Greek Food – Page 3

Zgara Greek Grill Returns – Now on Morena

August 16, 2020 mmm-yoso Greek Food

I was admittedly quite excited to see that Zgara was reopening. A big bonus was that it was a lot closer and less of a hassle then driving to PB….though to be perfectly honest; I would have probably driven to Chula Vista for what I considered to be some of the best Gyros (yes, it's pork) outside of Greece. For the rather short time Zgara was open in PB, it had become a part of the rotation and I was quite sad when they closed.

And then things ramped up a bit when "Stacy" mentioned they were opening on either the 13th or 14th…..so, since I had to go home to check on Frankie both days…..I just had to "pass by" to check to see if they were open…..let's call it stalking if we have to; but heck, I was missing that Pork Gyro Sandwich…..

I only had to wait a single day; because as I drove up on the 14th; I saw that they were open. So, I quickly parked and walked on in.

I was greeted by the owner as I walked in….I was surprised that he remembered me from the PB days……

And there revolving on the spit….the holy grail of porcine loveliness ….. Even though the menu now is quite large; there was no doubt about what I was going to order. I love how things are made to order here; this isn't fast food…..and I excitedly took my sandwich home and unwrapped it.

Man, the lovely light, citrusy, porky fragrance. Man, was the amount of pork always this much? The milky, yet cleansing acidity of the tzadziki, the light pungency of the red onions, mild bitterness from the greens, all in a still warm, nicely toasted, pita. Everything played a nice supporting role to that pork……I love the nice crisp bits.

As lovely as a bright Rhodes sunset.

So, of course I returned the next day…..this time I got the Pork Souvlaki Sandwich.

Which is good in its own right. Nice chunks of mildly toothsome, nicely marinated pork shoulder I believe. For me; I thought the tomatoes and onions really do well in this pita. I also enjoy the fact that the pita is fairly fluffy and not overly chewy or brittle.

Like I mentioned earlier, it seems like the menu now has a few more items on it than before, like a Chicken-Bacon Souvlaki, a vegetable platter….still, it'll probably be the pork gyros for me.

These times have been rather tough…..the social distancing, the quarantines, the caring enough about others to wear your mask, doing the "right" thing…..the inability to travel; which we've done three, four, or maybe more times each previous year…..to explore, not only the sights, but the cuisine as well….so yes, it's been tough….but not tougher than coming down with Covid-19; or worse yet, having to deal with the possibility that I've put someone else at risk…..

So, I have the, right now, not-so-small comfort…..of places like Hawaiian Fresh Seafood Fish Market, which, while it doesn't replace the trip "back home" we had to cancel this year, gives us a little taste of "home". And just taking in the fragrance of that pork gyro has me wandering thru Rhodes Town, or Chania, or Iraklios…….and….just for that moment in time…..I can feel that we will get past this.

Welcome back Zgara Grill, I've missed you!

Zgara Greek Grill
1229 Morena Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92110
Hours:
Sun – Thurs 11am – 9pm
Fri – Sat 11am – 10pm

Is Zgara Greek Grill Reopening – This Time on Morena?

August 2, 2020 mmm-yoso Greek Food

I had to drop by Stehly Farms on Morena and as I parked my car I really couldn't believe my eyes…..

In the location that used to be Little Caesars Pizza I saw the "Coming Soon" sign…..followed by Zgara Greek Grill! Could it be? Zgara when it opened in PB was a weekly stop; for real-deal gyro…not the processed stuff, but made from scratch….the best I've had outside of Greece. I was quite sad when they closed.

So, still dealing with the sadness that Island Style Cafe is closing, perhaps this balances the books for now?

In case you don't remember what the Pork Gyro Sandwich at Zgara looked like; here's a reminder.

I'm waiting with bated breath. Here's hoping…..

1229 Morena Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92110

Eat A Pita (El Cajon)

November 26, 2019 Cathy Greek Food, What Cathy Eats!

The writer of mmm-yoso!!! today is Cathy, because Kirk (and His Missus) are on vacation, gathering photos and memories of lovely meals.

In August, a new restaurant opened in the Vons-anchored mall on Avocado at Chase in El Cajon. The Mister and I found ourselves at Eat A Pita a few weeks ago and decided to drop in for lunch.

Walk in, order, pay, get your own beverage, find a seat. Food is brought to you. The interior is spacious, with many seating areas.
A cup of lentil soup ($3.50) was an automatic choice. The flavor with herbs and spices and the well cooked lentils, was fresh and just a wonderful soup.
On another visit, I tried a cup of the lemon rice soup, which was even nicer, with the fresh lemon 'zip'. Each bowl included a fresh, warm pita half, which went well with each soup.
A side order of falafel with tzatziki ($3.99) was also an automatic order for me, and another great choice. Lightly crisp exterior and fluffy, herby interior of mashed garbanzos along with the house made yogurt-cucumber dip, was just a perfect addition to one of the meals.
The Mezza Trio ($6.99). I chose the classic hummus, tabouleh and baba ghanoush. This was a nice way to try a few items on the menu without ordering full sizes. Each item was definitely fresh made and bright with flavor. The classic hummus was very fresh; the Greek olive oil is unique and the tahini with its sesame stood on its own, with the garlic not being overpowering. The olive oil and lemon dressing on the tabbouleh made the parsley, tomatoes and finely chopped cucumber flavors jump while the crunch from the cracked wheat bits rounded out the texture. The ghanoush had a great smoky flavor, great tahini/sesame flavor and smooth texture. I was eating it with a spoon and not using the accompanying pita bread.
The Mediterranean salad ($6.25-make it a large, add $2.54=$8.79), add on gyros ($2.50) made a large, satisfying meal (the bowl is deep). The salad has chickpeas, olives, cucumber and a large topping of tabbouleh along with crispy pita chips. The addition of gyros filled out the bowl. Everything, again, was so very fresh.
We were here on a Saturday, when the Pita of the Day was Chicken Souvlaki ($6) (you can see the daily pitas above and in front of the menu which is on the wall in the second photo above). Moist, flavorful nicely grilled chicken pieces; a great souvlaki. It was topped with a mild tahini. We did ask for a sample of the garlic sauce,
which was also complimentary to the flavors, but I think unnecessary overall.

We'll be stopping here to try more of the menu.

Eat a Pita 1255 Avocado Avenue (at Chase)(SE corner) El Cajon 92020 (619)447-1500 Website Mon-Tue-Wed-Fri-Sat 11-10, Thursday 11-6, Sunday 11-11

Grecian Cafe (Spring Valley)

January 21, 2019 Cathy Greek Food, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, a blog about food. Kirk, who is usually here writing, is out of the state and Cathy is sharing a short post.

For more than 20 years, this corner storefront (it shares parking with Round Table Pizza and is across the street from Rana's, a block East and kitty corner from Butler's Coffee House and one block West of Fruity Loco) has been a mainstay in Spring Valley.
Walk in, there's a menu over the cash register where you order and pay.
Find a seat and everything is brought to you. This is a 'Mom and Pop' run place and sometimes they are very busy.
The Mister and I each wanted a salad (instead of soup) with our orders and these large plates were brought out. Standard toppings, house made dressing; the Feta was was Greek (sharp, salty, firm)(I've been buying Bulgarian or Albanian Feta lately-milder and creamy), which I haven't had in a while and the saltiness was just right (I didn't have to add any tabletop condiments).
Gyros pita (I ordered the Combo #1-Gyro with salad and drink ($9.49)). The pita is so soft, fresh, warmed on the grill. The gyros is plentiful and with the tomato, onion and (house made) tzatziki, has great flavor in every bite.
If you've paid attention to some of my posts, you might have noticed The Mister orders moussaka when he sees it on the menu. The eggplant based dish has variations in its preparation. The entree ($11.99) comes with sliced pita and some very flavorful, fluffy rice in addition to the salad (or soup)
The version at Grecian Cafe has a tomato sauce on top of bechamel along with ground beef, eggplant and soft sliced baked potato on the bottom. The flavorful red sauce (I could taste cinnamon) was complimentary to everything else in the towering casserole. This is a wonderful version of this Greek classic recipe.

It's always good to visit established restaurants.

Grecian Cafe 9676 Campo Road (at Conrad) Spring Valley 91977 (619)464-0385 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun 1 p.m.-8 p.m.

Greek Chicken- a return visit (El Cajon)

April 4, 2018 Cathy Greek Food, What Cathy Eats!

Here you are, reading mmm-yoyo, wondering what Kirk is eating. Well, today it's Cathy writing this meal post. You just have to wait for Kirk.

It's been almost four years since my most recent Greek Chicken post, even though it is a regular stop for a quick bite. This 30+ year family owned mainstay in East County now has three locations and is consistently good, fresh and a great choice when meeting out of town friends.

The Graves Avenue location (same block as the DMV) used to be a Fosters Freeze, so has a quite large inside eating area, (as well as the soft serve machine). It seems to always be busy; I haven't been there at a 'quiet time'-so no interior photos.
The side salad, which came with our friends quarter chicken meal is quite good on its own- not much lettuce and instead, bell pepper, tomatoes, cucumber, onions and Feta topped with a light, herbed dressing makes this a great small meal on its own.
This is the medium chicken salad ($10.25). It's that Greek salad topped with sliced rotisserie chicken-plenty of it. This is enough to share as a meal.
The gyros pita ($6.45) is also quite large and stuffed into a fluffy pita. It also can fill a craving and be a quite large meal in itself.
Of course, the onion rings ($1.75 as a second side) here (and every Greek restaurant I've ever been to) are large, hand breaded slices of mild onion and are fried to a perfect crunch-consistently great.

A San Diego East County institution for a reason. Who else has been here? Soo and Maggie (for birthday meals).

Greek Chicken 1468 Graves Avenue El Cajon 92021 (619) 401-0700 Website 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m., daily

The combo meal ($9.95) consisted of the salad, a quarter chicken, garlic bread and a beverage. Another great deal.

Georgia’s Greek Cuisine (Loma Portal)

January 8, 2018 Cathy Greek Food, What Cathy Eats!

Welcome back to mmm-yoso!!! and thanks for reading this food blog. You know how there are news stories about a lot people having the flu or pneumonia? Well, lets just say that one of the writers here has recovered from one of those diagnoses and the other is in the process of recovering. Cathy is writing a short post.

You may have noticed the signage on the side of the building while driving North on Rosecrans Street. It's the first storefront in that parking lot behind the painted sign. Georgia's has been here since 1977, it's family owned and run.
There's an outdoor 'patio' as well as indoor seating. The menu has lunch specials (see the bottom of this post). I can't believe we've never stopped here.
Neat, clean, efficient and very friendly, we saw many 'regulars' chatting with some of the people working as well as other diners.
One of the Lunch Entrees was a Combo ($12.95). Choose two from the following: Beef Kebab, Dolmades, Gyros, Moussaka. Pastitsio, Spanakopita. The plate comes with rice pilaf, Greek salad and warm pita bread. The Mister chose the Gyros and Moussaka, (which he hasn't had since 2011, but is always looking for on menus). This was wonderful. The Gyros was standard (see seventh photo on that link), had a nice crispiness and went well with the house made Tzatziki sauce. The Moussaka with the bottom potato layer, seasoned ground lamb, eggplant and puffy baked layer of creamy béchamel sauce was delicate and flavorful and oh so good.
Not being able to decide, I chose the Mezedakia- combination appetizer plate ($13.95) Cheese pies, Spinach pies, Hummus, Feta cheese, Kalmata Olives, tomatoes, Dolmades, pepperocini and cucumbers. A perfect combination of snacks that made a meal. The cheese and spinach pies were both wrapped in layers of delicate Filo dough; crispy, quite filled and a perfect blend of herbs which were complimentary in flavor. The dolmades (grape leaves stuffed with a blend of herbs and rice and covered in a rich Greek Olive Oil) were wonderful- not like the canned ones I buy for snack-meals at home; fresh and with much more flavor nuances. The piece of Feta was different than the fluffy chunks of Feta on the Greek salad…more solid and subtle/not as salty. The Feta had a different herb blend sprinkled on top and tasting small pieces with a bit of pita was satisfying. All of the sliced vegetables were fresh and herb covered

All in all, a great meal, great place to stop.

Georgia's Greek Cuisine 3550 Rosecrans Street Suite A San Diego, Ca 92110 (619) 523-1007 Website

It’s been a while week-Sima’s Grill and Deli

June 30, 2017 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Greek Food, Salads, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

Here you are, on a lovely Friday 'cool down' day, reading this food blog, mmm-yoso!!! Kirk and Ed(from Yuma) are preparing to enjoy the Holiday weekend and Cathy is writing.

The last time I posted about Sima's was in 2013. The Mister and I haven't driven on Miramar Road unless avoiding traffic. There has been a three week period in the last month when we had to be at daily appointments West of here and taking various routes to get lunch on the way home became a priority. When Kirk mentioned he was writing 'It's Been a While Week', I knew what my contribution would be.

This unassuming end building in a mall anchored by a McDonald's, across from Miramar Marine Corps Air Station has been here since 1984, providing breakfast and lunch six days a week. Run by a husband, wife and their daughter, it's another 'local' place that has withstood the test of time.

The interior has remained the same, the menu has also, although there have, of course, been price increases.
The gyros salad ($9.95) is served with warm, fluffy pita bread with house made tzatziki. The wonderful house made, herby salad dressing is so fresh and perfect with the crispy fresh Romaine, cucumber, tomato, onion and olives. The grilled gyros is just crisped on the edges and there is plenty of it on this salad.

The hot pastrami sandwich ($8.75) is toasted and served with plenty of grilled, smoky, peppery, flavorful (it is Boars Head brand) meat topped with Swiss. The fries are quite good. The char-grilled cheeseburger is still my favorite (window special #1- $9.95, 1/2 lb, includes fries and a drink) burger. It is made from fresh (not frozen) Angus Pride beef and…well..that char grilling is what makes it for me. I was alone one day and decided to stop in again, opting for a cold/deli sandwich (roast beef) ($7.95) on an onion roll (light toasted). It's served simply, with lettuce, tomato, a smear of mustard and of mayonnaise…and plenty of the Boars Head roast beef as well as a very good dill pickle. Just right on a hot day.

Have a great Independence Day weekend!

Sima's Grill & Deli 7160 Miramar Road San Diego 92121 (858) 578-2582 M-F 7:30-4:30, Sat 10-4 Closed Sunday

Patty’s Cafe- Greek, American, Mexican (La Mesa)

May 23, 2016 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, Burgers, Greek Food, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for once again stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!!, a blog about food. Kirk is dealing with some connectivity issues right now, Ed (from Yuma) is recovering from a short vacation (not in Yuma) and Cathy is connected and rested, so she is writing today.

It's an El Niño year out here in Southern California and a day can range from chilly-cold to rainy to windy to hot. It's kind of fun to never know what to expect when stepping out in the morning. A few weeks ago, The Mister and I stepped out and drove a short way to have breakfast.

Patty's opened on Lake Murray Boulevard in August 2012 in the Big Lots anchored mall, across the street from the Ross Dress for Less anchored mall, on the North side of La Mesa, about two doors down from Papa's Donuts.Neat and clean, the small restaurant offers a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, has whiteboard specials and opens at 7 a.m. every day. The Gyros Omelet, made with feta, tomato and onion and served with pita , sliced tomatoes and tzatziki sauce was a whiteboard special ($8) one weekday. (It is regularly $9.95) Thick and heavy, the flavors melded well and we had leftovers to bring home. Mariana's Special Sandwich ($9.95) is a sort of craving for me. A plain, toasted bagel with cream cheese, over easy egg, ham and bacon and served with home fries (or hash browns) seems to satisfy just about every early morning craving I have, all in one bite.

The gyros and chicken salad ($11.95) is very large and served with dressing and tzatziki sauce on the side, along with toasty warm pita bread. Both the gyros and chicken are flavorful and moist.

The 1/2 lb gyros burger ($8.95) is great and adding onion rings ($2.95) makes this a meal for two. A thick patty, lightly char grilled and topped with all the gyros made each bite enjoyable. The onion rings were thick and fried properly.

We'll be back for more meals at this great neighborhood Cafe.

Patty's Cafe 6155 Lake Murray Boulevard La Mesa, CA 91942 (619)462-1922 Website Open Mon-Sat 7-9, Sun 7-3

Sunday Sandwiches: Revisits to SuperNatural Sandwiches, Zgara Grill, Best Donuts, Havana Grill, and Cali Baguette Express

February 21, 2016 mmm-yoso Banh Mi, Cuban Restaurants, Greek Food, Mexican Restaurants, Sandwiches, Seafood

Here's a round-up of sandwiches I had in the weeks leading up tour trip. I just realized I really circled the globe on this one.

SuperNatural Sandwiches:

**** SuperNatural Sandwiches has closed

It had been a couple of months so I thought I'd drop by after a meeting close by. I had the Siren of course.

These guys sure have the consistency down; the buttery brioche roll, nice plump shrimp, creamy aioli, a little kick of heat. My colleague from the Midwest still mentions the sandwiches during our conversations. Must have made an impression.

SuperNatural Sandwiches
7094 Miramar Rd
San Diego, CA 92121

Zgara Grill:

**** Update Zgara Greek Grill has reopened on Morena Boulevard

Another favorite that I hadn't been to in a while. They've now got a lunch special, a sandwich with fries and a drink…..don't quite remember the price as I was enjoying talking to the owner.

Crisp pork gyro…..just like Greece! Well seasoned, crisp, enrobed in a nice warm pita. The owner also gave me a little cup of a nice sauce which went well with the fries. I need to come here more often….it's cheaper than a flight to Athens.

Zgara Greek Grill
1730 Garnet Ave
San Diego, CA 92109

Best Donuts Bakery & Deli:

**** Best Donuts is now Barrio Donas

Heading to work early (530 am) with no time for lunch on my schedule. The solution? A stop at Best Donuts for the A la Mexicana.

Warm and fluffy bolillo, eggs, a smear of beans, gooey melted cheese, salsa, jalapenos (to wake me up), and tomato. What's not to like? I'm sure there are little shops like this everywhere….it's just a matter of finding them.

Best Donuts Bakery & Deli
4714 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92117

Havana Grill:

The nice folks here have put up their "Grand Opening" sign so I thought I'd drop by. There seems to have been a few changes to the menu from my previous visits, but the place looks like it's doing well. Nice change of pace for the area and heck, Faye seems to like the place. Not having much time, I took my El Cubano to go.

The sandwich seems to have a bit less meat than before, but in terms of proportion things went well together. The pork still has flavor and isn't "the other white meat", the Swiss cheese adds a nice milky flavor……and those pickles, well they add the acid and tartness to the sandwich. I do enjoy the plantain chips, which are sliced very thin, thus making it crisp. I need to head back to Embargo Grill for the Medianoche and compare.

Havana Grill
5450 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92117

Cali Baguette Express – Convoy:

**** This location of Cali Baguette Express is now Cali Banh Mi

Banh Mi Trung is probably one of my favorite breakfast items….though perhaps I'd take a good noodle soup or natto gohan with egg ahead of it. Cali Express is an easy choice, they bake their own bread (though I think Paris makes a better baguette) and who can deny the wonderfulness of a fried egg sandwich with Maggi on it?

And don't forget about the sneaky jalapeno….now that'll wake you up, right? Again, it's about ratios and proportion to me……the pickled veggies, the fried egg, the light and airy bread, cilantro….you get the point, right?

Cali Baguette Express
4425 Convoy Street
San Diego, CA 92111

Sunday Sandwiches: Revisits to Cali Baguette Express (Convoy), SuperNatural Sandwiches and Zgara Grill

August 23, 2015 mmm-yoso Banh Mi, Greek Food, Sandwiches

It's been a bust couple of weeks…running around means getting more than my share of sandwiches. This doesn't mean that you give up variety though as these three examples show.

Cali Baguette Express (Convoy):

**** Cali Baguette is now Cali Banh Mi

It had been quite a while since I'd been to Cali Baguette Express. Instead of my usual Banh Mi Trung (egg banh mi), I ordered the Nem Nuong.

It was nice light, good proportion of ingredients. The best thing about the sandwich was the bread….it had just come out of the oven. Nothing like light, crisp, flaky, yeasty, warm, goodness….

Cali Baguette Express
4425 Convoy Street
San Diego, CA 92111

SuperNatural Sandwiches:

**** SuperNatural Sandwiches has closed

I recently had the chance to take a friend and colleague to lunch. She's from the Midwest so I always like to have her try something new. The last time it was Izakaya Sakura…this time, I thought SuperNatural Sandwiches would be a nice stop…..

And it was. We got my favorite, The Siren.

The place seems to have hit stride; the shrimp was plump and moist, it seems that they've ramped up the heat as this was quite spicy. The brioche, lobster style roll was nice; buttery, but not too greasy. The aioli had that nice hit of richness.

Very nice!

SuperNatural Sandwiches
7094 Miramar Rd
San Diego, CA 92121

Zgara Grill:

**** Update Zgara Greek Grill has reopened on Morena Boulevard

I know, I just posted on this place. But I wasn't kidding when I said this little shop is a weekly stop.

All that nice crispy porky goodness…….

Zgara has become that defacto stop….you know, the place you drop by when you can't make up your mind.

Zgara Greek Grill
1730 Garnet Ave
San Diego, CA 92109