is one of the many participating roasters (the prices for Hatch Chiles here are less than other locations).
IMG_6937 There are many interesting items at Jensen's, including a by the pound salad bar and (at least on weekends) a breakfast bar.  It's quite a nice store.  This is the only San Diego location and we are taking advantage of the offerings.  (It's been in business since 1940!).

Another nice weekend 'staycation'. Thanks for reading!

Jensen's Foods 955 Catalina Boulevard San Diego 92106 (619)550-2097 Open daily 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Website

Boston Market (Revisits to a place never posted)

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog.  Kirk, Ed(from Yuma) and Cathy share in writing and posting about meals enjoyed.  Today, Kirk is working some overtime and Ed(from Yuma) is busy with things, so Cathy is writing this post.  

The Mister and I do not 'regift'.  If someone has gone to the trouble of purchasing a gift and a card, addressing, finding a stamp and mailing something to me, I am happy to accept and then use whatever it is. Then my thanks are sincere.  So, that's how this post began; a gift card in the mail. IMG_2696 Boston Market, since 1985. An American chain with over 450 locations which has the mission "create awesome rotisserie meals, served quickly, by warm and friendly people".  How had I forgotten- it's been at least ten years since we had been here.IMG_5186 That's the whole menu, which changes with some seasonal offerings. The primary choices here involve rotisserie chicken, turkey and meatloaf… IMG_5188 and sides!  A plethora of choices: mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, sweet corn, rotisserie potatoes, sweet potato casserole, creamed spinach, fresh steamed vegetables, green beans, southwest rice, caesar side salad, vegetable stuffing, squash casserole and cinnamon apples.  

IMG_3559 A three piece (dark meat) rotisserie chicken plate ($8.29) with a choice of two sides- creamed spinach and mac and cheese on this one.  So nice, decadent, flavorful.     IMG_3557The "Market Pair"-soup and half sandwich plate ($7.49) a choice of soups (chicken noodle) and a turkey half sandwich (there are other choices of each item).  Again, this was very nice and so very good.  Homestyle, not heavy; pleasant, familiar food.    IMG_5191 A salad with rotisserie chicken ($8.29).  Fresh and tasty with a lot of juicy, still warm chicken. Quite a large portion.  IMG_5193 The meatloaf plate ($8.29)  Two thick slices of a very good meatloaf, along with the creamed spinach and rotisserie potatoes (which are nicely crispy yet with a fluffy interior).

The in store meals are brought out to you on real plates, with real (not plastic) utensils after you order and pay.  So old fashioned and home style. 

The reason I received the gift card? A home bound friend asked me to pick up and order for her earlier this year, during Lent, when I don't eat meat on Friday. 

IMG_2851IMG_2694I had noticed this signage and bought myself the seasonal item (which came on a very nice, reusable to-go plate). The baked cod was excellent! 

I'm sad that I had forgotten and had stopped dropping by Boston Market, it's a great alternative.

Boston Market, multiple locations, nationwide. Website

Back to Luce Bar & Kitchen

I know quite a few folks who love Luce. They're regulars and keep telling me that the place has really stepped up their game over the last couple of years. I hadn't been to Luce in ages, so while I haven't been wowed by my previous visits, heck the place is in my neighborhood…..

Luce Rev 01

I've always had really great service here and I like the vibe; relaxed, very neighborly, decent beer list.

Luce Rev 02

Luce Rev 03

Looking at the dinner menu; well, other than the salads, it didn't inspire me very much.

I ended up getting the Smoked Tri-Tip Sandwich ($14).

Luce Rev 04 Luce Rev 05This was not bad; not a particularly large portion of rather under-smoked tri-tip. Of course, I don't expect to be as good as my favorites, nor even like what I make at home. This was ok, a bit tougher than I enjoy. The roll was decent; though a bit dry. The caramelized onions was a nice touch as it added a much needed sweetness to the sandwich, I also enjoyed the horseradish crème fraiche, the sweet-pungency was perfect. I didn't care much for the provolone, which was too mild to add anything to the dish and would have preferred more tomatoes. The avocado added another layer of creaminess which was nice.

I actually enjoyed the fries most of all. Not too much truffle oil, places just kill you with that stuff these days, a nice amount of garlic…..fried to a nice crispness.

And then I noticed the chalkboards…..my goodness; sweetbreads? It seems that there are weekly specials served after 5 pm.

So I met my friend "Al" for dinner. She lives close by. Sadly, they erased the sweetbreads from the menu as we arrived. Still, there were several items to choose from.

Off the dinner menu we selected the Roasted Beet Salad.

Luce Rev 06

The beets were very nice; though there wasn't much of it. The greens crisp and fresh, but a bit over-dressed for my taste. For some reason, both Al and I thought the goat cheese was overkill; there was just too much of it here.

The best dish of the night was the Tempura Shishito Peppers. Nice laquer batter; crisp and crunchy.

Luce Rev 07

The cotija cheese was a surprisingly nice companion to the peppers and what seemed to be a wasabi based sauce. A very nice dish. I'd have this again.

We finished with the Octopus, which was a bit of a let down.

Luce Rev 08

The seaweed salad really clashed with the grapefruit, it was a real odd combination. The octopus, a bit chewier than I prefer was lost in this dish.

Overall not bad, the food was better than on my previous visits. I'll be interested to see what else the kitchen comes up with beyond the regular pub grub. I will be back; the crew here is really friendly. And with the trolley coming in, it seems like places are trying to up their game a bit as the gentrification of this part of Bay Park continues.

Luce Bar & Kitchen
1959 Morena Blvd
San Diego, CA 92110
Hours
Mon – Fri 11am – 10pm
Sat 10am – 11pm
Sun 10am – 930pm

Noodling Around – Revisits to Minh Ky and Pho King

It's been noticeably cooler the last couple of days. So, I thought I'd grab some noodle soup. As my post on Tu Thanh indicates; I'm trying to refamiliarize myself with City Heights.

Minh Ky:

I've done posts on Minh Ky so many times over the years. Though it's been maybe a year and a half since I'd visited. It was 830 on a Saturday morning; I'd be driving up to the office right after. I thought a bowl of egg noodle soup would do the trick, rather than my usual Beef sate Egg Noodle Soup "dry". Not quite knowing what to order; I went with the Combination Egg Noodle Soup.

Things were pretty quiet on this weekend morning. With the staff prepping condiments and stuff.

Minh Ky Again 01

I couldn't believe the how much "stuff" was in my bowl of egg noodle soup ($6.95). Way too much noodles, I couldn't finish……

Minh Ky Again 02

Good lord.

Like before; the char siu was decent in flavor if a bit tough. Squeaky fish balls, not a fan of the shredded chicken, he sliced fish cake was pretty good. But lordy, so much noodles! Which were nicely prepared, a bit of crunch and pull to them. The broth has gotten a bit weaker over the years and this was no exception.

I'd never been able to finish a bowl of noodle soup here…..until this day.

Service was a bit friendlier on this day. Maybe because when I arrived, the young lady had her hands full of produce and stuff and I helped her? Maybe that's why I got the jumbo noodle soup treatment?

Minh Ky Restaurant
4644 El Cajon Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92115

Pho King:

Can you imagine; it's been over a decade since that "Pxx Kxxg" Restaurant has been open?

P King Rev 01 P King Rev 02And this parking lot has become just as bad as Minh Ky's right across the street.

I drove by at about 1030 am on a weekend and the place was pretty busy.

Noticed the 'B' in the window and also that when the couple complained about the blower over the door going full blast; the guy took a chopstick out of the receptacle, used it to press the switch to turn it off and returned it right back into the container! And….no one blinked an eye.

I ordered my usual here; the Hu Tieu Mi Kho; but apparently I didn't do a good job ordering and received the Hu Tieu Mi Nuoc. The place was super busy; so I decided to just have my noodle soup.

P King Rev 03 P King Rev 04I'd never really enjoyed the broth at PK in the past, but this was not bad. Not too salty, a hint of pork, with a slight background umami. The fishballs and ground pork (hard for me to enjoy in a soup) were totally routine. The char siu tasted pretty good, but they serve it sliced really thin and almost shredded, so it's hard for me to enjoy. I enjoy the contrast of textures between the slightly crunchy egg noodles and the stretchy rice noodles. I'm also a fan of Chinese celery which is provided, along with bean sprouts.

So maybe I'll start ordering the noodle soups here again……

Pho King Restaurant
4658 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92115

Funny thing, I went and did a quick search for previous visits to link to while typing up this post and found the same two 'fer, at least it would have been, if I got what I had intended to order at Pho King. Guess I'm a real creature of habit.