Japanese Restaurants – Page 14

Our Pandemic Takeout Rotation

March 11, 2021 mmm-yoso Caffeine Fix, Chinese Restaurants, Greek Food, Japanese Restaurants, Local Kine Stuffs in San Diego, Poke, Sushi and Sashimi

I was recently pondering what our Pandemic Takeout Rotation is….that is, the places we've done a bunch of takeout from over the last year……I'm guessing that this post is somewhat timely since (not a great thing) the WHO declared Covid-19 to be a pandemic on this day a year ago.

What I did notice is that things like weather, work, cravings, or indecision kind of drove the decision process. So I've categorized places by that process

So here goes…..

For cold weather – Menya Ultra and Woomiok:

Like I mentioned before, I'm not if it's because we're spending more time at home; but this fall and winter seems to be much colder then I recall.

So, of course Menya Ultra's Stay at Home Kit…….so well and thoughtfully put together; love the fresh noodles (i.e. fresh made and uncooked) is our rotation.

It's basically at least two meals……there often is too much noodle; so I'll often use it for another dish.

Menya Ultra Ramen
8199 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92111
858-571-2010

When the Missus or I feel somewhat tired……we enjoy the Emporer's Soup along with an extra side of bone broth from Woomiok.

We enjoy the restorative effects of the bone broth….even if it might be "all in our heads".

This was especially nice after the Missus or I felt some of the side effects from our vaccines.

Woomiok
3860 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 737-4599

And then when we're experiences unseasonal warm weather – it's the Market at HFS:

That's an easy one, right? It's also a handy fix when I'm missing "home".

Of course, you know the Missus right? Eating poke just ain't the straightforward for Her……there's a bit of prep involved. Can you imagine when I actually deliver this for Her lunch at work?

And I blew this one because one thing was missing….shiso leaves…sigh….

Hawaiian Fresh Seafood Fish Market
6491 Weathers Place
San Diego, CA 92121
(858) 282-0591

For that "special" takeout dinner – it's Tadokoro:

I guess this one should be pretty obvious based on some of my previous posts.

Sushi Tadokoro
2244 San Diego Ave
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 297-0298

And when we can't make our mind up? Well, it's probably Noble Chef or Sizzling Pot King:

For those times when we don't really know what to get.

The Noble Chef
6159 Balboa Avenue
San Diego, CA 92111

Though I think we've been getting Sizzling Pot King weekly now.

**** Sizzling Pot King is now Zhang Liang Malatang

It's usually two meals for us…..and heck, if you're wondering what I do with those leftover noodles form Menya Ultra…..

I save all the drippings from the dry pot and use it as a sauce for the noodles….I know, kinda weird, but I like this strange version of Liang Mian…..

Sizzling Pot King
8058 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 279-0088

The Missus's weekend coffee fix from Birdrock:

I'll usually drop off pour over from Birdrock on Morena.

She loves the fruity acidity of African beans and of course when there's Geisha (caution – over $12 a cup for pour over)…..

The folks there already know me by name and make an awesome pour over……even though their spelling can be a bit iffy……

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters
1270 Morena Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92110

And then, there's my weekly reward for working from home – Zgara Greek Grill:

Another pretty obvious pick. I'm not the biggest fan of all this WFH stuff; but Frankie needs and deserves the attention and care. So, once a week I'll reward myself.

Zgara Greek Grill
1229 Morena Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92110

You know looking at this list makes me wonder why other places from my usual rotation like Mien Trung aren't here…..there are some obvious reasons for others; like Yakitori, Yakiniku, Korean BBQ, and some of my regular Japanese restaurants….well, I just think takeout wouldn't do justice to the food…..though maybe EE Nami might make this list soon.

Anyway; here's looking to brighter days….I'm hoping the light at the end of the tunnel is coming into view.

And of course, I want to know, what has your takeout rotation been?

Midweek Meanderings: Ichiro’s Closes and Ramen Ryoma (Kearny Mesa) Closes.

February 3, 2021 mmm-yoso Japanese Restaurants, Ramen

Just a quick post for today.

Ichiro's Closes:

In my last post on Tadokoro, "FOY" Junichi mentioned that Ichiro has closed and their last day of business was January 30th. So, I decided to drop by during regular business hours and while there was no indication of a sale or change of business, the place was closed.

Thanks to "FOY" Sage for sending me the link to Ichiro's Facebook closing announcement.

The restaurant has a long history here in San Diego, I believe of 36 years! It's the end of an era.

4344 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111

Ramen Ryoma (Clairemont Mesa) is closed:

I saw this one a while back…..seeing no signage on the place I made a real quick turn into the parking lot.

While the other locations in Hillcrest and Pacific Beach are still open; it seems that this location couldn't make a go of it. I believe they closed back in November, another casualty of Covid.

9119 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92123

You don’t mind if I indulge myself tonight, do you?

January 28, 2021 mmm-yoso Japanese Restaurants, Sushi and Sashimi

Just a quick post….man, so far it's been a pretty intense 2021 and both the Missus; who has been putting in 6 day weeks and I wanted to indulge ourselves. I hope you don't mind. You know where this is from, right?

Man, this was the best takeout we've had during the pandemic……well, perhaps it was just what we wanted?

What's your favorite takeout place?

Hope you're staying safe and having the best week possible!

Take care!

Travelling With My Tastebuds, Remembering Asahikawa – Shoyu Toroniku To Go from Santouka

January 24, 2021 mmm-yoso Japanese Restaurants, Ramen

Well, it's definitely ramen weather right now…..at least San Diego's version of it. Since She'd had a rather substantial and late lunch, the Missus asked if we could just go ahead and split a bowl of the toroniku ramen from Santouka, which sounded fine to me as I wasn't super hungry. So, we headed off to the Mitsuwa Food Court and wouldn't you know it, Santouka was out of shio broth, just like when I last did takeout in April. Oh well, the Missus went shopping for snacks while I waited for our large shoyu toroniku.

I gotta say; the broth wasn't as salty as the last time I had this.

And that pork cheek….while not as fatty as on previous visits, was so nicely flavored……welcome to shoyu-porkiness!

But, unfortunately, like my last takeout visit, the noodles just didn't hold up and were mushy, lacking in that nice al dente pull and chew. So I guess it really doesn't travel well. The Missus agreed; I think She know believes that Menya Ultra is better; at least for takeout.

As we were both enjoying ourselves at the dinner table, we had one of those "moments". And we both blurted out; "remember going to Asahikawa and finding the original Santouka?"

Yes, we were in Hokkaido at the end of November in 2015, and went to Asahikawa, the city where the coldest temperature in the history of Japan (-42F) was recorded…..I was in search of Otokoyama Brewery; the Missus, the flagship location of Santouka, which turned out to be a humble little shop (photo to the right). We both shared our memories and had a couple of laughs; there were actual snow flurries while we were on the train; we then caught a bus to Otokoyama Brewery, me having to ask the driver if the but went to the brewery….the wonderful bus driver made sure to let us know when our stop came up and when got out and headed in the wrong direction stopped and pointed the way for us! We miss Japan so much. Even though we had to cancel our planned trip last fall; these memories make sure that we'll return when we're able.

Here's hoping it's soon.

Funny how a bowl of ramen can transport you to a place 5,000 miles away and what seems a lifetime ago. Well, it's all we have for now; so it'll have to do….for now…..

Santouka Ramen
4240 Kearny Mesa Rd(In the Mitsuwa Marketplace)
San Diego, CA 92111
Current Takeout Hours
Daily 11am – 630pm

We hope everyone had a warm, dry, and safe weekend!

News About Sam and Sushi Yaro

January 22, 2021 mmm-yoso Japanese Restaurants, Sushi and Sashimi

**** Sushi Yaro has closed

Well, as if things couldn't get bad enough. On Tuesday my good friends sent me a bunch of text messages telling me that Sam, owner of Sushi Yaro had a stroke. Which was really hard to believe since he's fairly young. I don't do Facebook, so I quickly went to the Sushi Yaro's Facebook and found that it was true.

Good lord, 2021 isn't turning out to be so great so far…..

I've known Sam for almost 20 years now, from his time working at Katzra, to when he opened Sammy Sushi, to Sushi Yaro. While not fancy……it's always been what I've envisioned as the neighborhood sushi bar, unpretentious, all are welcome, and regardless if you wanted rolls or sashimi, there was something for you.

I've always harped on the importance of the relationship between the Itamae and the customer and no where else was it so true then at Sushi Yaro. I could always waltz in and just order "some sashimi" and get a nice plate of well cut, fresh fish…..the best that was available. And, I've actually met some "FOYs" at Yaro!

I usually don't do this, but times are different right now. I have been alerted to a GoFundMe to help Sam. Especially with rent to keep him afloat. So, if you've been to Sushi Yaro and enjoyed yourself…….well……

Here's hoping Sam recovers….though having a stroke can't be great for the motor skill you need making sushi….but I'm hoping for the best.

Get well Sam!

From Winter to Summer in a Week! Revisits to Menya Ultra and The Market At HFS

January 17, 2021 mmm-yoso Japanese Restaurants, Markets & Grocers, Poke, Ramen

Well, so far the first couple of weeks of the New Year has been quite hectic….not only work, but sadly, Frankie had a seizure on New Year's Day. He's doing fine now, eating, drinking, pooping….going on walks. He's been blind for a while and has dementia, but hanging in there. We've set-up sort of a "senior living" area for him, with an indoor/outdoor rug, several beds, indoor dog gates, and one of those indoor wifi cams with pet motioned detector, and such. He's doing as well as possible considering the circumstances.

And like I said, we take a couple of walks during each day and I'm surprised that there are places within two blocks of home that I had never discovered before.

And then of course; there's been the weather! From the mid-40's around New Year to record breaking highs in the 80's this past week.

Our eating definitely reflects that.

We started with our usual takeout from Menya, during the first week of January with temps dipping into the high 40's and low 50's; adding in a "ahem" snack for me, some Negipon; which the Missus also enjoyed.

I've gone thru "my drill" with the stay at home kit before; so I won't beat that dead horse. I will say that I used the leftover noodles to make a nice Japanese curry noodles for one of my lunches.

Menya Ultra Ramen
8199 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92111
858-571-2010
Current Hours:
Mon – Thurs 1030am – 2pm, 4pm – 8pm
Fri – Sun 1030am – 8pm

And then this past week happened….man, I don't recall having the mercury hit the mid-80's where we live in January. So the Missus was wanted Her "fix" from HFS.

I had to work a couple of hours during the weekend anyway and then headed off at around 935, getting to HFS right before 10…..and there were already 3 parties ahead of me in line!

Regardless, things went quite quickly. I hadn't been here since winter hit…..now HFS has two registers and things go a bit faster.

The Missus got Her fix….though one of these days I'll go through "the drill"….as the Missus has Her poke "done" a certain way.

In my opinion, still the closest I can get to "home". Though "FOY" ChrisR, who is from Hilo told me things can be slim pickins' around closing time at HFS……which makes sense; we wouldn't go to our poke places near closing as all you going get is da leftova's….

Anyway, we're hoping you're hanging in there. My true hope is that we're seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

The Market At HFS
6491 Weathers Place
San Diego, CA 92121
(858) 282-0591
Current Hours:
Daily 10am – 4pm

Take care and be safe!

Our Last Meal of 2020 – Sushi Tadokoro

December 31, 2020 mmm-yoso Japanese Restaurants, Sushi and Sashimi

It's an understatement to say that 2020 has been a difficult year; a year like none I've experienced in my lifetime and hope no one ever has to experience again. And yes, this year has been different; though I always try to be optimistic as we turn the page on each year….this one though, I can't wait to flip over.

Still, even though things are different, the Missus and I decided that we needed to at least celebrate the fact that we made it through…..so far…there's still a couple of hours left.

And so, we ordered our NYE takeout from Tadokoro a few days ahead, which turned out to be a good move since when I arrived to pick our food up; folks ordering takeout were out of luck.

Things were buzzing; but there were no shortcuts to be found on what we had for dinner.

It was a delicious meal, one which I hope is repeated many times in the future. Heck….maybe even next week? After all, we need to start 2021 on the right foot, correct?

Sushi Tadokoro
2244 San Diego Ave
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 297-0298

Anyway, thank you all so much for taking time out to read our humble little blog during these tough times. We wish everyone a safe, healthy, and prosperous New Year.

Take Care!

Kanazawa Curry Rice and Nagoya Teba To Go From Yakyudori

December 29, 2020 mmm-yoso Chicken Wings, Japanese Restaurants

Over the last couple of months I've found that depending on the context and situation, certain words will bring on a sort of nostalgia….taking me back to certain places and times. I had been wanting to get dinner from Hinotez while it was open for takeout. But after outdoor dining shut down, Hinotez went into hibernation. One evening, when the Missus was working; doing a night shift to help out in the South Bay, I just went over to Yakyudori's website and found that they were doing takeout. And then I saw it…….Kanazawa, a city we enjoyed visiting, and of course Nagoya…..bringing back memories of having yakitori at the original Yakyudori and also Hinotez 2 there.

Well, I just had to place an order.

I placed an order for the "Kanazawa" Curry Rice and recalling how much I enjoyed the karaage curry version at Hinotez, got it that way. And also an order of Nagoya Teba as well. Things were ready when I arrived….I had been kinda leery of Yakyudori when they put the "tent" up for outside dining as it was closed on three sides, which for me is bad for ventilation. Now with outdoor dining shut down it was totally removed.

I unpacked upon reaching home and set about to devour dinner immediately.

This was quite promising as the curry was still hot and the karaage….well, I just had to try one, was crisp with decent savory tones….well marinated. It perfectly mirrored what I had when I did my Yakuyudori versus Taisho posts years ago.

I eagerly poured the very thick curry over the karaage and rice.

The curry was thick and beefy (a hallmark of Kanazawa style curry from what I understand), like a good ragu of sorts. While it could do with having a bit more spice for my taste, it was just like a wonderful hearty, beefy, curry gravy for the crunchy, salty-savory karaage. Every bit as good as what I had enjoyed at Hinotez in the past…perhaps even better; darker, richer….nearly teetering on "too much of a good thing" but I enjoyed it, especially after what I recently got from Zen Curry.

Sadly, the Nagoya Teba did not meet expectations. Even though it had held up pretty well on he drive home.

It was more crunchy than crisp; but was missing the distinct taste of black pepper, not enough sesame seeds, way too sweet; even with regards to Nagoya Teba.

But I really didn't mind, the curry was a winnah! And while we didn't have curry when we visited Kanazawa, we will be sure to try some when we get back there. And while those wings didn't deliver; heck, I was happy just to remember our trips to Nagoya and Kanazawa and all the great memories. And perhaps, for a moment, when dreaming of being able to travel again….there was a slight glimmer of light at the end of the pandemic tunnel…..one that I hope will be shining brightly soon.

Yakyudori
4898 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 268-2888
Current Hours:
Daily 1130am – 2pm, 430pm – 8pm

Shoyu Ramen To Go from HiroNori Craft Ramen

December 14, 2020 mmm-yoso Japanese Restaurants, Ramen

I usually really enjoy this time of the year……it's chilly (by San Diego standards) and I love my noodle soups. This year of course…..well, sucks. An acquaintance of mine has a relative who is an Optometrist, who told him this was "going to be his year"…..after all, it was going to be 20-20, right? Well that one went down in flames I'll bet? Anyway, back to planet Earth here. I had to drop something off at work for the Missus and was wondering how things were going at HiroNori Craft Ramen. I'd really enjoyed my visits and checked their website to find that online ordering was supported. So, I went ahead and ordered the Shoyu Ramen.

After doing my duty, I headed over to Hillcrest…..I hadn't been in this area since last year! I found parking a couple of blocks away from the restaurant down Sixth Avenue and walked on over to HiroNori.

My order wasn't quite ready, so I waited outside. This was a week before the latest lockdown, so folks were eating at the outdoor tables and such.

For some reason, all the folks walking up and down the street and people eating and such made me kind of uncomfortable. I found a quiet area with good spacing from other humans.

A few minutes later; the really nice young lady walked my order to me and I was off. I had a rather uncomfortable moment……I'm not sure why folks don't social distance at traffic lights. They just all crowded around me….I ended moving to the point that I was halfway back to HiroNori. Needless to say; I couldn't get the heck out of Dodge fast enough.

I got home, cleaned up, and set about unpacking my ramen.

Unlike Menya Ultra, the noodle and toppings are combined together and was rather hard to separate. So I could pour boiling water over it to unclump. I just went ahead and got things into a bowl and then set the broth to a nice simmer.

I then poured the broth around the edges of the bowl and slowly worked to unclump the noodles. This worked fine. Also because it took a couple of minutes, it also warmed up the ajitama, which was nice.

The egg was excellent, cooked perfectly. The charred chashu was wonderfully flavored and tender. The menma added a wonderful crunch and the mild bitterness of the spinach gave the whole bowl a bit more complexity.

The shoyu broth had the same slightly velvety tongue feel that I enjoy; but it was much more salty than I recalled, which basically cancelled out any other flavors.

Those noodles had held up very well and had that wonderful, pleasant toothsomeness that I had enjoyed on previous visits.

Overall a very nice bowl; perhaps a bit on the salty side, but I did enjoy it overall. I really enjoyed the noodles as well. Still my second favorite ramen in San Diego.

HiroNori Craft Ramen
3803 5th Ave.
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 241-2856
Current Hours:
Open Daily 1130am – 8pm

Have a great and safe week everyone!

Takeout from EE Nami (again)

December 1, 2020 mmm-yoso Japanese Restaurants

I can 't believe that I posted on EE Nami back in May and even did a revisit post. It just seems like so long ago.

I was craving decent tonkatsu after the rather unsatisfactory version from Zen Curry. I hadn't revisited EE Nami since the end of May. I know they had opened the outdoor dining area; JeffP told me that he had enjoyed the Izakaya menu. Me, well…..call me gun shy; I'm still not ready for that. So, I decided to just order from the abbreviated takeout menu on my way home to check on Frankie. After all, it was Tonkatsu that I was after, right?

As before the whole process was painless; my food as waiting hen I arrived, less than five minutes later I was in my car headed home.

On my previous visits; I had enjoyed the Pork Loin Katsu more than the Filet, so I stuck with that. I added rice and miso soup to make it a "set".

The portion of rice and shredded cabbage seemed a bit more than on previous takeout visits. The miso soup was even weaker than before though. The pickles did a nice job of cutting of accenting the meal; making sure that the fried loveliness of the tonkatsu wasn't "too much of a good thing".

Of course, this was all about the katsu…..

And while it might have seemed like the pork had been fried a bit too much at first glance this was quite good. The breading wasn't separating from the moist, pleasantly toothsome, porky, loin. It was crisp, the panko fairly light, not greasy in the least bit. I've become used to the slightly sweeter katsu sauce over time…I guess it has grown on me.

It really did "scratch that itch"…….

Like I mentioned before; once we get pass all of this; I'm looking forward to trying all of their other dishes.

EE Nami
4706 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92117
858-246-6903