October 2021 – mmm-yoso

Best Wishes for a Happy (and safe) Halloween!

October 31, 2021 mmm-yoso Cooking, Exploring San Diego, yoso-silly

I thought since I didn't do one of these last year (you know why, right?), I'd go ahead and do one for this year as I've done many times in the past. Like I noticed last Christmas, it seems like folks are really going all out with the decorations; even in our neighborhood.

Man, talking about putting in some work here…..

I didn't see this one crawling out of the ice plants and it kinda startled me……

Folks have put in some effort this year!

Have you noticed the same thing?

We're still keeping a low profile this year as well, but wish everyone a safe Halloween.

I'd usually leave things right here; but thought I'd add in a couple of interesting, perhaps a bit scary things this time around.

Here goes…..

Is the House from the Movie Psycho Located in Bay Park?:

Well, of course not. The set used for the Bates Motel is located on the back lot of Universal Studios.

However, I recall a conversation back in the times "BC" (Before Covid) at my favorite local watering hole, with an old timer who grew up in the area. He told me that when he was going to Bay Park Elementary in the late 60's there was a rumor going around that one of the houses in the neighborhood was rumored to be the house used for Psycho……. I asked which one and was told it was the house on he corner of Denver and Milton which gave me pause. We had actually looked at this house when it was on the market in the early 2000's………

And of course it's not the house from Psycho….though it does bear some resemblance. Anyway, it was built in 1888 (!) and is known as the Stough-Beckett Cottage. You can read an entertaining article here. I also read that it is the only site in Clairemont listed in the City of San Diego Historic Site Board Register.

And then there are the graves still buried under San Diego Avenue:

So, I've recently done a couple of takeout orders from Congress Cafe (I'll post on those soon). While I'm waiting for my order, I'll often take a walk…..there's not much happening at 8am on a Sunday morning in Old Town, so it's a fine time to explore. On my first visit, there was one thing I wanted to find; especially after reading this.

Yes, there's the Whaley House, once named the most haunted house in America. But what I wanted to see was past the Whaley House….near the El Campo Santo Cemetery.

And I'm sure there are so many stories…..

But what I was interested in was located on the sidewalk in front of the cemetery. There are discreet, small brass medallions like this one.

Yep……"Grave Site".

In 1942 San Diego Avenue was widened and many graves were paved over. In 1993 ground penetrating radar was used and 17 more graves were found. Notice the plaque reads "more than 20 men, women, and children who lie buried beneath San Diego Avenue". And only one grave was exhumed and moved……you can figure out why I think.

Man, no wonder they say Old Town is haunted! And this stirred up old memories of a similar situation in my old neighborhood. Anyone recall the faceless ghost at Waialae Drive-In? Here's something from the Honolulu Advertiser back in 1959!

And I grew up a half block from this house…..

Spooky yeah?

And because this is a food blog; here's what we had for dinner tonight.

Have a great week!

Soup Weather – It’s the Cabeza en su Jugo from De Cabeza

October 25, 2021 mmm-yoso Mexican Restaurants

The Missus sure is enjoying the recent cooler weather; She's going for all of Her "greatest hits", Bun Rieu, Moomiok, Menya Ultra, and this past weekend it was the Cabeza en su Jugo from De Cabeza. Other than visits to De Cabeza, I haven't spent any time in Chula Vista….but to please the Missus! Well, that's a different story. I hadn't been back to De Cabeza since April and I was happy to see Jesus hard at work when I arrived.

There were tables at each end of the restaurant with customers….so it seems they are spacing things out rather well. Jesus greeted me with a big smile saying; "welcome back……it has been a while, it's so good to see you!" What a great guy. We managed to chat for a bit while I placed my order. I actually placed an order for two portions of cabeza en su jugo…..I'd be dropping one off at the Missus's work and I'd have my own portion for lunch.

Our dolsot and butane stove are coming in real handy right now. I have a tortilla warmer that I can use in the microwave….it does a pretty good job reheating tortillas and even pitas.

You know, the deep bovine-beefiness, the hearty stock, cut by lime and pungent onions and cilantro is so nice. Steaming hot, it just has that "aaaah" (or is it "moooo") effect. It's just plain wonderful and comforting on a chilly day.

If you want to read descriptions in more detail; check out my previous posts on De Cabeza.

I know the pandemic has been hard on all of us; it's changed the way we work, eat, travel, and live….all aspects of life have been affected. We are so thankful for places like De Cabeza that serve up food that comforts us.

And I am so thankful for all the "Friends of Yoso" who have kept visiting and commenting during these times. We hope all of you are well!

De Cabeza
1043 Broadway
Chula Vista, CA 91911
(619) 349-2505
Hours:
Daily 8am – 8pm

Sunday Sandwiches – Sandwich Island

October 24, 2021 mmm-yoso Cheesesteaks, Sandwiches

Sometimes little "happy accidents" occur. For instance, I had some meetings over the normal lunch time and decided to head to Creative Deli. Thinking about all my meetings I kind of spaced out and before I knew it, I had passed Carroll Road. Sheesh….. I decided to turn around on Trade Street. I took a right turn and headed down Trade Street for a bit. For some reason, I decide to turn around in a parking lot where I saw this signage.

Sandwich Island? Sandwich Island! Wow….well this hit home….I'm from the Sandwich Islands. So, of course I had to stop here since the open sign was lit.

The shop is quite a bit larger than it appears from the outside. A dining area, then a rather long counter area with some additional seating.

The menu was pretty darn large, with everything from Reubens to Club Sandwiches, to Quesadillas and Wraps, to Breakfast options.

Looking at the names of various items on the menu cracked me up….anyone for a "Humuhumunukunukuapua'a" (breaded fish sandwich)……can you even say it? That's always been fun way to test if you're really "local" back home….along with "Kalanianaʻole" and if you can correctly pronounce "Likelike".

Anyway, as I placed my order, I asked the woman if they were from Hawaii and was told that the former owner was; bummas…..

I ordered the Island Club ($8.95) and it felt quite hefty….and when I opened it up…..

Holy smokes….look at all that white bread. This was fine; wish the bread was toasted, but perhaps that was asking for a bit much. Also, wish it had more bacon, but again how could I complain since this was…..in these times, a good value. So, processed ham and turkey, just like "small kid" time…..when we always called this a "Clubhouse". And I couldn't finish this……and had leftovers with dinner.

During my visit, I noticed daily "specials".

Just eight bucks, so I decided to try some of these out.

First was the Haoli, which was spelled Hoali on the lunch special menu, versus Haoli on the menu….I'm assuming this means Hau'oli (happy) versus "Haole"…..which means….well, you know. I got this with the Cabbage Almond Salad.

So, the Italian Roll was actually slightly toasted and fairly crusty and even though it was a bit "too much bread" it wasn't bad. The "salad" was basic almond coleslaw, with very little "dressing on it. Basically coleslaw mix with a bit of dressing.

The sandwich had ham, cheese, and turkey, all standard issue; though the tomatoes were quite ripe and added a nice fruity-acidity to the sandwich.

A bit too much mayo for my taste, but again, you could do a lot worse for eight bucks….like perhaps some interesting "mystery meat"?

So, as things cooled off a bit, I visited on a recent Friday and decided to get the "Special A" for the day….the "Philly" Cheesesteak with fries ($8). And, in all honesty, you couldn't fault the potion size.

These days, here in San Diego, what can you get for eight bucks? Really…. The roll was again decently toasted, the beef surprisingly tender……not enough mushrooms and peppers and the cheese used was really bland and while quite gooey didn't add anything else to the sandwich.

The generous portion of fries didn't hold up well on the 15 minute drive back to the office and was really salty….though some may like that.

I don't want to give you the wrong impression; this is one of those places that is a good value and keeps folks fed. I will say that I prefer Sunrise Deli, Creative Deli, and Kim's Deli to Sandwich Island. Though it again is one of those Mom-and-Pop Delis that keep folks fed for a reasonable price. And I saw some rice bowls and bentos on the menu….so maybe I'll give those a try.

After all, I'm from the "Sandwich Islands"…….

Sandwich Island
7350 Trade St.
San Diego, CA 92121

It’s Getting to be Soup Weather Again – So it’s Emperor’s Soup from Woomiok

October 21, 2021 mmm-yoso Korean Restaurants

Usually, during normal times; I really look forward to cooler weather where I can avail myself of various soups…..of course, with the pandemic….well, I don't think I'll be dining in at your local neighborhood pho shop for a while. But that doesn't mean "no soup for you (me)" during this time. We've found what works (and doesn't), though there's still much to try. And Woomiok does real well as takeout. And it had been a while since I'd done takeout. So, it was the typical drill, head on over, place my takeout order, then head to Nijiya to do some shopping. By the time I'm done shopping, my order is ready…….two birds with one stone and all of that.

We've got the drill down at home as well.

The set-up with our dolsot and Iwatani Butane Stove at the ready. The panchan was quite good this time around, with the baechu kimchi having some nice fermented tones.

I tend to eat more rice with my soup, with the Missus enjoying the tendon, trumpet mushrooms, and leaving most of the rest of the meat to me. The Missus enjoys more salt in Her bowl, while Ill go for the carbs.

Man, having this at almost a rolling boil really does provide that "aaaah" factor.

Sure did hit the spot!

Woomiok
3860 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 737-4599
Current Hours:
Daily 11am – 9pm

So, what have you been eating/craving now that the weather is cooling off?

Patio Dining at Tribute Pizza

October 19, 2021 mmm-yoso Italian Restaurants, Pizza

You might recall in one of our posts from back in June, that the Missus was missing Her visits to Tribute Pizza. As we passed by back in June, the nice fellow told us that if things worked out right they'd be reopening for dining in July. And it did take a while, but Tribute did reopen….but then the Delta variant attacked and we put things on hold. As our latest road trip approached, we understood that we'd be eating in various restaurants along the way and Tribute had started taking dining reservations for both dine in and patio seating. So, we decided to go ahead and make some reservations for the patio……on a Wednesday, which would be slower than, say….the weekend, at 4pm, the earliest time.

We arrived right at the appointed time and were seated on the patio. The woman who was our Server was fantastic and we saw really good processes in place; almost everyone, except the bartenders were masked….there were three parties after us all of whom were dining in; they were all seated at different ends of the restaurant.

The Missus went straight for one of Her favorites here; the meatballs made from grass fed-finished beef and pork.

This was a bit different than what we'd had before; the meatballs are still very tender and a bit lighter than what we'd had before. The sauce had a mild tanginess; though we really couldn't make out the roasted peppers and onions this time around…..we missed the sweet-vegetal-pungency. The Parmigiano Reggiano added the requisite milky-saltiness to the dish….which went nicely since the meatballs aren't overly salty. Funny, everytime I get a sniff of Parmigiano Reggiano, it takes me back to Emilia-Romagna and one wonderful day where I learned so much. The texture of the bread was wonderful….they do bread pretty well here. The only downfall was the olive oil used for the bread, which seemed to be rather low quality to us.

Speaking of bread, you know I had to get my favorite here; the Sea Salt Foccacia with the Sea Salt Foccacia with 'Nduja.

As my good friend "Alle" who is Italian-Venezuelan says; "this isn't foccacia….but who cares what it's called, when it's this good." Wonderful texture, love the mildly spicy, slightly funky 'nduja, though over the years it's become thicker….it still reminds me of a good pork spread with Harissa.

As mentioned a bit earlier; there's something different with the olive oil these days……..still, that didn't detract from how nice the foccacia was.

And of course, we needed to get a pizza and so stuck with the Biancoverde with Prosciutto.

For some reason, this seemed much larger than what we recalled. The crust, well was ice and yeasty, light, though perhaps I'll request it a bit more charred next time. Love the combination of flavors; the bitter-peppery arugula, savory-almost cheesy prosciutto……nice textures; though after the meatballs and "foccacia" there wasn't much room left.

We enjoyed the service, which was warm, friendly, as it always is at Tribute. And while we're still picking our spots; heck the only other place where both the Missus and I "ate in" at in San Diego was Prime Grill back in June when things were looking good here in San Diego. I'm hoping we can stay the course, we do miss eating out…..

Tribute Pizza
3077 North Park Way
San Diego, CA 92104
Current Hours
Wed – Thurs 4pm – last seating 8p
Fri – Sat 4pm – last seating 9p
Sunday 4pm – last seating 8p
Closed Monday – Tuesday
Patio seating available by reservation

Red Devil; I know you've been waiting to visit; have you made it back to Tribute yet?

Funny thing, you can tell we're missing travel so much……for some reason, my love of culatello came up……oh man, it was just love at first bite, I just couldn't get enough of the stuff when we were in Emilia-Romagna. Of course, the funniest thing was when I mentioned this to Massimo Bottura during our dinner at Osteria Francescana and to our immense surprise he called out to the kitchen and personally brought us a plate of his own 46 month aged culatello which he makes for his staff and himself. I love to watch the Missus roll Her eyes when I do the old man thing and say; "did I tell you about the time Massimo Bottura served me culatello"? Sigh…….we're looking forward to the day we feel comfortable travelling internationally again.

Hope everyone is safe and in good health!

La Miche Kabobgee (again)

October 18, 2021 Cathy Lebanese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Well, you're reading mmm-yoso!!!, maybe looking for lunch ideas or maybe you are just curious as to what Cathy ate, or maybe you are wondering when Kirk will return from vacation. In any case, welcome!

Even though I wrote my first post about La Miche in May, while Kirk wrote a post in April (and many posts prior). It has become a semi -regular stop for The Mister and me. The owner (Nabih) and his wife recognize us now and are always so friendly.
We chose our table to have a view of the kitchen on this visit. Sometimes we can see flames leaping during cooking.

The menu was brought out- it's not under glass any more. This was dinner; lunch prices are less. Website link at bottom of this post. The odd cents for the price of each item take into account tax that will be added to make it a 'round' number. If you pay in cash, it's easier to not have to deal in pennies (or nickels or dimes).
As always, flavorful, fresh hummus and just made, hot pitas are brought out when you are seated.
The Mister likes to try moussaka whenever he sees it on a menu ($12.53 lunch, $15.08 dinner). The Lebanese/Middle East/vegetarian version doesn't use any béchamel and is not layered like the Greek version; it is more like a stew. Wonderful with a good amount of roasted eggplant, tomatoes, chickpeas, onions and garlic cloves (we found a few within the sauce-mild and almost sweet because of the simmering). Seasonings are mild and there is no need to add salt or pepper. This is a new favorite.
In my prior post, I had ordered the Fish Kabobgee and this time I wanted to try the other fish version-Mediterranean Fish ($13.46 lunch, $18.56 dinner)). Grilled white fish topped with tomato, onion, cilantro, garlic and lemon juice. I do love a good char on seafoods as well as meats, so the difference from the sautéed fish was notable. Yet, I am not sure which I like better because each version is so fresh, meaty and flavorful.

A wonderful, family owned and run restaurant.

La Miche Kabobgee 9350 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. San Diego 92123 (858) 565-1165
Current Hours: Mon – Thurs 11am – 3pm Fri 11am – 7:30pm, Sat 4pm – 7:30pm Closed on Sunday Website

The presentation of the Mediterranean fish. You can see a corner of the salad which, along with rice was part of each of our meals.

Tea Station (one more post)

October 17, 2021 Cathy Desserts, Taiwanese Food and Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Here you are, reading mmm-yoso!!! on this lovely day. Kirk and His Missus are still vacationing while Cathy is writing.

The first time I wrote about Tea Station was in 2007; I was fascinated with the concept. This San Diego Franchisee location of an internationally owned snack/small meal/beverage/shaved ice dessert spot remained open during COVID-19, which is so nice. (The Mister and I stop in pretty regularly, with posts about visits in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016 and 2019). We usually order one item to share, along with a beverage. There are Monthly Specials and Lunch Specials but I am listing the regular menu prices. There have been a few changes, with the ability to order from your table as well as at kiosks and the cash register.

The menu is about the same, serving some tasty food. Green onion pancake with egg ($7.99) is a good choice. The flaky, crisp egg topped pancake is served with a good chili sauce. Tasty and a nice snack.
Tea dumplings ($13.50) are pretty much a craving. Sure the price has increased over the years ($6.50 in 2007), with the flavors remaining consistent.
Marinated chicken meal set ($16.96) was our choice one day. The plump pieces of lightly breaded flavorful chicken were memorable and served with the sides of three condiments and rice. You might notice everything above was served in disposable packaging…another COVID-19 result, but also easy for leftovers. We did eat in. Desserts, however are served on 'real' plates. Peanut butter toast ($6) was a perfect snack along with a pot of hot tea.
One very hot day, the Iced coconut combination ($8.50) was what we craved. Everything-sweet red and black beans, grass jelly, mochi and coconut milk over ice, served in this very large bowl. A great choice when you do want a bit of everything. Then again, my craving was dark plum with grass jelly shaved ice ($7.50)-prune juice and grass jelly. Pure flavors and yes, a definite craving.
Peach yogurt snow ice ($6.75) is a great beverage. I notice that there are quite a few yogurt based (probiotics or just tart?) beverages available everywhere and have started to order those, because maybe they are "better". Anyhow, this was tasty. Fresh lemon green tea (large)($6.50) was ordered with no sweetness and light ice. We were warned. Fresh squeezed lemon juice- tart! You can taste the green tea as well as the lemon, which is quite fascinating. Will order again.
There are three ordering kiosks at the entrance (in the cash register area). The screen saver all summer was for these fresh fruit teas ($3.99 each, with a minimum order of two). You could choose black or green tea. Apple, pineapple, watermelon, lemon, lime, kiwi. Not too sweet, very refreshing. The screen saver/offer stopped at the end of September. I sure hope this beverage/fruit salad comes back.

A good spot for relaxing with a snack. Some changes due to COVID-19.

Tea Station 7315 Clairmont Mesa Blvd San Diego 92111 (858) 268-8198 Open 11:30 a.m.-midnight daily website

Lemon Grove Cafe

October 16, 2021 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, Greek Food, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog with random posts, is where you have landed. Kirk is vacationing with His Missus and Cathy is writing today.

An early morning wake up with differing cravings had The Mister and myself looking for breakfast away from home. We started driving South, took the Lemon Grove Avenue exit and saw the pretty painted building with an almost full parking lot and decided to stop. This has been Lemon Grove Cafe since 2012 and was a location of Antique Row Cafe prior to that. The writing on the wall says it all.
There is also and outdoor covered area as well as the comfortable indoor seating. The breakfast menu is pretty extensive.
Señor Uno ($11.95) was The Mister's choice. A three egg omelette with sausage and cheese, the side of country fries were chosen (over hash browns) and were crisp with onion and bell peppers. The tasty breakfast sausages filled the large omelette, topped with plenty of cheese.
This came with a choice of toast, English muffin, biscuit or pancakes, and pancakes were what was craved. The cakes were quite thick/large and had a nicely crisp crust.
Once I saw the choice of chicken souvlaki with eggs it had to be ordered. Greek style breakfast-the savory craving would be satisfied. The over easy eggs were properly cooked. The grilled skewer/souvlaki style chicken had large pieces of flavorful dark meat. The tomatoes and Feta combined with the warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce helped make each bite memorable.

We will be returning for more meals at this family owned cafe.

Lemon Grove Cafe 3521 Lemon Grove Avenue Lemon Grove, CA 91945 (619) 644-1031 open Mon-Sat 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Website

Carnitas y Mariscos Las Morelianas (revisit)

October 15, 2021 Cathy Mexican Restaurants, Seafood, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is where you have stopped in your scrolling. Welcome (back). Cathy is writing today; Kirk is not.

I posted about this Sherman Heights mainstay (since 1997) first in 2014 and again in 2017. It's a great restaurant.There always has been an outdoor patio, which has now expanded to have some temporary canopy covers on the other side of the side/parking lot entrance. Once you are seated, a menu is brought out.
There are two kitchen areas (and parts of the menu)- the Las Morelianas (Carnitas side) will catch your eye first.
This carnitas quesadilla ($8.99) is quite a meal in itself. The large flour tortilla (you can also have this on a corn tortilla for $3.99) is filled with fresh shredded carnitas and cheese then griddled to a light crisp. It comes with guacamole and a small salad and is large enough to share, except you might want it all to yourself. So good.

The Enchiladas Suizas plate ($11.99) includes rice, beans and three enchiladas stuffed with the surtido (mixed shredded pork) and topped with a mildly spicy tomatillo based sauce which is made with Swiss cheese. Wonderfully unique and quite a meal. The other side of the door into the kitchen has the La Bahia (seafood) menu and display.
You can order something simple like a fish ceviche tostada ($6.99). Freshly prepared with fish, tomatoes and cilantro, the lime soaked ceviche topped with avocado is craveable. The ceviche is served on its own plate with tostadas on the side; a proper way to serve this dish. You could get all crazy and order chicharron de pescado ($12.99). Fried fish filets. Many. Plump and flavor filled. Lightly breaded and fried and served with house made guacamole. Great to share or have as a meal.
Then again, you could be healthy and order an Ensalada Plancha Pescado ($8.99). Grilled fish on top of mixed lettuces, tomato, cucumber and avocado.

Always a great place to stop. Breakfasts are also available.

Las Morelianas/La Bahia 2121 Imperial Avenue San Diego (619)239-6284 website Open Mon-Sat 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

We usually order a large aquas fresca ($3.50) made at the fruiteria area in the back of the restaurant (next to the juke box) when we first sit down. Pepino (cucumber and spinach) is our favorite.

Sam Woo BBQ-Eating out during COVID

October 14, 2021 Cathy Breakfast/Brunch, Chinese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog. Today's post is written by Cathy. Kirk is taking a vacation with His Missus.

As you may recall, The Mister and I try to have a meal before grocery shopping. If you type "Sam Woo" in the search box at the top left on the blog, there are over 200 results where this restaurant is mentioned; a bunch of those are my posts, because this is our 'stop' before shopping at 99Ranch Market (go ahead and search "99 Ranch"; there are over 800 results).

Sam Woo was one of the first 'dining out' places we ventured out to try once dining in was allowed again. Tables were protected and distanced. It was not crowded.
When we ordered from the lunch menu (back in March) they just brought us this huge bowl vegetable soup. I assume since it was not busy and they were happy to see us again. (SW is back to bringing out individual bowls with the lunch menu).
We also received a communal bowl of steamed rice with our lunches. This was Fish in XO sauce ($12.95)(current price)(also, hot tea is 30¢) which I was craving. It was just so perfect, with the fresh vegetables, plump fish and XO umami . (They now bring out individual rice bowls).
Shrimp in Black Bean Sauce ($11.95) was my other craving that day and the saltiness hit the spot. The plump shrimp and more fresh vegetables were just so nice to have after so much at home cooking.
Of course, we try to avoid crowds when grocery shopping and Sam Woo for breakfast is our usual stop. Coffee is now 70¢ (as is hot tea) and with the condensed milk is just a perfect offset to the savory breakfast.
Number one on the breakfast menu- rice vermicelli with lunch meat (fake Spam)($6.50) is always considered. Number two on the menu is stir fried wide flat rice noodles with soy beans and soy sauce (Wok Hay!). Number three, fried (crispy) noodles with bean sprouts are also considered. Noodles with breakfast pretty much every time we go out.
Fish filet porridge ($6.50)(four other porridges as well as 14 noodle soups are on the breakfast menu) is my usual choice; it has wonderful flavor. Fried donuts ($2) are also now made here (used to have to run across the hall to pick some up at the 99Ranch steam table) making the breakfast complete.
Roast duck Lo Mein ($6.50) is always a choice when we see the ducks hanging in the BBQ area (sometimes they are not out early when we are here). Crisp skin, tender meat, savory broth along with non-mushy noodles and steamed box choy makes a great breakfast.

Sam Woo BBQ Restaurant 7330 Clairemont Mesa Blvd Ste 103 San Diego, CA 92111 (858) 505-9888 Open seven days 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

(Old photo; fond memory. You now have to request condiments)