Ramona Cafe (Breakfast)

Thanks for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Today's post (again, written by Cathy) takes you a bit inland of this 4200 square mile County.

The Mister and I found ourselves in Ramona one morning, saw cars parked on Main Street and knew that we should stop.   EBA454FC-4E14-49B4-8939-FC72C8EB83F3 (FYI, there is parking and an entrance from the alley)
7EFF8B48-4D09-467D-8FFE-DD492DB521C9 The breakfast menu is on one page; lunch on the flip side.  Our friendly waitresses were familiar with just about every patron on this weekday.  (I did not notice the top left corner; next time).
238A3D1E-4414-45AA-9140-B0B3ECA312C0 The Mister ordered the Farmer's Omelet ($12.50) with home fries- and was asked if he wanted onions with the home fries(!).  Hash browns were not an option (which is nice; limited menu) and the fresh, cubed potatoes were crisped and nicely browned.
27FB6BB6-F945-4D70-A3CC-48E002435552 The three egg omelet was filled with cheddar cheese and ground breakfast sausage, topped with sausage gravy and more cheese.  A large amount of mild breakfast sausage which went well with the eggs and (mild) gravy.  We ended up adding pepper to the sausage halfway through. 
75B5DEE9-0309-408A-8507-F1193816092C Of course, the only 'bread' that The Mister could consider ordering with this particular omelet was a fresh baked biscuit.  (There is also a choice of toast or English muffin).
2D04C797-EBFD-4FF9-9D13-501AA8271B83 The tall, fluffy-interiored, crisp crusted biscuit was quite large and arrived with its own container of honey.  A different type of hand made biscuit, which we shared.
238A3D1E-4414-45AA-9140-B0B3ECA312C0 I decided to order the California Eggs Benedict ($13.50) (a traditional Eggs Benedict with tomato and avocado for an additional $1).
7E6F63AB-C367-4A39-A7C5-0F67A1873C0A Nice amount of thicker cut smoked ham on top of a toasted English muffin topped with the avocado and tomato, a light-medium poached egg and house made hollandaise (not very lemon-y but a perfect consistency).  

Another Covid-19 survivor.  We will be back.

Ramona Cafe  628 Main Street Ramona, CA 92065  (760) 789-8656 Website Open daily 6 a.m.- 8 p.m.
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2022 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade Float Road Test Four, Breakfast at Georgia’s Original Bun ‘n Burger (Covina)

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". 

32749CEB-3BF8-46DF-8F9E-CC8FE07484AA D13C730D-61DC-4C6F-8B8D-A2165BC2873D_1_201_a"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.  
32749CEB-3BF8-46DF-8F9E-CC8FE07484AA DEAC7504-9C24-4A0C-9D48-549CFF723106_1_201_aThe City of Hope, "Gardens of Hopes and Dreams" is whimsical, with giant butterflies moving their wings as well as oversized flowers and mushrooms. 
32749CEB-3BF8-46DF-8F9E-CC8FE07484AA "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.
C61A7B6C-E349-45D1-8DF8-496F0A67285A 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.
 D45C93E7-3944-4449-8B9D-FEFFE6808933D45C93E7-3944-4449-8B9D-FEFFE6808933 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.  
 
32749CEB-3BF8-46DF-8F9E-CC8FE07484AA 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). 
32749CEB-3BF8-46DF-8F9E-CC8FE07484AA It was a little crowded and instead of eating outside, we sat at the counter, with a view of the kitchen31113240-6CE3-45A1-91FF-C32B329C5B1D 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. 7B550B21-1619-4093-8E03-9869870E03A17B550B21-1619-4093-8E03-9869870E03A1

32749CEB-3BF8-46DF-8F9E-CC8FE07484AA '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.
32749CEB-3BF8-46DF-8F9E-CC8FE07484AAA 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.
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2022 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade Float Road Test #3, Breakfast at Lisa’s Coffee Shop (Covina)

It's time for another mmm-yoso!!! 2022 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float Road Test post.  Kirk (and His Missus) remain on vacation and Cathy is writing.

Link to 2022 Float Road Test #one

Link to 2022 Float Road Test #two

The Mister and I were at Phoenix Decorating in Irwindale early on a Saturday in late September, in time to see floats lined up and ready to undergo mechanics and maneuverability testing. 97D712C9-A907-4B38-9C9F-E87AB648FE0C 80428D18-1DBA-4CDC-B341-77F4145824FE The Lions Clubs International float has another cute design this year to accompany their "Quest for Kindness" theme.
97D712C9-A907-4B38-9C9F-E87AB648FE0C 08764143-A061-4A87-A210-D1E892DA2222The City of Alhambra has their 2022 entry to the Parade, "School Rocks" featuring a bit of movement of the float-the engine will be 'wobbling' its way down Colorado Boulevard over the five mile Parade Route.
943849C2-6EAA-457A-B9FE-CD6C72520BB0 1C0861D1-1108-49D3-AA08-ACA5BB48EE5D Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day , a company that makes some delightfully scented cleaning products, will be sponsoring a float for the third time.  The 'outline' of Mrs. Meyer is on the label of most of their products and the reason for this float design.  Clever and cute.
97D712C9-A907-4B38-9C9F-E87AB648FE0C DFD46BBA-D264-4F28-A81F-71D6D2F63AAE Rotary International, another Service Organization, has their 2022 Parade entry, "Changing Lives Through Education", symbolizing the importance of education around the world and one of Rotary's seven areas of focus: Basic Education and Literacy. 
 9930DF94-FAEB-46FF-9AB6-7D8441024C92 8A03B754-2EED-42B6-9F83-4426811EBA77 The City of Hope Cancer Treatment Center will again (for the 49th year) be inspiring America with cancer survivors riding this beautiful float along the Parade route. 

Bonus photos:20AB277B-02D9-471B-BF3B-FCD9E0016F35 1446A784-1654-4B66-AD9E-152FCF35F18A This basic outline of a float might give you an idea of the design as well as the detail of sturdiness built into all floats. Hopefully more will be complete with the next Road Test to help 'connect the dots'.

20AB277B-02D9-471B-BF3B-FCD9E0016F35 E5C0ECA8-638E-45C1-9F78-0C7260C1CE76 There is always a Driver, who only follows the 'rose colored line' along Colorado Boulevard, looking down the entire route. Then there is the Spotter, who can see out the front of the float and communicates with the driver constantly over headphones.  I caught the Spotter resting his hand out of his viewing area. {you can also see the Spotters’ cut out in each of the above float photos as well as the Spotter and Driver on the Mrs. Meyer's float}1498A258-DDD4-4524-A8D2-552F5E9DCC0790982627-7596-4F85-8AD9-E1EEBBAE4B18 F690BEBD-E22C-4384-8151-49FBE83255D7 Here are some peeks inside the decorating barn. 

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As always, we make no plans and just begin driving home, looking for a breakfast spot.  Usually, we see cars parked so we know a restaurant is open.  This time, we saw the signage.  Had to stop.83A11B04-150A-4E7C-ABC3-68BFB0C809F5 3B792555-9450-4445-A555-B948A1A2EE483B792555-9450-4445-A555-B948A1A2EE483B792555-9450-4445-A555-B948A1A2EE48 A good size breakfast menu with many choices.  Again, we did not order coffee, even though this is a Coffee Shop.

83A11B04-150A-4E7C-ABC3-68BFB0C809F5 C87D8DA6-9DCD-4DC7-93AD-AF03D93B6438 The "Mini Attack" ($8.99) was wonderful.  House made buttermilk biscuit (light and fluffy), grilled and then filled with scrambled egg and a sausage patty (really good quality, flavor and size) and smothered in house made Country Gravy.  It was served with two *very good* house made salsas. 
83A11B04-150A-4E7C-ABC3-68BFB0C809F5The Corned Beef Hash breakfast plate ($13.99) was enough to share.  A good sized serving of griddled crisped hash along with nicely crisped Home Fries, two (poached) eggs and toast.  Flavors! Filling!  A great neighborhood place! 

Lisa's Coffee Shop 1530 W. San Bernardino Road Covina, CA 91722 (626) 339-2014 Open seven days, 7 arm,-2 p.m.

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Tom’s Famous Family Restaurant (number 23)(Escondido) (again)

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy while Kirk takes a break.

I wrote about Tom's Famous Family Restaurant in 2018 and it's time to post some revisits to this classic California diner (the first location opened in 1962).   1BC64939-DC5D-4822-A64D-7A27766090CBThere is a menu at the drive through, if you park at that end of the lot.

4DB3603B-CBCD-426A-A6C5-7EF6DB0031B94DB3603B-CBCD-426A-A6C5-7EF6DB0031B94DB3603B-CBCD-426A-A6C5-7EF6DB0031B94DB3603B-CBCD-426A-A6C5-7EF6DB0031B9 But there is also the full menu taped in the window next to the door (and another above/behind the ordering counter). There are also posters in the window and a White Board next to the cash register advertising special prices. 
 C2FE8660-2A57-4B7A-88ED-19AE554FA05B_1_201_aThe original 'open kitchen' is in view when you order and pay. Food is brought to your table.
C2FE8660-2A57-4B7A-88ED-19AE554FA05B One of the window posters had a "Strawberry Pancake Meal Deal" ($8.99) Two bacon (crisp!), two sausage (good quality; skin on), two eggs (perfectly made over easy) and hash browns (a good crisp, not a 'raw' interior)…
C2FE8660-2A57-4B7A-88ED-19AE554FA05BAlong with a choice of pancakes or French toast.  Thick piece of eggy bread, crispy exterior and a proper fluffy interior topped with that wonderful frozen then thawed strawberries in sugar sauce, like Mom used to put over ice cream. C2FE8660-2A57-4B7A-88ED-19AE554FA05B The White Board next to the cash register had "Chili cheese omelet, includes coffee" ($7.99).  I had to.  You can see it is a well made plain omelet topped with two slices of cheese (one Swiss, one cheddar (not American)) smothered with beanless (hot dog) chili.  Great flavors! The home fries were wonderfully crisp, topped with onion and bell pepper.  What a great breakfast! 

BA38E530-8FDD-45FB-AB0E-CC23340292141D888CD0-0813-43C8-A474-A305CF41CEB2The Mister was craving pastrami so we were back the other day.  Tom's Pastrami sandwich ($8.99) was ordered.  Not the combo (which is only $1 more). The hand cut, smokey, flavorful pastrami on a toasted bun with mustard and pickles hit the spot. 
BA38E530-8FDD-45FB-AB0E-CC2334029214 03304FFD-FDB1-40A9-BEE2-A779AEC0C68B I ordered the three piece fish dinner ($9.99). The lightly battered, perfectly fried flaky fish pieces were very well prepared.  I chose onion rings and vegetables on the side. The whole slices of onion, fried crisp after being dipped in cornmeal batter were just so good (no uncharge!).  The "Normandy"steamed vegetable medley was a good choice this cool day.

3523E72E-6097-44C0-92F8-7D7FD6025721 115258A2-3C99-46C6-A81D-E4E3821304EE Also included were toasted bread (a hamburger bun, as I would make at home) and a choice of soup or salad.  This day, lentil soup the choice.  It was amazing.  Lentils, tomatoes, celery, onion, herbs and spices.  The bowl of soup could have been a meal in itself.  

Tom's Famous Family Restaurant #23 505 West 5th Avenue (at Centre City Parkway) Escondido 92025 Open daily 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Breakfast served all day
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Perry’s Cafe (El Cajon) breakfasts-again

This location of Perry's has, sadly, closed.  Only the Old Town location remains. 

Thanks for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!! Cathy is writing today while Kirk is taking a break. 

I've written about the El Cajon location of Perry's Cafe only twice, but it has been a regular breakfast stop for us over the years.BB409F3C-B339-4698-8CF7-66A22195F395 During some of the more restrictive COVID-19 days, there was outdoor seating in the parking lot and the condiments were ready to be put on the outdoor tables.94BE028C-05AB-44E4-AE88-95AAEB1F5B98 One day, The Mister chose the strawberry French Toast breakfast ($11.99).  There are a choice of fruit toppings in addition to plain French Toast (menu at bottom of this post).  The over easy eggs were, as always, perfectly made.  The bacon is crisp and the toast is crisp on the exterior and fluffy on the interior; perfect. 2069921F-0B18-4BBC-8145-C31CAEDE713AThese were the condiments brought out: warm syrup and lemons and tartar sauce. You might wonder why.
EC65055B-3DC3-4D21-9B35-896C8697C9A1 Well, it's because fish and eggs ($13.25) are on the breakfast menu. This meal, with a choice of potatoes (home fries for me, of course) as well as toast or muffin (banana nut was a choice this day), perfect over easy eggs (the grill is utilized perfectly in this diner) and pan fried, lightly floured fish is always satisfying.  I fondly remember my catfish breakfast at Smokey's back in 2010.2785454C-53CC-4260-96A3-BEE23E08533D FA72AC3C-0F5B-4C87-98DC-0895CA6DAE9F The Mister chose the Italian Sausage Frittata ($12.99) one day. The mild sausage was plentiful, with scrambled eggs, mixed cheeses and tomato baked in a pan and lightly firm.  The sides were a pumpkin muffin and home fries.  As always, we choose items we don't want to prepare at home.
2785454C-53CC-4260-96A3-BEE23E08533DFrom the "Mexican Breakfast" side of the menu, I decided to try the Huevos Revueltos con Nopales ($11.50).  Scrambled eggs with cactus, onion, mild chiles and tomato.  This was wonderful, filling and something I will order again.  The meal included refried beans with cheese and warmed tortillas as well as a vey nice salsa.  The cactus is soft and not salty; has a distinct yet subtle flavor.AD9CD6ED-CE94-43E3-9CFB-22654D8A31C2The chicken fried steak ($10.75- a white board special at the front door on this weekday) had a crisp, yet light coating and the chopped steak was quite nice, as was the country style gravy and the perfect eggs.  The hash browns were nicely crisped and the biscuit, well, it wasn't quite right at this meal; it was dense instead of fluffy, but the top 'crust' was good with butter. (The dogs got a treat).  
AD9CD6ED-CE94-43E3-9CFB-22654D8A31C2 I had to get the fish and eggs again. (still $13.25) and this time the fish pieces were quite thick and still lightly floured with a crisp pan fry.  Poached eggs and a blueberry muffin this time along with the crispy home fries.  Always satisfying. 

Hope you are having a nice, cool, Autumn weekend!

Perry's Cafe 475 North Magnolia El Cajon, CA (619) 440-5724 open daily 6 a.m.-2 p.m.

DE336A25-52D2-4645-BE9E-C2DD3E9A7DFADE336A25-52D2-4645-BE9E-C2DD3E9A7DFA F35A10B4-F36C-4505-AD31-2B3895B2E5C1

Tobey’s 19th Hole (Balboa Park) (again)

Thank you for stopping here, mmm-yoso!!!, to read about food.  Cathy is writing today while Kirk continues to be overwhelmed with work and things.

Yes, I've written a few other posts about this golf course restaurant, located at the start and finish of the City golf course in Balboa Park since 1934.  I thought you might want to see what has changed since the pandemic. 

 89A4A4F2-0282-4193-B5A3-C155AB527E37 Well, not the exterior…

6911DD1C-DB39-497E-AB24-6A77983B358C Not the views.  The tables are spaced out and the patio was upgraded with new furniture.CF656961-2F10-44A9-8456-C7556EFE567ACF656961-2F10-44A9-8456-C7556EFE567ACF656961-2F10-44A9-8456-C7556EFE567A Oh, the menu has a bit of history on the cover.  Choices are the same.  Prices have increased.

5868B26C-4BFC-40D9-86CB-14743595AAB1 There are still the specials on the sandwich board out front, but it is a newer, more colorful board.  

That's it.  Here we go!
6911DD1C-DB39-497E-AB24-6A77983B358C CC426DF5-A296-46A1-B219-B7E511659B72 The pork chop breakfast ($12).  Nicely grilled, tender and juicy chop served with some applesauce as well as the hash browns, over easy (perfectly cooked) eggs and a fresh made, flaky, light and crispy biscuit.  A filling and so very tasty breakfast.
6911DD1C-DB39-497E-AB24-6A77983B358C BD382604-0AB1-4FA8-AE17-44511625DDC0BD382604-0AB1-4FA8-AE17-44511625DDC0 The ham breakfast ($14.95) includes a *thick* piece of ham steak, also nicely grilled.  I chose the O'Brien potatoes- grilled to a crisp and with the onions and bell peppers, quite a fresh, flavorful side dish. The poached eggs (again-perfect) and rye toast rounded out this large meal.

Another survivor of the pandemic.  So happy we can still patronize this family run (for eight decades!) San Diego classic. 

Tobey's 19th Hole 2600 Golf Course Dr. San Diego, CA 92102 (619) 234-5921 Open daily 6-6 
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2019 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade Showcase of Floats, a meal at Mr. D.’s Diner (Pomona)

mmm-yoso!!! is primarily a blog about food.  There's always some reason we get to try the food that is blogged about.  Today is a post of a New Year tradition (which I've shared for a few years) and a meal at a 'new-to-us' place.

The day began with an early wake up and drive North to Pasadena, where the 130th Tournament of Roses Rose Parade showcase of floats were lined up end-to-end on Sierra Madre Avenue, at the end of the five mile parade route. The walk along the floats is 2.5 miles and it's not all flat. There were 45 floats, along with Equestrian Units and Marching bands, for a total of 91 Units in the Parade.  (I do have photos of each of the floats, many photos.  If there is one you would like to see, I can put it at the end of this post).  For now, here are some details of some of the floats which you might have missed as they ran across your television screen in less than 30 seconds. IMG_2939"Books Keep Us on Our Toes", by The UPS Store featured this ostrich in her ballet shoes and won the Sweepstakes Trophy for most beautiful entry encompassing float design, floral presentation and entertainment. 
IMG_2939"Garden Fresh" by Mrs. Meyers Clean Day featured the trademark outline of Mrs. Meyer watering a bathing (see the loofah?) sunflower.
IMG_2939 Easter Seals is observing its 100th year and in addition to a cake and gifts, there was a cupcake or two on the float.  IMG_2759The Lions Clubs International float, "Rockin' the Vest" (an ode to this 2011 'Rap' video used for recruiting new, younger members) had the Lion tail swinging along with the music. Also note the various materials used on the body of the Cadillac-nothing is one dimensional when decorating.
IMG_2759 IMG_2615
Cal Poly and "Far Out Frequencies" incorporated a guitar, accordion, tamborine and french horn in the design. 
IMG_2759Carnival Cruise Lines had some SCUBA divers "underwater".
IMG_2759The backside of the drumming "Taiwan The Heart of Asia" entry from China Airlines (which won the International Trophy for Most Outstanding float from outside the United States) is beautifully detailed. 
IMG_2759When the Stella Rosa "Taste the Magic" float first appeared, there was a great display of confetti and streamers, but even in the stationary position, there is a sort of motion seen in the design.  
IMG_2759If you are from Southern California and listen to the radio, when Trader Joe's ads are finished, the announcer always says 'Thanks for Listening'…and the abbreviated license plate on their float (THX4LSN) is an ode to that detail. 
IMG_2759The Big Bear "Play-Rest-Repeat" float entry showed many of the various activities available all four seasons in this community a few hours North of San Diego. Not only skiing and snowboarding, IMG_2585 but also boating and fishing.

IMG_2759The Northwestern Mutual float, showed an elephant family on vacation, taking 'selfies'.  This view (of the camera screen taking the selfie) was of the 'off camera' side; every part of each float is detailed.

IMG_2462IMG_2462
IMG_2462 There was a small fire on board the longest float entry this year (Link to story), disrupting the end of the parade.  The float was saved because of good preparation (you know, all of those Road Tests I post about have one of the tests the ability for the entire float to clear off and out in 45 seconds).  This entry from the Chinese American Heritage Foundation, "Harmony Through Union", depicting the final nail joining the Transcontinental Railroads (the "Golden Spike") was on display at the Showcase  IMG_2466 as was the tow truck that brought the float to this location. 

Here are details of some other floats. IMG_2734IMG_2734IMG_2734IMG_2734
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When we left the Showcase viewing area and started driving, we had to stop at Arsen's House of Cookies first (for cookies, boureks and a calendar) then headed East…somehow getting to Foothill Boulevard while passing many 'possible' lunch spots.  We had seen another location of Mr. D's Diner but kept driving, until we saw this location and stopped.IMG_3012
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IMG_3012The building looked like it had been a Coco's or some similar type of 'family' restaurant.  The 'Specials' list outside the door showed us the pricing was reasonable.  
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IMG_3012The decor, 50's (this is part of "Route 66" after all).  The menu had nine pages. IMG_3246IMG_3246IMG_3246IMG_3246The "To Go" menu only has seven pages.
IMG_3012We hadn't had much of a breakfast, so the Pancake Combo ($8.49) was a choice. Really nice, sweet, fluffy pancakes, perfect over easy eggs, skin on sausage and crispy flavorful bacon.  Just right. 
IMG_3012 As with many of these family type diners, Greek choices are on the menu.  The "Traditional Greek Salad" ($10.79)(add chicken $2.99) has on the menu in bold lettering "Lettuce Upon Request".  "Traditional" means you get this- tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, bell peppers feta and greek olives tossed in Greek olive oil and herbs. The (very large) bowl was topped with toasted pita. With the (plentiful amount of) grilled chicken, this was a hearty, tasty, perfect meal. It didn't need lettuce.

Glad we stopped and hope to stop here again.

Mr. D's Diner 401 E. Foothill Blvd. Pomona, CA (909)938-4222 Open daily 6 a.m.-10 p.m. website
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Perry’s Cafe (Old Town)

Thanks for reading mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Kirk has a few busy workdays ahead, so Cathy is writing about food and stuff.

The Mister and I have been trying to walk a bit more (a sort of early New Year Resolution) and there are so many places around San Diego which are not filled with tourists now, that's it's nice to avoid crowds.IMG_1190

IMG_4612Old Town San Diego is a State Historic Park and is filled with tourists during the warm months of the year.  Parking is free as is the ability to visit some original buildings, all with written explanations of their original purpose. IMG_4618
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IMG_4612There is something to see and learn about at every turn.  It's a nice place to visit and learn about the History of San Diego, at your own pace.
IMG_4612 Just at the Southwest edge of the park (beyond the Trolley) is Perry's.
IMG_4612Kirk wrote about this old school diner for the first time in 2007 and has mentioned it in other posts.  We were here just past noon; not in a breakfast mood. 
IMG_4612It was crowded on this weekday and we were seated in the large 'back room'.  There is a 'proper' Roman numeral clock (the '4' has four sticks, not three) here. (here are a bunch of theories why).  
IMG_4612We each chose a soup of the day: beef vegetable for The Mister,
IMG_4612 and lentil-pea soup for me.  Each was made in-house, quite flavorful and very satisfying.  One was a meal in itself…
IMG_4612 …combined with this salad, which was blue cheese dressed (a good quality dressing).  Just enough for a light meal.  (soup and salad, $7.95)
IMG_4703 When walking in the white board special of baked fish ($10) had caught our eye, so it was ordered.  Two large pieces of firm white fish (maybe it was cod) lightly breaded and baked to a crisp crunch.  Mashed potatoes (with a lovely gravy) and green beans completed this dish.  There was enough to share.  
A good meal on a nice day.  {Unlike whatever happened here last night. Rain, floods and power outages!}

Perry's Cafe 4620 Pacific Hwy San Diego, CA 92110  (619) 291-7121 Open daily 6 a.m.-2 p.m. Website

Breakfast of Champions – Lucky’s Golden Phenix

**** Sadly Lucky Wong passed away at the end of 2024

After a particularly brutal week, I recently revisited a place that holds a special place in my heart. It had been a few years since I'd eaten and even longer since I last posted on Lucky's, that little former Chinese restaurant, cum diner, cum greasy spoon, to me a steady, dependable beacon in the ever changing North Park scene.

Once you enter; you know….this ain't hipster central.

Back to Lucky's 01

From the rather tacky, now considered "retro" Chinese restaurant décor, to various bits and pieces of the history of Lucky's, which in turn is probably the history of North Park, the place has grown on me.

Back to Lucky's 02

Just sitting for a breakfast on this morning; the customers were like characters from central casting….a young couple, a hipster in his 'hat with 'tats", two older guys grumbling about how the bus is always late. Like I said in my first post a decade ago, "I'm sure thousands of stories have echoed off the walls" of Lucky's.

And the prices? Yes, this is North Park, where you can get a $17 bowl of pho a few blocks away. And yes, this is 2018.

Back to Lucky's 03 Back to Lucky's 04Four bucks for two eggs with bacon, hashbrowns, and toast. Don't forget to finish your toast….Lucky doesn't like waste. Lucky sees everything. If he sees that you've finished your toast, he'll ask if you want more.

The coffee….well, it's "authentic"……100% Folgers. Still under a buck.

This is a one man show, Lucky has no wasted motion, he moves with deceptive efficiency and my breakfast is on the table within minutes.

Back to Lucky's 05  Back to Lucky's 06The eggs are a perfect easy over, the toast is great for sopping up all the drippy egg yolk……the hash browns are SYSCO heavenly and the bacon crisp. This cost me $4.10 mind you. Also notice the bottle of Tabasco. I recently went to Island Style Café and just like Leilani's Café they didn't have Tabasco. Except that instead of telling me they didn't have Tabasco, when I asked for it, they just silently dropped off a bottle of Sriracha.

I mentioned having Tabasco to Lucky, who told me that even though he could get a gallon of Tapatio for the same price of a couple of bottles of Tabasco, things just wouldn't be right without it. I like that; it just "wouldn't be right".

Eating at Lucky's always remind me of the places Mom took me to, we didn't have much money and didn't eat out much. It was always a treat. To me, eating at Lucky's is a treat.

And then there are always Lucky's "words of wisdom"….not too much on this day; though he did encourage the young lady to butter her toast since butter was "good for your complexion".

And to file under the "Lucky sees more than you realize". After I paid my bill; Lucky always rounds things off, he told me "you haven't been here in a while" and handed me this.

Back to Lucky's 07

World Peace & Happiness…….in recent months, I've heard, folks at work, and even some friends of mine surprisingly spout some of the most hateful and resentful rhetoric. We could use some peace and happiness….as usual Lucky has hit it on the nose.

As for the fortune cookie?

Back to Lucky's 08

I hope so……

Lucky’s Golden Phenix
3804 Grim Ave
San Diego, CA 92104
Hours:
Mon – Sat 730am – Noon

You can read a wonderful post on Lucky in Eater.

Happy Sunday! 

Tobey’s 19th Hole Cafe (revisit)

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. 

IMG_5789The parking lot nearest the main building is sometimes crowded, but there are nearby 'overflow' lots. 
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IMG_5789Stepping 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.
IMG_5789 IMG_5800 Have a seat by the window and notice how the menu cover reflects your view.
IMG_5789 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. 
IMG_5789The 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. 
IMG_5789The 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 

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