An Update on Hogetsu Bakery

You'll notice some comments on my post on Hogetsu Bakery from back in 2005. Apparently, "FOY" Junichi found out that the folks from Hogetsu were set to retire! Oh my…..Jenne then chimed in with what she knew (it's so great to hear from you!). Based on this, I decided to head on down to Chula Vista…..man, I hadn't been in the area since 2019 and to Hogetsu since January of that year! Yikes!

Hogetsu Retire 01 Hogetsu Retire 02I parked an walked on in. Things seemed like business as usual with Mrs Takeda at the front counter.

She looked at me and said "it's been a very long time, huh?" Yes, after all these years the Takeda's still don't know my name…..but they know me as the "kimishigure" guy, since that's the Missus's favorite and also, because of this thing I wrote back in 2011.

After placing my order; I broached the question……both Takeda's seemed surprised that I would even know about the possibility of their retirement. I told them that Hogetsu is much beloved (which earned a waved and "uugh" from Mrs Takeda) and that word spread fast. So, upon hearing this I drove on down to see them.

They explained to me that it was time; but that they are training two people. Also, that the target date for the retirement is January of 2022. By this time, customers were coming in and I didn't want to interrupt the flow of business. So, I'll return in a few weeks and let folks know if their is an update.

Hogetsu Retire 03 Hogetsu Retire 04I have mixed feelings about the possibility of retirement for the Takeda's. As far as I'm concerned, they are a San Diego institution. But I also know that it would great for them to finally get a break and enjoy life. They've been mentioning retirement to me over the last couple of visits and also the physical limitations of getting on in years. I'm hoping they get a well deserved time to enjoy life.

And it looks like we've got some time to have our wonderful wagashi and let the Takeda's know how much we appreciate them.

There was one burning question that I did ask before I left…..you see, as of say 2018 the Takeda's still didn't own a home computer or laptop. So I asked if they have one now or plan to get one upon retiring. Mrs Takeda laughed and waved me off; "no, of course not……we haven't had one all these years and have been fine. And, I'm too old to learn those kind of things."

Ah yes…….some things will never change!

Hogetsu Bakery
1210 3rd Ave.
Chula Vista, CA 91911
Current Hours:
Wed – Sat 10am – 5pm

Golden Bagel Cafe (El Cajon)

After 23 years, Golden Bagel Cafe has closed, a great loss.  It will be missed.  Cheers Deli remains open (but does not have bagels).

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy today; Kirk is still on a vacation with His Missus.

The Mister and I have tried to avoid patronizing chain businesses during this time of COVID-19 and lockdown.  The Golden Bagel, located at the intersection of Navajo and Fletcher Parkway, in El Cajon (right on the border of La Mesa) is locally owned and prides itself on fresh made, preservative free items.  It is a sister store of Cheers Deli which has been in business for 20+ years  and is located about a mile west. (I know, I have to do a post) 42898097-859B-4703-9983-0F72AFD321654CC11041-3C86-48D7-9D63-3D4A67562EFA
4CC11041-3C86-48D7-9D63-3D4A67562EFA Stepping inside, the selection of bagels (25 flavors) is good in the early morning.  There are a variety of beverages available (although many opt for the Starbucks next door). There is plenty of out front seating.  Here's a quick sampling of some of our breakfasts here.
4CC11041-3C86-48D7-9D63-3D4A67562EFA Pumpernickel bagel with cream cheese ($2.99)  You can taste the rye flour in this bagel and it is so very fresh and bright.10010391-A8A9-44EB-A503-4A7A13A110EE On the right here is a bialy- a baked bread (the bagels here are water boiled) topped with poppy seeds and onion.  A lighter, softer (yet chewy) bread, I like the differences between a bialy and a bagel.  Toasted and buttered is a wonderful treat.186F71FD-C353-4095-A06B-AA4F1A7610BB The cheese topped bagel is also a favorite  (with butter, $1.99).
4CC11041-3C86-48D7-9D63-3D4A67562EFA Ham and cheddar with avocado and tomato on an everything, open face. ($8.99  plus $1 for the avocado=$9.99; we went for it).  There is a choice of cheeses, the avocado made this kind of perfect.  Open face, warm and melted- shareable! (The open face sandwiches cost more than a regular bagel sandwich.  You can see each half is substantial).

33DBDEA7-A365-49D8-91AD-EBDE73A94BB3 The open face smoked salmon ($11.99) (of course on pumpernickel) .  Pacific Northwest Smoked salmon (lox), cream cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, red onion, dill and capers (and a slice of a really good pickle).  Quality as well as quantity; more than enough to share.

There are wraps, focaccia, pizza melts, salads…a nice menu.  Always nice people work here.  We had always passed by and are so glad we have finally stopped (and stopped in again and again!)

Golden Bagel Cafe 2744 Fletcher Parkway El Cajon 92020 Open Mon-Sat 6 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun 7 a.m.-3 p.m. (619) 464-2243 Website

Arely (one more time, eating outdoors)

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog.  Usually Kirk writes here, but he is taking a short vacation with His Missus.  Cathy is writing today.

In this time of COVID-19, everything has changed.  Although I haven't written about Arely since 2017, The Mister and I have dropped in pretty regularly.  84567496-9C73-41A2-B494-72E6ADA0F925_1_201_a
84567496-9C73-41A2-B494-72E6ADA0F925There is seating out front as well as indoors.  When you order and pay, the table where you will be seated is noted and food will be brought to you.F4F5C616-F4E5-4155-8B0F-4CFF6D68B8D6The strawberry cream cheese stuffed French Toast (a white board special, $8.95) is wonderful.  The cream cheese melted inside the middle of the thick sliced egg and cinnamon battered bread; the fresh strawberries on top added enough sweetness (it did not need the accompanying 'breakfast syrup').FB1E3354-4FBC-465F-9873-C6D797576115 BCC01D7D-3B21-4BFA-9223-3A1B39A3A690
BCC01D7D-3B21-4BFA-9223-3A1B39A3A690The Arely Scramble ($12.95) is served on top of a toasted English muffin.  The eggs are scrambled with a lot of bacon. There is sliced avocado and the freshly made hollandaise, which  was almost-but not quite- breaking (either the egg yolks were too hot or there was too much butter, darn it!). The bites of this were kind of perfect.

84567496-9C73-41A2-B494-72E6ADA0F925 We usually always order the French onion soup when here for lunch.  It is flavorful and the broth is not salty.  The melted cheese and crunch of French bread/'crouton' make it perfect, even though eating out of a reusable bowl is different. D2BE4B32-671A-4AD0-AF63-D515EFD6AF21A slice of quiche is accompanied by a small salad and some slices of baguette. This is ham and cheese and there are many chunks of ham, a great custard (with a slight nutmeg flavor) and plenty of cheese.  
D2BE4B32-671A-4AD0-AF63-D515EFD6AF21 F1C37DC3-ED39-44E5-94D0-D120EA43B80A The chicken Florentine (mushroom-spinach) crepe ($10.25) was covered in a delightful cream sauce which went well with the 
CC9C6F7B-C8BD-4F90-97CC-06FFD42E6394 accompanying side of home potatoes.  Bell pepper and onion and crispy browned potato chunks made for a good leftover portion.D2BE4B32-671A-4AD0-AF63-D515EFD6AF21 We can't resist ordering some sort of sweet from the bakery counter.  The fresh made (still warm) almond croissant is always a good choice. 

Still going strong after all these years and during COVID-19 times. A great neighborhood bakery cafe.

Arely French Bakery 4961 Clairmont Drive San Diego 92117 (619) 270-1910 Currently Open Monday 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Tues-Sat 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

A49B2B87-ECBA-499A-BE38-15585C286A70

Getting the Missus Her Croissant Fix – Wayfarer Bread & Pastry Revisited

IMG_1267August was a pretty brutal month at work for me. During dinner a few nights ago; the Missus asked how many days off I had during the month…..I had to stop and think….and was shocked when I counted two! Of course, I did have the 30th off (but not the 29th), so let's hear for three whole days off for August! I had been grinding away so had even lost track of that fact.

During one of those days off, the Missus had to work. She had mentioned really missing a decent croissant. Her favorite in San Diego thus far has been the version from Wayfarer. So, since I was off that weekend day, I decided to stretch out my "roaming range", and head out to Wayfarer. I arrived at 815 (they open at 830), thinking the line wouldn't be too long….boy as I mistaken! The line stretched half way to the corner of Midway Street. IMG_1274

At least I kept myself entertained by doing some people watching. I did notice that all the folks in line had masks, but about a third didn't put it over their face until they got closer to the bakery. About half the folks walking around didn't wear masks either. I'm guessing that folks in the zip codes in my usual range have been pretty good after all.

I managed to get to the ordering "doorway/window" after about 45 minutes.

Wafarer 01

Heck, after waiting over 45 minutes in line; there was no way I was going to order just a couple of croissants….I ended up spending over $50 here on pastries….you know; it ain't really that hard to spend that much on a dozen pastries at Wayfarer.

As I crossed the street and headed to my car' the line stretched all the way down the block and around the corner of Midway Street.

Wafarer 02

Wafarer 03 Wafarer 04So the folks the Missus worked with on that day had some stuffs from Wayfarer….and I was told that they really liked the Ham and Cheese Croissant, the Tomato Tiles, and Prosciutto Scones. So, maybe I'll check those out when I have a chance.

I did save an extra croissant, which She thoroughly enjoyed. She said the while they tend to over-bake the pastry here; the Missus says that the butter-salt balance is decent. It made Her day; and that also made mine. So it was worth the wait in line; at least on this day.

Wayfarer Bread & Pastry
5525 La Jolla Blvd.
La Jolla, CA 92037
Current Hours:
Wed – Sun 830am – 230pm
Wayfarer will be closed from Sept 7th – 15th, Reopening on the 16th.

In case you're wondering how far I've roamed since mid-March; I updated my map……

Where I've roamed 08302020

I mentioned getting a swamp cooler for Frankie – I actually have two. I use one in our home office. I've noticed that F has a certain part of his anatomy that is a priority to keep cool…..guess where that is?

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It's going to be a scorcher this weekend, so please keep cool!

The French Oven-revisits

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog since May 26, 2005. Cathy is writing today's post; Kirk has a job with assignments which have deadlines.

I did write a post in August of 2018 about The French Oven, an obscurely located (it's in the middle of a neighborhood, across from a public park) locally owned Bakery and Cafe.  With the onset of Covid-19, whenever we do go out to eat, we've made a conscious effort to remain 'local'- both in terms of the businesses where The Mister and I make purchases and distance from home if no outdoor seating is available. The French Oven has become a 'regular' stop. 

351610C4-F937-46E6-B43D-CBFFA6F0396C Only two people at a time are allowed inside and there is sometimes a bit of a line outdoors, but it does move fast. EAFB420C-9834-4A10-9468-3AE560C9CC68 There is a table at the door where pre-paid orders are placed to be picked up. B2785214-DAF2-4905-A098-E88B61420B66 There are paper menus available just inside the door, if you want to 'plan' your purchase while waiting.69431716-3CCA-4DE0-AD46-023A6762CE2469431716-3CCA-4DE0-AD46-023A6762CE24 Let's start with the 'Breakfast' part of the menu.  Egg bites ($3) are available in three flavors: Ham, Veggie and Sun-dried tomato.  This is the non-vegetarian choice-ham, bacon, Swiss, tomato, parsley and caramelized onions.  It is quite large and the flavors are each distinct, melding well together.  It can (and should) be warmed.

912EA337-BD76-421B-8F2B-28DED3567F1F F19855A9-AE86-4552-AC5B-4B43C35910FB The Ham and Cheese croissant ($4.75) is topped with cheese and filled with Black Forest Ham, Swiss and Béchamel. Creamy interior with a bit of a crunch from the croissant, distinct flavors and even better when warmed.
912EA337-BD76-421B-8F2B-28DED3567F1F 3D763E0B-1BE9-4851-BDA7-545740A5014FThe lox for the Salmon lox croissant ($9) is cured here (not smoked).  A very plentiful amount of salmon, served on a fresh croissant with sliced cucumbers, sliced onion, capers and a dill creme fraiche. Large enough to share, but sometimes I want it all.  
EAFB420C-9834-4A10-9468-3AE560C9CC68In the refrigerator section (below the pastry display case) are beverages, salads and quarts of soups ($10).  This one is French onion and (of course) it was wonderful.  The complimentary cheesy croutons make the reheated soup bowls just perfect.  736BA3B9-F318-458C-8DC1-1C27D0F4F47D  18CA550F-0E40-41E1-91C0-3DA697B17DB5The soup selections vary each week and last week it was chilled sweet pea (meant to be served cold) with croutons.  We had the first two bowls with some home made egg salad on a Batard purchased that day.  I could taste sugar snap peas, lemon and mint in this 'French gazpacho'-which was a refreshing break on those hot days we had last week.
EAFB420C-9834-4A10-9468-3AE560C9CC68 The Caprese Sandwich ($8) is served on a fresh baguette with fresh mozzarella, tomato, pesto, basil, olive oil and balsamic.  Always a good choice.5BE22F72-5727-4D23-8C94-605876CFDDA4 The Turkey avocado BLT ($8.50) is also a quite perfect sandwich.  It has all of those ingredients plus a herb aioli.  So many flavors, but none overwhelms. The way a sandwich should be.   

2CC59165-F0B9-44E8-A20F-0F5A675168EF A2FDA6BC-8E34-4C39-B8AA-F6E610AF7EE8 3884CBC3-915F-4AD1-B149-4C527DA260E2 The chicken curry sandwich ($8) has a layer of mango chutney which is not overwhelmed by the mild curry, pickled onions, mixed greens or tomato.  An interesting blend of unique flavors.
EAFB420C-9834-4A10-9468-3AE560C9CC68 C918A8D2-620C-4929-9D86-4A6494A79BF0 We have been using the excuse of 'needing bread' as our reason to drive here and the purchase has always been the Batard ($3.50).  It is a simple, fresh made, chewy, flavorful bread.  Shorter but wider than a baguette, so over three days, we have different size sandwiches or toast.

FFE9CBDF-65B6-41D5-81B7-087872371C7CFFE9CBDF-65B6-41D5-81B7-087872371C7C 92D9042C-1ED5-4A94-BD9D-B7E1210765A6 There is usually something 'special' on the counter or in the refrigerator each week-jams, sauces or, at this visit, house made pate ($8). Oh my, the paste containing liver, fat, herbs, spices, cognac had an abundance of flavors.  We 'rationed' it out (needed to- very rich) serving it on slices of baguette along with some burrata on a batard (and some wine). 
EAFB420C-9834-4A10-9468-3AE560C9CC68R.A.C-Raspberry, almond and chocolate croissant ($4.50) is far more complex than an almond croissant.  Almost overwhelming in flavors except that the croissant is not overfilled, keeping a good balance.39779804-7E99-4480-BA3C-7DB9636D93CD The pear tart ($4.95) is made with a sugar dough crust, lined with almond cream and topped with sliced pears.  Always a good choice. 
39779804-7E99-4480-BA3C-7DB9636D93CD The apricot tart ($4.95) is made with some flavorful apricots and also has an almond cream filling.  F11DD97F-063E-46EB-B4F0-128F428CEB73 The fruit tart ($4.95) also has an almond cream topped with a jam and seasonal fruit.  Every piece of fruit is amazing.
F11DD97F-063E-46EB-B4F0-128F428CEB73 The raisin brioche ($3.25) satisfies my craving for raisin, custard and buttery brioche.  It needs coffee to make it perfect, though.

The French Oven is a great local place. Kirk has been here, here is cc's visit, Lynn from Oh So Yummy has a recent post.

The French Oven 10299 Scripps Trail San Diego 92131 (858) 766-8706 Closed Mon-Tue Open Wed-Sat 7-3, Sun 7-2 Website

03089877-1EC5-4256-9636-AD7903D778EF

The Donut Shop – TK Donuts, a Thread in the Fabric of a Neighborhood

Welcome to March 116th…..I mean it really does feel like it's not ending at times doesn't it? Have you had some of those "moments" during this pandemic? You know, somewhat surreal, where it strikes you that "we're not in Kansas anymore….." I recollect the first time I really felt that way; it was Wednesday, March 18th, around five in the morning…..I'm heading to work, if you recall, just two days earlier the "order" came down…… It struck me as I drove down Clairemont Drive, then onto the I-5 North, getting off a Nobel Drive……I had not seen a single vehicle…..no cars, no trucks, no police, nothing. It was eerie….as in driving around at 3am on Christmas morning eerie….. I just felt out of sorts.

During that week I noticed that the neighborhood donut shop….TK Donuts had closed. The handwritten sign said two weeks……..which stretched into four, then six….somewhere past week six, on a weekend, I was headed back from work and noticed they had reopened. Whew……

I know, I've never posted on TK Donuts….there's really not much to post about; I really don't eat pastries and such. But, since the new owners took over a while back, I'd made it a habit to drop by every couple of weeks on the way to work and grab a couple of dozen doughnuts for the team. I really liked this set of owners; the nice young man who took over the business and a few years later he was joined by his very sweet and friendly wife. I wanted to at least give them some support.

Unfortunately, once they reopened it was hard for me to drop by….first, I was headed off to work before five in the morning when the place reopened. Second, we only had a couple of folks in the office by this time and I had no one to give donuts to.

Last month, things had begun stabilizing a bit for me and I'm now off to work….well, still early, but I'm leaving at around five in the morning now. And over the last month I've made it a point to drop by once a week.

It's still dark when I arrive.

TK 01

The entry chime goes off….and I'm greeted by both owners, in lieu of not getting a couple of dozen donuts; I've found something to order…..I get the Ham and Cheese Croissant.

The place now has marks of where to social distance on the floor; there's plexiglass in place, hand sanitizer is out, and of course masks at all times.

TK 02 TK 03It's nothing to write home about; but this is more important than that. And I've got to say; this is more than enough for a 530am breakfast….and it's always hot as well.

I've always said, a neighborhood needs that coffee shop, the diner, the locals bar of choice, the pizza parlor, and of course the donut shop to be complete. It's just part of the fabric of a neighborhood.

And I really like the couple who run TK Donuts….it's obviously not an easy job. And they do it with such kindness.

They are so very nice to me……..they always throw in a little "extra"….even though now I'm just ordering a ham and cheese croissant.

TK 04

Which I give to one of the skeleton crew that's working…….. I've told them that they don't need to do this; but they refuse to stop.

Which just goes to show; how important these relationships are…….the neighborhood would just not be the same without folks like this.

Right now it's just a Ham and Cheese Croissant…..I'm looking forward to the day when I can order a couple of dozen doughnuts again to feed the entire team again. 

TK Donuts
3095 Clairemont Drive
San Diego, CA 92117
Open Daily:
5am – 2pm

I'm glad to see them back in action.

Yes, times have changed, drastically…….and sometimes these days it seems that we're living in a strange parallel universe. All our travels gives me faith in people; that in spite of extremes of belief and politics, that we can rise above all of this. I have hope. And it all starts with us…..a community, a neighborhood……….

I consider my posts to be my food and travel "diary" of sorts; and as always, I'm honored to be able to share them with you.

And speaking of the Fabric of the Neighborhood:

You know, there was a time when I considered many of the food bloggers that I followed and whose posts I commented on to be part of a wonderful community. Times have changed and for many the goals and objectives of having a blog has changed from sharing to being an "influencer"…..having an income stream. I have no problem with that; though of course, being an old fuddy duddy, I miss those days.

There are a couple of folks I still enjoy following and am always sad when I see no posts for a long period of time. So many have just stopped. So, I'm so happy and relieved to see my "FOY" CC back with new posts!

Welcome back CC, we've missed you!

Go ahead and check out her new posts!

Mexico City – Our Last Morning; Panadería Almuerzos and Cafe Toscano (Mercado Condesa)

DSC00279As we were walking back after dinner at Temporal, it started pouring again. We decided to quickly duck under the awning of one of the taco shops that lined the streets.

There was a group of musicians also using the little shop as shelter from the rain. One of the guys saw us; waved us in…..and they started playing! Just for the other seated customer and us. It was a blast!

Sorry to say I didn't get the name of the taco shop…I tried to give the band a couple of pesos, but they declined.

So, the least I could do was to buy a couple of tacos….to go.

You gotta love CDMX……..

IMG_1976

The next morning was our last in Mexico City. Our flight didn't leave until 1245. So we decided to check out the bakery that was right across the street from where we were staying. It was quite discreet, but we always saw a line and decided to check it out.

IMG_8156

This was Panaderia Almuerzos and the breads and pastries looked so fresh.

So, of course we got……

IMG_8162

Croissant, which was surprisingly decent; flakey, good butter, light sweetness….light and fluffy inside….and still warm!

Panadería Almuerzos
Av. Vicente Suárez 64A
Colonia Condesa, CDMX, Mexico

We took our croissant to the next block over; the Mercado Condesa.

IMG_1673

And we got our caffeine fix.

IMG_8160
IMG_8160 IMG_8165All while taking in the neighborhood, like all those amazing dog walkers.

Cafe Toscano
Calle Michoacan sn Mercado Condesa
Hipódromo Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, CDMX, Mexico

Soon enough we had to head on over to the airport. We even had an ok sandwich on our flight.

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We had really enjoyed Mexico City. Our experiences, the people, the food had exceeded our expectations.

I'm sure we'll return soon.

Thanks for stopping by!

The Croissant Files – Herb & Eatery and Le Parfait de Paris (Liberty Station)

I should probably call this episode of the Croissant Files, the "Bruddah James" episode, since he is the one who asked/recommended the two places in this post.

Herb & Eatery:

**** Herb & Eatery has closed

Well, James was really eager for me to visit, he even reminded me in my last Croissant Files post. And of course "CC" really enjoyed the croissants here as well. I arrived on a weekend morning, just past 8am and opening time for the opening of the "market/restaurant concept" that is Herb & Eatery.

CF Herb Eatery 01

I really liked the young lady working the counter; so friendly and personable…..when I ordered my "Butter" (aux buerre) Croissant, she smiled and cheerfully told me; "these are still warm, you're going to like them!"

CF Herb Eatery 02a

And so, I took my mineral water (I'd get some coffee from Bird Rock and deliver the Missus's croissant after) and my croissant and had a seat.

CF Herb Eatery 03 CF Herb Eatery 04The pastry was indeed still warm but a bit over-done and crumbly….not flakey, crumbly. Still, there was a decent butter and salt balance, but it could have used a tad more sweetness and a touch of yeastiness. The interior was fragrant, a bit too wet for my liking, but had a decent chew. but this wasn't bad at all.

Not what I'd consider the best; and I won't post that photo of the croissant from Maison Isabelle in Paris again…..but this wasn't too bad.

Herb & Eatery
2210 Kettner Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92101
Hours:
Daily 8am – 8pm

Le Parfait de Paris (Liberty Station):

So, Le Parfait de Paris is another recommendation from James, but his description – "They're gorgeous but a little bland" wasn't exactly the seal of approval. I dropped by the Liberty Station location to try the croissant.

Parfait de Paris 01

The young lady working was very sweet…..and of course I got the croissant, which I took outside and enjoyed how quiet Liberty Station was at 8am on a Sunday.

Parfait de Paris 02

The actual croissant looked quite generic in a way…..sort of what you'd think a croissant would be; if you've never seen one that had that wonderful glistening sheen.

Parfait de Paris 03

So this, while not being priced at four bucks (it was $3.25) like H&E's croissant (which would be highway robbery in Paris), looked decent, but was very dry…..and was quite dry, and totally lacking in butter flavor….plus, not enough sweet, a bit too much salt. The exterior texture was nice and flaky; but like I said, it was much too dry. Parfait de Paris 04

Too bad.

Le Parfait Paris (Liberty Public Market)
2820 Historic Decatur Road
San Diego, CA 92106
Hours:
Sun – Thurs 8am – 9pm
Fri – Sat   8am – 10pm

And so, we have the "Bruddah James" edition of the Croissant Files.

Thanks for stopping by!

Hungry Lu’s- Italian Deli & Goodies (Ocean Beach)

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy today; Kirk and His Missus are enjoying a few days off.

Hungry Lu's is located in the midst of homes and a few businesses on Voltaire Street, three blocks East of the Pacific Ocean.  The Ocean Beach community has been able to enjoy this Bakery and Deli since 1973. 6F6CE9B2-2A5C-4453-9DDE-AF3EF3B4EFB9Walk in, order and pay.  There are some tables out front and your order is brought out to you.  
6F6CE9B2-2A5C-4453-9DDE-AF3EF3B4EFB9 Of course, you can just order some meats, cheeses and (wonderful fresh baked) rolls to make your own sandwiches at home.
6F6CE9B2-2A5C-4453-9DDE-AF3EF3B4EFB9
6F6CE9B2-2A5C-4453-9DDE-AF3EF3B4EFB9 We were here in early January and Christmas Cookies were still being baked; a nice way to continue the holiday treats a bit longer (and to ignore a silly resolution)
6F6CE9B2-2A5C-4453-9DDE-AF3EF3B4EFB9 There is a menu on the front window as well as on the wall and taped to the counter inside.  It's simple and has just enough choices, especially if you are walking to or from the beach.1F1C19E3-9483-4276-999C-A7E952BE7395 The "personal size" pizza is quite large, cut into six slices and has a wonderful crust!  All pizzas are priced the same, $6.49.  This, the 'Meat Lovers', includes pepperoni, sausage, salami and mozzarella.  The sauce is a good tomato flavored unadorned deliciousness. 
1F1C19E3-9483-4276-999C-A7E952BE7395 28F42666-14C1-4182-9E51-2BE6059BCDA6 329FB6F9-446B-4CC4-916D-806D199F2B87 The Baked eggplant sandwich, listed under 'Favorite Subs' ($8.99) is simple with eggplant baked in olive oil, mozzarella and the simple yet flavorful tomato marinara.  The sandwich/bread baked here is quite large and half of a sandwich (on the wonderfully tasty toasted bread) is filling. There appeared to be some ricotta on the sandwich also…which made it even better.   
1F1C19E3-9483-4276-999C-A7E952BE7395 There is one item not even listed on the menu, but everyone orders it.  The cannoli shells ( a delicious fried pasty) are near where you place your order at the counter and are filled when you order. The filling is a smooth ricotta with citrus (lemon) and the ends are topped with tiny chocolate chips (optional; as if I'd say no).  The cost was around $3.  

A nice, long time, local sandwich place.

Hungry Lu's 4920 Voltaire Street, San Diego, 92016 (619)223-4722 Open Mon-Fri 10:30-4:30, Sat 10:30-5:30 Closed Sunday.

The Croissant Files – Wayfarer Bread and O’Brien’s Boulangerie

I was pretty surprised at the response to my "Croissant Files" post back in October. I was great to get some recommendations, two of which I had on my list and one that was totally new to me. This should actually be one of those "R(ecommendations) & R(equests)" type of posts, but I decided not to wait. So here goes.

Wayfarer Bread:

I had Wayfarer on my list for a while and just really didn't want to make the effort to drive there. But, after recommendations from Red Devil and Cathy Greene….well, I needed to visit. And to be perfectly honest, driving up to Bird Rock really isn't that bad early on a weekend, which is when I went. Though there was already a line formed when I arrived at around 745….one very nice fellow was in line letting people go in front of him since folks aren't allowed to order breakfast sandwiches before 8 am and he wanted a breakfast sandwich.

CFiles Wayfarer 01

I ordered a croissant and an Americano for me and one pastry to go; which I dropped off for the Missus.

CFiles Wayfarer 02

CathyG had mentioned the croissants are "well-browned"…..no kidding….

CFiles Wayfarer 03 CFiles Wayfarer 04This was way too dark and over-baked; it basically exploded when I bit into it. That exterior is far past flaky. The layers are a bit too dry; though the interior is nice and light. 

I also appreciate a nice "sheen" to the pastry, which this one didn't have.

Good balance of butter and salt; with just the hint of sweetness, and a whiff of yeast. Of all the croissants we've had in San Diego so far this is the Missus's favorite.

CFiles Wayfarer 05 CFiles Wayfarer 06I've returned twice since this visit and I think the explosive nature of the croissant is the M.O. here.

Wayfarer Bread & Pastry
5525 La Jolla Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92037
Hours:
Daily 730am – 3pm

O'Brien's Boulangerie:

"Vickie" made this recommendation. Even though Cathy did a post back in December of 2018, I'd never have thought to look in a mostly office park/industrial area of Poway for a Croissant.

OBriens Croissant 01

I also really liked the folks working; so very friendly early on a Saturday morning.

OBriens Croissant 02

The place was quiet when I arrived right past 7am, but quickly filled up.

Like Wayfarer, I ordered an Americano, a croissant for me, and one to go which I dropped off for the Missus at work.

OBriens Croissant 03 OBriens Croissant 04This one had a slightly fluffy, though almost too moist interior and needed a bit more butter and salt, though it was fairly yeasty, with a mild, though not overly sweet interior. The dough had a decent stretch, but again felt a bit too wet.

The exterior wasn't flaky enough and it lacked that perfect middle ground of flaky and mildly crisp. Better than the croissants from my previous post.

OBriens Croissant 05

The Missus however, wasn't impressed……

O'Brien's Boulangerie
13615 Stowe Drive
Poway, CA 92064
Hours:
Mon -Fri 7am – 4pm
Sat      7am – 3pm
Closed on Sunday

So, I've got a couple more places on the list. Any recommendations are welcomed.

And….if you're wondering what our current favorite croissant is in Paris….well, as of our most recent trip it's this one.

IMG_9488

Which actually won the Best Croissant au Buerre in Paris for 2018. We walked a mile-and-a-half each way twice for this baby on our last trip to that city.

Our favorite from our previous trips, just didn't measure up this time….though I'm sure we'll be back to check them out again.

Anyway, thanks again for the recommendations Cathy Greene, Red Devil, and Vickie!

The search continues!