Cathy – Page 36

Ranchwood BBQ (La Mesa) (revisit)

December 1, 2017 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, BBQ, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog of randomness. Once again, Cathy is writing, because Kirk deserves some time off.

It's been more than two years since my first Ranchwood BBQ post. In the interim, there was a fire and the Ranchwood storefront was closed for more than a year (The fire occurred in April 2016…the restaurant reopened June 2017…but I read of some catering done in between). As you walk up, you can smell the smoke, if the wind is right.
The menu choices have remained the same (the prices have increased slightly).
The interior (and seating out front) is new, with a few more seats than the old picnic benches, still keeping the SDSU color scheme.

The Tri-Tip sandwich ($7.99) is served on a lovely toasted sesame seed bun, topped with slaw and the red (there is a yellow) BBQ sauce. The flavors melded in a good way-the smoke plus sweet of the (catsup based?) red sauce plus the slaw (which has celery seed) with the toasty crunch of the roll. There is a small smoke ring on the Tri-Tip and the meat was tender and moist. It didn't need much of the sauce.
The pulled pork plate ($10.99) comes with a choice of two sides as well as two slices of white bread. The Mister chose cole slaw and onion rings for the sides. Again, the slaw, with the celery seed, was just right (not overdressed, crispy and fresh) and the onion rings were whole, battered and fried perfectly. The plate was very heavy-it felt like more than a pound. The pork? A very nice smoke flavor, which I thought went better with the yellow (mustard based/tangy BBQ sauce). There's a tiny bit of 'bark' in that above photo-a crunchy edge of the pork; crispy and smokier.

Ranchwood BBQ & Catering 7229 El Cajon Blvd San Diego 92115 Website Open daily 11-9

Izzy’s Cafe (return visit) (El Cajon)

November 29, 2017 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping by and reading mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Kirk is just busy right now, so Cathy is writing.

It's been almost five years since my Izzy's Cafe post. This El Cajon restaurant, open daily from 7-2 (now it is open on Sunday, but stopped doing dinner) has been at this corner of Broadway at Crosby for about 20 years.
The interior and table decor has remained the same (if you order coffee($2.50), you get whatever cup design is available) and the breakfast menu (at the bottom of this post) is fairly basic; the same ingredients in different combinations, prepared very well.
The diced ham scramble ($9.75) is made with the in-house mesquite smoked ham (Izzy's has it's own wood pit barbecue), cheese and three eggs, served with a choice of sides (these country potatoes or hash browns or grits)as well as a choice of muffin, biscuit, fresh fruit or toast (rye, of course was my order). {The list of daily muffin choices is on the white board at the front door}. We both asked for a side of the house made salsa, which is wonderful. I always add condiments after about halfway through a meal, making it seem like a different entree.
Also on the white board at the front door are daily specials, The Mister chose this one-two blueberry pancakes (made with fresh blueberries), two eggs and two sausage (or bacon) ($10.50). The pancakes were light with crisp edges and the plump blueberries were warm and burst with flavor- I didn't think the cakes needed syrup. The sausage is local made and large. It's a skinned type, made with mild (not traditional breakfast sausage) spices. The eggs were perfectly over easy.

Another nice meal at a local institution.

Izzy's Cafe 1252 Broadway El Cajon 92021 (619) 447-5067 Open daily 7-2

Saigon Pho & Seafood Restaurant (revisits)(City Heights)

November 28, 2017 Cathy Vietnamese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Here you are, back at mmm-yoso!!!, reading about food. Kirk and His Missus are having a memorable time together and Cathy is doing the blogging.

These chilly mornings and warm afternoons have been pleasantly 'Autumn/Summer' for the past few weeks. Food choices are something The Mister and I have great discussions about each day near lunch time…hot or cold; spicy or mild; forks, fingers or chopsticks…

We've returned again to Saigon Pho & Seafood. (Kirk has been here, too.)

The signage hasn't changed, nor have the dual 'one way' entrances (both going in the same direction).
The giant fish tank is still here. The Goi Tom Thit ($12.99) pork, shrimp and jellyfish salad-always refreshing and vegetable filled. I do really enjoy celery and this salad has it, along with bamboo, carrots, mint and peanuts. The pork and shrimp are chilled and the meld of flavors are just right.
The soup, Mang Cua ($4.95 small) crab meat with white asparagus was just the right amount of flavors to have in one meal. The soup has egg, peas, carrots, bamboo, cilantro and onion and the small size is just enough for a light meal.

The Bo Bia ($4.25)- daikon and carrot rolls with Chinese sausage and egg are served with a peanut sauce. I've been trying sausages of various ethnicities lately and these Chinese ones were very flavorful and still warm when served. An amazing amount of flavors; different from the 'plain' shrimp and pork rolls we usually get. Trying different items from the menu has always been a winner here. Cha Banh Xeo ($8.95), a crispy crepe filled with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, onion and mung beans is ordered before we look at the menu. Each Vietnamese place uses the same ingredients, yet each plate presented is unique in flavor. The sprouts here are very lightly steamed and the crispiness, combined with the crepe, pork and shrimp, wrapped in lettuce with some mint, dipped in the fish sauce is clean and bright in flavor.I tried this Bun Tau Hu Ky Thit Nuong ($8.95). Char grilled pork, rolled and shrimp in bean curd skin with cold vermicelli and salad greens, sliced cucumber and mint as well as pickled carrots, radish and chopped peanuts. This is so fresh, refreshing and flavorful on a hot day. The Mister ordered the stir fried shrimp and vegetables and was asked if he wanted crispy noodles and he answered in the affirmative. The carrots, broccoli and cabbage along with canned corn and the plump shrimp coated in a velvet 'gravy' on top of the crispy egg noodles was quite a comfort food. I decided to try the Tom Tai Chanh ($11.99)- rare shrimp salad served with lemon sauce. This was wonderful- the vegetables (carrots, cucumber, celery and radish) were thinly sliced the 'long way' with a potato peeler or mandoline and were just so very different. The shrimp were so plump and had been cooked in lemon (or maybe lime, it appears) juice. The addition of the fish sauce based 'dressing' enhanced all of the flavors.

It's always a fun and tasty adventure trying out the menu here.

Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant 4455 El Cajon Boulevard San Diego 92115 (619)284-4215 Open Sun-Th 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri-Sat 9a.m.-11 p.m.

Franco’s Flapjack Family Restaurant (Poway)

November 27, 2017 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, What Cathy Eats!

Thank you for (once again) stopping to read mmm-yoso!!! This food blog is just that, a blog.Today, Cathy is writing about a haooenstance meal while Kirk is still enjoying a bit of a vacation.

The Mister and I were driving North on the 15, intending to have a quick breakfast at Nutmeg Bakery and Cafe when the traffic in front of us just stopped. I took the Poway Road exit East. We hadn't been here in quite a while (years) and the area hasn't changed much. As we passed this signage, I took a U turn.

I had heard of Franco's in Bonita (from cc's post) but didn't know about a Poway location. After doing some research, it seems this location opened in August. We were greeted immediately (just before the lunch rush) and sat in the cooler back room area (there was a lot of sun in the front part). The Mister chose the chicken fried steak, which comes with three eggs (over easy, perfectly cooked) and home fries as well as a choice of toast or fresh baked muffin (there were about six choices; this was cappuccino and had a really nice coffee flavor-a quality, baked to order muffin). The chicken fried steak had a delightful thin, crisp crust and the steak was just about the perfect thickness. The gravy had sausage bits but not much pepper, which was fine-we added after tasting. I like having an option.

When walking in, the white board had a daily special of a Monte Cristo ($10). A good amount of quality turkey and ham with two slices of cheese on some hearty white bread cooked in a French toast manner. The only thing missing was some sort of jam or syrup and we did open a couple of jam/jelly packets from the tabletop condiment selection. I was asked what side I wanted….french fries were the first option and insteadI asked for a side salad-making this meal a 'brunch'. This was quite a large salad (deceptive photography of the plate) and very satisfying.

A good find. Maybe next time, we'll try the flapjacks.

Franco's Flapjack Family Restaurant 14034 Poway Road Poway 92064 (858) 883-2516 Open daily 7-3

Hunter Steakhouse

November 26, 2017 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Steakhouse, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Kirk is busily enjoying some days off (from work and the blog) and Cathy is writing about meals enjoyed.

If you drive West on the 8, just before you get to the 5, on the North side of "Hotel Circle", you may have noticed the signage.

Once you wiggle your way around and get to Camino Del Rio North, find the parking lot and walk up… the lobby area gives you a peek as to the decorating style of your dining area. Ah, the 1970's, when many restaurants were designed to look like they were log cabins, with dark paint, much wood and river rock surrounded fireplaces.

This restaurant (one of two in the county-the other location is in Oceanside off the 5 at the 78) is a great throwback, in looks and in the menu.
We were here for lunch.

Once you order, a fresh, warm half loaf of molasses bread (with softened unsalted butter) is brought out. The crisped crust is thin and has the subtle sweetness of molasses glazed on it, it's a bit more sweet than the molasses in the bread itself. We decided to try the lunch menu's 'Appetizer Sampler' ($12) as one of our meals. Three items: 1)Lump crabmeat stuffed mushrooms, topped with Monterey Jack cheese; wonderful, large, fresh and so very good. 2)Calamari, in a cornmeal batter, fried in onion and sweet red peppers and topped with an ancho chili mayonnaise; perfectly crisp, not oily and substantial in size. 3)Potato skins; I haven't had any in such a long time and these were so very good.
Our other meal came with a choice of soup or salads (caesar, spinach or tossed greens). At the front door, we noticed a sign that the house made Bleu Cheese dressing was available for purchase, so chose that to go with the 'tossed greens'. The dressing was wonderful, as was the very fresh salad. The 'petite cut' of prime rib (8 oz) ($19), perfectly cooked at medium rare and encrusted in a delightful herb mix. It was quite large enough for us to share, especially after that Appetizer Sampler. The baked potato was so large that we took half home to use for breakfast the next day.

All in all, a tasty and 'fancy' lunch for the two of us.

Hunter Steakhouse 2445 Hotel Circle Place San Diego 92108 (619) 291-8074 Website Mon-Th 11:30-9:30, Fri 11:30-10, Sat, 4-10, Sun 4-9

I hope you are enjoying this extra long weekend!

2018 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float road test and breakfast at Farmer Boys

November 24, 2017 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, Chains, Festivals & Events, Los Angeles County, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog and today is probably the most non-food seeking day of the year after a huge Thanksgiving Day of snacking, feasting and now, having a refrigerator full of leftovers. Kirk (and his Missus) are enjoying some time off and Cathy is writing.

Prior 2018 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float road test posts: July, August, September, October

Want to get more updates about the entire Tournament of Roses? Look at this website!

Last weekend was the final day of announced road testing for the Phoenix Decorating Company and their 17 entries of floats for the 2018 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade. As you will see, some of the floats are not complete yet (but the artist renditions at the link give you a good idea). There are three other float building companies and six of the floats entered in the Parade are 'self built'. The Mister and I have volunteered with the Petal Pushers for many years, decorating various floats over the years (you can, too!). The Opening Unit float, with the Parade Theme (Making A Difference) banner, will lead off the Parade (following the Opening Show, presented by Honda).
The Closing Unit float will be the final float in the parade.
Farmers Insurance is sponsoring a large float, "Honoring Hometown Heroes" which has both an old fashioned Fire Ladder Truck and Police Car and is still in the beginning construction phase. In this photo, you can see where the 'Spotter' will sit, guiding the 'Driver' (who only looks down at the Rose Colored line permanently drawn on Colorado Boulevard, following it throughout the parade route) via headset about possible upcoming driving hazards.
The Forum, A Los Angeles world class music venue, is celebrating it's 50th year with "The Story Lives On" as the float title.
The Trader Joe float, "Hat's Off~" is still under construction and I can't wait to see it, based on the artist renditions!
The floats ready for 'dry decoration' (scissors and glue are used)(the days before fresh flowers are delivered; before Christmas Day) and stored inside the Phoenix Decorating barn.

Phoenix Decorating Company Website

After we watched some of the floats driving down Ornelas Street, tested for maneuverability and safety, we drove North, crossed over the 210,
and, after a block or so, turned into the Farmer Boys parking lot (which is shared with a McDonalds). ( At the bottom of that post is a link to another Farmer Boys meal). HERE is a link to a Hungry Ones blog post.
Breakfast is served all day, the menu is simple, fresh and prepared after you order and brought to your table.
The Mister ordered a Ham and Cheese omelet (made with three eggs and chopped ham) which came with (his choice) hash browns and (again, his choice) rye toast ($7.79). Excellent, as always. I I also wanted ham and cheese, but chose the 'Daybreak' ($4.59)
It's made with two eggs
and has two whole (grilled) slices of ham. Another great meal, especially on the toasted (and buttered) roll.

Farmer Boys Website

I hope everyone is having a nice post-Thanksgiving Day (and weekend)!

Thanksgiving Day, 2017

November 23, 2017 Cathy Cooking, What Cathy Eats!, yoso-silly

We at mmm-yoso!!! wish everyone reading a Happy Thanksgiving Day. Kirk and His Missus (as well as Cathy and Her Mister) are enjoying non-traditional Thanksgiving Day activities (and meals). Cathy is writing this post.

The Mister and I found some good prices on turkeys and sides a few weeks ago. We couldn't wait and have had our feast. Of course, a regular side dish is always made and usually consumed as an 'appetizer'. Fresh cranberries weren't even available in the stores yet….but have been purchased for future meals. The leftovers were wonderful!

The temperatures in San Diego County will be in the 90's today; it will be summer-y, not autumn-y.

You'll be getting a couple of posts about how all of us observed this holiday.

Until then, be safe, enjoy this day of Thanks, family and/or friends, and/or strangers and have a Happy Thanksgiving from the mmm-yoso gang!

2017 San Diego County Fair -“Where the West is Fun”- Part 3, the postscript (and plans for 2018)

November 7, 2017 Cathy Festivals & Events, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog, sometimes writing about events associated with consumption of said food. Today, Cathy is writing.

The 2017 San Diego County Fair with the theme "How the West is Fun" ended on July 4. I gave you a 'sneak peek' before the Fair opened and also a post while the Fair was in progress. There were so many things to see and do (4,187 attractions, 1,879 concerts) over the 26 day run of the Fair that I could not list everything nor give you a recommendation of what foods to try. (There were 108 concession stands in the main area of the fairgrounds, with another 12 stands in the Family Funville/Kids Zone area). (More stats: 1,565,933 visitors attended the events, with 1,609,481 total people passing through the entrance, because some people utilized the 26 day pass, which cost less than two entrance fees). Hopefully, you had a chance to experience this fifth most attended County Fair in the USA. .

Parking at one of the offsite free parking areas, or taking public transit, which offered a 'Fair Tripper' package (combining transit fare with Fair admission at a lower price than if purchased separately) meant you were transported to the front gate while passing the perimeter. It also means you leave from the front gate and relax on the bus before having to get in your car and drive home.

Once inside the gates, daily events and contests took place at almost every turn. There were foods I didn't mention, which are worth a mention now. The Bacon-A-Fair booths did indeed serve bacon wrapped cactus-if you asked. We also ordered bacon wrapped asparagus to even out the 'meal'. The cactus was a special to go along with the Fair Theme (Where the West is Fun).
Dixie's Mini Donuts, a booth inside Bing Crosby Hall, makes the donuts in front of you. Always a nice, warm snack.

Inside the Paul Ecke Flower Garden Show area, the Iron Skillet and Smoke booth was located in a shaded area with a sort of "non-Fair" menu-The Brandt beef patty melt (topped with smoked caramelized onions, smoked cheddar on toasted corn rye, was excellent. There was also a menu on the order area listing smoked wings, which were really wonderful.

Of course, the Midway had some more 'unusual' offerings, like frozen or fried lemonade…it's a fried lemon cake, filled with a creamy lemon filling and topped with a tart, lemony icing. Quite nice and fresh. The Mister always wants to stop at Pignotti's Pasta for pesto topped cheese tortellini, and so we did on our last day attending. It's always tasty and for us, a treat.
For me, the Fair experience isn't complete without a stop at the Chuck Wagon…for a pulled pork sandwich with baked beans and slaw…and my new favorite (mentioned last year), the fried apple rings.
There were booths (and foods) we didn't make it to..but we will-next year.

The Theme of the 2018 San Diego County Fair was announced a few weeks ago. Here's the logo. Looks like it will be interesting in decoration and theme and exhibits. Something to look forward to!

Website, which is updated as more information is available.

La Casa Blanca (La Mesa) (revisit)

November 6, 2017 Cathy Mexican Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! thanks you for stopping by to read. Kirk is (still) busy with work and Cathy is writing today.

The cool weather is finally upon us, and my soup cravings are kicking in. I wrote a post in 2013 about various food items, followed up by a December 2014 post, concentrating on my particular reason for going here, the housemade ranchero pinto bean soup.

The exterior and interior of this family owned, ten year old La Mesa institution has remained unchanged.
As has our general food order. The queso fundido ($6.95) is simple in its melty goodness, served with fresh made tortillas and a wonderful house salsa.
The rancho pinto bean soup ($4.95, cup size-which you can see is quite large), filled with chorizo, sausage and bacon as well as a variety of beans, bell pepper and poblano pepper, is is satisfying, filling and always a treat. The Mexican style shrimp scampi ($14.95) is unique in that the butterflied shrimp are cooked not only in butter and white wine but also with a garlic chili powder. The 'sauce' goes with the rice as well as tortillas, chips or a spoon. It's always a tasty time here.

La Casa Blanca 9570 Murray Drive La Mesa, CA 92042 (619) 466-2912 Website

In that second photo, on the wall, to the right..

2018 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float road test, breakfast at Tom’s Farms

November 5, 2017 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, Festivals & Events, Los Angeles County, Ontario/Riverside/San Bernadino, CA, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of this food blog. Kirk has been very busy with work, is eating but not posting. Cathy had an eating adventure after a short excursion North.

It's getting closer- the 2018 Tournament of Roses, with its many pre-New Year Day activities culminating in the January 1, 2018 parade of floats, equestrian groups and marching bands as well as the football game will soon be upon us. The theme of the parade is "Making A Difference" and floats following that theme are still being constructed and going though one of three road tests for maneuverability and safety. Last Saturday, The Mister and I drove up to Irwindale to Phoenix Decorating Company to see the progression. These are links to other road tests from earlier this year.

Honda, the sponsor of the Parade, will have this three part float, "Power of Dreams Express" (you can see artist renditions of the Phoenix Decorating Company floats HERE ).
This "Banner" float will feature the theme design on the front.

The City of Hope float, "Transforming Lives with Hope" was tested with riders on board (Usually the final test of maneuverability is with weight on board, plus a test that everyone can exit the float within 45 seconds in case of an emergency).
The United Sikh Mission USA, "Serving Kindness" is a depiction of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India, where 100,000 people are fed daily without being charged. This Sikh langar (free kitchen) expresses the ethics of sharing, community, inclusiveness and oneness of all humankind…an embodiment of the "Making a Difference" theme of this parade.
This is listed as the 'final' float in the parade and the artist rendition is not online.

In the barn, the Trader Joe's float (one of three parts) was still being constructed.

We had left home late and hadn't stopped for breakfast and then were heading home, getting to the 15 South when real hunger hit.
The signage for Tom's Farms (also posted in 2014 and again in 2015) beckoned. Tom's Farms is a multipurpose area of various attractions, restaurants, furniture, grocery and produce sales, with areas for picnicking as well as a train, merry-go-round and seasonal activities geared toward children. We usually stop here to see what is on sale and grab some snacks to take home.

There's always something interesting in the candy and condiment aisles.

The Southernmost building is 'Tom's Burgers', which has breakfast in the morning.

The Mister wanted French toast ($3.99). The two slices of thick (Texas toast) soaked in egg batter and fried were crispy on the exterior and soft on the interior. Quite nice.
He splurged and ordered a side order of ham ($2.99). The pan-griddled ham slices were very good and not too salty. Since I had never had breakfast here, my order would be simple, a breakfast egg sandwich with sausage ($5.59). Well, at first I saw the egg, lettuce and tomato…
and you can see the side view- and the breakfast sausages! Wow! This was fresh, would be quite enough without any added protein, but those skin on, fresh breakfast sausages were a really high quality add in and great choice.

There will probably be some more regular stops here for meals as well as shopping.

Tom's Farms 23900 Temescal Canyon Road Corona CA 92883 (951) 277-4012 website