Up 2 Yoü Cafe- Dessert (revisit)

mmm-yoso!!!, food blog.  Kirk is in another country, Ed(from Yuma) is in another state and Cathy is here, in sunny Southern California, blogging about food.

Another overcast day here and time for a snack.  I haven't posted about Up 2 Yoü for about two years, even though The Mister and I find time to stop here fairly often. IMG_6608The overhead has been replaced recently.IMG_5168IMG_5167The menu has stayed with almost exactly the same choices.IMG_5155IMG_5154The decor is also about the same as it was…eclectic.

As always, our order remained eerily similar yet with slight variances…IMG_5160This time, a fresh made crepe ($3.75) filled with egg custard ( 75¢) was a refreshing and not too sweet of a choice…IMG_5161IMG_5163However, still wanting an ice cream as well as a caffeinated product, an affogato ($3.95) with my choice of (unimaginative yet quite tasty) vanilla ice cream was our other shared item.

In the past two years, Up 2 Yoü has remained steadfast, profitable and even opened a second location near Mesa College, around the corner from K Sandwiches.  (the pink square on the Up 2 You web page)

Most bloggers went here when it first opened, including Kirbiecc  and Jinxie.   There are plenty of seating areas and board games you can check out. It's a nice relaxing local owned spot. 

Up 2 Yoü Cafe 7770 Vickers Street (at Convoy) San Diego 92111 (619)663-6388 Website 

IMG_5152Still amused by the restroom signage…

Red Sails Inn (Breakfast) (Shelter Island)

Hello.  You are looking at the food blog named mmm-yoso!!! and we thank you.  As you read this, Kirk is being conveyed, Ed (from Yuma) is planning transportation and Cathy is pretty much stationary.

Yes, The Mister and I are enjoying the sights of San Diego and having our own 'Staycation'.IMG_5704IMG_5693This overcast day brought us to Shelter Island.  At Shelter Island Drive aand Anchorage Lane-the first intersection when you enter the island-there is parking on your right (and if you head way back, there are no meters) and the restaurant, to your left, is unmistakable. IMG_5694The Red Sails Inn, which has been serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in this same location for almost 70 years.  It is uncrowded at the 7 a.m. daily opening time until about 9 a.m. We are breakfast people.IMG_5688IMG_5687IMG_5669Nautical decor, unchanged for possibly decades, somehow is comforting and nostalgic.IMG_5672The outdoor patio area is a perfect place to bring visiting friends. IMG_5673The Mister ordered the chalkboard special ($7.95), an omelet with ham, bacon, sausage and cheese.  It came with hash browns (or breakfast potatoes or cottage cheese or refried beans) and toast. This was an amazingly large overfilled omelet.  The sage-flavored breakfast sausage is made here, and it is good. (Coffee is $2.25).IMG_5678However, this day, I was recalling my catfish breakfast at Smokey's Lake Wohlford Cafe in Escondido and ordered the Fish & Eggs breakfast ($10.99).  Two quite large, meaty sole filets, lightly floured and fried along with (of course) poached eggs, rye toast and more hash browns (I wanted the crispy edges).  This was wonderful, fresh and so good.

A great start to another beautiful San Diego day.  

Red Sails Inn 2614 Shelter Island Drive San Diego 92106 (619)223-3030 Open 7a.m-10 p.m. dailyIMG_5681The tartar sauce is made here, with wonderful dill pickle pieces.  It's the only tartar sauce I will eat straight from the container. 

Cuscatlan Salvadorian (Escondido)

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog with an attempt at daily postings.  Kirk is exhausted, researching posts for you to enjoy, as is Ed (from Yuma). Cathy is writing this post for today.

A few weeks ago, we ended up in Escondido and it was lunch time.  Driving down Grand Avenue, we knew there were quite a few places we might want to try, but had A Delight of France as a definite backup plan. The Mister noticed this signage and was more or less curious about the "Pizza"…IMG_6054IMG_6058After we got home, I did some research and saw that cc had been here in October of 2013. She had done the research (thanks). It turns out Lynn had been here this year and wrote a post a year after noticing Cuscatlan at the 2014 Escondido Chocolate Festival.

{in a nutshell: Pizza place owner is from El Salvador and once he had satisfied himself he could be a success at Italian food, he started bringing in the foods he knew from El Salvador}

{Estadio Cuscatlan is the largest sports stadium in Central America)(link

IMG_6052Turns out this had been an Italian restaurant, the pizza ovens are intact and pizza (as well as a few pasta dishes, sandwiches and salads) are on the menu in addition to Salvadorean food items. In fact, there are only three lunch specials: Pizza, Spaghetti or a small sandwich; none of those choices are Salvadorean…IMG_6031Since I read menus (and most everything) from the bottom up, the beverage "Ensalada"  ($2.25) was part of our order, and it was brought out with the proper condiments of a mild, tomato sauce based salsa and curtido, the lightly fermented slaw-like Salvadorean accompaniment for pupusas.IMG_6035IMG_6049
Cabbage, carrots, onions and oregano in a tart lime juice sauce made up the crispy curtido.  

The 'Ensalada" was a fresh fruit cocktail, made with diced fruit (mango, pineapple, apple) and a bit of vanilla flavoring in ice water.   Both were amazingly fresh as well as refreshing.IMG_6036All three of us mmm-yoyo writers have had good experiences at Salvadorean restaurants  in Central and East San Diego County, as well as in Yuma.  The Mister and I have no 'must have' items, so ordering the 'Cuscatlan Combinacion' ($13.95) seemed the logical choice.  

Counterclockwise from the far left: A sweet corn tamale, fried plantains (those were both 'dessert'), fried pork with battered fried yuca, a banana leaf wrapped pork tamale and two revueltas (bean/cheese/mix) pupusas. The small cups hold a Salvadorean sour cream (a bit sweeter, if you taste sour creams side by side) and finely pureed black beans…more condiments.IMG_6041Above, you can see a cross section of a pupusa and the pork tamale, removed from its banana leaf wrapping.  The masa for the pork tamale is very fine; pureed in texture as well as being fluffy and light.  Also there are potato pieces within, which made me think the pork was wrapped in mashed potato rather than corn meal (it did not taste like corn masa at all, especially when compared to the sweet corn tamale).

The yuca (cassava) pieces were lightly breaded and fried and the deep fried pork pieces were all meat, like a high end chicharron.

All in all, an excellent meal and taste of Salvadoran food.  

Cuscatlan Salvadorian 221 E. Grand Avenue Escondido 92025 (760)291-1225 Open Sun-Thurs 10-9, Fri, Sat 10-10 Website

Leela Thai (Santee)

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog and Kirk, Ed(from Yuma) and Cathy are the ones who usually do the blogging.  Really, Kirk is the usual one.  Ed(from Yuma) and Cathy help out when Kirk is busy.  Today, it is one of those days and Cathy is writing. 

Santee, incorporated in 1980 within the County-of and not too far East of the City-of San Diego, is home to an established Buddhist Temple, Van Hanh (it's on Fanita, South of Mary's Donuts).IMG_6303Knowing this, it's not surprising that the second location of Sab E Lee,  Sab E Lee 2, opened here in 2009.  After all, Oiishi, a Japanese-Thai restauranthad been here for three years before I even began blogging with Kirk and before that, it was a wonderful Thai place, run by chefs who had worked at Lotus of Siam, a Las Vegas legend. IMG_3989Almost two years ago, Bua Thai Kitchen opened in this location, it formerly had been three iterations of a Taco Shop. The Southwest corner of Mission Gorge Road at Cuyamaca is anchored by a McDonalds, two banks, a 99Cent Only store, Bevmo and Petco has a large parking lot to accommodate all of the business here.  

I began a post about Bua and after noticing all of my orders were the same takeout items tried (and loved and craved) on my first visit, I thought it would be odd and never got around to finishing it.IMG_3971After about a year and a half, Bua closed and the Leela sign appeared.  The interior was redone and the hours changed in that Leela was open on Mondays (when Sab E Lee 2 is closed).  

When we inquired, we found out that Bua is still the chef here, but that the business was bought up by the same owner as Aroma Thai, located in Imperial Beach, which cc had blogged about earlier this year.  (The menus are very similar, with lower prices by about 50¢ at Aroma).IMG_3973Our meals began with an excellent vegetarian soup.IMG_3976Deciding we needed to 'test' the 'standards' here, an order of Satay Chicken ($6.95) was an easy choice.  The chicken was moist and well marinated, the Satay sauce had a nice bit of heat, but nothing too crazy.  IMG_3979The Leela Basket ($9.95) was ordered at a heat level of 4/10.  It was.  The freshly made noodle basket was filled with chicken, pork and shrimp, vegetables and cashews.  It was served with two cream cheese filled wontons and rice.  The freshness of everything was impressive.  We enjoyed this dish a lot.IMG_3982Once I knew Bua was in the kitchen, I also ordered the pork larb ($8.95) (also at a heat level of 4/10) and it was as I remembered: perfect…the crunchy rice powder, the mint, the perfect heat level.  My cravings for this simple dish have returned.

Leela Thai 9725 Mission Gorge Road Santee 92071 (619) 334-4019

Leela Thai Cuisine 9725 Mission Gorge Road Santee 92071 (619)334-4019 Open seven days 10:30-9:30

Board & Brew (Pacific Beach)

mmm-yoso!!! a food blog.  Right now, Kirk and His Missus are out and about, researching another group of fascinating posts. Ed (from Yuma) and His Missus are hanging around Yuma, contemplating where to visit so He can write some captivating posts.  Cathy and Her Mister are in San Diego, sharing a less intriguing Stay-cation post.  

We live so close to the Pacific Ocean and rarely stop to admire it.  Some people specifically vacation and stay here, at the Crystal Pier Hotel.IMG_5199IMG_5202 Located at the West end of Garnet Avenue at…  IMG_5201Mission Boulevard, where the newest location of a San Diego mainstay (since 1979), Board and Brew, is now located.    IMG_5178Yes, skateboards -not surfboards- are the main decor here. Notice the backing at the bar stool area; those mosaic 'tiles' are pieces of skateboard decks.IMG_5191The counters and tables appear to be made of recycled wood.  We decided to keep it light, ordering a salad and sandwich to share.  

The Cobb salad($7.95) was served with freshly grilled (i.e., still warm) chicken breast and topped with bacon, Cheddar cheese, hard boiled egg, tomato and cucumber on top of green leaf lettuce.  The house made salad dressings are all quite good; Caesar was our choice this day. This is a very large salad and could have been shared as a meal…very fresh ingredients; quality. IMG_5190However, we were curious about the "Left Coast Pastrami" ($8.50), which was warm/grilled pastrami, Swiss cheese, pepperoncini slices and grilled onions with Dijon mustard on a toasted fresh French baguette. A few different ingredients with an excellent, lean, smoky pastrami made this sandwich unique and surprisingly good.     

We are enjoying parts of San Diego taken for granted, before the tourists show up.  

Board and Brew 4516 Mission Blvd San Diego 92109 (858)270-2739(BREW) website open 10-9, daily
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It’s Boba Time- Shaved snow (no boba)

Thanks for stopping by the food blog named mmm-yoso!!! Right now, Kirk is embarking on a well deserved rest. Ed(from Yuma) has completed a session and is making future plans.  Cathy is holding steady and writing a short post.

 Another overcast day had The Mister and I driving about looking for a small snack. Finally, since it has been here almost a year, I decided to stop at Boba Time.  It's located in the former Yoshinoya location, in the same mall with Myung In Dumplings, (which used to be Voltero's). 

CC has been to a different Boba Time location and Jinxie was here last Julynot long after Kirby's visit.

IMG_5281IMG_5268IMG_5269Not very large inside, and it looked like rain on this weekday, so no crowds.  

The lengthy menu is essentially variations of hot or cold, coffee or tea, juice or dairy and boba or not…along with a list of probably 100 or more add ins and add ons, making your unique beverage one of a few hundred thousand combinations.  

Then there's the shaved snow, frozen yogurt and waffles. Most ingredients cross over.IMG_5273Milk shaved snow with mocha and lychee topped with chocolate and strawberry sauces. ($5)IMG_5275Enough to share.  The snow was light and flaky, not icy.  A nice snack.

Hope your weekend is going well.

It's Boba Time 4344 Convoy Street 92111 Open Sun-Thurs 11-11, Fri, Sat 11-midnight  Website

Zion – Eating inside the market

mmm-yoso!!!, a blog about food in San Diego (and beyond).  Today, Kirk is converging toward an objective, Ed (from Yuma) is advancing toward an intention and Cathy is here, with a focus toward the target of blogging.

 A few weeks ago, it looked almost like today, but with only an expectation of rain.  The Mister and I needed to do some grocery shopping and headed out to Zion Market, which has quite a few eateries inside the store as well as a Food Court area.IMG_5238IMG_5086IMG_5084The Produce area was quite crowded.  We picked up items on our list, as well as whatever was on sale, then headed all the way to the back-toward the 'Kitchen' area, located along the East wall between the meat and seafood counters.IMG_5221IMG_5219IMG_5222IMG_5229The hot and room temperature counters had just been filled with freshly prepared items.IMG_5233The refrigerated, pickled item case was also freshly assembled. 

We selected some items here, paid for all of our purchases then walked over to the Food Court area and grabbed a table.IMG_5090We managed to unwrap everything and take a photo before enjoying a nice lunch. (Chopsticks and napkins are given at the market cash registers.)

Clockwise from 11:00—Fish pancakes ($4.54), barley tea ($1.50), real crab California rolls ($3.25), kimchi steamed dumplings ($3.75) and a whole teriyaki grilled squid ($4.99). 

Zion Market 7655 Clairemont Mesa Blvd San Diego, California 92111 open 7 days 9 to 9 website

 

 

Louisiana Fried Chicken and Waffles (Logan Heights)

mmm-yoso!!! the food blog with a rotating subject matter (as in style of food) as well as rotating bloggers.  Kirk is, again, busy today. Ed (from Yuma) is, reiteratively, busy (in Yuma).  Cathy is, once more, writing a post. 

It was one of those days when I was driving and The Mister was randomly saying 'left', 'right', 'take this exit' or straight' and somehow we ended up here.IMG_5116The end building of the new mall anchored by a drive thru Starbucks on National Avenue between 28th and 29th street, just East of the 5 freeway.

I had been craving the whole 'Chicken and Waffle' experience, since our visit to Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles in 2013, wondering about other iterations. So, we stopped.IMG_5102The fairly simple menu made our decision of what to share on this first visit pretty easy.IMG_5110We were here around 9:15 in the morning, at opening and everything was fresh. We had to wait for the waffle to be made while we watched a batch of chicken being placed in the steam trays and a pot of gumbo being brought out from the back.IMG_5111The freshly made waffle had a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.  It was not as sweet as a breakfast waffle (and it shouldn't be; maple syrup is a condiment here).IMG_5105The spicy crust on the fried chicken was perfect: crisp, not greasy, just enough spice all while leaving the dark meat tender and juicy.  The thigh and waffle plate ($7) is a perfect size for a meal. {Side note: they make their own Louisiana Hot Sauce here; grab one or two to have with your meal: it is great}IMG_5398IMG_5395Our return visit had us curious about the "Fantastic Fish Sandwich" (combo,$7.25, includes fries and a drink). There was a choice of catfish, snapper or tilapia as the fish. Catfish it was! Wonderful cornmeal breading, seasoned and fried, topped with a house made remoulade and some raw onions, on a very nice, fresh French roll (crispy crusted exterior). IMG_5401IMG_5402This time, we ordered a small side of collard greens ($1.50).  These were so good.  The recipe/flavors of vinegar and smoked ham complimented the greens, which stood out in flavor.  I watched as the Young Lady working here carefully drained the greens and packed them into the small container, which amazingly holds a lot.IMG_5104Returning to the third photo…on our first visit, we ordered a quart of Gumbo ($8.99).  This was the best Gumbo I think I've ever had (we lived in the South for five years).

There was rice in the bottom of the container, topped with this wonderful Creole stew that had the flavors of the mirepoix of celery, green pepper and onion combined with not an overpowering of filé/sassafras powder which melded with the chicken and sausage in such a delightful, hearty way.  This Gumbo was a meal in itself, and would be perfect on a rainy day.IMG_5113That first visit, so early in the morning and uncrowded, had the gentlemen behind the counter offering us a sample of the fresh made peach cobbler.  We were so full, and took it home for a snack later that day.  The crust was still crispy (a good sign) and the peach filling was not too sweet at all.  

This is a great place and I'm so glad we have it here in San Diego.  Looking back, I see that Mary visited here early last December.  She liked the fish here, too.

Louisiana Fried Chicken and Waffles 2850 National Avenue San Diego 92113 Website (there is music on the site) (619) 233-0670 Mon-Th 9-9, Fri-Sat 9-10 Sun 10-7 

Lupita Mexican Food and Fruiteria (El Cajon)

Here you are, at mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Kirk is extremely busy with necessary errands.  Ed (from Yuma) is busy making plans.  Cathy is blogging today, because she is, comparatively, not busy.

Election Day in November had me assigned by the Registrar of Voters to El Cajon, where I drove in circles, putting out fires and waiting for phone calls telling me of impending fires all day.  Some of the areas I passed had interesting places to eat.  IMG_3788_2Lupita Mexican Food and Fruiteria caught my eye.  It shares the parking lot (around the corner) with the generically named 'Tortilla Salsa Market'.  There are quite a few other businesses here also. (The signage you see from the street is 3rd photo from the end).IMG_3770_2The rather extensive menu offers the usual items.  The quality is notable.  IMG_3779_2The shrimp tostada ($4.19) was made with large shrimp, in a fresh salsa and served with a side of avocado. This was excellent.IMG_3780_2The al pastor burrito ($4.50) was freshly made, pretty average, quite large. I'd order it again; it's more interesting than a carne aside burrito.IMG_3785_2Ordering to eat in, a basket of thin corn chips is served, along with the house made salsas in squeeze bottles. 

Above, a freshly squeezed "Popeye", medium size ($4.50) juice.  Made with spinach, carrot, celery, cucumber and apple, it was just right. I like that it is just juice, no ice.

IMG_6171_2Carne asada tostada ($3.99) was quite large and very good.  IMG_6172Tamarind raspado ($3.25)(16 oz) is nicely made here, from the whirring of the shaved ice machine in the back to the tamping of fresh tamarind pieces, each item I've ordered here has been carefully hand made and served with care.  The ladies working here are very nice.IMG_4092_2Almost every visit, I've ordered a small fruit salad ($6.65) with everything (cottage cheese, raisins, granola, coconut and honey)…and have needed to take hime leftovers.IMG_4094Tortas here are made with a great bread which is brought up from Mexico.  Above, the Lomo ($6.50) is my usual choice.  Lettuce, tomato, onions, cheese avocado and a thin layer of beans surround the beef (and sometimes, pork) tenderloin, which is cured then chopped and heated for this sandwich.IMG_6175This is the signage you'll see from the street.  Notice the bottom two lines: 'Sideways Bar'.  Now, you may have noticed I've been doing quite a few posts under the "Pubs and Pub Grub" section of the blog.  It seems that Sideways doesn't serve food, but the bar patrons walk to Lupita, order and pay.  Then, one the order is ready, one of the ladies walks to deliver the food to the bar.  

Consistently, one item seems to always be ordered.  The double cheeseburger. So, you know, I had to…IMG_6161IMG_6165Behold, the double cheeseburger ($4.50).  As you can see, two large patties, lettuce tomato and two different cheeses on a toasted bun.  This was filling and quite good. I understand why it's an order for the bar patrons.  

Another fruiteria which is locally owned and serves quality food.

Lupita Mexican Food and Fruiteria 1088 Estes (at Chase, one block East of Emerald) El Cajon 92021 (619)593-9500

Sagmani’s Restaurant (El Cajon)(revisit)

Here you are, mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Kirk is busy today,  Ed(from Yuma) is resting today and Cathy is posting about another meal.

It seems that either Kirk or I have stopped at Sagmani's, an out of the way, kabob centric Mediterranean standby off the beaten path in El Cajon.  It's comforting to be able to get a tasty meal from some nice people in a home-like setting.IMG_5352IMG_5338This chilly day had The Mister and I driving around in search of some items to share for lunch.IMG_5341IMG_5351The Mister ordered the #1 Beef Shish Kabob plate ($8).  You can see the herbs and spices mixed in with the lean beef.  Two kabobs on top of an excellent basmati rice, served with turshi (mango pickled cabbage), vegetables sprinkled with the salty/citrus-y red sumac and plenty of warm pita bread.IMG_5342Being undecided as to to order tabouleh, baba ghannouge or hummus, I asked what was good and the friendly cook/owner gentleman said he had just made the hummus, so a side order ($5) was a simple decision. This is a tahini based hummus, not too garlic-y, and the olive oil made it perfect.  IMG_5345This is the order of warm, fresh pita bread that accompanied our meal.  IMG_5346Whenever I am here, I order the lentil soup ($5).  It is wonderful, also just made fresh that morning. Lentils cooked in chicken stock bursting with cumin, turmeric, garlic and onion flavors…simple and perfect on this chilly day.  

A great meal on a chilly day.  I hope your day has been as enjoyable.  

Sagmani's Restaurant 478 Douglas (between El Cajon Blvd and Main Street) El Cajon, CA 92020 (619)440-0077 IMG_5349