Local Kine Stuffs in San Diego – Page 2

Marukai (San Diego) Updates

July 8, 2022 mmm-yoso Local Kine Stuffs in San Diego, Markets & Grocers

In the comments section of my most recent post on Iron Pig, "FOY" Som Tommy mentioned a recent visit to Marukai and some changes he noticed. I actually thought I'd posted on this several months back….but I guess not…..sigh…."senior momentitus". Anyway, I'm sure if you're a regular at Marukai you know all of this already.

Several years back Don Quixote bought Marukai (and recently Gelson's) and some changes were noticed. Since the pandemic started Marukai on the corner of Mercury and Balboa has shifted what was being sold in the buildings a bit; but the biggest change is that Marukai, at least this location no longer requires a membership. In fact, one of the employees who has been there since the beginning told me recently to go ahead and "throw away the membership card".

As for the shifting of things:

Marukai Living is now Marukai "Japanese Grocery".

Marukai Chg 01

This store now focuses on Japanese packaged and non-perishable food and snack items….heavy emphasis on the "snack".

Marukai Chg 02

This is where; but for one exception where you can get all your "local kine" stuffs.

Marukai Chg 04

8125 Balboa Ave.
San Diego, CA 92111

Still need housewares, makeup, electronics, or some kind of kawai moisturizing mask?

Well, all of that is now in the Tokyo Central & Main Store.

Marukai Chg 06

8111 Balboa Ave.
San Diego, CA 92111

Marukai Market has all the produce, deli, meats, frozen, and prepared foods.

Marukai Chg 07

Marukai Chg 08

And also alcohol……and if you just need that $120 melon….well, on this visit it was "just" $89.99!

Marukai Chg 13

The bentos here are cheaper than Nijiya or Mitsuwa, but aren't often brought out until 1130 or so…a bit late for my lunch.

Marukai Chg 12

And the exception for "local kine" stuffs mentioned above is that all the frozen items are in the market…….

Marukai Chg 10

Marukai Chg 11

There are items I can no longer get here…..I wanted to make my guava grilled chicken, which uses Hawaiian Sun Guava Concentrate; no moa'. And for a short time they had Parks Brand Kimchee Sauce which I use for one of my recipes, but no moa' dat either.

8151 Balboa Ave.
San Diego, CA 92111

So, there you go "ST"…..sorry I'm a bit late on this one.

Da Kine’s Reopens in La Mesa

June 27, 2022 mmm-yoso Local Kine Stuffs in San Diego, Plate Lunch

**** This location is closed and Nelson is currently only doing catering

I know a lot of folks have been waiting for Da Kine's to reopen in their new location in La Mesa. I need to thank "FOYs" KerriK and DerekR for keeping me in the loop and providing updated information for me. So finally, a couple of weeks back Kerri told me that Da Kine's was in soft opening mode. Now I needed to make some time to check them out and I finally managed to do so this past weekend.

I've noted my history with Da Kine's in previous posts and Nelson even mentioned the reason he "gave" the various locations and "trademark" of the restaurants to employees during a visit to the defunct Linda Vista location.

When it comes down to it; it seems that "Uncle Nelson" as I've heard folks calling him has a connection with ex-pat Kama'aina's of a certain generation and their "ohana". I will agree, that be it for better or worse, his plate lunches do take me back to "those days". Simple, no muss, no fuss, no pretense "high maka maka" grindz. Beneath that kind of gruff exterior there always seemed to be someone who cared about folks….I posted on Da Kine's helping to sponsor a concert by Kalapana back in 1999, when I was doing a consulting gig here in San Diego. I had already moved to LA and was feeling a bit homesick and that concert lifted my spirits.

So, it was good to see the sign up for Da Kine's when I arrived.

DK Ret 01

There were also folks lined up outside the door when I arrived, 10 minutes before the 11am opening time.. That photo above was taken as I left the place.

The interior seemed quite modern, a change from the rustic themes of his former locations. There's both table and bar seating, all backed with a wonderful mural….with Valley of the Temples and Mokoli'i (Chinaman's Hat) in it.

DK Ret 02

It does look a bit modern and hipster. I would have taken a better photo of the mural, but several tables were quickly taken by folks who ordered ahead of me….one of the guys got three cans of Hawaiian Sun for himself! And he opened all three cans at once when he got to his table……nothing worse than needing a "POG" fix, right?

The young man working the counter was very ncie; though I could see Nelson holding himself back from actually working the line as he was training his kitchen staff.

So Derek, they do have kalua pork on the menu….I know you enjoy Nelson's version; of course they have a loco moco……but I had a bit of a drive so I thought I'd give the Teri Chicken ($15) another try.

DK Ret 03 DK Ret 04 First off, the good…..man, I really enjoyed the mac salad here, just as good as what I'd had at the Linda Vista location. Nicely seasoned, liked the amount of black pepper, amazingly still chilled after the drive all the way to Bay Park, just enough mayo. I've had mushy rice at Da Kine's in the past, but today it was perfect. You could see every grain, but it was still moist and tender.

As for the chicken? Well, at least it wasn't overly salty, but it could have used a bit more color and a stronger marinade/sauce (if he's still just "dipping" his chicken). It was not as dry as what I'd had before though.

DK Ret 05

So, perhaps when I do drop by again, I'll dine in and get a loco moco or kalua pork; or maybe Kerri, you could let me know if Nelson's going to have chicken long rice and lau lau on the menu?

In the end, if only for sentimental reasons, it was good seeing Nelson running around the kitchen area in his shorts and sneakers, teaching the young one's how to scoop rice and stuffs.

DK Ret 06

And the folks in line were a lot younger as well…….a couple of them looked like they might not have been born when I made my first visit to Da Kine's back in 1999. So I guess Uncle Nelson is feeding a whole new generation.

Da Kine's
7436 University Ave.
La Mesa, CA 91942
Current Hours:
Tues – Sun 11am – 6pm

Monday Meanderings – Da Kine’s Opening in La Mesa , Paris Sandwiches Coming to Mira Mesa, and Sau Voi Deli Closes

June 6, 2022 mmm-yoso Bakery, Banh Mi, Local Kine Stuffs in San Diego, Plate Lunch

Well, this post was supposed to go up on Saturday except that I ran into all kinds of issues with uploading photos and comment notifications. Things finally seems straightened out today. And perhaps there's a silver lining on this one….read below:

Da Kine's Opening in La Mesa:

**** This location is closed and Nelson is currently only doing catering

*** You can find a post on Da Kine's here.

2022-06-06_12-21-31

KerriK has been a wonderful "FOY", keeping me updated on what's happening with Da Kine's reopening in La Mesa.

Anyway, last Friday Kerri emailed me, letting me know that "Uncle Nelson" had updated his Facebook page informing folks that Da Kine's was (finally) (re) opening sometime this week.

That's a screenshot on the right.

So, this was all ready to go…and then I suddenly couldn't upload photos! Sheesh…..

But I guess it was fate; because Kerri, via our good old "Coconut Wireless" shot me an email this afternoon with the simple line:

"Nelson has declared tomorrow, June 7th, at 11:00am, as the opening."

So perhaps the delay was meant to be?

Thanks so much Kerri, for always thinking of us, and for all the support over the years! We appreciate it so much!

Da Kine's
7436 University Ave.
La Mesa, CA 91942

Paris Sandwiches Coming to Mira Mesa:

After picking up lunch recently at R&B, I saw the sign for Paris Sandwiches while driving back to the office. I needed to run some errands on Saturday so I went to check things out. Located next to Luong Hai Ky, now known as LHK.

The place really looked like it was open already; but a quick glance as I was passing by revealed that work is still going on.

I was wondering about the place and the name; so I followed the URL posted on the sign out front and guess what? The other address listed is for Paris Bakery on El Cajon Blvd!

I guess we know where the bread is coming from, right?

10606 Camino Ruiz
San Diego, CA 92126

Sau Voi Deli Closes:

I guess I haven't been to the Clairemont Mesa location of 99 Ranch Market for a while. On a recent shopping trip, I was shocked to see that Sau Voi Deli had closed!

And from what I could gather, they've been closed since the end of February!

Even though SVD was never a favorite of mine, it's sad to see such a long standing business shut down.

7330 Clairemont Mesa Blvd Ste 109
San Diego, CA 92111

Anyway, hope everyone is in good health.

Take care and have a great week!

COMC, The B(ack) I(n) T(he) O(ffice) Edition – The Market at HFS, TJ Dumplings, and Sue’s Korean Kitchen

September 22, 2021 mmm-yoso Chinese Restaurants, Korean Restaurants, Local Kine Stuffs in San Diego, Markets & Grocers, Poke, Seafood

Here's a round-up of places I've been catching up on since I've been "BITO" (back in the office). I hope you don't mind a few "reruns"…..

Another interesting observation is that all of these places opened just before or during the pandemic. Kudos to them for being agile enough to survive for over a year-and-a-half.

The Market at HFS:

A favorite from the first time I walked thru those doors. Real poke, not some concept "Chi-poke" kinda place.

I have noticed that prices have gone up a bit on my last couple of visits….for fish by the pound. The poke bowls are priced the same.

These days I get my poke bowls with half the rice….they tend to give a ton of rice and I can never finish. In fact, when I order for the Missus and I; I just get one medium poke bowl and two half pound containers….of course the Missus needs all the other "stuffs" for Hers.

The Market at HFS
6491 Weathers Place
San Diego, CA 92121
(858) 282-0591
Covid-19 Hours:
Daily 10am – 4pm

TJ Dumplings:

**** TJ Dumplings has closed

I just wanted something small for lunch; so I decided to head on back to TJ Dumplings.

Of course I got the Baozi. Opening the box back at the office I noticed two things. First, unlike my last visit, there was no leakage. Second, there's now only six baozi instead of eight. The filling was more moist and tender than what I'd had on my previous visit and the baozi was lighter and more fluffy. It's not going to make me forget my favorite; but these are ok.

TJ Dumplings
6780 Miramar Rd.
San Diego, CA 92121
Hours:
Tues – Sun 11am – 830pm
Closed on Mondays

Sue’s Korean Kitchen:

Like the Market at HFS, I like the fact that Sue's opens at 10am as I often have meetings that stretch thru lunch.

It's funny, the woman working here….I think it might be "Sue" remembers me. She told me; "it's nice to see you, it has been a long time"……I guess a bit over three months can seem like quite a while.

Of course I got the Kimchi Fried Rice with Spam ($9.99). Rustic, hearty, lots of Spam. I like the kimchi they use; there's some nice fermented tones. This is always more than I can finish, so I'll take the rest home and have it for breakfast during the weekends with a couple of eggs.

Good prices, portion size, and the woman who works here is so nice.

Sue’s Korean Kitchen
6755 Mira Mesa Blvd.
Suite 109
San Diego, CA 92121
(858) 352-6511
Current Hours:
Mon – Sat 10am – 9pm
Closed on Sundays

So there you go……it's nice getting back into sort of a routine.

Hope everyone is having a safe and productive week!

Fried Ahi Belly from the Market at HFS

June 7, 2021 mmm-yoso Local Kine Stuffs in San Diego, Plate Lunch, Seafood

I'm sure you all know that The Market at HFS is on our rotation by now. I know the place has been doing lunches, but I usually want to beat the crowds and go at 10am. On one of my visits, the manager, Hope, who is from Aiea told me that I needed to try the "Ahi Belly Bomb" ($16)…….."you know how good ahi belly is and for sure you won't be able to get that around here."

And since I'm quite good at taking direction, I decided to check it out. But, I called in my order at 1045 and drove over to pick it up. If you place a phone order you can skip the line and walk right in. Which is what I did.

Returning to the office I opened the container up…….

Whoa, that was quite a bit of food.

Truthfully, I wasn't expecting this.

Which was from Keeaumoku Seafood.

I would have preferred the belly intact as you can really dig into the buttery-rich ahi belly and also a bit more fried for good textural contrast, but this was not bad. The flavor did seem a bit on the stronger side….closed to aku than ahi to me and I'm sure the Missus would not have cared for it much. The unagi sauce went well with this, but if I have it again, I'll ask that they put the mayo on the side…..it made things a bit too rich for me.

I enjoyed the mac salad….I thought it was going to be a bit "overdressed" but this was quite good….even with vinegar to liven things up. Straight forward and good.

The rice looked dry, but was nicely done.

This was good, but unlike the poke here is a great fix when I'm missing home, this doesn't quite do it for me. I'm glad I tried it though. And it's so nice that Hope recognizes and thinks of me; letting me know when there's something I should try! That's bringing the Aloha!

The Market at HFS
6491 Weathers Place
San Diego, CA 92121
(858) 282-0591
Current Hours:
Daily 10am – 4pm
Plate lunches served from 11am.

Midweek Meanderings – Da Kine’s Landing in La Mesa, Golden Chopsticks Opening in Mira Mesa, Romeo and Julieta Sold, and Panda Country (Clairemont Mesa) Closes

April 14, 2021 mmm-yoso Chicken Wings, Chinese Restaurants, Hawaiian Food, Local Kine Stuffs in San Diego, Plate Lunch, Polish Food and Restaurants, Wine Bars/Wineries

Here are a bunch of updates for this Wednesday.

Da Kine's Reopening in La Mesa:

**** This location is closed and Nelson is currently only doing catering

**** Da Kine's has reopened in La Mesa. A post can be found here.

I gotta hand it to all the wonderful F(riends) O(f) Y(oso) out there, you are all an amazing bunch.

I noted that Da Kine's had cleaned out their Linda Vista location back at the beginning of March.

I instantly received a couple of emails…..when I went to Bay Park Coffee that weekend Noel came out and asked if I knew about Da Kine's moving….. Man, that "coconut wireless" sure works pretty fast, huh? Noel told me he had a feeling that Nelson would move his shop closer to home…he lives in La Mesa.

Move the calendar forward a month and "FOY" DerekR emails me with the screen shot to the right.

Not five minutes later I receive another email; this one from "FOY" Kerri who sent me an excerpt from Da Kine's Facebook page:

"Aloha Da Kine's Ohana! It's been a month since we've closed. We wanted to share an update with you.
Da Kine's has a new home! Our new location is off University Ave. in La Mesa. We're currently in the process of building the inside of the restaurant. Our expected opening will be mid to late summer 2021."

So, with Derek and Kerri already doing my work for me…..well, it's only right that I go check things out, right?

So, this past weekend I went to pick up some food for the Missus; She had something specific in mind for dinner after She got home from work.

I decided to Google some of those businesses on the sign and I headed off. Once arriving at the strip mall in question, I went ahead and opened up Da Kine's website to see if there were any clues…..and they made it easy for me with the new address.

And based on what I read….it seems that's going to be the new location.

I'm sad that they are leaving the neighborhood; but happy that they will keep the business going.

Call me a stalker or whateva', but I thought folks would be interested.

Awesome work Derek and Kerri!

Romeo and Julieta is sold:

The Missus and I were thinking about various Happy Hours we would like to go to once we're over the pandemic and Romeo and Julieta Wine Bar came to mind. I decided to check out the website and was sad to see that they had just closed, last day of business was April 11th, and the business has been sold.

Sad to see them go; but best wishes on their future endeavors.

4715 Monroe Ave
San Diego, CA 92115

Panda Country (Clairemont) Closes:

I stopped by Mister Falafel for the Missus a couple of weeks back. While waiting for my order I decided to take a stroll. I quickly noticed that the ABCDE Panda Country looked closed, so I walked over.

And sadly, the note on the door confirmed that they have closed….after 41 years. And while, like Troy's Family Restaurant down the street, Panda Country wasn't my cup of tea, it's sad to see a place that has been part of the neighborhood for so long close down. Much like the neighborhood diner, the local Chinese restaurant has always been part of the foundation of a neighborhood.

4455 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92117

And Finally, Yes Golden Chopsticks is Coming to Mira Mesa:

*** Golden Chopsticks has finally opened – post can be found here.

And just to end this post on a high note.

After "FOYs" Elle and Sandy mentioned seeing the sign for "Golden Chopsticks" in the comment section of a recent post, well I had to go check it out. So, I dropped by during lunch yesterday.

And yes, right were I believe Payless Shoes used to be; in the mall that holds Target, Menya Ultra, Sandwich Emporium, and a host of others, was the Golden Chopsticks sign.

And soon enough, Eater San Diego confirmed that this is "that" Golden Chopsticks. So it looks like we'll finally be getting some decent Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings north of the "94". And while I'm solidly in the Royal Mandarin camp; I'll gladly partake of Salt and Pepper Chickens Wings from Golden Chopsticks.

8155 Mira Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92126

Thanks for the heads up Elle and Sandy!

And just for old times sake, remember this blast from the past?

Have a great week everyone!

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?

Island Style Cafe Reopens (Now in Santee)

March 7, 2021 mmm-yoso Local Kine Stuffs in San Diego, Plate Lunch

There were quite a few disappointed folks (me included) when Island Style Cafe announced they were closing their shop in Tierrasanta. On my last visit to ISC, Teri did tell me that they were going to reopen. But I heard nothing about that….until mid-January when I randomly went to ISC's Facebook page and noticed a strange address….based in Santee. Then it soon started….first "FOY" Kerri sent me an email telling me ISC was reopening, the address and target date. This was followed by emails from LaurieH and KathyQ informing me that a reopening announcement had been made on NextDoor….finally, to put the cherry on the top, our own Cathy sent me a text letting me know that ISC was reopening! As I mentioned in my previous post; our own little "coconut wireless" is still going strong!

Now Santee is not quite down the street for me; I haven't been "back East" since before the pandemic. I really didn't want to go during prime time or rush hour….in spite of having had both of my vaccinations completed at the end of January, I'm still somewhat adverse to risk. I did see an opening though. Back at the beginning of February, I took a vacation day to get my car serviced. Unfortunately…..as I was waiting for my vehicle to be ready (it was amazing how quick they completed my service) I got a bunch of text messages….there was an emergency need at work, so I started trying to set the foundation for what was needed (I had the work laptop with me), but WiFi at the dealership was really bad….I rushed home and halfway through our internet went out! Sigh….so I ended up going into the office and spending the rest of the day completing the request. Needless to say, I was fried……more on that in a later post. Anyway, I went and requested to have a replacement day…..and I took it this past week. So guess what…Santee, here I come.

And to be perfectly honest, this location is only about 15 minutes away from their former location, on the 52 East, exit at Mast…so what the heck was I whining about.

I got there at around 1035 and the phone was ringing off the hook. Teri was there running….well, everything. It was nice to see her and it seems she remembered me as well. The menu has changed a bit; no moa' Kaloko Moco…but they now have other versions; a Curry Moco, Kalua Moco….and something called the "Kanak Attack" Loco Moco. Since I'd be taking my stuffs to go (no outside seating – and I'm still waiting to feel comfortable enough with that anyway) I went with the Char Siu – Spam Scramble ($11).

Between the myriad of phone and takeout orders; Teri did have a few moments to chat while I waited for my food. She mentioned that the six months off really gave them time to reflect on life and the business, making them so much more thankful for all great customers and relationships the restaurant provided to them….thus really giving them more motivation to reopen. Teri also told me that business has been really brisk; especially during afternoon rush hour….it seems like folks were doing a bunch of takeout on the way home.

Soon enough my order was ready and with Teri telling me "Mahalo Kirk" and I responded with "Mahalo nui loa, noʻu ka hauʻoli Teri"……man, when was the last time I said that?

Anyway, unpacking things at home; the Scramble looked pretty hefty.

I like the "loco style fried rice" that ISC makes; it's always been moist and fluffy…….the eggs were nicely done, soft, slices of my favorite canned meat product, char siu (decent), kamaboko, onions……of course a nice shake of Tabasco, I ended up finishing the whole darn thing! The only thing I would replace…is that next time, I'll pass on the teriyaki sauce as it is too sweet for my taste.

Eleven bucks….heck, I just recently spent $10 for a banh mi. So this is well worth the price. At my age, I can't put these away too often, but today was special. It was reconnecting with a place that has a special spot in my heart and cardiovascular system.

Teri and I spoke about the gradual reopening of indoor dining and I told her I was holding off on my loco moco until then….she laughed. But what better way to celebrate the transition to some sort of normalcy, right?

Island Style Cafe
9828 N Magnolia Ave.
Santee, CA 92071

You know, Teri's mention of being thankful really resonates with me. I mean, we have a humble, very low-tech little blog, and yet there are wonderful folks like Kerri, LaurieH, and KathyQ who actually take time out of their lives to contact me and let me know that Island Style Café was reopening and where! It warms my heart and keeps me inspired!

Mahalo nui loa Kerri, LaurieH, and KathyQ!

The Hilo Loco from Leilani’s Cafe

October 1, 2020 mmm-yoso Local Kine Stuffs in San Diego, Loco Mocos, Plate Lunch

A few weekends ago, I had to head into the office for a few hours to finish some things up…..call me weird in these times; but I find I'm much more focused and productive in an office or a non-home environment. I'm also all for the separation of work from personal life as well……more on that in a future post. Anyway, not needing to go in at 530am on weekends is a plus; though I just wake up when the Missus left for work at 6 anyway. Got my act together; took Frankie for a quick morning walk before things got too hot, headed over to work and decided to call it a day at around 930am…..on some weekends; the Missus will request Her own personal version of "Goober Eats" and ask that I drop off a poke bowl from HFS for Her….but NOT before I have to add kimchi, radish and cilantro sprouts, and avocado. But I'd already done that the day before; so I was free and clear on this day.

I really wanted to treat myself to some "comfort food"….which in this case meant, well……you know me…..a Loco Moco of course. Of course, my first choice would be Island Style Café, which would be open at this time had they sadly, not closed down in August (hope you reopen soon ISC). Da Kine's which is a few miles from home would be the natural second choice; but they wouldn't open until 11…..I wanted to be in a loco moco fueled hibernation by then. So…. it became rather clear after doing a Google search…….Leilani's Café opens at 7am on Sunday. And yet, even though I've been expanding my "roaming range" a little at a time over the last couple of weeks….this one; out in PB was maybe not where I really wanted to be……but then again; we weren't talking about Happy Hour on Garnet Avenue here….this was usually less busy Cass Street. So, I decided to call in an order for the Hilo Loco ($12.75). And headed off from the office.

Of course, I'd forgotten about the somewhat hit-and-miss parking situation in the area; but I did find parking on a quiet street two blocks away.

There were quite a few people eating al fresco when I arrived; but they were nicely distanced and no one was waiting either at the order window (up front) or the pick-up window (to the side). My order was waiting when I arrived and I was out of there in less than five minutes.

The Hilo Loco was in good shape when I got home…..even after I let Frankie out to do "his thing" in the backyard and got my portable table out….

This might be the best loco moco I've had for takeout in a while. The egg was still nice and runny, the rice piping hot….large chunks of Portuguese Sausage in the fried rice; which might have been a tad too mushy for me; but that's splitting hairs. The gravy had a more beefy flavor than I recalled; though was still a bit on the "gloppy" side. That burger was thick, hand formed, moist, with a nice beefiness to it.

And the one big plus? Leilani's stopped having Tabasco available a few years back….when eating this at home; well, I could bust out my own Tabasco.

Leilani’s Cafe
5109 Cass St
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 361-1280
Current Hours:
Daily 7am – 2pm

So in this case; it was worth stretching my "range" a bit. I didn't run into a single person walking to and from my car and my only contact was thru screen and plexiglass with the chipper young lady at Leilani's.

All was well in the world……

Unitl I ran into this "sign of the times".

Which instantly jarred me back to 2020.

Oh well; I'd rather just think about this……

A Taste of “Home” for Sunday Lunch

September 27, 2020 mmm-yoso Cooking, Local Kine Stuffs in San Diego, yoso-silly

I'm kinda surprised at how busy I can be on a typical weekend morning.

For example; today, after waking Frankie, taking him for a short walk:

1 – Make food for Frankie and his Cousin Auggie – basically 9 pounds of simmered chicken thighs, carrots, sweet potato, and quinoa (yes, F is a hipster I guess). Freeze. Enough for about two weeks.

2 – Meanwhile; finish off making duck confit in the oven. (I made the duck fat yesterday and cured the duck overnight) We've got a heat wave coming this week; so I'm not going to want to have that oven on.

3 – Go grocery shopping

4 – The Missus requested Niku Tofu; so I made that

5 – Make a batch of Ume Dressing

6 – Put together the Missus's salad for Her lunch tomorrow

7 – Put duck into storage pan and wait to cool – this'll keep for months

8 – Clean

Whew; it ain't even eleven yet and I'm bushed.

I really wanted some comfort food……so I made this for lunch.

I'd been missing "home"….the untold toll of Covid-19 is the mental side of things…..no normalcy, we're not able to do many things that were part of our usual way of life. I think not being able to travel has been especially taxing, beyond all the days of work, inability to head out for dinner, the social distancing, the exhausting politicization of the pandemic.

I didn't really expect this to be good….it was an impulse buy when I went to pick-up poke for the Missus at Hawaiian Fresh Seafood Fish Market…but seeing the Chili Pepper Water…I just had to get that…..and so why not grab the laulau and kalua pork?

And it did the trick….especially the fragrance of the luau (taro) leaves…..just the aroma takes me home and back to when, still in high school, I was working (full time by the age of 16). My manager, took me under her wing, and sort of adopted me, they were part of a large family….in fact, my Mom knew the family; the Kukahiko's from growing up in Honolua! Carol would take me to family gatherings in Waianae….introducing me as her "Japanese son". She was quite a character…..all her nieces and nephews called her "Auntie Tita". Food was the best part of these gatherings; at least for me, and they had one of these huge, round metal, steamer things that looked like a buoy. All full of bombucha home made laulau….the best I've ever had. I could put away five jumbo laulau! A little 112 pound Japanese kid!

So, while there was no salted fish in the lau lau, but there was a nugget of fatty pork – in this case pork belly. It was fine…….just the aroma was worth the price, as was the condiment of choice.

And soon after, I was ready to join Frankie as the "Kanak Attack" settled in……

The power of food and our memories of it……..

We hope that in spite of these challenging times, that you are safe and in good health!