Plate Lunch – Page 3

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!

What’s Going on with Da Kine’s

March 5, 2021 mmm-yoso Plate Lunch

**** The La Mesa location has closed and Nelson is currently only doing catering

**** Da Kine's has reopened in La Mesa. You can find a post here.

I've always made mention of the "coconut wireless"….you know, the way we get info word of mouth…..at times it's better than social media. Though in these times with social distancing it's a bit harder; though I still get a lot of info from my circle of "FOYs" and various places in the 'hood and beyond where folks know me. Take for instance, last week, when working form home, I took the quick five minute drive down to Bay Park Coffee for my caffeine fix and Bruddah Noel was working. After the usual greeting and antics, he asked me if I knew that Da Kine's had closed! What!

So a couple of days later I drove on over to see for myself.

Well, the light were on and I went and found parking. The doors however, were locked. Then I saw the sign posted. It looks like they are in the process of moving.

There was a sense of relief. While Da Kine's is not on my permanent rotation, my (and from previous comments a lot of San Diegans) history with DK's goes back a while. Which I detailed in my post when they reopened in Linda Vista.

Ok so, I mentioned this to my "FOY" RonR, who lives on Maui part of the year and resides in Linda Vista. Like a good mole, ummm spy, scout he walked on over and found someone leaving the premises. According to that person, who claims to work at DK's, Nelson has found a spot to relocate to fairly close by, but doesn't want to jinx the deal…..ha, he no like make "bachi" (bad karma)….you just can't take the local out of you…..

Anyway, I'll keep you posted on what I see/hear/read. I'm glad that Da Kine's is not closing permanently. And thanks to Noel and Ron for keeping my apprised of things. Like I say, this blog would not exist if not for all of you.

Da Kine's Plate Lunches
Used to be at:
5401 Linda Vista Rd. #402
San Diego, CA 92110
Soon to be at:
???????

Have a great weekend!

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……

Mahalo For 12 Years of Good Grindz Island Style Cafe

August 11, 2020 mmm-yoso Local Kine Stuffs in San Diego, Plate Lunch

**** Island Style Cafe has reopened in Santee.

I decided on hitting up Island Style Cafe one more time before they were set to close and decided to buy our skeleton crew lunch since I was going to be in the office the entire day.. I also want to confirm that they were going to close on 08/16. So I called in our order and drove over to pick it up.

Sadly, I did get confirmation that they're last day will be on Sunday, August 16th. They had a sheet at the take-out table where you could list your name and email for updates.

Instead of the usual Kaloko Moco, I went with a Chicken Katsu – Korean Chicken Mix, which was fine. For some reason, I really enjoyed the mac salad.

The crew really enjoyed their lunches. "GK" basically inhaled his mixed plate…..growing boy that he is.

Thanks for 12 years of good grindz ISC….until we meet again….and I can enjoy my Kaloko Moco…..

Island Style Cafe
5950 Santo Road
San Diego, CA 92124
(858) 541-7002

Last day of business in the current location, Sunday, 08/16/2020.

Island Style Cafe Closing on 08/16

July 30, 2020 mmm-yoso Local Kine Stuffs in San Diego, Loco Mocos, Plate Lunch

**** Island Style Cafe has reopened in Santee.

I've always maintained that I have a wonderful group of "FOYs" (Friends of Yoso), my own "coconut wireless" that keep me informed of what's going, or even share their stories and experiences with me via comments and emails. I always love hearing from them all. Though it's not always "butterflies and puppy dog tails"….. I recently received an email from "FOY" KarenM who informed me that a favorite of mine Island Style Café was closing! I know; it's hard to believe, it seems I was just there for Covid-19 takeout. Karen was nice enough to provide me with this Nextdoor post.

Man, what a bumma'……I've been going to Island Style Cafe for 12 years! Since I needed to pick up my dry cleaning in Tierrasanta anyway, I called in my order and wen hele over to Island Style Café.

Terri wasn't working the front counter, but the nice young lady did confirm that ISC was closing on the 16th…..I was told that this came on quite suddenly.

Sad, I took my LocoMoco home. I found that my usual favorite; the Kaloko Loco doesn't hold up too well for takeout, so I went with the "standard" Loco ($10.50). And of course, it was more than enough for me.

I enjoyed it as I always do….but of course it was bittersweet. It's always sad when a favorite you've been going to for over a decade closes.

On the bright side; the young lady informed me that they will start looking for a new location after taking a short break. I hope so.

I'm going to try to get another fix in before ISC closes. And, if you enjoy Island Style Café, make sure you visit by August 16th.

Mahalo for all the good meals Island Style Café, a hui hou mākou.

Island Style Cafe
5950 Santo Road
San Diego, CA 92124
(858) 541-7002
Current Hours (according to their website)
Tues – Fri 9am – 2pm, 430pm – 730pm
Saturday 7am – 8pm
Sunday 7am – 2pm

And thanks so much for letting me know KarenM…..so I had the opportunity to have a Loco Moco from ISC at least one more time!

Covid-19 Takeout – Da Kine’s

June 8, 2020 mmm-yoso Local Kine Stuffs in San Diego, Loco Mocos, Plate Lunch

**** The La Mesa location has closed and Nelson is currently only doing catering

**** Da Kine's has reopened in La Mesa. You can find a post here.

While working one weekend back at the beginning of April, I was wondering what I could pick up on the way home that wouldn't be too far out of the way.

Which got me thinking about Da Kine's which just reopened in September.

So, I decided to call….I think this was just after Da Kine's reopened for take-out. Anyway, Nelson answered……..and a very typical conversation ensued.

Me: "Can I get one loco moco to go?"

Nelson: "Ok, mac or tossed salad…."

Me (sounding a bit offended): "What? Mac salad of course!"

Nelson (laughing): "Ok, mac salad….when are you picking up….."

Me: "I'm heading on down right now…."

Nelson: "Whoa, wait…….give us at least fifteen, twenty minutes!"

Me: "Oh, sorry, I'm heading down from UTC…."

Nelson (sounding a bit relieved): "Oh….good….I thought you was across the street or something."

And so, about 20 minutes and change later; I picked up my loco moco, and took it home.

Egg a bit overcooked for my liking and oil had gathered at the edges of the plate…probably dripped down from the eggs, but I wasn't complaining….because that mac salad, still nicely chilled, hit the spot, the burger nicely charred, beefy, for some reason I don't mind the filler in this burger, the gravy not overly salty, the rice nicely done.

A little bit of comfort at a time when things seemed so out of whack. And yet, who knew how, but two months later….things are even more messed up.

Perhaps I need another trip back to Da Kine's……

Da Kine's Plate Lunches
5401 Linda Vista Rd. #402
San Diego, CA 92110

Currently Open Tues – Sun 11am – 5pm

Covid-19 Takeout – Homestyle Hawaiian

April 26, 2020 mmm-yoso Plate Lunch

I recently managed to just work a half day on a Saturday. I needed to pick up some groceries from Carnival Market on the way home. The Missus was working so I had free reign over what my choices would be. On my previous venture to the area, I chose Mien Trung. It dawned on me that the original location of Homestyle Hawaiian was basically right around the corner. Man, has it been over a decade since Mo opened the first location near Mesa College? Time sure does fly. I called in my order right before heading into the market.

After shopping I drove on over and there was a short line outside the place….only three people allowed in the place at once. The really nice young man….who talks really, really fast peeked outside and asked if anyone had phone orders and what they were……I raised my hand, he waved me in. I walked on in, paid, and left.

And even though I knew it was much more than I could handle for one meal I got the combo; Korean Chicken – Chicken Katsu.

Calories be damned during times like these….we all need a bit of comfort. It did end up being two meals and change…..the Korean Chicken is still my favorite thing at HH. The rice was a bit on the hard and dry side; but the mac salad was perfectly chilled, even as I arrived home. The sauce for the Korean Chicken….they even gave me two without asking, was on the side, so the chicken wouldn't go soggy. The chicken katsu was still crisp and passable.

I've been making it kind of game of sorts; to figure out what take-out I'm able to do on my way back from shopping excursions….so far, so good.

Homestyle Hawaiian Island Style Food
7524 Mesa College Drive
San Diego, CA 92111

Entering my car, plate lunch in hand; I suddenly recalled a moment, a lunch, back in December of 2011…….back when Dennis, Carol (from Cabcooks) – we miss you both, and Cathy, went to Homestyle Hawaiian, in memory of the passing of fellow blogger "Nate" of Hwn Pake in Okinanwa. Man, how quickly time flies…..

Covid-19 Takeout – Island Style Cafe

April 22, 2020 mmm-yoso Local Kine Stuffs in San Diego, Loco Mocos, Plate Lunch

**** Island Style Cafe has reopened in Santee

My dry cleaning lady sold her business back at the beginning of the year and decided to just do alterations at a dry cleaners in Tierrasanta….and you know how I am about loyalty and stuff; so of course my dry cleaning is now done there. I decided to run away during a lunch time and pick up my dry cleaning, but the place was closed. So, in order to have some consolation and not waste the trip I went to Rite Aid to pick up some necessities and also made a call….to Island Style Café; it was too early for the Homestyle Hawaiian location in the area and heck, with all that's going on; I wanted some comfort food. I headed to Island Style Café right after Rite Aid.

They had the "Covid set-up" going, my lunch was ready when I got there….in and out in less than 5 minutes. The Owner "Terri" was so nice and told me "Mahalo for giving us business during this difficult time". So nice…..

Of course I got the Kaloko Loco…..

And while the crepe didn't travel real well…perhaps I should have ordered a regular loco……everything else was good; from the not massed produced, beefy hamburger patty, to the fried rice, to the egg that was still nice and runny.

No complaints…..though I wish they had Tabasco….and I didn't have any back at the office; so I had to make due with Cholula. That's ok, it worked out fine.

And while my appetite these days isn't what it used to be…..I polished it off. How did that old commercial go? You know, "I can't believe I ate the whole thing".

A little bit of comfort goes a long way these days.

Island Style Cafe
5950 Santo Road
San Diego, CA 92124
(858) 541-7002

Be safe, be good to others, and take care!

Revisits – Shann Xi Magic Kitchen and Da Kine’s

October 14, 2019 mmm-yoso Chinese Restaurants, Plate Lunch

Just a couple of revisits for tonight.

Shann Xi Magic Kitchen:

**** This location of Shann Xi Magic Kitchen has closed.

I was shopping around lunch time at 99 Ranch Market….business at the Balboa location seems to be picking up. Since the weather's cooling off a bit, I thought I'd give Shann Xi Magic Kitchen another try. My last visit left something to be desired.

In what I thought was kind of an interesting move; it seems that Shann Xi MK gives you a discount when you pay in cash. Not a big deal, but I got a seventy-six cent discount, which brought my bowl of Yang Rou Pao Mo to ten bucks exactly.

The Yang Rou Pao Mo was even worse this time around. The broth, while scalding hot, was really thin, super salty, with too much white pepper and lacked any other redeeming qualities.

There was a scant three slices of lamb in the soup; which was actually nice and "muttony". Like I've said before, the "pao mo" that I've had in the states leaves much to be desired as it's really just gummy dough.

The amount of paomo has been reduced as well.

Boy do I miss this…..

Which was so amazing…..from Tong Sheng Xiang in Xi'an.

You can tell the difference, right? I wonder why restaurants in San Diego can't even get it close……

Shann Xi Magic Kitchen
5950 Balboa Ave (In the 99 Ranch Market Food Court)
San Diego, CA 92111

Da Kine's:

**** Da Kine's has reopened in La Mesa. You can find a post here.

Yes, I know I did a post on Da Kine's reopening just last month. But week or so ago, I was chatting with another Ex-pat Kama'aina at my favorite watering hole about Da' Kine's. He told me that the Teri Chicken had really improved. I told him that the teri chicken at Da' Kine's had never been a favorite of mine, but was told to try it and see.

Well, this was just ok. I don't think they marinate the chicken at Da' Kine's. I wouldn't be surprised if they just dunked it in some kind of sauce and put it on the grill. It was fairly bland. While on the dry side, it wasn't as dry as what I'd had before. The rice was too mushy this time around, though the mac salad was chilled and nicely seasoned, just like what I'd had the previous month.

I mentioned this when I saw the guy the next time. His response, "it's better than L&L…." Man, talk about setting the bar really low…though when was the last time I had chicken from L&L…hmm…..do I really want to punish myself like that???

Da Kine's Plate Lunches
5401 Linda Vista Rd.
San Diego, CA 92110

It’s Raw Poke Shop

October 7, 2019 mmm-yoso Hawaiian Food, Plate Lunch, Poke

I'd been hearing about It's Raw for a while; first when they opened in various Farmer's Markets, then when there was a truck for a while. After the brick and mortar shop opened, I had thoughts

about checking them out, which I mentioned in various posts. I'd heard that it was real-deal poke; not one of these mainland "chi-poke" places.

But finally, I was missing poke, even though it had been not that long since I'd been home and had poke just about every day, even a couple of time on Lana'i. Now that Zarlitos was no longer an option for poke, I decided to finally head on down to OB and It's Raw.

Of course, this would be a weekend, so traffic in and out of OB was bad and finding parking….well, that was a total horror show.

Finding It's Raw was interesting as well…..the address says Newport Avenue; but the "true" entrance to the shop (you can walk through the corner store to find another entrance in the back) is actually on Bacon Street.

I liked the look of the fish in the trays. Not too many options, which was fine with me. I just got a Poke Plate ($15) which comes with two choices of poke. I also went with one scoop rice, one scoop mac salad.

The rice was nicely made. The mac salad was actually spaghetti salad, very plain, not too much mayo, nicely chilled and seasoned.

The shoyu poke came with sauce on the side. It was super salty and lacked depth, but even thoguh the fish was a bit "dry", I couldn't gripe about the fish quality. The wasabi poke was better; well sauced, but overly salty, and fairly light in terms of wasabi. While there was some "sugi" (connective tissue) on several pieces, this was the better of the two poke.

This was solid; good fish, though not great poke in terms of flavor. I had seen kalua pig on the menu and the Missus also wanted to try the poke so I returned the following weekend….oh my, even worse traffic, and I eventually had to pay for parking in the CVS lot since none could be had. I guess I could have headed on down early; like a couple of hours before the noon opening time of It's Raw…..

Anyway; I got the "Pig and Poke" ($20), and selected the Kimchi Poke and the Furikake Poke. I got a half pound each of the kimchi and wasabi poke for the Missus….$45 for take-out…..whoa.

This time I got two scoops of rice; which was actually a good move. In terms of moisture and texture the kalua pork is better than the recent version I had at Da' Kines. It was however, much too salty and could have used more smokiness. It was not bad though.

The best item was the furikake poke; which they didn't have last time. A nice balance of salt-shoyu-a slight sweetness, along with the nutty-savoriness that furikake provides.

The kimchi poke was salty and lacking in a savory-umami-spicy kimchi flavor. The fish was even better quality this time.

That was a huge portion of kalua pork.

The Missus was not impressed by the kimchi or the wasabi poke; though She did think the furikake poke was much better. And while She also thought the fish quality was good; I don't think She'll be craving this.

As for me; well, maybe if I'm off during the week or can find myself in OB during some reasonable hour where I can actually find some parking I'll return. Or maybe they'll open a bit earlier. Still, It's Raw might be the best option for poke in San Diego right now.

It's Raw Poke Shop
4991 Newport Ave. (the storefront is actually on Bacon St.)
San Diego, CA 92107
Hours:
Tues – Sun 12pm – 6pm