Cathy – mmm-yoso

Home Sweet Home (Escondido) (again)

July 24, 2025 Cathy American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, What Cathy Eats!

Welcome back to mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Once again, Cathy is writing about what she eats. Kirk is busy with research so he can write interesting things about his food adventures.

The Mister and I have enjoyed many meals at Home Sweet Home Cafe with my most recent posting in 2022. Recently, my brother and I visited for breakfast.

This nondescript diner in the midst of an industrial park took over from another diner in 2010. The simple breakfast-lunch menu is served all open hours and you are always made to feel like home when you are here. So friendly. Just watch where you park on weekdays; the other open businesses are strict.

There is something to see wherever you look; on the walls, tabletops, windows.

My brother asks to go out to 'local' places, defining such as 'having mismatched coffee cups'. I need to photograph those next time.

Biscuits and gravy (half order) with one large sausage, two eggs and home fries ($13). The potatoes are nicely crisped with onion and bell pepper. The breakfast sausage is an excellent quality and pieces mixed in with the peppery white gravy poured over the fresh made, crisp crusted fluffy biscuit just make it a perfect dish. Of course the orange yolked poached eggs are quite nice.

Hot Cake Special (two) with one large sausage link and two (scrambled eggs) ($13.50) is pretty much what my brother always wants for breakfast.

A side of deep-fried bacon ($7). He asked for 'very crisp' bacon and our delightful waitress suggested deep fried. Of Course! This was really good.

Consistency, quality. A great place. Home.

Home Sweet Home Cafe website 662 Enterprise Street, Escondido 92029 (760) 743-2233 Open Mon-Fri 5 AM-2 PM, Sat 5AM-1 PM Sun 7AM-1 PM

Michi Michi (Hillcrest) An ever-changing bakery collective

July 23, 2025 Cathy Bakery, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is, for another day, being written by Cathy while Kirk is busy with 'research' for his portion of this food blog. Enjoy reading.

cc even did the driving on this day and this was good, since I was unfamiliar with where we were going and really didn't know where to park, even though my Dentist's old office was in the area.

Michi Michi, a Baking Collective, opened in November 2024. A Collective is a rotating selection of local bakers, showcasing their creativity, artistry and skills. The additional emphasis of a Collective is on supporting local farmers and businesses with ingredients sourced from nearby farms (San Diego County has the most organic farms in the State of California, more than 280. 94% of the farms in the County are Family farms and 41% are owned by women, according to the San Diego County Farm Bureau).

Yes, there is usually a line outside, because the space inside is small, holding about six people. At the far end near the cash register is a listing of the current bakers, makers and suppliers. Something new at every visit.

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There is also a line when the storefront first opens, a 8 AM Thursday-Sunday.

Walk along, try to order judiciously, maybe also pick a beverage and pay.

cc chose a Watermelon-Mint Olive Oil Cake Danish and a Huevo Ranchero Danish (egg, salsa, Cotija cheese and tortilla strips).

I chose the ham and cheese croissant, topped with sesame and poppy seeds. Wonderful perfectly laminated layers of butteryness surrounded by great crispiness. A flavorful ham and cheese filling.

Michi Michi, Baking Collective 2800 Fifth Avenue San Diego 92103 Website Open Thurs-Sun 8AM-2PM Closed Mon-Tue-Wed

We chose different Ceremonial Matcha beverages (hers was caramel and mine had coconut milk). Quality and a new favorite beverage for summer.

Harborside Cuisine- Authentic Lao and Thai Food- (Lincoln Park)

July 22, 2025 Cathy Lao Restaurants, Thai Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of this food blog. Kirk usually is here, but today Cathy is writing while He and His Missus (and JJ) are out and about.

My day of dining adventures curated by cc was so interesting. She decided on Harborside (which is located near the 805 and Imperial Avenue, in the Lincoln Park area of San Diego, not on the side of the Harbor).

Since about 2012, this location has served Lao food; its name was Bane Phonkeo with a Lao market next door (it had been a Vietnamese/Pho place prior to 2012; The Mister and I did go there as I recall). In 2023, new, Lao owners took over and the Bane Phonkeo name has gradually disappeared.

You can walk up, grab a menu and find a seat to decide your order, as we did. I saw people walking up and ordering 'To Go' without even looking at the menu.

The menu had been exclusively Lao but now has Thai additions-probably a new chef. The ladies who work here are so friendly and helpful.

We decided on a 'new to us' salad-Long Bean Salad (Thom Mak Tua ($15)). Long beans and tomatoes in a delightful, garlic-sugar-shrimp paste-fish sauce with (a few) Thai chilies, depending on the spice level you request.

That's a Small order of sticky rice, which we shared. ($6).

Of course we shared an order of Lao sausage ($3) from the Appetizer side of the menu. Made in house with chopped pork marinated in lemongrass, herbs and spices then quickly fried, this version is especially good.

We decided to share something simple- Pad Saw Ew ($13) Wide rice noodles, eggs, broccoli, Chinese broccoli and carrots all wok fried. We chose to add beef ($5), but this would be fine with no added protein. So very fresh and bright.

When walking in, there is a small area of snacks and these cookies were chosen for cc's husband, Bert, so he could enjoy some of our day.

Harborside Cuisine 110 47th Street San Diego 92102 (619) 228-9985 Open daily 10AM-7 PM

Original Pancake House (again)

July 21, 2025 Cathy American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy while Kirk is having a lovely time with His Missus and JJ during a quick getaway.

My first post about The Original Pancake House was in 2009, then in 2013, again in 2015 and most recently in 2021. It was time for another breakfast report from this consistently wonderful breakfast place. This time I was with my brother.

The menu choices are about the same, with increased prices, of course.

The half and half pitcher for the pure 36% whipping cream (not half and half) has been a mainstay in every location of OPH we had ever been. (Coffee is now $4.65, kept constantly refilled) (it tastes so good with whipping cream).

My brother wanted pecan pancakes. This is a half order ($10.45). The pancake batter here is unique to the franchise; consistency is important. Slightly sweet batter cooked until the cake is lightly crisp on the exterior, filled with pecans and then topped with plenty of toasted pecans and powdered sugar

He really likes bacon and recalled the thick cut bacon here was particularly good. A side order ($7.95) was worth it. Bacon and pancakes, why not? He really liked his meal.

On the other hand, I wanted savory this morning and the Chicken Crepe ($16.70) was my order. Diced chicken breast simmered with green bell peppers, pimentos and olives added to a mushroom sherry sauce and rolled in a flavorful (slightly sweet if you taste it alone), delicate crepe, topped with crispy sliced almonds. This was served with three crisp, light potato pancakes.

Our total condiments included (real) maple syrup, butter, sour cream and applesauce.

Quite a perfect meal.

Original Pancake House website 3906 Convoy Street San Diego 92111 (858) 565-1740 Open daily 7 a.m. Closes at 1 p.m. weekdays, 2 p.m. on weekends.

Anyway, we were reminiscing about going to this fancy breakfast place when we were younger. It turns out OPH started in our hometown of Detroit…and then moved to San Diego. Everything we took for granted did happen in the best possible way; we just followed it.

Friends of Friends -coffee and breakfast (national City)

July 20, 2025 Cathy Breakfast/Brunch, Caffeine Fix, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a blog about food which has been around since 2005. Today, Cathy is writing and Kirk is taking a break…he calls it 'researching'.

A few weeks ago, cc planned a food crawl for us, since I had been away from eating out for a long while. First stop was in National City.

Friends of Friends is a locally owned, Hispanic and Filipino inspired eatery, mainly known as a coffee shop, which opened in April of 2024. It's located just across from Big Ben Specialty Market in National City. Niederfranks Ice Cream is a block away.

Friends of Friends roasts their own coffee and makes their own syrups. Wavy, the restaurant within prepares menu items and bakes their own pastries. The menu changes for lunch and alcohol is served in late afternoon/evenings. Each visit can be a different experience.

We decided to share some breakfast items.

Regular drip coffee for me (I could choose my own amount of half and half, instead of telling the barista to 'stop' or 'add more', or as I usually request, 'until it's a pretty color'). Very fresh, nice and strong.

cc chose a cortado which was expertly brewed. A side of soda water accompanies a proper cortado.

We were served this McMuff-breakfast ($8) sausage patty in an egg/onion cup, topped with cheese on a toasted English muffin with some chipotle aoili. Very nice and satisfying by itself.

The Smiley Cristo ($12)- ham and cheese with raspberry jam on a toasted croissant topped with powdered sugar. Fancy and quite large. Great flavors.

I will be returning to try more. This establishment has a 'Listening Bar" and hosts collaborative events along with even more interesting lunch-ish items. Really nice.

Friends of Friends 127 East Eighth Street National City, CA 91950 Website (with current menu) Open Daily 7 a.m., closes at 5 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday; 8 p.m. the rest of the week

Gillespie Field Cafe (El Cajon) (again)

July 18, 2025 Cathy American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! thanks you for stopping by. Kirk and His Missus are busy with JJ and another vacation which will be an interesting read. Cathy is writing today.

I wrote about a visit to Gillespie Field Cafe in 2011 and a lot has happened since then (new owners, Covid and just the passage of time).

The restaurant is next to the Control Tower.

It essentially looks the same, with outdoor

as well as indoor seating, both with views of the airfield.

The menu is simpler and the adult beverage choices are listed next to the counter.

My brother was going to be driving home (to Las Vegas) and we stopped here for a quick breakfast.

Without divulging any details, I ordered the 1/2 Biscuits and Gravy from the "Senior Aviator's Menu" ($11.95), which included one egg (poached perfectly) and country potatoes. The buttermilk biscuit crust had a crumbly/flaky texture, the flavorful (there's black pepper and something else) diced sausage filled gravy (house made) was absorbed by the soft chewy interior. The crisped potato cubes with bell pepper and onion and were really good.

My brother chose the Golden French Toast Breakfast ($15.75) with two eggs (scrambled), hash browns and two strips of bacon. He said the French toast was really good; fluffy inside, slightly crisp exterior and the bacon was a good thickness and nicely crisp. The eggs were a smooth soft scramble and the hash browns were a nice crisp quality.

Good coffee here!

Gillespie Field Cafe 2015 North Marshall Avenue El Cajon, CA 92020 Open daily 7 a.m.-2 p.m. (Early Bird specials weekdays 7-9) Website

Mary-Etta’s (El Cajon) (again)

June 16, 2025 Cathy American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, Burgers

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy while Kirk and His Missus are vacationing.

I haven't posted about Mary Etta's since 2016, when The Mister and I enjoyed a breakfast at the counter.

Recently, I took my brother here before his drive home because he said he wanted 'something like lunch', while I was wanting breakfast.

This long time (since 1935) cafe, mostly patronized by locals (it's on Olde Highway 80, parallel to and South of the 8, in the Flinn Springs area-close to Lakeside) is known for making their own breakfast sausage. They serve both sides of the menu all day.

Lately, I've been craving pancakes, and it's always been too busy to make them at home. The two egg, bacon and pancake plate ($12.75) was my order. The perfectly prepared over-easy eggs were runny and dip-able with pancake pieces. The flapjacks were lightly crisp on the exterior and wonderfully fluffy and had just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy me. The bacon was not too thick nor thin; it did have flavor. So many times I have been disappointed with bacon to the point that it is rarely ordered.

My brother decided on a sausage burger ($13.50); it's the breakfast sausage with cheese (add $1) (he chose pepperjack) and got the breakfast country fries on the side-the thinly sliced, fried crisp potatoes are also pretty unique here. The breakfast sausage patty was hefty, coarse ground and filled with fresh herbs and spices. It was served on a toasted sesame seeded bun, which was very nice. Lettuce, tomato, pickles and onions were on the side. My brother approved.

Fresh coffee, refilled in mismatched cups, friendly service and great food.

Mary Etta's Cafe 14809 Olde Highway 80 El Cajon, CA 92021 Open Daily 7:00-1:30

2025 San Diego County Fair-Summer Pet-Tacular! (part one)

June 11, 2025 Cathy Festivals & Events, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy today; Kirk is taking a break.

It's that time of year again: The San Diego County Fair opens today-Wednesday, June 11. Here's a little 'behind the scenes' peek.

The theme, Summer Pet-Tacular , is indeed centered around pets of all types, but do not be mistaken into thinking you can actually bring your own pet to the Fairgrounds-only certified Service Animals are allowed. There will be pet themed exhibits and the San Diego Humane Society will have some on-site adoptions.

The Fun Zone is set up with rides, as always.

The 'usual' County Fair food booths are available.

There are handouts with maps of the Fairgrounds on one side and food places on the other side at the Information Booths. I also found these large maps.

There are a few special deals if you are wanting to buy food at the Fair.

There will also be half price (on Fridays from 11-4) of eight items (to be announced tonight) of new treats being offered this year. I'm sure there will be some notification on Fridays when you walk in. Look for signs.

BUT…there are some new booths and/or offerings I have noticed. A lot are not what I would consider to be "County Fair" food, but still, they are going to be here in San Diego.

Yes, Chicken Charlie has a new, Funnel Cakes Only booth and there it is-pickles and cream (I would think cream cheese) with bacon on top of a funnel cake (I would think plain fried dough, not sugar topped dough. But, it sounds interesting.

Yes, some not really 'Fair' foods, yet interesting choices are available. I will be going and have some of my personal favorites to share with you, maybe next week. Until then, you can go and try what you enjoy.

Of course, Home and Hobby has been judged and set up.

The array of collections is vast and interesting. People who entered took the time to explain their hobby on most of the displays.

There were fewer entries in the Preserved Foods Division and pickled onions won the Best of Show.

So many things to do and see. The fifth largest County Fair in the USA is a tradition and inspiration for all.

San Diego County Fair website. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Opens at 11 a.m. the other days. June 11-July 6

Rubios, Home of the Fish Taco

October 21, 2024 Cathy Mexican Restaurants, Seafood, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! welcomes you back to another post from Cathy; Kirk and His Missus are elsewhere.

Rubios opened its first location in 1983 in the Mission Bay area of San Diego, primarily serving Baja style fish tacos. Locations have expanded throughout California, Arizona and Nevada. Serving sustainable seafood as well as chicken and vegetarian dishes, Rubios is a walk up, order and pay and your food is brought to your table type of restaurant.

My usual order is the two fish taco plate ($8.99), part of the "Five under $10" menu. Beer battered wild caught Alaska pollock topped with cabbage, salsa fresca, a 'secret sauce' (it is mild and white) and served on a warm corn tortilla along with tortilla chips and "no fried" pinto beans, this is a tasty filling meal.

Similarly, the Signature Fish Burrito ($12.99) is a very filling meal. It kind of looks small but the cross section cut shows the flour tortilla is packed full. There are three pieces of beer battered crisp fried wild caught Alaskan pollock, guacamole, black beans, white sauce, mild salsa, cabbage, onions and cilantro. This comes with a side of tortilla chips. An easy way to eat and there is flavor in every bite. I do like the black beans a bit more than the pinto beans, but both are good.

The Mango Avocado Salad with grilled Mahi-Mahi ($15.49) was The Mister's choice this day. Brown rice and quinoa, a mango salsa and slices of Hass avocadoes over Romaine and topped with squared tortilla chips. The 'normal' salad dressing is a lemon agave white balsamic vinaigrette. You can choose other proteins (langostino lobster, grilled shrimp, chicken, blackened Mahi, grilled steak, grilled salmon or blackened salmon as well as grilled veggies)(prices of proteins vary). This salad is protein packed and tastes so good. The variety of textures as well as the contrast of warm fresh grilled fish is unexpectedly nice.

I must say that the grilled veggies option is exceptional; there are grilled poblanos, cauliflower, red bell pepper, marinated red onions, and roasted corn.

Always fresh and essentially a local (not nationwide anyhow) spot. Choices for everyone.

Rubios Coastal Grill Website Many locations Opens at 10:30 a.m. daily

It looks like a re-branding might occur soon.

Farmer Boys (Again)

October 19, 2024 Cathy American Restaurants, Salads, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

Thank you for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog sometimes with details of adventure of finding the foods blogged. This isn't one of those posts; Kirk is the one having adventures while Cathy is here, blogging in between being busy.

I wrote about Farmer Boys the first time in 2015 and mentioned another meal in 2017 and just haven't blogged about all of our many visits over the years. This family owned franchise of almost 100 locations in California and Nevada with the motto of "Farm Food Ain't Fast Food" purchases locally grown fresh ingredients and prepares a fresh cooked, made to order meal, serving delicious flavorful food.

There are two locations in San Diego County, both in Escondido.

The Farmers Chopped Cobb salad ($ 14.99) includes greens, grilled chicken breast, diced Hass avocado, chopped tomato, hickory smoked bacon, that tiny hard boiled egg and cheddar cheese and is served with a chili ranch dressing (but you can ask for any of the available house made dressings). The Mister really likes Cobb salads and says the one from Farmer Boys is his favorite, often asking me to bring one home when I am in the area.

The Sourdough Chicken Avocado Sandwich ($11.99) also includes grilled chicken breast, thick slices of bacon, a smashed Hass avocado, tomato, cheese, lettuce and mayonnaise on locally baked (Galasso's) sourdough bread. The toasting of the bread and combination of ingredients is just so satisfying. This is a very hefty sandwich and easily shared or half can be saved for a later meal.

Four piece Fried Zucchini sticks ($6.49) was our choice as a side. Very large pieces, hand sliced and hand battered are served with some house made Ranch dressing and perfectly fried; the zucchini is cooked through and the cornmeal based batter is light, crispy and not greasy.

Farmer Boys serves quality food all day (you can see breakfasts in my prior posts; the menu is pretty much the same as it was nine years ago).

Farmer Boys Website

-1333 East Valley Parkway Escondido 92027 Open Mon-Sat 6-midnight, Sunday 7-midnight

-925 West Mission Center Escondido 92025 Mon-Fri 0530-10, Sat 6-10, Sun 7-10