Breakfast/Brunch – Page 9

A Takeout Revisit to The Congress Cafe and a Visit to the Memorial to Lucy, the White Deer of Mission Hills

April 24, 2022 mmm-yoso Breakfast/Brunch, Exploring San Diego, Venezuelan Food and Restaurants, yoso-silly

**** Congress Cafe in now Encuentro Cafe – Same Owners/Menu. You can read an updated post here.

Every so often, I'll go ahead and do a takeout revisit to Congress Cafe. The food is not quite on the same level as Mi Pana in my opinion, but who knows, I haven't been back there since before Covid. I really like the friendly folks at Congress Cafe and as that earlier post mentions, I enjoy walking around Old Town early in the morning before the crowds descend on the place.

It's always the same drill, I order at the Hostess Stand, go back to the bar area to pay; let the staff know that I'm going for a short walk to "earn" my Arepa. I usually get the Arepa Pabellon – still $13.95.

I'll return after about 15 minutes and take my Arepa somewhere………it's usually nearby Heritage Park, which never seems busy even on weekend mornings. I'll sit among the Victorian Homes …..

Or watch the dogs frolicking in the large open field….sometimes I see folks prepping for a wedding in the city's first Synagogue. It's peaceful and relaxing.

And the Arepa Pabellon from Congress Cafe has improved over time.

And while it's not quite as "super stuffed" it's a more balanced these days; at least to me. Sweet plantains, slightly milky cheese, earthy black beans, and moist shredded beef. I do wish the arepa was a bit more crisp, but this'll do.

Plus, like I mentioned earlier; everyone here is so warm and friendly.

Breakfast of champions, right?

The Congress Cafe
3941 Mason St.
San Diego, CA 92110
Current Hours:
Mon – Fri 8am – 2pm
Sa – Sun 8am – 3pm

On this morning, I was a bit later than usual, so I decided to check out one of my favorite spots in the area. Last summer, in the midst of going crazy with all the "Covid happenings" and missing all of our travels, I started doing some of what I'd call Urban Walks, like the Seven Bridges Walk I posted on. While doing a bit of research, I came across this post from back in 2016. The part that really caught my attention was the mention of "Lucy the White Deer if Mission Hills". Not sure if this was really true, I checked and found this Parks and Recreation report from 2006:

"This female white fallow deer roamed the hills of Mission Valley, Mission Hills,and Presidio Park. This doe escaped from the San Diego Zoo around 1965 and wandered free in Presidio Park for the next ten years."

Which sent me down into a rather shallow rabbit hole and a couple of interesting posts, some mentioned the albino deer escaping from the San Diego Zoo (of course this was denied), another saying that due to over-crowding issues, the San Diego Zoo sold the deer to someone in Mission Hills and the deer escaped. Whatever the story, I was hooked, heck even the San Diego History Center has a "memorial collection" on the deer, named Lucy.

According to the Ranger Report:

"The deer was spotted attempting to cross the I-8 freeway, and some locals reported seeing the deer get hit by a vehicle. Tragically, in the effort to catch the deer, Animal Control used a tranquilizer dart, which ultimately led to the deer’s death in December, 1975."

From what I read in various posts, Lucy was treasured and became sort of a mascot for the community. In fact, some of the "old timers" in the area said that Lucy's ghost haunts the area and they still see her on occasion.

Atlas Obscura mentions that over 125 people attended the service and burial of Lucy.

A fund was created and in 1976 a monument was completed dedicated to Lucy on the spot where she is buried.

So, where is this monument/memorial? You might be surprised. Have you ever driven west on Taylor Street parallel to the I-8? Right before the street to get to the Presidio you might have seen this. I was happy that the gate was open on this day.

I've heard the area on top of the hill is called "Inspiration Point", but I believe it's also called Presidio Park. I've often seen folks taking wedding photos on the platform with a view that sits on one side of the parking lot.

On the other side is this hilly green area.

And of course the views to Mission Valley are quite nice.

As you walk a bit higher you'll see a bench and three stones…..

This is the bench…..

And right next to the bench is the monument.

There's a concrete slab, with various animal footprints carved into it surrounding a watering hole.

And this plaque, which says:

“The White Deer of Mission Hills. Bliss in solitude beneath this tree, formless, silent, spirit free.

A friend.”

Such a wonderful tribute to a beloved member of the community.

Have a great week!

La Mesa Bistro and Bakery (again)

February 5, 2022 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!! while Kirk is enjoying a short vacation. This is Cathy posting.

I wrote about La Mesa Bistro and Bakery in 2010, 2011 and 2018. The menu has remained the same- chalk boards everywhere which match up with a physical menu you can grab and look at before ordering, paying and finding a seat. You also serve yourself coffee and water. A great choice of different coffees are offered.

Smoked salmon scrambler ($12.95) is probably my favorite breakfast here. I do enjoy smoked salmon and the scoop of cream cheese, tomatoes and onions rounds out each bite. Scramblers here are made with two eggs and are quite large. With all the scramblers, you get a choice of fresh fruit or house potatoes and toast. House made salsa and a quick made berry 'jam' are wonderful, fresh and flavorful condiments.
Italian sausage and cheese scrambler ($12.95) was The Mister's choice one morning. A fresh, mild Italian sausage (can taste the fennel) along with cheddar, tomatoes, bell pepper and green onion was a great savory breakfast. The pan fried, crisped potatoes are always wonderful.
The Egg Florentine ($11.95) is essentially a meatless Benedict. Two poached eggs on top of toasted English muffin halves with spinach and tomato topped with a lemony hollandaise is very satisfying. Waffle with bacon and eggs ($11.95) is a more 'traditional' breakfast and quite wonderful- the waffle had a slight taste of vanilla and was quite large, crisp edges and a fluffy interior. It was good with and without syrup. Stuffed French toast with bacon and eggs ($12.95). A bit 'fancier' than just French Toast-stuffed with cream cheese and strawberries then dipped in egg and fried and topped with fresh berries. The bacon here is always crisp and not too salty. Eggs are properly cooked 'over easy'.

Behind the cash register are some 'Specials' and this is the "One, Two, Three" ($8) It includes coffee and is one pancake, two eggs and three slices of bacon or sausage patties. Perfect for a quick, seated breakfast.

Of course there are lunch items on the menu.
A clubhouse sandwich (1/2 sandwich with soup)($10). Turkey, ham, bacon, Swiss on white bread with from scratch clam chowder. An absolutely wonderful New England style chowder, flavorful and filled with clam pieces and skin on potato, creamy and great. All three soups (also chicken tortilla and vegetable) here are made from scratch and very good.
The albacore tuna salad ($11.95) served with a Green Goddess dressing, on top of lettuce, shredded carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, walnuts and fresh strawberries. Grilled bread is on the side and this (quite large) salad is perfect for lunch.

Don't be afraid of the menu or menu boards, basically it's a listing of combinations of basic ingredients. If you are craving something, just ask.

La Mesa Bistro and Bakery 8697 La Mesa Boulevard La Mesa 91941 (619)589-0806 Open seven days 7:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Website

Blossom de Cafe (Poway)

January 31, 2022 Cathy Breakfast/Brunch, Caffeine Fix, Desserts, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

Blossom de Cafe has closed. It will be missed.

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog, is being written by Cathy today. Kirk is busy.

The Mister and I were driving on Poway Road, looking for a breakfast spot. Across the street from the North Park Produce location, we saw this signage and stopped. Formerly a Bank, the large interior with what looks like former offices with doors and windows removed has open rooms and areas which could be set up for a small, private party as well as a playroom for children. The interior space is efficiently used and (since the building had been a bank) there is a drive through window.

After we were home, I did some research. Blossom de Cafe is locally owned, family run and opened in February 2020. This is another survivor of Covid.

There are menus outside, inside and behind the counter. We were here at breakfast time. The mention of "Croffle" had us curious. We ordered two.
An almond croffle ($5.80) A croissant toasted in a waffle maker topped with sliced almonds! Why hadn't I thought of this?!! Simple, delightful and a refreshing change. The maple croffle ($4.80). Simply toasted with maple syrup. A great breakfast idea.
We also ordered a bacon omelet sandwich (8.99). A better quality, thick white bread filled with a cheesy omelet/scramble and plenty of bacon made this an easily shareable sandwich.
There are coffees, teas, boba drinks, lattes, a great selection of beverages along with (Bingsu) desserts. Bowls and other lunch choices are also available-we will be trying out more of the menu. Soon.

Blossom de Cafe 12305 Poway Road Poway, CA 92064 (858) 842-2211 Open M,W,Th 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri and Sat 7-7 Tuesday 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Website

From Israel to Jordan (Before Covid) – Masada, the Dead Sea, and the InterContinental Aqaba

January 22, 2022 mmm-yoso Breakfast/Brunch, Buffets, Israel/Palestine, Jordan, Middle Eastern Restaurants/Cuisine, Travel

**** Not much food in this one as I try to get our pre-Covid trip posts done.

We decided to use guides during our trip to Israel-Palestine-Jordan because things were a bit spread out and transportation a bit more complicated than we wanted to deal with. We also wanted to learn about the sites we visited and also just enjoy the ride. We contracted the company, Desert Eco Tours to help with coordinating our tours thru Israel and Jordan. They were wonderful to deal with and we got a private tour of Masada and the Dead Sea and some really fun group tours to Petra and Wadi Rum.

On this day, our guide, David was perfectly on time and we headed off. First visiting areas near Ein Gedi so we could get a bit more familiar with the area.

From our viewpoint we had wonderful views and could see folks headed toward the oasis and waterfall.

From here it was off to Masada, a place I was a bit fascinated in since I had to read a book for a book report waaaay back in Intermediate School (that would be "Middle School" for most folks). There are three different "paths" you can use to walk/hike up to the fortress, but we took the Cable Car to the Visitors Center and then out into the plateau and amazing views of the ruins.

There was one very interesting thing about David……he does his tours barefoot! He told us that it "keeps him in touch with the earth and history"….

Also, when we arrived he broke out a conch shell and just like Hawaii, proceeded to blow into it!

I came to learn that the "Conch Shell Trumpet" played a large part in many cultures!

And I was captivated by the crows who seemed to "guard" the area…..which belonged to them.

A lot of what is known about Masada was written and compiled by Josephus Flavius, who wrote that the first fortification of Masada began in the 1st century BC; though that has never been confirmed. Between 37BC and 31BC Herod the Great built two palaces. It provided a protected and fortified winter haven, which included cisterns, storerooms, and a casemate wall. If you're like me; the first time you really read about Masada was about the siege where a group of Jews, less than a thousand who then held off the Romans for 2 years before the walls were breached. According to the story, upon having the fortress breached, the Jews dispatched each other rather than surrender to the Romans.

You can still see the remains of the Roman base camps from the mountain.

We wandered the ruins from the Columbarium Tower Ruins.

To the Western Palace, to the Hanging Palace which had three terraces.

You could actually see folks hiking up the mountain. I'm quite glad that we chose the cable car!

The terraces were my favorite part of the ruins.

This complex, called the "Hanging Palace" was Herod's private residence. The views were quite dramatic…..

At least that's what this little fella' kept telling me…..

It was quite an amazing place to visit.

We had a quick bite to eat in the restaurant before heading to our next stop.

Where I got to swim….well, actually float in the Dead Sea. Because of the high salt concentration; over 30%, the water feels very "thick" and floating is easy….I did a back float and because of the density of the water, I had to work to stand back up. An interesting experience.

From here David drove us to the Eilat Border Crossing; where we crossed on over to Jordan.

A representative from the tour company greeted us as we crossed the border and then got us a taxi to our accommodations for the evening; the Intercontinental Hotel Aqaba.

A beachside resort…..the rooms were quite comfortable.

Dinner was a pretty standard buffet.

And we took a nice walk around the pool area after dinner.

We slept well and had a light breakfast.

Before checking out and meeting our driver. Next stop?

Petra!

Thanks for stopping by!

The Congress Cafe – Venezuelan Food in Old Town!

December 21, 2021 mmm-yoso Breakfast/Brunch, Venezuelan Food and Restaurants

**** Congress Cafe in now Encuentro Cafe – Same Owners/Menu. You can read an updated post here.

A few months back our good friend "Alle" and I were chatting about food and Mi Pana came up in the conversation. For some reason, I was craving some arepas….and Alle who is part Venezuelan mentioned that Congress Cafe in Old Town does Venezuelan dishes and that perhaps I should give them a try. It did take a few months…..it's Old Town after all……but I first visited on a weekend morning, they open at 8am and are right across from Old Town Parking Lot A.

I crossed the street and was really warmly greeted. I walked into the bar area and placed a take out order; man, the folks here are so friendly. I then paid and decided to walk around a pretty quiet (at this time of the morning) Old Town.

I ordered the Arepa Pabellon ($13.95). Man, this was quite hefty, if a bit messy.

Man, check out that huge piece of fried plantain! The arepas were decent; though I do prefer my arepas "frita" these were decently griddled. I wish there was a bit more balance to the arepa as the black bean-beef-plantain ratio seemed a bit off as was how the items were arranged. I ended up chopping up some of the plantain and spreading it more evenly over the arepa, same with finding the beef . This was a hefty breakfast….at least for me.

While I don't think it's quite a good as the version at Mi Pana; I'd have this again.

I mentioned having tried the arepas at Congress Cafe to Alle and told her that I was interested in trying the Tequenos. Alle also told me that the empanadas were quite good, especially the fish version….something that I probably would have not ordered.

So, the following weekend morning on the way back from shopping at the Little Italy Mercato, I dropped by Congress Cafe and this time ordered the combination plate named the "Latin Lover" ($16). The folks were just a friendly as before and I took a stroll around Old Town while waiting for my takeout order….which was quite a bit of food.

And like Alle said; those fish empanadas were quite good; savory, balanced in flavor. She told me that these empanadas reminded her of Venezuela.

Unfortunately, I didn't care for the tequenos, which were really mushy and just had too much cheese for my taste. Cachapas weren't my "thing" at Mi Pana, but I thought I'd give it a whirl here…..with the same results. It's just too sweet for my taste and the version here didn't have enough cheese to balance out the sweetness. Glad I tried it though.

The totstones; fried plantains, while it didn't do overly well in transit, losing some crispness, was a wonderful combination of just enough sweet and saltiness from the cheese.

I think eating this at the restaurant is probably the best strategy.

Overall, I really like the folks here, so warm and friendly, there are other items on the menu I want to try. And yes, this is basically a breakfast/lunch kinda place and they do have croissant sandwiches, burgers, scrambled eggs, huevos rancheros….but I think I'll stick with the Venezuelan menu items for now.

The Congress Cafe
3941 Mason St.
San Diego, CA 92110
Hours:
Mon – Fri 8am – 2pm
Sat – Sun 8am – 5pm

Man, with Congress Cafe and the new Tuetano Taqueria (post upcoming) the next block over, things are looking up for Old Town!

Which is great……

Like I mentioned earlier in the post, I'd take a nice stroll while waiting for my order, which is when I took my photos the grave site medallions of the folks buried under San Diego Avenue.

And of course there are many historical structures here.

The Mason Street Schoolhouse – the first public school in San Diego County. Built in 1865.

The San Diego Union Building – Original home of the San Diego Union newspaper – established in 1868.

The Cosmopolitan Hotel, completed in 1829.

And tons of public art……

And at this time of the morning; some of the other "residents" are out and about…..

It was great finding a place that I enjoy in what was very touristy, cliched, Old Town.

Hope you're having a great week!

Carnitas y Mariscos Las Morelianas (Breakfasts)

December 2, 2021 Cathy Breakfast/Brunch, Mexican Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!welcomes you back to our little blog. Kirk and His Missus both have days off from work at the same time-so it's vacation time for them and Cathy is writing a few posts.

In October, I wrote about Las Morelianas and the various carnitas as well as seafood choices available at this longtime (since 1997) family owned, locally operated restaurant. At the bottom of the post, I added the breakfast menu, mentioning we would return. Here's that post.

It opens at 7 a.m.. When we walked in around 7:30, two men were eating, at separate tables and talking to each other. There was menudo and beer involved. A 'regular' (carnitas and seafood) menu was brought out. I had to ask for the Dasayunos Menu (breakfast). We each asked for Americano (regular) coffee. ($2.50, or $3.99 as an add on to any meal for coffee plus fresh squeezed orange juice or fresh fruit).

Powdered creamer and sugar packets were the condiments accompanying. This is one serving of the fresh fruit that arrives with the $3.99 add on to any entree. There is a little fruiteria in the back of the eating area, there are juices, licuados, aqua frescas available all day.
The Mister ordered chilaquiles with chicharron prensado ($10.99). Pressed fried carnitas are easily made here at the 'meat side' of the kitchen. Fresh chips, rice and beans as well as a variety of cheeses and toppings with a healthy amount of the prensado. A wonderful savory breakfast.
I always look for molletes on the menu at Mexican restaurants ($5.99). The simple, open faced bean and cheese sandwich on a fresh bolillo roll is made a bit fancier here with a choice of meat. I decided to try the chorizo, which is another really tasty unique meld of flavors.

I mentioned it was empty when we walked in. When we were leaving, around 8:45, not a single table was empty indoors and only a few tables remained empty outside. The juke box was blaring with traditional music. More people were ordering beer, menudo, carnitas and seafood. Yet, the parking lot was not packed. People from the neighborhood enjoy weekend breakfast and socializing here.

Las Morelianas/La Bahia 2121 Imperial Avenue San Diego (619)239-6284 website Open Mon-Sat 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

The Original Pancake House (revisit)

November 30, 2021 Cathy Breakfast/Brunch, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy today; Kirk is unavailable.

Originally, I wrote about The OPH in 2009 then again in 2013 and once more in 2015. It's time to share another breakfast.
Going early is smart; the line can get long and some tables have been removed to be socially distanced. The menu choices are the same, as are the heavyweight silverware, real half and half for coffee ($3.55, kept constantly filled) and even condiments on the tables.
Diced honey-maple ham and eggs with pancakes as the side ($13.25). It's a good ham (and there's plenty) mixed in with the fluffy, soft scramble of eggs. The pancake batter here is unique and the cakes are always prepared properly, having a light-crisp exterior and cake soft interior with a slight buttermilk 'twang' of flavor, if you don't overpower with syrup or whipped butter.
Banana nut pancakes ($13.75) are sometimes all you need. There are smaller pieces of pecans and diced banana inside each buttermilk pancake. The banana slices are just the right amount of sweet needed for each bite.

Another memorable breakfast, able to be enjoyed indoors.

Original Pancake House 3906 Convoy San Diego 92111 858-565-1740 Website open daily 7 a.m.-1 p.m.

2022 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade Float Road Test Four, Breakfast at Georgia’s Original Bun ‘n Burger (Covina)

November 4, 2021 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, Diner, Festivals & Events, Los Angeles County, What Cathy Eats!

Thank you for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog sometimes with explanations as to why and how the food was found. Cathy is writing today while Kirk enjoys a short break.

Link to 2022 Rose Parade Float Test One

Link to 2022 Rose Parade Float Test Two

Link to 2022 Rose Parade Float Road Test Three

The Mister and I drove North very early on Saturday, in light rain which turned to fog, to watch another Road Testing of mechanics and maneuverability of some floats which will be participating in the 2022 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade, which has the theme of "Dream, Believe, Achieve".

"Soaring to New Heights" will be presented by Farmers Insurance and features not only a surfer, but also a bicyclist and a 'person' who is 'bouldering' (outdoor wall climbing). The float photo is of the 'off camera' side of the float, while the drawing shows the 'camera side'. Large, beautiful and (of course) I am most interested in the materials which will be used for decorating this colorful float. Every visible inch of each float must be covered with all natural materials; nothing dyed or artificial.
The City of Hope, "Gardens of Hopes and Dreams" is whimsical, with giant butterflies moving their wings as well as oversized flowers and mushrooms.
"Wild Kingdom" presented by RFD-TV and Mutual of Omaha will honor both Marlin Perkins and Jim Fowler, the original hosts of this longtime (since 1963) documentary style television show which features wildlife and nature.
Shriners Hospitals for Children will have another float featuring the larger than life "Fezzy Bear", who will collapse while going under objects (like signal lights and the 210 freeway) along the five mile Parade Route.
The first (Banner) float in the parade as well as the Closing float (introducing the event following the parade on television, the Rose Bowl Football Game) were also tested on Saturday.

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As we have been doing this year, after viewing and taking photos, The Mister and I head East from the Phoenix Decorating barn area in Irwindale and look for cars parked, indicating a restaurant serving breakfast.

This was the place- Georgia's Original Bun 'n Burger with some neon signage above the door indicating its name had been Plum's Cafe (which moved to Costa Mesa in 2012).
It was a little crowded and instead of eating outside, we sat at the counter, with a view of the kitchen as well as a view of the rest of the counter and other side of the interior. (Factoid: the record album at the far right in this photo is the Don Ho Show album, which we owned; Mom and Dad loved that nightly comedy, variety and audience participation television show, which only ran for five months in 1976-77 with 90 episodes.)

The printed, disposable menu is quite extensive, with breakfast being served all day.

'Tavern' ham, eggs (three, poached) and home fries (look at the nice size pieces of potato) along with rye toast ($11.99). A great tasting thick slice of ham as well as the potatoes and eggs and toast. Very satisfying breakfast.
A very thick, but not dense, vanilla flavored waffle with two eggs (over easy) and crispy, thick bacon ($11.99) was also quite a large breakfast.

There were bottles of wine in the (former) pie case, because this restaurant is open late (a rarity it seems) and the lunch and dinner items, especially the burgers, have us curious to try more of the menu.

Georgia's Original Bun 'n Burger 180 East Rowland Street Covina, CA 91723 (626) 915-2016 Open Sun-Wed 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Thur-Fri-Sat 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

Lemon Grove Cafe

October 16, 2021 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, Greek Food, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog with random posts, is where you have landed. Kirk is vacationing with His Missus and Cathy is writing today.

An early morning wake up with differing cravings had The Mister and myself looking for breakfast away from home. We started driving South, took the Lemon Grove Avenue exit and saw the pretty painted building with an almost full parking lot and decided to stop. This has been Lemon Grove Cafe since 2012 and was a location of Antique Row Cafe prior to that. The writing on the wall says it all.
There is also and outdoor covered area as well as the comfortable indoor seating. The breakfast menu is pretty extensive.
Señor Uno ($11.95) was The Mister's choice. A three egg omelette with sausage and cheese, the side of country fries were chosen (over hash browns) and were crisp with onion and bell peppers. The tasty breakfast sausages filled the large omelette, topped with plenty of cheese.
This came with a choice of toast, English muffin, biscuit or pancakes, and pancakes were what was craved. The cakes were quite thick/large and had a nicely crisp crust.
Once I saw the choice of chicken souvlaki with eggs it had to be ordered. Greek style breakfast-the savory craving would be satisfied. The over easy eggs were properly cooked. The grilled skewer/souvlaki style chicken had large pieces of flavorful dark meat. The tomatoes and Feta combined with the warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce helped make each bite memorable.

We will be returning for more meals at this family owned cafe.

Lemon Grove Cafe 3521 Lemon Grove Avenue Lemon Grove, CA 91945 (619) 644-1031 open Mon-Sat 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Website

Sam Woo BBQ-Eating out during COVID

October 14, 2021 Cathy Breakfast/Brunch, Chinese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog. Today's post is written by Cathy. Kirk is taking a vacation with His Missus.

As you may recall, The Mister and I try to have a meal before grocery shopping. If you type "Sam Woo" in the search box at the top left on the blog, there are over 200 results where this restaurant is mentioned; a bunch of those are my posts, because this is our 'stop' before shopping at 99Ranch Market (go ahead and search "99 Ranch"; there are over 800 results).

Sam Woo was one of the first 'dining out' places we ventured out to try once dining in was allowed again. Tables were protected and distanced. It was not crowded.
When we ordered from the lunch menu (back in March) they just brought us this huge bowl vegetable soup. I assume since it was not busy and they were happy to see us again. (SW is back to bringing out individual bowls with the lunch menu).
We also received a communal bowl of steamed rice with our lunches. This was Fish in XO sauce ($12.95)(current price)(also, hot tea is 30¢) which I was craving. It was just so perfect, with the fresh vegetables, plump fish and XO umami . (They now bring out individual rice bowls).
Shrimp in Black Bean Sauce ($11.95) was my other craving that day and the saltiness hit the spot. The plump shrimp and more fresh vegetables were just so nice to have after so much at home cooking.
Of course, we try to avoid crowds when grocery shopping and Sam Woo for breakfast is our usual stop. Coffee is now 70¢ (as is hot tea) and with the condensed milk is just a perfect offset to the savory breakfast.
Number one on the breakfast menu- rice vermicelli with lunch meat (fake Spam)($6.50) is always considered. Number two on the menu is stir fried wide flat rice noodles with soy beans and soy sauce (Wok Hay!). Number three, fried (crispy) noodles with bean sprouts are also considered. Noodles with breakfast pretty much every time we go out.
Fish filet porridge ($6.50)(four other porridges as well as 14 noodle soups are on the breakfast menu) is my usual choice; it has wonderful flavor. Fried donuts ($2) are also now made here (used to have to run across the hall to pick some up at the 99Ranch steam table) making the breakfast complete.
Roast duck Lo Mein ($6.50) is always a choice when we see the ducks hanging in the BBQ area (sometimes they are not out early when we are here). Crisp skin, tender meat, savory broth along with non-mushy noodles and steamed box choy makes a great breakfast.

Sam Woo BBQ Restaurant 7330 Clairemont Mesa Blvd Ste 103 San Diego, CA 92111 (858) 505-9888 Open seven days 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

(Old photo; fond memory. You now have to request condiments)