Sandwiches – Page 22

Sunday Sandwiches – Carve Modern Deli & Beer

July 16, 2017 mmm-yoso Sandwiches

**** Carve has closed

A few month back, I recall hearing about a place named "Carve". When I asked the person where this was, he said, "Aero Drive". Aero Drive? My old office used to be fairly close by and I don't remember anything named Carve; Aero Deli, yes…. B&B Catering….yes….

A few days later, I had a meeting at that old location, and lo' and behold….Carve.

The shop is located in the new, rather Mission Valley looking Corsair Apartment complex on Aero Drive. Man, the place just seemed to have popped up overnight. And while there doesn't seem to be much parking….there's a ton of retail spaces in the garage as well.

The shop is wide open; high ceilings, the de rigueur wooden paneling. The menu features, seven burgers/sandwiches, four salads, three "make-a-plate" items, "shared plates" (think appetizers), and craft beer. If you think hipster….well, you might be close. The cheapest sandwich on the menu is $10.95, which easily puts it in the same category as BFD, Ike' Place, and SuperNatural Sandwiches.

In terms of sandwiches; if you're not looking for a burger; it's two pastrami, three turkey, and one "catch of the day".

So, I went with Carve 'Strami ($11.95), you get either chips for free, or you can sub out slaw (+$1) or fries (+$2). I just went with the chips.

I really liked the home made chips; just enough salt, crisp, with good potato flavor. As for the sandwich, the bun was nice; perhaps a bit too "buttery" for me, but very soft. There was a good amount of tender smoked brisket pastrami; very smokey, a bit too salty, and too lean. Perhaps ordering this was pretty bad timing because I'd just got back from Montreal and had the smoked meat at Schwartz's….you know; this one.

The bacon was too hard; but fine. I'd have preferred more Dijon Mustard and pickles to cut the richness and do without the Mornay sauce which brought nothing to this sandwich.

Still, not bad, so I went back a few days later. This time I ordered the Turkey Jam ($10.95) with Fries ($2).

I really liked the flavor of the fries, which we nicely seasoned, but they didn't even hold up for the 10 minute drive back to the office.

As for the sandwich? The ciabatta was decently toasted and wasn't too chewy or hard as this type of roll tends to be in San Diego. The turkey was on the dry side and pretty bland; which would usually open the door for the fig jam. which was really mild and needed more "umph". The brie was also quite mild, but did add a small amount of acidity. I thought that there's wasn't enough greens on this sandwich and wish the horseradish sauce was more pungent.

The folks I ate with all said that they thought the sandwiches were on the skimpy side; but I thought these were more than enough for me. They also thought the prices were on the high side, which, based on places I put into the same sandwich category (see the beginning) I sort of agree with. Still, it's nice to see places like this popping up and I'm sure the folks who live around here must enjoy having places like this in their 'hood.

I did try the salads; but that's another post, stay tuned for that.

Also, "greens and plates" are only served from 11am – 3pm; shared plates from 3pm – 7pm, and sandwiches from 11am to 7pm, there are breakfast options from 8am – 11am. Whew.

Carve Modern Deli & Beer (In the Broadstone Corsair)
8583 Aero Dr
San Diego, CA 92123
Hours:
Mon – Fri 8am – 7pm
Sat 11am – 3pm
Closed Sunday

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

Breakfasts of Champions – Fernandez Restaurant and SuperNatural Sandwiches

June 19, 2017 mmm-yoso Breakfast/Brunch, Mexican Restaurants, Sandwiches

Here are a couple more nice breakfasts.

Fernandez Restaurant and Catering:

It's been a few years since I've been here. I recently had some pretty terrible birria de res (an upcoming post) and needed to get something good into my system. Still located in that rather random apartment cum modified office building, they've put up a nice sign have a separate take-out window, and have a host/hostess podium now!

And the folding banquet chairs have been replaced with some pretty colorful versions as well……

As you notice; Jorge is still the main man here as everyone seems to know him. He smiles and talks to all the customers.

I got the Tacos de Birria con Nervio, man I love that tendon on top of those tacos.

Buttery tendon; nice beefy meat, seasoning and spices coming through, a fairly picante salsa, all in slightly crunchy, dipped, and fried tortillas (tacos dorados). Cilantro and onion, a squeeze of lime……and you're all set.

The consommé seemed to have more spices and was less beefy than I recalled, though it was just as rich. A touch of salt, squeeze of lime, some onions and cilantro for good measure and that "aaah" factor just came through.

As I mentioned in my post four years ago….I only wish this place was closer to home.

Good prices; very nice folks (not less than four people asked me how I enjoyed my meal), and delicious birria.

Fernandez Restaurant and Catering
2265 Flower Ave
San Diego, CA 92154
Hours:
Wed – Sunday 8am – 2pm

Breakfast at Supernatural Sandwiches:

**** SuperNatural Sandwiches has closed

So, I'm not sure if you saw this sign.

Yes, it says breakfast. Caught me totally by surprise. Though I gotta say they always have some new wrinkle.

The bummer was; breakfast is only from 9 to 11 am, Monday to Friday. How often am I able to get up here during those hours? Well, because of crazy scheduling and meetings close by, I was able to drop by around 930 and try a breakfast sandwich, one that held me all the way until dinner.

It was kind of strange seeing SuperNatural looking empty like this……

Anyway……now that I had a chance….why not have a "Sasquatch". I'm still waiting for the "Unicorn" BTW.

This was a good sandwich! I think it's the thick cut, not overly salty, griddled pastrami that really brought a lot of flavor and a bit of crispness to this, there was even a sneaky touch of spice hidden in his forest of food. Working in tandem with that buttery roll, this was an over-the-top sounding sandwich with flavors solidly rooted in what I expected.

Yes there's hashbrowns, but it went well with the egg and pastrami….which I wish was a bit more runny, but was decent.

Like I said….no lunch needed, this easily held me until dinner.

There are of course, always possible areas of improvement…..

–Like having moist towelettes, because these sandwiches are messy and I hate going to meetings with buttered-pastrami hands.

–I know these are young dudes, with probably great social lives….but I think they can manage to open at 9am on weekends and serve up some breakfast…..I really do.

–I'm still waiting for a sandwich that I know exists…..but I've never seen it….it must be invisible……of ham and pineapple flavor…. the Unicorn?

Well, at least I know Sasquatch exists, right? And it's pretty tasty…..

SuperNatural Sandwiches
7094 Miramar Rd. #122
San Diego, CA 92121

Arely French Bakery Cafe

June 3, 2017 Cathy French Restaurants, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

Here we all are, at the food blog mmm-yoso!!!, checking out what someone has had to eat. Kirk is on his way home from vacation and Ed (from Yuma) is enjoying the 'springtime weather' (in Yuma), so Cathy is writing a short post.

This year has not been 'normal' and it's half over! There have been never-ending appointments and meetings taking me (and The Mister) all over town and when it is time for a meal, usually something quick, convenient and 'healthy' has been consumed. On the rare occasions when there is time to actually coordinate a meal together, we are exhausted and 'splurge' may mean ordering a beverage or a shared dessert.

It so happened we were in the Clairmont area of town and instead of looking for someplace new, we stopped at Arely, which has been posted here before, most recently by Kirk. Stepping inside, the menu board is easily noticed.
Breakfast is served from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. The lunch menu (sandwiches, salads and panini) is served all day and the dinner portion of the menu (pasta, chicken, seafood and soups) are served from 11 a.m.-closing Of course at eye level are the pastry cases, just as tempting as can be. But we were here in time for lunch. The Caprese salad ($8.50); made with buffalo mozzarella, fresh, tasty tomatoes, basil and topped with a slightly sweet balsamic vinaigrette was a nice item to share. As was the cup of wonderfully cheesy French Onion Soup ($3.50) which is properly made, with sherry. The Croque Madame ($8.95) was exceptionally good and quite large. Topped with two eggs (over easy by request), the grilled Black Forest ham and Swiss cheese on thick slices of house made brioche bread, lightly toasted, was just perfect for sharing.

Of course, I just decided that a dessert was going to be purchased and consumed here. A blueberry Danish ($2.40) was the choice, after much consideration. There is a thin layer of cream cheese underneath those small, flavor filled wild berries and a bite of all of that combined with the flaky crust was just so perfect.

I hope each of you has a chance to have a quality lunch.

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.

Point Loma Seafoods, again

May 27, 2017 Cathy Sandwiches, Seafood, What Cathy Eats!

Kirk is taking a short vacation, Ed (from Yuma) is enjoying this three day weekend (in Yuma) and Cathy is writing a few short posts, just to keep you interested in this food blog, mmm-yoso!!!

I've written a few times about Point Loma Seafoods, most recently as part of a birthday lunch, last year. Other posts were written in 2007, again in 2010, 2011, 2012, and in 2014. It was a bit before the lunchtime crowd would be showing up at this dockside fish market restaurant, overcast and chilly. The fish cases were filled, sushi and sashimi grab and go plates were being made. The smoked fish counter had a special on yellowfin and I asked for a piece that weighed 'about a half pound' while The Mister was placing a food order at the front counter. The fish was moist, smoky and delicious. Soon a bowl of clam chowder ($4.91)was ready and I thought that was the perfect amount of food for the two of us to share for a mid-morning snack. But, The Mister had seen the Daily Specials board when we walked in. Soft Shell crab is in season. He had ordered one sandwich for us to share ($12.04)
Two fresh, soft shelled crabs on a sourdough roll with the house made cole slaw (it has bell peppers mixed in with the cabbage and carrots and a light, creamy sauce). A perfect pre-lunch meal enjoyed while looking out onto the docks.

Point Loma Seafoods 2805 Emerson Street San Diego 92106 (619) 223-1109 Open Mon-Sat 9 a.m-7 p.m. Sun 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (hot foods served after 10:30 daily) website

Dunkin’ Donuts- sandwiches and donuts

May 11, 2017 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, Caffeine Fix, Desserts, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog. Today, Cathy is writing; Kirk is busy (again) at work and Ed (from Yuma) is enjoying a beautiful spring day (in Yuma).

Its been a busy year so far. Since I tend to not plan ahead much, finding meals is an adventure and quite interesting. When leaving a quick breakfast stop at Winchell's in National City last month, I passed Dunkin' Donuts, two blocks West. Dunkin' began in 1950 in Quincy, Massachusetts and I remember a few locations in the Detroit area when growing up. Nothing stood out in those memories, though.

A mental note was made, research occurred, this location (2139 East Plaza Blvd, National City 91950) is open 24 hours and I had no excuse to not drop in.

Once I noticed one of the many door signs, indicating that "Dunkin' Donuts of San Diego are proudly owned and operated by local disabled military veterans", I felt good that the 'chain' concept was still local. As an aside, the location in Ramona (1410 Main Street, Ramona 92065, phone (760)789-0210, open daily 5 a.m.-10p.m.) is a combined Dunkin'/Baskin Robbins store. Anytime you stop in, a craving can be fulfilled.

So, there's a nice menu board with the third section a good choice of various sandwiches- the breads are Texas toast, croissant, flatbread and ciabatta.
The donut selection comes into full view once you get to the front of the line to order. There's quite a bit of seating in both of the locations I've been to.

The coffee here is very good. I've seen the ads, heard the raves, read about cravings for their coffee, but now know this for myself. For this visit, two basics. The "Big n' Toasted" ($4.29) Two eggs, bacon and cheese on Texas Toast. Wow. Unexpectedly overfilled with bacon, very good. Only ordering a simple grilled cheese ($1.99) and seeing there were two types of cheese on it (Swiss and a mild Cheddar), I 'borrowed' one of the eggs and made that grilled cheese sandwich special. It was really tasty. A side of hash browns (99¢) was a great choice (there were six in the bag; very flavorful with parsley mixed in the potato).
The ham, egg and cheese english muffin ($4.09) was another unexpectedly great choice. The ham, as you can see, is a better quality with thick slices and the sandwich was quite filling. Then there was this. It's right in the center of that third menu board. The 'Pretzel Croissant Breakfast Sandwich' ($3.79). The first two times I was here, the pretzel croissants were sold out. My lucky day, my wonderful breakfast. Crispy exterior; pretzel- topped with large grains of salt- fluffy flaky interior of an excellent croissant, filled with bacon, egg and Swiss. Oh wow, now I have another craving.

The donut choices, overwhelming and although fresh, not overly interesting. Chocolate Butternut and a French Cruller; both pretty basic. Good cake donut topped with 'butternut morsels'-not peanuts- and fresh cruller with egginess of the pastry. Small, just enough to go with coffee. There was a whiteboard of specials inside the Ramona location and a 'peanut butter delight croissant donut' ($2.49) sounded good and tasted better. The peanut butter was mixed with the regular Bavarian Cream filling (so not too sweet) and injected into the 'croissant donut'…which is a delightful conveyor of a crispy, light dessert.

So glad I rediscovered this childhood favorite.

Dunkin' Donuts, multiple locations nationwide Website

Sunday Sandwiches – Rose Canyon Deli

April 23, 2017 mmm-yoso Sandwiches

Both my accountant and PCP moved offices over the last year. Both of them slightly closer to me….though in an area I'm not too familiar with. Apparently there's a whole world of business and office parks on streets named Moraga and Jutland. This little place occupies a spot where Morena turns and becomes Ariane.

Three parking stalls a rather crowded counter and indoor area, run by an older couple, this shop reminds me of The Sandwich Place.

There's a small, but neat patio eating area.

The menu consists of everything from chili to paninis to breakfast sandwiches and simple salads….the everyman's corner sandwich shop. I've mentioned having a curiosity about places like this before. Places that aren't chains, but fill a role in places where chains wouldn't think of placing a shop.

The prices for most items; sandwiches and such run the gamut from the mid-sixes (for an Egg Salad Sandwich) to near eight bucks (for the gyro with "handmade" pita.

In this day, I wanted something with a little crunch and ordered the ham and cheese panini ($7.40).

Nicely pressed; the sourdough bread not too hard, crisp, not greasy. The Swiss cheese adding a mildly milky component to the slightly salty ham, the "you know the brand" mustard helping to cut through everything.

Not a super stuffed sandwich; not a bargain sandwich, but a simple, satisfying one, good enough for me on this day.

A few months later….well, it's tax season and my accountant's office had moved close by. Having to drop off some pre-preparation documents, I decided to drop by for lunch. In spite of the inevitable "Kronos" poster, I decided to try the Gyros Sandwich ($7.99). I had a seat outside and my sandwich was quickly delivered.

As you can tell; it's the typical Kronos mystery meat, gummy and fairly mild in the flavor. It could have done for a bit of caramelizing. The tzatziki was also fairly watery and I wished there were more tomatoes and onions to add some interest to this. And in spite of my doubting that the pita was "hand made", it was indeed the best part of this sandwich. Light, warm, and fluffy. So this wasn't a total loss.

Interesting thing. During my two visits…even though it was quick; eat and run, there wasn't a single other visitor. Though that phone kept on ringing with take-out orders. I'm guessing most of the clientele are regulars. Folks who decided to not bring lunch to the office on this day. Not a bad gig by any means.

While it seems that these unpretentious, independently owned simple sandwich shops seem to be disappearing (not everyone can be Supernatural or Big Front Door), I'm sure there'll always be a spot for them. And I'll check them out if I happen to drive pass one.

Rose Canyon Deli
4901 Morena Blvd. Suite 301
San Diego, CA 92117
Hours:
Mon – Fri 730am – 330pm

Sunday Sandwiches – Supernatural Sandwiches Revisited

April 16, 2017 mmm-yoso Sandwiches, Seafood

**** SuperNatural Sandwiches has closed

Man, four years can be like a lifetime when it comes to eating establishments (and Food Blogs too). It's been only four years and change since I first ate at SuperNatural Sandwiches, which at that time was in the now defunct San Diego Public Market. Forward a year and they opened a brick-and-mortar shop. During that period I noticed that they had really gotten down the flavors of my favorite at SS, the Siren. Though that shop was pretty tiny and got packed pretty quickly. Last year, they moved into even bigger digs and are now open 7 days a week!

I'd had a revisit marked down on my "list", but other than one real quick take-out visit, really wasn't able to revisit. Until a couple of months ago.

And they were doing some major business on this day. There's a definite demographic that makes up the customer base here….they are mostly those that are much more hip and as whole a lot younger than I am. Still, it's good to see folks, going for good "sea to table" grub. It must make Mr Grumpy's Tommy Gomes's heart warm.

As you would expect….SS seems to be always doing new "stuffs"…there's now soups, ice cream sandwiches (see Kirbie's post), and other sandwiches to choose from. But you know me……I decided to go with my favorite….The Siren.

For me, this sandwich is a bit of a tight rope walk. The brioche bun rides on being just a bit too sweet and buttery; the aioli too rich and spicy…..but it just seems to work here as the shrimp were nice and plump…and the flavor of the shrimp stood up to the spice and sweetness. If anything, I think they could knock out the garlic and we wouldn't even notice. It is a good, messy (I always get "mayo-hands" here), satisfying sandwich.

It's always comforting to know that a favorite is still going strong….or even stronger for that matter.

And I know, I've got try out some other things here….I'll save that for my next visit…..at least that's what I always tell myself.

SuperNatural Sandwiches
7094 Miramar Rd. #122
San Diego, CA 92121
Hours:
Mon – Fri 9am – 8pm
Sat 10am – 8pm
Sun 10am – 4pm

Rose Donuts (near USD) Revisit

April 6, 2017 Cathy Bakery, Breakfast/Brunch, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is back, with Cathy writing because Kirk is too busy to write and Ed (from Yuma) is too exhausted to write.

I posted about Rose Donuts almost three years ago and despite visiting here multiple times in the interim, just didn't bother posting again. (That post was primarily written to focus on the exclusive item sold here, a blueberry fritter, which has, sadly, been discontinued). Since I had a wonderful breakfast sandwich at Winchell's, I thought a few posts focusing on breakfast sandwiches at donut places would be a good topic, especially since that's been my latest way of getting breakfast.

This location, on the South East corner of Linda Vista Road at Napa, is open 24/7 and is family run.

The menu has remained the same (other than periodic price increases) with croissants, bagels and toasted bread being the choices for sandwiches and a 'combo' including a beverage and a donut or six donut holes.

Here's a turkey, egg and cheese on wheat toast ($5.65/$7.15) which can be good any time of the day. It also appears to be a bit healthier than other choices. However, the "Southern"- a croissant filled with ham, egg and cheese (two types) ($5.05/$6.55) is so tasty! The "Sunrise"-egg and cheese on wheat ($5.05/$6.55) is basic, simple and just a very good sandwich.The "Sunshine"- a croissant with ham, bacon, egg and cheese ($5.05/$6.55) is simply decadent and a wonderful way to start the day. Here is part of a combo enjoyed one morning. The raised donuts are so very good here.The buttermilk old fashioned donut is also delightful in its cake-like texture.

Rose Donuts 5201 Linda Vista Road San Diego, CA 92110 (619)294-8856 open 24/7

Sunday Sandwiches – Revisits to Best Donuts, Grab n’ Go, and Lit’l Pepper Gourmet

March 12, 2017 mmm-yoso Breakfast/Brunch, Sandwiches

Having a crazy schedule means that sometimes all I'm able to do is grab a sandwich, at sometimes a rather odd hour, on the way to the office.

Here are a bunch of revisits.

Best Donuts:

**** Best Donuts is now Barrio Donas

A stop for me when I'm getting to work on the earlier side; like 0530 – 0545. They keep changing the signage in the place, but at least the A la Mexicana, while now a dollar more expensive ($4.99), is still a nice early breakfast option.

A nice, rather light bolillo roll; eggs, salsa, a smear of beans….some jalapenos for a mild kick, melted cheese. Warm and not too filling….I don't want to need a nap when I've just gotten into the office.

I prefer the A la Mexicana to the Chorizo and Eggs, which started nice, but just got monotonous after a while.

Maybe too much of the same flavor.

Still, a nice early breakfast stop.

Best Donuts Bakery & Deli
4714 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92117

Grab & Go – Convoy Court:

While I've had my share of sloppy sandwiches from here. I enjoy the yeasty bread and have gravitated to the "hot" sandwiches. Toasted, sandwiches like the Spicy Cappocolla and the Grilled Cheese Feta.

Crusty bread, a healthy dose of pepperocinis, onions, tomatoes, perhaps a bit too much shredded lettuce, and nicely melted, milky and salty feta. Still, it the bread that makes this machine go.

It does help that they open fairly early.

Grab & Go
7701 Convoy Ct
San Diego, CA 92111

Lit’l Pepper Gourmet:

Another place that opens pretty early….like 5am or something like that. The sandwiches here are huge and some of the "specials", as I noted in my previous post are a bit over-the-top. I had Lit'l Pepper cater two of my meetings….no one in either meeting finished an entire sandwich.

During one recent "off-hour" visit, I noticed they had a "Cubano" ($9.75) on the menu. So I ordered it.

As expected, this was a pretty hefty sandwich. Not a fan of the roll they used on this. I'd like something lighter…..not sure that exists in the LPG handbook though. Basically a modified pulled pork sandwich. A bit too much of a good thing, though the ham cut right through the pork and the pickles were nice; wish I could make out more of the milkiness of the cheese and I'm nto a fan of jalapenos on this one.

Still, I was able to share with someone else in the office. So we got two meals for the price of one. Maybe I should be like "Sandy" and stick with their "Classic" sandwiches. Curiosity gets the better of me it seems.

Lit’l Pepper Gourmet
8911 Complex Dr
San Diego, CA 92123