Cathy – Page 83

George Burgers- San Marcos

July 26, 2011 Cathy Burgers, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

Welcome (back) to mmm-yoso!!!the blog about food. Kirk is busy with work today. ed(from Yuma) is busy with vacation today. Cathy is blogging today.

Hi. Since I seem to travel all over this vast (4200 square mile) county, it seems normal that at some point San Marcos would be a stop. I have met at George Burger with friends who attend(ed) Palomar College, friends who attend(ed) CSUSanMarcos and, the other day, drove with The Mister to see a Fabricator 'up North' and we stopped here.

The restaurant is easy to find, located just a block North of the 78 at the Las Posas exit. It has been in business since 1976, though this is a new building, as are most of the buildings in this industrial area of town.

We happened to get here when it unusually empty and most of the people eating were workers. As you can see, it is pretty large inside and there are quite a few outdoor tables also. There is a breakfast menu, which I have enjoyed. There are many sandwich combinations, including gyros, which I have always ordered when I have eaten here. Platters are also served.

Not long ago, I came to some sort of realization that I don't know of any place that 'makes' their own gyros…that there is no variation of how it tastes. Schawarma I see being prepared onto spits, and the flavor varies from place to place, but gyros is always the same; it's common. The only variation I see is in the thickness of slices, but not the spices or flavor really, unless the slice is grilled and carmelized…then I went to the Costco Business Center, and saw the 10 lb packages of gyros strips…
So, even though I like gyros, this visit, I decided to try the 1/2 lb burger at George Burger. Excellent choice.

As you can see, this is a Double Burger ($4.19). If you recall my mention on other posts, places which serve gyros make really good thick cut onion rings ($3.85). The burger was juicy, flavorful, hand formed and served on a toasted bun with lettuce tomato, onion and pickles. Mustard and mayonnaise were available on the side and not necessary.
The Mister chose the Pastrami sandwich ($5.85) and was very pleased.
As you can see, lots of smokey, not too thin sliced Pastrami filled the toasted bun, which had a thin layer of mustard and pickles. The pastrami fat was just the right amount, so the meat was not too dry. This was an excellent sandwich.

If you are in the neighborhood, this is a good place to stop for a meal.

George Burgers 217 N. Las Posas Road, San Marcos 92069 (760) 744-0164 Open until 9 p.m. daily. Opens at 6 a.m. M-F, 7 a.m. Sat, 8 a.m. Sun

Tijuana (100%) Seafood Bar Mariscos La Cacho (Ambiente Familiar)- Chula Vista

July 12, 2011 Cathy Seafood, Taco Shops, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! It’s a Blog O’ Food. Kirk is resting today after our week or so of crazy heat. ed (from Yuma) is also relaxing with his local temperatures being ‘only’ in the 90°’s, in the evening. Cathy did manage to head South and eat, photograph, download and is now checking in with a short report.

Last week, The Mister and I happened to be in Chula Vista and we were hungry. I vaguely remembered Kirk’s visit to a Mariscos food truck that had it’s own parking space in a lot on Main Street so turned West from Third Avenue on to Main. Before the next corner, we saw this sign.

I passed by. Cars were parked in front and on the side street (Fresno). At the next corner, I turned and drove back around the block. I had to. This was the side view of the building from the crumbling parking lot:

Parking lot was full at 12:30 pm. It was a Thursday. I figured this must be good. The mariscos truck could wait.
We walked in and seated ourselves kitty corner from the front door. We had a view of both televisions (showing soccer games) and of the kitchen area across the bar. No air conditioning. We were handed two menus- one in Spanish and one in English. Great atmosphere.

A basket of crackers and tostadas, some limes and the container with spoon of hot sauce (which pretty much was Sriracha) was brought to the table.

We ordered and soon items were brought out as they were ready. The marlin taco ($4).
A fresh cooked (large) corn tortilla that had a layer of melted Mexican cheese filled with the warmed smoked fish which was sauteed with onion and mild chile. Perfect. Not too salty (as I have grown to dislike) and with a mild smokiness. We both really liked this.

The 99¢ fish taco was excellent. A large piece of fresh flaky white fish dipped in egg batter and fried to a light and perfectly crispy/not at all greasy crust. Topped with cabbage and chopped tomatoes and a bit of sauce. Our waitress seemed surprised we ordered only one. But we were trying a bit of everything.

Here’s everything else we ordered…
The fish ceviche tostadas were advertised on the walls and doors and almost every table as ‘buy one get one’, so for $2.50, we got the fresh made fish ceviche overflowing on two small tostadas. Really fresh and with just enough touch of heat in the sauce.

This was the medium shrimp coctele. ($9). Fresh made with cucumber and mild onion, topped with avocado. It was good, the shrimp were pretty large. I am spoiled by the $8 salad bowl of shrimp cocktail I can get from my local taco shop in Santee. Let’s just say there were not 23, 20 or 15 shrimp in the cup. (That Corona was $3.50)

This. $2. Looks like machaca– because it is. A manta ray machaca taco. That’s what was written on the menu. Since machaca is traditionally made with dried beef or pork, I assume this devilfish was dried then rehydrated. Or maybe it wasn’t. It was soft and had a nice ‘tooth’. Not fishy. It was stir fried up with some egg, onion and green pepper- or maybe a mild green chili. It had a really good flavor and almost pork belly texture for me.

The sign out front, the receipt below and the name listings online are all different. You’ll be able to find the place. When we left and headed West, we saw the La Prieta Mariscos truck on the left, about three blocks West. Next time…

Seafood Bar Tijuana 100% 3120 Main Street Chula Vista 91911 (619) 422-2287

Troy’s Greek Restaurant-breakfast

June 30, 2011 Cathy Breakfast/Brunch, Greek Food, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a foodblog wherein Kirk writes most of the postings here, but he can't write today because he is busy. ed(from Yuma) also writes quite a bit, but he isn't writing today, because he is lazy. Cathy writes a good part of the posts here and apparently has some free time today.

Hi. A few months ago, when I was going to Kaiser Hospital, I saw a guy spinning an arrow sign on Mission Gorge Road at Zion at the far corner of the mall. It's the same mall as Carl's Jr., Ra Ka De Ka, San Diego Brewing Company, Saigon Star, the newest Gaglione Bros location, Starbucks, Rubios and Einstein Bagels. The sign was advertising breakfast at Troys Greek Restaurant (which is not to be confused with Troy's Family Restaurant, which is in the Clairmont Square).

While The Mister and I have enjoyed several lunches and dinners at Troy's, breakfast wasn't one of those meals.

The restaurant looks 'dressed up' for breakfast, with a fresh flower on each table.

The menus are under the glass covering the table cloths. One thing I noticed was the price point. None of the breakfast choices is over $6.95.

Greek gyros and eggs ($6.95). Eggs were poached perfectly. There was a good amount of gyros. The accompanying warm pita bread, tomatoes and Feta cheese made this a nice breakfast, or early lunch.

I do realize that Kirk will be posting about his vacation in Greece and that breakfasts there are nothing like this. In fact, after having a 'sneak peek' about the Greek part of His and His Missus' vacation, I may never bother with this common restaurant gyros again. However, I do want to stress that this meal at Troy's Greek was very good, very fresh food.
The Village Omelette ($6.45). I was curious as to the description of the omelette including sausage. It was sausage links that were chopped and added along with Feta cheese, tomatoes and onions into the nicely cooked eggs. This was accompanied by home fries and a side of warm pita bread. I never have considered adding chopped sausage links in with my omelettes at home, but now I will. The sausage with Feta, onions and tomatoes was a nice blend of flavors.

Coffee was $1.95 and fresh, kept constantly refilled.

If you have occasion to be in the neighborhood, breakfast is served Monday through Saturday and there is a buffet brunch here on Sunday. Being able to get a sit down breakfast here is a nice addition to the neighborhood.

Troy's Greek Restaurant 10450 Friars Road, Suite T San Diego 92120 Website

Taco Loco- a little taco shop with Mexican food- in Santee

June 29, 2011 Cathy Mexican Restaurants, Taco Shops, What Cathy Eats!

Taco Loco has closed. It's now a similar yet different taco shop.

Thanks for reading mmm-yoso!!! Cathy is blogging today. Kirk is very busy and ed (from Yuma) is busier.

In an obscure location on Fanita Drive just past the first signal light South of Mission Gorge Road (one block North from Goa Way, a private street) next to an unimaginatively named Liquor Store in Santee, this small building has always housed a taco shop. The latest incarnation, Taco Loco, is, by far, the best.

Yes, that's the building… behind the drive thru menu.

You can park and walk inside and will find five tables and 14 chairs. The tables are covered with happy colored table cloths and there are some interesting (a few Mexican) beverage selections in the cooler, although homemade aguas frescas are also available. Specials are written on a white board, there is a menu behind the cash register.
Also are some more specials on the wall to your left if you are standing at the cash register.

After seeing the sign, I had to try the cabeza and lengua tacos ($2.45 each)(cabeza is on the left, lengua is in the front in this photo). If you eat in, your items are brought out to your table on a tray with a real plate. The tacos are each served with two corn tortillas which are topped with meat, cilantro and onions. Nothing more was needed, even though a green and red hot sauce were offered and salt packets are on the table. The cabeza (meat from the head of the cow) was more game-y tasting, almost like goat. There was a nice, sticky fat on some of the diced pieces; carnitas-like fat is a good description. The meat was chewier/had more texture in comparison to the lengua (beef tongue) which was very smooth in texture and had milder hut distinct flavor. Both taco meats still were more flavorful than even carne asada/marinated meat. I suppose I should have tried a carne asada taco to compare further but these two tacos filled me up.

As mentioned in the title and signage, Taco Loco serves Authentic Mexican food. Above is Camarones Culichi ($7.99) Shrimp (plump and good tasting) served in a green sauce with cheese along with rice and refried beans (good and made with lard). Culichi is a traditional Sinaloan sauce made with poblano chilis and cheese and is a flavor I crave. The preparation here is great.

Well. This sign is on another wall. One day I had to.

This is the large Shrimp Cocktail ($7.99). It is served in a large salad bowl. Bowl.Of. Fresh. Shrimp. Cocktail. The photo is a bit perspective challenged. I counted 23 shrimp, but think I may have miscounted and probably 24 were in this large bowl which included lime juice, tomato, onion, cucumber, cilantro, avocado. Wonderfully perfect and so fresh. [The small cocktail is $6.99; I haven't bothered ordering one to see the size difference for only $1.]

Of course, Taco Loco is a taco shop and burritos are on the menu. Large burritos.

Cross section of the chile relleno burrito ($4.69). This was an excellent fried chile relleno. A fresh poblano chili filled with melty cheese, battered in an egg-flour mix and fried light and crispy. The burrito included beans, lettuce, sour cream and salsa.

The carne asada burrito ($4.69) is very good in its simplicity. The meat is tender, mildly flavored and wrapped in the giant tortilla with guacamole and pico de gallo salsa. Not as good as the other meats here, in my opinion, but not horrible.

The chile verde plate ($7.59) also is substantial and topped with a very, very good home made tomatillo sauce. The carnitas meat was tender and flavorful. This is served with tortillas, rice, beans, guacamole and some lettuce.

The shredded beef taco salad ($4.69) is a good meal. The shredded beef has an excellent stewed flavor which is complimented by the beans, cheeses, salsas, guacamole and crispy cold lettuce.

Here's a good size comparison photo of a plain cheese quesedilla ($3.19) and a chicken adobada taco ($2.59). The marinated chicken is moist, flavorful and, as you can see, a substantial serving size, simply served on two corn tortillas with guacamole.

Taco Loco is an exceptional hole in the wall that you may want to seek out if you are in the neighborhood. Try some of the items that aren't served at your regular taco shop.

Taco Loco 8667 Fanita Drive Santee 92071 (619) 562-6060 (Call ahead for faster service) Open 8 am-10 pm Mon-Thurs, 8 am-11 pm Fri-Sat and 9 am-9 pm Sunday

Website

The little note under the drive thru menu? "When ready to order, move forward please."

Going out to eat and craving SPAM™

June 24, 2011 Cathy What Cathy Eats!, yoso-silly

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog. Kirk is busy, ed(from Yuma) is busy and Cathy has some free time.

The other day, after posting about America's SPAM™ Championship at the County Fair (at the bottom of the post), I was wanting more than a simple SPAM™ breakfast, even though I now had some ideas for a more complicated use of the delightful canned pork and ham product.

The Mister and I were at Westfield Parkway Plaza, out here in East County. I saw this sign at Hula Hawaiian BBQ, in the Food Court.
$1 for SPAM™ musubi. I think there were restricted days or hours. Anyhow, I was in the right place at the right time and ordered two pieces (the regular price is two pieces for $3).

The warm rice topped with a nice teriyaki sauce, topped with a thick slice of grilled SPAM™ and wrapped with a strip of seaweed- a perfect combination of flavors and texture and great food at a crazy inexpensive price. Satisfied my craving…
Until two days later, when I went with a friend to Chopstix Too and was told to order "anything I craved".
So, I chose the tofu salad ($4.25) (A very good size lettuce salad with par-boiled broccoli and shredded carrots and red cabbage as well as chopped tomatoes topped with about half a pound of a very silken tofu. There is salad dressing on each table here and I added it to the lettuce after enjoying it plain.)
as well as SPAM™ roll ($3.95) (apparently a 'log' of raw SPAM™ with radish and avocado rolled in seaweed then rice and sesame). This was excellent, and exactly what I wanted.

I hope everyone gets to fulfill a craving when they are out and about. It's a great way to live.

Chopstix Too 4380 Kearny Mesa Road San Diego 92111 (858) 565-1288

The 2011 San Diego County Fair- Part Two: It’s open and there are daily contests!

June 12, 2011 Cathy Festivals & Events, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a blog with writings about food. Kirk and ed(from Yuma) contribute about interesting American and ethnic foods, restaurants, events and recipes. Cathy is contributing yet another summary of the All-American San Diego County Fair.

Well, it's open. The 2011 version of the fifth largest County Fair in the Nation. Right here, in the City of Del Mar, along the coastline of this large county.

There are the rides and carnival games in the Fun Zone.

Along with interesting characters to amuse Fairgoers.

Along with typical Fair foods…

As well as the more unusual Fair foods…

There are flower contests
Woodworking competition displays, with Drafting competition entrants on the wall behind…

Livestock displays and contests… and so much more!

As I mentioned in my first post, daily contest entries get you a free entrance to the Fair.The Home and Hobby Stage is where a lot of the contests are held. On Saturday, the One Day Contest was

The Great American SPAM® Championship. This was a Nationally sponsored contest, with the winner being sent on to compete in the National SPAM® Championship, as well as winning $150 from Hormel and a SPAM® apron. The theme of this year's contest was "Break the monotony" and there was only one category- breakfast.

There were 30 entries. All beautifully and creatively presented (25 % of the scoring was for the appearance, theme and title of the entry).
There were three judges who tasted and scored each of the delicious and mostly original concoctions. 45% of the score was for the taste and 30% of the scoring was for the ease of preparation. Each entry included the recipe and the judges were reading as well as tasting. There were some 'runners' who were reheating some of the entered goodies.
After two hours of judging and the three judges going outside to the Grandstand another 30 minutes or so to discuss their findings, this beautiful display and recipe came in third. It appears to possibly have a spicy and/or Mexican influence; I think the Spicy flavor of SPAM™ was used. (There are several SPAM™ flavors: lite, low sodium, turkey, spicy and, yes, bacon).

This seashell based creative display held that croissant, which was filled with a shredded SPAM® mixture and included the very original tasty recipe printed with the photograph of an Island sunset.
The three dishes and SPAM® race car on that checkerboard lined tray on the left, in the back row, was the first place winner! In addition to the decorating being part of the "Race to the Fair" theme, the "Spamabello" recipe included not many ingredients, had an easy preparation and was very, very, very good according to the judges. The custard-like savory filling included SPAM® and was baked inside portobello mushroom caps. The judges thought it will be an excellent contender for winning the national contest.

The best part of this contest, though, was that we all found out upon the announcement of the winner (Michelle), that winning this contest was part of her "Bucket List"…things she wanted to accomplish before she died. A happy bonus to this long day of Fair activities.

There are daily contests to participate while at the Fair and one day contests like the SPAM contest, which get you in the gate for free and give you a chance to participate (and maybe you can check off something from your own 'bucket list') at an American Tradition-the County Fair.

Oh, I ate a lot at the Fair…you can too. Everything was good, even the simple things…

I'll post about my adventures soon. In the meantime, read about this great American tradition and find a way to get here! The Fair is open until July 4th.

www.SDFair.com

The 2011 San Diego County Fair- Part One: Before it opens

June 9, 2011 Cathy Festivals & Events, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a blog, concentrating on food with explanations. Just some writings that Kirk, ed(from Yuma) and Cathy, (as well as a few other friends) post online. Today, Cathy is posting online.

Yes, it's that time of year again and on Friday morning at 11 a.m., the fifth largest County Fair in the nation opens. Right here, in San Diego. I've done a few posts about each San Diego County Fair since 2007 and just don't enjoy change, so here is the 2011 version.

I've been to the Fairgrounds a few times already this year, seeing things shape up and will post a few "before" and "after" photos so you can get a small taste of what awaits you and let you sort of see how it happened.
Before Memorial Day, the front gate entrance was a shell, Don Diego was 'naked'…
Today, the Theme (Race to the Fair) is decorating the front gate, Don Diego is clothed (and apparently starting the races) and there is excitement in the air.

A few weeks ago, the midway was barely set up.
Yesterday, you can see the rides are set up, the booths are filled with product and people are bustling around.
You can see Chicken Charlie's, way down the aisle there…pretty much alone.

Now, the other Chicken Charlie Booth is set up, and so is everything around it…
The entrance to Home and Hobby (what I like to call the "heart' of the Fair) was clearly seen before Memorial Day.
Now, it's just behind the giant Ice Cream Cone.

The Preserved Foods have been judged.

and are on display in multiple cases on the second floor…

The hundreds of quilt entries have been judged…

and are also on display all around the second floor.
Hundreds of cookies were just judged and will have ribbons and be on display, along with
decorated cakes, candies, breads and other baked goods…and collections…there are a lot this year. I got a peek at the "Best of Show" of all the hobbies and collections. It's titled "Race to the Historic Back Country Diners of San Diego County"…and I am inspired!
The back side of the main entrance, is already greeting you back for next year…but there is so much which will be happening…daily contests get you in the gate for free if you are entering.

Check out hours(the Fair is closed on all Mondays except July 4), specials (Tuesdays most food booths offer sample sizes of some items for $2, there is free parking with free transportation to the front gate in school buses and a few Double Deckers and you can buy discounted tickets at all San Diego County Albertsons stores) and the new food items(Chocolate covered hot dog on a stick, batter fried jalapeños stuffed with a Snickers bar and much more) all on the website: www.SDFair.com

I hope to see you there!

Super Wok- a Pacific Beach revisit.

June 8, 2011 Cathy Chinese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Super Wok has closed.

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog, written by a few friends, one who lives on the West side of San Diego County, one who lives in East San Diego County and one who lives waaay East, in Yuma, Arizona. Today, Cathy is writing about a place on the West side of this large county. Because she can.

Hi. I wrote a post about Super Wok a few years ago and even though it is and has been part of "our rotation" for a long while and we drive out here regularly to pick up meals, never did I write another post. The location, ownership and food have not changed, the prices have increased slightly (the regular menu by $1 and the 11:00-3:00 Lunch Specials by 50¢ since the 2007 post) and it is still good food and family owned and run; husband, wife and daughter.

It's still located in the same tiny Fotomat Booth of a building. There are three tables inside, but really, get the food to go as the sign on the building instructs. 065 066

The same menu is on the wall, the same Happy Buddha on the same counter. The same four giant woks are in the back. Order, pay and wait. Everything is prepared after you order, so it could take ten minutes or more. I notice many people phone in orders to pick up.

.
We usually drive South on Ingraham toward Sea World and sit at the same table at the Ski Beach.
This visit, we had ordered two lunch specials. This is the Beef with broccoli ($4.95). Lunch Specials include fried rice, an egg roll and a Fortune Cookie. The beef is tender and, as you can see, there are carrots and bamboo shots as well as broccoli. There isn't any sticky corn starchy gloppy gravy; it is thin and flavorful. The egg roll is filled with only vegetables and fried properly. Everything is fresh.

The Kung-Pao chicken is $4.75. It's not really spicy. It is a fresh stir fry of onions, green peppers, carrots, bamboo shoots and chicken breast meat. Good food prepared fresh.
The other day, The Mister and I ordered and drove West, to the ocean, and then North to a small park on a residential street in La Jolla. Our little vacation.We had ordered some favorites.
Wonderful. This is Lemon chicken ($6.75). Lightly cornstarch breaded chicken breast, fried crispy and placed onto lettuce, so it will drain and still be a thin, crispy crust. The tangy sweet warm lemon sauce and rice are on the side. This is *so* good. Yes, it is ABCDE…It is ABCDE quality good. (ABCDE=American Born Chinese Dining Establishment).
This- This is why I eat here. Egg foo young ($5.55). Eggs (three), onions and bean sprouts cooked in the wok, to a size too large to fit into the styrofoam box, but slipped into the box so the edges curve over the center and topped with a stir fry of mushrooms, carrots, bamboo shoots and cabbage. All topped with a vegetable gravy. Yes, the meat (pork or chicken or beef) EFY costs just 20¢ more, the shrimp EFY costs $1 more… but I really like just the simple, perfect vegetable egg foo young. Brown on both sides, soft egg, stir fried fresh vegetables…just a good home style meal.

It isn't a fancy eat in place with fancy ingredient food. We like good tasting food. Super Wok serves good, fresh food, prepared very well.

Super Wok 4468 Ingram Street San Diego 92109 (858) 270-4859 Mon-Th 11:00-10:00, Fri-Sat 11:00-10:30, Closed Sunday.

The Living Room-Point Loma, after a San Diego ‘vacation day’ in the rain

May 18, 2011 Cathy Caffeine Fix, Sandwiches, Stuff, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! has a post about food almost every day. Kirk and ed(from Yuma) just can't post right now. Cathy is able to post now.

"May gray leads to June gloom" is a fairly common San Diego weather report. We had a bit more than gray yesterday.

It was Tuesday and The Mister and I planned to take advantage of "Residents Free Tuesdays" at the usually Admission Fee charging museums at Balboa Park.

As we got off the 163, it was really raining.

The gray clouds made the blooming flowers seem even brighter in color.

The Koi at the Japanese Friendship Garden were especially friendly.
The other Museums open yesterday were the Museum of Man, Museum of Art, Art Institute and Mingei International Museum.
The Mingei has quite a few interesting shows going on right now.
We had planned to have a light lunch at the Tea Pavilion at the Japanese Friendship Garden and making that a post. However, there are only two inside tables and the rain was not letting up. We walked through the museums then drove toward Little Italy and somehow ended up in Point Loma and stopped here.

There are five locations of Living Room Cafe and Bistro. This one is an entire repurposed Victorian house, on the West end of Rosecrans. There is seating inside (upstairs as well as downstairs) as well as on the front porch and side and back porches. There is free wifi. Comfy couches, tables and chairs are everywhere and a simple menu:

Since it was so cold and wet and I had planned on tea, I ordered a teapot for two ($3.75)
Choosing organic green sencha, the loose tea was measured and put into two bags and brewed in the pot…(as a reference, the amount of water filled both of those giant cups almost three times)
Oh. That "Pony" marker was to put on the table for identification when the order is brought out.
Soup, salad, fruit and bread($6.25). No photo of bread. Nice salad, fresh fruit. (As further reference, the soup bowl is as large as the giant tea cups)
Excellent soup. Three bean vegetarian. Thick, hearty, wonderful flavored. Just right on this chilly day.

This was a great find for us. Perfect on this rainy day. I imagine it gets pretty crowded with all the seating available. There are pastries, breakfast items, cold and panini and wrapped sandwiches and apparently some pretty good coffee and cold beverages also.

Living Room Cafe and Bistro 1018 Rosecrans San Diego 92106 (619)222-6852 Open 6 am-midnight daily. Website

Perry’s Cafe- The one in El Cajon

May 17, 2011 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, Diner, What Cathy Eats!

Hi. This is mmm-yoso!!!. Kirk is adjusting from his vacation in Turkey and Greece watching his work load increase, ed (from Yuma) is in Yuma, adjusting to increasing heat levels and waiting for his workload to decrease and Cathy is in San Diego's East County, steadily blogging about food.

Hi. When Kirk and His Missus left on vacation, I posted on the East County location of Panda Country restaurant. Kirk has blogged about "his" Perry's central county location. There may be theme starting. There is an East County location of Perry's Cafe.

Located at the intersection of Magnolia at Madison, near downtown El Cajon (about three blocks North from the courthouse, if you have ever had Jury Duty), this Perry's is under the same ownership as the Pacific Highway location. It can get very crowded here, especially on weekends, with lines extending into the parking lot.

There is some seating under the awning by the door.

Always, a White Board with daily specials is on display. This Perry's serves breakfast and lunch and is open from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m., same as the Pacific Highway location.

The interior is typical naugahyde coffee shop, as are the tabletop condiments.

A salad which accompanied a White Board Special #2 one day. Chilled iceberg lettuce and a standard Thousand Island dressing.

Grilled cod, served with the vegetable of the day, corn and cottage cheese instead of fries. $6.95
The pale colored fish plate was very fresh with the lightly grilled cod being a standout. The corn was typical frozen and crispy as well as sweet tasting and the cottage cheese was full fat, not that weird low fat kind.
I ordered 2 egg breakfast with Italian sausage ($7.25). Of course, I chose poached eggs and rye toast.
I also asked for a side of gravy to go with my hash browns. Since it was a breakfast, I got the peppery sausage breakfast gravy.
I enjoy seeing the classic shorthand on order tickets.

On another visit, the soup of the day was lentil and it was an excellent soup. Thick with beef, celery, carrot and lentils.
The soup was part of the Turkey salad lunch ($7.50). Yes, the old fashioned turkey salad; no dried fruits, no nuts, just leftover turkey, shredded and not in chunks mixed with mayonnaise. A generous scoop placed on top of mixed lettuces and shredded cabbage, tomatoes, avocado, olives, pickles and hard boiled egg halves. A dressing (your choice of standard salad dressings) is served on the side.
My standby favorite here. Hot turkey sandwich ($7.50). Just turkey breast slices on top of white bread with mashed potatoes and gravy over all. Comfort.

So. A 'chain' of Diners in San Diego county. The county is 4200 square miles and there is someplace everywhere to find a good meal.

Perry's Cafe 475 North Magnolia El Cajon 92020 (619)440-5724