February 2025 – mmm-yoso

Spicy Lao Kitchen Revisited

February 28, 2025 mmm-yoso Lao Restaurants

In my post on Pha Khao Lao this past Wednesday, I mentioned enjoying like dishes at Spicy Lao Kitchen a bit more and that we needed to do a return visit to compare. In the comments of that post, "FOY" Junichi mentioned how warm the weather has been recently, perfect weather for some Lao food. Well, I'm thinking Junichi is psychic (perhaps he should be the true owner of the Ojai Psychic Friends Network t-shirt?) because guess where we went?

Yep, Spicy Lao. We got there right past opening, a few minutes after 11.

Spicy Lao Rev 01

We ordered a load of food, getting our favorites, which I won't dwell on too much since I've done several posts on Spicy Lao already. I'm going to focus a bit more on dishes we hadn't tried before.

The Nem Khao was perhaps even better than what we had on our first visit to Spicy Lao.

Spicy Lao Rev 02

And the Moo Tod always delivers…..

Spicy Lao Rev 03

As does the refreshing, spicy Goong Nam Pla. My goodness, the spice, acidity was spot on. This was so refreshing!

Spicy Lao Rev 07

Remember we wanted to order the Heavenly Beef on our last visit, but they were out? Well, guess what we got? Yes, the Sien Savanh.

Well, these folks own JL Jerky in the same strip mall, so you'd expect the flavor to be spot on; which it was. Not overly salty, good savory tones, hint of sweet. The spicy-fish sauce that accompanied the beef was good. You will need some good teeth for this though!

As I noted in my post on Pha Kao Lao, we've yet to have some decent Mok Pa in San Diego. Though we had never had the version from Spicy Lao.

Spicy Lao Rev 05

So, of course we finally ordered it.

This looked a bit different from versions we'd had before, but the Missus really liked it!

Spicy Lao Rev 06

The fish was super creamy, good dill, kaffir lime leaf, and I made out some lemongrass as well. Slight amount of heat, decent savory tones, though it was a bit on the salty side for me. The Missus did say that this was better than what I make at home. So I guess we've got another dish on our "Spicy Lao list".

And even though the woman working apologized in advance for possible slowness since she and one cook were the only one's working, we actually got our food faster than on previous visits. I guess Spicy Lao is currently our favorite Lao restaurant in San Diego at this time.

Please note the new hours.

Spicy Lao Rev 08

Spicy Lao Kitchen
5375 Kearney Villa Rd.
San Diego, CA 92123

Postscript – I've recently read that Spicy Lao's future is currently up in the air. I'm hoping that they stay in business!

Pha Khao Lao Cuisine

February 26, 2025 mmm-yoso Lao Restaurants

Back in December I heard about a new Lao restaurant opening in Rolando named Pha Khao Lao. The Missus and I usually go for Lao food during warmer weather, so I was going to wait a bit. But then, the last month, the weather has been unseasonably warm, so we decided to head on out and pay Pha Khao Lao a visit.

We liked that the restaurant opens at 1030, so we could beat the typical lunch crowd and there's ample parking in the strip mall that always seems half unoccupied on University. The restaurant is basically located next to the location of Lee's Sandwiches, which Cathy posted on two years ago.

Pha Kao Lao 01a

The interior is quite spacious and the tables spaced out well.

Pha Kao Lao 02

There was only one nice young lady working on both our visits. It was kind of funny when I was looking at movies of Vientiane playing on the big screen and mentioned it to her. She told me, "I hope to go there one day!" I came to find out she's actually Thai!

Of course we went ahead and ordered "the usual"; our favorite items at local Lao restaurants; starting with the Nem Khao (of course – $18.95). We thought the presentation was quite nice and were surprised at the amount of sparkling fresh veggies provided.

Pha Kao Lao 03

The portion size was quite generous. I do prefer a bit more crunchy, crisp rice in my nem khao, the flavors were a bit on the milder side; but there was a good amount of sour sausage provided. This was pretty good, though we prefer the version at Spicy Lao Kitchen.

And yes, we got the Sai Oua ($13.95). We ordered the spicy version.

Pha Kao Lao 04

This was a bit too chewy and dry; lacking in the kaffir lime leaf-lemongrass-ginger tones we enjoy. That Jeow Mak Len had quite a kick though!

And we also ordered the Mok Pa ($14.95); you see, we really haven't had a great version outside of Laos; though the Missus said I make a decent version which I learned at the Tamarind Cooking School in Luang Prabang (I still treasure the three little pamphlets of recipes from the class). And this one was also disappointing.

Pha Kao Lao 05

Pha Kao Lao 06

The fish tasted muddy and was strangely really chewy. There was a distinct lack of dill, kaffir lime leaves, and I believe they put coconut milk in this version.

Overall, a decent meal, the nem khao was quite good. I mentioned our meal to Candice, who recommended that I try the Luang Prabang Papaya Salad. So, having a day off, I headed back over to Pha Khao, and ordered the Tum Luang Prabang ($14.95).

Pha Kao Lao 00 Pha Kao Lao 08 Which was quite interesting as the papaya was sliced into wider strips and I loved the appropriate use of Lao Eggplant; slices of the small green orbs of goodness. This was nice and pungent so it was obvious they used a good amount of fermented crab and fish sauce. I ordered it just medium spicy…which was still pretty hot! I then noticed that there was a combination of two chilies in the salad. Both Thai bird and another. When I inquired the gal laughed and said; "yes, it's more spicy because the chef also uses dried chilies as well!"

Pha Kao Lao 09

The pork rinds provided a savory reprieve from the spiciness. As usual, Candice's recommendation was spot on.

I enjoyed my meals and the warm, friendly service at Pha Khao and it is perhaps my second favorite Lao restaurant in San Diego. While the presentation at Pha Khao is better, we prefer Spicy Lao Kitchen. Of course, now we're going to have to head over there….for comparison sake….yeah, that's the ticket…..

Pha Khao Lao Cuisine
5801 University Ave.
San Diego, CA 92115
Current Hours:
Daily 1030am – 9pm

Cambria – Redwood Cafe

February 25, 2025 mmm-yoso Breakfast/Brunch, Diner, Dog Friendly, Paso Robles/Cambria/San Luis Obispo County, Road Trip, Travel

We made it to Cambria from Morro Bay/Cayucos in record time! It was much too early to check in so we headed to the "East Village" where we had enjoyed the shopping on our previous visits.

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Most of the shops were obviously dog friendly.

And if I wasn't sure, I'd let the Missus enter and wait with JJ outside. And more often then naught, I'd be waved on in.

The Missus really enjoys shopping and browsing in Cambria.

I think that Cinnabar is one of our favorite shopping stops here.

Soon enough, it was time for an early lunch. After checking out a couple of places, we thought that the Redwood Cafe, located in the lot where we had parked our car seemed to have a nice outdoor dining area.

We waked over and were told to go ahead and pick a table; which we did.

The service was very…shall we say "relaxed" and things happened at a slower pace; not a bad things since we were on holiday and didn't know when our room would be ready.

The Missus got the special of the day; Chilaquiles. The eggs were nice and runny. The beans were very…ummmm…"gringo" and pasty.

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The chips were nicely drenched in a red sauce; which was super sour and puckery.

I got a bowl of the Cilantro Chicken Soup.

Lots of tomato and celery. Also super sour! We ended up asking for some hot sauce and once we added some Tapatio to our dishes, things evened out a bit. I could then actually taste some chicken flavor.

Well, it was a nice day, the weather so pleasant and JJ enjoyed hanging out in the shade.

Redwood Cafe
2094 Main St.
Cambria, CA 93428

In fact, JJ kinda enjoyed the "hocus pocus" of Cambria!

And just as we were paying for our meal, I got a text that our room was ready! Nice! We'd be able to check in a couple of hours early and squeeze in a nap!

Golden City – Visits Under New Ownership

February 24, 2025 mmm-yoso Chinese BBQ, Chinese Restaurants

**** Golden City has closed

Remember that post where I noticed the “new” sign for Golden City back in March of last year? Well, I did confirm that the place was under new ownership. I tried to get the Missus to check them out, but after our last visit, albeit under the previous owners, well it was not to be. Then, back at the end of last year, I met my good friend Candice for lunch and we decided on Golden City.

Golden City New O 01

The restaurant was pretty much empty during our entire visit.

Golden City New O 01b

It was great seeing Candice again and between catching up on things we managed to order a couple of dishes.

Starting with the Shrimp with XO Sauce….or perhaps I should call it Shrimp with the breath of XO Sauce as it hardly had any of the rich “seafood umami” that XO sauce brings to a dish.

Golden City New O 02

The onions and bell peppers were a bit overcooked as was the shrimp, which was starting to get rubbery. Because of the lack of flavor, the dish had a slight “greasiness” to it.

Of course we got the half Roast Duck.

Golden City New O 03

While the fat had been decently rendered, the skin was strangely chewy, but at least the skin had flavor. Can’t say much for the dry and chewy meat, which was quite bland.

Knowing we’d have leftovers, I ordered one of the Missus’s favorites; the Salted Fish and Chicken with Eggplant.

Golden City New O 04

Much like other recent versions we’ve had, it seemed like the amount of salted fish was lacking. Perhaps I need to create an “endangered species” bulletin on salted fish? The eggplant was undercooked and fibrous as well.

The one dish that the both of us were looking forward to was the Dry Scallop, Shrimp, and Chinese Broccoli Fried Rice. A dish that Candice had recommended to us before that really delivered. Well, this time, I think the dried scallop was “lost in the mail” somewhere….maybe it was swimming around with the MIA salted fish?

Golden City New O 05

At least the shrimp was decently cooked; but the rice was not, as there were some hard grains. The Gailan was also a rarity in this dish that seemed so haphazardly cooked. I really felt bad for Candice as this used to be one of her favorite dishes here.

This disappointing visit had me wondering what one of favorite dishes of yesteryear, the Kwai Fei Ji was like these days. So, I put off doing a post until I could try the Kwai Fei chicken again. Which ended up taking over two months!

But here I was, looking over the lunch specials and finding that Kwai Fei Chicken isn’t on any of the lunch specials these days.

Which meant I had to order half a chicken ($17.95) and a side of rice ($1.50).

Golden City New O 06 Golden City New O 09 And while the rice was on the dry side and the sauce for the chicken was a bit heavy in the oil department, this was pretty good overall. The skin while a bit on the chewy side had nice flavor and as a while the chicken had been nicely poached as the flesh was quite tender and there were hints of winey-gingery-“fowlness”. One positive for having a rather oil heavy sauce was that it clung nicely to the chicken.

Golden City New O 07

Well, at least the Kwai Fei Chicken was pretty good. And the woman working on this day; I don’t recall seeing her before, was so nice and friendly.

Our “history” with Golden City goes all the way back to the pre-blogging days, back when the restaurant was located on Convoy. My first post on Golden City was when they reopened in this location back in 2005! Back then, we considered the place a good value, with decent food. Not sure about the bang for the buck these days, but I’m hoping the place isn’t just a “one trick pony” kwai fei ji place.

Golden City New O 00

Golden City Restaurant
5375 Kearny Villa Rd.
San Diego, CA 92123
Current Hours:
Mon – Tues, Thurs – Sat 11am – 9pm
Sunday 11am – 830pm
Closed on Wednesday

Croissant Files – ASA Bakery Revisited

February 23, 2025 mmm-yoso Bakery, Croissants, Desserts

Waaaay back in November of 2023 I did a post on ASA Bakery after the Missus requested I pick up some pastries after scrolling thru Instagram. The Missus was less than thrilled with what we got , which I mentioned in my post, along with the crazy long wait. In the comments of that post; the owner of ASA (along with BeShock Ramen, etc) left some thoughtful comments, which I really appreciated.

"This is Ayaka from Asa bakery, thank you for visiting us during soft opening! I feel terribly bad about your experience. Our baker just arrived from Japan end of September. As you can imagine baking or any type of cooking is very different in every country, he needs to make adjustment from ingredients(Japanese flower vs US) water source(Soft water vs very hard water in SD) cultivating yeast, humidity, even measurements are all different (oz vs ml, ℉ vs ℃, lb vs grams). We bake everything in house and that requires high baking skill sets. Training new staffs, hiring experienced bakers also takes time as a brand new business."

Which I totally understood. There's a reason why we enjoy Nagoya so much! And I made up my mind to eventually revisit as Ayaka also stated "Our classic croissant is head baker’s favorite". Croissants you say? The eventuality came to play as the Missus recently asked me to check out ASA again. Of course, I was going to head on down again myself!

I arrived a bit before opening and found parking near Island Avenue.

Asa Rev 01

One of the first things I noticed was this guy lying down at the street corner yelling at people.

Asa Rev 00

And crossing on Market there was this going on right down the street.

Asa Rev 04

But all of that didn't seem to deter the customers waiting for the place to open as there was a good sized line. Though it wasn't as bad as when ASA first opened.

Asa Rev 02

The line moved quite quickly and of course there was always something to catch your attention while waiting.

Asa Rev 03

I was in the shop in about 20 minutes.

Asa Rev 04a

And there was a nice selection of items. The staff were really friendly and efficient. It seems like everything is priced at $5.95. I got a Chocolate Danish and an Earl Grey Melon Pan for the Missus.

Asa Rev 04b

She preferred the Chocolate Danish to the Melon Pan which She said was too bready, had no Earl Grey Flavor, but at least wasn't overly sweet. She did say the Chocolate Danish was much better than what She had before. But it's not something She craves. I guess it's still Desserts by Clement for Her.

As for the Croissant.

Asa Rev 05 Asa Rev 07b Well, in her comments Ayaka describes it as "perfect flaky crust outside, right amount of butter to have moist and chewy texture with light and airy layers." Almost sounds like our favorite croissant in Paris, right? Well, hold on there pilgrim! The croissant was not bad, decent butter, but definitely use more. As for flakey, I'd say it was way too crumbly, the crust "exploding" into a crumby shrapnel. It was definitely light, too airy, without "body" and was quite dry to boot.

Asa Rev 06

This was not bad, though I prefer what Wayfarer, Izola (though based on DavidG's comment about their business practices I may refrain from visiting), and even La Clochette to this. And based on the location, we would have to enjoy what ASA makes, like we enjoy the food at Sovereign in the area to revisit. Though if I can get someone to tell me that their "Sandos" are outstanding, it might be worth a lunchtime visit!

Asa Rev 08

Still, the service and selection was much improved since my last visit. Also of note, ASA does not accept cash; only electronic payments.

ASA Cafe & Bakery
634 14th St. Suite 110
San Diego, CA 92101
Current Hours:
Wed – Mon 9am – 9pm
Closed on Tuesdays

On an interesting note; man, this is my 48th post on Croissants….that's a lot of "beurre under the bridge". I hope you're not getting tired of my croissant posts!

Genoa – Antica Friggitoria Carega and Eataly

February 22, 2025 mmm-yoso Cinque Terre/Genoa, Liguria - Italy, Italian Restaurants, Italy, Markets & Grocers, Seafood, Travel

We were sad to leave the Cinque Terre. We had really enjoyed our stay. My first instinct when planning our trip was to head back to Milan. But while planning things out, I watched Stanley Tucci's Searching for Italy and in the episode on Liguria he visited Genoa and basically indicated that it was the "home of pesto". The episode featured a restaurant, Il Genovese, yes I made sure to call Genoa, "Genova" during my time in Italy. Anyway, the owner of the restaurant established the Pesto World Championship. And heck, we'd had pesto almost everyday during our stay in Liguria, so it made sense to stay in the city, right?

It was a mere hour-and-a-half train ride from Monterosso to the main train station in Genoa. We were staying in near the Old Port, Porto Antico. It was an interesting half hour walk from the train station as we got an introduction to the Caruggi di Genova, the narrow alleyways of the city. Our hotel, the Best Western Hotel Porto Antico Genoa was right down one of these side streets. We had arrived too early to check in, so we stored our luggage and went for a walk.

There are quite a few things to see in the area. It seemed quite touristy during the days, but quiet during the evenings. We quickly figured out things when we saw two cruise ships in port. Still, in spite of having a population of over a half-million, things seemed so relaxed.

It was interesting to watch folks line up for the Bigo a lift on cranes which give you views of the city.

We decided to just relax, especially after all the walking and hiking we did in the Cinque Terre. Just take our two nights and enjoy things.

While walking down the lovely porticos of the waterfront we noticed this little shop. The smell of frying seafood wafting in the air.

Looking things over, we got a "Misto a Piacere" (mixed seafood), "medio" (medium) for a mere 9,5€!

The Missus didn't want the calamari, so we got just the Gamberi Fritti (Shrimp) and Fritto di Pesce (Anchovy). Man the shrimp was fried nicely, still crisp, and quite briny-sweet.

I loved the crisp-savory anchovy. Like I said before, the seafood in Liguria!

Nothing like some good fry-o-lated seafood to get started in Genoa!

Antica Friggitoria Carega
Via di Sottoripa 113r
Genova, Italy

We decided do a bit more exploring before heading back to the hotel. There's quite a bit to do. The Genoa Aquarium is right across…well, across and under highway SS1 which hugs the shoreline, there's Vascello Neptune, a replica of a Spanish Galleon. It was market day at the port.

Part of which ran right under the highway.

We took our time checking things out.

And though we didn't find anything we were interested in; this little one seemed to be happy with its purchase!

We passed this historic building. It's the Palazzo San Giorgio, which is currently the HQ of the Port Authority. This lovely building was built in the 13th Century and the palace was once a prison.

Which housed the one and only Marco Polo. It is said that during his time in the prison, Marco Polo dictated his travels to a fellow prisoner; the writer Rustichello da Pisa. The manuscript which eventually became The Travels of Marco Polo!

A bit further down the port we noticed a location of Eataly.

Well, we'd been to Eataly locations in Copenhagen, Florence, and Bologna, so we thought why not check it out?

As always, there's much to tempt you if you have the $$$$ or in this case the €€€€.

The cheese looked quite enticing, but we were only spending two nights in the city.

And we'd find better ways to spend our Euros.

Still, it was a fun exploring…..

Eataly Genova
Edificio Millo, Calata Cattaneo 15
Genova, Italy

As we left the shop, we figured it was time to check in and take a break before heading out to dinner.

We were enjoying our time in Genova!

Thanks for stopping by!

Diamond Palace (Rolando)

February 20, 2025 mmm-yoso Chinese BBQ, Chinese Restaurants, Dim Sum

In those days when; other than fine dining and out of town places, I did my best to do multiple visits before doing a post, I had tons of "one-and-done" photos that ended up in the recycle folder. But since around 2022, I've been doing some single visits. As to how many visits; well, it depends on price, and possibly if I'm on the fence about a place. Also, with JJ around, many of those meals will be single visit based as well. And in some cases; like Diamond Palace (and a few more), so much time elapsed between visits, that I decided to start "the clock over again".

I first noticed Diamond Palace was taking the place of Lucky Star back in May of 2022. Back at the beginning of 2023, the Missus and I paid a visit….and then just kinda forgot about things. Here are some photos from that visit.

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While it was nice seeing Michael, the former manager of Golden Island, we really weren't impressed. Though I did tell myself to revisit in the couple of months; which became two years! So, those photos were headed for the junk pile…..but…..the Missus was asking about some dim sum. So, we went and (re)visited Diamond Palace and while I did delete most of the photos from that first visit, I had kept a few…which you see above.

And so, it was on a recent weekend morning that we headed to Diamond Palace arriving at around 1030. The place was pretty busy!

Diamond Palace 01

The dining room space is large, but only takes up a part of the huge building. DP serves Dim Sum all day, but we quickly noticed that there was only two carts hovering around and the offerings were limited.

We got some of the Tripe, which was undercooked, super hard, and had not absorbed any flavor.

Diamond Palace 02

Our favorite item by far were the Shrimp Siu Mai; while the wrapper was quite typical; the shrimp filling was tender, sweet, nicely flavored.

Diamond Palace 03b Diamond Palace 04 These seemed a bit over-stuffed, but heck, that shrimp was so good, I ain't complaining about proportion this time around.

The Bean Curd Roll with Abalone Sauce was a disappointment. Mushy and other than being super salty, lacking in flavor.

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As was the Chicken Feet, which the Missus said was too hard and lacking in flavor as well.

Diamond Palace 05

The Roast Duck was pretty good.

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The skin was on the rubbery side; but the fat had been nicely rendered. The flavor on the milder side, the flesh nice and tender. This did well as leftovers, brushed with the duck fat-sauce and put into the air fryer.

We saw Salted Fish and Chicken with Eggplant under the "Chef's Signature" portion of the menu so we ordered it.

Diamond Palace 09

We took a taste and the first thing both the Missus and I said was "where's the salted fish?" The dish lacked the umami-savoriness and the eggplant was undercooked; as we enjoy versions where the eggplant holds it's shape, but then melts as it hits your tongue. This was one of the blandest versions we've had.

So, a mixed bag, but the siu mai was quite good. We returned with a slight "strategy" in mind. This time the place was empty when we arrived. And based on how things were; there was only one cart at a time patrolling the dining room.

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What was our strategy? Well, we'd try to stick with mostly shrimp-seafood dim sum items.

And while it was rather lean pickins' at least the basics were available.

The Shrimp Siu Mai was just as good this time around.

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We also got the Har Gow.

Diamond Palace 13 (2)

While the wrapper was on the thicker and rubbery side of the scale; the shrimp in this was also plump and tasty.

With seafood in mind, we decided to get the Seafood Pan Fried Noodle. The shrimp was perfectly cooked, sweet, and tender. The fish had been nicely velveted and almost melted in one's mount.

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The sauce as quite mild, with just a touch of white pepper and savoriness, but that really helped to make seafood the headliner. Unfortunately, the noodles were undercooked, almost plastic like. Too bad, because this dish was "so close".

What wasn't even "close" was the House Special Roast Chicken. Looking at the photo on the menu, I got serious "Fat Fat Chicken vibes".

Diamond Palace 15

Sadly, the skin was on the rubbery side, the seasoning very mild, not much going on, and worst of all, the flesh was dry and stringy.

Not a great way to end the meal.

I do think we'll return to Diamond Palace for the Siu Mai, Har Gow, and related dishes. Maybe they'll have a better variety of items available. And perhaps some duck. But as a whole, stick with seafood items.

You can read Soo's post on Diamond Palace here.

Diamond Palace 16b

Diamond Palace
3993 54th St.
San Diego, CA 92105
Current Hours:
Mon – Fri 10am – 9pm
Sat – Sun 930am – 9pm

Happy Hour With JJ – The High Dive

February 19, 2025 mmm-yoso Gastropub, Pubs and Pub Grub

So, we're finding the JJ enjoys his walks….and I mean "walks". He's quite the trooper. We just got back from Santa Barbara and he did the 5 mile round trip walk with no problem!

So, the Missus was trying to figure out where to take the "J-mon" and thought of High Dive. It had been a while since we visited and I noticed hat there are Wednesday specials as well. It was a nice mile walk; downhill one way, uphill on the return, and JJ did well.

High Dive JJ HH 01b

We sat in the patio; it was such a nice day for February. And yes, there are Wednesday specials.

High Dive JJ HH 01

We were tempted by all the birria options; but in the end, that just seemed like a bit much. Instead, we went with a favorite of ours; the Chicken Chicharron ($12) and some Elote Asado ($8). All to be washed down with a Buenaveza Mexican Lager ($8) for me and the Missus had a Steigl Grapefruit Radler ($8).

High Dive JJ HH 02

The Missus had always enjoyed the Steigl Grapefruit Radler… so much that we visited the Stiegl-Keller Gastgarten in Salzburg, where their Headquarters and Brewery is located. She loves the refreshing flavor and the low (2%) ABV.

Soon enough the Chicken Chicharron arrived.

High Dive JJ HH 03

The salty-mildy spicy-tangy-sour Tajin does this dish well. The thinner slices are really crisp…like explodes when you take a bite crisp. Mildly "fowl-ly", this is by far our favorite item at High Dive. It goes so well with a nice Cerveza.

The Elote was warm, crunchy, but had a bit too much butter for our taste.

High Dive JJ HH 04

We used up all the lime to balance out the flavors. Not bad, but not sure we'll have this again.

Our Server was wonderful; the vibe is quite laid back, JJ got some water to relax and then barked at dogs walking by! I'm sure we'll be back…right JJ?

High Dive JJ HH 05

High Dive Bar and Grill
1801 Morena Blvd
San Diego, CA 92110

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week and enjoying the warmer weather!

Tasty Noodle House (Convoy) Revisited

February 17, 2025 mmm-yoso Chinese Restaurants

I've been craving some interesting things lately……for some reason, I've been wanting some baozi or Sheng Jian Bao. Man could I go for some Guo Bu Li Baozi ("stuffed buns that even dogs would not eat" – a specialty of Tianjin).

It had been a while since I'd been to Tasty Noodle House on Convoy and I thought some Zui Ji – Drunken Chicken would be good as well, especially since this would be a solo lunch. The Missus is not fond of Kwai Fei Ji, Zui Ji, and similar type dishes, so this would a chance to have some. JJ was bushed after having two morning walks and it was nap time; so I thought I'd head out to see how things were at Tasty Noodle House.

Tasty Noodle House Rev 01

I haven't been to this strip mall in ages, since the bike lanes went in. There's a somewhat confusing parking situation. The signs say two hours free when at businesses in the mall, then parking will be charged, all other need to pay. But there was nothing to indicate you were at one of the businesses, no attendant, how the heck would they know? Surveillance cameras???

Anyway, walking into the restaurant I asked, and the woman said "no worry" and walked away……ohhh-kay…..

I had arrived right at 11 and the place was empty. In fact, there were no other customers during my entire meal.

Tasty Noodle House Rev 02

I placed my order for the House Rice Wine Chicken (Zui Ji – $10.99) and the Shanghai Grilled Pork Buns (Sheng Jian Bao – $14.50), both of which seemed decently priced for these days. I was told the sheng jian bao would take 20-25 minutes, which was fine, so long they didn't tow my car!

The chicken arrived in the blink of an eye.

Tasty Noodle House Rev 03 Tasty Noodle House Rev 04 Well, this was decent sized portion. The chicken was haphazardly chopped with pieces not completely sliced thru. Unlike the rather decent rendition I'd had in the past; this was pretty bad. The chicken was very bland, the liquid (I really can't call it sauce) had barely a hint of the "pungent-bracing-slightly astringent" flavor I enjoy with this dish. Heck, I'd even take the super salty version I'd had here on a previous visit over this.

Rather than the 20-25 minutes I was told my baozi would take, it was out in less than 10 minutes! Hmmmm…..

Tasty Noodle House Rev 05 Tasty Noodle House Rev 06 Sadly, this was just as bad as the version I'd had here almost a decade ago. The dough was very soggy and rubbery; I like the tops of the baozi to be slightly fluffy. The bottoms were somewhat burnt and on the bitter side, hard instead of crisp. Look, I'm not expecting what we had in Suzhou or what my MIL makes. Heck, if it could be even close to the version at the Hacienda Heights location I'd be happy.

The filling was mushy and overly salty for my taste as well. It lacked a nice porky flavor….or perhaps, all that sodium just messed everything up?

Tasty Noodle House Rev 07

Well, this was a bummer of a meal……

Kinda sad actually.

Tasty Noodle House
4646 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111

Happy Valentine’s Day!

February 14, 2025 mmm-yoso Blog

JJ would like to wish everyone the most lovely Valentine's Day! Of course, I was wishing to get a decent photo of JJ with the cute shirt his Auntie "Alle" got him, but sometimes….well, that's not going to happen.