I was recently pondering what our Pandemic Takeout Rotation is….that is, the places we've done a bunch of takeout from over the last year……I'm guessing that this post is somewhat timely since (not a great thing) the WHO declared Covid-19 to be a pandemic on this day a year ago.
What I did notice is that things like weather, work, cravings, or indecision kind of drove the decision process. So I've categorized places by that process
So here goes…..
For cold weather – Menya Ultra and Woomiok:
Like I mentioned before, I'm not if it's because we're spending more time at home; but this fall and winter seems to be much colder then I recall.
So, of course Menya Ultra's Stay at Home Kit…….so well and thoughtfully put together; love the fresh noodles (i.e. fresh made and uncooked) is our rotation.
It's basically at least two meals……there often is too much noodle; so I'll often use it for another dish.
Menya Ultra Ramen
8199 Clairemont Mesa Blvd 
San Diego, CA 92111
858-571-2010
When the Missus or I feel somewhat tired……we enjoy the Emporer's Soup along with an extra side of bone broth from Woomiok.
We enjoy the restorative effects of the bone broth….even if it might be "all in our heads".
This was especially nice after the Missus or I felt some of the side effects from our vaccines.
Woomiok
3860 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 737-4599
And then when we're experiences unseasonal warm weather – it's the Market at HFS:
That's an easy one, right? It's also a handy fix when I'm missing "home".
Of course, you know the Missus right? Eating poke just ain't the straightforward for Her……there's a bit of prep involved. Can you imagine when I actually deliver this for Her lunch at work?
And I blew this one because one thing was missing….shiso leaves…sigh….
Hawaiian Fresh Seafood Fish Market
6491 Weathers Place
San Diego, CA 92121
(858) 282-0591
For that "special" takeout dinner – it's Tadokoro:
I guess this one should be pretty obvious based on some of my previous posts.
Sushi Tadokoro
2244 San Diego Ave
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 297-0298
And when we can't make our mind up? Well, it's probably Noble Chef or Sizzling Pot King:
For those times when we don't really know what to get.
The Noble Chef
6159 Balboa Avenue
San Diego, CA 92111
Though I think we've been getting Sizzling Pot King weekly now.
**** Sizzling Pot King is now Zhang Liang Malatang
It's usually two meals for us…..and heck, if you're wondering what I do with those leftover noodles form Menya Ultra…..
I save all the drippings from the dry pot and use it as a sauce for the noodles….I know, kinda weird, but I like this strange version of Liang Mian…..
Sizzling Pot King
8058 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 279-0088
The Missus's weekend coffee fix from Birdrock:
I'll usually drop off pour over from Birdrock on Morena.
She loves the fruity acidity of African beans and of course when there's Geisha (caution – over $12 a cup for pour over)…..
The folks there already know me by name and make an awesome pour over……even though their spelling can be a bit iffy……
Bird Rock Coffee Roasters
1270 Morena Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92110
And then, there's my weekly reward for working from home – Zgara Greek Grill:
Another pretty obvious pick. I'm not the biggest fan of all this WFH stuff; but Frankie needs and deserves the attention and care. So, once a week I'll reward myself.
Zgara Greek Grill
1229 Morena Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92110
You know looking at this list makes me wonder why other places from my usual rotation like Mien Trung aren't here…..there are some obvious reasons for others; like Yakitori, Yakiniku, Korean BBQ, and some of my regular Japanese restaurants….well, I just think takeout wouldn't do justice to the food…..though maybe EE Nami might make this list soon.
Anyway; here's looking to brighter days….I'm hoping the light at the end of the tunnel is coming into view.
And of course, I want to know, what has your takeout rotation been?