Natural Style Chicken (Point Loma)

Here you are, looking at mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Kirk and His Missus are really enjoying themselves on their well deserved vacation (I have photographic proof).  Cathy is writing this post. 

I posted about Natural Style Chicken in 2007.  Kirk posted about it in 2014.  It's been more than seven years, the restaurant has survived through Covid and it's time for a revisit post.0805E9C5-B82E-405B-8E01-7A45788E7DB1 At the far (Northeast) end of the mall on the Northwest corner of West Point Loma Boulevard at Sports Arena Boulevard, a few doors down from the original location of Gaglione Bros, is the longstanding (more than 40 years) location of Natural Style Chicken.
7AE82844-BC49-4F5A-B589-D9F02DE01D45 The menu is pretty simple, primarily consisting of rotisserie cooked chicken FB6361FA-5867-4B4B-8462-375E727CFD32 which you can see spinning in the oven at the front window if you arrive early in the morning.
18F459B4-491A-44ED-8309-664CCB9CB8D8 A chicken teriyaki plate ($11.99) weighs close to (if not more than) one pound.  Rice, an iceberg salad and chicken- a LOT of boneless, skinless, tender, juicy rotisserie chicken.  Served with a warm, house-made teriyaki sauce that isn't too sweet and not salty; just right.  An easily shared meal.
BFB0C2F9-8B6D-4A19-95FA-EA053DC0FA78 But, the owner is Korean and there are both kalbi and bulgogi plates offered.  The bulgogi ($14.99) plate is wonderful, with thin sliced, marinated beef, griddled on a stovetop with cabbage, carrot and onion slices.  So tender and so much flavor!  This day we opted for the vegetable/fried rice (+$2) which was made to order with carrot, onion and egg.  Very good (again, the plate was heavy and shared). 
18F459B4-491A-44ED-8309-664CCB9CB8D8 There are a few side dishes on the menu.  The onion rings ($4.99) are an excellent choice.  Hand battered, expertly fried, light, crunchy, not greasy.
36983F01-118C-4BD7-AB43-3EEBF6F5FE80 Chicken Kyoza (Korean gyoza/mandu)(five for 5.99, ten for $8.99) are also perfectly fried dumplings , filled with chicken and cabbage and served with a tart, vinegar-based sauce.  

You can't go wrong here.  Nice people.  Fresh, tasty, good food.  

Natural Style Chicken 3944 West Point Loma Blvd San Diego 92110 (619) 223-9887 Open daily 11-9FFB86175-2E24-49BF-B282-0E9AD7B65744C3DCAD33-85E9-4ECD-9948-38BABA8EC50E

Panda Machi (Alpine)

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy (again).  Kirk and His Missus have barely begun to enjoy their vacation. 

In the first months of each year, when I am driving around the County for my job, I make notes about places I see and would like The Mister and I to return to check out once things slow down.
B8E8C338-4ED1-4471-9CAD-9A10BBE56EA0 There in the left corner-walking distance from an Ayres Hotel, Chase Bank and a Carl's Jr., I had seen Panda Machi.   The Mister and I returned one weekday.  This Chinese-Japanese restaurant (Panda, for its Chinese roots and Machi (means 'town' in Japanese)) is a tribute to the roots of this family owned and run (since 2020) restaurant. 
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The front of the extensive four page menu lists the less expensive lunch specials and appetizers.
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The sushi chef was busy around noon the day we were here.
B8E8C338-4ED1-4471-9CAD-9A10BBE56EA0 The Almond Chicken (lunch, $8.95) with fried (instead of white) rice was what we decided to order.  The large plate of stir fried chicken with celery, peas and carrots included a cream cheese wonton, pork potsticker,  
9A8C6350-9357-41E2-9829-0EA41E132BD4 salad with ginger dressing and an excellent egg drop soup.  The freshness of all the ingredients was notable and of great quality. 
B8E8C338-4ED1-4471-9CAD-9A10BBE56EA0 The Mister and I ordered the Assorted Egg Fu Young ($13.95), as we do on first visits to Chinese restaurants. Chicken, beef and shrimp along with fresh mushrooms, sprouts, water chestnuts, peas and carrots in a lovely gravy covered the unique omelette.
C98CD166-25D9-4595-9EC6-431EE1EF51D7 The version made here is baked in the pan (rather than fried like an omelette, with thin edges)- the top, bottom and edges were uniform and a consistent bake.  The eggs were blended with lightly mashed cauliflower and broccoli.  It is so interesting to see the various versions of this dish, which is basically a way to use up leftovers.    

We will be returning to try out the Japanese side of the menu.  So happy we stopped here.

Panda Machi 1730 Alpine Blvd, Suite 101 Alpine, CA 91901 (619) 445-6224 Open seven days 11-9 websiteB0EB8B82-0173-423C-8D1D-476A7E6FD3CE

Wa Dining Okan-lunches (again)

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of the food blog you are reading. Cathy is writing again.  

The last time I wrote about Okan was about 11 months ago.  It's time for an update.BB4755BC-EE10-4541-A3EB-F7E154B75D46 Covid restrictions are lessened, the tables are not as distanced.  People are invited to sit at the bar.

22297BC7-ABDA-44C5-8C22-F0C24C8D61B822297BC7-ABDA-44C5-8C22-F0C24C8D61B8 22297BC7-ABDA-44C5-8C22-F0C24C8D61B8 This is the current three page lunch menu.87B7CAB0-A484-41C8-8B3E-2236203A8E7E The sashimi salad ($11.50) is a good choice.  Fresh greens, shredded radish and a wasabi/sesame/soy dressing which is just right to compliment the fresh, tender raw fish.
87B7CAB0-A484-41C8-8B3E-2236203A8E7E Geso kara ($7).  The deep fried squid tentacles are tender, lightly battered and served with a citrusy ponzu.  Using just a squeeze of lemon (and no sauce) highlighted the freshness of the tentacles.
6B85107E-50AA-45AF-B641-1AF6BD854C67 The Tempura Combo ($11) is a very large shareable appetizer or can be a meal.  Three shrimp, four shishito peppers, eggplant slices, sweet potato, squash, carrot, one large shiitake cap, all perfectly fried to a light crisp and served with a light mirin/soy sauce.
87B7CAB0-A484-41C8-8B3E-2236203A8E7E The chicken katsu curry set ($12.50) was, once again,  a satisfying choice.  The curry here is slightly sweet, the fry is (again) perfect and the pickled sides are complimentary.9E80486C-85BA-4642-8E99-9702642C1455 The chicken kamameshi ($15.50) takes 20 minutes to prepare and is worth the wait.  The mixed rice is cooked with stock and vegetables (in this case at least three types of mushrooms), fried bean curd as well as the boneless skinless chicken.  The light, flavorful, fluffy rice is just perfect. C034FF58-77DE-4D0A-8441-45DE678BFDF4 44228B8D-DFE5-41F2-B008-E0067706DFB7ABAE254D-EF70-4363-9427-A73E00765DE7 You can (sort of) see the bowl is deep (next to the tea cup).  The rice paddle and bowls for sharing are just right for helping to share.  We each had three servings of this wonderful comfort-food meal.

It's so good to see Okan is thriving. 

Wa Dining Okan 3860 Convoy Suite 110 San Diego 92111 Open Sun-Thurs 11-2, 5-9:30 Fri-Sat 11-2, 5-10  website

06549D22-FD5D-44E9-B1A6-1C9211302980

 

Paris (Before Covid) – Our Favorite Croissants from La Maison d’Isabelle (times 2) and Hakata Choten (Les Halles Location)

Our flight from Ben Gurion International Airport arrived right on time; a touch after 1pm. I had chosen to stay in Paris overnight and then head to Provence the following day. Then according to our plan, we'd return to Paris on the TGV and spend two evenings before heading home. Little did we know that this as not to be and this evening would be our last in Paris,,,and with Covid-19…..well, let's just say we probably would have been back in our favorite city at least 3 times since.

We caught the RER to Les Halles/Chatelet and because this was for just one evening stayed close by in the 4th Arrondissement at a small hotel on a side street. Of course, as soon as we checked in, the Missus was ready to go. And because we'd had breakfast and a lunch on our flight, I had a place on my "list" for something we're always on a hunt for in Paris…..Croissants. Now, the place I had in mind was all the way in the 5th Arrondissement….but you know the Missus…this was no problemo, so we headed out.

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We loved the lovely familiarity as we walked past Hotel d'Ville and crossed the Seine. And of course, there's always something new to be seen, like this church just past Shakespeare and Co; named Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre.

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And for there; it's just a short stroll to La Maison d’Isabelle which is on Boulevard Saint-Germain. We were somewhat familiar with the area having stayed close by during earlier visits.

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As you can see La Maison d’Isabelle, which won the award for Best Croissant Au Buerre in Paris in 2018….as you can tell by the ginourmous sign. We had walked past this bakery several times over the years, though before they won. I walked in and order a Croissant Au Buerre, which looked quite lovely.

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We immediately found a bench and cracked the croissant open….and holy smokes; the light, fluffy, interior, the heavenly light and crisp exterior, just the right amount of butter and salt. Easily the best we've had so far.

La Maison d’Isabelle
47T Boulevard Saint-Germain
75005 Paris, France

Buoyed by the croissant, the Missus decided She wanted to check out Hermes and since it was the Christmas season, I wanted to check out the window displays at Le Bon Marche. It was kind of chilly and a tad drizzly, but we did have a nice stroll and the Missus did not do any damage to our credit cards! 

Like I said there's always something to see in Paris.

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In the middle of a park like square is that sculpture above. This is Allée Pierre-Herbart named after writer and resistance fighter Pierre Herbart.

After heading back to the hotel and taking a short break we headed back out. This time we headed on over to Galeries Lafayette to check out the Christmas Displays.

IMG_9025 IMG_9028  Every year there's a new theme. Though every year there's the five story Christmas Tree in the middle of the store that slowly rotates.

I just become a kid again…the wonder, the fascination, it always puts me in the Christmas frame of mind.

We love watching the little kids with their noses pressed up against the window or climbing up the wooden stools so they can watch the displays.

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As for dinner; well it was somewhat chilly and damp, we'd been away from home for almost two weeks and the Missus was missing Asian Food. On the way back to the hotel, I recalled that there was a location of Hakata Choten near Les Halles. The Missus had enjoyed the ramen at that location, so I suggested checking out the Les Halles location. The Missus really didn't need to be convinced. 

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It was nice and warm inside the restaurant, I don't think anyone would be eating outside tonight; the folks working actually tried talking to us in first French, then Japanese……we cracked up.

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We ordered the Tonkotsu with Black Garlic (again) and the Missus also got some Sparkling Sake.

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IMG_4243  IMG_4244  While the broth was a bit thinner than what we'd had at the Opera location; that black garlic oil added a nice savory-sweetness to things. It was still quite rich in a nice tongue-coating kind of way. 

The noodles were just perfect, nice al dente "pull and chew".

While the Missus might now believe that Menya here in San Diego is better; this was just what we needed on this damp and chilly evening.

Hakata Choten Les Halles
16 Rue de la Grande Truanderie
75001 Paris, France

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The following day our rain to Avignon was scheduled for noon, which meant, at least to the Missus that we could have yet another shot at the croissants from La Maison d’Isabelle which opens at 6am. So, we headed off before 6am……

And got our croissants; this time we noticed the trophies quite obviously displayed.

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And it was just as good!

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We actually took it over to the Cafe on the corner – Le Village Ronsard.

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We followed unspoken café rule…..if an outdoor table has silverware on it; you must order food….if it sits without place settings; you can just get coffee. For us; it's usually a Cafe Allonge…..sort of like an Americano.

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Le Village Ronsard
47T Boulevard Saint-Germain
75005 Paris, France

Bolstered by Caffeine the Missus wanted to go on a stroll, so we headed off to places that were familiar to us…..a "sleeping" Pantheon.

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The market street Rue Mouffetard….

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Then over to Place Monge, where the Marché Monge was getting set-up. 

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Soon enough, it was time to head back to grab our bags and then we were off to Gare Lyon and Avignon.

We took a moment to take a look at Notre Dame….the fire had occurred just a bit over 7 months earlier.

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I hope to live long enough to see Notre Dame rise again!

Soon enough, we were on our TGV, off to Avignon!

**** Postscript: I recently heard from "FOY" AndyS……man, it had been over 8 years! It was great hearing from you Andy! I'm glad you are well. And since you wrote:

"Ramen has been my biggest fetish for the last few years.  I was scouring LA and anywhere for ramen.  Every visit to Japan, I made it a point to never repeat a single type of ramen in a trip and wow.. was I amazed at how diverse ramen is there."

And since there's ramen in this post…..I want to dedicate this post to you. It made my day to receive your email! Take care!

 

Sunday Stuffs – Tenkatori Replacing TJ Dumplings, Tan Ky Mi Gia Has Closed, and Do Mushrooms Communicate with Each Other???

Well, after the recent record heat we had here in San Diego I was going to put up a sandwich post….but now it's back to the mid-60's here……so let's just do a short round up, ok?

Tenkatori Replacing TJ Dumplings:

I had read about Tenkatori replacing TJ Dumplings last Monday and was waiting to drive on by to check things out.

IMG_5458 IMG_5457  I then read about the change on two other websites and "FOY" Junichi mentioned it in the comments of my Chicken Wing Wednesday post as well. So, since I wanted to do another revisit/price check at GyroGrill, I dropped by Miracrest Plaza to see what was going on. Well, TJ Dumplings does indeed looked closed and as I left GyroGrill with my lunch, a truck pulled up and some folks went into the space and started doing some work. So yes, it looks like TJ Dumplings is gone and now I can cross off visiting Tenkatori in Gardena off my list.

6780 Miramar Rd.
San Diego, CA 92121

Tan Ky Mi Gia Has Closed:

Per "FOY" Elle (what would I do without all of you???) in the comments of my recent 777 Noodle House revisit post; mentioned that Tan Ky Mi Gia on ECB closed a while back. Man, talk about a a blast from the past. My last visit there was at the end of 2019; which seems like decades ago. Of course, I used to visit when it was, well Tan Ky Mi Gia, then when it became Hing Ky Mi Gia, then returned to being Tan Ky Mi Gia….I think; though on my last visit the menu and the sign on the street still said Hing Ky Mi Gia….go figure. The folks working were always the same though…

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So, on my way to Northgate Market to pick stuff up to make Pozole, I dropped by and it is indeed closed. Sad, it seems like the end of an era……I still remember posting on Tan Ky Mi Gia in Mira Mesa all the way back in 2006 which closed in 2014 and became Tim Ky

5237 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92115

Do Mushrooms Communicate with Each Other?:

And here's one from the "I am a cesspool of useless information" files (at least that's what a friend of mine "back home" called me). Read an interesting article in the Guardian where a Professor from the University of the West of England theorizes that mushrooms communicate via electrical impulses. Whoa….

Of course I instantly wondered what the mushrooms I used in any  number of my recipes thought of me? I truly hope they thought I was a "fun-guy"…ok, I hit my limit of dad jokes for today.

Have a great week!

Saturday Stuffs: Lucy Ethiopian Replacing FireBirds Chicken, the Sign for Kumo is up, and Taking a Drive in Serra Mesa

Just a couple of things for a damp and chilly Saturday.

Lucy Ethiopian Replacing FireBirds Chicken:

I had been wondering when I'd see signs (no pun intended) that the Hot Chicken fad was hitting saturation point. Well, on a recent visit  to City Heights I drove past what is now the former location of FireBirds Chicken. It looks like it'll be replaced by "Lucy Ethiopian Restaurant".

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So, like Poke Bowls, Ramen, Korean Style Hot Dogs………

4155 University Ave.
San Diego, CA 92105

The Sign for Kumo Is Up:  IMG_5447

Back in June of last year, I read that a Japanese Sando shop was opening in the Plaza Sorrento Food Court. According to what I read, both in the Eater post and on what I'm assuming is the businesses website, it was going to open during the summer of 2021.

During my visits to Nanay's and Sue's Korean Kitchen I took a look around and did see empty businesses but no definite sign of the place.

Fast forward to my last last visit to Sue's….well, there it was.

The shop is actually suite 108, right next to Sue's.

I'm guessing all this Covid-ness and such has caused a delay in the opening.

6755 Mira Mesa Blvd.
Suite 108
San Diego, CA 92121

Taking a Drive in Serra Mesa: 

I'm finally starting to get out a bit more; though I'm still a bit cautious and "gun shy". 

Recently, after doing some shopping at Nijiya; I decided to take "the long way home", via Aero Drive. For a few years our office was located near Montgomery Field. But I really never visited the area much once we moved our offices. And since Covid, other than a single takeout visit from Kokoro; I can't say I've been in the area at all.

So, I decided to just take a quick drive to see how things are.

Just along Aero Drive; well, there are noticeable changes. The long time Argentinian restaurant Pampas Grill closed in 2019 and the spot is still empty.

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Though Pear's Thai, which was previously Ka Ti Thai is still there.

Down on Murphy Canyon Road; well, there's a lot more changes.

Pho SaiGon Bliss is now Luxe Boba & Tea.

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3755 Murphy Canyon Rd
San Diego, CA 92123

And the mall seems to have a lot of vacancies.

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And the Sizzler closed down in 2020, around the time the chain filed Chapter 11. This space is also still empty.

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I believe there's one location left in San Diego….not that I'm going to plan on eating there anytime soon. Though Sizzler was a regular stop after working the evening shift back home in Honolulu, though that location closed down years ago as well.

It does seem things are a lot more stable around the strip mall off Sandrock and Greyling.

I'm sure "Mr Z" will be happy to note that Thai Pepper Cuisine is still open! Hope all is well Mr Z!

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3361 Sandrock Road
San Diego, CA 92123

And both Kokoro and Maggie's Cafe are still open.

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3232 Greyling Dr
San Diego, CA 92123

And heck, I passed this business with the Grand Opening sign……but no other signage….I'll check them out; along with Soup Du Jour (formerly Carve Modern Deli) hopefully soon.

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Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Midweek Meanderings – The Missus is Juicing (from Stehly Farms), Kumi Cafe Replacing Chopstix Too, and Saying Goodbye to Chowhound

Some "stuffs" for a Wednesday.

The Missus is Juicing (from Stehly Farms):

Sorry, couldn't help it. The Missus has been wanting fresh juices and it seems that only Stehly Farms fits the bill. Sadly, the the Morena location closed at then end of 2020. So, Kensington, here I come.

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The young lady who works the juice bar on weekends is so sweet; I think her name is Joanna.

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I've been going almost every week…..she knows my name now….sheesh…. 

Anyway, she works really hard in making fresh squeezed carrot and beet juice for the Missus. 

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The Missus blends the juices with some stuffs….I think tumeric, etc….and either Grapefruit or Blood Orange juice. Super healthy!

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It's one Her latest "things"……..

Stehly Farms Market
4142 Adams Ave.
San Diego, CA 92116

Kumi Cafe Replacing Chopstix Too:

Well, I hadn't been to Mitsuwa in a while. So I dropped by to do some shopping and was surprised to see that Chopstix Too was gone! Whoa, this one was a surprise. Over the years Cathy has posted on Chopstix Too several times, the last time back in January of 2019. Heck even Vicky did a post back in 2009.

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I did a quick search online and found this from Eater. So perhaps another ghost kitchen is going brick and mortar?

Sadly, it's the end of an era it seems.

4380 Kearny Mesa Rd.
San Diego, CA 92111

Saying Goodbye to Chowhound:

Talk about the end an era……

I was looking thru some CH posts and found this post. If you don't want to follow the link; here a bit of the post:

"After 25 incredible years of sharing culinary insights and mouth-watering recipes, we are saddened to inform you that Chowhound will be closing down on Monday, March 21, 2022.

This incredibly difficult decision is due to limitations in the capabilities and resources required to maintain the site on an ongoing basis. Rather than allowing the site experience to degrade, we have opted to close down the site."

I'm certain many of you have never heard of Chowhound….but for me, it was a nice source of dining information after we moved to San Diego in 2001. I had read some stuff  when we lived in the SGV, but it became a good source for dining info for San Diego. Of course there were many changes over the years and participation waned…….I'll just leave it at that.

I have met some great folks from CH and after hosting a CH dinner at Ba Ren I  met the wonderful Ed from Yuma and we became fast friends.

I think my FOY "Candice" put it best; it's "the end of an era". 'Nuff said.

No Sandwiches from Sandwich Island

I had been wanting to return to Sandwich Island since I'd done my original post back in October. A couple of weeks after, I finally decided to return. I was thinking about getting a sandwich but then I saw this posted.

Sandwich Island 13

Whoa, a bento box for $8.75???? I couldn't help myself and ordered it. The container was quite hefty and there was even some miso soup included.

But let me set your expectations right now…..

Sandwich Island 14  Sandwich Island 15 As you can see; it's a very generous portion of food. Though it's truly "SYSCO – city", if you know what I mean.

Don't get me wrong; I've had worse at many other places for much more money.

But, like that frozen from a package eggroll….

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To the very salty; un-miso-ey, miso soup…..also obviously form a package. This was like making a large plate from stuff you have in the freezer and around the house.

Sandwich Island 18

Though chicken was nicely griddled on the flat top, it was dark meat chicken which prefer….I've had worse at L&L, the sauce was pure, salty, Yoshida's, or something quite similar. I will say the rice was nicely cooked, moist and tender.

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I enjoyed the green salad and the edamame was a nice touch.

Sandwich Island 19   And based on recent prices; this was bargain. I feel like I got what paid for here. And how often these days can you say that. Though a coworker told me that they've increased the prices again recently. Still, I know a lot of folks who would pay 10 bucks for this nowadays. 

Sandwich Island
7350 Trade St.
San Diego, CA 92121
Current Hours:
Mon – Fri 630am – 3pm
Closed Saturdays and Sundays

Yakyudori (again)

mmm-yoso!!! welcomes you back.  Today, Cathy is writing while Kirk is relaxing.

Kirk wrote about Yakyudori in 2010, two times then again in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, and in 2020. Each of his posts concentrated on the yakitori portion of the menu (only served after 5:00 p.m. now). I wrote a short post in 2014, about appetizer meals. We've done those here regularly, I just have not posted.  Since COVID-19, a few things have changed. 7BD032F2-11BB-4A02-9773-EF82161F3C23 5DBD01D0-BF97-4963-8F97-3B7BD4A8FADC_1_201_a There are beautiful wood dividers for the socially distanced tables.

When you are seated, the "menu pad" is programmed for your table, so you can order when you are ready.

0B30371C-D0E2-440A-A377-7D2B96112B3A0B30371C-D0E2-440A-A377-7D2B96112B3A0B30371C-D0E2-440A-A377-7D2B96112B3A0B30371C-D0E2-440A-A377-7D2B96112B3A0B30371C-D0E2-440A-A377-7D2B96112B3A You can choose your menu with photos (descriptions and options/customizations available upon a tap). 163B3932-FEEA-4079-8831-C6608D9428C2163B3932-FEEA-4079-8831-C6608D9428C2163B3932-FEEA-4079-8831-C6608D9428C2or switch the menu to just words.  Either way, it is efficient.  You can request additional items as well as your check without having to flag down anyone and follow your order: 2E63F44C-6957-46EC-9BF5-2D785450C487 

The last two times we were here, we noticed only one waitress and the system worked very efficiently.  
7BD032F2-11BB-4A02-9773-EF82161F3C23 Miso (lunch) ($10).  Wonderful, rich deep flavored broth, chewy noodles, fresh fillings/toppings.09FF3180-C01A-46B1-BB64-4BC5FFC9BCA5 Spicy Miso ($10.50), customized with no onion (for The Mister). A good, spicy broth with ground pork, bean sprouts, corn and the wonderful ramen noodles. 
4656E777-47F1-4015-B420-C07DEA62A6A2 D499148A-03A4-42A8-90CE-54FADF58892F Fried Chicken Bowl ($11.50) with optional mini salad ($1.50) (can choose sesame or wasabi dressing). Instead of ordering the chicken karaage appetizer (as it seemed every table was doing), the bowl with rice and lettuce, mayonnaise and chopped green onion is a full meal and enough to share.  

Of course we have also (still) made meals out of appetizers.
6803B9AD-6D2C-41D3-84D1-387371BC58D8 8AC7C9D7-D89C-4752-A570-14EBF4368ABBGyoza ($5.50) (steamed; can also opt for fried) is almost always an automatic order for us.  A good amount of pork and cabbage filling inside tender skins and served with hot mustard and black soy, the six pieces along with a side salad could be a meal. 
7BD032F2-11BB-4A02-9773-EF82161F3C23 817D1C4F-63A6-42D8-ABB2-C233D7258AD3 Fried Oyster ($8) was just wonderful, perfectly fried and crisp, not oily.  Quite large. 
7BD032F2-11BB-4A02-9773-EF82161F3C23 5475DFA4-AD41-40C2-BF3C-F0B16F4AA3AD Takoyaki ($6.50) arrives hot with the dancing bonito flakes jiggling everywhere.  The small round pancakes are filled with octopus and have crisp edges and are always delightful.
7BD032F2-11BB-4A02-9773-EF82161F3C23 Mini salad ($1.50) and hot tea ($2) are pretty much always ordered here. 

So glad it has survived COVID-19.  The food quality and people who work here are great.  

There is online ordering but no delivery service.   

Yakyudori 4898 Convoy Street San Diego 92111  Hours: Mon-Fri: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., 5 p.m.-midnight, Sat-Sun 11:30 a.m.-midnight  website
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Niban (indoor eating!)

mmm-yoso!!!, an old fashioned food blog.  Kirk is too busy to write a post today, so this one is being written by the -slightly less busy- Cathy. 

My most recent post about Niban is from 2019, when I linked to all of my previous posts, going back to 2006.  It's time for an update.0DDBB800-2780-4E3A-ADE3-478762F796F3  AFE69E6E-92EF-454C-80EB-4C20E53014D5 While standing in line to order, the "Daily Lunch Specials" sign remains.  Of course, the prices have changed. 
4E977DA7-6E15-464E-AC30-34D2AD79C1B9 3EFDAD43-87C6-4322-8C0D-8661F17DE79C3EFDAD43-87C6-4322-8C0D-8661F17DE79C The Bento lunch($8.75).  Inari along with six pieces of California roll, rice and three pieces of fried seafood (fish, squid and shrimp) as well as the seafood side salad.  This with a cup of hot tea ($1) is always satisfying.
 960ED350-A002-4227-9F43-B73953AE58E1The regular menu has remained almost the same (sunomono salad has been removed).
7E591ADD-D5A2-420D-A66C-D61B4582FE86The sushi bar is still there, but nobody can be seated.  Darn Covid!

 02EA4EEF-FEA3-47D5-AEB4-446F21C7983A We always get some sort of appetizer to share.  The tempura vegetables ($6.50) are perfectly fried. 052BAD2F-F706-4525-81C3-D5D51E3AD3C1 The potato croquette ($2) is made with bits of carrot and the panko crust surrounding the mashed potato has such great texture as well as flavor contrast.  I could make a meal of three croquettes and a side salad.  (and I have)
56E236B2-9086-44E5-87C4-347C67E9CF7D The chicken katsu salad ($7.50) makes a nice meal.  The chicken piece is quite large and moist, again with a perfectly crisp crust.  The ginger based salad dressing is refreshing.
56E236B2-9086-44E5-87C4-347C67E9CF7D On the "Combination" portion of the menu, there are several choices.  This is the chicken teriyaki with fried shrimp($11.50).  Mushrooms and zucchini are mixed in with the chicken and sauce (which is not thick and not too sweet).D75BEEC7-1EB4-4B91-A255-B16ECF4A414A The pork teriyaki with fried (or steamed) gyoza ($10.50) is also a good meal.  The gyoza are filled with pork and vegetables and, again, perfectly fried.  
D75BEEC7-1EB4-4B91-A255-B16ECF4A414A Vegetarian Delight ($10.50) is a very satisfying Bento and could even be considered an 'appetizer platter'.  Eight pieces of Garden Roll, eight pieces of vegetable tempura, edamame, a salad and some marinated bean sprouts.  
8650E6C1-F0FB-48B6-ACAD-A23593C8B7DA Katsu curry udon (with pork) ($10) was a craving one chilly day.  Quite perfect- curry flavored udon soup with a good size piece of fried pork on top.  The udon was something I hadn't realized I had missed.

Another survivor of the pandemic!

Niban 7081 Clairmont Mesa Blvd San Diego 92111 (858)268-0465 Open Mon-Sat 11-2:30, 5-9:00 (until 9:30 on Fri and Sat) Sun 4:30-9:00

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