mmm-yoso – Page 118

Getting “Them Bones” to go From Pho Duyen Mai

June 22, 2020 mmm-yoso Pho, Vietnamese Restaurants

**** Pho Duyen Mai is under new ownership and no longer serves the rib bones (Xí Quách Suon Bò)

During my recent visits to Golden City; I couldn't help but notice that Pho Duyen Mai was closed. I was somewhat concerned….in my opinion Pho Duyen Mai made one of the better bowls of pho in the Kearny/Clairemont Mesa area…..I know, that's really not saying much as I think the pho in the area ain't that great. But then again; they have "'Dem Bones" (Xí Quách Suon Bò), simmered beef rib bones that does double duty….helps to make the pho broth, then served as a side item. Though other places, like PT Eatery has tried to do this (it wasn't very good), none in San Diego compare. So, while driving past a couple of weeks ago, I saw the "We are now open" sign.

A couple of days later I called before opening (they are currently open at 10) for a takeout order, asking if they had "Dem Bones"……and yes, they did have them. I also ordered a #27……the pho with the well done steak, flank, brisket, etc….. Ready in 15 minutes was what I was told…..and yes, it was ready to go when I arrived. I did notice a couple of curbside pick-up customers as well.

So…….how was it? Well, things were nicely packed, the portion size seemed larger than I recalled, especially the broth.

And holy smokes….how did they know I enjoy bean sprouts….sheeesh…..

And of course "Dem Bones"……..

Holy smokes….this was more food than I could finish.

There was way too much broth so I saved almost half of it. While not as "sweet" as on my previous visit; it was still quite salty….though I could really make out beefiness in the broth.

All the proteins were fine; but of course I mainly focused on all that rib meat; while still not quite as tender as on the first couple of times I had it; it was more tender then the last time I had it. It was nice and beefy as well.

The noodles were terrible; just plain hard and brittle……I think they need to pack that separately.

So, the Missus ended up having a nice little appetizer of sorts when She got home that evening. I scrapped off about half the rib meat, and soaked, then simmered it in the pho broth. Man, She scarfed the whole thing down in a minute….not even once mentioning anything being too salty….. so maybe I'm the one being too picky here?

In fact, She said She might be wanting this sometime during the week….go figure?

I'm glad to see Duyen Mai back in action….I'll probably order some Nem Nuong Cuon and such for the skeleton crew at work one of these days.

Pho Duyen Mai
5375 Kearny Villa Rd
San Diego, CA 92123
Current Covid-19 Hours:
Daily – 10am – 7pm

Hope everyone had a safe weekend. What places are you happy to see opened again?

Sunday Sandwiches – The “El Cubano” from Havana Grill

June 21, 2020 mmm-yoso Cuban Restaurants, Latin American Cuisine, Sandwiches

I'd seen the "we're open" sign for Havana Grill while running some errands a couple of weeks back. Which reminded me that it had been a while since I'd visited. So, before heading home to check on Frankie; I called in an order for the "El Cubano" ($13), which was my second favorite when I did a "Cubano" comparison a couple of years back.

Upon arriving I noticed a curbside pick-up option, a couple of outdoor tables, a roped off area with limited dining and well marked spacing for ordering. My Cubano was ready to go when I arrived and it was a very fast and efficient process. And, as usual the young man working was very friendly.

The sandwich held up well after the drive home and the bread was still fairly crisp. And the plantain chips were still crisp when I got home. There seemed to be a bit less ham this time in comparison to previous visits, which kind of lessened the rather balanced salty-pungent(mustard)-sour (pickles)-milky (from the Swiss Cheese) flavors I previously enjoyed. Still, this was not bad at all.

I'll definitely be back….I need to retry items I had enjoyed before like the Ropa Vieja. Nice folks working here; I was happy to note that when I asked how business was doing, the immediate answer was "it's picking up, more sales every day". Good to hear.

Havana Grill
5450 Clairemont Mesa Blvd,
San Diego, CA 92117
Open Daily 11am – 9pm

Takeout from Koon Thai

June 17, 2020 mmm-yoso Thai Restaurants

Koon Thai was a pretty easy pick since it's in the same strip mall as Nijiya. At the time of my takeout visits (Mid-End May), they were actually open at 1030, so I could quickly pop in, place my order with the very pleasant young man working, shop at Nijiya, head back to Koon Thai, grab my order and go.

Sadly, on both visits, Koon Thai was out of my favorite dish, the Khao Karr Moo. But hey, this just gave me a chance to try out some other dishes….I just hoped it wasn't as bad as Khao Nar Ped I had there a while back.

On my first visit; I went with the Pad Cha Pork Wing. What's a "pork wing" you ask? No, it's not a from a new breed of flying pig. It's actually the fibula from a rear shank of said swine. It really kinda looks like a rib, it ain't cheap at $16.50 either. And when I opened things up; it didn't look like much.

But once I plated it….well, there was enough for the Missus to have when She got home from work in the evening.

Medium heat gave this a decent spice; I was worried about this version of pad cha (basically translated as "stir fry" if I recall) being over sweet but it wasn't. The basil added some nice anise-vegetal-peppery tones, there was a mild salty-sweet component, good savory touches….the green peppercorns added a nice bit of variety in terms of "spice" if you will and was probably the Missus's favorite item in the dish….other than the pork which was prepared nicely…. think of a pork rib in texture with a really nice porky finish.

I was pleasantly surprised.

The following weekend; I decided on the Kha Na Moo Krob ($13).

Whereas this was not on the level of the version at Soi 30th, the gailan undercooked, quite bitter, and too hard and the sauce a bit too salty; the pork belly was nicely done….a bit crisp on the exterior, giving way to a nice soft and mildly creamy interior. At medium heat, it was way too mild for me and like I mentioned earlier was a bit on the salty side….though not terrible.

Again the portion size was quite generous as there were leftovers for the Missus.

I'm looking forward to Khao Karr Moo once they have it back in stock….probably again on one of my future trips to Nijiya; or maybe the Missus will want me to order the "Pork Wings"….or heck; maybe both?

Koon Thai Kitchen
3860 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 514-8111
Currently open daily 11am – 9pm

Takeout from Noble Chef

June 15, 2020 mmm-yoso Chinese BBQ, Chinese Restaurants

The Missus had been missing the roast duck from Noble Chef as the place closed completely in March. Everytime we'd drive past She'd look out the window and wistfully whisper "roast duck"…..really. I had to remind Her that even if they reopened, it would only be for takeout and as I mentioned in my previous post on Noble Chef, the food at dinner when eating in was definitely superior to takeout or lunch. But we'd come to the point that She'd take whatever She could get from Noble Chef. Then, as I mentioned in my Golden City post, we were driving by on June 1st and saw the open sign lit up…..oh the joy on the Missus's face…..I made a U-turn and dropped by, just to confirm that they were open….just for takeout, just from 11am to 7pm at first.

The next day I called in an order….our days of stalking Noble Chef were over.

I ordered the Soy Sauce Chow Mien, Steamed Pork with Salted Fish, and of course, a half roasted duck.

The noodles were a bit on the hard and chewy side……..I've had better from there.

The Missus actually enjoys taking most of the Steamed Pork with Salted Fish home and heating it up the next day to put over Stir-fried veggies. I stir fried some ong choi on the Big Kahuna.

This definitely not as tender or juicy as what we get when eating in – here's a photo of what it looks like during dinner.

It was however, much more pungent….they didn't skimp on the salted fish. And when heated, enough liquid was extruded and lent some additional flavor to the simple stir-fried greens.

And last, but not least, the duck.

The wonderful earth-gamy flavor and nice anise tones were there, the meat moist, with just the right amount of chew……the skin though…..in comparison to eating in.

So, I went and used a hack that I haven't gone to in years….since we lived in the SGV as a matter of fact. I busted out the toaster oven and first used the back setting and finished with the "broil". I then brushed the jus (we always request extra) over before serving. The Missus was pleased.

So, of course I ended placing another order later in the week….then again last week. This time I ordered the Salt and Pepper Pork Chop….which I knew wouldn't travel very well.

But I again used the toaster oven to heat and crisp; though to a lesser effect than the duck. Still……I realized how much I had missed this dish.

And this time a whole duck.

Here's what it looks like coming out of the toaster oven….I'm sure you could use a broiler to get the same effect.

Just brush with the sauce and you're good to go.

And then of course; all the overly fatty, bony, skinless pieces, along with the leftover sauce and rendered fat is the base for the Missus's favorite fried rice.

The Missus is glad that Noble Chef has reopened, as I'm sure quite a few people are. On my most recent visit; there were at least seven or eight take0ut orders lined up on the table.

As for eat in; the gentleman working said they aren't quite sure when they'll be ready for that. And to be honest; I don't think we're quite ready for that either.

The Noble Chef
6159 Balboa Avenue
San Diego, CA 92111

Takeout from TP Banh Bao 3

June 14, 2020 mmm-yoso Vietnamese Restaurants

Since I was already posting on Bao, I though it would be a good time to get this one done. During my visit to R&B, I decided to get our skeleton crew a small snack. So, I dropped by TP Banh Bao 3 which is in the same strip mall and placed an order before heading to grab my plate from R&B.

They are in full Coid-19 mode; one customer at a time in the shop. If you have to wait for your order, they ask that you wait in your car for the 5-10 minutes. I really like the young ladies who work here; they are friendly and very pleasant. Anyway, after grabbing my lunch and putting in the car; I returned, grabbed my package on the counter, and left.

For me; there's only one way to get the Banh Bao from TP……you get it fried. Yes, it costs and extra $2.50; but it's well worth it to me. I haven't had much luck with the steamed versions that turn out too soggy/mushy for my taste.

The fried stuff though……needs to be eaten in a timely manner. My favorite is #3; the pork and salted egg yolk.

The crew at the office just loved this; crunchy, salty, porky-savory, sweet……I like mine with some Black Vinegar on it to help cut the richness…..because it is indeed quite rich. One is usually enough for me.

While I have had these bao over-fried on occasion; I'm thinking the sugar content can make it burn quite easily; on this day it was a very nice snack. And a little something always puts everyone in a better mood.

T.P. Banh Bao 3
11271 Camino Ruiz
San Diego, CA 92126

Hope everyone had a nice, safe weekend!

Takeout from TJ Dumplings

June 12, 2020 mmm-yoso Chinese Restaurants

**** TJ Dumplings has closed

I started typing "way back on March 10th"……and then stopped, realizing that the 10th of March does seem so very long ago…..like a different year.

When leaving the Philadelphia Sandwich Company, my eyes drifted and TJ Dumplings came into focus….the sign saying "We're Open for Takeout". I was wondering how they were doing; so a couple of days later I called and placed an order. It was somewhat humorous as the really nice woman taking my order kept drifting between Mandarin and English. But, it's not hard to place an order at TJ (as in "Tianjin" not what someone from San Diego would automatically think) Dumplings. And I was told my food would be ready for pick-up in fifteen minutes.

Which was the perfect amount of time for me to head on over.

Entering the place I quickly noticed how the dining area has become excess storage……I guess that's one way to prevent folks from having a seat, right?

Arriving back to the office, I opened my little Styrofoam box, and was slightly disappointed; there was some leakage…..

Several of the baozi had juices leaking through and were mushy and doughy. The filling wasn't as moist as on my previous visit and not as tender. It was also lacking in the nice "porky" flavors as well.

This was rather mediocre….thank goodness for the black vinegar….

Here's what the Baozi looked like just 3 months ago…..

Still, this was more than I could consume, so I shared some with GK…..who did enjoy it.

After my previous post on TJ Dumplings, FOY "Som Tommy" paid the place a visit and said the Shao Mai (Siu Mai) was pretty good……which I really wouldn't have thought to have order – especially at $3.99 for four Shao Mai.

But this was not bad; quite hefty.

In terms of texture this was quite good, moist, tender, the wrapper not hard or brittle. Like the baozi filling; it lacked a good porkiness, but this wasn't bad at all.

It does look like TJ Dumplings is hanging on; there were several orders ready on the Grub Hub table, so I'm happy they are surviving. I do hope that if I return, the Baozi would be back to what they were like during my first couple of visits.

TJ Dumplings
6780 Miramar Rd.
San Diego, CA 92121

Man, was it warm enough for you the last couple of days?

June 10, 2020 mmm-yoso Beer, Pizza

So, I'm kinda stewing in my juices here wondering what post I should do…….

After sitting for a while….I just decided to cut my losses and grab a pizza.

That's a pesto chicken pizza from Poseidon Project.

And have a cold one…..I had a couple of cans of Avery Brewing Ellie's Brown Ale…..I really just got it because I loved the pooch on the can.

And that's it for today.

I'm glad things will be (hopefully) cooling down the next couple of days….this dry heat and the Santa Ana's have meant some pretty dramatic bleeding from my nose the last two days…..not a great look with a mask on.

Be safe and have a great rest of the week!

Covid-19 Takeout – Da Kine’s

June 8, 2020 mmm-yoso Local Kine Stuffs in San Diego, Loco Mocos, Plate Lunch

**** The La Mesa location has closed and Nelson is currently only doing catering

**** Da Kine's has reopened in La Mesa. You can find a post here.

While working one weekend back at the beginning of April, I was wondering what I could pick up on the way home that wouldn't be too far out of the way.

Which got me thinking about Da Kine's which just reopened in September.

So, I decided to call….I think this was just after Da Kine's reopened for take-out. Anyway, Nelson answered……..and a very typical conversation ensued.

Me: "Can I get one loco moco to go?"

Nelson: "Ok, mac or tossed salad…."

Me (sounding a bit offended): "What? Mac salad of course!"

Nelson (laughing): "Ok, mac salad….when are you picking up….."

Me: "I'm heading on down right now…."

Nelson: "Whoa, wait…….give us at least fifteen, twenty minutes!"

Me: "Oh, sorry, I'm heading down from UTC…."

Nelson (sounding a bit relieved): "Oh….good….I thought you was across the street or something."

And so, about 20 minutes and change later; I picked up my loco moco, and took it home.

Egg a bit overcooked for my liking and oil had gathered at the edges of the plate…probably dripped down from the eggs, but I wasn't complaining….because that mac salad, still nicely chilled, hit the spot, the burger nicely charred, beefy, for some reason I don't mind the filler in this burger, the gravy not overly salty, the rice nicely done.

A little bit of comfort at a time when things seemed so out of whack. And yet, who knew how, but two months later….things are even more messed up.

Perhaps I need another trip back to Da Kine's……

Da Kine's Plate Lunches
5401 Linda Vista Rd. #402
San Diego, CA 92110

Currently Open Tues – Sun 11am – 5pm

Sunday Sandwiches – A Revisit to the Philadelphia Sandwich Company and a Visit to Cali Banh Mi (Convoy)

June 7, 2020 mmm-yoso Banh Mi, Cheesesteaks, Sandwiches

Revisiting the Philadelphia Sandwich Company:

So, after getting that weird answering machine message from The Sandwich A'Fare and deciding to drive past and figure out what was going on….well, I still needed lunch. So, I just went ahead and called in a takeout order to the Philadelphia Sandwich Company. As before, I ordered the "Joe's Special".

It's kinda interesting as this time around they included a fork wrapped with my Cheesesteak?

Lots of mushrooms and peppers on this one this time around. The bread, which was an Amoroso, was on the soggy side, the meat a bit too chewy and bland.

Though I did learn something……the nice woman working recommended I get some hot sauce for my sandwich, which I took….tasted like Frank's Red Hot…..but strangely, it added acidity, heat, and most of all, more flavor to the rather bland sandwich.

Go figure……

I do like the folks working here….wish the Cheesesteaks were a bit better though……

The Philadelphia Sandwich Company
6904 Miramar Rd. Suite 207
San Diego, CA 92121

Cali Banh Mi (Convoy):

After doing a bit of shopping at Nijiya I headed home, but wanted a bite to eat. I decided to stop in at Cali Banh Mi. I hadn't been to the place since it changed from being a location of Cali Baguette Express.

There were benches set-up for distancing from the counter.

I got a simple Banh Mi with Egg……I tried to order an Op La; but the young man had no idea what I was saying…..I'll give him the benefit of the doubt….that my pronunciation just sucked.

This wasn't terrible, but the banh mi was too chewy and doughy, lacking in the light, flakey-crustiness of a good banh mi. The fillings were fine, if a bit on the stingy side….even for a Banh Mi….where I usually argue that proportion is the most important thing. So, after this location, along with multiple visits to the Garnet Avenue locale, my opinion remains the same. Americanized Banh Mi not to offend……

Cali Banh Mi
4425 Convoy Street
San Diego, CA 92111

Clearing Out the Memory Card – More Takeout from Sushi Tadokoro

June 5, 2020 mmm-yoso Japanese Restaurants, Sushi and Sashimi

Here's a bunch more takeout photos from Sushi Tadokoro.

While it is probably in the "first world problem" category, the Missus and I have been missing our nights out and even more, we celebrated the Missus Birthday at home in nearly a decade. I'd made a promise a decade ago that we'd always celebrate Her birthday, even though it might be a few days after, in a different locale, and whether it was in Madrid, the Czech Republic, Lisbon, Budapest, or even Alaska, we were able to do that……but this is 2020 and things are different…..much more different.

And, while there are limits in place….some of which we've determined work for us…being able to get takeout from Tadokoro has surely enabled us to have a nice dinner at home…..

So here's a collection of photos form the last couple of weeks…..which usually starts with a nicely wrapped package like this.

And yields some pretty delici-yoso stuffs……

Which have led to some pretty nice meals……

And while many places have opened back up for dining in; Tadokoro included, Take-san made sure to show me the plexiglass dividers, UV and air purification devices in place….we're not quite ready to take that step yet.

So, we're just happy to be able to get stuff like this……

To have in the perceived comfort of home….until we're ready to once again sit in front of Take-san and say "please, make us what you think we'll like……"

We're just happy Tadokoro is still accommodating us.

Sushi Tadokoro
2244 San Diego Ave
San Diego, CA 92110