American/New American Restaurants – Page 42

Fried Chicken Friday: Bonnie Jean’s Soul Food Cafe

April 8, 2011 mmm-yoso American/New American Restaurants, Chicken Wings

Ever had one of those itches that you just had to scratch? A couple of months ago I was just itchin' for some fried chicken….and collard greens. Kinda weird, but I love good collard greens, smokey-salty-mildly bitter-and even perhaps a bit sweet. So first I headed down to…..

Bonnie Jean's Soul Food Cafe:

**** Bonnie Jean's has closed

Off of the Euclid exit, right where it turns into 54th street. I've been here a couple of times, but for some reason it's starting to look a bit older…..

This little place has a whole lot of personality………

As well as games and other stuff to keep you occupied…… because everything is made to order, which is mostly a good thing! Funny thing, I realized that I'd never had straight up fried chicken at Bonnie Jean's, I'd had it smothered, which I enjoyed (what's not to like), and with the Honey Pecan Glaze, which I recall not enjoying that much. What was even more interesting, was that on my last visit, not long after Canine Cologne's visit (please check it out here) which had me wanting my smothered chicken; I dropped by Bonnie Jean's…. and the place was full of Asian's!!!

Anyway, today I was after some straight up Southern Fried Chicken ($10.99). I went with just the dark meat, even though the menu says, ahem, "The Breasts Are Huge!!"

My chicken, greens, and mashed potatoes and gravy arrived after the usual wait, which gave me time to catch up on my reading. The chicken was as I remembered, the coating crisp and light, and the chicken adequately juicy. But without gravy, or a glaze, it tasted really bland, and I needed a good dose of the (not so) hot sauce on the table. I'll stick with the smothered chicken next time.

The mashed potatoes were decent.

The folks here were pretty heavy-handed with the black pepper today, but I had no complaints about the thick potatoes, and the even thicker gravy.

The one item that made this meal worthwhile were the collard greens, which looked on the dry side, but were the beat I've had in a long time.

I appreciated the fact that these weren't over done and mushy like creamed spinach. There were many bit of smoked meat, and after a goof look-over I'm pretty sure it was hamhock, not smoked turkey. They're pretty stingy with the "liquor" here, some I think they save it as the "mother liquid" for the next batch. The flavor is just about perfect for my taste.

I ended up buying a large order to go for the Missus, who scarfed it up in one sitting…… I'm sure to be back soon for more greens… and smothered chicken.

Bonnie Jean's Soul Food Cafe
1964 54th St
San Diego, CA 92105

By the way, if you think Bonnie Jean's has lots of character, check out Sister Peewee's if you haven't done so already. One of these days I'll do a post on the place.

As I was headed back to the 94, I noticed a new place had sprung up, named Annie Belle's…… I'll save that post for next Friday!

Troy’s Family Restaurant- American (and Greek) food

February 16, 2011 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Diner, Greek Food, What Cathy Eats!

Hi, it's Cathy blogging for mmm-yoso!!! today. Kirk is under the weather and ed (from Yuma) is busy.

An ocean of time ago, The Mister and I moved to San Diego for the last time. Our apartment was within walking distance of Clairmont Square, and we used to eat at Troy's Family Restaurant. A lot. Until we bought our home, about 25 miles East of here.
It's been in the Clairmont area since 1973. The mall has expanded and been rebuilt a few times since then, but the owners and a lot of the employees are the same. We were in the area on this sunny day a few weeks ago and wanted to see if things, like the decor and food, were still the same.

The cool dishware is as I remembered. Curvy scratched water glasses and thick ceramic cups. I love old, thick coffee cups; they make coffee taste better. ($1.75). Served with real half and half in the container on each table.

The Ranch dressing on the salad is homemade and better than any bottled stuff I have ever had. The lettuce mix, with shredded carrots tomatoes and packaged croutons is standard crispy fresh.

The salad was part of the special of the day (Monday) – Tilapia ($7.95) which was dipped in an egg wash and then seasoned flour and lightly fried. A light crisp crust enhances the flavor of the fish. It is served with a vegetable of the day (no frozen vegetables here…these were fresh cooked, un-mushy carrots, hand sliced) and mashed potatoes-also fresh. The gravy is a standard brown gravy, smooth and not lumpy. There are at least three daily specials offered all seven days of the week.
Since the restaurant is named Troy's and the font on the outside indicates some air of 'Greek' to it, I wanted one of the Greek menu offerings… really, only two are available. Gyros in the form of a sandwich and in an omelete and souvlaki with breakfast or a sandwich. At this time, the souvlaki sandwich ($7.45) stood out on the menu. Marinated, skewered pork, cooked lightly (it was just pink on the inside, very moist and the char on the exterior of the pieces was just right) served on a piece of garlic toast, with cole slaw (instead of fries) and tossed salad (with Thousand Island dressing-again, made in house and excellent).

It was as we remembered it: Good, home made food made with care and flavor.

Troy's Family Restaurant 4827 Clairmont Shopping Center San Diego 92111 (619)276-7651

Mon-Sat 6:30-9:00, Sun 6:30-8:00

It’s Burger Week: A Bison Burger from The Cowboy Star

February 10, 2011 mmm-yoso American/New American Restaurants, Burgers, Steakhouse

The Cowboy Star has been one of our favorite destinations for Happy Hour for a while. It's never been very busy when we've visited, which makes the whole deal pretty relaxing, in spite of the location.

We've enjoyed most everything we'd had in the bar, and in the restaurant…….

The Missus isn't a real big red meat eater, but She enjoys the tornedos and steaks at the Cowboy Star. They always seem to get it right for Her.

Perhaps one day I'll post on our dinners there; the sweetbreads, marrow bones, the Porterhouse!

When we finally decided to do another burger week, I looked forward to trying one of the burgers there. Since they still serve burgers during Happy Hour (it's on the lunch menu), why not? So on a recent visit, I ordered the Bison Burger ($15):

I love the flavor of buffalo and bison when it's prepared well. The meat is leaner, so it's very easy to overcook. The meat has a faint flavor that has a sweet tinge to it; not as sweet as say, horse or donkey, but just enough variance in flavor to know that, "it's not quite beef I'm eating tonight".

This looked like one beautiful burger. The roasted Anaheim Pepper tasted wonderful, but in my opinion it over-powered the bison. The wonderfully melted white cheddar went well with my burger, even though it was cooked a bit over the medium I requested.

Granted, Bison is more difficult to cook than beef, still, I was a bit underwhelmed with the burger as a whole. Even after removing the pepper…. which the Missus gladly gobbled up, the flavor was a bit too mild for me….. perhaps the grass fed beef is the way to go here.

The frites had a nice texture, crisp on the exterior, combined with a light interior. I once mentioned in a previous post, of the Missus love of salt (" the Missus has been known to body slam a Moose to get to its salt lick"). But man, on this day the fries were much too salty.

In truth, one so-so meal at The Cowboy Star won't deter us from returning since we've had some really fine meals there. But I do think it was telling that on the next evening, we also had meat, which I enjoyed even more. Stuff like this:

The Cowboy Star
640 10th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101

Mission Gorge Cafe-Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner: Greek, American, Mexican

January 27, 2011 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, Diner, Greek Food, Mexican Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Mission Gorge Cafe has closed.

Welcome (back) to mmm-yoso!!!, the food blog. A written record of food eaten, prepared and enjoyed by some friends. Kirk and ed (from Yuma) aren't writing any records today. Cathy is writing and recording.

Hi. A few weeks ago (as you can see by the rain soaked parking lot in this photo), The Mister and I were out and about and saw that Taste of India had changed ownership. In fact, it seems the the people who had worked here before it became Taste of India were back. (It used to be Frank's Happy Chef, which I hadn't posted on despite eating there a lot…). This location is on Mission Gorge, very close and between to the two Kaiser Hospitals, in the same mall as Souplantation.

The interior tables, chairs, and other inventory is the same (although the walls are no longer painted to match the fuchsia pink of the chairs). As always, a fresh rose on every table…

The Mister ordered the "Mighty Swiss Alps" fritatta ($7.95) Eggs, mixed with ham, mushrooms, Swiss cheese, tomatoes baked in the pan and topped with sour cream (sort of looks like snow on Swiss alps…) and chives. It was a really good blend of flavors, served with the country fried potatoes (nice and crisp) and the English muffin.

I wanted something more "Greek" and since it was still breakfast time, I ordered the gyros omelette (7.95). Gyros meat and tomatoes mixed with the egg and topped with Feta cheese and served with the tomatoes, lettuce, more Feta, tzatziki sauce and pita bread. Excellent flavors, satisfying my cravings.

A few days later, we were again in the area at lunch time and The Mister ordered the chicken and gyros Greek salad ($9.45). More than enough for two, served with hot pita bread…

The Greek salad was made of mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers,onions, olives, Feta Cheese and a home made Greek dressing which did not overwhelm the flavors of anything. The gyros and chicken were fresh grilled, still warm and very complimentary.

A few days later we were again back in the area and it was lunchtime. Something Mexican was in order, and since it was still raining, a bowl of the tortilla soup sounded good. ($3.45). An excellent portion, filled with chicken and vegetables and very definitely home made. The vegetables (carrots, celery, onions, potatoes and rice) were plentiful and chopped in random shapes. The chicken had flavor on its own and the tortilla strips were fresh made and crispy.

I decided to try the 1/2 pound gyro burger ($6.95) and pulled out the gyros meat for this photo. The addition of hand breaded onion rings was $2.95 and worth it. Excellent frying technique.

The burger is a 1/2 lb steak burger ($5.95)and was char grilled ( we were not asked how we wanted it grilled, but it was just right). Good flavor, moist and went well with the soft sesame roll, topped with standard burger toppings. The amount of gyros was significant (only $1 more than the 1/2 lb steak burger) and the tzatziki sauce went with everything-together or eaten on the side).

I'm very happy Mission Gorge Cafe is here. I guess I could say it's back…it has the same owners as Miramar Cafe ,who started their business when Frank's closed. Both places are good.

Mission Gorge Cafe 6171 Mission Gorge Road San Diego 92120 (619)283-2887 Mon-Sat 7 am-9pm, Sun 7 am-8 pm

A drive North- Smokey’s Lake Wohlford Cafe

December 19, 2010 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

After going through several owners, it appears that Smokey's closed in September 2023. It will be missed.

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of blog. Saying that word (mmm) indicates happiness. Cathy is blogging today because she is happy. Kirk and ed (from Yuma) are probably also happy, but just aren't blogging.

Hi. Thought I'd get out my East County posting "rut" and still stay within San Diego County… which is about 4200 square miles… I had a long story about how we got here, but will leave that for another time. Let's just say The Mister and I drove through Escondido to Valley Center, picked up some meat by the side of the road (still $35) and then stopped at Bates Nut Farm.
where we bought some candy…
and nuts. Then we proceeded to Lake Wohlford, a few miles South. Stopping here.
Smokey's Lake Wohlford Cafe. Been here since 1947 (new owners bought it in 2006). Right across the street from Lake Wohlford at a turn in the winding road. You might miss it if you are driving too fast…

You can sit inside, as the regulars do…
at the bar (there are bait and tackle, fishing licenses and other accoutrement sold here starting at about 5:30 a.m. daily (to the left when you walk in the door) Food starts being served at 6 or 7, depending on the time of year. Patrons were watching The Princess Bride on the flat screen…Breakfast is served until 1 p.m. here. I found my perfect selection from the menu…
Yes. Smokey's, the home of the Famous Catfish Dinner.

Catfish is available as a meat choice on the breakfast plate ($7.75)…
Rye Toast, two perfectly breaded and fried catfish loins, house made tartar sauce, home fries, two perfectly poached eggs and some really good coffee ($1.50). This was the perfect breakfast for me. Everything was just right…the eggs were perfectly poached and drained ( a little thing which I notice about poached eggs), the thick slices of rye toast, the just right home fries…and that catfish…crispy cornmeal coating over a fresh and flaky catfish…mmm. [The All You Can Eat catfish meal is $13.75, after 4 p.m. Friday]
The Mister and I decided to share the chalkboard special soup of the day- bacon/potato/cheese ($3.50) Not overly creamy(i.e., no 'film' left on the inside of your mouth with each bite and not thickened with flour); wonderfully flavored with carrot and onion and potato and some cheese…just right.
The Mister ordered the chalkboard special open faced meatloaf sandwich ($6.50). The thick slice of toasted sourdough had mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, pickles and onion and the slice of bread under the two thick meatloaf slices was toasted. Oh the meatloaf…it was fresh ground beef and pork, had tomatoes and carrot and some onion in it and the gravy was nicely flavored and not salty. So nice and homemade… The Mister ordered iced tea (also $1.50) and it is a good, strong brew.

It is pretty large inside, with this view of the lake…a pool table…
The prices are well worth the home made meals. If you are in North County East, this is the place to eat. mmm! {Yes. The pot of coffee is more expensive than a domestic beer.}{Yes. I ate catfish for breakfast}

Bates Nut Farm 15954 Woods Valley Road, Valley Center 92082 (760)749-3333 Website

Smokey's Lake Wohlford Cafe 25484 Lake Wohlford Road Escondido 92027 (760) 749-6585 Website

Madison – Sprecher’s Restaurant and Pub

December 10, 2010 mmm-yoso American/New American Restaurants, Beer, Madison, Wisconsin, Pubs and Pub Grub, Travel

*** Sprecher's has closed

In an email before my trip to Madison, Cathy reminded me to be careful, since it seemed that there was always something happening on every other trip we've taken….. Earthquake before our trip to Peru, riots before our trip to Thailand, and of course, having to fly through an eerie Mexico City Airport on the way back from Guatemala right when the 2009 Swine Flu Pandemic broke. Between those trips we visited Vietnam/Cambodia, I travelled to Madison, and of course our trip to China. So I guess I was due……..

It wasn't anything too bad, just the strongest storm ever recorded in the Midwest. The rain and 60-70mph winds discouraged me from driving, so we decided to stick close to the hotel. A couple of those restaurants on my list would just have to wait until next time. Still, I really didn't see myself going all the way to Madison and eating at Denny's. On my first evening in Madison, during my drive back to the hotel, I noticed a pretty busy looking restaurant/bar, and the folks exiting looked local, not like folks from all the hotels in the area. The name of the place was Sprecher's, which I later found out is the same as that of a very well known Milwaukee County Brewery of the same name. According to the story, Sprecher Brewery was founded by Randal Sprecher who is originally from….. California. Sprecher had a degree in oceanography, but was unable to pursue a career in that field due to a little problem…… he got seasick! Don't know if it's true, but it's a nice story.

After making our way from the freezing parking lot we entered the dining area which looked like a Bavarian themed Rock Bottom, or something of the sort. The menu really didn't thrill me much either with items like Thai Lettuce Wraps, Crab Cakes, Seared Tuna, and Cajun Pasta on the menu. Until I found a couple of items more befitting of a place called Sprecher's.

The beer list was a bit more interesting. And I noticed that "tasters" were offered at three for $4.50 and six for $9. So I thought I'd go for the six, after all, I had envisioned 2-3 ounce pours…. but what I received seemed to be much larger than that.

Our server, named Anna was a joy…. efficient and cheerful, I had her choose my six beers, which she had arranged for me, from light to dark. She had also taken the time to list each beer in order by hand. Anna told me that they used to have print-outs for folks ordering the sampler but stopped doing that a while ago, she thought I'd like to know and remember what I was drinking.

This is the El Rey, a very effervescent Mexican Ale. My favorite was the Abbey, slightly fruity, perhaps edging on the sweet, but I enjoyed it.

If you've read my previous posts on Madison, you'll have a pretty good idea of what I was having as a starter….. it's Deep Fried Cheese Curds ($7) of course!

As Fried Cheese Curds go, these were just ok. Not even close in flavor or texture to those at the Old Fashioned, but serviceable. More gooey and stringy then other versions I've had.

And just because I'm so predictable, of course I had the Sprecher's Brat with Beer Cheese Potatoes ($9):

This was just ok, and really tasted like concept brew pub food, being very corporate in presentation and flavor. The brat really didn't catch my attention, and it was covered with a load of flavors….whole grain mustard and sauerkraut I can take, but the caramelized onions with what seemed to be bacon was a bit much. I really couldn't taste much beeriness in the beer cheese potatoes, in fact it was pretty bland as a whole.

Perhaps in the end, the corporate chain-like food didn't impress me very much; but the service was excellent, the prices not bad, and I really enjoyed the company. It sure beat being out in the wind and the rain.

Sprecher's Restaurant & Pub
1265 John Q Hammons Road
Madison, WI 53717

Madison: The Old Fashioned

November 20, 2010 mmm-yoso American/New American Restaurants, Madison, Wisconsin, Pubs and Pub Grub, Travel

The Old Fashioned in downtown Madison was on my list from my previous visit. One person I ran into told me that some of the dishes served; stuff like beer soup, weisswurst, knackwurst, and creamed herring. I was also told that the prices were reasonable…. and that there was always a nice selection of local brews on tap…… need I say more?

I made my way from Chicago, checked into my hotel, and took a nice drive to downtown Madison. Since this was a Sunday evening, I didn't encounter any traffic, and found parking with minimal effort. I parked in the shadow of the Capitol, and had a chance to enjoy the autumn colors…… something we don't really encounter here in San Diego.

The Old Fashioned is located right across the street from the Capitol building.

In spite of the looks, this place was packed to the gills, so I decided to grab a stool at the bar. Unfortunately, it's basically almost pitch black dark, so this will be a "PWTSDS" ("putz" – places where the sun don't shine) so I must apologize in advance for the lousy photos. As soon as I sat, a very chipper young lady named Ashley took my order. Friendly and efficient, always striding with a purpose, I gotta say, Ashley was awesome. There were thirty different brews on tap, Ashley asked me if I like "hoppy" IPAs. She suggested I try the Tyranena Brewing Company Bitter Woman IPA, especially since it was only $2.50. It was "not a big investment". To my very uneducated palate, it was quite hoppy, but not very bitter, with a hint of citrus. It turned out to be fairly refreshing.

Since I was in Wisconsin, where Germans make up the largest ancestry group, known as home of the Bratwurst…. of course I had a Brat. I had a single Miesfield's Market Sheboygan "Grand Champion" Bratwurst ($5.95):

Served on a hard roll, with a nice brown mustard, onions, and pickles, this was quite good. The brat was unlike anything I've had in San Diego….. less strong herb flavors, a bit sweeter, a very balanced flavor overall.

And just because I could, I had a side of Beer Battered Cheese Curds ($3), Ashley recommended getting the Horseradish Dip (50 cents) with these……

These were the best battered cheese curds I've ever had… not that I've had a bunch of them in my life. It wasn't too gooey, with a hint of cheddar flavor, and even a bit of a "squeak" to them. The batter was crunchy, yet light.

In spite of watching the Chargers lose on the television; this was probably my favorite meal in Madison. I'd come here again in a second. Nothing fancy, unpretentious, great service, and relaxing in spite of the crowd, I really enjoyed this meal.

The Old Fashioned
23 North Pinckney St.
Madison, WI 53703

Albert’s- Lunchtime Dining at the San Diego Zoo

November 15, 2010 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Stuff, What Cathy Eats!

Welcome back to mmm-yoso!!!, the food blog. Kirk and ed(from Yuma) are working. Cathy is playing Tourist today.

Hi. On a weekday not long ago, The Mister got a bunch of time off from work. We are members of the Zoological Society of San Diego and usually only go once or twice a year with out of town visitors. Since there are no rules about when you can go, we decided to pretend we were tourists.
We found close parking and walked between the elephant topiaries to the entrance, and went to see the flamingos straight ahead. The youngest ones were molting and just turning pink.
Then we walked to the left and visited the tortoises
while they were eating lunch…and stared at the Monitor Lizard across the way…

then popped into the hummingbird exhibit (there is one hummingbird feeding on the left side of the orange flower in the center right of this photo.).
Then we walked on the Trail through the Lost Forest, passing the Gorilla Exhibit, following the signs to Albert's Restaurant (named after Albert, a silverback gorilla who came to the Zoo at 4 months of age, was hand raised and lived here for about 30 years and was the Patriarch of the Gorillas). The fanciest place to dine at the Zoo. Cloth napkin fancy. The only full service restaurant here. We had to wait a few minutes to be seated, as the restaurant had just opened and others were being seated.

Everyone ahead of us took seats outdoors, in the treetops, and we got the view from inside the building-see the waterfalls all the way in the back?
Warm, crispy crusted, mildly sour sourdough and whipped butter was brought out after we ordered.
Soon, our artichoke heart appetizer ($7) arrived. Artichoke hearts, red pepper strips and garlic cloves which had been carmelized olive oil. Served with three crisp crostini. Very good.
The Mister ordered a Cobb Salad ($14). Romaine lettuce topped with the traditional Cobb toppings (Bleu cheese chunks, chicken breast, bacon, tomato, avocado and hard boiled egg). The chicken and the avocado were very cold. Chilled I suppose. If those had been room temperature, the flavors would have melded better. (It tasted much better at the halfway point, when the temperatures of the avocado and chicken had 'warmed' and was really good at the end.)
I chose the vegetable linguine($13). Zucchini, yellow squash, peppers, carrots, tomatoes, broccoli and onions in an opal basil cream sauce. I could have added chicken or shrimp, but didn't want to and this was excellent. The vegetables were not mushy nor too crisp. The sauce was just the perfect, complimentary richness.

You know how when you order onion rings and one french fry shows up? Or when you order cheese popcorn, there is one piece of carmel popcorn in the box? That happens with noodles too!

It was a fancy, fun, no-rules day for us. I hope you can have one of those soon.

Albert's Restaurant in the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park 2920 Zoo Drive San Diego 92101 619-685-3200 Website

Smashburger. A few meals.

October 30, 2010 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Burgers, What Cathy Eats!

Cathy is penning today's issue of mmm-yoso!!!, the food blog. She isn't busy. Kirk is busy. ed(from Yuma) is busy. Vicky is busy.

Hi, The other day, The Mister and I were driving along aimlessly and saw Smashburger, underneath Joe's Crab Shack. We decided to stop.

Smashburger is a nationwide franchise (but not that there is one owner per location, if you read the franchising criteria on the website) and has three locations in San Diego County- Mission Valley, La Jolla and Del Mar. Decor and motto are simple. "smash. sizzle. savor."

The menu is fairly small with choices of burgers, chicken, hot dogs and salads, which expand by size of burger (1/3 lb or 1/2 lb), grilled or crispy chicken, 4 choices of buns, multiple toppings, add ons and seven sides (which cost $1 less if ordered with a sandwich). You walk up, order, pay, get a number, fill a beverage container and find a table. Food is brought out in nifty metal baskets.
On our first visit, The Mister chose a 1/2 lb All American Smashburger ($5.99). This comes with American cheese, ketchup, mustard, onion (omitted) and pickles on an egg bun. We all (should) know that smashing down a cooking burger makes it lose juice, and therefore flavor. The meat (fresh, never frozen) here is smashed and seasoned as it goes onto the grill, not after it has cooked on one side. It is juicy. It is also Angus beef. Very flavorful.

I chose the Classic Smashchicken ($5.99) (crispy). Not greasy, not overly breaded. The chicken meat was very juicy and well flavored. This sandwich comes with lettuce, tomato, pickle and mayo on a multi-grain bun.
Here is a photo of the sandwich buns (multi-grain and egg). Both buns were lightly toasted and had flavor.
We shared a Smashside of Haystack Onions ($1.99, because we had ordered a sandwich-$2.99 if ordered alone). Lightly breaded. Lightly fried. Very tasty.

On the bottom of the receipt, there was a survey, which gave us a code for a free smashside on our next visit. I also signed up for the smashclub, which sent me an email for a free self serve float.
They only use Haagen-Daz ice cream here. Vanilla for the self serve fountain float, also chocolate or strawberry if you want a milkshake. There is no root beer at the fountain (you can purchase bottled root beer for $1 more).
Or try it with Coca Cola, which I haven't had in an ocean of time. This was really nice, especially in the frosted mug…
This visit, we tried the Sunset Smashsalad with grilled chicken (this is a large, ($6.99) the same bowl filled halfway with half as much chicken breast is $4.99). A full chicken breast, lightly grilled and very juicy on top of garden greens (there is spinach in there) with tomatoes, raisins, cranberries, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, blue cheese and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
OK. This is what it looks like under the chicken…oh that Smashside…
VeggieFrites ($3.99 or $2.99 with a sandwich order). Oh. My. Flash fried carrots, green beans and asparagus. Served with a ranch dipping sauce. So. Darn. Good. Maybe even healthy…
I decided to make a "Create Your Own" burger, (only 1/3 pound) ($4.99)(really) with my own choice of cheese (blue), toppings (lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, grilled onion)Smashsauce (ketchp/mustard/mayo/relish/lemon juice) on a choice of bun (torta)..PLUS
for an additional 99¢, I added on a fried egg. This burger was juicy, perfec…
Well, the torta bun was slightly torn. Yet toasted and soft and fresh. Fresh breads tear…

This is not just another burger joint. It isn't just fast food. They do serve beer and wine. The food is good. Really good. Smashfries (regular and sweet potato) are made with olive oil, garlic and rosemary. OH WAIT.
Fried pickles. Wonderful, salty, lightly crusted. A really nice side. A really fun, tasty, almost too much side… ($2.99 or $1.99 with a sandwich).

OK. If you are near a location try it. Really nice. Really good. A nice place for a lunch. Or a dinner date. Or a dinner without a date.

Smashburger 7610 Hazard Center Road San Diego 92115 (SE corner of Friars and 163) website

Pacific Beach Bar and Grill- a little lunch

October 9, 2010 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Pubs and Pub Grub, What Cathy Eats!

Welcome back to mmm-yoso!!!, the food blog. Kirk is taking a short vacation, ed(from Yuma) is enjoying his weekend (in Yuma) and Cathy is writing a little bit today.

Hi. I wrote about the Pacific Beach Bar & Grill about three years ago, so it's time for a revisit-for you. We were back again last week for a light shared lunch.

..and some football. Beers on tap are $2.75 during Saturday games, Pear Cider is $5.50. If you care. Yes, there are about 30 taps…
Nut crusted brie, served with an apricot and mango chutney (lots of red peppers and cilantro) and olive oil herbed crusty baguette is regular $8.50, but $3 off all appetizers during College football games.
The Brie is warm and oozing….very good.
We ordered the Seafood Louie salad ($10.50), told our waitress we were going to share and it was brought out on two plates (no extra charge). ..so this is a photo of a half salad. The shrimp are very large and flavorful, the crab meat was also very fresh and tasted good, without the need to add condiments.
We also ordered a bowl of French Onion Soup ($3.25)(only 50¢ more than a cup, and considerably larger), which was made with a good, rich, not salty beef broth, sweet, not mushy onions and topped with croutons and slices of Swiss cheese, melted just right.

The food here isn't quite 'bar food' and is very good. There are sliders and nachoes and that type of thing on the menu, all kind of high end. PBB&G has weekday specials and a very good Brunch. More information is on the website (which has music attached, so if you click on the link, you may want to turn down the sound). It's good.

Pacific Beach Bar and Grill 860 Garnet, San Diego 92109 (858) 272-1242 Website