Sandwiches – Page 9

Phuong Nga Bakery and Café Revisited

August 8, 2022 mmm-yoso Banh Mi, Sandwiches, Vietnamese Restaurants

**** Phuong Nga Bakery and Cafe is now Banh Mi Express

With the recent hot and relatively muggy weather, I'd been craving banh mi. Also, I had been wanting to revisit Phuong Nga Bakery and Café, but when I initially dropped by after work, I saw that Phuong Nga Bakery Rev 01 their hours were now only from 8am to 3pm Mondays to Fridays. I did pass by on a Saturday and I noticed activity in the place. And then it dawned on me…..all that bread you see Phuong Nga selling from their counter is baked here! Duh….. And so, I made it a point to actually drop by during the shop's business hours to grab a banh mi.

The young man working was very nice and did confirm that the bread at Phuong Nga is indeed baked here.

Phuong Nga Bakery Rev 02

I ordered the Banh Mi with Ham and Pate (Banh Mi Thịt Nguoi – $6.19, all sign are only in English) to go and my sandwich was ready in a few minutes.

Phuong Nga Bakery Rev 03 Phuong Nga Bakery Rev 04b The banh mi here have always been on the "hefty" side in my opinion and this was no different. First off, the bread was really crusty, I felt perhaps a bit too heavily baked? One bite resulted in crusty "shrapnel" flying in all directions. Still, this was much better than what I've recently had from Cali Baguette and Cali Banh Mi, both of which seemed to have "jumped the shark" a while back.

There was a nice smear of pate which I enjoyed and perhaps a bit too much Thịt Nguoi? But maybe that because of my own "PPP" (personal proportional preference)?

Phuong Nga Bakery Rev 04

The jalapeno was pretty mild and for some reason I felt the sandwich could have done with more cilantro and pickled veggies? Perhaps that's because of the larger amount of protein in this sandwich?

Phuong Nga Bakery Rev 05

Anyway, this did fill me up and I think is a decent option for banh mi. If that bread was just a little less baked, it would have brought it up a notch as it was nice and yeasty and the non-crust portions nice and tender. So, I'll probably check them out again soon.

Phuong Nga Bakery and Cafe
9353 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92123
Current Hours:
Mon – Fri 8am – 3pm
Closed on Saturday and Sundays

Crossroads Deli (UTC)

July 25, 2022 Cathy Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping to read this food blog, mmm-yoso!!! Cathy is writing this post while Kirk (and His Missus) are doing some research for future posts.

So. It has come to pass that in addition to The Mister needing to go to Scripps Torrey Pines for medical appointments, I, too, have a physician in the same building. We have been coordinating our appointments so that we can drive together, saving some fuel costs. This means that we get to stop somewhere 'on the way home' when we are finished. Kirk wrote about Crossroads in 2014 and again in 2018, so I had an idea of where we could stop.

Crossroads Deli is located on the first floor of a group of three apartment complexes. 74F4F323-851B-4B5B-ACB2-C88EEA49B7E8 Each of the buildings has an underground "Guest parking" area before their respective security gates. Step inside, there's a menu on the wall before you have to walk up to the register. Many people seem to pre-order and just walk in to pick up. The coffee is an exclusive blend made by local roastery, Cafe Moto. It is excellent.

526826E7-EEFD-434F-A278-B1BCAF60D88F There is usually a soup of the day, always Mom's Chicken Soup and always Mom's Beef & Bean Chili. Here's the chili ($5.75). An excellent, from scratch chili -not too spicy and very flavorful- the coarse ground beef and fresh cooked kidney beans make the texture of the chili very pleasant.
Here is the Rachel Specialty Sandwich ($10.75). Similar to a Reuben, made with heated Boar's Head pastrami (smoked corned beef), Swiss, mayonnaise and Mom's Cole slaw (excellent flavor), on toasted rye. The breads here are all from local companies; I do like seeded rye. An excellent, filling sandwich. 0C5B520B-D67D-4B16-9938-0BB717EB72D4 At the bottom corner of the menu board are Monday-Friday daily specials.

We were here on Falafel Friday. ($10.75). The family recipe- vegan falafels (look at how green and delicately fluffy) wrapped in a large, warm pita with hummus, tahini sauce, lettuce, tomato and chopped pickle. This is my favorite falafel in San Diego.
F0027FC5-426C-4269-9F7B-A1D674266BB7 FE357F3D-8DA8-4921-BDE3-DB3CE9663771 We also were here on Meatball Monday ($10.75) Mom's from scratch meatballs (five) covered in a from scratch marinara, melted Provolone and served on a toasted French roll. Excellent. The large meatballs were light, meaty and flavorful with basil, garlic and parsley.

Crossroads has been in this location since 2012; it is run by Al and Nelly and their son, Rob. For 30 years before that, it was Park Boulevard Foods in University Heights, one of San Diego's original Mom and Pop Sandwich Shops. All of Mom's recipes are tried and true. Everything here, from the food to the people is simply wonderful.

Crossroads Deli 9085 Judicial Drive Suite 100 San Diego 92122 Open Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed Sunday (858) 458-0921 website
A4141954-4A4E-41CE-8373-1308DA980836 130D765D-3BC2-4357-AFB6-8315861C2560

Paragon Deli Cafe (Point Loma)

July 1, 2022 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, Portuguese Food, Salads, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

Paragon Deli Cafe closed in September 2024. It is very much missed.

mmm-yoso!!! will be written by Cathy over this Independence Day weekend; Kirk is doing things with His Missus.

It was three years ago when Kirk first posted about Paragon Deli Cafe. I had commented about something on the menu.
4EB1F681-8E60-4F4A-9655-CAAA30C789A5 Recently, I had a craving for tomato stuffed with tuna salad, an old fashioned menu item rarely seen (and very missed), I checked out the menu at Paragon. First, it was great to see they were still in business. Second- the tuna stuffed tomato ($10.95) was still on the menu! A wonderful, refreshing, flavor filled version of this simple diner classic. Served on top of a bed of lettuce with a house made dressing, this is a great lunch.
F7353EF9-0187-46D2-A70A-E37674BC962D There is a chalkboard next to the cash register. A bowl ($5.75) of the Soup du Jour (from scratch mushroom)
6C86AD6A-F552-4296-9016-7407272CF7BD as well as a cup ($5) (vegetarian pea) were enjoyed on visits. The 'everyday' soups (tomato basil and chicken noodle) are priced $4 and $5.25.
Of course, we wanted to try the Portuguese Francesinha ($15.95), which Kirk had written about in his post. Wow! Linguica, ham, roast beef, cheese, topped with a runny fried egg and sauce covering it all-including the fries. The sauce-you can taste the beer as well as the whiskey. Magical and it makes me understand why Kirk craved (then raved) about this wonderful sandwich.

You will notice on the menu the namesake Pacific Paragon Sandwich ($12.95), which originated at Marston's Tea Room. Marston's was a downtown San Diego Department Store before being sold to The Broadway in 1961. This sandwich won a 1960 American Restaurant Magazine award for "Best Sandwich".

16FACFFA-BE49-4724-94E1-297B681C1470 19CFE281-384C-411F-9018-564035E438B4 Fresh roast turkey (as in roasted here, today), crispy thick quality bacon, shredded lettuce, house made Blue cheese dressing (excellent) served open faced on rye. This- THIS sandwich is fancy as well as wonderful. 201A21DB-CF2E-47BD-B495-BE836362E1FE A similar item (in that there are crossover ingredients) is the California Cobb Salad ($12.95). Freshly roasted turkey (remarkably good), bacon, crumbled blue cheese, avocado, tomato and pickled egg.
C5F6BE27-4295-48E6-9328-9DBDE43CC978 There is quite an interest in eggs here; deviled egg dishes are used in the refrigerator and there is a collection on the wall above the kitchen.

Speaking of eggs, Paragon opens at 7 a.m., so there is breakfast. 2A282A78-6238-4417-83B9-B5CDC129B8AA
486CD16F-6710-4A69-B379-1FC9E64825B8 The Croque Madame ($13.95) is made with French ham, gruyere and a house made béchamel. Very tasty and filling.

2A282A78-6238-4417-83B9-B5CDC129B8AA 6AEE7D6F-493B-4B5A-829B-4E327AF57E65 The Eggs Benedict ($12.95) served on an English muffin with ham and a very proper (unbroken) Hollandaise along with fruit and a hash brown patty is also filling and flavorful.

Paragon Deli Cafe serves quality food and has the friendliest people working here; most are family.

Paragon Deli Cafe 2724 Shelter Island Drive San Diego 92106 (619) 888-4997 Website Open Mon-Sat 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed Sunday

815CC3C8-F152-4CEC-B4D6-6C31551C4B14

Speaking of Department store restaurants, you might remember this post or this post or this one, this one or even this different type of Department store with a restaurant inside.

Sunday Sandwiches, the Online Ordering Edition – Tadian Cafe, Gourmet Artisan, and SuperNatural Sandwiches

June 26, 2022 mmm-yoso Sandwiches, yoso-silly

I'm not sure if you've been doing this; but over the last couple of months I've been thinking about how Covid has changed our lives and habits over the last couple of years….you know, masks, outdoor dining, checking for crowds, and so forth….. And one of the things that has really taken hold is online ordering. Now, I'm not a fan of those third party companies that upcharge you like crazy for using online ordering…in fact, I was going to order online from EE Nami, when I noticed that there's a $3 upcharge for ordering online! Add that to how prices have increased and gas and sheesh….in that case, I'll just call instead! But, as a whole I like the option of online ordering. It especially comes in handy for lunch.

So, I thought I'd do a bunch of revisits to places I've posted on before…..and order online. I did this over the last two weeks, always ordering between 1030-1115, early in the week; usually on a Monday or Tuesday.

So here goes.

Tadian Cafe:

One of those places that I didn't visit until we were in the middle of the pandemic. I've always ordered online from Tadian, so this was an easy drill. Plus they open at 9am from Monday to Friday. Sadly, they no longer have what had been my favorite sandwich there; the Chinese Sausage Sandwich.

SS Online Tad 01

Since I wasn't a big fan of what I'd had on my last takeout order; I went with the Thai Roast Beef on a toasted French Roll, add jalapenos. As has always been the case, my sandwich is ready right at the designated time.

SS Online Tad 02 SS Online Tad 03 The toasted roll makes all the difference since Tadian can sometimes over sauce/dress their sandwiches. Even though they say that "Thai peanut sauce" is on this sandwich; I tend to think of this as a pseudo Banh Mi because of the pickled carrots, cucumbers, and cilantro. The jalapenos are a must because the amount of bread can really tone down the flavors. Still, it's a pretty good sandwich.

The young lady who works at Tadian is also very nice…..and my package is usually waiting on the counter or just being placed on the counter when I arrive.

Tadian Cafe
5955 Mira Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92121

Gourmet Artisan:

Been going here since I noticed the place in the same stripmall as SuperNatural. Things have been a bit inconsistent over my visits, especially with the "parmesan garlic and truffle fries"….which at times did not have any of the above on it or have been really limp even when picking up on time. And these days there's a $3 upcharge if you want the fries. It used to be included.

SS Online GA 01

At first, I thought I'd order a burger, which I thought wasn't too bad on my last visit, but decided on the Prosciutto Sandwich instead….since this was going to be a "sandwiches" post. GA sends you texts in addition to a confirmation email. Though I'm not sold on getting a text telling me my sandwich is ready as I'm already walking to the shop at the designated time. Though everything was ready to go when I walked in. The guy working here is also quite friendly.

SS Online GA 02 SS Online GA 03 The fries were nicely friend and still crisp when I got back to the office. And there's garlic and parmesan….with a light drizzle of truffle oil on them. I do prefer the toasted French roll AG used to use before to the ciabatta, which doesn't seem to hold up quite as well. Granted, this isn't a super-stuffed sandwich, but I prefer proportion, and other than having too much mayo, this was fine. Though this was my least favorite sandwich….I guess I come here for the fries?

Gourmet Artisan
7094 Miramar Rd.
San Diego, CA 92121

SuperNatural Sandwiches:

**** SuperNatural Sandwiches has closed SS Online SS 01

Well, SuperNatural and me go way back to 2013 and the days in the now defunct San Diego Public Market. So, I was quite happy when they opened their first brick and mortar shop on Miramar, fairly close to my office.

Some interesting things about ordering online form SS……first, when placing your order, there's an automatic 40 minute wait; at least that's always what I've encountered. The thing being…..you'll then get get notified that your order is ready, usually in 15 minutes….so there's the fire drill of rushing to your car and heading to pick up your order. Not cool if you've got a call or planning to use that 40 minute window. And then, your order is behind the counter, so you have to wait in line…on this visit there were only two people ahead of me, but it adds to your time. Really, for me, it's not a big deal if I'm ordering a salad or some other sandwich than my favorite, the Siren.

SS Online SS 03

All that sauce will make the bread get kinda soggy.

Add to that some fries, which I really like when hot, but not so much when it gets cold….

SS Online SS 04

SS Online SS 02 SS Online SS 05 Well, you get the point, right? So maybe I just gotta order in person when getting the Siren and/or fries? You know, its been my experience with SuperNatural over the years, that they're usually ahead of the curve. So maybe they'll figure out some great process for their online ordering?

SuperNatural Sandwiches
7094 Miramar Rd
San Diego, CA 92121

So, now it's your turn.

Have you made online ordering a permanent process? And what are some of your favorites….just asking "for a friend" of course!

Sangucheria Peruvian Street Food

April 19, 2022 mmm-yoso Peruvian Restaurants, Sandwiches

Back in mid-March, I went on one of my "drives with no purpose"……I guess basically doing the Flâneur, except very SoCal…..I'm not sure what the French would call it? Perhaps "pas d'entraînement objectif"?

Anyway, I was wondering if anything had taken residence in the previous location of a favorite "local grindz" place of mine. So, I drove on over to Tierrasanta and into the strip mall at 5950 Santo Road. I was a bit surprised to see that the market in the mall seems to have closed; but was even more surprised to see the sign for "Sangucheria Peruvian Street Food"! My goodness!

Folks who've read this blog for a while know that my first documented international trip was to Peru in 2007…man, almost 15 years ago! It was the first time that a cuisine had inspired me to travel somewhere. Something that has since been a common theme for us. So Peruvian cuisine holds a special place in my heart and I was fascinated to see a Sanguche place here.

It was Sunday, so the place was closed, but I made sure to check them out that very week!

The shop is even more spartan than when it was ISC, with a couple of tables and a takeout counter. The menu is brief, with 5 Sanguches (sandwiches) and several drinks and two types of fries.

Of course, I had to order the Sanguche de Chicharron (Pan con Chicharron). After all, I needed to see how it compared to what I had at Dona Paulina in Lima, right?

I ordered the Sanguche de Chicharron and an order of Sweet Potato Fries.

In Peru, they serve this sandwich in what they call "pan Frances"; basically French Bread. Though it is much lighter than what we would call a French Roll here in the states. This version was served on what I'd consider a Telera roll; that you'd get from your neighborhood Mercado. It is light , yeasty, and held up well.

The pork was a bit on the chewy side; which is pretty much in line with what we had in Peru; though I wish it was a bit more "swiney", but "the other white meat" is a US thing. I would have preferred a good Salza Criolla, which would have some heat, cilantro, and lime, then the typical pickeld onions provided. Also would have liked a bit more camote (sweet potato) as it was really lost in the sandwich.

Overall, a decent Sanguche. When I'm missing Peru, I'll have it again.

The Sweet Potato Fries where seasoned perfectly and had that wonderful mildly sweet flavor and nice starchiness.

The fries however, did not travel well and while the flavor was good, it was quite soggy by the time I got back to the office……about 15 minutes road time.

As week later, I decided to return and order something else…..I choose the Asado (beef) Sandwich.

Which came with two "aji"….a nice Aji Verde, a spicy-creamy green sauce and a sorta-kinda Aji Amarillo kind of thing which seemed more like a spicy salad dressing???

The sandwich was served in a Ciabatta Roll, which is typical for Sanguche Asado.

I recall a conversation with Benjamin, who was our driver for our flight over the Nazca Lines regarding Sanguches….yes, you know me……He is the one that recommended Dona Paulina over La Lucha in Lima…it's where he takes his family. He told me that often times folks make Sanguche de Asado with leftover beef, so it can be tough and dry. Which is kind of what the beef in this sandwich was.

It could have used more of the nice, pungent-sweet carmelized onions….though I'm glad I had the Aji Verde. Still, I'll pass on this one in the future.

The folks working at Sangucheria Peruvian Street Food are amazingly warm, friendly, and gracious. And that point alone means I'll return again soon….when I'm thinking and dreaming about wonderful Peru.

Food has that wonderful affect; it will sometimes take me back to people, places, and various moments……and that is priceless.

Sangucheria Peruvian Street Food
5950 Santo Rd.
San Diego, CA 92124
Current Hours:
Mon – Thurs 11am – 4pm
Fri – Sat 11am – 6pm
Closed Sundays

Saturday Stuffs: Lucy Ethiopian Replacing FireBirds Chicken, the Sign for Kumo is up, and Taking a Drive in Serra Mesa

April 2, 2022 mmm-yoso American/New American Restaurants, Exploring San Diego, Japanese Restaurants, Sandwiches, Thai Restaurants, yoso-silly

Just a couple of things for a damp and chilly Saturday.

Lucy Ethiopian Replacing FireBirds Chicken:

I had been wondering when I'd see signs (no pun intended) that the Hot Chicken fad was hitting saturation point. Well, on a recent visit to City Heights I drove past what is now the former location of FireBirds Chicken. It looks like it'll be replaced by "Lucy Ethiopian Restaurant".

So, like Poke Bowls, Ramen, Korean Style Hot Dogs………

4155 University Ave.
San Diego, CA 92105

The Sign for Kumo Is Up:

Back in June of last year, I read that a Japanese Sando shop was opening in the Plaza Sorrento Food Court. According to what I read, both in the Eater post and on what I'm assuming is the businesses website, it was going to open during the summer of 2021.

During my visits to Nanay's and Sue's Korean Kitchen I took a look around and did see empty businesses but no definite sign of the place.

Fast forward to my last last visit to Sue's….well, there it was.

The shop is actually suite 108, right next to Sue's.

I'm guessing all this Covid-ness and such has caused a delay in the opening.

6755 Mira Mesa Blvd.
Suite 108
San Diego, CA 92121

Taking a Drive in Serra Mesa:

I'm finally starting to get out a bit more; though I'm still a bit cautious and "gun shy".

Recently, after doing some shopping at Nijiya; I decided to take "the long way home", via Aero Drive. For a few years our office was located near Montgomery Field. But I really never visited the area much once we moved our offices. And since Covid, other than a single takeout visit from Kokoro; I can't say I've been in the area at all.

So, I decided to just take a quick drive to see how things are.

Just along Aero Drive; well, there are noticeable changes. The long time Argentinian restaurant Pampas Grill closed in 2019 and the spot is still empty.

Though Pear's Thai, which was previously Ka Ti Thai is still there.

Down on Murphy Canyon Road; well, there's a lot more changes.

Pho SaiGon Bliss is now Luxe Boba & Tea.

3755 Murphy Canyon Rd
San Diego, CA 92123

And the mall seems to have a lot of vacancies.

And the Sizzler closed down in 2020, around the time the chain filed Chapter 11. This space is also still empty.

I believe there's one location left in San Diego….not that I'm going to plan on eating there anytime soon. Though Sizzler was a regular stop after working the evening shift back home in Honolulu, though that location closed down years ago as well.

It does seem things are a lot more stable around the strip mall off Sandrock and Greyling.

I'm sure "Mr Z" will be happy to note that Thai Pepper Cuisine is still open! Hope all is well Mr Z!

3361 Sandrock Road
San Diego, CA 92123

And both Kokoro and Maggie's Cafe are still open.

3232 Greyling Dr
San Diego, CA 92123

And heck, I passed this business with the Grand Opening sign……but no other signage….I'll check them out; along with Soup Du Jour (formerly Carve Modern Deli) hopefully soon.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Takeout Revisits – Rubicon Deli (UTC) and SuperNatural Sandwiches

February 10, 2022 mmm-yoso Sandwiches

Man, it's been a pretty hot couple of days! In fact, I read that we're having record heat here in San Diego….like 25 degrees above normal!

Anyway, I couldn't bear to do a post on the place I was thinking of….instead, let's do what I had for lunch the last two days at work….sandwiches……so here goes.

Rubicon Deli:

Well, it's been a while since I've done a post on Rubicon. I placed my order online and like always, it was ready when I arrived.

Being the boring soul that I am, I got my usual, the "Super Mario" with Crispy Onions. Deciding to change things up the slightest bit; I got the sandwich on Blue Cheese Bread instead of my usual Garlic Cheese Bread. Since it had been almost a year since I last visited….like almost every place else; I believe the prices would have been increased; but it was still the same – half sandwich for $9.79, Crispy Onions for 75 cents more.

The sandwich did look a bit odd when I opened it up……I believe that this was made with the end piece of the loaf.

Still, this was still quite good; though the "crispy onions" weren't as crispy as usual…even with the ten minute (or less) drive back to the office. The nice mild sweetness and sour tones of the Balsamic Glaze; the sweet red pepper tapenade, crisp – peppery arugula, the Asiago……this did me just right for lunch.

I'll definitely be back again during warm weather…..

Rubicon Deli (UTC Location)
4130 La Jolla Village Drive – Suite 104
San Diego, CA 92037

SuperNatural Sandwiches:

**** SuperNatural Sandwiches has closed

SuperNatural has been a regular stop for me during these times, though not always for sandwiches. This time though; I went with the Kirin ($12.25) and Garlic Fries ($4.50). As always, I was able to order online before opening time and my order was ready for pick-up at 1110 when I arrived.

As always, the bread was still crisp-crackly when I got back to the office, the shrimp perhaps a bit tougher than usual, but passable….for some reason, I enjoy the lup cheong in this sandwich.

The fries were more crisp than usual; which I enjoyed.

This was an enjoyable and quite filling lunch.

I was sad to hear that the Little Italy location has closed and SuperNatural is back to a single location.

SuperNatural Sandwiches
7094 Miramar Rd.
San Diego, CA 92121

So there you go; my lunches for the past two days…..if this heat wave keeps up; I'll be hitting up some other warm weather favorites soon as well.

What have you been eating during this unseasonal heat wave?

Blossom de Cafe (Poway)

January 31, 2022 Cathy Breakfast/Brunch, Caffeine Fix, Desserts, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

Blossom de Cafe has closed. It will be missed.

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog, is being written by Cathy today. Kirk is busy.

The Mister and I were driving on Poway Road, looking for a breakfast spot. Across the street from the North Park Produce location, we saw this signage and stopped. Formerly a Bank, the large interior with what looks like former offices with doors and windows removed has open rooms and areas which could be set up for a small, private party as well as a playroom for children. The interior space is efficiently used and (since the building had been a bank) there is a drive through window.

After we were home, I did some research. Blossom de Cafe is locally owned, family run and opened in February 2020. This is another survivor of Covid.

There are menus outside, inside and behind the counter. We were here at breakfast time. The mention of "Croffle" had us curious. We ordered two.
An almond croffle ($5.80) A croissant toasted in a waffle maker topped with sliced almonds! Why hadn't I thought of this?!! Simple, delightful and a refreshing change. The maple croffle ($4.80). Simply toasted with maple syrup. A great breakfast idea.
We also ordered a bacon omelet sandwich (8.99). A better quality, thick white bread filled with a cheesy omelet/scramble and plenty of bacon made this an easily shareable sandwich.
There are coffees, teas, boba drinks, lattes, a great selection of beverages along with (Bingsu) desserts. Bowls and other lunch choices are also available-we will be trying out more of the menu. Soon.

Blossom de Cafe 12305 Poway Road Poway, CA 92064 (858) 842-2211 Open M,W,Th 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri and Sat 7-7 Tuesday 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Website

2022 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade floats and a few meals

January 4, 2022 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Cuban Restaurants, Festivals & Events, Los Angeles County, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy today. She's the one who does these Rose Parade posts. Kirk is taking a break.

So, it's 2022! Happy New Year. A time to start anew, change habits. For starters, most of the photos in this post were taken on December 31, unlike when The Mister and I attended the Showcase of Floats-following the Rose Parade in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

With Covid-19, not many people were volunteering to decorate the floats and we had been receiving daily emails and noticing all of the float builders asking for volunteers. We had helped decorate floats in early December, and were wide awake around 1 a.m. on December 31, saw a live video of the float barn and how much help was needed, especially since final judging is around 10 a.m. on the 31st. We got in the car and drove to Irwindale.

Here are some photos of floats and details at the Phoenix Decorating Company barn.

Trader Joe's, "You're Invited"
Kiwanis International, "Dream To Achieve"Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day, "Seeding Tomorrow"

Lutheran Hour Ministries, "Jesus Teaches"
Oddfellows and Rebekahs, "Arctic Adventure"
The Century anniversary of Shriners Hospitals for Children, "Celebrating 100 Years of Believing in Dreams". This float depicts a young girl with scars from Spina Bifida repair, spinning in a looking glass, dreaming of being the spinning ballerina in a jewelry box. There were three color florographs on this float, celebrating the providing of care to children with complex medical conditions regardless of their ability to pay.

"Wild Kingdom" by RFD-TV and Mutual of Omaha.
The Closing float, reminding people of the Rose Bowl Game.
Rotary International, "Changing Lives Through Education"

Lions Clubs International, "Quest For Kindness"

Best wishes to you and yours. Dream, Believe, Achieve.

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It was after 11 a.m. and The Mister and I still had not had breakfast so we left and began driving to a favorite stop, The Peppertree Cafe. Another Covid-19 survivor.

Since it was a Friday, the regular menu (and specials) were available. We were so tired and overwhelmed. The Soup, Salad Half Sandwich ($9) was great- clam chowder, ranch dressing, turkey sandwich. There was a half order hot beef sandwich available ($9) so I tried it. Just enough food. A very long day. Peppertree Cafe website

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In November, we finally made it back to Porto's, where we had not been since October, 2019. So happy it survived Covid.

The menu (bakery and meals) is limited, dine in capacity is at 50% (tables removed), most cold beverages are bottled but the food items are consistent.
Torrejas (Cuban French toast) was just perfect-crisp exterior, fluffy interior.
Pan con Lechon- slow roasted pork with pickled onion and a green garlic mojo sauce on the fresh Cuban bread was a nice, salty contrast for breakfast. Portos Bakery Website

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Also in November, The Mister was craving a good pastrami sandwich, so we drove up the 15 to The Hat, which also survived Covid-19.

Things are about the same, other than you have to ask for condiments.

The sides are still enough to share-a large serving. The pastrami is still kind of perfect. The Hat website
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Revisits – Saigon Sandwiches & Deli and Cafe Dore

November 28, 2021 mmm-yoso Banh Mi, Sandwiches, Vietnamese Restaurants

My last visits to A Chau and Cali Baguette left me wondering how some of the other "old school" banh mi shops were doing, And another Phuong Nga errand had me in City Heights once again. I was craving a Banh Mi Ba Chi from Cafe Dore, so I headed west on University. I was in luck and found some parking in the lot on Marlborough and walked over to Cafe Dore….and sheesh; the place was packed to rafters with groups "old timers" and oh my, the cigarette smoke. There was no way I wanted to walk in….so, I walked on over next door to…..

Saigon Sandwiches & Deli:

Man, I didn't realize it at the time; but it's been nearly fourteen years since I last visited!

And of course things (not including prices) have changed…..whereas I used to joke that Saigon Sandwiches had a huge secondary market in phone cards and cigarettes; well you know what they have now?

Masks in every shape and size it seems!

The Banh Mi Ba Chi ($5.39) looked quite good.

Though when I opened up the banh mi…well, it was either mocking me, or perhaps a fan of the Rolling Stones?

All kidding aside, I really enjoyed this sandwich……the bread was crusty, it also seemed to have been lightly buttered. The pork belly was sliced on he thin side; but I enjoyed the cilantro, which was mostly leaves and full of stems. I liked the ay the jalapenos were thinly sliced instead of one giant piece. It was perhaps a bit on the light side in regards to pickled radish and carrots; but that worked well in proportion to everything else in the banh mi. Which, at least for me is what a good banh mi is all about.

I'll make sure not to wait fourteen years before returning!

Saigon Sandwiches & Deli
4133 University Ave.
San Diego, CA 92105
Hours:
Open Daily 7am – 7pm

Still, I was wondering how Cafe Dore was doing….

Cafe Dore:

**** Cafe Dore has closed

So, I returned to the same strip mall at just after 7am the next morning.

The place was already two-thirds full of older gents….more then a few of them puffing away. Though these days, as I noted in my last post three years ago, all those "video machines" are gone.

I walked on up to the counter and the older gentleman and woman working behind the counter actually smiled and greeted me form behind the plexiglass! I went ahead and placed my order for the Banh Mi Ba Chi ($5), my favorite banh mi here at Cafe Dore.

Then something interesting happened…the woman asked me to take a seat and brought me a cup of iced tea; "for you while you wait"! Whoa, was this really Cafe Dore? I did feel a bit like the guys were staring at me in the place….but looking up; I noticed I was right under the television with the lottery results! Well, at least some things haven't changed.

The older gentleman brought me my sandwich and thanked me……

I really enjoyed this sandwich. While perhaps the bread was prepped a bit better at Saigon; here it was also nice and crusty. The slices of pork are a bit thicker and also seems to be sweeter. The jalapenos were also thinly sliced and had a nice kick. Good amount of cilantro and pickled veggies.

It seems, that even though, some things haven't changed, the customers are almost all male….old timers experiencing what I call the "Coffee Culture of Vietnam" which can be a bit intimidating….the service here just seemed to be a softer, kinder, more welcoming Cafe Dore.

Cafe Dore
4135 University Ave.
San Diego, CA 92105
Hours:
Mon – Sat 7am – 5pm
Sundays 7am – 4pm