Cathy – Page 17

2022 Rose Parade Float decorating, dinner at Costa’s

December 8, 2021 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Festivals & Events, Los Angeles County, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog with some reasons as to how the meal occurred. Cathy is posting today.

I've posted about Rose Parade float decorating for the parades of 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. Last year, there was no parade to celebrate 2021, but things are a bit more 'normal' and this past Saturday, the first 'Dry Decorating' day happened at Phoenix Decorating Company, where The Mister and I volunteer with hundreds of others as Petal Pushers. The Kiwanis also coordinate volunteers for decorating at Phoenix). They need volunteers, so if you aren't doing anything this Saturday or next, sign up now-it's fun and an easy way to cross something off of your 'Bucket List'.

Since you've seen some 2022 float road tests (all linked on this post), I'll try to be a little different this year with photos. Some floats are not ready to be decorated. At all.
But by the end of the day on Saturday, quite a bit was accomplished on the Rotary float. Many materials were used for this owl!
Lentils had been tediously applied on this 'urn'.
Cotton for the polar bear fur.
The Mutual of Omaha/RFD-TV float "Wild Kingdom" had every other feature being decorated, even the Burmese python.
Shriners had a few volunteers. Tedious work!
The dark purple statice petals were carefully applied.
More beans!

The Lutheran Laymans League (and organizer of Petal Pushers volunteers) has their 71st float in the Rose Parade. It's the only Christian themed float in the Parade, this year themed "Jesus Teaches".
You Are Invited! by Trader Joe's has so many features to be decorated.

So many floats, so many details, so much more work to be done!

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After we finished for the day, we were cold and exhausted and drove to a close, familiar place for a meal, Costa's Family Restaurant. The last time we were here was after our visit to the Showcase of Floats, following the 2020 Rose Parade, unaware of what the year had in store for us. We were seated when the sun was still out, but it was dark when we left.
Starting the meals with a bowl of house made vegetable soup and beet covered salad had us reminiscing the familiarity of this home style restaurant and we are happy it has survived.
Just a simple side of dinner rolls with butter.

Beef and Gravy ($12). Served with wonderful, lumpy, mashed potatoes and the vegetable of the day. Tender meat, thick brown gravy, comfort food. As was the Liver and Onions plate ($12). Tender calves liver, thin, light crusted, pan fried, caramelized onions and the same mashed potato and vegetable sides. We really enjoyed this.Each meal includes dessert. I chose tapioca pudding, The Mister chose chocolate pudding. Both were made here…and were wonderful.

Costa's Family Restaurant 851 E. San Bernadino Road Covina, CA 91723 Open Daily 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Website

Pho Time PB

December 7, 2021 Cathy Vietnamese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of this food blog. Kirk usually writes here, but today, it's Cathy's turn.

I have written a bit about why The Mister and I venture into Pacific Beach on a fairly regular basis (we pick up par-baked rolls at Charlie's Best Breads) and usually grab a quick meal while in the area. In the corner a few doors down from our destination, since 2009, the family owned and run Pho Time has been able to thrive, even during Covid.
Some tables have been moved for distancing.
There are menus on an outside window as well as at the front door. The menu is 'Americanized' in descriptions. There were many people picking up 'To Go' orders while we were eating. A very tasty hot tea is served here.
I ordered the "crispy crepe" (Banh Xeo) ($11.25) as soon as we sat down, because I know it takes time to prepare. The version here is great! Crisp pancake filled with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts and mung beans; flavor and freshness and when eaten with the accompanying lettuce, mint and pickled vegetables dipped in fish sauce, quite a perfect bite.
From the Appetizer part of the menu, the "Vietnamese Chicken Salad" (Goi Ga)($10.95) is a great choice. Poached white meat chicken, on top of a bed of cabbage mixed with pickled carrots and topped with mint, basil and peanuts in a vinegar/fish sauce dressing is a perfect blend of traditional Vietnamese flavors. This is particularly refreshing on a hot day.
The Pho here is remarkable. A wonderful beefy broth, great (non-clumped) noodles and bright flavors overall makes this "eye round steak" (Tai) ($10.25) bowl a satisfying meal with bright flavor in each slurp.

Another family owned restaurant that has continued quality.

Pho Time PB 1820 Garnet Ave San Diego 92109 (858) 203-2109 Website Open daily 11-9

Lemon Grove Thai Food

December 6, 2021 Cathy Thai Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy today. Kirk and His Missus are out of bandwidth.

The Mister and I drove into this parking lot on Broadway in Lemon Grove one afternoon, after seeing the "coin laundry" signage on the street. We know there are always a few good spots within walking distance of laundromats. The generic name was intriguing.

The menus taped in the window looked good.
We stepped inside, ordered, paid and waited for our food to be prepared. The nice ladies working were polite and helpful. They said they have been open since February 2019 and are grateful to have made it through the worst of times.
Pork Larb ($9) was a large portion; easily shared. We asked for a spiciness level of "2" out of "10" and the heat was definitely there, but all ingredients could still be tasted. The tender, grilled pork (still warm because it had been freshly grilled) was moist, had the char that I look for and contrasted with the coolness the other salad ingredients. Mint, cilantro, onion, fresh lettuces and cucumbers along with lime juice and crunchy roasted rice bits had every bite a wonderful mix of textures and flavors. Very, very good.

The large Tom Kha soup with chicken ($8.50) was served hot and 'to go', even though we ate most of it inside. Coconut based, with all of the ingredients seen here-bell peppers, carrot, tomato, onion, enoki mushrooms, lemongrass and lime leaves and plenty of chicken were a wonderful combination of flavors and spices and spiciness (we asked for a "1").

We will be back to try more of the menu. A great little neighborhood spot. Amazing food.

Lemon Grove Thai Food 7975 Broadway Lemon Grove 91978 (619) 439-5360 Open Daily 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. website

Zizikis Street Food (Sky Deck, Del Mar Highlands)

December 3, 2021 Cathy Greek Food, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is happy to have you visit and read another post. Cathy is writing while Kirk and His Missus are taking a vacation from both blogging and California.

At the Southern end of the parking lot of Del Mar Highlands Town Center, which is at the South East corner of El Camino Real and Del Mar Heights Road, I saw the Sky Deck being built earlier this year and wrote it on a piece of paper. so I could remember to check it out once it opened.

Just found the piece of paper.

Decorated for the holidays, it's easy to spot. The upper deck is a 'restaurant collective', with nine curated culinary destinations, each with its own exclusive dining area and a cocktail bar in the center. It's not a 'Food Court", even though there are no walls. The glass ceiling above the second floor is why it's called the 'Sky Deck'. Beautiful light in daytime. The 'Brewers Deck' currently houses three of San Diego's top craft beer and kombucha brands. There's a nautical theme in decor.
When we arrived around noon during Thanksgiving week, only three restaurants were open. We checked out menus and decided on Zizikis Street Food. This third generation, family owned and run, Greek (not Middle Eastern; there's no falafel on the menu) take on the "modern-classic" recipes and "fine-casual" dining has a focused menu of Shareables, Salads, Sandwiches and Sides (as well as an extensive choice of adult beverages). The same chef-owner (and shared kitchen) is the restaurant "J", next door. Ordered items are walked over.

Zizikis cheese bread ($7) was one of our choices. Fresh, fluffy, warm pita topped with a mix of cheese and Greek spices (oregano, parsley, basil and dill..?) with a side of the house tzatziki sauce. (Flavorful and the reason for the name 'Zazikis').
We also decided on the Hummus Pita ($8). More fresh, toasty pita along with a wonderful artichoke based hummus.
The salad we immediately agreed we both wanted to try was lamb ($15). Grass fed lamb, grilled perfectly (still moist and tender) topping mixed greens, tomato, cucumber, onion and Feta had wonderful flavors. Tzaziki is the salad dressing here and it really is a great sauce that goes with everything.

We will be trying more of the menu. Soo was here in April, when Sky Deck first opened.

Not noticing there was a small, two item dessert menu, the central restaurant, Le Parfait Paris, was where we ordered a Nutella crepe ($8) for a nice end to our meal.

Zizikis 12841 El Camino Real, Ste 206 San Diego 92130 (858) 925-7595 Open Sun-Th 11:30-9, Fri-Sat 11:30-10 Website

Carnitas y Mariscos Las Morelianas (Breakfasts)

December 2, 2021 Cathy Breakfast/Brunch, Mexican Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!welcomes you back to our little blog. Kirk and His Missus both have days off from work at the same time-so it's vacation time for them and Cathy is writing a few posts.

In October, I wrote about Las Morelianas and the various carnitas as well as seafood choices available at this longtime (since 1997) family owned, locally operated restaurant. At the bottom of the post, I added the breakfast menu, mentioning we would return. Here's that post.

It opens at 7 a.m.. When we walked in around 7:30, two men were eating, at separate tables and talking to each other. There was menudo and beer involved. A 'regular' (carnitas and seafood) menu was brought out. I had to ask for the Dasayunos Menu (breakfast). We each asked for Americano (regular) coffee. ($2.50, or $3.99 as an add on to any meal for coffee plus fresh squeezed orange juice or fresh fruit).

Powdered creamer and sugar packets were the condiments accompanying. This is one serving of the fresh fruit that arrives with the $3.99 add on to any entree. There is a little fruiteria in the back of the eating area, there are juices, licuados, aqua frescas available all day.
The Mister ordered chilaquiles with chicharron prensado ($10.99). Pressed fried carnitas are easily made here at the 'meat side' of the kitchen. Fresh chips, rice and beans as well as a variety of cheeses and toppings with a healthy amount of the prensado. A wonderful savory breakfast.
I always look for molletes on the menu at Mexican restaurants ($5.99). The simple, open faced bean and cheese sandwich on a fresh bolillo roll is made a bit fancier here with a choice of meat. I decided to try the chorizo, which is another really tasty unique meld of flavors.

I mentioned it was empty when we walked in. When we were leaving, around 8:45, not a single table was empty indoors and only a few tables remained empty outside. The juke box was blaring with traditional music. More people were ordering beer, menudo, carnitas and seafood. Yet, the parking lot was not packed. People from the neighborhood enjoy weekend breakfast and socializing here.

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.

China 1968 (El Cajon)

December 1, 2021 Cathy Chinese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog, writes about a variety of places in San Diego County (as well as around the world). Kirk is usually posting here, but for now, it's Cathy.

Located in a strip mall fronted by an El Pollo Loco, with a pizzeria on one side and next to a laundromat, China 1968 has been here since 2014. Family owned, family run, everybody who works here seems to remember you, if not your 'usual' order. It's a regular stop when we don't want to 'venture West' for Asian food. There are 14 Lunch Specials on the menu, ranging from $9.49 to $11.49. Each is served with rice, (vegetarian) egg roll and cup of soup (either egg drop or hot and sour). This is the Kung Pao Chicken ($9.49). You are asked if you would like it medium-hot or hot-hot in level of spiciness. It is made to order, as is everything on the menu. This is quite good with the fresh mushroom, onion, zucchini, peanuts and smooth, spicy/vinegar-y/lightly sweet sauce with a perfect amount of heat (I asked for "medium plus a little more" in spice level). You can taste each of the vegetables as well as the juicy chicken.
The chicken corn soup (medium $7.49, large $9.49) is wonderful, tender and meaty chicken, plenty of flavorful corn bites and egg swirled in a tasty chicken broth. The large size is great for sharing.
Our "must order" at every Chinese restaurant- House Egg Foo Young ($16.99). Beef, chicken and shrimp are mixed in with the (very fluffy) eggs and the crust formed on the large pancake was remarkably lightly crisp. It's all topped with a variety of fresh vegetables (and no bean sprouts!) and a good brown gravy. The EFY here is my absolute favorite and the eggiest version I've ever tasted. One day, we saw another table ordering this and on our next visit, it was a 'must try'. Salt and Pepper Shrimp ($17.99). That is a large tablespoon with a single (no shell) shrimp in it. Plump and juicy shrimp, a wonderful, perfectly fried light and crisp salty/peppery batter with garlic and scallions and a few red peppers mixed in. This plate is a meal in itself with some white rice.

Each dish is made to order and everything here is fresh and flavorful. A great place for great food.

China 1968 500 Broadway El Cajon 92021 (619)593-0495 (619)593-0498 Open Mon-Tue 2:30-8, CLOSED WEDNESDAY, Thurs-Sun noon-9 p.m. Website

The Original Pancake House (revisit)

November 30, 2021 Cathy Breakfast/Brunch, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy today; Kirk is unavailable.

Originally, I wrote about The OPH in 2009 then again in 2013 and once more in 2015. It's time to share another breakfast.
Going early is smart; the line can get long and some tables have been removed to be socially distanced. The menu choices are the same, as are the heavyweight silverware, real half and half for coffee ($3.55, kept constantly filled) and even condiments on the tables.
Diced honey-maple ham and eggs with pancakes as the side ($13.25). It's a good ham (and there's plenty) mixed in with the fluffy, soft scramble of eggs. The pancake batter here is unique and the cakes are always prepared properly, having a light-crisp exterior and cake soft interior with a slight buttermilk 'twang' of flavor, if you don't overpower with syrup or whipped butter.
Banana nut pancakes ($13.75) are sometimes all you need. There are smaller pieces of pecans and diced banana inside each buttermilk pancake. The banana slices are just the right amount of sweet needed for each bite.

Another memorable breakfast, able to be enjoyed indoors.

Original Pancake House 3906 Convoy San Diego 92111 858-565-1740 Website open daily 7 a.m.-1 p.m.

Golden City-more lunches

November 18, 2021 Cathy Chinese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Here you are, reading mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog, again. Cathy is writing while Kirk is busy at work.

The Mister and I have been venturing out for meals a bit more lately, visiting places we haven't been since BC-Before COVID and are quite happy for the places which have survived this pandemic. My last post about Golden City was in December 2019. Kirk did write about takeout in June 2020, in the midst of COVID-19. The parking lot can be difficult to navigate at lunch hour because of all the businesses, even though Subway has closed. We usually just park on the street or around the corner.
The interior remains the same; clean with tablecloths. The people who work here are so nice.
The pink menu is the lunch menu and the one printed on yellow paper is the daily menu. I do prefer being able to hold a menu than to scan a QR code and read my phone screen; always think I am missing something.
For our first visit, we had to order our favorite, #45, Egg Foo Young (Choice of beef, pork or chicken) $10.95. It remains one of our favorite versions. Vegetable and egg filled with a crisp crust, even through the gravy. The pork and peas and carrots topping the platter blend in with each bite.
#62, Fish Filet with Tofu ($11.95) is quite wonderful. Fried breaded fish pieces (many) along with strips of wrinkled tofu skin, fried tofu cubes and mushrooms in a gingery sauce has become a new favorite.
Most of the lunch specials come with a choice of soup (egg drop or hot sour), a vegetable egg roll. those crunchy wonton strips and plum sauce.
#32, Chicken Chow Mein ($10.95) satisfied the texture craving for lunch one day. The crunch of vegetables and tender slices of chicken along with bites of the crisp and semi soft (because of the gravy) noodles was something we didn't realize we missed.
#82, Sautéed shrimp and Fish Filet ($12.95) was another flavorful meal. The quite large, plump shrimp along with the thick pieces of fish and the variety of vegetables had textures and colors and distinct flavors. I hadn't realized how much I missed snow peas!
#19, Duck with snow cabbage and vermicelli soup ($9.95) really hit the spot on a chilly day! An overload of duck pieces, bean sprouts, pickled snow cabbage along with firm but non-clumped vermicelli. The flavors were distinct and comforting.

Under the radar, after all these years. Soo had a wonderful dinner here a few years ago!

Golden City Chinese Cuisine 5375 Kearny Villa Road San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 565-6682 open seven days 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot and Grill (again)

November 17, 2021 Cathy Chinese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, the food blog, is being written by Cathy today while Kirk is very busy at work.

The last time we went to Little Sheep was in February 2020, BC (Before Covid). The spicy broth, multiple flavors and textures were a craving, while the ability to use metal utensils and cook a meal at the table was something we just wanted to do.
Things look the same inside. There is still a special lunch menu.

We decided on the House Spicy Soup base, mixed with the mushroom/vegetarian base (not yin-yang style, which I suppose would be a prettier photo, but the flavor blend was great) (soup base is $4.25/person).
My choice was the fish filet lunch. ($9.70) Five large, thick portions of fish along with fresh noodles, frozen tofu, assorted (beef, pork and lamb) meatballs, pieces of 'krab', shiitake mushrooms, potato slices, squash, cabbage and chrysanthemum greens (tangho).
The Mister decided to try the Beef Belly Lunch ($9.70) All of the accompaniments are the same for all of the lunches.
We also chose add ons of wood-ear mushroom and soft tofu ($1 each). Cooling bites if not put into the broth but also tasty when cooked.

Little Sheep Mongolian HotPot 4718 Clairmont Mesa Blvd San Diego, 92117 (858) 274-2040 Website Open Mon-Th 11:30-9, Fri-Sat 11:30-10. Sun 11:30-9:30
Some of the broth leftovers.

2022 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade Float Road Test Four, Breakfast at Georgia’s Original Bun ‘n Burger (Covina)

November 4, 2021 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, Diner, Festivals & Events, Los Angeles County, What Cathy Eats!

Thank you for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog sometimes with explanations as to why and how the food was found. Cathy is writing today while Kirk enjoys a short break.

Link to 2022 Rose Parade Float Test One

Link to 2022 Rose Parade Float Test Two

Link to 2022 Rose Parade Float Road Test Three

The Mister and I drove North very early on Saturday, in light rain which turned to fog, to watch another Road Testing of mechanics and maneuverability of some floats which will be participating in the 2022 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade, which has the theme of "Dream, Believe, Achieve".

"Soaring to New Heights" will be presented by Farmers Insurance and features not only a surfer, but also a bicyclist and a 'person' who is 'bouldering' (outdoor wall climbing). The float photo is of the 'off camera' side of the float, while the drawing shows the 'camera side'. Large, beautiful and (of course) I am most interested in the materials which will be used for decorating this colorful float. Every visible inch of each float must be covered with all natural materials; nothing dyed or artificial.
The City of Hope, "Gardens of Hopes and Dreams" is whimsical, with giant butterflies moving their wings as well as oversized flowers and mushrooms.
"Wild Kingdom" presented by RFD-TV and Mutual of Omaha will honor both Marlin Perkins and Jim Fowler, the original hosts of this longtime (since 1963) documentary style television show which features wildlife and nature.
Shriners Hospitals for Children will have another float featuring the larger than life "Fezzy Bear", who will collapse while going under objects (like signal lights and the 210 freeway) along the five mile Parade Route.
The first (Banner) float in the parade as well as the Closing float (introducing the event following the parade on television, the Rose Bowl Football Game) were also tested on Saturday.

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As we have been doing this year, after viewing and taking photos, The Mister and I head East from the Phoenix Decorating barn area in Irwindale and look for cars parked, indicating a restaurant serving breakfast.

This was the place- Georgia's Original Bun 'n Burger with some neon signage above the door indicating its name had been Plum's Cafe (which moved to Costa Mesa in 2012).
It was a little crowded and instead of eating outside, we sat at the counter, with a view of the kitchen as well as a view of the rest of the counter and other side of the interior. (Factoid: the record album at the far right in this photo is the Don Ho Show album, which we owned; Mom and Dad loved that nightly comedy, variety and audience participation television show, which only ran for five months in 1976-77 with 90 episodes.)

The printed, disposable menu is quite extensive, with breakfast being served all day.

'Tavern' ham, eggs (three, poached) and home fries (look at the nice size pieces of potato) along with rye toast ($11.99). A great tasting thick slice of ham as well as the potatoes and eggs and toast. Very satisfying breakfast.
A very thick, but not dense, vanilla flavored waffle with two eggs (over easy) and crispy, thick bacon ($11.99) was also quite a large breakfast.

There were bottles of wine in the (former) pie case, because this restaurant is open late (a rarity it seems) and the lunch and dinner items, especially the burgers, have us curious to try more of the menu.

Georgia's Original Bun 'n Burger 180 East Rowland Street Covina, CA 91723 (626) 915-2016 Open Sun-Wed 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Thur-Fri-Sat 7 a.m.-9 p.m.