Lebanese Restaurants – Page 2

New to the Rotation Part 2 – La Miche Kabobgee

April 12, 2021 mmm-yoso Lebanese Restaurants

**** Sadly, La Miche has closed

With the weather getting a bit warmer, the Missus has been craving takeout from La Miche. There are items we want that are only served during dinner service and with the limited hours the place is only open for dinner service on Fridays and Saturdays. So, I've been dropping by on just about every Friday or Saturday for the last month or so.

The owner, Nabih and his wife are the nicest folks and we really want them to do well. It's quite depressing to stop by and see the place totally empty….though during my last two visits there was at least one table (since we reached Red Tier) occupied.

We pretty much get the same thing on my visits. But, much like Jesus from De Cabeza, Nabih understands our tastes. He knows the Missus likes spicy, so he recently recommended spicing up the hummus the Missus enjoys. Also, he is not able to get Soujouk at this time, so he asked if we would like to try the Kafta with the spicy tomato sauce he would use with the Soujouk (kasha kish)…he told me he'd make us a half order. So of course I said yes.

Which I got with the always delicious sweet-nutty-sweet-mildy spicy Muhamarah and the savory and mildly funky (in the best way possible) Shaankleesh, made from a wonderfully ripe and complex cheese.

The Spicy Hummus featured fire-roasted peppers which added an additional smoky layer, along with spice and acidity which really went well with the hummus.

The Kafta, meatiness went quite well with the bright-spicy-acidic tomato sauce….this was pretty hefty stuff and was quite filling. It was quite good……..in fact we got a full order the next time around.

In many ways La Miche really embodies what makes being a regular customer at a great mom-and-pop restaurant. They recognize their regulars, are so warm and friendly, know their tastes and make spot on recommendations based on that. You are welcomed….with a gentle smile, a wave, and a very mellow and sincere "we're so happy to see you". And I'm always happy to see the folks here. I've noted that Nabih has had some serious health issue in the past and I'm glad he seems to be navigating these crazy times fairly well.

And….yes, I'll probably be back on Friday or Saturday for "our usual".

I'm so ever thankful for places like this; it's part of the reason I started the blog almost 16 years ago.

Take care and be safe everyone; things are progressing, but we're not over this yet!

La Miche Kabobgee
9350 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 565-1165
Current Hours:
Mon – Thurs 11am – 3pm
Friday 11am – 730pm
Saturday 4pm – 730pm
Closed on Sunday

Takeout From La Miche Kabobgee

November 4, 2020 mmm-yoso Lebanese Restaurants

**** Sadly, La Miche has closed

So, what to do with that leftover Garlic Sauce from Garlic & Tahini? Well, on the Friday I had off, I decided to order some takeout from La Miche. The Missus had been wanting La Miche for a while; but ever since the owner had some health issues La Miche has been operating under limited hours. And the items we enjoy from La Miche are the Mezes are only offered during dinner. Currently from 3pm to 730 on Friday and 4pm to 730pm on Saturdays. Which really limits things for us….especially with the pandemic going on. What I decided to do on this day was to place an order at 11am to be picked up at 330pm on that Friday.

I got there right at 330 and my order was ready and waiting. I as happy to see the owner and his wife; who are in good health. I made my way home; placing the items that needed to be chilled in the fridge. When dinner came along; I heated up the soujouk and then the pita in my handy-dandy tortilla warmer and we were ready to go.

To go along with our leftover garlic sauce……I've posted on these dishes a number of times….

The Soujouk…….slightly spicy, toothsome sausage, with a nice and tangy tomato sauce. I only got a small taste of this one.

Loved the spices, the acidity…..deeply savory and complex.

My favorite; the Muhamarah. Red Pepper – Pomegranate – Walnut, thickened with bread. Such wonderful sweet-tangy-slightly spicy-nutty-mildly sour tones, just perfect with a warm pita.

And of course, the Shaankleesh. The flavor of a mildly "ripe cheese", with onion, tomato, and zaatar added for complexity.

The Missus remarked how much She's missed these dishes; it would have been complete with the Makanek, which sadly wasn't on the menu. I'm going to have to figure out how to get dishes from here more often….I got two shots a week; either Friday or Saturday. I'm hoping for the day that the owner feels recovered enough to open for regular dinner again. Until then; we'll make due.

La Miche Kabobgee
9350 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 565-1165
Current Hours:
Mon – Thurs 11am – 3pm
Friday 11am – 730pm
Saturday 4pm – 730pm
Closed on Sunday

Most Mezes only served from 3pm on Friday and on Saturday

Mr. Falafel (Clairemont)

August 29, 2019 Cathy Lebanese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog for more than 14 years. Kirk is working a lot this short week before a holiday weekend, Cathy is blogging.

Kirk has written about Mr. Falafel a total of three times; it's closer to His workplace. However, I drive around a lot. There are several signs directing you to this small storefront, (a strip mall *behind* the Panda Country on Clairmont Mesa at Genesee (the Southwest corner)). It used to be a Mexican Bakery where we would stop after eating at the small Mexican restaurant, also in this strip mall. The signage used to indicate it was 'Mediterranean Cuisine' and now it is more specific- 'Lebanese Cuisine'. There are 8 tables (two outside), 18 chairs. The menu is simple. The owner is very friendly and takes your order, apologizes that you will have to wait while it is being prepared, brings the food out to your table and checks up on how you are doing. It is his place and you can tell he is proud of his quality. Did I mention he is friendly? He is also happy, sings with the music playing in the background while cleaning the tables. It's like you are guest in his home.
The entire menu. Of course, we had to try the falafel. Knowing this was Lebanese meant the falafel would have fava beans in addition to chickpeas (I mentioned falafel ingredient differences in this post). A 'Munchie' ($5.99) of falafel was ordered.

Crisp exterior, fluffy interior, onion, garlic, parsley mixed with the garbanzo and fava. Quite perfect. Made to order (of course) and served with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and (a very mild) tahini. This could be a light meal.

So. Lebanese. Top center menu item, Lebanese chicken panini ($7.95). Chicken, pickles, garlic spread on a pressed French roll. This is a Lebanese restaurant…Alforon and chicken tawook came to mind. Could it be?
Oh yes!!! Freshly pulled roasted chicken (there was a small bone in one bite), a nice amount of pickles and the light, fluffy smooth, garlic paste on the nicely crisp yet fluffy pannini'd bread. All the flavors I crave. When you order the sandwich, you can also get a small size of any side item (hummus, tabbouleh, cucumber yogurt salad, potato salad fries or baba ganoosh) for 1/2 price. Ganoosh it was! Smoky, chunky, fresh-wonderful. The 'Munchie' part of the menu says a choice of either fresh pita or pita chips, and we were given some of each. The regular pita here are the nice, thin version (which is what the toasted pita are made from)- and I like thin pita rather than the fluffy, bread-y style.

A longtime (since 2011), local owned, friendly place serving wonderful, fresh food.

Mr. Falafel 4461 Clairmont Mesa Blvd (BEHIND Panda Country and the gas station) 92117 (858)490-0170 Closed Monday, 11-8 Tues-Sun Website

Speedy Falafel (El Cajon)

August 22, 2019 Cathy Lebanese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Speedy Falafel has closed. It will be missed.

This, mmm-yoso!!!, is a food blog. Cathy is writing today.

We noticed this rather large building after visiting City Bistro earlier this year (it's one block West). There were notes made and finally, The Mister and I returned to the neighborhood. Order, pay, grab a beverage, find a seat; your food will be brought to the table. There is plenty of seating. Speedy Falafel has been in this El Cajon location for about ten months.
The menu is on the wall, where you order and pay, also HERE. (EDIT: there is a new chef and some menu items may be added or not available at all times; I'm pretty confident that the choices we made on these visits are 'standard') Falafel sandwich ($3.99). There is a choice of falafel types; this is Lebanese (made with garbanzo and fava beans, cilantro and spices).

Other falafel styles are Iraqi (garbanzos, onion, garlic and spices) and Syrian (garbanzos, cilantro and spices). You can get sandwiches made with either flatbread or samoon bread.

Here is a beef kabob sandwich ($5.99) on a samoon. Each sandwich came with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle. There was a small side of hummus, a small serving of fresh made fried potatoes and we each got a bowl of soup (I think because we were eating in). A very good vegetable soup this day; celery, mushrooms, carrot and onion. Hearty. The sandwiches were each fresh, flavorful, definite return-for items.

On another visit, we tried a Bureg (beef and vegetable stuffed in a baked, thicker egg roll wrap ($2). This was good, but one was enough.
We also shared a Za'tar topped flatbread ($4.99) Gosh, this was great. The fresh za'tar spices (oregano, sumac, sesame seed, salt, pepper) mixed with olive oil on this wonderful, fresh, slightly crisp flat bread was just a perfect treat.

We decided to share the Pompano Zubidi (fried fish) ($10.99). This came with two bowls of wonderful lentil soup. The perfectly fried fish had yellow basmati rice and tomatoes, onions, cucumber and pickles on the side. It was wonderful; tender, fresh, flavorful.
On the far end of the eating area is a small bakery with a few individually priced items and mostly different 'by the pound' baklava pieces. This mixed nut roll was $1.50 and really good- there were small hazelnuts, pistachios and walnut pieces. These baklava creations, one with shredded filo filled with nuts and fig and one triangle piece, a more nutty traditional baklava cost $2.86 (pricing of $10.99/lb). These are sugar syrup, not honey based, sweets. very fresh, crispy, nutty, deep flavored bits of just enough dessert.

Speedy Falafel 1142 E Main St. El Cajon, CA 92021 (619) 938-4455 Open daily 8-10 (yes, there is a breakfast menu; basturma, foul medammas and other traditional Armenian items are available)(again, there is a new chef and the menu may be changing) website

Eating to Beat the Heat – Revisits to Buga, La Miche Kabobgee, and Santouka

August 5, 2019 mmm-yoso Japanese Restaurants, Korean Restaurants, Lebanese Restaurants, Ramen

Well, it cooled down for a bit, got warm again, cooled off, and then it's Monday and quite warm again……and it's not really the temps, but rather the humidity that's kind of bothering me. Man, to think I was born and raised in Hawaii. Crazy.

Anyway, here are a few revisits.

Buga:

I just looked at my last post on Buga and it's been exactly one year! Strange; I thought it had been longer than that. I wanted some bi bim naengmyun and Buga is right off the 805; so I thought it would be a rather quick and easy meal.

I got there right at opening time so the place was empty. Strangely, it stayed that way for my entire visit. Even though I got out in 25 minutes, it was pretty strange to see the place completely empty.

And no; I didn't order the "Internal Organs Special"; which would have been too much for me anyway.

I got the Bi Bim Naengyun as planned.

The last time I had Bi Bim Naengmyun at Buga it was a bit strange. It was water and quite soupy, a far cry from the drier, more spicy version that used to be served here. What I got this time was a bit different as well; it seemed like a bowl of regular Naengmyun in a typical dongchimi – based soup topped with the usual spicy gochujang based sauce for bi bim naengmyun. It seemed like a hybrid of sorts; which actually wasn't too bad. It still had the spiciness along with the bracing – refreshing – sour – Asian pearish soup. The noodles were perfect; stretchy, but not hard. Enoguh to bring some sweat to the brow, but also cool me off at the same time.

Sadly the panchan was mediocre; really lacking in punch, with no fermented tones at all….it was all quick-kimchi and a too sweet potato salad.

Buga Korean Restaurant
5580 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92117

**** Sadly, La Miche has closed

La Miche Kabobgee:

We usually head to La Miche Kabobgee when the temperature rises; to get some of the mezes we enjoy. So, one evening I headed over to grab some take-out and the place was closed.

I noticed the sign posted on the door with limited hours posted.

It seems that the really nice gentleman who owns the place had some heart surgery…..which had me a bit concerned.

So I dropped by during a lunch service.

I was happy to see him working. Moving a bit slower perhaps, but he was still the very mellow, and gentle guy I recalled. I chatted with him for a minute before this large party came in. He's doing better and is almost back to full speed. I'm glad.

The menu has fewer mezes than before; I think it's a bit of an abbreviated one; but there were still a couple of items I had previously enjoyed, starting with the Muhamarah.

I really enjoy the combination of flavors in this red pepper – walnut – pomengranite "dip" which is thickened with bread. Though it's much less spicy and tangy than I recalled; it's still a winnah' with the fresh pita that arrives scorching hot. I've learned that it's better to just eat all of the bread as it just isn't as good a few hours later.

I also got the Makanek; these little sausages had a wonderful snap, the ground veal is nicely seasoned, and that lemon based sauce is quite bracing!

This was a nice meal and it was good to know Nabih is doing well. So well, that La Miche will be back to normal hours in September.

La Miche Kabobgee
9350 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92123

Santouka:

In my last "eating to beat the heat" post; Junichi mentioned the Hiyashi Chuka from Santouka. I had actually had the Hiyashi Chuka from Santouka once before and had not been too impressed. But man, that was eight years ago! So, I figured it was time to try it again.

I wasn't certain that Santouka had the Hiyashi Chuka, but sure enough it was the summer special. I could tell it had been a very long time since I'd had this; it was $8.50 then; it's now $12.50. So, I guess its been going up by 50 cents a year?

Anyway, I ordered my noodles and had a seat. A few minutes later my number was called.

Well, if anything, Santouka gets points for consistency in presentation, as this looked basically the same as what I'd had eight whole years ago. At that time Dennis of A Radiused Corner (we miss you man!), called it a "tease" when it came to the proteins.

Those two thin slices of toroniku look rather lonely on that pile of noodles, huh? The provided toppings were rather "sparse"; though if you're carb loading, you've got your dish!

The "sauce" was weaker than I recalled, not as dashi forward and the sour tones were muted. I ended up mixing in all that mustard to help give things some "umph".

The noodles were nicely prepped and well chilled; so no issues there.

And as much as I like carbs and Santouka (remember us hunting down the original store in Asahikawa as few years back?), I'm not the biggest fan of the Hiyashi Chuka here.

Santouka Ramen
4240 Kearny Mesa Rd(In the Mitsuwa Marketplace)
San Diego, CA 92111

Things seem to be cooling down nicely as I'm finishing up this post……so maybe cooler weather is in store.

Still Eating to Beat the Heat – Izakaya Sakura and La Miche

August 9, 2018 mmm-yoso Japanese Restaurants, Lebanese Restaurants

OK, so it's supposed to start getting cooler this weekend. But until then, it's still way hot. I really don't think you want to read about Ramen Ryoma now, right? That'll have to wait until perhaps next week. Here are a couple of revisits.

Izakaya Sakura:

While my last couple of revisits to Sakura haven't been very pleasant, this restaurant which finally put up a sign after two decades, finally got me to come back in. It was hot; I was between meetings; the parking lot wasn't very full, so why not? Strangely, there was only one other couple in the entire place during my meal.

I ordered an old warm weather favorite; the Ebi Kakiage Zaru Udon….some nice chewy noodles and a cold dashi based broth.

Man, did they always pile on the light and crunchy fried morsels like this? Nothing like a cold noodle soup on a day that was so hot and strangely….in San Diego terms muggy. And still only ten bucks.

What had started turning me off in the past was the rather perfunctory and unpleasant service. Service today was quite pleasant and efficient….hey; they even refilled my water. Of course, with only three customers in the place…..

We'll see what happens on my next visit.

Izakaya Sakura
3904 Convoy St Ste 121
San Diego, CA 92111

**** Sadly, La Miche has closed

La Miche:

Another hot weather favorite of ours; I'm surprised to say we hadn't been here since last October. My bad. I dropped by on the way home from work and picked up some take-out. The Missus's favorites; Muhamarah, Shaankleesh, Baba Gannoush, and since they were out of Soujouk, some Makanek.

They even made up some fresh bread for us! This is one of the few places where the Missus will order Baba Gannoush; it's slightly smokey, doesn't use too much tahini, and that olive oil drizzled on it adds a nice grassy-earthy flavor. Of course I love the nutty and sweet Muhamarak and the funky cheesy Shaankleesh.

With some nicely chilled local cherry tomatoes and Persian cucumbers…..well, this was perfect.

It was also nice chatting with the owner Nabih; who is such a gentleman.

I need to eat here more often.

La Miche Kabobgee
9350 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92123

Mister Falafel Revisited

March 1, 2018 mmm-yoso Lebanese Restaurants, Mediterranean Restaurants

**** Mister Falafel has closed

Another stop before our offices moved last year; trying to go through all those places one more time. This time it was Mister Falafel, which I thought was quite good when they forst opened in 2013, but just hasn't been as good during my most recent visits.

Still, the folks here are so sweet and gracious.

I got the Falafel Sandwich($6.75).

Everything here is made to order, which is a good thing. The wrap was still nice and warm when I got back to the office. It was however, just a shadow of its former self. Something has changed in the recipe for falafel here. This time it was on the mushy – gritty side, with not enough crunch, the flavor milder than I recalled. Luckily, I got some garlic paste this time around (no meetings on this afternoon), which kind of saved things. This version of garlic paste is nice and pungent and really helped the sandwich, since the tomatoes weren't ripe and there just wasn't very much parsley. Also, the tahini here is not my favorite as I find it on the bland side.

Still, I really like the folks who work here, so I wanted to make sure to drop by one more time before we moved offices.

Mister Falafel
4461 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92117
Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday 1100am – 800pm

Trying to Beat the Heat – A Revisit to La Miche Kabobgee

October 24, 2017 mmm-yoso Lebanese Restaurants

**** Sadly, La Miche has closed

Good lord; triple digit temperatures. Just getting into the "100's" in Bay Park is bad enough….but at the end of October? What the heck is going on this year?

So, instead of doing a post on Pho and Bun Bo Hue; I thought I'd spare you and do a quick post on tonight's dinner. the mezze at La Miche is a favorite during hot weather and tonight was no different. We had the usual.

Baba Gannoush.

During our earliest visits, the Missus didn't care for the version. But over the years, She has grown a bit fond of it. Less smoky flavors, very smooth, a good amount of sesame paste. The pomegranate seeds add a nice tangy contrast.

Of course we got the Muhamarah.

Wonderful sweetness from the red pepper, nutty-earthy flavors from the walnut, slight tanginess from the pomegranate. Thickened with bread…..eaten with bread.

The Missus especially enjoyed this mixed with something new we tried. The Mujaddara.

A filling lentil and rice dish. Loved the fried onions.

And of course; the funky-salty-cheesy Shaankleesh.

I really like this dish.

So there you have it; a very satisfying meal, almost vegetarian, and just what we needed tonight.

La Miche Kabobgee
9350 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92123

What did you eat to beat the heat?

La Miche Kabobgee Revisted

September 6, 2017 mmm-yoso Lebanese Restaurants

**** Sadly, La Miche has closed

I'd been wanting to revisit La Miche for a while, it's a favorite of ours during hot spells. For some reason, I'd had bad timing and gone when the place was closed. Finally, with a normal lunch hour at hand, I was able to return.

It seems that La Miche has done away with the lunch specials menu. So, I would be able to order mezze during….though mezze for one just didn't seem right, so I went through the menu and ordered the Makloubi (Makloubeh).

As is the norm, things started with a nice refreshing salad.

And hummus with flat bread. I think the bread here has gotten better over time, but it's still not in the league of, say, Alforon as it gets hard quite quickly. The hummus is very mild in flavor, but perhaps that's how folks like it.

The main course is quite substantial. Makloubeh literally means "upside down" in Arabic and this dish is presented in that manner.

The dish is a nice mélange of flavors and textures. The base of cauliflower and a very tasty eggplant is quite good; the rice is moist and full of flavor. The chickpeas, peas, and almonds add a nuttiness and a nice textural contrast to things. The lamb; well, I thought it the weakest link in the dish, decent gamey flavor, but it was dry and in all honesty, if the rice was cooked in the lamb stock, I could have done without it.

The portion size was pretty large so I brought the leftovers home. The Missus loved he veggies, but said She said the lamb was too dry.

In the end, I was happy to see La Miche had their regular menu available all day; I'll be bringing folks over to share mezze. I still believe it's those dishes that shine here.

La Miche Kabobgee
9350 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92123

It’s been a while week – Alforon

June 25, 2017 mmm-yoso Lebanese Restaurants, Mediterranean Restaurants

My really nice revisit to Fernandez Restaurant had me thinking about places that I hadn't been back to in a while. A few came immediately to mind….then a few days later, having some all too rare free time on my hands, I was updating "the big list" (I'm still behind 10 months….hopefully I'll catch up one of these days) which had me wondering about several more places. It's been almost four years since we last did an it's been a while week. So I think it's about time……

There were three places that immediately came to mind…that I had been wondering about. One of them was an old favorite which I've unfortunately ignored for over six years! Gladly, I knew based on other Blogger's posts and how busy the place seemed when I did drive past, that Alforon was doing just fine.

I dropped by on a Sunday afternoon, during a kind of weird hour. The place was quiet. The place has been changed a bit since my first visits back in 2010. I actually sat on one of the sofa looking thingies….the owner; a really friendly and funny woman…whose name is "Samia" if I recall, sat next to me, put her hand on my shoulder and told me to "lean back….relax….see it's comfortable….we just had this done last week and want people to enjoy it!" You gotta love it…..I'm glad she didn't recognize me since it's been a bunch of years….I woulda had some explainin' to do.

I ordered an old favorite, the Chicken Tawook…..so here's how long I haven't been back….when I last had this in 2011, it was $5.75; now it's $9.25….. But it's still damned good.

The real stars of this; in spite of the abundance of chicken is the garlic paste; not overly strong, at least you don't think so, until your tasting garlic for the rest of the day….but it's wonderful here, not overly pungent; savory, light, smooth. And the bread, just enough crispness on the edges; yet soft to the bite and nice combination. The pickles do a great job of cutting through the garlic paste; chicken, and bread. It was as good as I recalled!

Sitting there, stuffed…..my appetite ain't what it used to be either. I sat and thought about all the wonderful meals I've been able to share on our little blog. And even more, all the fantastic recommendations I've received over the years; I recall this one was from ChristinaC, who has made some great recommendations over the years. Thanks again Christina….all these years later!

Alforon
5965 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92115