2018 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float road testing. Small snack at Cream Pan-Tustin. Breakfast at BMC Pho-Hacienda Heights.

mmm-yoso!!!, this food blog, usually has a story about how a meal or meals occurred.  Today, Cathy is writing.  Kirk and Ed (from Yuma) are busy with meetings and appointments and 'check off the list' stuff.

Saturday morning, leaving the driveway at 5 a.m., heading North.  After about an hour, getting to the parking lot and stepping inside Cream Pan, 

IMG_7233IMG_7227for the first time this year. IMG_7230 It's mostly the same, 

IMG_7226other than the slight (10¢) price increase for the strawberry croissant… IMG_7232…and the new, secondary check out area. Cream Pan 602 El Camino Real Tustin, CA 92780 Website 
IMG_7234 We purchased a ham and cheese croissant ($2.60) and a cheese crisp ($2.50) and jumped back on the freeway, heading to Irwindale and the new location of Phoenix Decorating Company, arriving before 7 a.m.. IMG_7261 We passed the new Construction/Decorating 'barn' and saw some of the floats which were tested last month.  

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We noticed only three floats were lined up for testing this morning.   IMG_7239"Story Time", the entry from the City of Alhambra features a bookworm reading the book 'Tales from the Alhambra', ladybugs flying, zinnias, leaves and lily of the valley.  

The openings in the above photo are where the 'observer' and the 'driver' will be seated when the float is driving down Colorado Boulevard on January 1.  

The colors are painted on the floats as a marking for the decorators and also in case of weather (in the event of rain or wind, the float might lose some of its natural decorations and people on the parade route will still see color).

The road test is for both mechanics and maneuverability of the float.  Each float has at least three tests, the final test that everyone can get off of and out of the float in 45 seconds or less. 
IMG_7240The Lions Club International entry to the parade, "Preserving Our Environment" will have a water feature- IMG_7254flowing around the rotating water wheel. The colors have not been marked yet.IMG_7247The third float tested on Saturday was this one from Trader Joe's- interesting  in that there is a long hitch on both the front and the rear, which makes this a part of a multi-piece float. 

Now you've seen floats in three stages of testing!

Phoenix Decorating Company 5400 Irwindale Avenue Irwindale, CA 91706 Website

Since this float builder location and part of Los Angeles County is 'new' to us, The Mister and I began to drive South and explore, looking for breakfast places as well as possible places to eat after we decorate floats in December.  
IMG_7284 Noticing this at the corner of Gale Avenue and Hacienda Boulevard,we stopped. 
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IMG_7268 So much is offered here, but the banh mi menu (to the far right, just behind the cash register) caught my eye. I'm always on the lookout for a good banh mi (nothing in San Diego satisfies me any more since the fire of August 4, 2015, destroying the now almost reopened K Sandwiches).   IMG_7276 We were very pleasantly surprised.  BMC has a 'buy two, get one' deal, so all three sandwiches cost a total of $7.50.  We chose the #2, #4 and #6-BBQ pork, shredded chicken and egg. Each was prepared on wonderful, fresh, crispy crusted light bread, a spread of mayonnaise and topped with pickled daikon, carrots, cilantro and fresh slices of jalapeño. We were impressed with the char grilled flavor of the (plentiful amount of) pork and flavorful shredded chicken…oh but the egg…IMG_4073 Crispy whites, solid yolks and just a perfect breakfast sandwich.  

We will be returning here at some point to try out other menu items. 

BMC Pho 1104 S. Hacienda Boulevard Hacienda Heights, CA 91745 (626)330-3765 Open daily 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

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P.L.Bagels (and some Point Loma exploring)(A stop at the new Jensen’s Foods)

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of this food blog.  Writing of posts is shared by three friends.  Today, Cathy is writing because Kirk and Ed(from Yuma) are busy tying up loose ends.  

Yes, I've written about P.L. Bagel a few times, 2012, 2013 and most recently in 2014. It's a regular stop, because it's good..and on the way to a place where The Mister and I can take a peaceful walk.  IMG_6928
  IMG_6915IMG_6914 IMG_6913Prices for a 'Breakfast Special' with a coffee  have gone up by 25¢ since 2014, which is minuscule for this family owned and run business. A plain bagel (as well as a bialy) is still 95¢.  IMG_6918 The mini bagels are now 50¢  IMG_6920 Here's a size comparison. That's a Bialy on the left, only available on weekends.  I enjoy the baked chewy dough, which has a bit of chopped onion in the center top.  IMG_6922 This was a nice breakfast, with eggs and cheese.   IMG_6923IMG_6924  The salt bagel (as are all the bagels here) is covered on both sides with toppings.  Not many bagel shops make salt bagels anymore.  The bagels here are a 'proper' size- not crazy large nor crazy fluffy.  

We've enjoyed visiting this local longstanding business (which makes a great product!). 

P.L. Bagel 3704 Voltaire Street, Suite 107 San Diego 92107 (619) 223-4788 open daily 6a.m.-1 p.m.

IMG_6929 Our regular walks take us to Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, where we enjoy the overcast mornings and peaceful quietness. IMG_6942 Earlier this year, the only market on Catalina Boulevard (the main road on The Point) re-opened as a new location for Jensen's Foods (it had been a Fresh and Easy before that chain left the U.S.). Jensen's slogan is "Make Every Day an Occasion". IMG_6943 If you have been paying attention, it is Hatch Chile season and Jensen's is one of the many participating roasters (the prices for Hatch Chiles here are less than other locations).
IMG_6937 There are many interesting items at Jensen's, including a by the pound salad bar and (at least on weekends) a breakfast bar.  It's quite a nice store.  This is the only San Diego location and we are taking advantage of the offerings.  (It's been in business since 1940!).

Another nice weekend 'staycation'. Thanks for reading!

Jensen's Foods 955 Catalina Boulevard San Diego 92106 (619)550-2097 Open daily 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Website

Morning in Quebec City, a Visit to Paillard, and Épicerie J.A. Moisan

IMG_5518 IMG_5522The rises early Quebec during early June; before 5am. And we took full advantage of it; heading out before six. We enjoy taking early walks when on vacation, especially when visiting places that are popular with tourists. Things look a bit different and you get to meander around and spend a bit more time admiring things. Like the La Fresque des Québécois, which celebrates the rich history of the city. There's a wonderful post on this mural on this site. It was still early so even La Maison Smith a very popular bakery and coffee shop wasn't opened yet.

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The quiet lanes were very different at this hour, so peaceful, but still very charming and full of character.

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There was nary a person to be seen; except for the folks walking their dogs in the light drizzle.

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We headed back up Escalier Casse-Cou, deciding to head to Terrasse Dufferin and get another look at Château Frontenac. And wouldn't you know, unlike the day before, the sun decided to make an ever-so-short appearance. But it was enough time to take some lovely photos.

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During winter there's actually a toboggan slide on Terrace Dufferin, must be qutie a thrill.

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We took the steep stairs up La Promenade des Gouverneurs; the Governors Walk.

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There are some pretty nice views from here.

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Up to the Plains of Abraham, where the pivotal battle between the French and the British took place during the French and Indian War. This battle basically determined the fate of New France.

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We'd seen some very in shape men and women running up and down the steps while walking up….I'd forgotten that La Citadelle was also located close by. It is still an active military installation and home to the Royal 22nd Regiment. We skirted the walls and headed down côte de la Citadelle.

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Heading down one of the smaller side streets off Rue Saint Louis we came across this statue of Marie de L'Incarnation who was sent to New France to help establish the presence of the Ursuline Order of the Catholic Church.

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You can read more about the story by enlarging this photo.

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We wandered around a bit more; coming across places like Le Monastère des Augustines.

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By now, some espresso and perhaps something light to eat sounded good. I had a place in mind on Rue Saint-Jean named Paillard.

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Upon arriving, the Missus wasn't too impressed with the cafeteria like set-up. But I told Her that Paillard had a reputation for making a decent croissant; something we hadn't had much luck with in Montreal.

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An espresso for the Missus, an Americano for me, croissant, and some sparkling water.

IMG_5565 IMG_5564The croissant ended up being pretty good. Nice flakiness, a touch of butter, light saltiness, perhaps a bit too chewy, but we were satisfied.

We'd actually return the next morning for coffee and a light snack.

Paillard
1097 Rue Saint-Jean
Quebec City, Canada

It was still too early to start thinking about lunch. So I told the Missus there was one more place I wanted to see. To get there, we had to head up Rue Saint-Jean. Near the Porte Saint-Jean are the old fortifications/city wall.

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The view from here was different.

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A few blocks up Rue Saint-Jean resides Épicerie J.A. Moisan, established in 1871, said to be the oldest existing grocery in North America.

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With over 3000 products, you can really take your time here. And we did.

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It is a food lover's paradise.

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Looking at the beer selection, I inquired about something local….the response? "Monsieur, this whole case is pretty much local." And the nice gentleman helped me pick something out.

IMG_5581 IMG_5586We had a great time shopping for gifts…everything from sweets to JA Moison shopping bags.

I'm sure we'll be back again. Heck, we enjoyed the neighborhood so much, we might even stay in the Auberge upstairs.

Épicerie J A Moisan
699 Rue Saint-Jean
Quebec City, Canada

IMG_5594 IMG_5590We really enjoyed the neighborhood, full of bakeries, pubs, restaurants, and yes, the poke fad has arrived here as well.

More of a residential area….it seems a bit Quebecoise-Hipster, but really neat.

And then there's this sign…..which I loved.

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By this time we'd starting getting a bit hungry. It was time to find some lunch and we knew just the place!

Thanks for reading!

Montreal – Mamie Clafoutis and VIA Rail to QC

While we had really enjoyed Montreal, the Missus was ready for our next stop; Quebec City. We'd be going by rail, which I really enjoy.

Since our train wouldn't be leaving until 1245 and we were literally 3 blocks from Gare Centrale, we decided to take a morning walk and grab some breakfast. The Missus decided on a place up Rue Saint Denis.

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Of course we passed several churches on the way and really enjoyed walking up Saint Denis as it was full of semi-hipster, trendy, and plain funky businesses.

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Hmmm….maybe Elvis does live?

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Mamie Clafoutis is a bit of a walk up Saint Denis, which I read the street goes all the way to the North side of the island.

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While the namesake of he place is the Clafouti; the Missus had read that the Pistachio Croissant here was very good. I saw a sign for a special Ficelle celebrating Montreal's 375 Anniversary (May 17, 2017) and while it was already the end of May, it was still being made and sold. So, I decided on that.

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We both got some espresso for our caffeine fix. When our tray was ready, we headed upstairs to the comfortable lounge area.

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The ficelle was ice cold, really chewy….I expected a bit more "crunch", but it was more hard. We really enjoyed the combination of flavors from the cornichons, mustard, and for the Missus, especially the smoked meat. This really set the stage for our return trip, where I'd been looking forward to getting some smoked meat.

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The croissant was a bit drier than we prefer and lacked that touch of salt that would balance out the very sweet pistachio paste which was too sweet for me. Of course, I'm not much of a dessert person, but there didn't seem to be much pistachio flavor.

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Still, the espresso was good and we enjoyed the vibe of the place. We'd notice that folks in this area seemed to speak much more French than on the west side.

Mamie Clafoutis
3660 Rue Saint-Denis
Montreal, Canada

We headed back to the hotel, going down Saint Laurent, then over to Rue Jeanne-Mance. It had started to drizzle. Even though we had umbrellas, it was also getting a bit windy. Luckily, just as it was getting particularly blustery, we reached the Complexe Desjardins. In Montreal, there's a 32 kilometer network of tunnels, passageways, shopping centers, and buildings called RESO, but it's most commonly known as the Underground City. The name evokes a bit of mystery……but for us; it looked basically like a bunch of malls which were, thankfully, interconnected.

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I can imagine being able to move along downtown Montreal without being exposed to the elements must be a godsend during the dead of winter. For us wimpy San Diegans…well, we enjoyed being able to cross the street.

We got back to the hotel, freshened up, and checked out of the Courtyard. We headed over a couple of blocks to where I thought Gare Centrale was….because of all the construction, we had a difficult time finding the entrances, but finally made it.

Since we had business class tickets, we were able to use the VIA lounge in the train station. Nothing fancy, but comfortable enough….drinks and coffee provided.

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Having easy access to the restrooms, a nice place to sit, and some coffee was worth paying a few bucks more. I got our fares during some kind of "special" where I paid like only $40 more for round trip tickets in business.

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And while our train was not nearly as comfortable as riding the Shinkansen, it was fine.

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One thing I did enjoy was the service, which was very friendly, and at times oddly funny. They also really pushed the booze! By the time the lunch cart got to us, they'd run out of everything but the vegetarian dish….shells stuffed with portabello mushroom. Which turned out to be perfectly fine.

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Notice the white wine? So, I wasn't going to have any wine or drinks with lunch…but the really funny woman; with that wonderful French-Canadian accent told me, "you must…you must have some. It's from Wayne Gretzky Estates!" How could I turn that down? Wayne Gretzky Estates…… Yep this is Canada….and you don't mess with Wayne Gretzky……

Thanks for reading!

Burgundy – Driving the Vineyard Route, Meursault to Saint Romain, and Lunch at Aupres du Clocher (Pommard)

I awoke as the sun rose on our first full day in Beaune. The previous day had been pretty busy, arriving in Beaune, getting settled and making reservations and finding a place for dinner. But this, well this was going to be a full day, we had a car and the Missus was rarin' to go.

But first, I headed out……

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Down the quiet streets of early morning Beaune.

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I recalled passing a Boulangerie the previous day as we were walking in from the train station. And it was one of the few places open this early in the morning.

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Very friendly woman working. All I needed was on croissant to share with our morning coffee.

Boulangerie Pâtisserie Lapalus
1 place du docteur jorrot
Beaune, France

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A decent, but not great croissant. I'd grab a baguette there before we left Beaune that was quite good though.

And then we headed out; around the ring road, finding the sign to Autun.

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It was, without a doubt, beautiful.

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As we kept stopping to take photos.

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Imagine waking one morning, getting into your car and driving into a "postcard".

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The road slowly crept upward.

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Until we came upon the town of Meursault, with it's distinctive Town Hall.

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It was a Friday, which turns out to be Market Day (Friday). We enjoyed walking around. Not only were food items on sale…..

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But all manner of furniture and household goods as well.

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From kitchenware to baskets to beds!

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We took a short walk……this town is so charming.

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We decided to take another break and hit up the Boulangerie.

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For another croissant and espresso.

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Le 7éme Péché
11 Place de L Hôtel de ville
Meursault, France

We then headed off down to Puligny-Montrachet.

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Where according to many, the best white wine in the world is produced.

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Because I drove, I could not partake. The Missus was free to sample whatever She wanted. 

We came around the loop and took time to admire the Château de la Rochepot.

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Which dates back to the 12th Century.

From here it was another climb uphill.

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There was one more stop the Missus just had to make. On this trip, the Missus had grown fond of wine from the appellation of Saint Romain. And so, we just had to head downhill and stop in that town.

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And stalk Her favorite producer…..

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Yikes!

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Luckily, there were no embarrassing moments as no one was around.

We then headed back toward Beaune. We'd made a complete loop and got back no the main road. The Missus had read about a restaurant in the town of Pommard. So decided to stop and see if they would be able to accommodate us.

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Luckily, we'd arrived early and we got a table without reservations.

IMG_1476 IMG_1481We were actually given a pretty nice table, with a street view. The lunch menu was basically a choice of two tasting menus. We took the more expensive option which was still a very reasonable 50 Euros…remember, we had become used to Paris prices.

The bread was interesting; it featured something the Missus would love later on; gougere….

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Things started off with a nice and somewhat refreshing soup.

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The thing I recalled the most was how the acidity of the cream really set off the flavors.

Of course we basically shared everything, passing dishes back and forth between us.

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When the Missus's Escargot arrived, I knew that the chef was aiming for a more modern take on French cuisine, as per the "foam". There were some fairly tender grains under the delicious crème d'ail, a very smooth garlic crème. I asked what these were and was told "d'epeautre", basically spelt. It was nutty and slightly sweet. I recall on the menu that these were "escargot Bourgogne sauvage". Which I take to mean wild local snails. I thought all the ingredients were the stars rather than the escargot.

I had the Tartare de Dorade; which I believe is a type of sea bream.

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This turned out to be basically a salad and I enjoyed the vinaigrette. I thought the squid was a bit tough.

Check out the Missus's main.

IMG_1493 IMG_1497Yes, that is foie gras crowning a nice piece of tuna. I was kinda hesitant about the missus ordering this; but of course it had foie gras, which was decently prepared if a bit over-cooked. The tuna was actually perfectly cooked; quite rare and not dry.

To be perfectly honest, the Missus enjoyed the fennel, lima beans, and the wonderfully earthy mushrooms the best. I gotta say; the portion size on this was quite generous.

As was the portion size of the Entrecot of Veal.

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Again, quite a large cut of veal, cooked perfectly for my tastes, decently tender. The mushrooms were again our favorite item on the plate.

The Mousse tiede d'epoisse was our least favorite dish. This was served separately and the flavors were so strong it as hard to enjoy.

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Man, that cheese was so salty and the croutons on the bottom of the mousse; which tasted like gingerbread just added more strong flavors.

As for the rest of the desserts, well, the Missus enjoyed them.

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Overall, we thought the meal was quite worth the price. The service was a bit spotty but quite pleasant and we were pleasantly surprised with our meal.

Aupres du Clocher
1 rue de Nackenheim
Pommard, France

Man, after that meal I needed to rest up. Plus we still had dinner reservations. 

Montreal – Notre-Dame Basilica, Vieux – Montreal, Maison Christian Faure, and Atwater Market

After arriving and getting into Montreal rather late the previous evening. Both the Missus and I had a long (for us) and deep sleep. After waking and taking care of a few things we were ready to go. There was rain in the forecast, so we decided to head on out. Our location was very convenient for checking out Old Montreal.

There's an interesting vibe to Montreal, artsy and trendy, yet down to earth, international and diverse, it does indeed feel like "somewhere else", but the people are friendly and not stuffy.

And just after our first evening! Things that were going through my head as we strolled past Place Jean-Paul Riopelle, which is named after the Artist. The fountain is one of his works named "La Joute" (The Joust), which was once located at Olympic Park, but was moved here when this park was created. It actually runs over Autoroute 720.

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There was really only one place that I really needed to see in Montreal; everything else on my list was food. I'd made dinner reservations for five of the six nights we were in Quebec.

I just wanted to see this:

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The interior of the Basilique Notre-Dame de Montreal ("Notre-Dame Basilica"). It is indeed as beautiful as the photos I've seen. At this time of the day not too crowded either. From the intricate wood carving to the 24 carat gold stars in the ceiling it is quite a site. You can find a nice concise history here

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Of course many famous events have taken place here; from the funeral of Pierre Trudeau to the wedding of Celine Dion. Here's one interesting fact I got from one of my favorite Websites (and books) Atlas Obscura. There's only one person buried in the crypt under the basilica. It's the American who designed this version of the church; James O'Donnell. According to Atlas Obscura, O'Donnell wished to be buried in his most renowned work. The problem being, well, he was not Catholic. On his deathbed, he converted, and thus, became the only soul buried in the crypt….which he designed.

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The square in front of the Basilica is Place d'Armes; surrounded by some pretty impressive structures like the Banque de Montreal Building.

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At two corners of the building at 500 Place d'Armes are two interesting statues. Each is facing away from one another, but the pooches in their arms know better.

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We then headed down Notre Dame Street passing the Palais de Justice and the Vieux (Old) Palais de Justice, now the Service des Finances building, then the Hotel de Ville (City Hall).

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IMG_5318 IMG_5322Things didn't seem very busy on this morning; perhaps because it was quite overcast and it was supposed to rain. We headed further down the street and took a right on Rue Bonsecours. Right down the street is pretty looking church; the Chapelle de Notre Dame de Bonsecours. This is known as the "Sailor's Church" because this is where seamen came to give thanks for being saved at sea. It was still rather early in the day and the church wasn't open yet.

Taking a right at the church, you run into a building you can't miss; the dome of the Marche Bonsecours. Opened in 1847; this was home to the Parliament of Canada in 1849, it was the Montreal City Hall from 1852 – 1878. It also served as the city's main market for over a century. It closed as market in 1963 and I read that it was scheduled to be demolished. But, as you can clearly see, that, thankfully didn't happen.

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The iconic structure now houses various shops and restaurants. Again, we passed before the place opened, but it was nice a quiet. More on the history of the Marché Bonsecours here. Walking pass, you enter the popular cobblestone streets of Old Montreal.

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We decided to stop for a caffeine fix and something small to eat at the highly recommended Maison Christian Faure.

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Christian Faure is the recipient of the Meilleur Ouvrier de France in Baking a very prestigious title. This shop was right of Place Royale and seemed perfect for a short stop.

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The place however, in spite of the best intentions of the staff was a hot mess….I watched customers sitting around waiting for espresso…we were seated and left stranded without menus for 10 minutes….after flagging down the harried young man and placing our order, we then waited 30 minutes for a croissant, espresso, and iced espresso. Customers were just getting up and asking for their checks. The poor Server apologized telling us it was his first day….but where was his support?

IMG_5338 IMG_5337The croissant was not my our liking; as it was too chewy, lacking in the flakiness or the light buttery flavor we look for. It was also a bit dry as well.

The espresso were fine.

We felt bad for the staff….and the customers.

Maison Christian Faure
355 Place Royale
Montreal, Canada

Upon leaving, the weather seemed to be holding out. The Missus decided that She wanted to visit Atwater Market….and She wanted to walk there! So we did.

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So we headed down Rue Notre Dame….I got to show Her other places I had on my "list" that we wouldn't have time to check out like Joe Beef and Liverpool House. We took a turn at Atwater Avenue and……

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The place wasn't very busy on this morning and it was too early for the food stands.

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There were the usual suspects….a location of Premiere Moisson, etc. But nothing caught the Missus's attention.

As we turned and made our way out, we decided to check out this cheese shop.

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The shop carried all types of produce, the Missus got some Kombucha, and then we headed to the cheese counter where we met the nicest, friendliest gentleman who chatted with us about our preferences in cheese. We monetuioned enjoying strong and pungent washed rind cheese and he explained that Quebec really doesn't specialize in that type of cheese, but made a recommendation; a L'Origine de Charlevoix from Laiterie Charlevoix and one he gave us a sample of, which was fantastic; a Tomme de Grosse Île from Fromagerie Île-aux-Grues.

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That Tomme de Grosse Île was really good; semi-soft, mildly grassy and sweet, slight acidity and butteriness, with mild salt. Very complex flavors, none of which over-powered the other.

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Even better than the cheese was how gracious the gentleman at La Fromagerie Atwater was. We'd gladly return.

La Fromagerie Atwater
134 Avenue Atwater
Montreal, Canada

As we left Atwater Market, it began to drizzle. We ducked into the Lionel-Groulx station and still having that 24 hours metro pass, caught the Green Line back to Place-des-Arts which was two blocks from our hotel.

It was time to relax, enjoy some cheese, and take a nice nap.

Thanks for reading! 

Los Pollos Cuban Bakery – The House of Cuban Flavor (Chula Vista)

Thanks for returning to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Kirk is very busy at work this week, Ed (from Yuma) is busy learning the ins and outs of his new computer and that means Cathy is writing today's post…she isn't as busy as she had been.

I've been in Chula Vista a lot this year, always noticing this small storefront in a far corner of a mall anchored by a CVS and Grocery Outlet.IMG_3359Finally having time to drive South without needing to rush, The Mister and I stopped here for a light lunch.
  IMG_3338Small, with only two tables inside and four tables out in front, the limited menu looked interesting.    IMG_3332  IMG_3336There are two display counters.  The one on the left has heated items (typical Cuban bakery items) while the one on the right is refrigerated.  The refrigerated items were what I would call 'eclectic international desserts'- European fruit topped custard pie, coconut macaroons, French macaron, Italian cannoli,  custard, rice pudding and flan.
IMG_3337 Even though the first items of the menu listings indicate a relationship to the name of 'Los Pollos' as the specialty here, the rotisserie chicken wasn't ready and so we ordered a couple of items from the warm display,   IMG_3340IMG_3346 a chicken empanada ($1.79) and a meat pastry ($1.65). The chicken empanada was baked (not fried). The wonderful simple flavors of rotisserie chicken mixed with garlic and tomato wrapped in the fresh pastry was delicious.  About the size of my palm, the whole empanada had quite enough filling; its ratio with the amount of pastry was just right.

The filling for the meat pastry was a very nice picadillo -ground beef mixed with vegetables. The delightful, crispy puff pastry was perfect. This serving was quite large and very good.   IMG_3350 IMG_3353
We ordered a Cuban sandwich ($6.50) and were surprised to see it was served with plantain chips as a side.  Those fried snacks, unsalted, are just a perfect compliment to the pressed sandwich, filled with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese as well as a salty pickle and mustard. Of course, the bread was wonderful.  
IMG_3341 IMG_3357Since we had ordered a small cup of Americano coffee to share, well, there was this cheese pastry ($1) in the warm counter that I really wanted to try.  It, too, was wonderful.  Just a bit of a sort of cream cheese/ricotta like cheese mix, surrounded by a sugared puff pastry.  

We will return for the chicken…soon. 

Here is a link to cc's visit, which I read and immediately forgot; should've stopped here sooner.

Los Pollos Cuban Bakery 1372 Third Avenue Chula Vista 91911 (619) 870-1225 Mon-Sat 10 A.M.- 8 P.M., Sun 9 A.M.-5 P.M.
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Rose Donuts (near USD) Revisit

mmm-yoso!!! is back, with Cathy writing because Kirk is too busy to write and Ed (from Yuma) is too exhausted to write.  

I posted about Rose Donuts almost three years ago and despite visiting here multiple times in the interim, just didn't bother posting again. (That post was primarily written to focus on the exclusive item sold here, a blueberry fritter, which has, sadly, been discontinued). Since I had a wonderful breakfast sandwich at Winchell's, I thought a few posts focusing on breakfast sandwiches at donut places would be a good topic, especially since that's been my latest way of getting breakfast. 

IMG_0322This location, on the South East corner of Linda Vista Road at Napa, is open 24/7 and is family run.  

IMG_3053The menu has remained the same (other than periodic price increases) with croissants, bagels and toasted bread being the choices for sandwiches and a 'combo' including a beverage and a donut or six donut holes.

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IMG_0317Here's a turkey, egg and cheese on wheat toast ($5.65/$7.15) which can be  good any time of the day.  It also appears to be a bit healthier than other choices. IMG_0313However, the "Southern"- a croissant filled with ham, egg and cheese (two types) ($5.05/$6.55) is so tasty!  IMG_0973The "Sunrise"-egg and cheese on wheat ($5.05/$6.55) is basic, simple and just a very good sandwich.IMG_0977The "Sunshine"- a croissant with ham, bacon, egg and cheese ($5.05/$6.55) is simply decadent and a wonderful way to start the day.  IMG_0972Here is part of a combo enjoyed one morning.  The raised donuts are so very good here.IMG_0309The buttermilk old fashioned donut is also delightful in its cake-like texture. 

Rose Donuts 5201 Linda Vista Road San Diego, CA 92110 (619)294-8856 open 24/7

 

Peterson’s Donuts (Escondido)

This is a food blog named mmm-yoyo!!!  Kirk usually writes here, but is preoccupied.  Ed(from Yuma) is also indisposed.  Cathy is writing a short Friday post.

When we are in Escondido (most recently at Pegah's, but we've been to other places, which have been (and will be, again) posted (eventually), we try to stop at Peterson's Donut Corner, which I have posted about one time and mentioned briefly in a donut compendium post, as well as in another compendium involving ham and cheese baked into bread.

IMG_1797Petersons is on the corner of Ninth and Escondido Boulevard, about four cross streets (at the second signal light-East) from Pegah's. IMG_1491
There is a board with pricing just above the ordering windows; it's not all crazy expensive here.  Besides, walking along the side windows to see what's availableIMG_1484 IMG_1485 IMG_1490will probably make you not even think about price when ordering. IMG_1792This is the maple-bacon bar; it is $3.75, heavy and about 8 inches in length. One of the most expensive items here.
IMG_1495One order satisfied many cravings, with an orange frosted(with orange peel bits) cake donut($1.10), a chocolate cake donut topped with chocolate frosting and peanuts ($1.10) and a cherry filled fried tortilla/roll($2) IMG_1498When we returned recently, other cravings existed and  IMG_1803One dozen donut holes(raised are 15¢ each, cake are 30¢ each), along with a cinnamon roll (with raisins, $2.10; plain is $2) IMG_1807were our choices. The raisins are plentiful and in all of the rolled length of the roll. So good.

A long time (since 1942), local owned, old fashioned, classic donut shop. 

Peterson's Donut Corner 903 S. Escondido Boulevard, Escondido 92025 (760) 745-7774  IMG_1786

Mary’s Donuts- Lakeside

mmm-yoso!!!, one of many food blogs on the internet. This one is written by three friends, two of them (Kirk and Ed (from Yuma)) are too busy and/or tired to post today, so Cathy is writing a short   post on this gloomy, wet and cold day.  IMG_0113 If you've been to East County, you might recognize the symbol.

 IMG_3293It looks like it was taken off of the original Mary's Donuts in Santee, which closed almost a year ago after being in that location more than 30 years; the new Santee location has it.  The newest location is in Lakeside, near the end of Highway 67, on Maine Street; that's a new donut symbol.  cc was there at the Grand Opening!IMG_0109IMG_0095IMG_0093 IMG_0111 Yes, these photos were taken over the December holiday season; the windows were decorated and red and green frosting was used in a festive way. The selection of donuts is tremendous, fresh and, as always, tasty. (That giant one, next to the apple fritters on the top shelf is a 'Birthday Donut', $10)IMG_0091  At the cash register, I noticed signage regarding sandwich choices.  Not just donuts for lunch!IMG_0108 The sandwiches are $6.99 and this turkey with cheddar choice was really good; a good amount of high quality thinly shaved quite flavorful turkey.  Standard toppings of lettuce, tomato, mayo, no onion.  It was served on a fresh, toasted croissant, probably from Costco.  I like basic, good quality sandwiches.IMG_0106A ham and egg breakfast sandwich, with lettuce and tomato and mayo really hit the spot.  Again, a good amount of high quality ham along with the freshly scrambled eggs.  A great meal.
IMG_0102Of course, we came here for donuts.  My favorite, a French cruller ($0.95), with green frosting (just to be festive; if blindfolded, I would not know if it were plain glazed or frosted, much less color) and the ever popular, quite large, quite apple filled, apple fritter ($1.90), which was shared and taken home to be shared again later.  

A great, local place. Stay safe!

Mary's Donuts-Lakeside 10101 Maine Avenue Lakeside, Ca 92040 (619) 334-5272 Always open