Breakfast/Brunch – Page 15

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

Revisits – Bistro Kaz and Talavera Azul

June 27, 2018 mmm-yoso Asian Fusion/Pacific Rim/Hawaii Style Fusion, Breakfast/Brunch, Italian Restaurants, Japanese Restaurants, Mexican Restaurants

The restaurant landscape of San Diego sure has changed from when we moved here back in 2001. And while I still complain about the quality and the preference of style over substance…..I'm still not happy "just to have" something; it's sure nice to have some variety available. Here are two examples; one of lunch on Friday, then breakfast on Saturday, in two drastically different areas of San Diego.

Bistro Kaz:

My coworker "SJP" wanted to take me to lunch……how very sweet of her. At first I thought perhaps Korean would great. But the petite SJP is not a very big eater. She was also born in Japan. Even though my last visit to Bistro Kaz wasn't that great; I thought she'd appreciate the food.

The menu here has grown nicely since they first opened. It was a pretty warm day, so I chose the Cold Natto and Mekabu Pasta. The lunch combo came with a nice, refreshing, simple salad, and a passable pseudo egg drop soup.

But it was the pasta I was looking forward to. And it did not disappoint.

The pasta was cooked…well, just about as well as this type of pasta can be. It had a nice pull and was nicely chilled. The natto fragrance wasn't over-powering and combined with the slimy mekabu (the bottom area of the same seaweed that gives you wakame – it gets slimy when heated) gave the whole dish that wonderful "neba neba" sensation that I find satisfying. For some reason, this seemed quite refreshing and the yuzu kosho added a touch of spice and saltiness to the whole, beautiful mess.

SJP had a taste and thought it was delicious….so did I. But you know how much I enjoy natto and the memories it elicits. I think I'll have this again soon.

Bistro Kaz
3904 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111

Talavera Azul:

Yes, another post so soon. The next morning the Missus wanted Her Menudo Rojo fix. So we headed to Downtown Chula Vista and back to Talavera Azul.

And the Missus got Her menudo. This time around I finally found "my dish" here. The Sonoran Machaca with Easy Over Eggs.

The shredded beef is griddled with onions, peppers, and tomato; adding some nice crunchy bits of very flavorful beef. Who doesn't love drippy eggs (just kidding Jessica). Some beef wrapped in a tortilla with a smear of beans, potatoes, onions and cilantro, and finished with salsa….man, this was good. In fact, the Missus ate more than I did! And it was one of the rare occasions where we finished all the tortillas. The Missus took half the bowl of menudo home with Her!

We returned the following week with the same result. I'm guessing we'll be returning soon.

Talavera Azul
365 3rd Ave
Chula Vista, CA 91910

Alaska – Breakfast, Hope, and the Exit Glacier

June 23, 2018 mmm-yoso Alaska, Breakfast/Brunch, Travel

We slept quite well after a fun first day and dinner. There was nearly nineteen hours of sunlight during our stay and it was bright as noon when we finally got around to waking.

Breakfast was included in the price of our room at the Alyeska Resort

It was a pretty nice spread.

So the Missus and I got a plate……the cured salmon was quite good.

And the Missus and I decided to share an omelet. I made sure to put some reindeer sausage in it. Since I had to wait a few minutes for my eggs to cook, I had a nice chat with the guy at the omelet station. Who was from…….California of course!

Nice folks all around as they even gave us cups of coffee to go in take-out cups.

We checked out and made one more stop before heading toward Seward….at this place. We'd find that folks in Alaska have a great sense of humor as the name of this shop indicates.

The woman working here was very friendly; I watched her help a German couple with directions and recommendations for wildlife tours. We got a small gift for one of the Missus's coworkers. After looking at my credit card; she started talking to me in Japanese…..you gotta love it.

I've had more than one person tell me that the Seward Highway was the most beautiful highway they've driven on. Even on a slightly drizzly, overcast day, I can see why he said that.

We decided on a couple of detours on our way to Seward. The first was taking the Hope cut-off and driving to the little down of Hope. Gold was discovered in nearby Resurrection Creek in 1889 and then in Six Mile Creek. At first a collection of miner's tents, Hope became Alaska's first Gold rush town. By 1899, many of the folks had headed off to the Klondike. Today Hope is a collection of ourdoorsy types, campers, hikers, and rafters.

Our next stop was just outside Seward. At mile 3 of the Seward Highway, you make a turn and head up about eight and a half miles to the Exit Glacier at the end of the road.

From here we took two of the trails to explore. There are many signs along the way like this one.

These signs indicate where the exit glacier used to be in years past.

In fact; back in 1987, you'd be able to view the glacier from this pavilion.

It was quite a sobering experience.

The glacier itself is quite beautiful.

On the way back down we went to the outwash plain.

You could hike right to the edge of the glacier from here. But we decided just to enjoy the view from here.

Breakfast at Talavera Azul

June 4, 2018 mmm-yoso Breakfast/Brunch, Mexican Restaurants

The Missus is a big fan of Menudo Rojo; basically red menudo. Unfortunately, She hasn't found very many versions She likes in San Diego. If I mentioned a place; I have to go check it out first, then report back to Her. She was mentioning this to a colleague, who recommended a place in Downtown Chula Vista named Talavera Azul….this coworker also said the place had been featured on Food Network……that recommendation gave me pause….well, because I think some of the personalities have somewhat dubious taste. Anyway, I wasn't who I thought it was and heck, I did recall that "CC" had been there a few years ago. Plus, you know that I don't mind driving like 20 miles plus for breakfast on the weekends. The place was actually closer than Aqui Es Texcoco.

Both times we visited were just around 8 in the morning. And each time the place was almost full. On both occasions there was just one server working initially, with several others coming in over the next 20-30 minutes.

There was a wait on both visits, but it wasn't anything overly long…..

The Missus just wanted one thing…..

Which She got both times. On the first visit it was fantastic; just a tad of spice, mild offal flavor, the honeycomb tripe was crunchy but not hard. You knew there was tripe in this, but it wasn't super funky. The soup was steaming hot and the flavors melded together well, with some onions, a good amount of cilantro, a dash of oregano, and a squeeze of lime….it was quite good.

On the second visit, the broth wasn't as hot or rich, it lacked any chili flavor, though it was still decent. I'm hoping visit #1 is the norm. I'm sure we'll be back again soon.

Meanwhile, it seems that folks online rave about the chilaquiles. So on our first visit I got the Chilaquiles "Divorciados", that would be, with two different sauces; the mole and the green salsa.

They really do fry up those tortillas here….it was the texture of chips. The beans were really bland……. The breakfast potatoes could have used a bit more time griddled, with more color and a slight crispness to them.

The mole was too runny and overly sweet for my taste, the green salsa, which I believe is made with tomatillos was wonderful; just enough heat, tangy, really good.

Of course this was crowned off with a perfect easy over egg.

For the second visit…well, I wanted to try something else and went with the Nopales and Eggs.

Now this was much better. Especially the beans, which were perfectly seasoned….enough salt, a touch of heat….both creamy and rustic, very nice.

I love the texture of nopales and this was done well, the nopales were tender without being too mushy. There are some chilies in this…..green, so it seems like you're eating nopales…it was a nice surprise. The eggs were done decently….perhaps a bit on the dry side. And while I think it could have used tomatoes, this was perfectly fine with me.

Of course I had to have my Café de Olla….and I gotta say, it was quite consistent on both visits. Not overly sweetened, just enough of a cinnamon flavor….this might be my current favorite version of this coffee drink.

Based on that first visit, I'm guessing we'll be back for the Missus's Menudo fix.

Also, I noticed signs with "El Zarape" on it. It seems that these folks have bought the El Zarape on Adams Avenue. Also, of note; metered parking is free before 9am and the Menudo Rojo is only available on weekends.

Talavera Azul
365 3rd Ave
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Hours:
Mon – Sat 730am – 2pm
Sunday 8am – 2pm

Pegah’s Kitchen- Escondido- breakfast (again)

May 20, 2018 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, What Cathy Eats!

Back reading mmm-yoso!!! are you? Well it's (another) post from Cathy; Kirk is still relaxing. Elsewhere.

I wrote about Pegah's Kitchen less than 14 months ago, but have been back a few times since, but did not take photos. A few weeks ago, we met up with a friend for breakfast. Since 1987, this family owned business has been thriving (just about one mile East of the Ninth Street exit from the I-15, along with two other locations (in San Marcos and in Vista)).
The family style diner has several eating areas (tables, booths, counter) inside as well as an outdoor patio. There is a white board with specials at the door when you walk in.
The basic breakfast of two pancakes, two eggs and four bacon strips ($8.99) is more than enough to satisfy. The house made batter is slightly sweet and makes thick yet fluffy light crispy edged cakes. The bacon was thick and had a nice, smoky flavor.
On this day, the whiteboard special was chicken and waffle ($10.99) and it was unexpectedly wonderful. A thick (yet not heavy) Belgian waffle-made with a different batter than the pancakes- topped with three freshly fried, crispy light battered pieces of chicken. More than a one meal serving.
I noticed French toast on the menu…with the option of raisin bread… you know I had to. The plate ($9.99) with two eggs and two breakfast sausage patties was quite filling and so very tasty. The breakfast sausage patties were standard, mild flavored, and added just enough of the 'savory' flavor needed to balance out the sweet of the raisin bread French toast.

All in all, a great place to stop for breakfast which is served all day.

Pegah's Kitchen 912 S. Redwood Street (at Ninth) Escondido 92025 (760) 739-9265 Open daily: 6 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Website

Bonny’s Cafe-Breakfast in El Cajon

May 7, 2018 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, Diner, What Cathy Eats!

Here you are, back reading mmm-yoso!!!, wondering where Kirk has been. Well, he's at work. Cathy is writing this post.

Lately, the days have been busy and going out to breakfast seems the easiest; not too crowded, everyone can order what they want, the day is off to a good start. Of course, local standbys are most interesting (Perry's, Izzy's) compared to chains (although I have a few posts about chain breakfasts, too). I realized that I had never posted about Bonny's Cafe, even though we've been here many times

In this location for about 24 years, Bonny's is a breakfast-lunch diner with a bit of a decoration 'theme'.

Primarily 1950's America. This is but a small glimpse; the dining area was packed at 8 a.m. on a Wednesday.

A short stack ($6.50), add bacon and two eggs (scrambled) ($2.95) is quite enough breakfast. The from scratch pancakes are slightly sweet, fluffy, large and cause cravings. The bacon is thick and meaty.

The chicken fried steak meal ($10.75) comes with a choice of toast or biscuit and gravy…oh and the gravy here is magical- smooth, not salty, containing a lot of house made sausage bits and just enough black pepper. More gravy on the house made fresh, fluffy biscuit was a bonus. The chicken fried steak here is *wonderful*- a crispy, lightly seasoned coating on very tender cube steak, cooked just so perfectly. The hash browns were crispy on the top but fairly raw/plain in the center; only the edges were consumed.
French toast, thick slice of a good quality sausage patty, and eggs over hard ($7.95) Why eggs that way?
The salsa. I've never asked if it is house made or a certain brand, but gosh is it good! With the hard cooked eggs, it's quite a burst of great flavors. I sometimes crave a bit of sweet (the French toast) with a generally savory meal. This combination is just right.

Bonny's is a great, local, fun place. Look at those plates!

Bonny's Cafe 596 Broadway, El Cajon 92021 (619) 579-3464 Open Wed-Mon 6 a.m.-2 p.m. CLOSED ON TUESDAYS

Kanazawa – Japanese Breakfast and we’re on our way…..

April 20, 2018 mmm-yoso Breakfast/Brunch, Japan, Japanese Restaurants, Kanazawa and Ishikawa Prefecture, Travel

Just a quick post tonight. I was wondering if should have just included this in a combined post. But we'd enjoyed Kanazawa so much and of course those that know me understand how much "Japanese Breakfasts" have special place in my heart. And the breakfast we had the previous day at the Hotel Nikko was something to behold. During our travels to Japan, the Missus has also developed and affinity for it as well.