Breakfast/Brunch – Page 14

From Parma to Ferrara

September 7, 2018 mmm-yoso Breakfast/Brunch, Emilia-Romagna, Italy, Italy, Travel

*** Not much food in this one

After having a huge meal in Piacenza we drove back to the Agritourismo to find out that they had moved us to a smaller room! Apparently, they had reservations for a fairly large family who had booked a small room. We were told that they had tried to contact us, but were unsuccessful……and just decided to move us to a smaller room. Hmmm……well, at least they only charged us half the price for our "new" room….which unfortunately, was in the main building and was really loud….well, whatever. We did manage a nap and woke when folks started heading out for the evening. Still not hungry, we decided to head on back to Parma. I still had my parking stub from the previous day and we managed to find parking in basically the exact same spot, so I didn't have to pay.

We crossed at Ponte di Mezzo and noticed that folks below at Piazza Ghiaia were having a good old time.

As we walked down the stairs I cracked up……it appears that they were having some kind of American themes "50's" night……check out the billboards in the arcade area!

And of course the food trucks were serving burgers……

Among other things.

Our favorite part was watching the band and the folks dancing.

In some ways it seemed like a celebration of being American, in a way we don't really do anymore. It was a lot of fun……

Soon enough we headed back to our room and crashed, awaking the next morning before anyone…..

Grabbing some breakfast and then heading out.

Had things been perfectly timed, it would have been logical to head to Modena next. However, because of some critical dinner reservations, there was an extra night. So, I decided that we might enjoy spending a night in Ferrara. I got us a very nice room right outside the city walls….with parking. The woman who ran the B&B was so nice and the room was huge. It was just a short walk into the city.

Remember how I mentioned that Piacenza was pretty empty on Easter and we were told that folks liked to get out of big cities on holidays? Well, I think most of them were here.

Ferrara itself is quite stunning….more on that in a future post. The entire center of town was a market on this day….and we bought a few gifts.

And perhaps should have bought a few more?

The city is quite beautiful.

And charming. Piazza Trento e Trieste is pretty much the main square in Ferrara, right in front of the Cathedral. This is where we saw what might be our favorite street performer of all time, a puppeteer, who just had the Missus mesmerized, with his performance of a dog trying to impress his "love" to Louie Armstrong's version of La Vie en Rose.

Other dogs passing by would start barking at the puppet…..the gestures, the movement….the "pooch" even got scolded for peeing once….all while trying to impress his "lady friend". We gave this guy 2 Euros and he probably deserved more. When I went to put the coins in his container I noticed that it was almost full! This puppeteer was that good.

Here are a couple of excerpts.

We still watch these every so often. Hope you enjoy them!

And thanks for stopping by!

Sage Cafe (Barona Casino) -Cathy’s way of beating the heat (again)

September 1, 2018 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, What Cathy Eats!

Well, here you are on your device looking at mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Perhaps you are looking for ideas of places to eat. Today Cathy is writing because Kirk is enjoying this Labor Day weekend by not using a device.

Like many of you, I lurk more than I comment on other blogs, websites and Facebook pages. With the hot and humid weather (the longest heat wave in 34 years), people were asking 'what restaurant has good air conditioning?' and having online conversations, looking for a place to cool down. I had two immediate answers-bowling alleys and casinos. This is the casino post.

Yes, I did write about Sage Cafe, inside Barona Casino, just a few months ago. The food here is very good. The air conditioning is wonderful.

Sage Cafe is the restaurant at the Hotel entrance to the casino. which has a view of the Golf Course. The menu is available 24/7. Breakfast choices are simple.

Coffee and orange juice along with fresh fruit and a chocolate croissant and banana nut muffin, is the Continental Breakfast here ($7.95) The banana nut muffin was really good; tall, banana fresh flavor and crispy pecans on top.
The chocolate croissant was meh too sweet, not really flaky. Still, a really good, easy breakfast. The Ilpay Eggs Benedict ($9.95) Wonderfully perfect poached eggs, Canadian bacon, a lemony house-made hollandaise sauce on top of a toasted English muffin. This was served with some really well made hash browns. All in all, a great breakfast.
We returned for lunch about a week later (gosh it was so nice to be in air conditioned comfort). Fresh rolls (sourdough and wheat) were brought out before we ordered. Fluffy with a crisp crust; didn't really need butter.

One of the choices of soup that day was turkey chili. Just enough heat and plenty of turkey and beans. Would order again…in the bowl size, as a meal.
The chili was the side chosen with the fish and chips($11.95). Lightly battered, the two large pieces of solid cod were amazing in flavor. The skin on fries were plentiful and expertly fried.
French onion soup ($4.95) was one of the best I've ever had.
I combined this with a wedge salad ($5.95) and receiveda $2.50 discount on the soup; so that worked out and I had all the flavors and textures craved. Another great experience at a casino.

Sage Cafe at Barona Resort and Casino 1932 Wildcat Canyon Road Lakeside Ca 92040 1-888-7BARONA open 24 hours website

JoYee’s (Chinese breakfast, Jian Bing and cafe) (inside original 99Ranch complex)

August 30, 2018 Cathy Breakfast/Brunch, Chinese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog. Cathy is writing today; Kirk is starting a long weekend of relaxing; He's earned it.

A few months ago, E and Drink, located inside the Original 99Ranch complex, closed. Finally new signage came up and The Mister and I were curious.

We read the menu one morning, but decided to go across the hall to Sam Woo for breakfast. When we left there was a line of people ordering and waiting for 'to go' orders and tables. (Click and enlarge this photo to read the menu)
We returned on a weekday morning. You order, pay, get a buzzer and find a seat. For a first visit, we decided to try a soybean milk (no sugar)(warm) ($1.69) and a donut ($1.99). I really liked the soybean milk, the donut was fresh made, very hot and it was oily. Nevertheless, I liked it and tore pieces to put into the soybean milk as well as some of our other breakfast selections.

It was around 10 a.m. and we figured a tea egg ($0.99) would be a nice snack. The egg was hot when brought to the table, but it was pitiful; no tea markings or flavor…a hard boiled egg.

We also decided to try the millet porridge ($2.69) which desperately needed some flavor, although it was not to mushy and quite tasty in a fresh millet sort of way. Fortunately the tabletop condiments helped.

Also on the breakfast menu, a Laver and Egg Soup ($2.69) was ordered and this needed no additions. After we were finished we noticed wontons on the breakfast menu and made a mental note to try those next time…with the mung bean and rice porridge, thereby completing the breakfast menu.

We returned a few days later. The cucumber salad appetizer ($2.99) was a natural choice. It was great to have alone and with the rest of our order as a 'palate cleanser'.
We also ordered the Noodle with Wood Ear and Pork ($8.99) from the far right side of the menu. This was a large serving with some pretty good, stretchy (but clumped) noodles topped with wood ear mushrooms, pork, tofu, carrots and cucumber. The flavor combination was excellent. Near the end, we added soy and chili sauce, just to jazz up the flavors.

When you first see the menu, the far left column is Jian Bing ($5.49, the base price). A savory egg crepe, Jian Bing is usually a breakfast item, but served all day here.
There is a nice lady in the back making the crepes for all to watch (the rest of the kitchen is behind).
The crepe is made with two eggs, green onion, sesame seeds, a 'biscuit' and a homemade chili sauce (I asked for light chili; the chili sauce on the table is different than the sauce inside the Jian Bing. )

The 'biscuit' is that crispy wonton skin. The combination of flavors and textures in this snack was wonderful. You can add on to the Jian Bing: dry meat, spicy beef, lunch meat and/or a Chinese donut. I don't think any of the add ons were necessary, but many people around us did have a big ol' Chinese donut stuffed into their order. You might have noticed on the menu board that the beverages are Buy One Get One during the Grand Opening period. We ordered Liji Matcha with Cheese Foam ($4.75). I've read about cheese foam drinks and wanted to try this. The matcha milk tea was a good quality matcha (I asked for low sugar) with some tannin notes. The cheese foam top was a treat in itself-like light whipped cream cheese topped with matcha powder. The cups are reusable, with interesting lids which I've not seen elsewhere (if you read the article, one Instagrammer (sp?) recommended to not use a straw and let the foam of the cheese blend with the tea.)

All in all, quite nice. We will go back to try more of the menu.

Who else has been here? Kirbie was here in early August (she didn't like the Jian Bing, but I don't know any better and thought it was tasty).

JoYee's 7330 Clairmont Mesa Blvd San Diego 92111 (858) 302-9394 Open Daily 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

2019 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade Float Road Test #3 (meals at Kolache Factory (Tustin) and Douglas Burgers #23 (Lake Elsinore))

August 29, 2018 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Bakery, Breakfast/Brunch, Festivals & Events, Los Angeles County, Ontario/Riverside/San Bernadino, CA, Orange County, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, this is a food blog. The first part of today's post will be about the events centered around food. Cathy is writing; Kirk is on a break.

For your convenience: here are links to Road Tests #1/2 Road Tests #4/5 and Road Test #6

Another road test of mechanics and maneuverability for floats participating in the 130th Tournament of Roses Rose Parade, which will roll down the streets of Pasadena (and on your television) on January 1, 2019 occurred last Saturday at Phoenix Decorating Company in Irwindale. (There are three other float builders as well as six 'self built' floats participating in the Parade).

There's a surreal quality to each float, and the Lions Clubs International entry for this parade is just so cute. "Rocking' The Vest" is a fun "rap" video title from 2011-the inspiration for this float (Lions wear a distinctive yellow vest when volunteering). A Boom Box is on the back seat of the Cadillac, part of having a 'musical instrument' on each float- in accordance with the theme-
The Melody of Life.

"Home Tweet Home is the entry from the City of Alhambra. The large bird outside of the birdhouse moves her head.

Shriners Clubs International features their mascot, Fezzy, on their float, "Fezzy's Garden of Hope and Healing". The butterfly on top of Fezzy's hat (a Fez), flutters.
United Sikh Mission has a float in the Rose Parade for a fifth year. It features a Rabab, a stringed instrument played by the founder (in 1500) of the Sikhs, Guru Nanak. The float title is "A Divine Melody Resonates In All". The message of peace, compassion and one loving God, the foundation of Sikh belief, will be featured in a unique song, "Eternal Cosmic Symphony" by Ghat Ghat Vaaje Naad.

Other floats were tested, in the shell stage; I'll be showing progress next month.

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Here's the food portion of this post.

We leave at 5 a.m., get to Tustin by 6:15 and stop somewhere within the vicinity of Red Hill Avenue. The Kolache Factory is a good choice for a quick snack.
Three kolaches were more than filling for the two of us. The most 'traditional' is the cherry topped sweet dough ($1.75), our 'breakfast dessert'.
The smaller kolache is a bacon-cheese filled delight ($2.45) which is a wonderful, savory, slightly sweet white dough.
The sausage, egg & cheese kolache in wheat dough (there's a choice) ($3.45) is larger, heavier and a filling meal for one; ideal if shared.

Kolache Factory #070 14091 Newport Avenue Tustin, CA 92780 (714) 730-2253 website

Those kolaches were filling! We weren't hungry after float viewing and drove over to the 15 freeway when hunger pangs started to set in. The Mister looked for 'breakfast' on his phone and the next exit (Central Avenue) in Lake Elsinore showed two places of interest. We stopped at the first one.

Douglas Burgers, #23. A few mentions (on Yelp) go back to 2009, saying it has been here 'forever', before the housing build up.

The long kitchen (under the menu board) has six flat top grills and an employee at each one. The drive through seems to move fast.

The Pancake Combo ($6.75) includes two (large) pancakes, three eggs (any style) and two sausage (or bacon). The pancakes are excellent; sweet and light with a thin crisp exterior. The sausage was good (skin on). Eggs perfectly cooked over easy.

There was a lot of bacon inside this breakfast sandwich ($6.25), even a piece on the exterior. Egg, cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise: each bite perfect.

Douglas Burgers #23 18461 Dexter Avenue Lake Elsinore, CA 92532 (951)245-5441 Open Mon-Sat 6 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

The French Oven (Scripps Ranch)

August 18, 2018 Cathy Bakery, Breakfast/Brunch, Desserts, What Cathy Eats!

Here we are, back reading mmm-yoso!!! to see what food and/or adventure Kirk or Cathy has recently had. It's Cathy's turn to write.

Earlier this year, I was in a residential neighborhood (Avenida Magnifica, a two lane street with houses on either side) and saw a Recreation Center on the left and on my right, a small mall with a dog groomer, four pump gas station, liquor store, taco shop, a hair and nails place, dental office, pizza place and a small doctors office. In the corner, between the dental office and hair salon is The French Oven.

This is the menu of what's available in the counter. There's also another menu board listing prices of pre-order whole items (tarts and quiches).  It's not large inside; two glass refrigerated cases and a glass window at eye level. The breads available are to the right. There are some salads, fruit cups and fresh juice in the open refrigerated section just below along with bottled/canned beverages. Of course there is coffee available, in many forms. A (proper) nice baguette is $3.
Sweets behind the glass window.
Ham and cheese croissant ($4.75)
Black forest ham, Gruyere and Béchamel. Wonderful flavors on a buttery croissant.  There are 'egg bites' and quiches.

The Lorraine ($6.75) includes bacon, ham, onion and Swiss. It is quite a large serving. The pastry is light and crumbly. So very fresh. There is a selection of sandwiches on baguettes, around $8.
Or, if you aren't as hungry, there is a smaller sandwich on a ficelle (Similar to a baguette but thinner; 'ficelle' means 'string' in French) ($4.95).
Prosciutto, Brie, arugula and fig spread. The combination of salty, sweet, tart/bitter with the yeasty bread is just so right.

So many sweets to choose from. The pear tart ($4.75) was excellent. There's a layer of pastry cream on the crumbly crust, then the glaze and pear and nuts and a blackberry and it's all so very, very decadent.
Pretty much every time I feel overwhelmed with choices, reverting back to an old favorite, the almond croissant ($4.25) will always be a choice.

There are more items available, especially on weekends. Tables are out in front. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

The French Oven 10299 Scripps Trail San Diego 92131 (858) 536-8706 Open Wed-Sun 7-a.m.-3 p.m. Website

2019 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float road tests #1 and 2 and Cream Pan (Tustin), The Donut Man and Peppertree Cafe (Glendora)

August 6, 2018 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Bakery, Breakfast/Brunch, Festivals & Events, Los Angeles County, Orange County, What Cathy Eats!

Usually there are reasons as to why we stop and eat somewhere. Cathy is showing you some meals and snacks consumed while on the way to and from a regular event, as well as the event. Kirk is busy.

Other float road tests for the 2019 Parade: Road test #3, Road Tests #4/5 and Road Test #6.

I'll write about food in the first part of this post.

Wake at 4 a.m., leave the house at 5 a.m., drive North, exit at Red Hill Avenue. There's a Starbucks. Two lights North, take a left and there is Cream Pan.We hadn't been here since January Everything is fresh (Cream Pan opens at 6 a.m.) and wonderful here. Ham and cheese baked in a croissant ($2.60) (a common order wherever I go) and, of course, a strawberry croissant ($1.50). We also purchased some raisin rolls ($3) for later snacks.

Cream Pan 602 El Camino Real Tustin, CA 92780 (714)655-8239 Website 6 am-7pm daily

Glendora, East of Irwindale and 'on the way home'/Route 66. I've written a short combination-post then a specific post about The Donut Man, a Glendora treasure. It is indeed 'Peach Donut Season'. This was the line before 9 a.m.. This walk up donut shop is almost always open. It's easy; the line starts to the left in the photo.
Check out the donuts in the window,
order and pay. Done.
The fresh peach donut ($4.50) and a Tiger Tail ($1.95) were all we wanted…this time. Fresh peach has been out Since July 21 and usually are only available for three or so weeks a year. So good. So fresh.

The Donut Man 915 E. Route 66 Glendora, CA 91740 (626) 335-9111 Open 24 hours, closed some holiday weekends. Website

Just across the street and East (into the sun) from Donut Man, Is the Peppertree Cafe.

Located in Glendora more than 20 years, this Family Style restaurant can get very crowded on weekends. Fortunately we were here before 9 a.m..

My order from the whiteboard at the front- Grilled Club Sausage links with two eggs and two sides ($9.99). The "sides" to select from were plenty: not only toast, hash browns and O'Brien potatoes, but french fries, biscuits and gravy, refried beans, tortillas, cottage cheese, fresh fruit, cup of oatmeal, one pancake, peach halves, pineapple, sliced banana, sliced tomatoes or a baked muffin. As you can see, I chose a single pancake and the sliced tomatoes. This was wonderful. The Club Sausage links were *so good*- skin on, coarse grind, a good spice blend.

The Mister ordered the Chicken Fried Steak ($9.99) and chose cottage cheese and fresh fruit as his sides. This huge serving (there are three large eggs included along with two sides) really hit the spot. The 'crust' on the fried steak was right on the edge of being burned by about ten seconds, but managed to turn out quite perfect and amazing. If we lived closer, Peppertree Cafe would be a regular stop.

Peppertree Cafe 1020 E. Route 66 Glendora, CA 91740 Website Sun-Thurs 6 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri-Sat 6a.m.-10 p.m.

Now, the reason we were 'up north'…

In mid-January, the Theme (with banner design) and President of the 2019 Tournament of Roses were announced. Float designs were submitted, reviewed, accepted and float building began. In June and July, The Mister and I drove to Phoenix Decorating Company in Irwindale to view some of the floats undergoing testing of safety and maneuverability.
The theme for 2019 is "The Melody of Life". Each float will have a reference to music in some shape or form on each float. "Service Rocks" the 2019 Rotary International float, looks to be a reference to the song 'Crocodile Rock', with the crocodile playing a keyboard and wearing heart shaped (Elton John-style) glasses.
Kiwanis International float is a Jukebox and will have an Elvis impersonator onboard. The 2019 float title is "Helping Kids Rock Their Future"; a great way of combining the theme of the parade with the goal of this Service Organization.

The International Order of Oddfellows and Rebekahs 2019 float, "200 years of Harmony" is commemorating the longevity of this Service Organization in North America. The calliope as the music source on this float should be fun!
"Joy To The World, The Lord Is Come" is the 2019 entry by the Lutheran Hour Ministries. This will be the 69th year for the only Christian themed float in the parade, decorated by about 5000 "Petal Pushers" volunteers who also assist with decorating other Service floats. The 'music' portion of this float will be performed by a choir. Of course.
A month ago, the Lions Clubs International float, "Rockin The Vest", was rebar, plywood and screening.
The other day, it was in a 'cocoon' and will be colored in for the testing next month. The title "Rockin' The Vest" is in reference to the yellow vests which Lions Clubs International members wear when volunteering (Lions Club is the world's largest Community Service Organization) AND it is also in reference to a 2011 'Rap' video, 'Rockin' The Vest', a fun music video designed to appeal to younger potential members. So fitting in this 2019 theme of 'The Melody of Life'. That's a boom box on the back of the car.

There were more floats tested, you'll see progress next month.

Tokyo – Breakfast and We’re Off to Nikko

July 27, 2018 mmm-yoso Breakfast/Brunch, Japan, Tokyo, Kamakura, and the Kantō Region, Travel

After another wonderful dinner at our favorite restaurant, we slept well, but got up quite early on this Saturday morning. You see, the Missus had always wanted to visit Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; known for it's ornate shrines lying within green, woody, hillsides. A combination of nature and a celebration of the glory of the Edo period. It is about this place that Ieyasu Tokugawa is quoted as saying "Build a small shrine in Nikko and enshrine me as the God. I will be the guardian of peace keeping in Japan." In fact; his mausoleum is located in the lavish, opulent, Tōshōgū Shrine.

But first, we needed sustenance. We were given breakfast vouchers for the coffee shop located next to the hotel at street level. It was obviously a 24 hour coffee shop as we noticed quite a few young men who had missed the last train the night before.

We'd been told stories by friends in Japan about missing the last train and having to stay in either a Karaoke room, the local Mickey D's, or coffee shops. Many of which will let you sleep so long you purchase something.

Breakfast was simple, but enough for us.

Having JR Passes, we caught the train from Yotsuya to Tokyo Station, then the Shinkansen to Utsunomiya, where we changed to the JR Nikko line. It took about 2 hours overall, but as is typical for train travel in Japan, the trip was seamless.

Of course, part of the fun was people watching, as folks have their own unique way of expressing themselves in Japan.

And, one must not forget the entertaining signs….the messages are pretty loud and clear, regardless of the language.

We had a 30 minute layover in Utsunomiya, where we did some shopping and bought a few gifts.

Then it was the 49 minute train ride to Nikko.

It would be drizzly and overcast during our entire time in Nikko, and yet, it just seemed to add a certain "air" to things.

We'd been sitting on various trains getting to Nikko, so of course the Missus decided that instead of taking the bus ride up to the temple area; we should walk. I was in total agreement since there was much to see along the way.

As you approach the temple area there are more and more shops. I thought this phone booth was quite interesting.

Just a block away is the iconic Shinkyo Bridge.

Which you see in thousand of photographs. It is indeed beautiful.

It is said that this is the spot where the monk Shodo Shonin, who was one of the founders of Nikko was carried across the river on the backs of two serpents.

Right across the street is the entrance to Nikko's shrines and temples.

Up the stairs bordered by moss covered stones you'll run into a statue of Shodo Shonin himself.

Along the way you'll pass walls that are covered with moss…….that may have been here for hundreds of years. It sure does add "atmosphere"……

I think I'll stop for now…..more to come in the next post……

Here's one last look at the Shinkyo Bridge.

Thanks for dropping by!

La Mesa Bistro and Bakery (revisits)

July 25, 2018 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Bakery, Breakfast/Brunch, Salads, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

Here you are, looking at mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Kirk is relaxing after a long day at work and Cathy is writing today's post.

I've only written about La Mesa Bistro and Bakery two other times and it's been a while. I apologize. This restaurant, hidden in a far corner of a busy group of storefronts (including Chopsticks Inn) on La Mesa Boulevard (just behind Dieter Fischers, the Mercedes repair shop) has been here since at least 2009. Almost everything is made from scratch, is quality. The menu is amazingly similar to that of Swami's, which has one location just down the street.

Using the word 'menu' is incorrect. Sure, there's a large paper menu you can grab before ordering, but so many other choices are at the doorway, along the walls behind the cash register, on chalkboards around…nothing is repeated.
So, order, pay, find a seat and you can grab some water or some coffee (pick a country of origin; only two of those pump pots has flavored coffee). The paper menu touts "Old Fashioned Baking"- the breads, bagels and muffins here are fresh made and wonderfully perfect.
Reuben "The Chef" salad ($10.95). Reuben is the chef's name. This is a wonderful salad of mixed (organic) greens, cucumbers, sprouts, swiss and cheddar cheeses and the three meats…
ham, turkey and roast beef. Served with (house made) sourdough garlic cheese toast.
The Blue cheese dressing is made here. It's filled with chunks of blue cheese…almost too much (!)
The Lunch Sampler ($8.50) is 1/2 of any of the gourmet sandwiches served with a salad or cup of soup.
One of the daily soups is clam chowder. It is wonderful, filled with clams, clam juice, some potatoes and celery. Creamy (see that skin that formed on the top?) and just good.
I chose the 1/2 "Bistro Delight" sandwich. Turkey, Swiss, avocado, lettuce and tomato. A simple (turkey packed) and wonderful sandwich; the turkey is a great quality, the sourdough is just sour enough and the flavors are quite perfect. We returned because The Mister had a craving. Soup and salad. He got the Caesar salad (which was very nice)
and a bowl of the clam chowder…oh yes, he wanted this. It was, again, excellent.
I was wanting to order breakfast…and there was a chalkboard 'chicken omelette' listed ($8.95). Mild green chiles, tomato, eggs and plenty of meaty chicken pieces, avocado..house made salsa (not too hot; good) and rye toast (seedy and good) served with house made jam: cranberries, blackberries and apples. Oh, a side of fresh fruit (they make smoothies here you know; fresh fruit is always available).

A great local place.

La Mesa Bistro and Bakery 8697 La Mesa Boulevard La Mesa 91941 (619)589-0806 Open seven days 5:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Website

Tobey’s 19th Hole Cafe (revisit)

July 24, 2018 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, Burgers, Diner, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog, covering meals consumed near and far. Kirk is busy with meetings all day, so Cathy is writing a short post.

The Mister and I tend to take guests out to 'local' rather than 'trendy' places. The other day was no exception. I've written about this San Diego City golf course (since 1934) restaurant only a few other times in the past years, yet it is a regular stop, usually for a breakfast meal and the view.

The parking lot nearest the main building is sometimes crowded, but there are nearby 'overflow' lots.

Stepping inside the Clubhouse, the restaurant is to your left, the view is straight ahead. There's a bar area as well as tables and booths.
Have a seat by the window and notice how the menu cover reflects your view.
Breakfast is served all day here. You can get a one egg, one pancake two bacon (or sausage) meal for $7 or two eggs, two pancakes and two bacon (or sausage) for $9.25. The (extraordinarily large) pancakes are light and fluffy and really tasty (sweet without needing syrup). The eggs were perfectly over easy and the bacon was very good. All in all, a very large breakfast if you order the 'two' instead of 'one'. Coffee here is $3 and is constantly kept filled.
The menu board out front has breakfast and lunch specials and on this day, a choice of a hot roast beef or hot meatloaf sandwich ($10.25) were the lunch specials. I did order the hot beef, but received this hot meatloaf sandwich. Instead of returning it, I decided to try it. Good choice. A very nicely seasoned (chunks of tomato mixed in with a light breadcrumb) meatloaf on (my choice) wheat bread with gravy and mashed potatoes. A quite large serving and flavor filled.
The Mister ordered a Chili Size ($13.50), onions on the side (for me) and tots as his side dish choice. This is a wonderful meal. The bread is on the side; knowing it gets soggy, it's served this way. Kind of perfect. The chili, as always, is meaty, lightly spicy, has beans. Tots are the best choice of side here, unless you are craving a salad (or regular french fries or potato salad).

Another great meal with a great view in a San Diego neighborhood.

Tobey's 19th Hole 2600 Golf Course Dr. San Diego, CA 92102 (619) 234-5921 Open daily 6-6

Brunch at Urban Solace (and the “secret menu” item)

July 5, 2018 mmm-yoso American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, Cajun, Southern, and Soul Food

**** Urban Solace has closed

It's kind of strange; I thought I'd done a large post on Urban Solace before, but all I could find was a "burger week" post from back in 2009. Kind of strange since US was a favorite of the Missus for a couple of years. Regardless, the Missus had never had brunch at Urban Solace. And with us both having a nice leisure weekend day for a change, it felt like the right time to reacquaint ourselves.

We found parking rather quickly on Ray Street and stopped a couple of times as we made our way around the block to Urban Solace; which was pretty empty on this weekend morning.

I have to say; the service on this visit was outstanding, genial, professional, and the staff just seemed to have perfect timing.

Of course we started with the biscuits, which we just about perfect this time around.

Moist with a nicely balanced texture, hitting that sweet spot between fluffy and dense. It had a mild cheese flavor, which didn't over-power the biscuit, and we didn't even need the Orange-Honey Butter or Smoked Tomato Jam.

Since it was going to be noon-soon….we decided on some cocktails. The Missus picked something off the cocktail list; while I asked what the "Dealers Choice", basically the bartender's special was. And was rewarded with a refreshing, smokey, slightly herbal Mezcal-Chamomile Spritz. This was super good and not too sweet….in fact, the Missus ended up ordering one as well. Once She finished what She was drinking.

The Shrimp and Grits have always been a favorite of ours here; and this did not disappoint.

While the grits are perhaps…well, too refined (creamy) for my taste, it is still quite good. The shrimp….and there were five good sized ones in that little cast iron skillet were cooked and seasoned perfectly. Overall a very nice dish.

We also ordered the Beef Cheek Hash, which was probably our least favorite dish of the meal.

The beef cheeks were shredded finely, nice beefiness, but there wasn't very much of it. The eggs were cold. The potatoes were nice; but man, we're used to food being too salty these days; but this was a rarity as it really needed some salt! We ended up taking almost all of this home (except for the eggs). I fried up some lardons and added it to the leftovers for lunch the next day. And it still needed more salt!

Our wonderful Server asked us if we were interested in the daily special or per their definition the "secret menu"? As soon as she said "torchon de foie gras", we both answered "yes" at the same time. This was a huge portion and pretty good.

The torchon had a perfect texture; creamy, but with substance. It was a touch too sweet, but asked for some salt which brought the flavor back into balance. The toasts were nice; but for some strange reason; I loved having the foie gras with the biscuits. This is definitely a must order when we return….if they have it.

Here's the deal; when the torchon is available they only have enough product for five orders. I was told to call on the day of our visit to see if they had this or any other "secret menu" items. She also mentioned that for some reason; it's not very popular. Strange…..though I'm hoping it isn't popular the next time we visit!

Excellent service, nice cocktails that aren't overly sweet, and foie gras. Now that's a fairly successful brunch, don't you think?

Urban Solace Restaurant
3823 30th Street
San Diego, CA 92104
Hours:
Mon – Thurs 1130am – 930pm
Saturday 1030am – 1030pm
Sunday 930am – 230pm, 5pm – 9pm
Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays