Salads – Page 4

Arely (Again)

September 3, 2017 Cathy Breakfast/Brunch, French Restaurants, Salads, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!! on this sweltering day. I hope you are staying cool! Kirk and Ed (from Yuma) are busy today. Cathy is writing this post.

Beginning in 2007, I posted twice about Arely, then waited until 2014 for an update, with Kirk writing his observations in 2016 and I chimed back in most recently in June 2017. Well, here we are again…because A) We like it here, and 2. It's convenient with recent events bring us to this part of town. One morning, the Breakfast ClubSandwich ($10.50) was a choice. The fresh baked (here) whole wheat bread, in three slices, is filled with fried egg, ham, bacon, avocado and Romaine. It's a wonderful sandwich and is quite large. This Ham and Cheese Crepe ($8.20) is filled with ham, eggs and cheese. It's wonderful! "Monkey Breakfast"($7.49) {listed as a whiteboard special, behind the cash register} was priced slightly less than the 'regular' French toast (which is $7.75), so we ordered it, thinking it was just a banana sauce over regular french toasted bread- but it was the most delightful use of leftover banana bread turned into French Toast! I'm quite fond of various quick breads and to have slices dipped in egg then fried to a light crisp, with the center still being a (quite great version) of banana bread…wow! Unexpectedly wonderful. One visit here was on a Friday (when I don't eat meat) so the Brie Cheese Salad ($8.25) was my order. A quite large salad of various lettuces, fresh tomato and bell pepper, onions…a nicely tart strawberry balsamic and a split baguette, toasted and topped with melted slices of a quality Brie cheese…just a perfect accompaniment.
A visit here usually includes an appetizer; French onion soup ($3.50/cup, $4.80/bowl). It's just wonderful-the stock made with fresh herbs, the onions…the cheese…slices of French bread…
The pastry cases, seen when you walk in…leaned against while waiting to order… The almond croissant ($3). A reason to stay seated, relax and enjoy with a cup of coffee. Just delightful.

Arely French Bakery Cafe 4961-A Clairemont Drive 92117 (858)270-1910 Tues-Sat 7:00 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun-Mon 7:00 a.m.-7 p.m.

Blaze Pizza (Fast Fire’d, customizable)

August 7, 2017 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Pizza, Salads, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is the food blog you are reading on this not too humid day. Kirk is busy (with work), Ed(from Yuma) is also busy (even though he is retired) and Cathy (who appears to Have time) is writing this post.

Driving around while getting hungry, The Mister and I were near Native Foods and noticed yet another customizable pizza location (sad that my favorite had closed). We decided to try Blaze.

Ignoring the fact that "fire'd" is not a word, the idea of being able to watch your pizza being constructed, see it being placed in the fiery oven and having it ready by the time you find a place to sit is fascinating; fast food that isn't all fried or particularly heavy.

Even better, the selections here are a bit different. For one, there are four types of pre-made salads to choose from (although you can make a personalized/'Build Your Own' salad from all of the pizza toppings).

There are a variety of sauces and cheeses to use as a base and the amount of ingredients available is excellent; even if you 'Build your own' pizza, using a lot of toppings, the cost is $8.25 (there is only an extra charge if you want a thicker crust or a gluten free crust).
The system here is a bit more organized; when you order, your name and a number that is embossed on a metal tent-shaped piece are coordinated, so that the pizza in the oven doesn't get lost/given to someone else. {Let's just say I have received free pie coupons more than once because another customizable pizza place has given my order to an unsuspecting pick up. It is so easily preventable.}

As I was staring at the menu, "Salad Pizza" ($8.25) had me curious. It's a baked (fast fire'd) pizza dough, topped with pesto sauce and the cooked bread is topped with your choice of any of the four salads available that day. In this case, I chose the tomato and mozzarella salad. Gosh, this was perfect- salad, bread with the garlic-y pesto…a meal. Since it was our first time here, a "Simple Pie" ($5.75) was ordered. Mild tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese-simple. This was pretty much perfect; it reminded my of pizza we got in Naples, Italy, decades ago. On a return visit, the Salad pizza topped with an arugula salad that had fresh blackberries was available. Again, a great meal. There is a "2 Top" pizza available ($7.50) and since I did want to try the sausage here, a sausage and mushroom pie was ordered. This was, also, perfect. So pleasant and cheesy, plus those fresh mushrooms- wow. Being a creature of habit- another tomato mozzarella salad topped pie was ordered. This time I did remember to take a photo of the thin crust with just the basil topping showing. Most recently, a "Build Your Own" salad, using the base of the Caesar salad and adding bacon, chicken and a selection of vegetables ($8.25) proved to be so large that it wasn't finished in one sitting. A good and healthy choice.

Everything is fresh and good here.

Blaze Pizza, multiple locations across the USA, Website

It’s been a while week-Sima’s Grill and Deli

June 30, 2017 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Greek Food, Salads, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

Here you are, on a lovely Friday 'cool down' day, reading this food blog, mmm-yoso!!! Kirk and Ed(from Yuma) are preparing to enjoy the Holiday weekend and Cathy is writing.

The last time I posted about Sima's was in 2013. The Mister and I haven't driven on Miramar Road unless avoiding traffic. There has been a three week period in the last month when we had to be at daily appointments West of here and taking various routes to get lunch on the way home became a priority. When Kirk mentioned he was writing 'It's Been a While Week', I knew what my contribution would be.

This unassuming end building in a mall anchored by a McDonald's, across from Miramar Marine Corps Air Station has been here since 1984, providing breakfast and lunch six days a week. Run by a husband, wife and their daughter, it's another 'local' place that has withstood the test of time.

The interior has remained the same, the menu has also, although there have, of course, been price increases.
The gyros salad ($9.95) is served with warm, fluffy pita bread with house made tzatziki. The wonderful house made, herby salad dressing is so fresh and perfect with the crispy fresh Romaine, cucumber, tomato, onion and olives. The grilled gyros is just crisped on the edges and there is plenty of it on this salad.

The hot pastrami sandwich ($8.75) is toasted and served with plenty of grilled, smoky, peppery, flavorful (it is Boars Head brand) meat topped with Swiss. The fries are quite good. The char-grilled cheeseburger is still my favorite (window special #1- $9.95, 1/2 lb, includes fries and a drink) burger. It is made from fresh (not frozen) Angus Pride beef and…well..that char grilling is what makes it for me. I was alone one day and decided to stop in again, opting for a cold/deli sandwich (roast beef) ($7.95) on an onion roll (light toasted). It's served simply, with lettuce, tomato, a smear of mustard and of mayonnaise…and plenty of the Boars Head roast beef as well as a very good dill pickle. Just right on a hot day.

Have a great Independence Day weekend!

Sima's Grill & Deli 7160 Miramar Road San Diego 92121 (858) 578-2582 M-F 7:30-4:30, Sat 10-4 Closed Sunday

Tender Greens-yet again

February 5, 2017 Cathy Salads, What Cathy Eats!

Sometimes there are other subjects, but today, mmm-yoso!!! is just about food. Kirk and Ed(from Yuma) are, again, busy; it's Cathy doing the writing.

After a week of rain, winds, gloom, cold and chilliness, along with consumption of way too much chili, stews and soup (which will be in different posts, interspersed in the coming weeks) (because I'm sure that's what most of you have been eating) a bit of 'healthy' eating for the New Year did occur.

A first post, in 2009 a short mention in 2010, another visit in 2011, Kirk wrote a post in 2013, I wrote about Tender Greens a few months later, then in 2015, even breakfast was included in a post. So, here we are, again. There are now four San Diego locations.

The drill is the same, walk in, order, follow the line, maybe watch your own order being constructed, pay and pick up your tray at the end. The 'comfort soups' are now $5 (that's a basil oil and some sunflower seeds floating on top of the wonderful, fresh squash soup). Standard/daily soups are roasted roma tomato and rustic chicken, which are each wonderful and filling for a small meal. Items we've ordered before (and fall back on) include the Tuna Nicoise Salad ($12.50) Albacore grilled rare on top of potato, capers, tomato green beans, a quail egg and olives and greens tossed in a sherry vinaigrette. The Backyard Steak Salad ($12.50) is topped with rare (or more cooked if you prefer) steak. The radishes and beets on top of red and green lettuces are tossed in a horseradish vinaigrette. This was a chicken chili soup ($5) filled with vegetables and deep tomato flavor. There were a few times we've ordered out of our 'comfort zone'- this Southern Fried Chicken salad ($11.50) is a good example. Simple greens, tossed in a dill dressing with sliced radish and cucumber all topped with fresh fried, light and crunchy breaded large chicken chunks, this was a really decadent, fully flavored meal which will be ordered again. We had never ordered anything with chicken (other than soup) here and were so happy with this salad. One of the whiteboard specials was, again, mussels ($11.50) and of course we ordered it. Steamed in a garlicky broth and served with the toasted bread slices, this was another great choice. Of course, my absolute fallback salad here is the Happy Vegan ($11.50). Tender greens in the center, topped with a (fresh!) lemon vinaigrette, surrounded by mounds of four other salads: farrow (wheat berry) with cranberry and hazelnuts; quinoa with cucumber and beets; green hummus; tabbouleh. This is the meal that satisfies and which I would eat daily if given the choice. Once again, trying something new (to me), the Chinese Chicken Salad ($11.50)was a wonderful choice. Shredded (warm, fresh) chicken and crispy wontons on top of a mix of tatsoi, mizuna, yellow pea sprouts, carrots, peanuts, cilantro and green onion tossed in a sesame dressing. We did not expect such a great tasting salad. The thesaurus doesn't have words to describe what was the freshness and flavor in every bite.

Hope your February is going well!

Tender Greens. Four San Diego locations. Website

Pieology- customized pizza, customized salad (revisit)

January 20, 2017 Cathy Pizza, Salads, What Cathy Eats!

Pieology has closed

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog, it's been around since 2005. Kirk, Ed (from Yuma) and Cathy continue writing about the mundane as well as the interesting meals they've consumed in and around San Diego as well as other places in the world. Today, it's Cathy writing.

About three years ago, businesses that baked customized pizza in wood fired ovens in about three minutes were a big deal and about eight different franchises were located in the San Diego area. I wrote only about Pieology and Social Life (which has since closed). It's not that I didn't like those sort of places: they were so similar in execution, product and pricing that there was nothing unique. However, now that the chaff has cleared the wheat and only three other franchises plus Pielogy remain, there has been some refining. The 'system' is the same, walk up, order (choose a sauce, cheeses and meats and other toppings) and pay; get your own utensils and beverages. Your completed order is brought out to the table.

Pricing has increased only slightly (basically, any pie with an unlimited choice of toppings is $8.45).

One of the 'Pieologists Favorite Pies' available is 'Alfredo's Alfredo' (this creation of preselected ingredients also shows the highest calorie count of 1080) Olive oil, three cheese alfredo sauce, parmesan, mozzarella, garlic, mushrooms, artichokes, fresh basil, grape tomatoes (then we added on bacon and olives, because at that point it didn't matter). This pie was excellent, rich and flavorful and enough for two to share. A 'new' item is a custom salad ($9.25). (You can grab a classic or caesar, already made, for $8.45 or a pre-made side salad for $3.95). In this case, you select your greens, cheeses and meats, fresh produce and toppings. We asked for a few of each of the greens (Romaine, spinach and mixed), Feta cheese, bacon and then some artichokes, green & red peppers, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, shaved parmesan and a candied walnut topping. The dressing was the creamy Italian. The bowl is very large; I used my longstanding 'airplane salad' trick, taking off the lid pouring the dressing over and then replacing the lid and shaking the container instead of trying to delicately mix the packed ingredients. This, again is large enough to share and , of course, very fresh.Another visit, The Mister ordered a 'Classic Margherita' (because the base is olive oil, mozzarella, parmesan, fresh basil and grape tomatoes) but then added mushrooms and sausage, to make the pizza unique. This was also a very tasty pie. The thin crust is just right and properly proportional for the ingredients.

A good choice for whatever craving you might have. Hope you are staying dry!

Pieology (The Study of Custom Pizza) 5575 Balboa Avenue San Diego, CA 92111 (858)565-0600 Website

Red Card Cafe

November 8, 2016 mmm-yoso Gastropub, Salads, Sandwiches

** Red Card Café has closed

A few months back; Red Card Café replaced Kitchen 4140. I was intrigued at the concept, a Gastropub featuring various street food dishes.

I really like the space; casual, yet very nice…though I haven't set foot in the dining room, preferring the bar area or the outdoor seating.

The theme of the menu is….yep, global dishes from soccer countries. It's kind of out there, all over the place with everything from Cubanos, poutine….aracini to pierogies!

Over the last few months, I managed to visit four times. I like to check out a place a couple of times before doing a post whenever possible and the location of Red Card, in my 'hood made it easy to do multiple visits.

The owner; Caroline is a joy to chat with, and the folks here are pretty friendly.

The tap selection is small but decent, and they feature stuff from Bitter Brothers (right down the street) among others. So I started with a Golden Child.

One of the things I really developed a taste for during our trip to Tunisia was a nicely spiced merguez. Caroline hails from France and the chef is formerly from Sausage and Meat. So what more natural way to start things off than with a sausage, right? I did find out that the merguez was not made inhouse; bummer. I ordered it anyway. At $14, I thought a single sausage and some rather ordinary fries was not going to be a great value….unless that sausage delivered. The flavor of the merguez was a bit on the mild side; quite tame….based on the owner's background, I was expecting the thinner, rather snappy, slightly spicy, very flavorful meguez. I did like the house ketchup.

A few days later, the Missus joined me on a nice sunny evening.

Having just returned from Vancouver, where the Missus discovered an affection for Poutine and combined with Duck Confit, it just sounded like something we should try.

The Duck Poutine ($16) just had too much going on; too sweet, too heavy, you really couldn't taste the duck and the dish came across as being on the greasy side.

We also ordered the Cuban ($12) with Yam Chips ($3 when included with a sandwich).

The Yam Chips looked very dark and seemed a bit greasy, but was really crisp and had a nice salty-sweet potato flavor. The Missus really enjoyed this sorta-Cubano. The bread was nicely toasted; the mustard and pickles really lifted the flavor of the slightly citrusy and decently moist pork, and the slighty nutty-milky flavor went well with the sandwich.

This turned out to be a decent meal.

So I returned a few weeks later. This time I went with the Hot Dog which seemed a bit crazily priced at $12. It was however, quite good.

The hot dog tasted quite "porky", a bit different, loved the nice bacon bits, the wonderful house made mustard, and the sweetness of the caramelized onion. The potato bun went really well with all of this. And instead of being over-wrought and busy; I enjoyed this.

To balance things out; I went with the Kale Caesar ($7).

I enjoyed the fried kale which, along with the croutons added dimensions of crunch to the already crisp and fresh kale. The salad wasn't over-dressed and was very nice overall.

A few weeks later I returned; not being overly hungry, I went with the now rather ubiquitous Char Siu Steamed Buns ($14).

This was pretty mediocre, from the buns which seemed like something that was previously frozen, lacking the light fluffiness of fresh steamed buns. The meat was more like pulled pork than actual char siu. The sauce was a hoisin based glaze that was closer to a pseudo BBQ sauce than something truly Asian. It was also too sweet for my taste.

I finished the meal with a bottle of Three Philosophers for dessert.

Man, it had been a while since I'd had one of these.

In the end, I'm glad that we have Red Card in the neighborhood, heck, like I mentioned in Lynn's post of Red Card, this might be the best place on Morena now. And while I'm not the type to "just be happy to have it" and Red Card's menu, which is kind of all over the place seems to have its pitfalls, I'm glad to have another choice on the Boulevard.

Red Card Café
4140 Morena Blvd
San Diego, CA 92117

Spice & Soul

August 30, 2016 mmm-yoso American/New American Restaurants, Beer, Salads

**** Spice & Soul has closed

Back in December I noticed that Oasis Restaurant and Lounge had been replaced with Spice & Soul Kitchen + Tap. Oasis, with a bit of a strange combination of food items, plus drinks, plus hookah, just didn't seem to fit in well with the Bay Park/Bay Ho neighborhood, and never gained traction. I decided to drop in on one evening.

I basically dropped by for some grub and a couple of beers and sat on the bar. I like the set-up; small bar, casual dining area, and porch. Decent beer list and the guy who owns the place, I believe his name is Steven, was quite friendly, as was the staff.

I saw Salt and Pepper Wings ($9.50) on the menu and ordered that. It came with two sauces; I chose the Smoked Harissa Aioli and the Blue Cheese. I found the wings to be a bit odd…..it was quite apparent that they were grilled first, then lightly dusted, before the deep fry.

Not my favorite version of wings; these were on the dry side, more flakey than crisp, though the Harissa Aioli was pretty good. Just kind of strange overall.

What I did enjoy were the Crunchy Chickpeas ($4). Basically seasoned fried and roasted garbanzos which were nicely seasoned.

Crunchy, nicely seasoned, great flavors, awesome bar food.

A couple of weeks later, I couldn't decide on dinner, so I stuck close to home and dropped by S&S again. This time I ordered the House Smoked Brisket ($14) which was served as a sandwich on brioche with 2 side salads.

Not my favorite rendition of smoked brisket as this wasn't very smoky, was dry, the texture was also on the mealy side. Frankly, I don't think this was "smoked" in the traditional manner.

The coleslaw was better than the quinoa and rice which was very bland.

The brioche roll had been grilled nicely and the portion size was very generous.

Still, not a great meal in my book. A few weeks later, I decided on a "tie-breaker" and dropped by again.

This time I was pretty hungry so I ordered the Pork Chop ($15), which was very large.

It arrived, oil bubbling, nicely charred…like overhead broiling with something like a salamander had been used. It was nicely seasoned with the coffee and ancho rub that really didn't do well on the brisket. Here, it really tasted great. In fact, this didn't need the compound butter, as it was surprisingly moist for a fairly lean chop. The shoestring fries were nicely fried and crisp, I think they make their own ketchup here as it tasted quite good. The roasted veggies were on the bland side though.

After this meal; I decided to return and retry what I'd had on my first visit; the wings and chickpeas.

Though the wings were better; they didn't look to be grilled then dusted and fried anymore, they are still not crisp enough for me.

Those Chick Peas were still great though…..

And that should pretty much be it, right? Well, I just kind of let these photos languish, and wouldn't you know it, I went back to S&S yet again. This was during a fairly hot spell; so I got the S&S Wedge Salad, which I really enjoyed; simple seems to be the rule here, and even got a side of the brisket.

The wedge of iceberg was fresh and it wasn't over dressed. The dressing was fine, and who doesn't love some bacon to add some savory saltiness to the dish? The brisket was better this time around; more moist, you could make out the flavor of the ancho-coffee rub……you can just tell by the color that it was much improved. It's still not a favorite of mine, but it was better.

It was about time for a post…..but for some reason, I never got around to it. So in the meantime…guess what? Yep, another visit. I wanted those Crunchy Chickpeas, but it was no longer on the menu. Steve did tell me that it is served on the Crispy Kale Salad ($7), which is what I ordered.

The kale was indeed roasted…it almost looked deep fried, which brought out a mild sweetness, no issues with the romaine, nor the dressing which was a nice, light, vinaigrette. It was nicely dressed and of course I enjoyed the crunchy chickpeas and even the pickled onions. I'm usually not a fan of fruit in my salad, but in this case I did rather enjoy things.

The beer list here is pretty good….nothing too exotic, but solid with a nice rotation. I've had Almanac's Saison Dolores, Duckfoot Honey Ale, and those solid regulars from breweries we all know; Alesmith, Ballast Point, Modern Times, and even Bitter Brothers. Honestly, S&S won't make me forget Tiger Tiger, hmmm, we haven't been there in a while; or even Blind Lady. Still, it's great to see places like this opening in our neighborhood. I remember when Bay Park Fish and Baci were the only reasonable choices. Now we've got some choices….and with Red Card opening (a post is forthcoming), things in Bay Park have come a long way since we moved here.

Spice & Soul
4033 Avati Dr
San Diego, CA 92117

Pho Pasteur Anh Hong (revisit)

February 12, 2016 Cathy Salads, Vietnamese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Kirk is on (another) vacation, Ed (from Yuma) is enjoying Yuma and Cathy is writing this post about food for mmm-yoso!!!

The weather in San Diego has been unusual so far this year, from freezing temperatures to heavy, flooding rains, damaging winds and then yesterday, temperatures in the 90's. It's confusing on how to dress-layering a sweater over a long sleeve t-shirt over a short sleeve shirt seems necessary. Then 'what's for lunch' diverges into thoughts of both warming soups to refreshing salads. A recent solution was found at Pho Pasteur, which I've written about, several times.
Not much here has changed over the years; still the same glass top over pink tablecloths and consistent food. The mall, however lost its anchor business on August 4 last year and it seems that permitting to rebuild has taken a very long time.

Since I am the 'always chilly' person lately, a bowl of my favorite Mien Ga (bean thread with chicken soup) ($6.99) was the plan for this meal.The add-ins were used for the 'second half' of this bowl, making the flavor profile a bit different, like a new bowl of soup. Both The Mister and I enjoy trying various versions of Banh Xeo ($5.99) and the pancake with its light turmeric flavor and crunchiness with fresh fillings of pork, shrimp, bean sprouts and mung bean was just right when wrapped inside pieces of lettuce and mint and dipped in the bowl of Nuoc Cham (sweet, salty and sour!).Two summers ago, I was in search of the best version of Goi Bo (beef salad) ($10.99) and after much comparison shopping, the final determination is that my favorite version is made at Pho Pasteur Anh Hong. The slices of cooked marinated beef mixed with the thin, thin uniquely sliced (regular and pickled) vegetables, chopped peanuts and basil combine to make this salad so satisfying as a meal.

All in all, a really good hot/cold meal.

Pho Pasteur Ahn Hong 7612 Linda Vista road San Diego 92111 (858) 569-7515

Tender Greens (revisits)(Breakfast, too)

December 17, 2015 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, Salads, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of this food blog. Kirk usually writes here and is needing a bit of a break. Ed (from Yuma) usually has something interesting to write about, but not today. Cathy is writing to share about more adventures about a favorite restaurant, which has multiple locations.

I've written about Tender Greens after the first location opened at Liberty Station in 2009 and again in 2011. Then Kirk wrote about one of his lunches downtown when he had Jury Duty in 2013. I followed up with a post a few months later. It's time for an update. Tender Greens has expanded (there are now four San Diego locations) and the menus are the same, with varied daily specials at each location.

Earlier this year, both The Mister and I performed our civic duty involving the Jury Systems located downtown. One of the 'perks' of showing up for duty (even if you are not chosen to be on a jury) is a small reimbursement of one Metropolitan Transit System all day trolley/bus/coaster pass good anytime within the next six months. Since we each had a pass (and one would be expiring soon) we decided to return downtown early one morning.The downtown location is the only one that offers breakfast (Monday-Friday). The menu is limited- there are three sandwiches (braised short rib/egg, veggie/egg and ham/egg/cheese), four 'plates and such' (two eggs with bacon and toast, a fritatta, a 'power bowl' and granola) and 'other deliciousness' (fruit, pastries, avocado toast and a quiche).Placing our order and paying, we were asked if we wanted butter and/or jam for the toast. Those cups were filled (not pre-filled) and the coffee poured and we found a table in the fairly empty restaurant. Wondering what was going on, we realized the food was being prepared and was not pre-prepared, the way you normally 'follow' your lunch or dinner down the prep and serving line. The 'Seasonal Veggie Fritatta' ($7), made with 'farm' vegetables, roasted potatoes, cage free eggs and topped with queso fresco. The whole idea of a single fritatta was fascinating and something we will be trying at home over the holidays. The freshness and flavors were outstanding. The toasted grain bread on the side was really good and didn't really need the butter or jam, but we did use those condiments. The breakfast sandwiches are served on a toasted Con Pane brioche bun. This is the 'House made Ham and Cheddar' ($7). It's really good. The ham is not salty, very flavorful and is great on its own. The scrambled eggs were airy, light and fluffy. The cheddar cheese added just the right amount of saltiness. There was a smear of apricot mustard which added just the right amount of savory. I already want to get another breakfast sandwich here.
This is what the front of the University Town Center location looks like. It's just outside the Food Court/Ice Skating Rink area. There is seating inside as well as on the patio, but you can carry your tray out to the central outdoor area also.

One day this summer, the location at UTC had the daily special of steamed mussels (with house made bacon) ($11.50) These were a good quality of mussel, plump and in a savory sauce; the bacon added just the right amount of saltiness needed.The 'Happy Vegan' ($11.50) is still my fallback choice. Sometimes I am so overwhelmed with the menu that I just know the combination of salads (a tender green salad, a scoop of tabbouleh, a quinoa with cucumber and beets, a farro/wheat with cranberries and hazelnuts and a green hummus) will satisfy as well as taste wonderful. Some days a 'Charcuterie Board' ($11.50) is offered; some days there aren't enough ingredients left. I mentioned in another post that P. Baluster Salumi is made here. The boards are always different either in the meats or cheeses or various condiments offered. Each and every board has been wonderful.The latest 'comfort food' order here has been a 'Hot Plate' with the backyard marinated steak, yukon gold potatoes and a tender green salad ($11.50). The steak is always medium rare, unless you request otherwise. The yukon gold mashed potatoes are addictive. There are always a variety of fresh baked goods available for dessert (around $3) and this one was memorable and unexpected. Not in any way a common cupcake.

Tender Greens. Multiple locations. Different hours, depending on location. Website

Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza (Power Lunch)

November 4, 2015 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Pizza, Salads

Thanks for clicking onto mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Kirk and Ed(from Yuma)- both are busy, busy. Cathy is staying indoors today and able to blog, so enjoy reading.

Sammy's Woodfired Pizza opened it's first location in La Jolla in 1989, now has eight locations in San Diego County with a total of 17 locations in California and Nevada. The concept and menu began as simple (the owner, Sami Ladeki, didn't even hire a chef at first, because the menu was so basic) and has expanded into small bites and other items in addition to pizza. It's not an 'Italian' menu (Sami is from Lebanon) as much as it's fresh and local (items are sourced from within 125 miles). The website uses the trademarked term "Healthy Global Cuisine".The former Naval Training Center, now Liberty Station, is listed on the National Register of Historic places and the former military barracks and other government buildings have been adapted as stores, schools and restaurants. One of Sammy's locations is here.

This past summer, an additional menu, the Power Lunch (available from 11 to 2 daily), was introduced. Choose any two items for $10. We've tried the whole menu except for the kale salad and the spicy Italian sausage pizza…
Mentioned at the bottom the regular menu is that water and bread are served if requested. Two multi-grain crisps (really nice seeded crackers) and a few pieces of fresh made soft crusted white bread and butter is brought out.
The fresh tomato basil soup has been different every time we've had it. Flavorful fresh tomatoes, sometimes with the shaved Romano cheese at the bottom of the bowl, sometimes on the top and basil are the main ingredients. Recently the tomatoes were supplemented with red peppers, which were very tasty and made for a different soup flavor than I was expecting.The butternut squash soup (on the right) is always tasty…made with fresh squash, ginger and apple, it is brisk and fresh…and sometimes a bit stinging from the amount of ginger while sweet because of the apple.

The corn chowder (on the left, above) is the 'calmest' of all the flavors. A bit sweet because of the corn and carrots and complimented by potatoes, celery and red pepper, it's just good and creamy.The salads (on this and the regular menu) are always so very fresh and quite large, even at lunch. The Greek (above) has all the standard ingredients (tomato, cucumber, onion and olive) as well as Feta and is tossed with a simple red wine vinaigrette.The arugula with calmyria fig salad is simple; the other ingredients are feta and toasted almonds, along with some of the broken crisps that are served with the bread plate, above. It's tossed with a pomegranate based dressing. This I crave.The pizzas are larger than a 'personal' pizza, cut into quarters. The margherita (above) has the most wonderful fresh ingredients in addition to a perfect (to me) crust. There's a roasted garlic sauce under the mozzarella cheese that puts this pizza into one of my 'sudden craving' categories.The pepperoni pizza has a house made tomato sauce that is lightly spiced. There are some bell pepper slices as well as pepperoni with the mozzarella cheese and those flavors along with the chew and crunch of the wood fired crust are a perfect combination.

I hope your week is going well!

Sammy's Woodfired Pizza, multiple locations. Website