As in, yoso-silly, yoso-hungry, yoso-full, or best of all; mmm-delici-yoso!!!!! A San Diego based food and travel blog. An Ex-Pat Kama'aina and Friends explore food, restaurants, and travel from San Diego and points beyond.
mmm-yoso!!! is still blogging during this busy Thanksgiving week. Kirk and His Missus are out and about and Cathy is hanging around with some posts which might interest you.
I wrote about Oaks Bar and Grill more than four years ago and am happy to say we still stop in; I just don't post about it. Here's a recent meal.
The views at sunset can be amazing. The interior is filled with televised sporting events. We've been dropping in during Happy Hour (Mon-Fri 5-7) (the yellow menu at the bottom of this post) Coconut Shrimp ($6) is satisfying and plenty. We shared 1/2 caesar salad ($5.25) this day. Why were we really here? Wednesdays 4:30-9 (until December 26). Prime Rib ($18.95)
I asked for it to be 'rare-medium rare'. It was.
A very large portion (I never have asked, but it's at least 10 ounces), the Prime comes with the steamed vegetables and smashed potatoes. All of this food ordered was more than enough for two to share; we had leftovers.
Breakfasts here are great and served seven days a week. Everyone has to eat wherever they work or live. This really is a great little place in our neighborhood.
Oaks Bar & Grill 9200 Inwood Drive, Santee, CA 92071 (619) 448-4242 opens Mon-Fri 7 a.m. Sat-Sun 6 a.m. Website
mmm-yoso!!! thanks you for dropping by (again). Kirk and His Missus are out and about and Cathy is writing about a few meals.
Family owned since 1971, Bully's East is located on the Southeast corner of the I-8 at Texas Street (the street parallel to the interstate is Camino Del Rio South). A fascinating history, known for their prime rib (not in this post) as well as quality, value and service, Bully's is a San Diego mainstay. There is plenty of parking, but you may have to drive around the building to find a spot. The interior has several dining areas in addition to the Bar area. There are sports memorabilia on the walls and a television can be seen from just about every seat in the building. There is a paper of specials outside the front door as well as on the bulletin board in the lobby when you walk in. There are additional specials on the table. We were here in early October and there was an Oktoberfest/sausage plate offered ($19). Three different sausages, coarse ground (one was very spicy; another was garlic-y and one was smoked) each had a tight 'skin' and 'snap' when cut, grilled with sautéed onions and fresh cabbage and potato slices. This was served with a salad with house made bleu cheese dressing. It was good and won't be on the menu until next year. One item always on the menu is French onion soup ($5.25). It's made in house, is not too salty and is very beefy. I'm pretty sure the leftover prime rib bones are used for this. This is pretty much always a choice. The Prime rib melt ($18.50) is a decadent choice for a lunch sandwich. There is enough to be shared. It's on thick cut, pan toasted sourdough and filled with caramelized onions and Provolone. There's some horseradish sauce and au jus is served on the side. The French onion soup as well as the Potatoes Anna were my two (included) side choices. The sandwich was large, the French onion soup is so very flavorful and those Anna potatoes were perfect!
A Wednesday special noted on the wall, grilled 12-oz. ribeye ($26). A perfect medium rare, wonderful char-such flavor. The description is 'topped with a mushroom demi-glace and crispy onions'. There were no onions and we mentioned it and received what I think are more than would normally be served…a nice snack, because the steak and mushrooms and sauce were perfect without needing any additions (not even salt). This came with two sides and as you can see, the baked potato and a salad (this time, Thousand Island, also made from scratch) were the choices. This is the Bully Burger ($12.50). It's on an onion roll, char grilled (to a nice medium rare, as requested), coarse ground chuck, at least 1/3 lb.. One of the best burgers ever. It doesn't need cheese. The 'spread', lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle are also not needed, but are quite complimentary after eating about half of the burger 'plain'. Two sides are included in the price and this time, it was the mac and cheese (great) and (again) the French onion soup (+$1.25).
Bully's has breakfast on weekends. Another post. We've done that.
Bully's East Prime Rib-Bistro-Sports Bar 2401 Camino Del Rio South San Diego, CA 92108 (619)291-2665 Website Open Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-midnight, Sat-Sun 9 a.m.-midnight
You never know who you'll see here at lunchtime during the week.
Well. Here we are, reading mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Kirk and His Missus are taking a break and Cathy is doing the blogging for a while. Enjoy.
The last time I posted about J & M's was more than three years ago. I've since realized the "Chili Extravaganza" is an annual event; each month has different specials in addition to the "added value meals" on the menu. The Mister and I drive up here to shop at the Vallarta Market (in the same parking lot) and stop at J & M's pretty regularly if not eating inside Vallarta or Farmer Boys (also in the same parking lot). There are lots of choices when running errands. The decor here is comfortable, the waitresses friendly' and the clientele are mostly locals. We were fortunate to be here when some freshly made cinnamon rolls were offered ($3.49). Quite large, buttery, soft and filled with a nice cinnamon-sugar paste. Trying out house made cinnamon rolls have become a new obsession ever since we finally broke down and purchased one at the 2018 San Diego County Fair. This version is so very good. Since breakfast is all day, I ordered the Florentine scramble (chalkboard special, $8.99, regular $10.49) with rye toast. Bacon, egg, cheese, spinach, red onion topped with fresh tomatoes…a hearty, tasty, filling meal. The home fries were mostly potato with some onion and green peppers; the potatoes had a nice crisping (bonus!) and were also plentiful. The Mister had a craving for Liver and Onions ($9.99- from the 'added value menu') and received two very large pieces of calves liver (it was at least 8 if not 10 ounces in total) which was fried just right (the center was medium and the crispy edges were a treat)…of course I got to eat all of the onions. The steamed vegetables were a nice contrast and gave a semblance of healthy eating. The salad and garlic 'toast' (it's a half of a sandwich roll, just like we do at home) were both refreshing (the Bleu cheese salad dressing was excellent) and complimentary to the meaty main course.
A great little family diner since 2013.
J&M's Family Restaurant 1215 E Valley Pkwy Escondido, CA 92027 (between Harding and Ash) (760)745-3710 open 6-11 daily website
mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog. This particular post is about food discovered while checking out another Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float road test. Kirk is taking a break from blogging and Cathy is writing.
I'll start this post out with the food. The Rose Parade float road testing at the end of September was a "closed set" and no photos were allowed. Of course we didn't know and drove the two hours that Saturday morning anticipating photos and a meal as a post. Since we saw what we could and left kind of soon, we were barely hungry, so drove East on the 210 and randomly took the Grand Avenue exit, driving South. At the signal light at San Bernadino Road, we saw this and decided to stop in.
Costa's was opened in 1991 and has quite a few dining areas- inside and outside. The decor is home spun and eclectic. The menu shows breakfast and lunch/dinner specials Monday -Friday and different specials on weekends. The prices are more than reasonable. The chicken fried steak ($8.99-from the regular, not weekend special menu) comes with three eggs and your choice of toast (raisin in this case) was wonderful! Lightly breaded, fried crisp, this large piece of cube steak was way more food than expected. The country fried potatoes were vegetable heavy (in a good way) and those three eggs were cooked to a perfect over easy; runny with crisped whites. Oh, the gravy is from scratch and is great without the addition of the sausage, which brings it to another level.
The breakfast special of Eggs Benedict ($9.29) came with a peach half or I could have substituted a few other items, but I decided to go with the chef's vision. I think the presentation was pretty. Also, I haven't had canned peaches in forever and this one was not 'heavy syrup' sweetness. The hollandaise sauce was from scratch and very lemony- a good thing. The perfectly poached eggs on top of the triangle cut ham steak slices on top of toasted English muffin halves was just heaven in every bite.
When the October road test was happening, we got to take photos and decided to stop at Costa's again. This time, the waffle breakfast ($7.99) with over easy eggs and sausage links. This was quite wonderful; a sweet, malted flavor to the waffle, perfect over easy eggs and the sausage seemed nicer than normal, with a 'skin' and good flavors. The most expensive weekend special breakfast is $9.99 and we went for it. Steak and eggs. Rye toast, the wonderful home fries and perfectly poached eggs. The steak was surprisingly large and perfectly cooked to a medium-rare and wonderfully flavored.
We may stop here again after the November road test, or after decorating floats in December; it's a great place…all locals.
Costa's Family Restaurant 851 E. San Bernadino Road Covina, CA 91723 Open Daily 5:30a.m. – 9 p.m.
Float road tests Number one and two, the third road testing had been completed and we were looking forward to the one in late September. This was the only photo I was able to snap before being told that no photos would be allowed that day. The second float there (behind the Theme Float you see in front) is Trader Joe's. Apparently there is a part of the mechanics that they want to remain a surprise. The design is cute. In June, I took this photo at the road test; you can see it's sort of an eagle's head and the float looks like a pirate ship (indeed, the the title of the float is "Ride, Captain, Ride", in keeping with the Rose Parade theme of "The Melody of Life", which will have each float with some sort of musical instrument on board) At the October road test, I snapped this photo of the colored in float in the back of the barn. You can see the front of the pirate ship with the eagle head and a sort of hot air balloon in the middle of the float. That's where the 'surprise' will be on January first. At the August road test, we saw this beautiful basic float being driven , testing for maneuverability and mechanics. At the end of October, the 'cocoon' was covering the float and it was being tested for safety, with people onboard, who had to be able to exit the float in 45 seconds- in case of a fire. The float is by the American Legion – a first time in the parade. The closing float for the parade in 2019 is a new one and is showing the rest of the Tournament of Roses- the football game. It's a replica of the Rose Bowl and inside, is a replica of the prize winning trophy. A nice tie into a magnificent New Year Day.
I got a peek of this float being screened in. It's from Western Asset and has a sort of spaceship appearance. There will be another road test later this month and quit a few floats still have to be tested. Decorating (details and dry decorating) begins the first of December and continues for each Saturday then Decorating Week (using live flowers) from December 26-31.
I recently had some time to catch up with my good friends; it had been a while and I really missed the good times, laughs, and all the crazy fun we've had over the years. During one of the conversations; I mentioned how much the Missus enjoys the cocktails at El Jardin. Well, the all knowing Candice quickly mentioned Fernside. Christian Siglin, who designed the cocktails at El Jardin had done the same for Fernside, which opened at the end of September. There was one caveat however; the always diplomatic Candice did warn me about our, ahem, somewhat picky taste and the menu.
Still, once I mentioned Fernside to the Missus, we just had to head on down to the corner of Grape and Fern. The place doesn't even have signage up yet.
We enjoyed the casual, neighborhood vibe of the place, and really love sitting outside and counting the number of dogs being walked past us; or who have their heads sticking out of cars as they drive past.
While the beer selection is nice; but not very wide ranging, the Missus has come to really enjoy the cocktails here. It's like they've tailored them to Her taste; not overly sweet, just stiff enough for Her…and She does love Her Bourbon.
Her current favorite is the Mr Robinson; with the smoky-peanut tones of the Peanut Infused Bourbon, the nice citrus acidity of lime, and the perfect kick from the Serrano Bitters. It has those savory-citrus-smoky-spicy tones in a nicely balanced cocktail, at least for the Missus.
We (I say we because if I order this, the Missus will finish it for me) also enjoy the version of the Old Fashion here; the Old Fernside. It's not overly sweet, and has mild anise tones, balanced out with Bourbon.
It gets kinda scary when I start writing about cocktails using food descriptions.
It's even more scary when I think that my favorite drink here is a beer and a shot……called the "Wolf Killer", it's a Coors Light, yes, you read that right, with a smooth and smoky Montelobos (literally "mountain of wolves") Mezcal.
As for the food? Here's what we've had so far from our the Missus's favorite, working it's way down.
The Missus's favorite item here by far is the Crusty Cauliflower ($6).
Simply dusted with cornmeal and fried, it's crunchy and seasoned nicely. The pickled veggies are pretty good here, but that Buffalo Sauce is not a great pairing; it kills any of the mild sweetness of the cauliflower and is way too sour, but perhaps that's the objective; make you think you're not eating your veggies?
The Missus likes the avocado toast ($9), which I think has a nice texture and goes well on Levain bread, but man, I felt this was so bland.
Best thing about this was the pickled onions. This needed some oomph…..
The "Hot Sausage" ($9) wasn't very "hot". In what is perhaps is a homage to an "Ameri-taco" it's lined with iceberg lettuce.
The brioche was very mild; lacking in buttery goodness, the sausage, called "Cochinita Pibil" on the menu, is a very mild, achiote colored, fairly dense, force-meat product. A bit too mild in flavor; I'd have loved a bit of "snap" on this, it might have helped the experience. The pineapple salsa was fine as it did add some much needed flavor and character to things, but in the end; the Missus, well, I've documented Her love of waffle cut fries before, enjoyed that the most. It had a nice and crisp exterior with a creamy interior.
The Spread Plate ($14), was interesting.
The pickled veggies were my favorite thing; the nutty and slightly sweet beet hummus was next, the chicken liver pate was really salty and lacked the nice livery-rich texture and flavor. The Missus liked the "Kale Pesto", which was too bitter for me; it really reminded me of a bitter tabbouleh. The toasted bread and flat bread provided were decent vehicles; it's just the passengers that I didn't care for.
And then we have the wings, I ordered the Spicy Dry Rub version($11). Well, first off the wings were on the dry side and the skin was rubbery.
The rub had too much paprika and not enough salty and sweet tones making it a bit too bitter for me. Too bad, because based on the color of the flesh, this seemed like decent quality wings; no black splotches and such.
So, will we return to Fernside? Well, you might be surprised when I say "yes". You see, we both enjoy the vibe….and the cocktails. The food? Well, I'm hoping I find something I enjoy on the menu. Still, we just love sitting and watching South Park drive and walk on by…..and counting those dogs……
And as long as that Mr Robinson (and "wolf killers") are going strong. Well, that'll have to be enough for us. At Fernside; where the cocktails are a food group…….
Fernside 1946 Fern St San Diego, CA 92102 Hours: Sun – Wed 11am – 1am Thurs – Sat 11am – 2am
It is next to the Baskin Robbins, shares the parking lot with a 99 Cent Only store and is kitty corner from Beef 'n Bun (I'll have an updated post for BnB soon). Walk in, stay in line to the right… order (there are some white board specials to the right) watch your meal prepared, pay and find a seat. The pulled pork plate ($10.49) is a BBQ pork sandwich (sauce on the side; there is some sauce on the meat but I like to eat just the 'basic' sandwich first then add more sauce to the second half) and two side orders (slaw and potato salad here, but also choices of baked beans, macaroni salad and French fries). The BBQ here is "pit' style- slow and low heated oak wood smoking in a sealed above ground oven. The flavor is unique yet familiar. However, that was The Mister's order. I was here for my comfort food on this chilly day. The soup and sandwich plate ($8.99) Split Pea soup, made from scratch daily (as is the Navy Bean soup). Carrots and celery and ham and peas. There may be potato in there, but I've never gotten chunks of potato, so if it is an ingredient, it is sparse, smoothed out and used as a thickener. The BBQ (smoked) ham sandwich. Plenty of ham…warm, juicy, flavorful. The combination of a ham sandwich with soup is just so right.
Another birthday meal for our eight days …you see the theme now…local, long time restaurants.
The Barbeque Pit 2388 Fletcher Parkway El Cajon 92020 (619) 462-5434 Open M-Sat 10:30a.m.-9 p.m. Website
We checked out of our lodge fairly early in the morning. The Missus really wanted to hit the road. We had some reservations to keep at 2pm and the Missus still wanted to enjoy the scenery.
While Denali National Park gets all the headlines; I have to say, for us, the unadventurous type, the views along Denali State Park are wonderful.
A couple of three hours or so later, we made it to Denali National Park. But not before watching this moose cross the road.
After wandering around the shops and displays at the visitors center; the Missus wanted to take a short hike. We chose the McKinley Station trail, which took us along Riley Creek, under train trestles, and down a really nicely groomed path.
It was a nice, easy hike.We got back to the visitors center and headed off to the strip of tourist shops called "Glitter Gulch" (Nenana Canyon), yikes! We soon headed on out to a pick up spot for our next stop for the day. We'd made reservations to visit Jeff King's Husky Homestead. A mini bus came to pick us up and take us to Jeff King's Iditarod Training Center……I'm hoping you folks know what the Iditarod is. Jeff King is a four time winner of what is called "the Last Great Race on Earth". I was looking forward to seeing the dogs, the training, learning about life and preparation for the Iditarod, learning about the Alaskan Husky. All of which was answered. But first….some puppies!
We were told that they have visitors meet the puppies to help socialize and get them used to being around people.
It became apparent quite quickly what great shape these dogs were in….they were athletes. They got so excited when the handlers came around….think of school kids going "pick me…pick me."
We quickly found out that "Alaskan Huskies" are not considered pure bred….they are not recognized by the AKC. These are dogs bred for their abilities to be able to pull, work as a team, run, lead….
They are also quite affectionate and each has its own personality. They also love attention…..
It was quite obvious that in the same way Frankie is made to eat snacks; these dogs are, well, to paraphrase the Bruce Springsteen song, they are "Born to Run". They seem most fulfilled and happy when working.
It was amazing watching them training on the custom treadmill pulling an ATV.
As soon as they were hooked up….they just wanted to go. Check out this video:
What was even more entertaining was watching the treadmill turned off. The team just pulled the ATV into the woods and then back around and up the hill. While all the other dogs just wanted to be part of the spectacle.
The outdoor presentation was wonderful; we learned about the breed, met the lead dogs, several of which were brought out to meet the audience.
We learned how the dogs were named….and yes, there was even a Sammy!
The indoor session was even more fascinating; at least for me….plus; the presenters, who have actually done the Iditarod; since Jeff King was out of town, had a pretty funny schtick.
Seriously though, topics like Vet care, how many dogs they take for each race, staging food……each dog consumes about 12,000….yes, twelve thousand calories a day during the race. Each musher is responsible foe feeding his or her team, with no help! They need to schedule the dogs time pulling, rest time, prepare their food…..I was told that to make the most of what time they might have to sleep; 3-4 hours, they'll often forgo shelter and just sleep in the sled…..rinse, repeat.
In other words; the dogs are noble athletes, it is about them….the mushers, well, they must be nuts…..
The average age an Iditarod sled dog lives to is 12-15 years….which is pretty amazing for a 60 pound dog.
There was so much covered in the time at Husky Homestead……regardless of your belief on the Iditarod, I learned a lot about the Alaskan Husky. The folks at Husky Homestead are great.
After the tour we were dropped off at our pick-up point and we headed to where we were staying for the night; McKinley Creek Cabins. Really nice, friendly folks…..
Originally, I wanted to have dinner at the nearby 229 Parks Restaurant, but they were still closed during our visit. So, instead we ate at the McKinley Creekside Café, which I read good things about.
This low keyed spot had a simple menu of basic fare…..
We ordered a couple of things off the menu. First up was the Reindeer Sausage Vegetable Soup which was on the greasy side.
It was also overly salty.
We also ordered the "Alaska Sampler" ($23); which was basically an appetizer plate.
So here's the deal; if you like basic, say, TGI Fridays fare, you'd like this. The calamari was tough, the halibut was fried too long and dry, the Reindeer sausage was also over-cooked, tough, and dry. The item the Missus thought She was not going to like; the Smoked Salmon Dip was what we enjoyed the most, smoky, almost crab like flavors; which went well with the nicely toasted, we were told, house made bread.
We also got the Bacon – Jalapeno Deviled Eggs.
The egg whites were too rubbery and the egg yolk mixture was very runny….not much bacon, nor jalapeno tones in this and the runny mixture just didn't look very appealing.
On the good side; the staff was wonderful…..
McKinley Creekside Cafe 224 Parks Hwy Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755
Still a bit unsatisfied, we walked across the bridge to Panorama Pizza Pub.
Went and ordered a couple of beers and a cheese bread. The young lady working the bar was amazing.
As was just sitting on the porch and chilling……
Though it seemed that our cheese bread was taking quite long….another round of beers….. I then went in and spoke to the young lady nicely, it wasn't her fault. I got talking to one of the guys sitting at the bar, who it turns out is a chef, for one of the nearby more fancy places……he told me, "things are kinda rough right now in these places……the season has just begun and the staff is getting used to things, but there's no excuse for cheese bread taking an hour".
We decided to take our cheese bread to go…….
Panorama Pizza Pub Mile 224 Parks Hwy Healy, AK 99743
We left the cheese bread in the room and went for a walk….it was nearly seven pm, but the sun didn't set until nearly ten and this is what McKinley Creek looked like.
We got back to the room….and there was no cheese on the cheese bread….whatever….we really didn't care. Would you have if this was right outside your door?
It's sure been a beautiful day. I'm hoping you have more important things than to just sit around and read blog posts…..but if not; here are some quick, mostly photo revisits. Brunch and Breakfast issue.
Urban Solace:
*** Urban Solace has closed
For the Sunday Jazz Brunch.
Sadly, they're not doing the "Secret Menu" torchon de foie gras anymore. Bummer. Portion sizes were generous; but I really didn't like the gravy they put on the biscuits; it really killed the rather delicate cheese flavor. The slab bacon might have been our favorite; though the Kennebec potatoes were not bad.
Actually, my favorite thing was the Picante Bloody Mary, with bacon. Man, that was really good.
Urban Solace Restaurant 3823 30th Street San Diego, CA 92104
Tiger! Tiger!:
**** Tiger! Tiger! has closed
We were bummed when they removed the Wood Fired Potatoes from the brunch menu and stopped dropping by on Sundays. We revisited last weekend and were happy to find "crispy potatoes" on the menu. We enjoyed it with a half charcuterie board.
Tiger! Tiger! 3025 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA 92104
mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog since 2005. Sort of an old fashioned way of communicating about meals enjoyed with people nowadays posting photos instantly on other forms of social media. Usually there's a story involved with meals, sometimes, there isn't. Cathy is writing while Kirk is enjoying another day off.
In the 1930's, Marie Callender began a pie business, delivering to restaurants in Orange County. In 1964, she opened her own pie and coffee shop and in 1969, a full service restaurant. Today there are over 50 restaurants in the USA and Mexico and some products are sold in grocery stores. We are fortunate to have a nearby restaurant.
I posted about a birthday meal here two years ago. Comfort foods with a slice of pie for dessert.
Every meal begins with a large piece of fresh baked, still warm cornbread and butter brought to the table. This golden bread is sweet and tender and unique. I've tried various 'copycat' recipes, but in the end, purchase the mix sold in grocery stores. There is a "Pair and Share" special for $25 or $30. It includes an appetizer; we chose the cheesy artichoke dip-decadent and wonderful. Good thing they included a spoon, so there would be no leftovers or dirty fingers… Two entrees are part of the P&S meal. This is the 'Traditional Frisco'- a 1/3 lb burger served on sourdough grilled with Parmesan. This is the "Traditional French Dip" (the bread wasn't as soft as I'd like; needed to be dipped). Both came with fries and were part of a nice meal. The meal includes two slices of pie. This is the French Apple, with a cinnamon crumble topping. This is the German chocolate: chocolate cream, coconut, chopped pecans over a layer of chocolate on the crust.
We returned recently with a vacationing visitor. The cornbread was brought to the table.
Vegetable soup was chosen instead of an appetizer for both of our "Pair and Share" $30 meal. It was a great soup, filled with non-mushy vegetables. A Hot Turkey Sandwich was one choice-Thanksgiving in the summer! Just right. The other choice was a Meatloaf Dinner; again, great comfort food done well. The mini pot pie ($11.99) was a perfect serving size and included a salad and dessert. We had to get the slices of pie 'to go'. Double cream blueberry (vanilla custard and sour cream), coconut cream and double cream lemon (lemon custard and sour cream).
Marie Callender's 6950 Alvarado Road San Diego, CA 92120 (619)465-1910 Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Website
Well, here you are on your device looking at mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Perhaps you are looking for ideas of places to eat. Today Cathy is writing because Kirk is enjoying this Labor Day weekend by not using a device.
Like many of you, I lurk more than I comment on other blogs, websites and Facebook pages. With the hot and humid weather (the longest heat wave in 34 years), people were asking 'what restaurant has good air conditioning?' and having online conversations, looking for a place to cool down. I had two immediate answers-bowling alleys and casinos. This is the casino post.
Yes, I did write about Sage Cafe, inside Barona Casino, just a few months ago. The food here is very good. The air conditioning is wonderful. Sage Cafe is the restaurant at the Hotel entrance to the casino. which has a view of the Golf Course. The menu is available 24/7. Breakfast choices are simple.
Coffee and orange juice along with fresh fruit and a chocolate croissant and banana nut muffin, is the Continental Breakfast here ($7.95) The banana nut muffin was really good; tall, banana fresh flavor and crispy pecans on top. The chocolate croissant was meh too sweet, not really flaky. Still, a really good, easy breakfast. The Ilpay Eggs Benedict ($9.95) Wonderfully perfect poached eggs, Canadian bacon, a lemony house-made hollandaise sauce on top of a toasted English muffin. This was served with some really well made hash browns. All in all, a great breakfast. We returned for lunch about a week later (gosh it was so nice to be in air conditioned comfort). Fresh rolls (sourdough and wheat) were brought out before we ordered. Fluffy with a crisp crust; didn't really need butter. One of the choices of soup that day was turkey chili. Just enough heat and plenty of turkey and beans. Would order again…in the bowl size, as a meal. The chili was the side chosen with the fish and chips($11.95). Lightly battered, the two large pieces of solid cod were amazing in flavor. The skin on fries were plentiful and expertly fried. French onion soup ($4.95) was one of the best I've ever had. I combined this with a wedge salad ($5.95) and receiveda $2.50 discount on the soup; so that worked out and I had all the flavors and textures craved. Another great experience at a casino.
Sage Cafe at Barona Resort and Casino 1932 Wildcat Canyon Road Lakeside Ca 92040 1-888-7BARONA open 24 hours website
The views at sunset can be amazing.
The interior is filled with televised sporting events.
We've been dropping in during Happy Hour (Mon-Fri 5-7) (the yellow menu at the bottom of this post) Coconut Shrimp ($6) is satisfying and plenty. 
We shared 1/2 caesar salad ($5.25) this day.
Why were we really here? Wednesdays 4:30-9 (until December 26). Prime Rib ($18.95)
I
