Vietnamese Restaurants – Page 14

Noodling Around City Heights – Tan Ky Mi Gia

December 22, 2019 mmm-yoso Vietnamese Restaurants

**** Tan Ky Mi Gia has closed

For my next "noodling around" post, I decided to start on ECB and move West from 54th. The first place from there is the discreetly located Tan Ky Mi Gia; which used to be Hinh Ky Mi Gia, which used to be Tan Ky Mi Gia….if you're keeping score. The menu still says Hinh Ky Mi Gia……

I mentioned during the post on my last visit, that it seemed the placed hadn't aged too well.

During this visit, I noticed that the light for half the restaurant weren't even turned on.

Instead of ordering what I usually would here; I recalled that the Missus actually enjoyed the duck when this place was still Hinh Ky and I promised to try the duck again during my previous visit, so I went with the Egg Noodle with Flavor Duck; which is steamed rather than roasted. To be perfectly honest; that duck looked pretty spooky; due to the almost totally black color when it arrived.

But it was not bad; I expected really salty, but it had a strong anise-five spice flavor and was tender. It did a fairly strong offal-gamey flavor.

The simple broth was better than what I'd had previously; not so much MSG this time, decent richness, with a mild savory-seafood finish.

The rather generous portion of noodles were firm, with a slight "crunch" to them.

During my visit there were no less than five take-out orders and some guys from the, ahem, "coffee shop" next door came in for soup as I was leaving, so I'm guessing they are doing ok business. The owner; is same from my visits over a decade ago; so it seems they just keep rolling along.

Tan Ky Mi Gia
5237 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92115

Noodling Around City Heights – Bun Rieu from Phuong Nga 2

December 21, 2019 mmm-yoso Vietnamese Restaurants

Since it's soup weather again here in San Diego; I decided to circle back and revisit all those places East of the 805 and West of 54th Street. I decided to start the corner of 54th and University, to a place that "FOY Elle" recommended to me back in early 2018. Phuong Nga 2. As of my last visit at the end of last year; I thought it was by far, the best Bun Rieu in San Diego…… So, now, I was interested to see how things were going at PN2….

I arrived shortly after opening, though the older woman here was running around like crazy since there was a huge line of take-out and catering orders on the front tables. Still, I got me Bun Rieu ($8.45) order in and it arrived fairly quickly.

First off, the herbs and veggies were sparkling fresh…..this is one of the few places that still serve shredded banana bossom…..red perilla and of course the ever handy little container of fermented shrimp paste.

Like previous visits; the right type…thinner, bun was used. It was perfectly prepared, firm and stretchy.

The broth was not as sweet or tangy as before and perhaps a bit "lighter". It was by no means bad…..but that container of shrimp paste came in mighty handy.

The "meat and crab cakes" were light and fluffy, though mostly pork. The fried tofu cubes did well dipped in the mam tom. The tomato was better than on previous visits….perhaps more "in season"; and were nice and tangy. The piece of pork rib was a bit too tough and chewy this time around. I still really enjoy the small dried shrimp scattered in the broth which adds a nice savory, "umami bomb" to things.

It' still my favorite Bun Rieu in San Diego…..if anyone has some "contenders" let me know. And Elle; I'll always be grateful for your recommendation.

Phuong Nga 2
4016 54th St
San Diego, CA 92105

So, I'm thinking of heading down West on University, then turning back East and revisiting all those places I've posted on before. I haven't seen any new places pop up recently…have you?

Revisits – Woomiok and Mien Trung

December 15, 2019 mmm-yoso Bun Bo Hue, Korean Restaurants, Vietnamese Restaurants

It feels like (San Diego) winter now; so here's a couple of revisits to a new place on the rotation and an old favorite.

Woomiok:

Woomiok has become a favorite of the Missus. So, with the recent cooler weather, the Missus wanted Her fix.

This time around we ordered the assorted beef in stone pot. As with previous visits; the kkakdugi and the squid panchan were the best, while the baechu kimchi was decent but, could have used some really more intense fermented flavor. The japchae was really bland.

We were pleasantly surprised with the portion size of the dish ($34.99).

The tendon was buttery and the brisket and other usual "tougher cuts" were tender and beefy. There was what looked like typical pho top round, which was drier and tough and the worst cut overall. The bone based broth was very nice with a touch of salt. A very comforting dish overall. In fact, I loved the leftovers which I mixed with rice and heated up; making a rice porridge of sorts.

We left warm and satisfied.

Woomiok
3860 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111

Mien Trung:

Just like last year; Mien Trung was my first real meal out after returning from our trip.

The place was hopping; I just ordered the smaller bowl of Bun Bo Hue. It looked kinda light; but it was pretty good. Nice spice, great lemongrass flavor, the meats were more tender than on previous visits….even the tendon. Not over-loaded with MSG……the noodles were slippery and firm; the veggies (I still miss not having banana blossom though) fresh.

This had that "aaaah" factor going.

Mien Trung Restaurant
7530 Mesa College Dr
San Diego, CA 92111

K Sandwiches (again)

December 4, 2019 Cathy Vietnamese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog. Kirk and His Missus are having an adventure in travel right now and Cathy is writing today's post.

Kirk's second post about K Sandwiches, written in 2005, was complimentary about the (newly opened) banh mi joint. K sandwiches thrived for a bit more than ten years.

There was a fire in August 2015, requiring a major rebuild. The eatery finally reopened in January 2018. Lines were long. The menu was refined. It is still a sandwich place with banh mi, French bread loaves, croissants and various sweets baked daily.

K Sandwiches is a 'regular' stop for The Mister or myself when out and about and eating alone as well as a place for sharing items when we are together. The food items to be found here are various.
Bahn mi sandwiches are always made to order. This is the #6, meatball ($4.75), which is quite good combined with the 'usual' banh mi toppings of pickled carrots and radishes along with cilantro and jalapeño slices and some mayonnaise. The corse ground meat is very 'meatloaf' in style and flavor.
Fresh made spring rolls, in a variety of meat choices ($3.49), are always a good choice. These shrimp and pork rolls were filled with lettuces, herbs, cucumber, carrot and sprouts.

Pretty much every beverage we choose here is a black coffee, add half and half ($2.75).

The 'sweet croissant' ($1.65) was a new-to-me item from the grab-it-yourself baked goods area. Soft yet flaky and still warm; satisfying.

The Honey Mayo Shrimp Croissant ($8.25) is the highest priced sandwich on the menu. Worth it. Lightly covered in rice flour then fried, the shrimp still have a slight crunch even with the mayonnaise coating. Simply served on shredded lettuce along with a fresh made croissant, this is a wonderfully decadent meal.
The Mister has been ordering the Chicken Curry ($7) since 2007, when he saw someone enjoying it at another table. You can get it with a banh mi or rice; the banh mi seems to be easier to work with, with all the sauce. There were three chicken legs in this bowl, along with the onions and potatoes. Such a great curry flavor!
Not much is inedible. That is a very deep bowl. Sometimes a simple #9, grilled pork banh mi ($4.75) is my craving. Always fresh and tasty. I think the warm, grilled-to-order, flavorful pork is part of the comfort.
There are a few small menus taped to various display racks in the small store. The Mister saw a "Rice or Noodle Combo, choose two items $7.25". He chose noodles (rice noodles served warm) and his items were grilled beef and pork cha (steamed egg minced pork meatloaf). There are lettuces, cucumber, pickled sprouts and carrots along with the jalapeño. The dressing is topped with peanuts. Combine all these flavors and you have Bun Cha, one of my favorite meals at every Vietnamese restaurant.

K Sandwiches 7604 Linda Vista Rd San Diego, CA 92111 Website Open Mon-Sat 6-9, Sun 8-8

Andell’s Bakery and Kitchen (Rancho Penasquitos)-Filipino and Vietnamese (and cake)

November 23, 2019 Cathy Bakery, Filipino Restaurants, Vietnamese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!! on this busy weekend before Thanksgiving. Kirk is taking a break (with His Missus) and Cathy is writing for a few days.

Another day of driving without a plan. The Mister and I took the 56 to Rancho Penasquitos Boulevard and drove straight on Carmel Mountain Road to the first light and into the mall on the North. There were few lunch choices: a coffee shop, a taco shop and this 'bakery'.

There were some signs in the window and a sandwich board out front. Of course we walked in.
Menu boards behind the ordering area,
also on the wall…a few tables and counter eating spaces inside. We found a great variety of choices for lunch.
The Daily Specials (only on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday) listed Kang Kai Kole (a South Thai chicken curry) ($8.99) this day. Southern Thai food is essentially mild and Kang Kai is a simple curry paste, made with fresh ingredients (not a packet of paste)- Here is a recipe. This curry from Andell's was thick and very fresh tasting (there were bits of ground coriander in the curry paste along with cumin, cinnamon and turmeric along with the salty shrimp paste and a bit of tamarind and some sweet from palm sugar). There was a whole chicken thigh, carrots, onion and potato over a nice amount of (a better quality) rice. This curry is a new favorite.

Since it was Friday (when I don't eat meat) and also because it looked good, a Pandesal with sardines and olives ($4.50) was my order. The bread is baked fresh here. It was perfect, toasted and filled with the mashed mix of sardine with olives. Just large enough for a meal without leftovers.
There is signage everywhere for The Original Londres Sponge Cake, so I ordered a slice ($3.75). The flavors available were durian and pandan. We do like coconut. This sponge cake, filled with a fresh Bavarian Cream was very large (we took half home) and very flavorful, with a perfect sponge and a perfect cream.

Definitely will stop to try other flavors of Londres, along with other menu items. This family owned (and open since 2007) bakery and kitchen is a gem of a neighborhood find.

Andell's Bakery and Kitchen 9926 Carmel Mountain Road San Diego, CA 92129 (858)538-8308 Website Open Wed-Sun 7 am-2 pm, Closed Monday and Tuesday

40N Pho & Grille

November 18, 2019 mmm-yoso Chicken Wings, Pho, Vietnamese Restaurants

**** 40N Pho & Grille has closed

A few weeks back, Calvin told me about a new Vietnamese/Pho shop that had opened in his neighborhood. He said that he was taking the family there on a regular basis. It was located in a strip mall in Scripps Ranch? Scripps Ranch? I had to go and check the place out.

40N is located off of Scripps Ranch Boulevard, in the same Strip Mall as Vons and Starbucks. I have to say; I didn't even know this strip mall existed; even though it's but a few miles from Miramar Road and the 15 Freeway.

I was the first customer on this weekend morning; there was a nice, friendly Asian woman working….she seemed to know all the customers who came in after me. She was wonderful, though this was the only time I saw her on during my three visits.

By the looks of the restaurant; I could tell this used to be a Sushi bar as the sushi case was still in place.

Since Calvin had told me the Pho here was quite good; I ordered the House Special (Dac Biet – small $8.50).

This was actually not too bad. The rare steak was still rare when the bowl arrived. The noodles were nicely done, it still had a bit of chew and wasn't mushy. The broth, while cloudy, wasn't overly sweet as is the norm in San Diego these days. It had a mild beefiness, light saltiness, though it lacked complexity was a bit on the bland side and was overly defatted for my taste.

The other cuts in the broth were fine; though the flank was tasteless, the brisket had some beefiness, and the tendon was adequately tender, if not buttery in texture.

The basil was starting to brown and the amount of bean sprouts was rather sparse as is the case in many more "westernized" Pho shops.

So, overall not horrible.

During my visit, it seemed that every table ordered the Cha Gio. So, I decided to return and try it out.

I got the 3 roll ($4.50).

I knew I was in trouble when these came out in less than 3 minutes. It had obviously been reheated. The wrappers were really chewy and this lacked any crispness. The nuoc mam cham was watered down and way too sweet. The filling was fine, but was totally ruined by how bad the wrapper was. Well, at least the lettuce was fresh, right?

Well, the meal wasn't over yet. I ordered the Banh Mi Bo Kho ($10). It actually says "Beef Stew" on the menu….what arrived wasn't no "stew".

Lukewarm, doctored pho broth, made really salty by whatever seasoning was used to make it seem like Bo Kho. The meat was too chewy and some pieces were still slightly cold. The best part of this were the carrots; which looked unwieldy, but was fairly tender.

The banh mi was standard issue, no complaints as it was light, yeasty, and had been heated up.

This was just not a very good meal at all.

And yet, there were two more items on the menu I wanted to try; so I decided to head on back.

I'd seen Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings on the menu. So I ordered the 6 piece ($7) version.

While looking a bit greasy, these were actually fairly crisp, with a good amount of seasoning….edging perhaps on the salty side, but not spicy at all. All the pieces were moist, the wings were actually quite good. The huge drumettes on the other hand, while crisp and moist, had a bitter, slightly freezer burnt flavor to them. Too bad, because this might have been pretty good overall. I ate all the wings….and said goodbye to the drumettes.

I also ordered Banh Xeo ($10). Sadly, this was not very good.

The crepe lacked crispness and was very spongy, the bottom a soggy mess. It was also very bland and the watered down, overly sweet nuoc mam cham did it no favors. The pork and shrimp were tough and dry; the bean and mung bean sprouts under-cooked. This really looked like it was slapped together. All that wonderfully fresh lettuce and mint deserved a better version of banh xeo.

So, while the pho and the chicken wings weren't bad, I didn't care for anything else as it just seemed a bit dumbed down. I'm sure folks in the neighborhood appreciate the place; but for me, I don't think it's worth going out of my way for….after all Mira Mesa is just right up the I-15.

40N Pho & Grille
9978 Scripps Ranch Blvd
San Diego, CA 92131
Hours:
Mon – Sat 11am – 9pm
Closed on Sunday

Saturday Stuffs – PT Eatery Replaces Pho T Cali, Chef Jun Replaces Spice & Soul, and Recently Consumed

November 2, 2019 mmm-yoso Korean Restaurants, Vietnamese Restaurants

PT Eatery Replaces Pho T Cali:

In my latest post on Pho Duyen Mai, "Derek R" mentioned that PT Eatery was replacing Pho T Cali. I had noticed that the Pho T Cali sign was covered while driving by during the week, but didn't have time to stop by. So, today, while running errands I drove into the parking lot and took a photo.

Derek mentioned that this place is related to Phuong Trang….so I'm not sure if I should be really happy about this….we'll see…..

7351 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92111

Chef Jun Replacing Spice & Soul:

I saw a notice posted in the window of the building that formerly housed Spice & Soul.

So, this morning, on my way to Costco, I took a short detour to see what was up. Looks like this place will become Chef Jun. Sounds like perhaps a Korean restaurant? I had heard that the person who either owns the lease or the mall is Korean; so this might make sense.

Update: Chef Jun will be a Sushi and Kappo style restaurant. Thanks Derek!

Interesting for Bay Ho.

4033 Avati Dr
San Diego, CA 92117

And finally……I think the Missus is missing Japan. She had requested that I make tempura four times during the last week….during the week….sigh….

And then last night; She wanted a Sukiyaki-ish "thingy" for dinner.

So last night after my (hopefully last for a while) batch of tempura was consumed, I made my standard warishita. This morning I picked up the Missus's favorite ingredients….and the Missus feasted this evening. We'll have enough for a couple of meals.

Happy wife, happy life, right?

Hope you're having a wonderful weekend!

Revisits – Pho Duyen Mai and Tiger! Tiger!

October 29, 2019 mmm-yoso Gastropub, Pho, Vietnamese Restaurants

A couple of revisits for a Monday.

Pho Duyen Mai:

**** Pho Duyen Mai is under new ownership

In the comments on my last post Pho Hut & Grill, "Alan from Clairemont" mentioned that Pho Duyen Mai had gone downhill. Which was sad news for me; since when our office was in the area, was a fairly regular stop. So, this past weekend, with temps finally getting to normal for this time of the year, I decided to drop by while running errands. Pho Duyen Mai opens at 9am….which is not bad.

I got there right at 9 had a seat and was given a menu…..it was just too early in the morning for me to go with dem' bones; so I just took the easy way out and ordered the Dac Biet. Which arrived within minutes.

I quickly noticed that the basil was starting to brown; not a good sign of quality control. Though unlike Alan's visits, there was a whole half lime on the plate…..a darn good thing, as the broth was even more overly sweet and salty than I recalled. I needed a good amount of lime to attempt to balance the broth, which was even more defatted then I remembered.

On the good side, the rare steak was still nicely rare when the bowl hit the table, the tendon was adequately tender, the other cuts were ho-hum, the flank like cardboard and tripe was MIA.

The noodles, while in a clump wasn't over-cooked and still had a nice stretch to them.

So, the verdict? The broth at Duyen Mai has gotten much more salty and "sweeter", while losing what little richness there was. Not a complete fail, but it seems like the place has slipped a bit. Not a good sign in the vast pho wasteland that Clairemont/Kearny Mesa has become.

Pho Duyen Mai
5375 Kearny Villa Rd
San Diego, CA 92123

Tiger! Tiger!:

**** Tiger! Tiger! has closed

Hard to believe it's been over six months since we were last at Tiger! Tiger! Our visit was just a last minute decision….we just couldn't figure out where we wanted to go.

Not much to say; we ordered the usual, the Bratwurst, which I've posted on a couple of times.

And of course got the 1/2 order of the Charcuterie Board. The Missus loved the chicken and pork liver mousse.

It almost always delivered; except the bread was too hard and chewy this time around. Still, that smokey, porky, terrine was wonderful.

And of course, we always think of Sammy, when we're sitting outside. We miss you!

Tiger! Tiger!
3025 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92104

Sunday Stuffs – Saigon Restaurant Replacing Yum Cha Cafe, Chicken Charlie’s (Balboa) Closes, and the One Chip Challenge 2019

October 20, 2019 mmm-yoso American/New American Restaurants, Vietnamese Restaurants, yoso-silly

Been kinda busy over the last month or so. I finally had a chance to drive around a bit and noticed a couple of things for a leisurely Sunday post.

Saigon Restaurant Replacing Yum Cha Café:

I noticed some new signage up when I drove by Thuan Phat Market.

Hmmm….is it "that" Saigon Restaurant? This will be interesting.

Well, at least somethings happening in this spot. It's been over two years since Yum Cha Cafe closed.

6933 Linda Vista Road
San Diego, CA 92111

Chicken Charlie's FryBQ (Balboa) Closes:

I had to drop by the bank and noticed that it looked like equipment and furnishings in Chicken Charlie's were shrink wrapped. So, I parked the car and walked over.

Even though the outdoor tables and chairs are still in place; Chicken Charlie's is closed.

You can still go to the Rancho Bernardo location as a, sorry, can't help it…..bypass if you need to get your fix.

5407 Balboa Ave
San Diego, CA 92111

And finally……

Just like last year; "Alle" wanted me to do the One-Chip Challenge.

And, just when I thought it couldn't be hotter than last year…..well, let me tell you……this had me fooled as it wasn't too bad for the first 15 seconds or so. Then it got really, burning, searing hot……like I just ate a porcupine. The heat lasted even longer this year….I got the hiccups, my scalp itched, all normal reactions on my part. Admittedly, I don't use any "props", no gloves and such…so it wasn't a particularly good move when I rubbed my face with my hands with the powder from the chip on them. Oh well, it wasn't as bad as when I worked with Ghost Peppers and didn't wash my hands well…..then took out my contact lenses a bit later.

This chip made the Triple Atomic Wings seem like ice cream.

Well, I'm done until next year…..

Hope everyone had a great weekend, thanks for dropping by!

Pho Tommy Opens in Linda Vista

September 18, 2019 mmm-yoso Pho, Vietnamese Restaurants

**** Pho Tommy has closed

A few weeks ago, right before heading out on our Road Trip to Laguna Beach; I was picking up take-out from Thai Papaya, I noticed that Farm Market and Sandwiches was gone and replaced with something called "Pho Tommy".

Not quite sure what to make of this rather large space….after all it was a market and all, I was curious and decided to visit soon after.

The place seems to be put together….or at least renovated in a rather strange and haphazard way. It seems that they just pulled out all the shelving and replaced things with tables.

And there are still some grocery items for sale.

A "stage" has been put in near the entrance that faces Linda Vista Road. You gotta watch your step……the UPS guy walking in tripped and almost fell.

Another strange thing was that, other than the UPS guy, and the friends of the really friendly guy running the place named "Kim", I was the only customer on all three visits. Not sure what's going on here. Well, on with the show…..

Since the place was named "Pho Tommy"; it was only natural that I ordered the Pho Dac Biet.

First off, as you can tell, the basil and sprouts were past their "due date" and browning. The broth was clear with a decent amount of richness/texture, but like many places in San Diego these days, it had a salty-sweetness that isn't to my taste. I did enjoy the good amount of cilantro and scallions which helped a bit, along with a good amount of lime to try and balance things out.

As for the proteins; well the rare steak was too well done by the time the bowl hit the table and being the usual top round it was tough and dry. The fatty flank was on the bland side….no tripe in this bowl, though the tendon was fairly buttery and not bad. Not a great bowl overall. There's much better less than a block away.

When I went to pay; Kim just charged me eight bucks. Not wanting to short the place, I showed him the $9.50 on the menu, but was told, "I rang it up already, it's okay, eight dollars for you….."

So, I decided to go back the next morning since I needed to get some stuff from Thuan Phat, I was kinda hungry so I decided to drop by.

This time I ordered the Broken Rice with Bi, Cha (steamed egg), Pork Chop, and Egg ($8.99).

First off, the rice was nice and fragrant and the nuoc mam cham wasn't watered down, nor too sweet.

The Bi, shredded pork and pork skin was really dry and tasteless though. The cha was fine, though a bit drier than I prefer.

The pork chop was nicely charred, though it needed more seasoning as it was also bland.

But that egg was wonderful. Perfectly sunny side up, runny, with crisp edges, and nicely seasoned.

The broth provided, was basically the pho broth….it was less "sweet", but still too salty for me to fully enjoy.

Still, this was an improvement over the pho, so this past weekend, I decided to drop by early in the morning (apparently they open around 730), which is great for me.

I had seen something on the menu that I hadn't had for quite a while.

A dish named after the capital of Tiền Giang Province, My Tho; Hu Tieu My Tho.

To be perfectly honest, I didn't know what to expect. But the plate of sparkling fresh Tong Ho (chrysanthemum leaves, we call it Shingiku in Japanese) and sprouts started things off on the right foot. The Tong Ho was mild in flavor, without that resiny-overly green-grassy flavor. These were mildly sweet and bitter, obviously very fresh.

What really impressed me about this bowl was the liver….I'm usually not a fan of liver in Vietnamese noodle dishes because often times they are old and taste plain gross; but this was fairly tender and had just the right amount of earthy-offal flavor. In fact, in spite of the shrimp being cooked perfectly, the liver was the best meat item in the dish. The other pork was pretty bland.

The Hu Tieu was a bit overcooked for my taste. Though the clear broth wasn't quite as salty this time around. In fact, combined with that rather rich, almost greasy, bright red pork broth, it created a balance in a way. This was also quite a bit more than I'd usually put away for breakfast.

The third time was a charm it seems.

I enjoyed the guy working here; but unless evenings and lunches are super busy….somehow, I don't think it is, I don't know how long a place like this can last. I hope they hang in there. There's something definitely "old school" about Pho Tommy, without the brusque service, that I enjoyed.

Pho Tommy
6959 Linda Vista Rd.
San Diego, CA