Bakery – Page 11

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

September 4, 2020 mmm-yoso Bakery, Croissants

August 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.

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.

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.

So 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……

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?

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

The French Oven-revisits

August 28, 2020 Cathy Bakery, French Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

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.

Only two people at a time are allowed inside and there is sometimes a bit of a line outdoors, but it does move fast. There is a table at the door where pre-paid orders are placed to be picked up. There are paper menus available just inside the door, if you want to 'plan' your purchase while waiting. 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.

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.
The 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.
In 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. The 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.
The Caprese Sandwich ($8) is served on a fresh baguette with fresh mozzarella, tomato, pesto, basil, olive oil and balsamic. Always a good choice. 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.

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.
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.

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).
R.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. 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.
The apricot tart ($4.95) is made with some flavorful apricots and also has an almond cream filling. The fruit tart ($4.95) also has an almond cream topped with a jam and seasonal fruit. Every piece of fruit is amazing.
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

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

June 25, 2020 mmm-yoso Bakery

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.

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.

It'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.

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)

February 8, 2020 mmm-yoso Bakery, Caffeine Fix, Croissants, Mexican Restaurants, Mexico, Mexico City, Travel

As 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……..

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.

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

So, of course we got……

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.

And we got our caffeine fix.

All 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.

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)

February 5, 2020 mmm-yoso Bakery, Croissants

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.

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!"

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.

The 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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

January 19, 2020 Cathy Bakery, Desserts, Italian Restaurants, Pizza, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

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. Walk in, order and pay. There are some tables out front and your order is brought out to you.
Of course, you can just order some meats, cheeses and (wonderful fresh baked) rolls to make your own sandwiches at home.

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)
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. 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.
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.
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

January 8, 2020 mmm-yoso Bakery, Croissants

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.

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

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

This 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.

I'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.

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

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.

This 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.

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.

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!

2020 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade Road Tests #5 and #6, breakfasts at Michael’s Superburgers (Irwindale) and other (regular) stops

November 24, 2019 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Bakery, Festivals & Events, Los Angeles County, Road Trip, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is primarily a food blog. So many events revolve around finding a place for a meal. Cathy (and Her Mister) have a regular pastime of viewing the Tournament of Roses Rose Parade floats being tested for mechanics and maneuverability before being decorated and participating in the Parade on January 1. Here's another post.

The Tournament of Roses is only a few weeks away. There are so many activities which will happen the week between Christmas and January 2- you can find comprehensive and updated listings in The Rose Examiner. The tournament is not just the Parade and the football game; there is Bandfest, Equestfest, Sip and Savor, Rose Bowl Bash, Rose Bowl Hall of Fame Induction and the Showcase of Floats. So much to see and do to ring in the New Year!

The past few months have been unusually busy for The Mister and myself that I didn't post the October Float Road Test at Phoenix Decorating Company in Irwindale. Here are a few photos (some are 'before and after') of both test days.

"Planting Seeds of Hope", presented by the Sikh American Float Foundation, describes the 2020 float: "Bhai Ghaneya Singh, a devout Sikh, leads the float as he symbolically pours water from his sheepskin vessel. He is remembered for his selfless service to all humanity with love, respect, compassion and humility. The water flows onto large sculpted flowers each supporting children from diverse backgrounds. A fantasy garden provides the backdrop to a nurturing environment in which we celebrate our greatest hope for the future….our children." Each year, I learn something from the Sikh float.
The SCAN Foundation has a float in the Rose Parade for the first time. The title of "Hope's Heroes" reflects the definition of this organization, "an independent public charity devoted to transforming care for older adults in ways that preserve dignity and encourage independence".
Shriners Hospitals for Children has the theme of "Hope Knows No Limits" and features Fezzy Bear pushing a young girl, with a below the knee prosthesis, on a swing.
Trader Joe, the Fearless Flyer, is depicted on the 2020 float, "It Takes a Flight of Fancy"…
spinning in a pickle barrel!Western Asset's 2020 Rose Parade entry, "Growing a Better Tomorrow" is quite a large float, depicting a series of tree houses in an exotic setting. Magnificent!
The 'Banner Float" is colored in and ready to be decorated to display the theme of the parade at the start.
The final two floats of the parade
will relay the upcoming Tournament of Roses Rose Bowl football game, to be played at 2 p.m. on January 1.

Decorating (dry/detail) begins Saturday December 7 (and the following Saturdays before Christmas) then the fresh flowers arrive and daily decorating from December 26 forward. There are links to sign up for volunteering on the Phoenix Decorating Company site.

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On to the Food portion of the blog. In October, The Mister and I stopped at 'the usual' place- Cream Pan in Tustin for a sandwich, a ham and cheese croissant and a strawberry croissant. After the float road test, we (again) returned to Portos in West Covina, where we shared an "Omelette Plato" ($6.45)-a cheese omelette topped with avocado and tomato which comes with crispy Spanish potatoes and an arugula salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette. Filling, refreshing and there's enough room for other items…since this was the last weekend of October,
Dia de los Muerto decorated cookies and Pan de Muertos were purchased. The soft, eggy bread was filled with candied orange peel and orange blossom water; a wonderful bread.

Also, seasonal potato balls were available: filled with turkey, gravy and vegetables, rolled in a well seasoned crust, these are a very special treat (and only $1.05!). [photo credit to canine cologne]

We stopped at the Kolache Factory yesterday and the seasonal turkey with stuffing kolache was available (along with our 'always order' of a bacon and cheese kolache). Seasonal offerings are always special.

When leaving the Road Test, we went one signal light South and then East to the next signal light. On the Southwest corner of Arrow Highway and Vincent, this signage made me take a turn into the parking lot.
The breakfast menu behind the counter is straightforward.
I haven't ordered a bacon and egg sandwich ($6.99) in a while; have forgotten what I am missing. White bread, mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, four thick slices of crispy bacon and a beautiful runny egg. Simple perfection.
The Mister ordered a chili cheese omelet ($9.99). At least there eggs, filled with cheese, topped with a really good chili that was topped with more cheese. Again, perfection. His toast was sourdough, the hash browns were wonderfully crisp.

Need to stop at the local places; follow the New Year Resolution.

Michael's Superburgers 16350 Arrow Highway Irwindale, CA 91706 Open daily 6 a.m.-midnight Website

The Cowboy Channel has a float in the parade; it's under construction. Link to artist rendition of some of the 2020 Rose Parade floats

Andell’s Bakery and Kitchen (Rancho Penasquitos)-Filipino and Vietnamese (and cake)

November 23, 2019 Cathy Bakery, Filipino Restaurants, Vietnamese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!! on this busy weekend before Thanksgiving. Kirk is taking a break (with His Missus) and Cathy is writing for a few days.

Another day of driving without a plan. The Mister and I took the 56 to Rancho Penasquitos Boulevard and drove straight on Carmel Mountain Road to the first light and into the mall on the North. There were few lunch choices: a coffee shop, a taco shop and this 'bakery'.

There were some signs in the window and a sandwich board out front. Of course we walked in.
Menu boards behind the ordering area,
also on the wall…a few tables and counter eating spaces inside. We found a great variety of choices for lunch.
The Daily Specials (only on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday) listed Kang Kai Kole (a South Thai chicken curry) ($8.99) this day. Southern Thai food is essentially mild and Kang Kai is a simple curry paste, made with fresh ingredients (not a packet of paste)- Here is a recipe. This curry from Andell's was thick and very fresh tasting (there were bits of ground coriander in the curry paste along with cumin, cinnamon and turmeric along with the salty shrimp paste and a bit of tamarind and some sweet from palm sugar). There was a whole chicken thigh, carrots, onion and potato over a nice amount of (a better quality) rice. This curry is a new favorite.

Since it was Friday (when I don't eat meat) and also because it looked good, a Pandesal with sardines and olives ($4.50) was my order. The bread is baked fresh here. It was perfect, toasted and filled with the mashed mix of sardine with olives. Just large enough for a meal without leftovers.
There is signage everywhere for The Original Londres Sponge Cake, so I ordered a slice ($3.75). The flavors available were durian and pandan. We do like coconut. This sponge cake, filled with a fresh Bavarian Cream was very large (we took half home) and very flavorful, with a perfect sponge and a perfect cream.

Definitely will stop to try other flavors of Londres, along with other menu items. This family owned (and open since 2007) bakery and kitchen is a gem of a neighborhood find.

Andell's Bakery and Kitchen 9926 Carmel Mountain Road San Diego, CA 92129 (858)538-8308 Website Open Wed-Sun 7 am-2 pm, Closed Monday and Tuesday

The Croissant Files – The French Oven, Bread Bar (Little Italy Mercato), and Prager Brothers (Little Italy Mercato)

October 28, 2019 mmm-yoso Bakery, Croissants, Markets & Grocers

The Missus and I were planning a trip….well, this one is basically four trips out, and we started ruminating about croissants…..do we miss Paris, and even there, it can be hard to find a good croissant….to be honest, we've had our share of not so good croissants (au buerre) in Paris as well. The discussion reminded me that I had a couple croissant photos just waiting for a post. I guess today's the day. So, "allons y"…..

The French Oven:

Several folks in the office, who live in the Scripps Ranch area kept on telling me about The French Oven, telling me it's run by a fifth generation Boulanger from France. So, a few weekends later, I headed on over to a little strip mall in Scripps Ranch.

Man the place was hopping!

Service was fast, I believe the owner was working the front of house as he and another gentleman were speaking in French. It kinda made my morning.

As for the croissant, while it was the best of the three in post, well, it was okay…..light with a decent flakey-crispness, but really lacking in butteriness, and when broken lacked that hint of yeastiness we love.

Not bad.

You can read Cathy's post on The French Oven here.

The French Oven Bakery
10299 Scripps Trail Suite E
San Diego, CA 92131

Bread Bar (at the Little Italy Mercato):

The following week, I dropped by the Little Italy Mercato to do some shopping. And decided to pick up a couple of croissants for the Missus and I to try. First, was from Bread Bar.

This was more crumbly than flakey and crisp. It had enough salt, but lacked a good buttery flavor and was too dry. It also had that fishiness that pastries in the states sometimes have, usually from the eggs used, which both the Missus and I don't care for.

Bread Bar in the Little Italy Mercato.

Prager Brothers (at the Little Italy Mercato):

We enjoy the bread from Prager Brothers and should probably head up to their bakery in Carlsbad. But until then…..

The croissant was not bad; but lacking in enough butteriness, salt, and yeastiness to us. The texture of the interior was a bit too soft for us.

We'll stick to getting their wonderful breads.

Prager Brothers at the Little Italy Mercato.

So….the search goes on…..