Cathy – Page 45

Little Sheep (revisits) A Lunch and A Dinner

September 22, 2016 Cathy Chinese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog. Kirk is crazy busy right now, as is Ed(from Yuma) so Cathy is writing a short post on this overcast day.

After driving home from the midwest (there are more 'chapters' about the three weeks of condiment-free foods consumed), I was craving spices, flavors, heat…food that could be consumed with chopsticks…! The Mister suggested Little Sheep, which has been blogged here a few times since opening in 2007. Lunch was available, with its own menu!($11.95)

Why yes, we each chose the 'spicy' soup base. The Mister chose the lamb shoulder and I chose the fresh fish filet. The same seasonal vegetables, meatballs and noodles were on the plates. I was happy with the flavors and glad to have tried the fish- it was fresh and different than what we've usually had.
My brother was visiting and we decided to bring him to Little Sheep, since he had never had Hot Pot. This was dinner, where you can mark your choices off the paper menu.

Playing it 'safe' by ordering the mild as well as vegetarian soups, we went a bit crazy on add-ins. The 'veggie combo' ($9) does not include mushrooms, so a small order of oyster mushrooms ($2.75) was added to it. Traditional hot pot dumplings ($5) were ordered instead of noodles.

A large order of 'Supreme beef' ($14) was more than enough. The small order of chicken breast ($6) was enough) The Tiger Prawns ($8) were great! The beef skewers ($6) were ordered 'just in case' there wasn't enough food. Ha.

All in all, a great way to satisfy the cravings.

Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot and Grill 4718 Clairmont Mesa Blvd, San Diego 92117 (858)274-2040 Opens 11:30 a.m. daily. Closed between 3 and 5:30 p.m. M-F. Closes at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 9 p.m. other days. Website

Balboa International Market- eating inside the store (revisits)

September 11, 2016 Cathy Markets & Grocers, Mediterranean Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Here you are, checking out mmm-yoso!!! to see what sort of food in what part of town is featured today. Kirk is having a busy time at work and Ed (from Yuma) is having a relaxing time (in Yuma) so Cathy is posting.

Back in December, a dear, long time friend sent a message that she was going to be in town for a day, having a book signing at Mysterious Galaxy, one of a handful of Independent bookstores we have in San Diego County.

Mysterious Galaxy shares the same parking lot with Balboa International Market, which I posted about in 2010 and again, in 2012.

She and I had a good visit after her extended signing time (many San Diegans are fans of her book, which is nominated for a World Fantasy Award). The Mister and I have gone back to this part of town quite a few times this year to have lunch after exploring Mysterious Galaxy.

I'll spare you photos of the store interior; it's about the same as in the prior posts. Fresh breads are available and the Produce prices are particularly good.

Walking though the doors of the market, (if there aren't any grills cooking out in front), then to the left and back corner, you'll find a deli counter with many choices, and a menu over a cash register, where you can place your order.
There is also a stack of paper menus. Order, pay, find a seat at the front of the store (you'll get a number and the plates will be brought to you).

The salad plate with chicken is $8 and enough for a meal or a light bite to share. (Depending on my mood, I'll walk into the store and purchase a beverage while waiting)

The a la carte kabob plate is $4. This is a seasoned ground beef (koobideh) kabob served on top of store baked flatbread, with the onion, grilled tomato and basil; quite enough food.

The vegetarian meza is $9 and includes dolma, fresh made falafel, a slice of Kuku (spinach/egg/spiced pie), eggplant salad, cucumber salad, tzatziki, hummus and pita bread.

Always good, fresh, tasty.

Balboa International Market 5907 Balboa Avenue San Diego 92111 (858) 277-3600 Website

For $1 you can get a cup of tea, which comes with tiny sugar cubes.

The Summer of 2016 Drive Across the USA – Part Two: What We Ate (the chains)

September 7, 2016 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Chains, Detroit, Michigan, Road Trip, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog and we (Kirk, Ed(from Yuma) and Cathy) try to keep things interesting. This post is written by Cathy, who had a more or less interesting Summer of 2016 adventure which included food.

Link To Part One

Link to Part Three

Link to Part Four

Again, it was not a vacation and the drive *to* Michigan was interesting and rushed (the drive back to San Diego was, fortunately, far more vacation-like). Upon arrival, I was looking for familiar foods. However, I needed wi-fi so I wouldn't use up my monthly data on the phone. There were three places (Starbucks, Panera and Culver's) close by which had free wifi. In the three weeks of my stay, I did patronize (not just hang out to get the free wifi) those businesses at least five times each. By far, my favorite was Culver's, "Home of the Butter Burger" Fresh, never frozen, Midwest-raised beef, seared on the grill after you order served on a lightly buttered, toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and mayonnaise. This is a "Deluxe Double" ($4.79).
Following several Butter Burger meals, I opted for the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich ($4.89). You might notice the sides of cheese curds (this time, Wisconsin cheese).
A 'Wisconsin Swiss Melt" ($3.69, double $5.29)) -grilled onions on a wonderful (cheesy) grilled rye bread was also one meal choice. Culver's is also know for its fresh, frozen custard. Made from real Wisconsin dairy sourced from local farms and prepared fresh throughout the day. There's always chocolate and vanilla available, but also a unique Flavor of the Day. You can have a shake, malt or float made with the custard. There was also something called a 'concrete mixer' on the menu. Big Boy still has locations in Michigan.

For the most part, I enjoyed the traditional "Big Boy" Hamburger (two 1/8 lb patties, double cheese, lettuce, pickles, Thousand Island dressing on a toasted sesame seeded bun, with a toasted plain center bun) while having the occasional "Brawny Lad" (1/4 lb meat, a whole slice of raw onion, pat of butter on a toasted rye bun) with a salad topped with the (less famous) garlic oil salad dressing.
Another 'local' chain is White Castle Not much explanation needed; White Castle is where the 'slider' originated. Small, thin, steamed (there are five holes punched in that piece of meat) and topped with one pickle and a scoop of grilled onion, the taste is unique and so very familiar. As a side note, these are now 79¢ each and I remember when they were 14¢ each (because I am old).

In addition to burgers, there was pizza. Jets Pizza first opened in 1978 in a nearby Detroit suburb and is available in either square or round, cooked with a layer of oil on the bottom, for a nice 'crunch'.
Little Caesars began in 1959 in Detroit. It is a franchise concept and undoubtedly you have seen "Hot N Ready" advertising around here, indicating that you can just walk in and pick up a hot, fresh pizza topped with pepperoni for around $5. In the Detroit area, there are six types of 'Hot N Ready' pies as well as a few other "HnR" sides, which you can pick up via drive-thru (quite convenient on snowy days), or you can walk inside and order a personalized pie and even more. Again, the pizza has that crunchy, oily bottom crust, which I've been told is 'Detroit Style'. {As a side note, Domino's was also founded in Detroit in 1960 as a competitor to Little Caesars and doesn't really have that oily, crunchy bottom crust to their pies}. The downside to using the drive thru for a 'Hot n Ready' is that it is handed to you through the window and you have to place it on the seat next to you…and that surface is not flat.

One other local/chain restaurant/snack stop where we spent some time was Tim Horton's, a Canadian based fast food restaurant (you might notice this location used to be a McDonald's-see the trash cans on the outside of the building?) "Timmy's" is primarily known for its coffee and donuts, although soups, sandwiches and ice cream is also on the menu. We did go to Starbucks for coffee and wifi, but were at Timmy's for a fresh donut quite a few times…

Other meals were made at home after shopping at the local Grocer, Meijer -fondly remembered as "Meijer Thrifty Acres". Michigan based with regional stores, in 1934, it was one of very few supermarket chains that offered shopping carts and the concept of 'self service', then in 1962 it pioneered the concept of a 'Superstore'-everything under one roof. Meijer sells not only groceries, but electronics, clothing, household goods, has a fuel station with an attached Convenience Store. I was here for ham and hard salami and bread: Krakus Polish ham, Kowalski brand salami: many sandwiches were consumed.

Once things settled down, there was time to go out to a few non-chain restaurants and have those foods. That's another post. Thanks for reading!

Prime Grill – A Korean BBQ feast with Kirk, Ed (from Yuma) and Cathy

August 31, 2016 Cathy Korean Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a blog about food written by three friends who have known each other more than ten years, yet they've only shared about five meals together. Today's post is about one of those rare occasions, written from Cathy's perspective. Here is a link to Ed's perspective of that meal.

A week or so ago, Ed (from Yuma) decided to drive (from Yuma) to enjoy many San Diego foods he had been hankering for. He let Kirk and I know when and where he was going, had some questions about what to order and also had some 'blank slots' for meals. The stars aligned and all three of us were available on the same day at the same time. We decided to try some place new and it was fun!

Prime Grill has been open only about six weeks now, taking over the spot of the (Blue) Korea House which all three of us had been to but none of us ever posted about. The refurbished interior is neat and clean. The menu is pretty much a traditional Korean BBQ and as a first visit, we decided to try 'Combo C', the meal for three people.
Salad was brought out first (and we ate it as 'dessert', at the end of the meal) along with a variety of dipping sauces then

a variety of Banchan were brought out.
There were more than these; we were catching up and talking, not taking clear photos, you get the idea. The grill was being warmed and the tray of meats (with some veggies) was brought out. Our nice (and funny) waitress placed the vegetables and the thin sliced brisket on the grill first. This cooked rather quickly and the fat helped to begin the seasoning of the grill. Rib eye and boneless short rib were put out next and finally the marinated short rib and bulgogi. There also was a steamed egg and also a soybean paste stew brought out sometime in the middle of meat cooking.

Oh. You might want to know how it tasted; I don't have a thesaurus with me right now. Tender meat, deep, excellent flavors; quality. A special meal with special friends.

Prime Grill 4620 Convoy San Diego 92111 (858) 277-0800 Open 7 days 11-10

Driving across the USA (in our Chevrolet) Part 1- America’s Highways and Byways

August 21, 2016 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Road Trip, What Cathy Eats!

Follow up links:

Part Two (chains in the Detroit area)

Part 3 (local places in Detroit)

Part Four (the drive back to San Diego)

Kirk and Ed (from Yuma), mmm-yoso!!! writers, have been posting a lot about their recent vacations. Cathy has been out of California for a while also, though not primarily on a vacation. Here is a trip report of her 2016 adventure, including food.

It was not a vacation, nor was it planned. Starting out with a flurry of phone calls, while I was with cc, on another Rose Parade float road test as well as a few other stops. The spur of the moment 2400+ mile, 37 hour drive was highlighted with a start and finish at the Las Vegas airport; meeting my nephew (who flew in to assist with the drive to Michigan) and dropping my brother off for a flight back.

We drove across the prairies and flatlands, through the Eisenhower Tunnel (the longest mountain tunnel and highest point on the US Highway system; the small green sign on the wall to the left in that photo indicates the Continental Divide).

Along the way, stopping for breaks at a variety of interesting and informative 'Rest Areas'. The last photo above is called an "Oasis"- each side has a fuel station and the walkover (over the Highway) and has a variety of fast food eateries, information stands (interestingly, popcorn concessions) and importantly, rest rooms.
Other rest areas have vending machines (which take credit cards).

There are also combination Fuel/Travel Centers, Sapp Bros is one.

Known for the coffee pot/with percolator neon lighting on a small water tower symbol seen from the Highway, the coffee choices ('Awake', 'Smile' and 'Decaf') are always fresh and ready when you drop in. (Note the popcorn machine at the far left in the below photo).

There is only one location of Wings America Travel Center remaining; located in Avoca, Iowa.

It has merged with the Pilot and Flying J travel centers,

This was the first location of a Maid Rite (there were more) on this trip.

Loose meat burger, delicate seasoning-not plain, not overpowering-steamed bun with the 'standard' toppings of chopped onion, mustard and pickles. Delightful, along with the ever traditional midwest snack, cheese curds (made with Iowa cheese, of course).

An even more popular Convenience Store chain that also sells fuel is…

Yes, you are reading it correctly. Kum & Go has been around since 1959 and this location was impressive.

That milk shake machine plays your selection of music while it is preparing the shake you choose from the ice cream selections in the freezer below.

Pick a beverage, a snack or…

Yes, there's beer on tap here, along with free samples and growlers. Those Midwesterners!

There were hotels, too, some with views, most others, not so much. But those with 'breakfast included' had pancake and waffle machines, along with many choices to make a tasty breakfast.

At the end of the drive home, I stopped in Barstow for one final fill up. It was that fateful Tuesday when the Bluecut fire began. The radio informed that the I-15 was closing in both directions as the fire had grown to 1000 acres.

Driving North two exits and taking the 247, through the Lucerne Valley

and into the San Bernadino National Forest, up to 7000 feet above sea level, on winding (10 mph on curves at some points), steep (10% grade, not the usual 6% grade) roads, then back down, to

Big Bear Lake after about two hours of driving, taking a break then driving another hour and a half to get back to the 210 freeway and home. An adventure across America, Summer 2016.

2016 San Diego County Fair-Mad About the Fair- Part Two- It’s (been) open!

June 26, 2016 Cathy Festivals & Events, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of the food blog you have found. Kirk, Ed (from Yuma) and Cathy share in the (almost daily) musings here. Cathy just got around to writing a post for today.

Things have been unusually busy for The Mister and myself. I apologize for not finishing this post earlier. I wrote a Pre-Fair post, giving you some ideas of the theme, what would be happening, as well as a lot of links.

There is so much to see and do at this, the sixth (as of 2014) most attended County Fair in the USA. I hope many of you have gone; the 1 Millionth visitor passed through the gates yesterday.

Heading straight ahead on the Midway, you will find the rides and games of chance. At the entrance, if you go to your right, just after the Theme Exhibit building, to the "CA Grown" Exhibit Hall (the green building with a Wyland Whale painted on it), you'll find all sorts of exhibits about California agriculture, like bugs (good and bad, along with a "Bug Bar" where you can eat a bug and get a pin proclaiming such), a small animal petting farm, cow milking demonstrations and learn about California's farms (It is the number one farming state with 65% of California farms under 50 acres) and agricultural commodities (more than 400) via an interactive question and answer area as well as several guest speakers. The livestock barns are next door.

Going out the back door of the CA Grown exhibit, you'll see Crutchees:
Where you can buy Dole Whip, a soft serve frozen dessert.

If you walk in the main gate and go to your left The first building past the entrance is O'Brien Hall and has quite a few vendors as well as the flower specimens.

The next building is the Bing Crosby Hall, which has aisles and aisles of vendors, selling the latest and greatest of gadgets and services. At the back wall of Bing Crosby is this popular place to buy a snack:

Dixie's usually has a long line of people, but we were here early. Always fresh (made in front of you as you walk along the line) and tasty! In front of Bing Crosby Hall is our usual stop for a cream puff (shells made fresh daily, real whipped cream) and coffee (they will put real half and half in the coffee for you).

Head down the Midway, cross to the other side and find Home and Hobby

Where the displays of contest entries of table settings, collections, multiple crafts (as well as preserved foods, baking and cake decorating) and various demonstrations take place all day. The East end of Home and Hobby is where One Day Contests are held (above are photos from the "Mad Hatter's Hat Contest" and "Make a Child Smile" contest). Check out the link, follow the rules of the particular contest, fill out an entry form and you'll get into the Fair for free and maybe even win a prize or ribbon.

Head over to the Infield where "Family Funville"is located- child size rides, a farm, sunflower maze, lots of informative displays (honey bees, chickens, mushrooms, butterflies and much more!) along with Elementary School contests and displays.

Walking back out of the Infield, the "Bacon A Fair Booth, featuring a 'Porkabello Kabob' was calling. Mushrooms stuffed with Gouda cheese and wrapped in bacon the grilled. Yum! Easily shared.

We were looking for something more 'normal' as a late lunch/early dinner and walked over to the Paddock area: which does look like a small racetrack from above. There's a restaurant in here with a sort of 'secret' special (closer to the Fine Arts exhibit) which The Mister noticed in the free Fair Guide which he picked up (stacked at numerous locations inside and outside the Fairgrounds). Not mentioned on the menu, but when we ordered, the people working know about it. The "Paddock Trio" ($10): a choice of Coors or Heineken and two sliders. We chose the (Brandt) roast beef and the turkey, because we also ordered the large "Jimmy Durante" ($11) (corned beef),
thereby ordering each of the fresh daily roasted meats here. The meats were each excellent, as were the breads and toppings.

There's much more and you just have to jump in and try things for yourself. Get there early, get the free parking(it's nice to sit on the bus before going back to your car), check out the entertainment and enjoy! I'll have a 'final' post after the Fair ends- Monday July 4 after the fireworks show.

2016 San Diego County Fair "Mad About The Fair" Website

Other San Diego Food Bloggers posts about the 2016 Fair: Kirby from Kirbie's Cravings, Mary from This Tasty Life, Soo from Hungry Ones and this, Part One, just the sights from cc Part Two, the food

2016 San Diego County Fair-Mad About the Fair- Part One: Before it opens!

May 31, 2016 Cathy Festivals & Events, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Kirk is resting up after his short vacation, Ed (from Yuma) is busily writing a post and Cathy has this post ready to go, so here it is.

Yes, it is that time of the year. The San Diego County Fair, (6th most attended in 2014) will open on Friday June 3 at 4 p.m. with its theme "Mad About The Fair".

The front gate and Midway are being set up. The Fair Theme will be explained in the first building to your right when you walk in the main gate. The theme is a mix of Lewis Carroll classic Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, fused with influences from steampunk, cosplay, great literature, wacky machinery, and all the fun and magic you have come to expect at the Fair.

Food booths are being set up.

Home and Hobby has had items brought in, judged and set on display.

I do usually post twice: before the fair and during, but always neglect to post after the Fair ends. The Fourth of July morning is the event that local 4H clubs wait for all year. The auctioning of the livestock they have raised is both education for the Club members and a community event. Many of our local restaurants purchase animals at the Fair for processing and use as menu items.

One place we stopped at last year was the Pan Fried Chicken booth- on the Midway. The chalkboard special $12 grilled plate was a great find (mushrooms, peppers, asparagus, green beans, peas, zucchini and a slice of pineapple) grilled properly and so tasty, this will be a regular stop for us.

There are daily contests (some require pre-registration), regular contests (like this pie- eating competition each day at noon), one day contests for adults (admission is free if you are entering one of these) and upstairs in Home and Hobby, daily demonstrations. There are also demonstrations going on in the Woodworking and Gemstone areas, a Farm to Table Dinner, a Spirit and Cocktail Festival, Wine Festival and Beer Festival (all requiring an additional fee, see the link for information). Of course, Concerts and other entertainment. Basically something for everyone and then more. There even will be a Sunday Teatime event held (additional fee, reservations need to be made).

New foods available are at the bottom of this link (Some of these don't appeal to me at all, but we'll see what I end up trying).

There is still time to purchase a "Best Pass Ever" and some other discounts, like the Costco deal for $65, before the Fair opens. That will save you some cash (as will utilizing the free parking areas and maybe entering a daily contest). There are also three days (June 3, 4 and 8) when you can get in for only $4, if you purchase your tickets at Albertsons or Vons (along with a $10 regular purchase). There are so many deals and discounts listed on the website, listing here would just be confusing.
It's going to be a great Fair again this year.

2016 San Diego County Fair Open Friday June 3 at 4 p.m. until July 4 (The Fair is closed on Mondays, except July 4, and the first two Tuesdays.) Website

Mary Etta’s Cafe (Flinn Springs/El Cajon)

May 30, 2016 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, Diner, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a blog about food. Kirk is traveling today, Ed (from Yuma) is currently relaxing and Cathy is thinking about her future vacation while writing a short post.

A few weeks ago, The Mister and I were in East County and took the exit on Lake Jennings Park Road, driving past the abandoned amusement park, Marshal Scotty's (sometimes referred to as the East County Disneyland). Staying along the interstate on Olde Highway 80, passing Flinn Springs County Park, we spotted parking in front of Mary Etta's Cafe, which has been in this location since about 1935.

The small Cafe has both a high and low counter seating as well as five booths. The clientele is mostly locals.

There are specials on the white board on the far wall and the menu is uncomplicated. A cup of coffee is $2.35 and constantly refilled.

The chicken fried steak plate ($9.50) is a good choice. The breading on the meat is crispy, the sausage gravy is great. Those potatoes are so good; thinly mandolin sliced and crispy fried; not a hash brown nor a home fry.

You can order one, two or three eggs with a choice of meats with potato and toast. This two egg with a (house made!) sausage patty was my choice ($8.50). The eggs were a perfect over easy (runny orange yolks; the eggs are from a local ranch), that sausage is simply wonderful; proper spices, thick corse ground pork and fried to a light crust…and the potatoes: those are the same my mom and dad would make for us on the weekend (and also the same type as I had at the Original Tops in November 2014).

The choice of toast is only white or wheat, Mary Etta's isn't hipster; its a local, long time favorite. Hidden treasure.

Mary Etta's Cafe 14809 Olde Highway 80 El Cajon 92021 (619) 390-1973 Open 7 a.m.-2 p.m. daily

What remains of Marshal Scotty's Amusement Park

La Sinaloense- Mexican and Seafood (Spring Valley)

May 29, 2016 Cathy Mexican Restaurants, Seafood, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for taking the time to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog, on this long weekend, culminating in Memorial Day and its observance. Kirk is out of the Country while Ed (from Yuma) is in Yuma and Cathy is in East County, writing today's post.

Lately, I've had the chance to visit Spring Valley, which I suppose some of you might consider 'East County'. The area is neighborhoods interspersed with small businesses and parks (as well as a large and busy weekend Swap Meet).Taking the 54 to the Jamacha Road exit, heading East, the road name changes to Apple Street at Grand Avenue and La Sinaloense is at the North East corner. I think I saw it for the first time in 2012, but it may have been sooner. In any case, it is under New Management (family owned) and serves breakfast all day and has a Mexican/seafood centric menu.There is plenty of covered outdoor seating as well as a handful of indoor tables at this established location.Chips and salsa are brought out before ordering. {Breakfasts will be a separate post; served all day and fairly basic, with the unique choices including Ortega chili, chorizo, pork chops and chicken breast.}

Usually a cup of consommé and plate of limes (or lemons, depending on what is in season) is brought out after you place your order. The consommé is a slow simmered soup with a variety of vegetables.The shrimp quesadilla ($8.25) is a meal in itself. Large, plump, flavorful shrimp are used.The 'Filete al Mojo de Ajo' ($11.50) Pretty much a garlic and butter sauce on a nice thick piece of lightly floured and sautéed sea bass. This was quite amazing in size and flavors.

There is a separate, one page, two sided menu which you may receive or have to ask for. It is not written in english, has no explanations, quite a few photos and some prices.

The shrimp in culichi sauce plate ($13) was wonderful. The poblano-cream sauce and large shrimp were just perfect together.

Likewise, a culichi shrimp taco ($4) as well as a simple fish taco ($1.75) (fish tacos are $1 all day Monday) also were enough to make a meal.

On that smaller menu is a photo of some stuffed clamshells (Almeja gratinada) (one clam/two halves is $7; this plate was $14). There was minced clam, scallop, 'crab' and tender squid, topped with cheese and bacon. A wonderful, flavorful hot dish. I think one order would be enough, depending on what else you are having (various salads are on the menu).

Also on the other menu is listed a Botana for $22. Essentially an appetizer of cold mixed seafood (in this case freshly cured in lemon and lime juice/a sort of ceviche) we asked if we could have a larger order ($30). Two types of shrimp, scallops, octopus, squid, snail along with cucumber, onion, avocado and cilantro served in a giant lava stone molacajete (the mortar part of a mortar and pestle). So fresh, so flavorful, so large (we took home leftovers in a quart container) so very good. Other people in the restaurant asked to take a photo of our order, so I didn't feel self conscious of taking more photos myself.

We have returned here many times and will probably have tried out the entire menu at some point soon.

La Sinaloense Restaurant 9410 Apple Street Spring Valley CA 91977 (619)933-2992 Open Sun-Thurs 7a.m.-9 p.m., Fri & Sat 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

Manila Sunset Grille (Mira Mesa)

May 25, 2016 Cathy Filipino Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks you for stopping by to see what and where mmm-yoso!!! is writing about today. Kirk is still having difficulty going online, Ed (from Yuma) is busy writing another post and Cathy has this post about some meals.

Everyone should have a handful (five or less) of true, close friends. One of mine is cc, who writes a most interesting blog about food with bits as well as posts of information (I'm always learning something from her) and is very involved in the Filipino Community in San Diego. She and I went on an epic one day road trip culminating in a book signing of "The Adobo Road", by Marvin Gapultos. The Adobo Road is one of my more used cookbooks.

I'm always wondering if I am cooking Filipino food correctly and will stop at one of many Filipino markets, food stands and restaurants when able. The closest to our home is in Mira Mesa.

The South East corner of the 15 at the Mira Mesa Boulevard; that mall was rebuilt/modernized in 2012. Manila Sunset is in the first part of the mall as you turn in off of Mira Mesa Boulevard (Trader Joe's anchors the second part).

Walk up, order and pay. You'll receive a table marker with simply the name of a colonial town (Vigan) or location ( Intramuros is the original Manila -a walled city- and you get there via a Rotonda - a roundabout): Something you can research on your phone while waiting for your order to be brought to you.

The interior is both beautiful with art and quirky, with shoes hanging off of an overhead electric wire just above a small 'hut' table area.

Many people think of lumpia as only being a fried item. There is such a thing as "Fresh Lumpia"– it's not fried, but a light crepe, wrapping sautéed mixed vegetables, topped with chopped hard boiled eggs and peanuts and covered in a slightly sweet (not crazy sweet) sauce ($3.25). I have had other versions, but like the Manila Sunset version best.

Here is what the 'Shanghai' Lumpia ($2.65 for six pieces) looks like. Each piece, approximately the size of your little finger, is freshly fried, filled with pork and vegetables finely minced. These are a good option if you want some protein (the larger fried lumpia are like the fresh-all vegetable filled). A longaniza and fried egg plate ($6.95). The longaniza here is unique (as are all Filipino longanizas, which vary the spices by region) and nicely garlic-y. Three large pieces, two scoops of rice and a bowl of vegetable soup accompanied the hard fried egg.

The pork inihaw plate ($6.45) also came with rice and soup. Charbroiled pork slices which were marinated in vinegar and garlic are the primary component- good tasting and tender. There is a grill in the back with a glass window where you can watch the char grilling happen; photos came out cloudy.

You can buy individual skewers of BBQ meat (beef, pork or chicken) for $2.05 each, or a plate which includes three skewers, rice and soup for $6.45. I do like the vegetable soup here. Every part of it, from broth to the leafy vegetables is just so flavorful.

A simple, dish, Pancit Malabon ( a rice noodle dish from originating in the City of Malabon) is known for its crab fat/fish sauce sauce ($4.15). This isn't a large dish, doesn't come with soup and those three shrimp you see are only half shrimp, but it is filled with flavor and just enough food. I wrote about Bibingka, a traditional filipino dessert, in a 2013 post (and probably in a few other posts) because I try it whenever I can find this traditional Christmas dessert. The version of Bibingka ($3.25) here is 'Royal' Bibingka- topped with cheese (which accounts for the dark colored top). A bit of savory in addition to the sweetness of the traditional rice flour, eggs, sugar and coconut milk baked in a banana leaf. This was served warm with raw coconut shavings on the side. So good.