Cathy – Page 26

Fresh Brothers (Carmel Valley)

July 8, 2019 Cathy Pizza, Salads, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a food-centric blog. Today's short post is written by Cathy.

There was a need to stop at Trader Joe's and The Mister and I knew about this location for several reasons, having seen the signage on the corner multiple times over the years. We had to get to the parking lot and saw a few other interesting businesses, including Fresh Brothers, so we stopped for a quick lunch.

This small chain, with 20 stores in Southern California (this is the only one in San Diego) started in 2008 (San Diego store opened in October 2016). Modern design with indoor and outdoor seating. A fairly basic menu- pizzas, salad, wings, knots and sliders. Bread in different forms.
We ordered 'basics' for this first time meal. The antipasto salad ($11) sounded good. This is very large. The bowl is deep, the toppings are layered within. Critterio brand salami, smoked ham, mozzarella bits, green and black olives, grape tomatoes, pepperoni, red onion, Romaine lettuce. The fresh made House Italian dressing was a great surprise- it was not too vinegary and was really fresh tasting.
An order of three knots ($4) seemed like it would be complimentary to the salad. Oh my, they were. A handmade dough twisted into knot shapes, fresh baked and tossed with butter, Parmesan and chunks of garlic. The dough was crisp on the exterior with softly layered interior. Slightly sweet, these are addictive. The side of pizza sauce wasn't needed, but tasting it after eating half of a knot was a pleasant change. Fresh tomatoes with a light addition of herbs (oregano was predominant; not really garlic at all).
We decided to share a personal size cheese pizza ($7). This was just right, sauce and cheese to the edge, a light, crispy but not too thin crust and a lot of melted, gooey mozzarella.

A nice little lunch. Now that we've studied the menu, we will return. (You can get any salad with a one topping personal pizza for $12. That and some baked wings sounds like a nice meal.) Faye has been here.

Fresh Brothers 5950 Village Way Ste 103 San Diego, CA 92130 website

Brodard (Fountain Valley)-a Saturday morning road trip

July 7, 2019 Cathy Orange County, Road Trip, Vietnamese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of this food blog. Cathy is writing. Kirk (and His Missus) are enjoying the holiday weekend.

The Mister said he would be responsible for breakfast on Saturday. At 7 a.m., I saw him on the computer, reading a menu.

We took a 'short' (83 miles one way) trip North. The craving for nem nuong (pork sausage) was overwhelming in the middle of this four day weekend. Both Kirk and His missus as well as The Mister and I have been to the 'original' Brodard; it moved South on the same main road (Brookhurst) in late 2017, from Garden Grove to Fountain Valley-so it is much closer to the 405. We arrived at the "new" Brodard location in about 75 minutes. The side parking lot was empty,

as was the beautiful, spacious interior. (Business picks up later in the day; you can get on a waiting list online and the wait was 75 minutes at 2 p.m. yesterday).
We asked for hot tea; jasmine and strong!
One order of nem nuong cuon (grilled pork rolls) ($6) Heritage Berkshire grilled pork (fresh grilled- warm) wrapped in rice paper with lettuce, cucumber, carrots, cilantro, chives, daikon, mint and a strip of crispy fried egg roll wrapper. Served with the 'house special sauce'-warm: savory, spicy and sweet. The pork- I could just eat a plate of that.
Roasted duck spring rolls (goi cuon vit) ($9.95) Warm, roasted duck wrapped in rice paper with asparagus, scallions, cucumber and cilantro. Served with a plum sauce. This was quite wonderful and special.

It was breakfast. We ordered sole porridge (Chao Ca) ($7.95) It came garnished with roasted shallots, fresh ginger, cilantro and scallions and a nice plate of add-ins (lime, jalapeño, bean sprouts and cilantro). Fancy, tasty, filled with a lot of firm, tasty sole.

Instead of a Vietnamese crepe (banh xeo), we ordered the plate of several small crepes-the Luna rice cakes with shrimp (Banh Khot Tom) ($8.95) Small, light, crispy rice-flour crepes made with coconut milk and turmeric. Filled with mung beans, scallions and a large, plump shrimp and served with mint, sesame leaf, lettuce and pickled daikon and carrots. Great little bites.

If you look back at the first photo, that's the doorway to the left of the main doorway. You can walk in there to pick up an order, stare at the bakery offerings or just go ahead and order something.

cc has visited the new Brodard

Brodard Fountain Valley 16105 Brookhurst Street Fountain Valley, CA 92708 (657) 247-4401 website

One pistachio and one raspberry macaron. The almond topped, crispy pastry is filled with hazelnut cream (not sweetened) ($7.88).

San Diego Chicken Pie Shop (revisit)

July 5, 2019 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! welcomes you back for a quick look at a place to enjoy a meal. Cathy is writing and Kirk is enjoying this Independence Day long weekend.

I've written a few posts about the San Diego Chicken Pie Shop since 2006. The menu has expanded over the years. Comfort food, quick service, nice people both dining and working.

There are tabletop 'specials' which include soup and Cole slaw. (Of note, the pea soup here is vegetarian; no ham).
On this day, corned beef and cabbage was the Special ($11) This was very well made and had large portion of tender beef. It came with the carrots, green beans and potatoes as well as the cabbage.
The Pie Dinner (still $10) which also arrives with the finely chopped slaw and fresh, chewy, wonderful dinner rolls is the same as always; a sturdy yet light crust surrounding chicken and turkey and gravy-no vegetables as filler. It's served with mashed potatoes and a Vegetable of the Day.
Full meals are served with a choice of pie for dessert. This day, chocolate pie and peach pie were chosen. Again, the hose made crusts make this so wonderful…light and flaky and so very fresh.

Yes, three different daily fresh baked items- the dinner rolls, the chicken pie crust and the dessert pie crusts. It's why we are here on carb craving days.

A San Diego tradition for more than 80 years.

San Diego Chicken Pie Shop 2633 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego 92104 (619) 295-0156 website Open Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat-Sun 9-8

Creamistry- Ice Cream made in front of you, using liquid Nitrogen

July 4, 2019 Cathy Desserts, Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping by to read this food blog named mmm-yoso!!! Today's short post is written by Cathy.

Ice cream. A frozen dessert or snack. Countries around the world have some version, using various add ins (I did particularly like the Qwality Brand ice creams along with the falooda ice cream based beverage at Cash and Carry on Miramar Road and the Filipino ice creams and Halo-Halo at Snoice in Spring Valley. San Diego has a few modern ice cream shops as well as some older, established businesses, like Mariposa, Niederfranks and (thank you, cc, for this epic post: Oasis).

In August 2016, Bing Haus opened, featuring rolled ice cream- cream and other ingredients placed on a 'reverse griddle' (ice pan) and in about two minutes, fresh ice cream is made to your order.

A month before Bing Haus, Creamistry opened on Clairmont Mesa Boulevard. Made to order ice cream using liquid nitrogen in a mixer. We finally made a stop.

The menu is fairly uncomplicated, with suggested combinations costing less than ordering each ingredient separately.
Then again, there are quite a few possibilities, based on your particular cravings. Notice the stacked stainless steel mixing bowls in the back, far left.
The chosen ingredients are added to the mixing bowl,
liquid Nitrogen is pumped in, the resulting ice cream is scooped out and, toppings of the same mix-ins are added. This was our first visit, we were hungry. We ordered an "Elvis Presley" ($7) – banana ice cream, bananas, candied bacon and peanut butter sauce. (A plain ice cream is $6 and add ins are 50¢ each, so choosing a pre-designed flavor saves). The ice cream is filled with the ingredients and the toppings were just a delightful, fresh fanciness. The ice cream itself is smooth and rich and so very creamy. This was enough to share.

Another concept of this summertime treat. We will be going back to try more.

Creamistry 7420 Clairmont Mesa Blvd San Diego, CA 92111 (858) 874-6407 {there are two other San Diego locations} Website Open daily at noon.

2020 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float road test #1. Breakfast and snacks at Porto’s.

July 1, 2019 Cathy Bakery, Breakfast/Brunch, Festivals & Events, Los Angeles County, Road Trip, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, a blog about food. So many reasons to get to the food. Cathy is writing today because the reason to drive North is again happening.

Link to Road test #2

Link to Road Test #3

Link to Road Test #4

Link to Road Tests #5 and #6

A few weeks after the 2019 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade Showcase of Floats, on Sierra Madre Boulevard at the end of the Parade route, the President of the 2020 Parade (Laura Farber) was announced and the Theme of the 2020 Parade- "The Power of Hope" was introduced. “With hope – anything, in fact, everything is possible. Hope is more than simply the possibility of fulfillment. Hope is dignity and respect, joy and happiness, aspiration and achievement. Hope never, ever quits. Through hope, we can aspire to be our best and in turn inspire those around us to reach higher.”. The float designs for the 130th Rose Parade use this as their design inspiration.

Float designs were submitted to the Tournament and, once approved, construction began. The first of a series of "Road Tests" (of manipulation, maneuverability and safety of the floats) of some of the 22 floats to be constructed by Phoenix Decorating Company, occurred on Saturday in Irwindale. There will be about 44 floats total in the parade; Phoenix is one of three float building businesses, (six floats which are 'self constructed' also participate). This online newsletter will keep you up to date with Tournament happenings. Oddfellows Rebekahs float for 2020 is "First Responders Bring Hope". This float will be applauded throughout the 5.5 mile parade route.
The little detail which might be missed in the Lions Clubs International "Hope for 20/20" float is that each character on board is wearing glasses- a nod to one of the Lion signature projects: vision.
The 2020 Lutheran Hour Ministries float, "Anchored in Jesus"- a submerged anchor with three fish surrounding it, is the 70th entry for the only Christian themed Rose Parade float sponsored by the Lutheran Layman's League.
Kiwanis International hasn't released an Artist rendition or title of their 2020 float; I'll add it. So cute!

The above floats are marked with the colors to help with decoration (which begins the first Saturday in December). The following two floats aren't quite as far along in construction.
The 2020 Rose Parade float entered by Rotary International, "Hope Connects the World" is going to appear as if it is a balloon (like the San Diego Holiday Bowl parade) in the parade, with out walkers 'holding it down'. It is in the 'cocoon' stage of construction.
The City of Alhambra will enter this "Hope Keeps Us Going" float, still in the 'skeleton' phase of design.

It looks like the morning of January 1, 2020 will be a great start to the year!

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I know, you are here for the food portion of the blog. There was a small newspaper article in 2017 about a new location of Porto's, a Cuban Bakery Cafe, in the Los Angeles County area since 1976, opening a fifth location. Finally, the West Covina location opened two months ago. I was interested in Porto's because of postings by other blogs: cc has made multiple visits, as have Soo and Maggie, Faye, Kirbie and Mary. In fact, we've been to Azucar and Los Pollos specifically to try Cuban delicacies without having to drive a few hours to a Porto's location..
This store, six miles South of Phoenix Decorating, on the same road (which changes names, but is a straight drive) is so close!
There's an open baking area,
the ordering lines are organized.
There is a Coffee bar just to the right as you walk in. We didn't know the 'system' (you can order beverages when you are ordering Bakery and/or Cafe items in any line) and I sent The Mister off to order beverages here. A mojito ($3.39) and a Double Cortadito ($2.59).

The display cases are just that-displays. They are always full. You order and the Porto's guy (or gal) turns and goes to the kitchen to box your items…which (at least around 8 a.m.) are freshly warm.
A potato ball ($1.05), ham croquette (95¢) and, as I must always order, ham and cheese baked in a croissant ($2.35).
Cross sections- the mashed potato ball is filled with picadillo (I could taste the olives!) before being rolled in breadcrumbs and fried. I could see eating a few of these as a meal. The ham croquette is very rich- just ham chunks and a seasoned Bechamel (flour, butter and milk) sauce. It looks small but is just enough.
Cross section of the Ham and Cheese baked in a bread. A wonderful rendition.
Rellenitos-$1.05 each. Made to order. Listed in the 'Savory' section of the menu.
Mashed plantain filled with black beans, fried then rolled in sugar. This is wonderful.

Since it was breakfast and we were here…Torrejas was ordered ($5.98).
Cuban style French toast, made with croissant dough, served with a more or less tropical fruit salad (that is guava sauce and it's not sweetened) and whipped cream cheese. Decadent and kind of addictive.

We will return-many times- to try out the whole menu.

Porto's West Covina 584 S. Sunset, West Covina, CA 91790 (626)214-3490 Open Mon-Th 6:30-8:30, Fri-Sat 6:30-9, Sun 7-8 Website

2019 San Diego County Fair- OzSome! (Part 2)

June 27, 2019 Cathy Festivals & Events, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Kirk and (sometimes) Cathy write about food and sometimes add in little tidbits about how and where the food was attained. This is one of those posts, written by Cathy.

The 2019 San Diego County Fair, the largest attended County Fair in the USA (and fifth largest Fair of any kind), has been open since May 31 and will have its final day on July 4. I wrote a short post before the Fair opened and hope that many of you have already had a chance to attend. The Mister and I have visited the Fairgrounds a few times and this short post is just a small taste of some of the Fair foods we have had, and some of what we have seen. There will be a 'Part Three' wrap up post, after the closing. Soo and Maggie have attended.

The theme of the 2019 Fair, "OzSome" focuses on the L. Frank Baum original book series, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" (and not the movie-musical which most of us have seen on television). There are far more details in the 13 volume book series.

From 1947-1984, Spanish actor Tommy Hernandez portrayed Don Diego as the Official Ambassador to the Fair. After the death of Hernandez, instead of having another actor portray Don Diego Alvarado, whose family had a large land grant in the Del Mar area during the late 1800s, a 16 foot tall bronze statue stands at the entrance to the Fairgrounds, appropriately dressed for the Theme.
Once you walk inside, there are characters greeting and walking around, ready to pose with families for photos. Each of the various Exhibit areas is decorate in the Fair theme.
As are many of the entries and displays.

The tornado ravaged home, crushing the Wicked Witch (look to the bottom left in this photo), is quite an original display in Home and Hobby. As are the entries in so many divisions.

I know, you are here for the food. Here's a bit of what is available.
Inside Bing Crosby Hall, the old Dixie's Mini Donuts stand has been sold, name changed to Lillie B's Donuts and reversed (you pay first then walk along and watch your order prepared). Still hot and fresh and a traditional treat.
As always, a sandwich from the Roxy's fair booth is a given for us. This year it was the artichoke sandwich ($13, because we added avocado). This sandwich is just wonderful, yet we never order a sandwich at the restaurant.

Another regular 'Fair food' for us comes from the Fresh Cream Puff booth. This year there was an offering of a 'Neapolitan' puff- with chocolate, vanilla and strawberry cream…but the strawberry wasn't ready yet, so we asked if we could just have a chocolate and vanilla combo…($4) the shell was fresh made as were the real whipped creams. An indulgence we can't find 'on the outside'.

The Mister always must order 'something pesto' from Pignotti's. This year is was the tortellini. Cheese filled and slathered in the wonderful basil-garlic-olive oil sauce…a comfort food.
There's a 'new' booth on the Midway this year (it had been closer to the animal barns in previous years) selling cheese curds ($7). These were served on a bed of garlic-parsley-coarse salted fries, which were also quite good, although the squeaky cheese was just a perfect bite. There are a few 'themed' items, like this "Wicked Witch" Sriracha ceviche. As well as a duo of "Good Witch" and "Wicked Witch" toasts…and everything else on the menu at the Emerald Eatery inside the Paul Ecke Garden Show area (This restaurant/booth changes annually with Fair Themed, 'healthier' choices).

There will be plenty more activities to show in the third post of this series. There's a week to go: the Junior Livestock Auction is tomorrow, fireworks the evening of the 4th of July, and so much more to enjoy until then (Woodworking, Gems and Minerals, Concerts, Flower Show, Photography and Art, Creative Youth, the Farm in Family Funville, the Theme Exhibit, rides, carnival games, Petting Zoo, Camels, Pig Races and a few daily contests (watermelon spitting, pie eating and more) and events. Since the admission is $20 per person, you could still buy a "Best Pass Ever" for $32-it's a season pass, and gets you in every day of the Fair (so you feel no pressure to do everything at once)) at Vons or Albertsons.

San Diego County Fair Website Open daily at 11 (10 a.m. on July 4). Free parking this year only at Torrey Pines High School and Miracosta College (with a free shuttle) $5 parking at Horse Park and $17 parking at the Fairgrounds

It's OzSome!

Thai Thai (Santee)

June 18, 2019 Cathy Thai Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Well, you're back reading mmm-yoso!!! and looking for another food post. Today, it will be Thai. Cathy is writing while Kirk is busy at work.

For 16 years, this location was a Japanese-Thai restaurant named Oiishi, which I only posted a total of three times despite it being a regular stop (since it is very close to home). The Japanese owners decided to retire and the Thai owners of the popular Fallbrook and Vista based Thai Thai restaurants purchased this Santee location, which opened in May.

The interior has been 'upgraded'. The area pictured here -to the right- had been the 12 seat sushi bar for Oiishi and now there is a bit more seating.

There is a Monday-Friday Lunch Menu featuring 14 choices with prices based on the protein ordered ($8.95 vegetarian/tofu, $9.95 mock chicken or mock duck, $10.95 chicken, pork or beef, $11.95 shrimp, calamari or duck, $12.95 for combo of shrimp, chicken, pork and beef and $13.95 for seafood combo of shrimp, calamari, scallop, mussel and fish). #L13. Lunch Special of yellow curry with tofu ($8.95). Wow. This was great. The lunch specials come with a vegetable soup, vegetable egg roll, fried wonton, rice and cucumber salad. The curry- smooth, coconut based, potato, onion and carrot with the tofu. Very nice, mild curry. We asked for a lower heat level (2/10) to be able to taste the ingredients. Wonderful, fresh- everything. The cucumber salad is available as an appetizer for $5.95 and is quite large. We shared this with a dinner meal one evening.
#15. Pork Larb ($10.95) A trio of condiments are brought out, with the chili powder pointed out as what works best with the larb…so you can make each bite as spicy as you wish. The rice powder, mint, cilantro, red and green onion, lime juice and a touch of dried chili made this good enough to eat on its own with a sliced pieces of cabbage before I ventured further with the tabletop condiments.
#13. Nam Khao Tod ($10.95) Crispy Rice Salad, as it's described on the menu, is something we look for at every Thai restaurant, since each version is a bit differently prepared despite the use of the same ingredients (the same way we look for egg foo young at Chinese places). The sour pork sausage was chopped into small chunks and plentiful, mixed in with the crispy rice. It had a good flavor with a touch of sour. The red onion slices, Thai chili, cilantro, mint, fresh ginger, cashews and lime juice were a wonderful, bright blend of freshness.
#56. Pad Prik-Khing with chicken ($10.95) is made with sautéed green beans, red and green bell peppers, kaffir lime leaves and curry paste, served with rice. This was really good and each ingredient was distinct with fresh flavor.

There are 12 choices on the soup menu at Thai Thai and we are slowly exploring. #82, Yen Ta Fo ($11.95) was a Friday choice. Clear broth with a vinegar base (it's pleasant, not strong) fish balls, squid, fungus, fried tofu and, as your vegetable, morning glory. Served with the wide Thai noodle, which stays firm throughout the meal, this is a new favorite.

There will be many more postings. Thai Thai is the third (there are two other Thai restaurants) Thai restaurant in Santee.

Thai Thai 10251 Mast Blvd Santee, CA 92071 (619)596-5852 Open Tues-Sun 11a.m.-9 p.m. Closed Monday

Little Italy Bar & Grill (Scripps Ranch)

June 5, 2019 Cathy Italian Restaurants, Pizza, What Cathy Eats!

Here you are, reading mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Kirk had been on vacation for two weeks, got home, posted a few things and the time zone change hit. Cathy is writing today's post.

The Mister and I were driving around, aimlessly, looking for someplace 'new' to us, as we tend to do. This storefront, in a strip mall next to the Vons in Scripps Ranch, had been a French Restaurant, open only in evenings. In 2016, it became an Italian Restaurant- open for breakfast on weekends as well as lunch and dinner daily. We decided to stop. We were asked if we wanted the Breakfast or the Lunch menu- and took one of each. (Thumbnails at bottom of the post).
There are various tables and seating areas, including an outdoor patio.
The signage out front indicated "All Starters 1/2 off Sat-Sun open-5". The Burrata starter (regular $15.95, so $7.97) was ordered. Wow. What a quality cheese, creamy and so very fresh. Topped with some crushed black pepper, it was served on top of sliced Roma tomato, a good slice of prosciutto de parma and large pieces of basil. Olive oil and balsamic decorated the side of the plate. If I were alone, I'd order this (and at 1/2 price, two) as my meal.
We decided to share one entree and had a choice of soup or salad. The soup of the day wasn't one we liked, so we asked for the side salad (dressing already mixed in; house Italian was what we chose), a refreshing choice.
Chicken Parmesan ($14.95) was ordered (lunch menu) and, as with proper Italian entrees, the plate came with sides of steamed vegetables and pasta topped with the house made marinara. Fresh, flavorful sides. The chicken, pounded thin, breaded and (properly) fried was moist and juicy, crispy and light, parmesan flavors and topped with more fresh marinara and Mozzarella. Great.
At the top of the Lunch menu is a "Bambino" (10 inch) pizza with one item ($10.95). We thought we should try it, choosing artichoke. Not too thin of a crust, wood fired and lightly charred. A light amount of marinara, plenty of cheese as well as artichoke. We took home leftovers and had a light dinner.

Another quality neighborhood restaurant. A great find.

Little Italy Bar & Grill 10006 Scripps Ranch Blvd (between Red Rock Drive and Aviary Drive) San Diego 92131 (858) 368-4688 Open Mon-Wed 11-9, Th-Fri-11-10, Sat 9-10. Sun 9-9 Website

Créme & Sugar (Del Mar)

June 1, 2019 Cathy Desserts, Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt, What Cathy Eats!

You are reading mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Kirk is vacationing and Cathy is writing, again.

After The Mister and I finished lunch at Seasurf Fish Co, we passed this storefront two doors down.We thought we should have dessert here.
Peeking inside we noted familiar decor, consistent with other dessert/coffee places.
The hot and iced drinks menu is on the wall behind the Ordering area.
But, far more interesting choices are on the wall to the right, behind the ice cream freezers.(If you can't enlarge to read the handwritten wall menus, here is the two-sided menu you can grab at the counter). The offerings are "Epic" and pretty much 'County Fair Worthy' (there are some photos on the menu). We decided to go basic, ordering a single scoop ($3.75) of Butter Pecan ice cream. The serving is HUGE. The ice cream was good, but the flavor not as 'buttery'/salty as other versions. The pecans were chopped small. It is a quality ice cream, but a different flavor will be chosen next time.
We decided an Affogato ($5.50) over Sweet Créme ice cream would be nice. Servings elsewhere are not this large. The espresso here is excellent. The ice cream was rich and had a ribbon of condensed milk running through. Quite nice. This will be ordered again.

There are also cookies and slices of cake available. Next time.

All in all, a lot of dessert, fresh and tasty. We were stuck in traffic and got home late; neither of us was hungry at dinner time.

Kirbie has been here.

Créme & Sugar 3646 Del Mar Heights Road Del Mar 92014 Website Open Sunday-Thursday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri-Sat 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

2019 San Diego County Fair-OZSome (Part One-before it opens)

May 31, 2019 Cathy Festivals & Events, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, the blog about food has no food photos today…so you can skip if that's why you are here. There are a few suggestions contained within and in a couple of weeks a 'Part Two' will reveal some tasty treats enjoyed. Cathy is writing; Kirk is (still) on vacation.

Here is a link to Part Two

The San Diego County Fair officially opens at 4 p.m. today. The Theme this year is "OZsome"… Reflected in the Front Gate design which includes a Yellow Brick Road and the Emerald City, along with poppy and corn fields. The inspiration for the Fair is L. Frank Baum's classic children's novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, which The Library of Congress declared "America's greatest and best-loved homegrown fairytale." Its groundbreaking success and the success of the Broadway musical adapted from the novel led Baum to write thirteen additional Oz books that serve as official sequels to the first story. (The 1939 musical film adaptation starring Judy Garland, which we see on TV every year is not at all as detailed as the original Children's novels).

The view down the Midway (with the Ferris wheel at the West end) is amazing without the crowds. The corncob inflatable is a bit more realistic this year, with roasted corn kernels and three dimensional husk. Next to that booth is the Mediterranean gyros booth, which I mentioned in my (only) 2018 County Fair post, where we purchased a wonderful food offering of bacon baklava.

Home and Hobby, the 'Heart' of the Fair has had entries already judged.
Table Settings will be displayed together on one of the outdoor patios.
Collections have so many unique entries this year.

Crafts. There are many hand made crafting Divisions.

Quilting has a Fair Theme display.

Preserved foods,

baked goods, candies,
and decorated cakes were judged yesterday.
The various Guilds will be represented, giving daily demonstrations.

The Gingerbread Shop is advertising two Oz-centric treats. Here's a link to the various food offerings at the 2019 Fair.

Map of food stands.
The 2019 San Diego County Fair is going to be Awesome OZsome!

2019 San Diego County Fair Website Open May 31-July 4. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays in June. Free Parking at Torrey Pines High School at noon on weekdays and weekends, MiraCosta College on weekends. (Horse Park parking is now $5) Discount admission tickets sold at Vons and Albertsons