Cathy – Page 62

Van Hoa Vietnamese Restaurant (City Heights)(underrated)

June 1, 2014 Cathy Vietnamese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Kirk is adjusting to having to be somewhere at a certain time and ed (from Yuma) is adjusting to not having to be anywhere at a certain time. Cathy is writing this post.

At the Northwest corner of University Avenue and 54th Street is a small shopping center anchored by Vien Dong IV, the incorrectly numbered Vietnamese Grocery (Vien Dong III no longer exists). Kirk wrote a two part post about Van Hoa more than six years ago (FYI-the Banh Mi are the same (really good, but now $3.25, with the Special Dac Biet now $3.75 and there is a "buy five get one free" deal)), and it's a regular stop for The Mister and I when in this part of town, usually for a meal before our foray into shopping.

The simple decor and condiment trays, early opening (just like Vien Dong IV) and always fresh food (I believe it's a short walk to get their supply of fresh produce and meats) make the meals here simultaneously not pretentious, convenient and delicious.

You may have seen "Van Hoa" labels on grab and go items (spring rolls and desserts) sold at 99Ranch Market, Thuan Phat and World Foods. If you get here early enough, you'll see the trays being filled and loaded into trucks for early morning delivery to those markets.

As we are being seated and handed menus, I always order a Banh Xeo ($6.25) since it takes a bit of time to be prepared. The Van Hoa version of traditional crispy turmeric flavored Vietnamese crepe, filled with bean sprouts, pork and shrimp, served with lettuce, mint and fish sauce dip is my favorite. (Those small 'dots' of pale yellow you see inside are a type of soft lentil mung bean).

The Spring Rolls here are only one type: shrimp with BBQ pork. ($3.25). The Van Hoa version is heavy; solidly and tightly packed with lettuce, mint and sprouts and a sprig of cilantro sticking out one end. It's served with the thick and not too sweet peanut sauce. Again, my favorite (this brand is the only one I purchase at grab and go).

Then there are the Stir Fried noodle dishes, this one is shrimp with crispy noodle ($7.50). You can see the light, airy, crispy noodles topped with freshly stir fried carrot, broccoli, mushroom and some baby corn. The gravy is light and has great flavor without being all salty or MSG-ish. Again, this is my favorite version.

The prices are not low-low; they are fair. The quality here is superb.

Van Hoa 4016 54th San Diego, Ca 92105 Website (619)582-2642 Open Mon-Sat 6-8, Sun 6-7

Rose Donuts (near USD) {Breakfast and the elusive blueberry fritter}

May 31, 2014 Cathy Bakery, Breakfast/Brunch, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping by to read the mmm-yoso!!! named food blog. Kirk is adjusting to his current time zone, Ed (from Yuma) is adjusting to his current job status and Cathy is adjusting to whatever new crisis occurs in her path, while writing a short post.

Last December, I made a casual mention about an item I can only buy here. You can see it in the last two photos of this post. Somehow, I was never back in this neighborhood for almost half a year. Located on the SouthEast corner of Linda Vista Road at Napa Street, just down the hill from the University of San Diego and just up the street from a San Diego Police Station, this location of Rose Donuts has been here and open since February 2006. By that, I mean open 24/7, closed rarely, for family emergencies.

There are more than donuts sold here. That's an ice cream freezer to the far right. You can see signage for Thai iced tea and Vietnamese iced coffee. Then there's all the stuff right in front of you.

The selection of donuts is not huge, but always a bit interesting. The brisk business here assures always fresh. What also makes this donut shop interesting is the menu of made to order Breakfast Sandwiches-which you can purchase during any of the 24 hours of the day. You might notice the small print at the bottom of the above menu. A "combo" comes with your choice of six donut holes or one regular donut and a small coffee or cold beverage. What a perfect dining establishment.

This day, we purchased only one Combo (shared a coffee) and chose the cake donut covered in orange frosting. Not just orange colored, but orange flavored-with bits of orange peel in the frosting. I like that neither the donut nor the icing is too sweet. The fritter? It's apple with blueberries (look close) ($1.05; smaller than a regular apple fritter ($1.55)). No other bakery makes this wonderful item, which, since eating this, has re-developed my craving for it and all frittered items.

Above is the "Sunrise" ($3.65, combo, $5.10). The croissant is made here, soft, flaky, fresh, warm and, as you can see, filled with simply fried egg and two types of cheese (white and yellow).

Above, is the "Early" sandwich ($3.65, combo $5.10). Served on a choice of white, wheat or sourdough toast with good, crisp bacon and, as you can see, two cheeses.

A great place for fresh items, a meal or a snack, any time you have a craving.

Rose Donuts 5201 Linda Vista Road San Diego, CA 92110 (619)294-8856

Señor Mango-fruiteria (University Heights)

May 29, 2014 Cathy Breakfast/Brunch, Desserts, Fruiterias, Mexican Restaurants, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of this food-centric blog. Today, Kirk is relaxing and looking for sunshine, Ed(from Yuma) is indoors, seeking air conditioned comfort and Cathy is trying to find a way to achieve satisfaction from the current San Diego heat wave.

It's been beautiful outdoors the past week, slowly inching to the edge of being a bit too warm. The Mister and I found ourselves on 30th near Adams Avenue the other day, and decided to stop for a quick lunch. Señor Mango's has been in this small non-air conditioned shop, in the middle of a block of homes and small businesses, for more than ten years. When you walk in, to your right is a glass case displaying most of the fresh fruits available today.

To your left is a wall painted with the menu. Prices and menus are in clear plastic pocket folders at the cash register (straight ahead) where you order, pay and wait for your number to be called. There are five tables inside and five tables out in front. Many people call in orders to pick up and many others order their items "To Go". We like to eat "here", so while one of us is ordering, the other is seeking a table. Beverages available here are Smoothies (fruit plus ice plus sugar and OJ, blended), Licuados (fruit plus low fat milk plus sugar plus ice cream, blended), Aguas frescas (fruit plus water, sugar and ice, blended) or Juices. Above, a small Vampire juice ($3.75); squeezed and/or pressed to order, served at room temperature; not watered down. It's made with beets, carrots, celery and orange. Always good; you can taste each item.Above photograph- half a Lomo (grilled pork tenderloin seasoned with guajilla peppers) Torta ($5.50) (The Mister had grabbed his half before I could take a photo of the whole thing). Fresh, toasted bolillo roll, topped with lettuce, tomato, cheese, onion, avocado, some mayonnaise and plenty of still warm lomo. A perfect sandwich and enough to share.Above, a small "Fruity Mix"($5.50) bowl-seasonal fruits topped with cottage cheese (or you could choose yogurt), raisins, granola, shreds of coconut and honey. Seasonal fruits in the bowl this day were banana, apple, orange, cantaloupe, strawberries, honeydew, papaya, mango and pineapple.

Always fresh and delicious, I enjoy the availability of so many Fruiterias in our great County. Hope you're staying cool!

Señor Mango's 4607 30th (between Adams and Madison) San Diego 92116 (619) 584-0041 Open Mon-Sat 8-8, Sun 9-7 link to website, which is horribly out of date (Escondido location is closed, hours are different and menu is "404 not found"

Chic-Boy (Filipino sit down fast food) (National City)

May 28, 2014 Cathy Filipino Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Here you are, back at reading mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Today's adventure takes us to National City, because that's where Cathy drove. Kirk is still on vacation and Ed(from Yuma) is still clearing out his office.

So, let's get some things cleared up right now. A) Baboy is Tagalog for pig/pork. The name of this restaurant is a shortened version of Chicken-Baboy, or Chicken-Pig, which are two of the primary items served here. There also is fish on the menu (Isda in Tagalog), but that word doesn't fit the signage in a non-double entendre way. {I'll wait while you go through the possible combinations in your head} 2. There are three tables (with a total of eight chairs) to sit at inside this tiny shop, so if you are here and can't find a place to sit and eat, don't be surprised. Located in a a mall anchored by Popeye's and Starbucks, across the way from a McDonald's, Chic-Boy is one of more than eight Filipino owned businesses in this mall near the South East corner of 805 at Plaza Boulevard. Despite my tendency to blog about places and food items that nobody else has blogged about, I was happy to find Faye did blog about Chic-Boy last year. Now I don't feel too far out of the loop and am glad to share one of her (an my) (and cc's) snack food favorites with you (hint: last photo of this post).

Yep, that's pretty much the entire menu on the wall (there is a sandwich board out front, listing some specials) and the other three photos are the entire counter, showing items available. We were here early, so everything was available.Above is a "BBQ Pork Stick Combo"($3.78)[The combo includes a choice of canned beverage]. The rice is jasmine and very good, the BBQ pork stick is moist and has good flavors (there is vinegar in the marinade, making it not so sweet, which I like).

Above , the BBQ chicken breakfast bowl ($4.99). The BBQ chicken stick, is also moist and not overly sweet. This is also served with a good amount of jasmine rice, some stir fried bok choy (the only vegetable I've ever seen here) and an over-medium egg. Just a perfect mesh of ingredients for a hearty meal. Those greasy bags to the left in the glassed in area? Fried dilis (anchovy), fried bulaklak (pork intestines) and, above, fried chicken skins(the snack of choice by both Faye and myself). Each priced the same, ($8.99/lb) and served with a cup of garlic infused vinegar, a perfect, tasty, non-carb snack.

This is a great place to stop for good, fresh food.

Chic-Boy 2220 E. Plaza Blvd, Suite T National City, CA 91950 (619)472-2449

De Mi Cafe Cafe- Breakfast

May 27, 2014 Cathy Breakfast/Brunch, Caffeine Fix, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a San Diego based food blog. Writers here include Kirk, Ed(from Yuma) and Cathy. Everyone but Cathy is busy today, so here's a post she wrote.

I've passed by this corner of Friars Road at Via Las Cumbres countless times in the past year, always noticing a dear favorite, Mr. Peabody's, always seeing the 'new' signage for De Mi Cafe Cafe and then continuing on to wherever I was headed. Finally one weekday morning, The Mister and I stopped here.

As with any Cafe, you walk up, order, pay and your food is brought to you. It turns out the owner, Michal, was also our cashier and the barista that morning. He is a very nice, interesting person and quite efficient.

Of course, there is an espresso machine (and most people were ordering espresso based beverages), but we decided on a 'regular' coffee to share. One of the condiments offered at the counter was organic half and half.

Whiile waiting (and after perusing the various refrigerated treat offerings), I noticed the glass topped chest freezer to the side, filled with some delightful items, which we will be returning to try very soon.

The Mister chose a De Mi egg sandwich ($5). It's served on a choice of breads-this is on white toast, and it is a good, hearty white bread. Made with ham, scrambled egg and cheddar (choice of cheddar or provolone) cheese, this was surprisingly flavorful and filling.

I chose the De Mi Breakfast Plate ($6.50) with the wheat toast (again, a very hearty bread). Served with Italian salami, the cheddar and provolone, a large pat of good, unsalted butter and the tomatoes (as well as unseeded grapes), this was another filling and wonderful breakfast.

Oh- and that croissant on the first plate- chocolate ($2.50). Made here. Still warm. Wonderful.

This was a wonderful, European style breakfast right in the midst of Mission Valley.

De Mi Cafe Cafe 6110 Friars Road, Suite 102 San Diego, CA 92108 (619)246-0968 M-Th 6am-4pm, Fri-Sat 7-7, Sun 8-7 Website

New Places, New Snacks (Donut Panic, Old Street Food and Paris Baguette)

May 23, 2014 Cathy Bakery, Korean Restaurants, Stuff, What Cathy Eats!, yoso-silly

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog written by three friends: Kirk, who is not on this continent, Ed(from Yuma), who is not in this state and Cathy, who is right here right now.

A couple of new places and a few new menu items have entered my life within the past couple of weeks and I thought I'd share, before writing a complete post…you know, in case you might want to try something new over this three day weekend.

The signage isn't up yet. The name really is "Donut Panic" and it's a small shop in the mall anchored by Souplantation on Mission Gorge at Vandever (near the 'other' Kaiser) run by a daughter and her father. The 'regular' daily donuts are always fresh and good, BUT on Saturday and Sunday around 9 a.m. and on Wednesday after 6 p.m.— Vegan Donuts come out of the kitchen. You read that right- no eggs or dairy go into these-the magic ingredient is potato- and each is topped with wonderful, imaginative, fancy flavors and sold at reasonable prices ($1.50 each). Above is a cross section of one with orange almond icing. The texture is light, crispy. The photo of four (clockwise, from bottom left) has the flavors of earl grey tea, vanilla (yes, I know it's pink), chocolate espresso almond and the maple "bacon". (The 'bacon' is unsweetened coconut dipped in soy sauce and flavored with liquid smoke has the right texture and flavor). There are other fancy flavors offered: saffron cardamom, green tea and quite a few others. There are also some filled offerings ($2 each).

I found out about this place from good friend and fellow blogger, cc (there's a link to her first post at the bottom of that link). On Friday, there are fresh vegan cupcakes..a post will be up soon.

Donut Panic 6171 Mission Gorge Road San Diego, CA 92120 (619) 280-1894

The only English on the sign (that isn't a menu item) is "Old Street Food", so I'm assuming that's the name, since I don't read Korean. Located in the center of Zion Supermarket, by the Fruits and Vegetables. Open on Monday, when Gala Chicken, the other shop in that center area is closed, we had to stop, look and order.

You order, then the once fried items are taken to the back stove and fried again.

This solid packed box with squid legs, octopus, purple sweet potato and pumpkin was $6 and still fresh and crispy when we got home. We could have eaten at the counter here, but were full…because

We saw this when we walked into the Zion complex and had to stop.

There are five flavors, three sizes.

Here's a photo of a small ($3.75) green tea shaved ice (excellent flavor of green tea) topped with sweet beans, mochi, sweetened condensed milk and some peanut powder. We saw a large bowl being brought out to a couple and it was HUGE!

Paris Baguette (inside Zion Marketplace) 7655 Clairmont Mesa Blvd. San Diego 92111 (858)650-0404 website

I hope everyone is having a nice and safe three day weekend. Have a good Memorial Day weekend.

Las Morelianas (Michoacan carnitas)-La Bahia (Mariscos) (Sherman Heights)

May 22, 2014 Cathy Mexican Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping by mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Kirk-still on vacation. Ed(from Yuma)-still in Yuma. Cathy-still writing.

A few months ago, The Mister and I were on Imperial Avenue, with the intention of Antojitos Columbianos for a quick lunch of empanadas and lengua, but noticed a large gathering of people outside (it looked like an after funeral gathering). Just across the street, we noticed this brightly colored building and decided to try lunch here instead. We've been back numerous times; it's now part of our 'rotation'.

Carnitas *and* seafood. Yes, we would both find something we'd like.

Walk in, and there's the carnitas part of the kitchen-copper kettles on the stove.

The above is your panoramic view. To the left is the carnitas (Las Morelianas on the paper menu) inside the glass case are chicharron and other fried delights, right in the middle is the kitchen door and toward the far end is the Mariscos side of the building (La Bahia, on the other side of the paper menu).

Here's a peek inside the seafood counter.The fish taco ($1.50). Excellent. Good size piece of fresh fish, light beer batter, lettuce, house made salsa, fresh crema, house made pickled onions. On a fresh, house made corn tortilla.

Carnitas sope ($1.50). Excellent. Fresh made light and crispy/layered corn sope, topped with a layer of refried beans, good amount of carnitas (choice of carnitas, asada, prensado, chicken or adobada) and topped with lettuce, crema, salsa and cheese. [You can order a platter of three sopes with rice, beans and a Mexican beverage (Horchata, Jamaica or Tamarindo) for $8]

Fish ceviche tostada($4.80). Wonderful. Fresh. Plenty. A meal in itself.

Above, a chicharron prensado taco ($2). It usually comes in a choice of red or green sauce, but I wanted a 'plain' one to photograph. Fresh fried pork rinds and a heck of a lot of (really good) beans on a freshly made corn tortilla. Another complete meal.

Menudo ($7). An excellent version. Plenty of tripe, flavorful broth, add-ins were used at the second half of the bowl. Did I mention they make the corn tortillas here? There's a griddle outside, at the parking lot entrance.

Carnitas Plate ($9). Easily 1/2 pound. Served with those marvelous refried beans(I think they utilize lard very well here), rice and a nice salad, as well as the corn tortillas.

When you order, you are asked if you'd like 'only meat or everything'. You can see some 'everything' parts in the photo above.

There are several specials posted in front. Beer is served here. The food is authentic and good.

Las Morelianas/La Bahia 2121 Imperial Avenue San Diego (619)239-6284 Website

Shizuoka Japanese Restaurant (La Mesa) (revisit)

May 21, 2014 Cathy Japanese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for coming back to read the food blog named mmm-yoso!!! Kirk is (still) on vacation, visiting beautiful and historic sights. Ed (from Yuma) is busy, but (soon) will have the time to do anything he wishes and Cathy is (here) writing while making lists of things to be done.

I didn't realize how long ago I had first shared Shizuoka with you, much less only one revisit. A small Mom and Pop Japanese restaurant, with limited seating and limited hours, it's been in the same East County location for almost 25 years.

Located on Fletcher Parkway North of Grossmont Center in a mall anchored by Souplantation and Michael's, it's easy to pass without noticing.

Step inside and this small waiting area greets you.

The entrance to the kitchen is behind those silks on the left. This photo is taken from the table at the front window. There are six booths total in addition to the tables you see. It's small.

There are menus and specials on each table, to make it less work for the waitress(es) when you are pointed to a table to be seated. The miso soup is standard and good, as is the hot tea. The ika (squid) karaage ($4). This ever so lightly floured and fried version here is always fresh and crispy.

Bento Box 7 (Lunch price, $6.20)- tempura and broiled mackerel. Good size portion of mackerel, properly fried tempura, lettuce salad, noodle salad and edamame. This is so good and satisfying.

Bento Box 2 (Lunch, $6.20) Chicken teriyaki and sashimi. The fish is so fresh, the chicken meaty and juicy and the house made teriyaki has a citrus undertone and is not too sticky/sweet.

The waitresses are friendly, stop and talk and catch up; they know the regulars. The food is always fresh and tasty. It's like a nice dinner at the home of a friend.

Shizuoka Japanese Restaurant 9118 Fletcher Parkway La Mesa 91941 (619) 461-1151 Closed Monday, open Tues-Fri 11:30-1:30 and 5-8:30, Sat 5-8:30, Sun 5-8

The entire menu.

St. Tropez Bakery & Bistro (Encinitas)

May 20, 2014 Cathy Breakfast/Brunch, Desserts, French Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, the title of a blog about food. Kirk is enjoying his vacation of hearty meals, Ed (from Yuma) is enjoying the end of an exuberant era and Cathy is sharing her enjoyment of a genuinely good little restaurant.

Well, time to get back to some normalcy. The weather has cooled down, the winds have slowed down and the fires are contained.

A few months ago, I met a client for an exchange of paperwork. She suggested St. Tropez Bakery and Bistro, the original location, inside The Lumberyard shopping center, located in downtown Encinitas. Turns out there are now four San Diego locations and two are franchises.

We had coffee, shared a pastry and when I was getting ready to leave, she asked me to wait and went inside, came out and presented me with a bag of what were to become a few meals and snacks.

The packaging contained two of each of the above items- ham quiche, veggie quiche, raisin swirled pastry and an apricot topped pastry. Each item was superb, fresh and of high quality. The crusts, cheesy custard and fillings of the quiches were excellent. I really enjoyed the raisin only (no cinnamon) puff pastry and the custard and crust under the torched, glazed, flavorful apricots were standouts.

Here's a photo of one meal at home. (Parisian Salad mix from Costco).

A few weeks later, I took The Mister for the drive North, so we could try more menu items. You order, pay and have a seat.

The chicken curry croissant ($9.25) (includes the salad, topped with my choice of balsamic vinaigrette- there are several vinaigrette flavors to choose from). A whole grilled (just right; juicy) chicken breast with Swiss cheese covered with a creamy European curry (not a hot curry; more of a sweet mix of flavors-there's cumin and tomato, turmeric, paprika and some garlic flavor. Have you ever had currywurst?) all on a fresh baked croissant. This unique blend of flavors, textures and freshness was excellent.

The classic Croque Madame ($9.75)(with grilled potatoes and fruit) Grilled ham and Swiss with a Bechamel (flour and butter cooked in milk) sauce, topped with a lightly cooked egg all on a hearty toasted white bread. (Croque Monsieur is the same sandwich, but without the egg. Think of a lady wearing a hat made of egg- that's Madame.)

We decided to share an order of Nutella crepes($5.95). The plate was covered with a dark chocolate sauce, real whipped cream on the side and these were wonderful. The familiar chocolate-hazelnut filling hit the spot with a cup of coffee.

All in all, excellent, tasty food. We'll be back to try more of the menu.

St. Tropez Bistro and Bakery 947 S. Coast Highway 101, Suite 103D (next to Starbucks) Encinitas 92024 (760)633-0084 Website Open daily 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

The Food Court at Seafood City (Tapioca Express, Filipino Desserts Plus, Valerios and Grill City)

May 17, 2014 Cathy Chains, Desserts, Filipino Restaurants, Markets & Grocers, Stuff, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Usually Kirk is writing posts about food, but right now He is very busy 'researching' so he will have some interesting posts. Ed (from Yuma) is also in a 'researching' mode. Today, Cathy is writing.

More than 14 months ago, I started to write a post about an epic day of visiting a plethora of places to eat in Chula Vista with fellow food bloggers, cc, writer of Pink Candles at Ridgemont High, who has taught me so much and Dennis, who writes A Radiused Corner, another blog that is so informative as well as fascinating. That post seemed frighteningly long and I have left it 'on hold' for all this time. One of the places we stopped that day was the "new" Seafood City, on Orange at Melrose in Chula Vista.

This still is the newest location in the County (new in 2011) and since discovering it, The Mister and I shop here fairly regularly, always having a bite to eat in the adjacent Food Court area before shopping.

Yes, it's a Food Court with nice, heavy wood picnic table seating; so much nicer than plastic seating. Standard Filipino chains are here (I've posted on Chow King, in various ways more than once and Kirk has posted about Jolibee in various ways). The other places here are also interesting…

The colorful wrapped candies are pastillas and made with milk; a favorite.

Other desserts are sold here also. Mostly made with rice flour, I've tried bites of many of them at parties and visits with friends and really like the selection.

The steam trays here are fascinating.

As are the grab and go foods.

On a recent visit, we shared this ukoy (fritter)($2). Onion, potato, plantain and a head on shrimp, fried into a neat patty and served with black vinegar. This is a current craving.

We also grabbed one of these to share ($1)-the cashews are very good, crispy and the cookies were not too sweet. Filipino Desserts Plus Website multiple locations

At Valerio's, we bought this still warm bibingka ($2.50), a coconut milk/rice flour based cake that is baked inside a banana leaf. It's a special item for us. Valerio's Bakeshop, multiple locations, no website.

Almost every visit here ends up with something from Tapioca Express. Snacks of fried chicken nuggets, tofu and squid rings, seasoned as spicy as you wish and served with either ranch or sweet and sour sauce along with some sort of beverage is always a meal. Tapioca Express, multiple locations. Website

A more or less new addition to the Food Court is the freestanding Grill City grill (not in this photo) and steam table area. A chain, all locations are inside Seafood City stores.

Above, fried chicken skins, a pork adobo kabob and a whole stuffed squid. All are really good items; I am always up for fried chicken skins as a snack. Pay attention to that statement.

The squid stuffing is a wonderful mix of vegetables: tomato, onion and bell pepper.

On another visit, a slice of grilled swordfish and a grilled stuffed eggplant (inihaw) was our meal. So good and so fresh. The fish is served with a fresh mango salsa; a perfect condiment. (Prices for a la carte veggies are $3, $6 or $9, depending on size)(Prices for a la cart meat and seafood are $3.50, $6.50 and $9.50).

We enjoy this Food Court area and look forward to our drives to Seafood City market.

Seafood City (also a link to Grill City) website 285 East Orange Chula Vista 91911 (619)621-2050 Open 8am-9 pm daily