Cathy – Page 30

The Lunch Box (La Mesa)(Again)

November 24, 2018 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a San Diego based food blog, writing about places to eat in the City, County, State, Nation and World. Today is Small Business Saturday ( the day following Black Friday and just before Cyber Monday) part of the holiday weekend which began with Thanksgiving Day. Cathy is writing about a locally owned restaurant.

Three and a half years ago, I posted about breakfast at The Lunch Box in La Mesa and said I'd write about lunch at The Lunch Box. Here we are. The $5.95 weekday special is now $6.75 because time marches on. This family owned small business has been a staple on La Mesa Boulevard at Jackson since 2009. Each time we stop in, neighborhood locals are enjoying breakfast and lunch.

There were whiteboard specials out front this day and the raisin bread French toast with bacon was $8.50 (usually the toast by itself is $7.50 and adding two eggs and bacon is an additional $3.50). As you may have noticed, I order raisin filled items whenever I can. This is a regular order and is made so well; crispy exterior and fluffy interior…heavenly, proper French toast. This breakfast sandwich ($7.50) was also a special noted at the front door (usually the sandwich does not come with spinach). Eggs, cheese (The Mister chose Swiss) and bacon with tomatoes and spinach on a toasted, buttery buttered croissant. Wonderful.

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Finally, I am posting about an actual LUNCH at The Lunch Box.

The menu for lunch is basically sandwiches, wraps and salads.

All sandwiches come with a bag of kettle chips and a fresh, warm (chocolate chip) cookie…because it is The Lunch Box.

A 'Basic 1/2 Sandwich Combo'-with soup (in this case chili) ($8.50) or pasta salad, potato salad or green salad. That's the tuna salad on rye. Yes, it is good. *Really*good- the tuna as well as the bread.
The chili has beans and lentils and coarse burger and all sorts of great stuff. Housemade and available each day, a bowl can be a meal on a cold day or on a warm day. The 'Specialty or Hot 1/2 Sandwich Combo' ($8.50), in this case 'The Big Guy' (this as a full sandwich is $10.50) on a torta has roast beef, turkey, ham, bacon, cheddar, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise. Each meat is quality, the sandwich is overfilled, the torta is fresh (and recommended for this particular sandwich).
the side green salad is very large. This is a tasty, filling meal.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and is enjoying this long weekend.

cc was here in February, anyone else?

The Lunch Box Cafe & Deli 8751 La Mesa Blvd La Mesa 91941 (619)463-4013 Open Tue-Fri 7:30-2, Sat 7:30-1 Closed Sunday and Monday Website

Happy Thanksgiving 2018!

November 22, 2018 Cathy Travel, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! wouldn't exist without all of you.

Wherever you are in the world, thanks for reading mmm-yoso!!!

TJ Oyster Bar (again)

November 21, 2018 Cathy Mexican Restaurants, Taco Shops, What Cathy Eats!

Here you are reading mmm-yoso!!! on Thanksgiving Eve…or Thanksgiving Day. Cathy is writing a short post about another regular stop. Kirk is busy, elsewhere, with His Missus.

There are two locations of TJ Oyster Bar in Bonita with the third in Chula Vista- all East of the 805. The Mister and I have been to all three, but we keep returning to the original location, even though it is the smallest.
There are five two top tables and about 12 bar stools of seating inside and two-four seat tables out in front. The cash register is right in front when you walk in: order, pay, find a seat.
On this visit, we decided to share a fried calamari appetizer ($9). It was nice that they did give us two forks . The batter is thin/light and the fry is correct. The squid is tender and the dipping sauce has a light amount of spice; a complimentary flavor. I did add salt at the end.
We had to get the fish tacos ($1.25 each) which are in a beer batter (slightly thicker; good crunch). The fish pieces are large, the cabbage and salsa and white sauce are just enough (not overpowering). The corn tortillas have nice light corn flavor and because they were warmed, a good chew.
The grilled fish salad ($9)is exceptional. The fish is (as you can see) lightly grilled and the salad served with an avocado half. The salad was a bed of Romaine (which had not yet been recalled; we were here last Friday) which had a great housemade salad dressing mixed in-in perfect proportions (creamy but not overpowering in any one flavor; not much garlic).

Just a nice place to stop in for quality Mexican seafood.

TJ Oyster Bar 4246 Bonita Road Bonita, 92002 (619) 267-4577 Mon-Th 11:30-9, Fri 11:30-10, Sat noon-9, Sun noon-8

Marie Callender’s-Breakfasts

November 20, 2018 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!!. This food blog tries to post daily about places where either Kirk or Cathy has had a meal. Sometimes we write about events leading to that meal, but that isn't the case today. Cathy is writing.

When I wrote the post about Marie Callender's in September, I realized the hours of operation began at 8 a.m….breakfast! Yet, The Mister and I never had stopped here for breakfast. The other day, we managed to drop in.
The pie display wasn't yet filled.
The bar area had only a few people seated. There was a breakfast meeting on the other side of the restaurant. The menu (at the bottom of this post) was simple and interesting.

You know how a complimentary giant piece of Marie Callender's cornbread is brought out for your lunch or dinner meal? Well, at breakfast, it's a complimentary piece of banana blueberry bread…streusel topped…still warm. Wonderful. The Big Country Smasher Skillet ($10.29)…a bed of tots topped with applewood bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, a blend of cheeses (Jack, Cheddar and Swiss) and country gravy. Good country gravy-pepper-y and with sausage and such flavor on its own. A hearty meal.

Let's not play games. We (I) come here for the pie. This is probably why we (I) never considered Marie's for breakfast. Oh, but there was a surprise on the menu: The Banana Cream Pie Pancake Platter ($9.59). Yes. Banana cream pie is indeed sometimes a choice. You know it's made with fresh sliced bananas. There's also a pudding-like filling, which was still warm on top of the pancakes. Then there was whipped cream; vanilla flavored. Topped with sliced toasted almonds. Heaven. The platter came with two eggs (any style, so I chose over easy) and a choice of bacon or sausage…or one of each. So I did. Then the surprise.
The warm pudding and sliced bananas was on top of each pancake (!) It pretty much was banana cream pie with a different crust- for breakfast. Oh, the eggs were great, so was the bacon and the sausage.

Marie Callender's has been doing breakfast for 40 years. I am so happy I finally discovered this fact. We will be back and maybe try other parts of the breakfast menu and take home a slice of pie…or I'll just get this again.

Marie Callender's 6950 Alvarado Road San Diego, CA 92120 (619)465-1910 Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Website

Oaks Bar and Grill (Carlton Oaks Golf Course-Santee)

November 19, 2018 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is still blogging during this busy Thanksgiving week. Kirk and His Missus are out and about and Cathy is hanging around with some posts which might interest you.

I wrote about Oaks Bar and Grill more than four years ago and am happy to say we still stop in; I just don't post about it. Here's a recent meal.

The views at sunset can be amazing.
The interior is filled with televised sporting events.
We've been dropping in during Happy Hour (Mon-Fri 5-7) (the yellow menu at the bottom of this post) Coconut Shrimp ($6) is satisfying and plenty.
We shared 1/2 caesar salad ($5.25) this day.
Why were we really here? Wednesdays 4:30-9 (until December 26). Prime Rib ($18.95)

I asked for it to be 'rare-medium rare'. It was.

A very large portion (I never have asked, but it's at least 10 ounces), the Prime comes with the steamed vegetables and smashed potatoes. All of this food ordered was more than enough for two to share; we had leftovers.

Breakfasts here are great and served seven days a week. Everyone has to eat wherever they work or live. This really is a great little place in our neighborhood.

Oaks Bar & Grill 9200 Inwood Drive, Santee, CA 92071 (619) 448-4242 opens Mon-Fri 7 a.m. Sat-Sun 6 a.m. Website

2019 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade Road Test #6; Breakfast at Bravo Burgers (Chino)

November 18, 2018 Cathy Breakfast/Brunch, Festivals & Events, Los Angeles County, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is primarily a blog about food. There are so many reasons we discover the food. Cathy is writing today's post, because she did this drive and saw this stuff and discovered another restaurant on the way home. Kirk isn't in town.

Yesterday was the sixth 'official' road test for floats participating in the 2019 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade built by Phoenix Decorating Company. { Here are links to road tests #1 and #2, road test #3 and here is road test #4 and #5} (There are three other decorating companies and six floats are 'self built'; we volunteer with the Petal Pushers when we decorate floats. You can, too!).
The first float you will see in the parade, "Theme Float" will have the theme banner right there on the front (where the rectangle is cut out for the float 'spotter' to look out onto the parade route (each float has a 'driver', who basically looks down onto the rose colored line drawn on the street to know he/she is driving along the center of the route and a 'spotter' who communicates to the driver via a headset if the pace needs to be slowed, stopped or sped up)(look for other 'spotter' rectangles in the next two float photos)). The theme of "The Melody of Life" is reflected on that swoop going up behind the float- see the small music notes?
The closing float this year will remind viewers of what is to come- the Tournament of Roses Rose Bowl Game. The float is designed like the Rose Bowl Stadium and a larger than life replica of the winners trophy is prominent.
Western Asset's entry is simply titled "Yellow Submarine"..and we can all guess which song we will hear when it passes on the television screen (or in front of you if you are fortunate enough to have a seat on Colorado Boulevard on January 1).

The American Armenian Rose Float Association's entry of "Chanting Stones" Is proving to be again, another educational entry: KARAHUNJ “Armenia’s singing stones full of noises, sounds, and sweet airs, that give delight, and simplicity.”
Located on a mountain plateau in Sisian in the Syunik province, also called Zorats Karer in Armenian which literally translates to Army Stones, Karahundj (meaning Speaking Stones probably related to the fact that on a windy day the stones make whistling sounds because of holes in the stones. According to the scientist’s findings, a temple consisting of 40 stones built in honor of the Armenians’ main God, Ari, meaning the Sun, is situated in the central part. It also had a large observatory and a university. In total 223 stones or so were registered.
These basalt stones range from 0.5 to 3 m high and weigh up to 10 tons.
It is even suggested based on findings that it predates the Stonehenge by 3500 years.
Honda- the sponsor of the parade had a road test of "Celebration of Dreams". The main float is way up front, followed by five 'satellite' floats. Here is a link to artist renditions of the Phoenix Decorating Company floats for the 2019 parade.

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We now move to the food portion of this post. Long story short, last Saturday we arrived before Cravings by 99 Ranch opened (at 10 a.m.) and drove around looking for a non-chain breakfast place. We ate here then and again the following Saturday.
Under the 71 and turning down the parallel road, we saw this. Turns out there are four locations of Bravo Burgers, none in San Diego.

The menu is there on the wall behind the cash registers, along with some supplemental menu specials on the counter.

The ham and egg sandwich ($6.29) is quite large, with a large piece ham steak, plenty of eggs and lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise. What a breakfast!
On the countertop Specials board, the waffle with two eggs and two sausage ($7.79) looked interesting. The waffle was sweet, crispy, fluffy with perfect over easy eggs and wonderful skin on breakfast sausages. Coarse grind and great flavor.
The bacon egg burrito ($6.29) is hefty. Eggs, bacon, cheese and hash browns (see next photo). This was a good choice.
Steak and eggs ($11.15) came with more of those crispy hash browns. The eggs, again cooked perfectly and the steak a definite medium rare. Plenty of food and I think the first item (the ham and egg sandwich) was enough for a meal. We'll try more menu items next time…maybe even a Bravo Burger.

Bravo Burgers 14698 Pipeline Avenue Chino Hills, CA (909)393-5595 website Open 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

There's a salsa bar set up all day next to the beverage machine. Great salsas, great chips.

Boudin- Breakfast, Lunch, bread!

November 16, 2018 Cathy Bakery, Breakfast/Brunch, Chains, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a blog. Todays post is written by Cathy; Kirk (and His Missus) are not in town. Probably most of you are starting Thanksgiving early, too.

I should just start out with the title of "gift card meal" because that's how I find out about some places. (Side note: I do not 'regift'). Boudin Bakery began in 1848 in San Francisco. Known for its sourdough, the bread is baked fresh daily. It is now a chain of casual bakery-restaurants with two San Diego County locations serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. As I mentioned, I first discovered Boudin by using a gift card. The drill is similar to Panera and Corner Bakery Cafe– walk up, order, pay, get your own beverage and find a table. Your food is brought to you. All three of these businesses do *not* encourage tipping. You don't have to clear off your own table. All have free wifi.
You can see the fresh loaves bread behind the cash register. A one pound loaf of sourdough is $4.14. What I found out on our first visit is that we can join the Boudin "loyalty club" which gets you one free loaf of bread a month along with a few other perks.
Here are the past three months of free bread. The middle one is a really great multigrain bread, which you can purchase using the $4.14 discount (I think it ended up being 49 cents). The sourdough is wonderful. So is everything else.
The turkey and bacon scramble ($7.90) is quite large, comes with either fruit or potato and a choice of toast. It's a great meal.

The ham and cheddar breakfast sandwich ($5.90) is also quite large. It's served on sourdough and, as you can see, the cheese is grilled in and melted. None of that slapped on slice of cold cheese here. Quality for a reasonable price. The ham is applewood smoked and really good.I broke down and ordered the second avocado toast of my life; "The Purist" ($8.25). It's good, very nice with the eggs and side of fruit…but does not compare to the first avocado toast I ever ordered (photos 4th and 5th from the bottom of the post); that one is the standard for me.

The bacon red bell pepper scramble ($7.90) is also wonderful and again, quite large. That multigrain bread is so very good.

Then there is the rest of the menu…which needs more exploring…
The 'Spring Salad' (small, $5.95, large $8.65, add chicken to either size $2.39) was a wonderful mix of flavors and textures. Granny Smith apple slices, spiced walnuts, dried cranberries, feta, spring mix and balsamic. This was a large that we shared. It will be ordered again, maybe as a small…

Half Sandwich and bowl of soup ($9.35) is a good way to get to try more of the menu. The broccoli-cheese soup was hearty, creamy and filled with broccoli. The sandwich I chose was the turkey cranberry (on sliced sourdough; a good, chewy, old fashioned bread). Turkey breast, cranberry sauce, red onion, lettuce, mayonnaise. Eager to try the 'famous' clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl ($7.49) (you can see that you get all of the bread) this was an order one day. The clam chowder is pretty close to perfect; not salty, very creamy and filled with clam pieces and bits. The bread bowl and its filler piece was great with butter.
There are 'Seasonal Favorites' on the menu and the "millionaires bacon" was a curiosity that I succumbed to. The 'Millionaires BLT' on toasted sourdough with iceberg, Roma tomatoes and mayonnaise was a perfect accompaniment to the thick cut, brown sugar caramelized bacon that had a black pepper and cayenne rub on the edges…a kick of spice in this wonderful sandwich that needed no other additions.

I'm so grateful to my friends for the initial gift card and am very happy to have (finally) discovered the wonderful flavors of real sourdough.

Go- start your Thanksgiving week!

Boudin SF 5407 Balboa Ave, Ste 400 San Diego 92111 (858)737-6571 Website Open Mon-Sat 8-9, Sun 8-8

Tea Station (again)

November 15, 2018 Cathy Taiwanese Food and Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Kirk and His Missus are enjoying a break from blogging; Cathy is writing another post.

Ever since our first visit to Tea Station, and posts here on mmm-yoso!!! beginning in 2007 until 2016, (Links to Prior posts: 2007, 2011, 2012, 2013) The Mister and I enjoy stopping at the Clairmont Mesa location for quick snacks when we can meet up for lunch or early dinner.

Originally, Tea Station was only the building you see on the left, but expanded out and is a nice space to be able to enjoy a quiet meal. This is important, now that there are several other businesses in this same strip mall.

Again, I did not know which beverage to order and chose hot coffee-tea-milk ($4.50/pot) (no boba). Each flavor was distinct in each sip. A fresh coffee, a bold, dark tea and warm milk. So satisfying.
On the white board, we noticed a "Fresh Lemon Green Tea"($3.99) and had to order it. The Mister has been obsessed with fresh lemon items this summer. This was a great beverage and unique in flavor (ordered with no sweet; you could taste the tannins of the green tea along with the sour but fresh squeeze of lemon).
Tea flavored meals are why we stop here. We shared this tea flavored marinated chicken plate ($11.75), which is a favorite. The marinade has tea (of course) and the lightly breaded dark and white meat pieces of chicken are quite large, juicy and flavorful. You don't need any condiments. The side plate of three is ever changing and on this day the cold noodles had some meat, the corn tasted fresh and was crispy and the cabbage was lightly dressed and still crunchy. The rice, of course, was a flavorful sticky accompaniment.

The tea flavor dumplings ($9.25) (on the 'noodle' menu) are the reason we stop here; The Mister has cravings for them. The fillings are the same; porky with a slight tea undertone. The skins are on the edge of being too thick sometimes, but on this visit were just right. There is also a slight tea flavor to the dumpling dough.

All in all, a nice place to stop, sip, have a nice meal and catch up.

Tea Station 7315 Claremont Mesa Blvd San Diego 92111 (858) 268-8198 Open daily 11:30-midnight Website

Tako Factory (San Diego near La Mesa) OMG (Original Mexican Gourmet)

November 13, 2018 Cathy Taco Shops, What Cathy Eats!

Tako Factory has closed. It will be missed.

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Today, Cathy is writing; Kirk is enjoying some time off from work and from blogging.

El Cajon Blvd at 73rd. The signal light. SouthWest corner. Since 2013. Not your average Taco Shop. A bit fancier of a menu. Much more quality. A lot of people told me about it. I should have visited sooner.

Walk up, order, pay, find a seat and your food will be brought out to your table, inside or outside.
You'll get some fresh, crispy, thin, salted chips along with three salsas in a cut bag. The green salsa- mild and lime/tomatillo based. The center is a hot salsa-a habanero finish. The salsa on the right is this traditional recipe I saw on Pati's Mexican Kitchen; Chipotle (smoked jalapeño) with sesame seeds and peanuts. Yes, the salsas-each unique, each fresh made, each wonderful.
Our shared light lunch.
The shrimp tako ($4) is very good. Four large grilled shrimp along with grilled bell pepper and onion and topped with cheese and sour cream on a fresh, warm corn tortilla.
The adovada tako ($4) is served with onions, cilantro, tomato and topped with roasted jalapeño sour cream. The marinated pork is lightly grilled and has crispy bits. The marinade has garlic in it as well as a great red chile. The flavor is a new craving.
The asada tako ($4) is served with guacamole and pico on two tortillas. Quite a lot of food. The meat is wonderful- moist with a great marinade.
All day Tuesday, the chicken, asada and adobada takos are $2 each. The chicken is grilled white meat (moist and flavorful) with onions, bell peppers, topped with cheese, pico and sour cream. {These same three choices are available during 'Happy Hour' (3-5) each weekday, also $2 each. This isn't advertised anywhere.}
The asada alambre ($10) traditionally skewered meat and vegetables (alambre means 'wire'), this version is grilled asada, bacon, green peppers and onions…along with cheese and is served with four corn tortillas. Sort of a fajita (with bacon!), sort of just wonderful, quite enough food to share for another light meal.

Way above average; quality and service.

Tako Factory 7287 El Cajon Blvd San Diego 92115 (619)741-4502 Website Open Daily 10 a.m.- 9 p.m., Closed Sunday

Bully’s East Bistro Sports Bar

November 12, 2018 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Burgers, Sandwiches, Steakhouse, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! thanks you for dropping by (again). Kirk and His Missus are out and about and Cathy is writing about a few meals.

Family owned since 1971, Bully's East is located on the Southeast corner of the I-8 at Texas Street (the street parallel to the interstate is Camino Del Rio South). A fascinating history, known for their prime rib (not in this post) as well as quality, value and service, Bully's is a San Diego mainstay.
There is plenty of parking, but you may have to drive around the building to find a spot.
The interior has several dining areas in addition to the Bar area. There are sports memorabilia on the walls and a television can be seen from just about every seat in the building. There is a paper of specials outside the front door as well as on the bulletin board in the lobby when you walk in. There are additional specials on the table.

We were here in early October and there was an Oktoberfest/sausage plate offered ($19). Three different sausages, coarse ground (one was very spicy; another was garlic-y and one was smoked) each had a tight 'skin' and 'snap' when cut, grilled with sautéed onions and fresh cabbage and potato slices. This was served with a salad with house made bleu cheese dressing. It was good and won't be on the menu until next year.
One item always on the menu is French onion soup ($5.25). It's made in house, is not too salty and is very beefy. I'm pretty sure the leftover prime rib bones are used for this. This is pretty much always a choice.
The Prime rib melt ($18.50) is a decadent choice for a lunch sandwich. There is enough to be shared. It's on thick cut, pan toasted sourdough and filled with caramelized onions and Provolone. There's some horseradish sauce and au jus is served on the side. The French onion soup as well as the Potatoes Anna were my two (included) side choices. The sandwich was large, the French onion soup is so very flavorful and those Anna potatoes were perfect!

A Wednesday special noted on the wall,
grilled 12-oz. ribeye ($26). A perfect medium rare, wonderful char-such flavor. The description is 'topped with a mushroom demi-glace and crispy onions'. There were no onions and we mentioned it and received what I think are more than would normally be served…a nice snack, because the steak and mushrooms and sauce were perfect without needing any additions (not even salt). This came with two sides and as you can see, the baked potato and a salad (this time, Thousand Island, also made from scratch) were the choices.
This is the Bully Burger ($12.50). It's on an onion roll, char grilled (to a nice medium rare, as requested), coarse ground chuck, at least 1/3 lb.. One of the best burgers ever. It doesn't need cheese. The 'spread', lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle are also not needed, but are quite complimentary after eating about half of the burger 'plain'. Two sides are included in the price and this time, it was the mac and cheese (great) and (again) the French onion soup (+$1.25).

Bully's has breakfast on weekends. Another post. We've done that.

Bully's East Prime Rib-Bistro-Sports Bar 2401 Camino Del Rio South San Diego, CA 92108 (619)291-2665 Website Open Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-midnight, Sat-Sun 9 a.m.-midnight

You never know who you'll see here at lunchtime during the week.