Chains – Page 4

Outback Steak House (Revisits to a place never posted)

December 13, 2017 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Burgers, Chains, What Cathy Eats!

Here you are, at mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Kirk isn't writing today, you know why. Cathy is trying to write an interesting post. Here it goes.

Long story short: I was given a lot of restaurant gift cards this past year. I don't regift. The people who give me cards ask specifics about the meals and what we enjoyed, so I take photos. The Mister and I have been pleasantly surprised so far.

Outback is an Australian inspired steakhouse, founded in 1988 in Tampa Florida by four friends. It is now a Company of restaurants which include Bonefish Grill, Carrabbas Italian Grill and Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Outback's decor is rugged yet minimal. There is an electronic device on each table. You can order and pay for adult beverages, appetizers and even (for $2) play trivia games. You can also pay your final bill without waiting or flagging down your server.When first seated, as the menus are dropped off, a warm loaf of honey wheat bread and unsalted whipped butter is brought out. The bread is 'stabbed' with a serrated steak knife, which is needed to slice the whole (small) loaf.

All of these items are from the Lunch menu, thumbnail at the bottom of this post.
With almost each lunch entree, you have a choice of soup or salad. There is a chicken tortilla Soup (not pictured), or this baked potato soup (wonderfully decadent)or for $1 more, french onion soup (even more decadent). You can either have a Caesar or this, a House salad, with dressing on the side. I was pleasantly surprised with the fresh vegetables, including cucumber on this salad. The House Ranch dressing is very good. The Classic Cheeseburger Combo ($9.49) was cooked to a perfect medium rare, had a nice char to the exterior, served on a wonderful fresh egg bun, had a choice of cheese and of course, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle. This was an *excellent* burger.
Six Gold Coast Coconut Shrimp Combo ($9.49) I used to order an appetizer plate of these as my meal…but six, along with either soup or salad is a 'healthier' meal. You can see the plump shrimp, light breading and tender coconut. The two two chicken taco combo ($8.99) (substitute steak instead of chicken, add $1). I splurged. This was really good. Different than a taco shop; not carne aside marinade; kind of fancy.
An Aussie Cobb Salad ($9.99) Fresh mixed greens, chopped hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, bacon, Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese and freshly made croutons. The Bleu Cheese dressing on the side was quite wonderful. An Outback Burger, ($8.99) with fries…again, wonderful, cooked to a medium rare…and look at that bun. I ordered the 6 ounce center cut sirloin ($14.99) with a baked potato and asparagus (fresh vegetable of the day). It was cooked to a perfect medium rare, had some sort of (tasty) marinade (didn't need any condiments added). The baked potato was so very good; I haven't had a baked potato in forever and all of those flavors triggered good memories. The asparagus was oven roasted and crispy tender with a bit of salt on top-again, needing no additions.

But, this is Outback- what about the famous Blooming Onion? Well, it is $8.49, very large (really, it is a meal) and I just couldn't bring myself to order one, even to share.

Until it was free.

I was listening to NASCAR one Sunday and heard that Outback sponsors a Racer -Kevin Harvick- and if he finishes in the Top Ten in a weekly Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race, you just have to go into Outback the following Monday and say "Bloomin' Monday" and your table gets a free Blooming Onion appetizer for free. Here's a link.

So we did have one Blooming Onion. The crust was crispy, spicy and large. The onion was tender and sweet. We took home leftovers after eating it before and during one of the above meals. I used to be able to eat this much food along with adult beverages and not go into a food coma. Things change.

Overall, the meals at Outback were great.

Outback Steakhouse. Nationwide locations. Website

2018 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float road test and breakfast at Farmer Boys

November 24, 2017 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, Chains, Festivals & Events, Los Angeles County, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog and today is probably the most non-food seeking day of the year after a huge Thanksgiving Day of snacking, feasting and now, having a refrigerator full of leftovers. Kirk (and his Missus) are enjoying some time off and Cathy is writing.

Prior 2018 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float road test posts: July, August, September, October

Want to get more updates about the entire Tournament of Roses? Look at this website!

Last weekend was the final day of announced road testing for the Phoenix Decorating Company and their 17 entries of floats for the 2018 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade. As you will see, some of the floats are not complete yet (but the artist renditions at the link give you a good idea). There are three other float building companies and six of the floats entered in the Parade are 'self built'. The Mister and I have volunteered with the Petal Pushers for many years, decorating various floats over the years (you can, too!). The Opening Unit float, with the Parade Theme (Making A Difference) banner, will lead off the Parade (following the Opening Show, presented by Honda).
The Closing Unit float will be the final float in the parade.
Farmers Insurance is sponsoring a large float, "Honoring Hometown Heroes" which has both an old fashioned Fire Ladder Truck and Police Car and is still in the beginning construction phase. In this photo, you can see where the 'Spotter' will sit, guiding the 'Driver' (who only looks down at the Rose Colored line permanently drawn on Colorado Boulevard, following it throughout the parade route) via headset about possible upcoming driving hazards.
The Forum, A Los Angeles world class music venue, is celebrating it's 50th year with "The Story Lives On" as the float title.
The Trader Joe float, "Hat's Off~" is still under construction and I can't wait to see it, based on the artist renditions!
The floats ready for 'dry decoration' (scissors and glue are used)(the days before fresh flowers are delivered; before Christmas Day) and stored inside the Phoenix Decorating barn.

Phoenix Decorating Company Website

After we watched some of the floats driving down Ornelas Street, tested for maneuverability and safety, we drove North, crossed over the 210,
and, after a block or so, turned into the Farmer Boys parking lot (which is shared with a McDonalds). ( At the bottom of that post is a link to another Farmer Boys meal). HERE is a link to a Hungry Ones blog post.
Breakfast is served all day, the menu is simple, fresh and prepared after you order and brought to your table.
The Mister ordered a Ham and Cheese omelet (made with three eggs and chopped ham) which came with (his choice) hash browns and (again, his choice) rye toast ($7.79). Excellent, as always. I I also wanted ham and cheese, but chose the 'Daybreak' ($4.59)
It's made with two eggs
and has two whole (grilled) slices of ham. Another great meal, especially on the toasted (and buttered) roll.

Farmer Boys Website

I hope everyone is having a nice post-Thanksgiving Day (and weekend)!

Corner Bakery Cafe (return visits)

October 13, 2017 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, Chains, Salads, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a long running blog about food. We write about meals and sometimes other stuff. Today, Cathy is writing about meals; Kirk is working a bunch of overtime.

I wrote about Corner Bakery Cafe in 2010 and again in 2014. A small corner bakery that began in Chicago in 1991 is now a chain of 192 locations in the USA, with five San Diego County locations.

Fast-casual breakfasts, gourmet sandwiches, homemade soups, salads and pasta along with (of course) bread and pastries are the menu. The restaurant is very similar to Panera, including free wifi in all locations.
Commuter Croissant ($5.69) Scrambled eggs, smoked bacon, cheddar and tomatoes on a toasted, flaky, fresh croissant is an easy and tasty meal. Berry Almond Swiss ($6.49) Large bowl of Chilled Swiss Oats (muesli) topped with toasted almonds and fresh strawberries & blueberries served with plain low fat yogurt/skim milk and a homemade raisin pecan sweet crisp. This is always my choice in the summer. It's tasty and refreshing. (There is a chilled Swiss oats choice made with green apple, banana, currents and dried cranberry that I also crave). The Pancake Combo ($8.29) is a simple meal made with some tasty buttermilk pancakes. The bacon here is smoky, thick and a better quality than some other places. Anaheim Scramble($7.99) with a side of fruit and Harvest toast (nutty and seedy) is simply eggs scrambled with tomatoes, green onion, cheddar and avocado. Really good.

When we stopped in for lunch one day, there was a special seasonal salad advertised on the front door poster (I forget the name; it was $8.49). Strawberries, blueberries, glazed nuts and blue cheese as well as a good portion of grilled chicken. This was served with a (sweet) strawberry vinaigrette which wasn't necessary. The blending of flavors and textures was just right. I do enjoy trying limited time offerings. The roast beef and cheddar sandwich($8.99), served on a soft sesame bread with lettuce, tomatoes and a cracked pepper balsamic mayo was unexpectedly wonderful. I asked for the side of potato chips (and took those home for later) but I could have ordered a side of raw carrots instead.

All in all, tasty and 'sensible' choices for a fast breakfast or lunch.

Corner Bakery Cafe website Multiple locations

Boston Market (Revisits to a place never posted)

August 22, 2017 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Chains, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog. Kirk, Ed(from Yuma) and Cathy share in writing and posting about meals enjoyed. Today, Kirk is working some overtime and Ed(from Yuma) is busy with things, so Cathy is writing this post.

The Mister and I do not 'regift'. If someone has gone to the trouble of purchasing a gift and a card, addressing, finding a stamp and mailing something to me, I am happy to accept and then use whatever it is. Then my thanks are sincere. So, that's how this post began; a gift card in the mail. Boston Market, since 1985. An American chain with over 450 locations which has the mission "create awesome rotisserie meals, served quickly, by warm and friendly people". How had I forgotten- it's been at least ten years since we had been here. That's the whole menu, which changes with some seasonal offerings. The primary choices here involve rotisserie chicken, turkey and meatloaf… and sides! A plethora of choices: mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, sweet corn, rotisserie potatoes, sweet potato casserole, creamed spinach, fresh steamed vegetables, green beans, southwest rice, caesar side salad, vegetable stuffing, squash casserole and cinnamon apples.

A three piece (dark meat) rotisserie chicken plate ($8.29) with a choice of two sides- creamed spinach and mac and cheese on this one. So nice, decadent, flavorful. The "Market Pair"-soup and half sandwich plate ($7.49) a choice of soups (chicken noodle) and a turkey half sandwich (there are other choices of each item). Again, this was very nice and so very good. Homestyle, not heavy; pleasant, familiar food. A salad with rotisserie chicken ($8.29). Fresh and tasty with a lot of juicy, still warm chicken. Quite a large portion. The meatloaf plate ($8.29) Two thick slices of a very good meatloaf, along with the creamed spinach and rotisserie potatoes (which are nicely crispy yet with a fluffy interior).

The in store meals are brought out to you on real plates, with real (not plastic) utensils after you order and pay. So old fashioned and home style.

The reason I received the gift card? A home bound friend asked me to pick up and order for her earlier this year, during Lent, when I don't eat meat on Friday.

I had noticed this signage and bought myself the seasonal item (which came on a very nice, reusable to-go plate). The baked cod was excellent!

I'm sad that I had forgotten and had stopped dropping by Boston Market, it's a great alternative.

Boston Market, multiple locations, nationwide. Website

Tapioca Express, again

April 2, 2017 Cathy Caffeine Fix, Chains, Desserts, Stuff, Taiwanese Food and Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is this food blog. Kirk is, right now, taking a well-deserved break. Ed (from Yuma) is having some connectivity problems. Cathy is awake and writing about another of her adventures with food.

I first discovered the concept of tea houses and boba in 2007 and subsequently wrote about some of the food choices enjoyed from Tapioca Express, as well as other places. Yes, they seem to be beverage oriented, and I get beverage overwhelmed.

This is the menu board at Tapioca Express. The first FIVE columns are beverage choices, the last two columns are food choices, where I zone in. (My beverage choice is always the 'Coffee Milk Tea' ($2.98), either hot or cold, no boba, no added sweetener). Our shared meal this day consisted of a boiled pork dumpling plate ($4.98) which comes with steamed broccoli and a vinegar-soy dipping sauce. Fried shrimp rolls ($3.98) with a mild level of spice. These are pleasant, with a good crunch.The calamari (always rings)($4.28) are quite meaty, a good choice with an added bonus of fried basil, which i really like. When I thought we were finished eating, The Mister walked back into line and ordered the Chinese donuts ($4.28) which came out piping hot. These are a fried bread dough, not a typical donut batter, and served with both whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk. A delightful end to another light meal.

Tapioca Express 4646 Convoy San Diego 92111 (858) 636-7889 Open Sun-Thurs 11:00-midnight, Fri-Sat 11:00-1 a.m. Website There are three stand alone San Diego locations as well as a few food court locations.

Marion Crépes- inside Mitsuwa Marketplace

December 5, 2016 Cathy Chains, Desserts, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!! We (Kirk, Ed(from Yuma) and Cathy) try to keep things interesting, with musings about meals enjoyed in San Diego and elsewhere in the USA and world. Today is a quick post about a worldwide chain that has one location in San Diego.

Earlier this year, I wrote about the places to eat at Mitsuwa Marketplace. In 2013, I wrote about a limited pop up, Marion Crépes, which was located in the center court. This chain, with worldwide locations, began in 1976 in Harajuku Japan.

The now permanent location of Marion Crépes has taken over the former bookstore and Matcha Love location, just to the right of the entrance.

Pricing, descriptions and beautiful Sampuru ('sample', waxy, fake food) are all available to help you decide on a snack or meal.

Order, pay and your crepe is made in an open kitchen style area. The sweet batter is unique and goes well with savory as well as the sweet crepes.

Yes, I said savory. This tuna and cheese crepe ($6.25) hit the spot.,

As did this quite filling turkey and cheese ($7.50) meal.

The Nutella-strawberry dessert crepe ($5) was a nice treat that The Mister and I shared.

All in all, another good selection for a quick lunch or snack in the Mitsuwa Food Court.

Marion Crepes 4240 Kearney Mesa Road (Hawthorne Center, inside the Mitsuwa Marketplace) San Diego 92111 (858) 292-5200 Website Open daily 9 am-8:30 pm

The Summer of 2016 Drive Across the USA – Part Two: What We Ate (the chains)

September 7, 2016 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Chains, Detroit, Michigan, Road Trip, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog and we (Kirk, Ed(from Yuma) and Cathy) try to keep things interesting. This post is written by Cathy, who had a more or less interesting Summer of 2016 adventure which included food.

Link To Part One

Link to Part Three

Link to Part Four

Again, it was not a vacation and the drive *to* Michigan was interesting and rushed (the drive back to San Diego was, fortunately, far more vacation-like). Upon arrival, I was looking for familiar foods. However, I needed wi-fi so I wouldn't use up my monthly data on the phone. There were three places (Starbucks, Panera and Culver's) close by which had free wifi. In the three weeks of my stay, I did patronize (not just hang out to get the free wifi) those businesses at least five times each. By far, my favorite was Culver's, "Home of the Butter Burger" Fresh, never frozen, Midwest-raised beef, seared on the grill after you order served on a lightly buttered, toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and mayonnaise. This is a "Deluxe Double" ($4.79).
Following several Butter Burger meals, I opted for the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich ($4.89). You might notice the sides of cheese curds (this time, Wisconsin cheese).
A 'Wisconsin Swiss Melt" ($3.69, double $5.29)) -grilled onions on a wonderful (cheesy) grilled rye bread was also one meal choice. Culver's is also know for its fresh, frozen custard. Made from real Wisconsin dairy sourced from local farms and prepared fresh throughout the day. There's always chocolate and vanilla available, but also a unique Flavor of the Day. You can have a shake, malt or float made with the custard. There was also something called a 'concrete mixer' on the menu. Big Boy still has locations in Michigan.

For the most part, I enjoyed the traditional "Big Boy" Hamburger (two 1/8 lb patties, double cheese, lettuce, pickles, Thousand Island dressing on a toasted sesame seeded bun, with a toasted plain center bun) while having the occasional "Brawny Lad" (1/4 lb meat, a whole slice of raw onion, pat of butter on a toasted rye bun) with a salad topped with the (less famous) garlic oil salad dressing.
Another 'local' chain is White Castle Not much explanation needed; White Castle is where the 'slider' originated. Small, thin, steamed (there are five holes punched in that piece of meat) and topped with one pickle and a scoop of grilled onion, the taste is unique and so very familiar. As a side note, these are now 79¢ each and I remember when they were 14¢ each (because I am old).

In addition to burgers, there was pizza. Jets Pizza first opened in 1978 in a nearby Detroit suburb and is available in either square or round, cooked with a layer of oil on the bottom, for a nice 'crunch'.
Little Caesars began in 1959 in Detroit. It is a franchise concept and undoubtedly you have seen "Hot N Ready" advertising around here, indicating that you can just walk in and pick up a hot, fresh pizza topped with pepperoni for around $5. In the Detroit area, there are six types of 'Hot N Ready' pies as well as a few other "HnR" sides, which you can pick up via drive-thru (quite convenient on snowy days), or you can walk inside and order a personalized pie and even more. Again, the pizza has that crunchy, oily bottom crust, which I've been told is 'Detroit Style'. {As a side note, Domino's was also founded in Detroit in 1960 as a competitor to Little Caesars and doesn't really have that oily, crunchy bottom crust to their pies}. The downside to using the drive thru for a 'Hot n Ready' is that it is handed to you through the window and you have to place it on the seat next to you…and that surface is not flat.

One other local/chain restaurant/snack stop where we spent some time was Tim Horton's, a Canadian based fast food restaurant (you might notice this location used to be a McDonald's-see the trash cans on the outside of the building?) "Timmy's" is primarily known for its coffee and donuts, although soups, sandwiches and ice cream is also on the menu. We did go to Starbucks for coffee and wifi, but were at Timmy's for a fresh donut quite a few times…

Other meals were made at home after shopping at the local Grocer, Meijer -fondly remembered as "Meijer Thrifty Acres". Michigan based with regional stores, in 1934, it was one of very few supermarket chains that offered shopping carts and the concept of 'self service', then in 1962 it pioneered the concept of a 'Superstore'-everything under one roof. Meijer sells not only groceries, but electronics, clothing, household goods, has a fuel station with an attached Convenience Store. I was here for ham and hard salami and bread: Krakus Polish ham, Kowalski brand salami: many sandwiches were consumed.

Once things settled down, there was time to go out to a few non-chain restaurants and have those foods. That's another post. Thanks for reading!

Now Requesting Equal Time…….

July 21, 2016 mmm-yoso Burgers, Chains

You all know this one……after yesterday's mention of Shake Shack, these guys requested equal time (just kidding – it was actually "Billy"!). This was my first Double-Double of the year, from after we returned from Lima/Santiago/Easter Island. Since I had meetings during the lunch hour; I headed out to grab a bento from Mitsuwa at 1030, since they looked to have stepped up their bento game. I was waylaid; not by the sight of, but by In N Out's unique "scent of a burger".

And I was rewarded, just as on previous visits (if you'd like some funny In N Out ruminations – read that ancient post).

I'm still not big on the fries here though……it's mostly a texture and moisture thing as the potato flavor is good.

But it had been a while; so I decided to do the easy thing and order Combo #1.

So I got my fix….until the next time the fragrance of In-N-Out catches me with a growling belly. Imitators need not apply…..

Airport Food – Eat at Joe’s (Philadelphia International Airport) and Shake Shack (JFK International Airport )

July 20, 2016 mmm-yoso Airport/Airline/Cruise/Rail Food, Burgers, Chains, Cheesesteaks, Hot Dogs

Since we travel a few times a year, we do spend quite a bit of time in airports……though not as much as in my consulting days. During most trips we plan rather well with regards to bring something to eat (i.e. Jamon Bellota Sandwiches in Spain, nuts are always good) to the airport. But there are those times we do grab something. And then we get to relax and people, or even puppy watch.

So here are a couple of places we've tried at Airports.

Eat at Joe's (Philadelphia International Airport):

I'm not sure why we ate at Joe's. I do remember that for some reason I was starving….and hey, in spite of this being the airport; it's still Philly, right?

So why not get a Cheesesteak?

I've had some nice Cheesesteak's in Philly….the last time back in 90's, having tried both Pat's and Geno's, though my favorite was Rick's in Reading Terminal Market. This one, won't make me forget any of those.

A bit on the dry side. For some reason the texture reminded me of shipped beef. The flavor was nice; the Amoroso roll was ice cold. The fries, hot, but routine.

The dining area was a mess. First off, shame on the customers for not cleaning up after themselves. But there were also four airport employees who were just standing around goofing off, until their supervisor came along. They'd start cleaning. When the boss left; it was back to monkey business.

Eat At Joe's
Terminal B, Philadelphia International Airport

Shake Shack (JFK International Airport ):

During a long layover at JFK, I just couldn't help myself.

In spite of the line; I just had to try it; even though I had misgivings about it being "airportified" as in "really, Gordon Ramsey signed off on this"? But I had to try the legendary burger.

Other than the bun, which seemed a bit past its due date; this was quite a nice burger; great char, good seasoning…very moist, and a nice beefiness.

The Missus also enjoyed the burger and said basically what I was afraid to say out loud; "if they come to San Diego; In N Out might be in trouble". Of course, I'm not sure what the price point on that would be, but still, blasphemy! And then of course, I read about the possibility of Shake Shack opening in San Diego on Eater. Check out the comment; it says that they've signed with UTC Redevelopment; which I believe is in charge of Westfield UTC……now those will be some major lines!

Shake Shack
JFK International Airport Terminal 4

Hope you're having a great week!

Starbucks has an “Evenings menu”…with wine and beer (!)

May 18, 2016 Cathy Caffeine Fix, Chains, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for dropping by to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Cathy has some free time and has written a short post on this beautiful day.

It was in February, just after Kirk and His missus returned from their most recent vacation. I was planning to meet clients in Ramona at 5 p.m. and was early, so stopped at Starbucks to get a refreshing beverage (and free wifi). Walking up to the counter, the glass display case of suggested 'snacks' looked different… Flatbreads, meatballs, chicken skewers…and then, after I had placed my order (for a tall bold coffee, no room), was asked if I'd like to try a chorizo stuffed bacon wrapped, balsamic drizzled date (not a piece of cookie or cake, the usual Starbucks samples). Where am I? I wondered.

I sat down.

This was on the table- That last page? A beer and wine list. Later, a nice Young Man was walking around offering samples of popcorn…seasoned with truffle salt and served warm. Again, so confused and I didn't take a photo, but it was good popcorn.

After getting home, research was needed and it was off to the Interwebs. There it was. Starbucks evenings. Put in a Zip Code. You can see that there are currently seven locations which offer this menu of tasty treats and alcoholic beverages in San Diego County.

The Mister and I finally had time to return to Ramona. While waiting for my beverage, I noticed this signage: Well, it was Thursday, about 4:30. We had already ordered savory snacks… Truffle Mac & Cheese ($5.95)"Macaroni pasta in a creamy truffle fondue with herbed Parmesan breadcrumbs". Wow. This was tasty! My choice was the Spinach Artichoke Dip with pita chips ($5.95) "Creamy spinach and artichokes deglazed with white wine". Again, very nice. So different than my usual selection of Peanut butter and jam half sandwich, breakfast sandwich or protein box.

Right at 5 o'clock, a young man made an announcement 'anyone who is 21 years old or older may come out to the patio to sample our Santa Cristina Pinot Grigio and goat cheese artichoke flatbread'. I finished reading a chapter, then casually walked out; didn't want to be first in line.This vignette awaited. I asked for only one wine sample and only one piece of the flatbread.

(So sorry about this sideways photo, but still can't figure out my cameraphone sometimes; this was the clearest photo) (I wanted you to see that Starbucks apparently is making stemless wineglasses now). The goat cheese flatbread will be ordered next time; it was wonderful and a mix of Jack cheese with the goat cheese (mellowing out the flavor) as well as red peppers which compliment the marinated artichoke hearts. The Pinot Grigio, a usual summertime choice, was of extremely good quality. "Crispy with aromas of orange flowers and juicy tropical fruit" is the description. It is $9 for a glass.

We will be going to another Starbucks Evenings soon to try out some other menu items. I don't know if the other locations have a once a week tasting, but suspect they all do. I did see a glass of beer being brought out and the menu states to 'ask your barista about our current selection of curated craft beers', so that may happen on our next visit.

Starbucks Evenings (menus as well as locations) Evenings Website link