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?
Comment on your actual post incoming but I just saw that Coco Ichibanya is opening next week =)
https://sandiego.eater.com/platform/amp/2021/3/11/22325588/japanese-curry-chain-coco-ichibanya-restaurant-open-convoy-kearny-mesa
I enjoyed seeing your rotation list…hang in there, keep safe!
Yes, I saw that Derek. I have a feeling it might be pretty busy….
Thanks Kat! You too!
No real set rotation for me; my usual move is to open Google Maps and start thinking about places I haven’t been to in a while. This post reminded me that I haven’t been to Zgara or Bird Rock Coffee in a bit so maybe I’ll swing by that block on Morena this weekend.
Very nice rotation post! I missed this and brings back some memories. I think every few posts I bring up Ba Ren, but I don’t care. It was that good. RIP. Pickings are pretty slim here. There’s a pretty good burger shop in the next town over and two decent Chinese places on the rotation. I was pleasantly surprised with their pig ear. I also like one of the coffee shops here (nothing fancy, but they do have a nice light roast, something I’ve never really liked), and I usually pick up a day old pastry for 50% off in the mornings, being poor again. I’m doing a residency at WSU, so 1.5 years left. A new Greek place opened up that is pretty solid. Of course, our standards have lowered since moving out to eastern WA. Rest of Asian food isn’t good, but I’ve been cooking when I have the time. There’s a theme here where most of the Asian restaurants offer it all (Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese). They should just stick to what they know lol. I’d kill for some decent pizza too. But honestly, we only eat out a few times at month at most nowadays. Partly money, but partly because most places just aren’t worth spending the money. Thanks for sharing. Hey, it’s like UCSD again. I’m living vicariously as a poor student! 🙂 Who woulda thought 14+ years later!
Nice list. I had Santouka last night for dinner. The noodles didn’t travel well but the soup and toroniku hit the spot on a cold evening.
Think your list is more inspired than mine. We do DTF, Spicy house and Joyee for Chinese. Mi Rancho market in Escondido has a nice Covid set up and great tacos. The market at HFS thanks to you and unfortunately more fast food places than I care to mention.
That sounds like a good strategy Derric! Hope you enjoy Zgara and Bird Rock!
Oh my goodness, back to student life Sawyer! I truly miss Ba Ren, wish there was a place close to that good here.
So I guess that’s just the way the noodles are for takeout Junichi. Oh man, that soup and toroniku on a cold evening……
I think it’s whatever works RD! Haven’t been to Spicy House since last year….need to check them out again.
You have a great list of dishes. I just had lunch with Sushi Tadokoro.
We don’t do too much takeout and if we do, it’s from Thai Taste 2 which is close to us. That’s great you have a lot of options nearby.
Hope you enjoyed Tadokoro MrD.
I’m quite thankful that we have places both near home and work to do takeout from CC! Hope all is well.