mmm-yoso!!! welcomes you (back) to our food blog. Cathy has some time to write about a local spot today (she has been crazy busy) while Kirk has been unable to connect to wifi, elsewhere in the world.
I think my most recent post on Tea Station was in 2021.
The San Diego franchised locations seem to have disappeared and 'our' location (on Clairmont Mesa Boulevard) has been re-named Bei Yuan Tea & Boba.
There are two self-serve kiosks in this lobby area as well as the walk up cash register where you can order snacks and beverages "to go", or you can have a seat and soon you will have a person drop by to take your order.
The menu is very similar to Tea Station.
We ordered a pot of hot original green tea ($4.95 plus $1 for the large size). It is an excellent fresh flavored tea.
The pork dumplings with the added side dish of three sides ($18.97) make a great meal. The dumpling skin is not too thin nor too thick and the pork filling is plentiful and very flavorful. The sides change daily and usually one is warm with meat and two are chilled.
We decided to try the popcorn chicken with fruits ($8.98). It arrived with sliced (sweet) onions on top. If you haven't paid attention, The Mister hates onions.
So, they were removed, allowing the fruit and chicken to be exposed. 
The chicken pieces were quite good; larger pieces of dark meat, lightly breaded and with a proper fry (not greasy). This was quite enjoyable.
Since we were here, a Shaved Ice was ordered. Strawberry milk with mixed jelly and 50% sweet (not as much condensed milk) ($7.73). This was an excellent dessert.
Bei Yuan Tea & Boba 7315 Clairmont Mesa Blvd San Diego 92111 (858) 268-8198 Open daily 11:30 a.m.-midnight
As we were paying, I noticed this stainless cabinet with dry tea leaves and mesh bags in the lobby area.
I filled a bag and have it inside the car; a nice, subtle reminder of the scent of tea.
This is the Hot Pot menu which looks interesting. 
The new president, Ed Morales, was introduced and he 
The artist rendition for the 2025 
Even moreso in real life! See the slot in the front hill? That is where the "Spotter" sits and can view what is in front of the float. The Spotter speaks to the driver via a headset and has a set of brakes there at the front, in case an emergency type of stopping is necessary.
Kiwanis International has the theme "Being Together" and is going to be even more beautiful when covered in natural materials and flowers. The slot for the Spotter to view is at the top of the honeycomb
The Service organization of Oddfellows and Rebekahs has their 2025 entry depicted 
Here it is in real life! so vibrant and, again, cute. You can see the rectangular slot in front. The Driver, who only follows the 'Rose Colored Line' on the street is situated near the middle of the float.
The drawing of the 2025 
This beauty is surreal and so detailed; everyone (on either side of the parade route) will see something different.
The 2025 entry for the Luthern Hour Ministries and 
There will be 'stained glass' windows on the church, all created with natural materials. This float will be magnificent with it's theme "Behold! Jesus the Savior is Born". The Petal Pushers volunteers assist with decorating about eight floats during decorating days.
The Fraternal Service Organization of Elks will have another float in the 2025 Rose Parade.
"Cherished Memories" is the theme. Remember that all floats must 'fit' down the parade route, so the Elk at the back of the float must be able to collapse down to the maximum allowable size.
Shriners Children's 2025 float will feature a working waterfall!
So far, in it's basic stages, I can see that the two parrots will be lifted up to go down the parade route, then lowered as it gets to the tight spots along the route. 
I have not seen any drawings for the City of Alhambra entry, but it was also tested on July 13. 
A cortadito ($3.39) was a nice alternative to coffee. The espresso with sweetened condensed milk really hit the spot. 
A new beverage is an iced passion fruit, yuzu pear lemonade ($5.45) and we just had to try it. Topped with edible violas and mint, this was a very pleasant, not overly sweet treat.
A peach target ($4.55) and a matcha raspberry eclair ($3.90) were our choices to try later that day. Wonderful crust and pastry and fruit and cream. Very nice indulgences.
A walnut-raisin batard ($4.65) is a must purchase item. Crisp crust, an almost sourdough base and walnuts and raisins; a perfect snack or breakfast.
Two cheese rolls ($1.19 each). were enjoyed in the car on the way home. Crisp and flaky and sugar topped with a whipped cream cheese filling. Another perfect item.
We ordered Torrejas (Cuban French Toast) ($9.15), a wonderful breakfast item, especially with the cream cheese and fresh fruit.
Instead of an eggy sandwich, we shared a lechon sandwich ($8.69) Roasted pork, so tender and topped with pickled onions, served on fresh, pressed bread that was spread with a wonderful house made chimichurri sauce. This satisfied the cravings I had for about half a year.
Not much has changed here other than the prices, so here we go!
The soft shell crab roll ($11) is a filling five piece meal. Soft shell crab, real crab and avocado are the main ingredients.
The fried calamari appetizer ($9) is always a good choice. Four pieces of sliced calamari steak breaded in panko, crisply fried and served with (always too much) spicy sauce. 
The Vegetable Delight ($13.50) seems to be a regular choice for me; I found photos from nine different visits. Consistently the same presentation.
Eight pieces of vegetable tempura (potato, carrot, zucchini and onion), salad, eight pieces of Garden Roll, edamame, cold noodle salad, rice and tempura dipping sauce. This is a very satisfying meal with so many varied flavors and textures.
The Combination Bento ($13.95) with pork teriyaki and egg roll is also a good choice.
The Stamina Udon ($13) was a nice meal on one of the (many) cold and rainy days we had early this year. The broth has a light mushroom flavor and the ingredients (chicken, krab, fishcake, shrimp, dumplings, sweet tofu, egg, broccoli) along with the springy udon make this a very filling meal. 
The Shrimp Tempura Bento ($13.50) has five shrimp tempura, lightly fried and served with a house made tartar sauce and a portion of the Seafood Salad (bottom right) which is on the appetizer menu for $5. A nice addition to this bento.
When you first walk in, before turning to the cash register, look at the wall ahead. Daily Lunch Specials from 11-2:30.
Bento Lunch ($9.75) Six pieces of California roll, one piece Inari, three pieces of fried seafood (fish, squid, shrimp), pickled vegetables and rice. This is a very pleasant lunch and good for the budget minded.
The Gyoza Lunch ($9.25) is also really nice. Six meat filled dumplings steamed or deep fried. Salad, rice and (a very good) miso soup. You might notice that miso soup is no longer included with the bento meals; it is $2.50 on the appetizer menu.
I do prefer the gyoza being steamed then quick fried 'pot sticker' style. The deep fried is a nice, crisp texture but I think overwhelms the filling.
The building housing Rose D'Amour has reincarnated itself several times over the years. It is now owned by a friendly husband and wife and serves breakfast, lunch and various coffees and juices. The ordering online system seemed to be well in use during the time we were here on a Tuesday morning.
Just a portion of the menu.
The interior is small but there is additional seating on an outdoor patio.
cc ordered the Simple Breakfast ($12.99) with scrambled eggs, sausage, country potatoes and corn tortillas. I had a bite and this was very good.
I ordered the Molletes ($14.99) which I always like to try at new (to me) places. The toasted telera was topped with plenty of wonderful flavored refried beans, pico and Cotija cheese. A fresh made Chile de arbol based salsa was served on the side. This was a great savory breakfast; the telera was fresh and soft, even with the toasting. 
cc ordered an iced brown sugar something ($6.75) and I got a regular coffee ($3)
When the Tom Cat first opened, Miramar Naval Air Station was the military base nearby. Close to the Pacific Ocean, the base housed aircraft and squadrons which were assigned to aircraft carriers stationed in San Diego. Among those aircraft was the F-14 Tomcat, hence the bar was initially a hangout for Active Duty and Retired military. The base also was home to TOPGUN, the nickname for what was the Navy Fighter Weapons School. (There was a base realignment in 1993 and in 1996, TOPGUN moved to Fallon, Nevada, while the various Naval aircraft, squadrons and training were relocated to several bases and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar was made official.).
So now, the Tom Cat is a Sports Bar.
A simple, two sided menu is available. We did notice a chalkboard with some specials, at the bar.
We decided to order the fried mushrooms ($9.25) from the appetizer menu. The serving is quite large and very well made- light cornmeal based batter, surrounding large, meaty mushrooms, properly fried. It's served with an excellent Ranch dip.
Then we ordered the Tom Cat Signature Wings ($13.25). There are eight flavors to choose from and "Tom Cat Style' (grilled green onions and fresh jalapeño slices) has the highest spice level, three chilis, but the nicely crisp wing breading was not spicy if you didn't eat the fresh jalapeños. Four large flats and four large drums and a lot of carrots and cucumber, this was certainly a meal in itself. 
The Cobb salad ($14.95) was nice to share. Bacon, turkey and Blue Cheese crumbles, a hard boiled egg along with other vegetables and lettuce (as well as a squaw roll) in this deceptively large (deep) bowl made this also a quite large meal. 
The front gate is crowded just past the metal detectors at 11 a.m.
The Midway, with rides and food booths
There's Chicken Charlie, checking out a couple of his food booths as the Fairgrounds opened!
The Fun Zone, with Carnival Games, is a typical American Fair activity.
Home Made, Gems & Minerals, Design in Wood
The Paul Ecke, Jr. Flower Show,
along with the Paul Ecke, Jr. Garden Show with the entry from the San Diego County Model Railroad Museum
The Future Farmers of America were preparing to show goats..
Walking outside the Livestock Barn is an informative area sponsored by Hollandia Dairy. Dairy cows were on display and a small booth was selling chilled bottles of Hollandia Dairy milk for $3. There was signage indicating that these bottles were also being sold at 
There are three adult-only 'Specialty Booths' at the fair-The Beer Experience,
The Wine Experience,
and "Destination Unknown", a sort of Speakeasy (you need to tell the password to the elevator attendant who will whisk you up to the rooftop bar overlooking the Race Track).
The Texas Style BBQ booth offered a 'BBQ Sundae'- mashed potatoes topped with plenty of hickory smoked meat, some bark, some BBQ sauce and topped with a grape tomato. Tasting this BBQ absolutely made both of us want to order a full plate.
A 12 ounce Aqua Fresca at Ricos Manjares Mosita (cucumber lime flavor) was worth the $5 and so refreshing.
San Diego's Original Fish & Chips offered clam chowder fries. French fries topped with a lovely, thick chowder filled with clams, some potatoes and topped with crumbles of bacon. Definitely a chowder I would order if it was cooler.
The Texas Donuts offered their plain glazed donut for $5 (regular $7) and it was kind of perfect. We've always thought this booth has reasonable prices. 
OH MY! Dipping Dots 'taste' was a five ounce root beer float. Wonderful tasting root beer. Topped with vanilla Dipping Dots, it really was a different type of 'float'.
On our second visit, we saw this Rowdy's Root Beer Float booth and it was also offering a $5 taste. We had to. Ten ounces of soft serve ice cream and not as much root beer; memories evoked and well, soft serve.
This blurred out booth,'Eat At Joe's' was selling various fried items (zucchini, chicken strips, curly fries) the Taste of the Fair special was cheese curds! The curds didn't 'squeak' when biting in, but were very tasty…as batter fried cheese should be.
Maddie's Churros was offering one made-to-order churro and it hit the spot. You know, fried dough rolled in cinnamon sugar…
The Squeezers Lemon shaped booths are always part of the Fair and this year offered a 'Sour Apple Lemonade', small size (12 ounce) as a Taste. First, the color. Second- the flavors. The mix of sour apple flavor and fresh lemons was really unique. Another refreshing beverage.
The Pan Fried Chicken booth offered two fried wings, hot sauce, carrots and celery with Ranch dressing for $5! One drum, one flat and quite large. Another mini-meal.
We saw the Freeze Dried Candy booth last year but never stopped. This time we did; I've been curious for a year. Quite nice and different.
Of course, when leaving, we stopped here, as almost everyone does- always see people carrying large bags of Kettle Corn out the main gate. The small sample of Kettle Corn made it home and even lasted a few days. It was great; large, mushroom shaped popped corn coated in sugar and salt. A Perfect treat.
One thing we will pay regular price for is a turkey leg ($22). Since we seem to only find raw turkey eggs (weight about two pounds) for $9/pound, it is worth it for us to purchase a large leg already smoked.
We brought this one home, cooked some corn (3/$1) on the grill and had a nice dinner.
This former bank building seems to always be busy, with many people using the drive-through. But, I'm still following my 1998 New Year Resolution and continue to not use any drive-through lanes and instead stick to parking and walking into the building.
Some menu prices have increased.
There's always something interesting to find in the decor, especially while waiting for a 'to-go' order.
The "2×2" ($6.10) is an excellent imitation of a Double Double from In-n-Out, served on a toasted bun and is satisfying..
The Combo Plate ($6.80), listed under "Sides", has a 
One day, I decided to try a Greek Chicken Wrap ($8.95). It was great! A greek salad with plenty of grilled chicken breast in a tortilla. All the flavors and freshness without a fork. 
Another day, I ordered a Turkey Wrap ($8.40). Not as interesting as the Greek salad, but still very fresh and satisfying.
The Avocado Salad ($9.85). The Thousand Island dressing is made in-house and is really nice. There is a whole avocado on this very large salad, along with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion, cheese and hard boiled egg. This is a bad photo because of a 
Here is the chicken strips salad ($10.60). Almost too much chicken to salad ratio. Another great meal.
Two days ago, the front gate was almost ready to welcome thousands of people daily, beginning tomorrow (June 12) until July 7 (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays).
The Exhibit Hall (to the right when you walk in the main gate) is decorated with "Pac Man" logos and is filled with information of the theme- displays of items from the past, video games, music and more.
Last week, there was no Ferris Wheel at the end of the Midway and one specific booth was not yet set up.
But that is all taken care of now.
Similarly, the path toward the Infield, with rides for children, garden and farming education displays has also been made ready for visitors.
This booth looks interesting; I think the French Toast/ice cream combination sounds yummy.
Then again, I noticed this on one of Chicken Charlie's booths…
Many of the rides and booths were not not yet set up because they had all been at the Los Angeles County Fair which had its run in May. That Fair closed on Memorial Day and everyone had to pack up and move to the Del Mar Fairgrounds and set up while waiting for inspections. 
Home Made has been judging crafts and setting them up for display.
The quilts this year are beautiful. 
The collections are, once again, eclectic.
There were many entries in the Preserved Foods Division.
The Baked Goods Division had more entries than last year.
Of course, the Theme of the Fair is encouraged for all crafts, collections, and even food entrants!