What Cathy Eats! – Page 15

Tahini (Kearny Mesa)

May 6, 2022 Cathy Middle Eastern Restaurants/Cuisine, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Cathy is writing today; Kirk and His Missus are on vacation.

Since October 2017, Tahini has been thriving in the small strip mall on Clairmont Mesa just East of the County Assessors Office. The 'original' location is being reconstructed to open as Finjån (a Turkish/hot sand coffee shop) just next door to the newer, larger corner storefront. Same owners. There is plenty of parking in front as well as behind the building. You step inside, walk up and order (there is also a Self-Service ordering kiosk in that far corner next to the cash register).

The menu is simple.
Three types of 'main' dishes that you can personalize with three types of proteins and toppings. There are also six 'appetizers'-which could be a primary meal, seven 'sides' and one dessert. Everything is made to order; fresh pita is constantly cooling on racks near the entrance, fresh from the oven.
'Halloumi Cheese Stix' appetizer ($9). Halloumi is a semi-hard cheese with a high melting point, so it can be fried. It is a goat and sheep's milk cheese, kind of tangy. It's served on top of a wheat pita along with a fig jam and a cucumber-yogurt sauce. Every element of this appetizer is fresh and flavorful. This is a half order of Tahini Fries ($5). Crisp potato fries topped with tomato, red onion, red bell pepper, pepperoni, kalamata olives, feta cheese, garlic sauce and tahini sauce. (The large size ($7) is more than enough for sharing).
This is a side order of Cumato Salad ($3). Cucumbers and tomatoes, diced and mixed with an olive oil based dressing, topped with feta. Refreshing. (The Cumato Salad appetizer is $6).

The "Build Your Own" menu consists of three choices: Pita Sandwich, Salad or Rice Bowl. There are three choices of protein: falafel (made when you order), chicken shawarma or steak shawarma. The chicken is marinated with 10+ ingredients and the beef is certified Angus, also marinated with 10+ ingredients.
This is the chicken shawarma salad ($12.50-salad, $9.50, add chicken $3), customized with add ons and topped with garlic sauce and tahini sauce.

Choices of add ons: lettuce, tomato, pickles, pickled turnips, cheese, parsley mix, bell pepper, kalamata olives, pepperocini. (Feta cheese is 50¢ as are toasted almonds).

Housemade sauces: tahini, garlic, BBQ tahini, Sriracha tahini, cilantro tahini, cucumber yogurt.

Plenty of moist, marinated, roasted chicken; plenty of all the other ingredients. Fresh, flavorful, wonderful.
The steak salad ($12.50) had a generous portion of the marinated steak as well as all the other ingredients.
This time, asking for the sauce on the side was a way to try the BBQ tahini (it was subtle; you could still make out the sesame base) as well as our 'must have', the whipped garlic sauce. Again, a wonderful, filling, tasty salad.
A falafel sandwich ($9- pita sandwich is $8, falafel is $1) comes with five fresh made falafel, your choice of add ons and sauce. These are fava bean based falafel, mixed with fresh herbs and subtle spices and perfectly fried so the exterior 'crust' is a light crisp and the interior is fluffy.

Owned by American and Arab friends with immigrants, refugees, butchers and bakers as employees, made it through Covid-19. A great place to enjoy Middle Eastern Street Food.

Soo and Maggie have been here.

Tahini 9119 Clairmont Mesa Blvd, Suite H San Diego 92123 Open Mon-Sat 11-8, Sun 11-7 Website

Trays of fresh pita cooling.

La Casa Blanca (La Mesa) (revisit)

May 5, 2022 Cathy Mexican Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Today, mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy. Kirk and His Missus are busy researching future posts, elsewhere.

My most recent Casa Blanca post was written in 2017. It's time for an update. This family owned, longtime (since 2007) restaurant has withstood the test of time and of Covid-19.
Warm chips and fresh made salsa are brought out while you are perusing the menu.
The Mister (once again) ordered the Mexican Scampi ($15.95). Butterflied shrimp sautéed in butter, wine, chili powder and garlic served with Mexican (veggie) rice. Plump shrimp, flavorful sauce and rice. Always satisfying.
As with my post in 2014 (and 2017)., a cup of the Rancho Pinto Bean Soup was ordered ($4.95; a bowl is $8.95).
This meat filled (bacon, sausage chorizo) bean soup really is a craving for me and always is satisfying.
A Coctele Del Mar ($13.95) with shrimp (no octopus was available this day, or I would have ordered the combination of seafoods) was a bright, fresh and flavorful, satisfying meal. The plump, large shrimp are served in a lime juice based sauce filled with fresh chopped cucumbers, onion, tomato and cilantro which is topped with avocado.

This local Mexican restaurant serves a very nice brunch and has a Monday-Friday lunch menu.

La Casa Blanca 9570 Murray Drive La Mesa, CA 91942 (619) 466-2912 Website Open Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Panda Machi (Alpine)

May 4, 2022 Cathy Chinese Restaurants, Japanese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy (again). Kirk and His Missus have barely begun to enjoy their vacation.

In the first months of each year, when I am driving around the County for my job, I make notes about places I see and would like The Mister and I to return to check out once things slow down.
There in the left corner-walking distance from an Ayres Hotel, Chase Bank and a Carl's Jr., I had seen Panda Machi. The Mister and I returned one weekday. This Chinese-Japanese restaurant (Panda, for its Chinese roots and Machi (means 'town' in Japanese)) is a tribute to the roots of this family owned and run (since 2020) restaurant.

The front of the extensive four page menu lists the less expensive lunch specials and appetizers.

The sushi chef was busy around noon the day we were here.
The Almond Chicken (lunch, $8.95) with fried (instead of white) rice was what we decided to order. The large plate of stir fried chicken with celery, peas and carrots included a cream cheese wonton, pork potsticker,
salad with ginger dressing and an excellent egg drop soup. The freshness of all the ingredients was notable and of great quality.
The Mister and I ordered the Assorted Egg Fu Young ($13.95), as we do on first visits to Chinese restaurants. Chicken, beef and shrimp along with fresh mushrooms, sprouts, water chestnuts, peas and carrots in a lovely gravy covered the unique omelette.
The version made here is baked in the pan (rather than fried like an omelette, with thin edges)- the top, bottom and edges were uniform and a consistent bake. The eggs were blended with lightly mashed cauliflower and broccoli. It is so interesting to see the various versions of this dish, which is basically a way to use up leftovers.

We will be returning to try out the Japanese side of the menu. So happy we stopped here.

Panda Machi 1730 Alpine Blvd, Suite 101 Alpine, CA 91901 (619) 445-6224 Open seven days 11-9 website

Sam Woo BBQ (breakfasts) (again)

May 3, 2022 Cathy Breakfast/Brunch, Chinese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Cathy is writing while Kirk is vacationing.

The last time I wrote about Sam Woo was in October. This is a regular stop for The Mister and myself just before we go shopping at 99Ranch Market, across the hallway; we don't want our purchases to be influenced by hunger.

The price for breakfast has increased: now each item is $7.50 and hot coffee or hot tea is 70¢. The menu has remained the same. How different from my first post about Sam Woo, in 2007 when each menu item was $3.20 and coffee or tea was 30¢.

On this chilly morning, we chose the roast duck porridge which had some quite large pieces of fresh roasted duck. The Chinese donut is still $2 and is just the add-in that the porridge needs.
The BBQ pork lo mein is always a good choice. The pork is tender and wonderfully flavored; broth, noodles and bok choy round out this plate.

Always a filling, tasty and satisfying meal here.

Sam Woo BBQ 7330 Clairmont Mesa Blvd San Diego 92111 Open daily 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Cash only

You have to ask for condiments; the white pepper and red chili sauce as well as some soy sauce are sometimes needed halfway through-after eating the food as prepared.

Duke’s Old Fashioned Onion Burgers (La Mesa)

May 2, 2022 Cathy Burgers, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy while Kirk and His Missus are vacationing.

Duke's Old Fashioned Onion Burgers opened less than a month ago at a previous Starbucks location on the North West corner of Baltimore Drive and El Cajon Boulevard. Checking some Instagram photos, it's been owned by this family since at least October, 2021 (when the hood fans were being installed). Step inside, order, pay and your name is called when ready. The simple, straightforward menu. Oklahoma-style onion burgers started as a depression-era way to stretch beef.
Let me say this is a large tray, the serving of French fries is way more than two adults can (should?) eat and the burger and chicken sandwiches on toasted Brioche buns are wonderful. They are also imperfect.
A single onion burger ($8.95). Fresh ground Angus beef, hand shaped, grilled with plenty of onions. No, no cheese (which does not cost extra). I did choose lettuce, tomato, mustard and (house made) pickles (excellent!) as toppings (also mayo, ketchup and jalapeños are available as toppings). The plain, crisp edged, smashed burger was unseasoned; when taking a bite with the other ingredients, it was great, but by itself, well, the quality meat was apparent, but I think needed a pinch of salt. (I read some hidden Yelp comments and people were complaining of too much salt during the soft opening, so they went the other way, which is fine.)
The chicken sandwich ($8.95) was quite large and very good. I do think it was in the fryer about ten seconds longer than it should have been; breading was a bit too crisp. Each bite was really tasty.
This photo is deceptive; the serving is really large. The container is deep. The fries ($3.25) are fresh and are made to order. You are given a choice of ketchup (regular or spicy) or ranch. The lemonade is made in house. It is not too sweet and quite nice.

We will be back to try the hand dipped milkshakes; many people were ordering those and sharing an order of fries.

Duke's Old Fashioned Onion Burgers 5020 Baltimore Drive Suite D La Mesa, CA 91942 (619) 439-6177

Wa Dining Okan-lunches (again)

April 29, 2022 Cathy Japanese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of the food blog you are reading. Cathy is writing again.

The last time I wrote about Okan was about 11 months ago. It's time for an update. Covid restrictions are lessened, the tables are not as distanced. People are invited to sit at the bar.

This is the current three page lunch menu. The sashimi salad ($11.50) is a good choice. Fresh greens, shredded radish and a wasabi/sesame/soy dressing which is just right to compliment the fresh, tender raw fish.
Geso kara ($7). The deep fried squid tentacles are tender, lightly battered and served with a citrusy ponzu. Using just a squeeze of lemon (and no sauce) highlighted the freshness of the tentacles.
The Tempura Combo ($11) is a very large shareable appetizer or can be a meal. Three shrimp, four shishito peppers, eggplant slices, sweet potato, squash, carrot, one large shiitake cap, all perfectly fried to a light crisp and served with a light mirin/soy sauce.
The chicken katsu curry set ($12.50) was, once again, a satisfying choice. The curry here is slightly sweet, the fry is (again) perfect and the pickled sides are complimentary. The chicken kamameshi ($15.50) takes 20 minutes to prepare and is worth the wait. The mixed rice is cooked with stock and vegetables (in this case at least three types of mushrooms), fried bean curd as well as the boneless skinless chicken. The light, flavorful, fluffy rice is just perfect. You can (sort of) see the bowl is deep (next to the tea cup). The rice paddle and bowls for sharing are just right for helping to share. We each had three servings of this wonderful comfort-food meal.

It's so good to see Okan is thriving.

Wa Dining Okan 3860 Convoy Suite 110 San Diego 92111 Open Sun-Thurs 11-2, 5-9:30 Fri-Sat 11-2, 5-10 website

Himalayan Palace Restaurant (Sports Arena)

April 28, 2022 Cathy Indian Restaurants, Nepalese/Himalayan Food, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!!, a blog about food. Cathy is writing today.

In February, The Mister and I found ourselves in the Sports Arena area of town and pulled into the parking lot between Phil's BBQ and Red Lobster. In the back of that parking lot, we saw cars parked in front of this longstanding establishment and decided to try it for lunch. We have returned. (Prices have changed; I will list current approximate prices).
The colorful interior (look at that ceiling!) is happy.

The menu is small, one sheet printed on both sides.
The Paneer Pakora ($7) is paneer cheese wrapped in chickpea batter and deep fried. The little pockets are served with a tamarind dip and a mint chutney. This was a wonderful choice of both textures and flavors.
The keema naan (ground lamb filled bread)($8) was also an excellent choice. Fresh made bread filled with ground lamb which was cooked with various herbs. Satisfying and tasty.
The Muligatawny soup ($7) was absolutely mesemerizing with the lentils and chicken and (mild) curry along with a bit of 'sweet' (apple). On the most recent visit, the mulligatawny was not on the menu, but mushroom soup ($7) was a choice. Creamy, garlic-y minced mushrooms blended with cumin and a few other spices, with a touch of (black?) pepper 'heat' in the background. A good size serving.

Chicken Biryani ($14) is served in this deceptively deep bowl. Basmati rice and shredded carrots with boneless chicken, ghee and whole spices (we chewed on some cardamom pods along with mustard seeds and fennel seeds; there were more) and fresh mint and cilantro. So many flavors!

On our first visit, we saw this window signage. The price has increased to $11.95. Worth it.
This is the 'non-vegetable' Thali. Rice and papadum (dough made with lentils or black beans, rolled very thin and deep fried) at the top (clockwise) Tandoori chicken, pickled vegetables, chicken tikka masala. In the center is kheer (rice pudding). The vegetable Thali plate with rice and papadum , Navaratna Korma (onion, ginger, cashews, garlic and sesame seeds blended with coconut milk to make a sauce) along with carrot, onion, peas, raisins, almonds and paneer. Pickled vegetables. Saag (spinach) paneer (really good). Again, kheer in the center dessert area.
The lunch specials include butter naan.

All in all, this longstanding (32 years) restaurant survived the Pandemic for a reason; quality. The friendly, informative staff and plethora of 'regulars' along with the remarkable fresh and flavorful choices make this a wonderful place for a meal.

Himalayan Palace Restaurant 3760 Sports Arena Blvd San Diego 92110 (619) 510-4966 Fax: (619) 510-4968 Open daily 11-3, 4-9 Website

A cooling mango lassi (yogurt-mango beverage) ($5)

La Mesa Bistro and Bakery (again)

February 5, 2022 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!! while Kirk is enjoying a short vacation. This is Cathy posting.

I wrote about La Mesa Bistro and Bakery in 2010, 2011 and 2018. The menu has remained the same- chalk boards everywhere which match up with a physical menu you can grab and look at before ordering, paying and finding a seat. You also serve yourself coffee and water. A great choice of different coffees are offered.

Smoked salmon scrambler ($12.95) is probably my favorite breakfast here. I do enjoy smoked salmon and the scoop of cream cheese, tomatoes and onions rounds out each bite. Scramblers here are made with two eggs and are quite large. With all the scramblers, you get a choice of fresh fruit or house potatoes and toast. House made salsa and a quick made berry 'jam' are wonderful, fresh and flavorful condiments.
Italian sausage and cheese scrambler ($12.95) was The Mister's choice one morning. A fresh, mild Italian sausage (can taste the fennel) along with cheddar, tomatoes, bell pepper and green onion was a great savory breakfast. The pan fried, crisped potatoes are always wonderful.
The Egg Florentine ($11.95) is essentially a meatless Benedict. Two poached eggs on top of toasted English muffin halves with spinach and tomato topped with a lemony hollandaise is very satisfying. Waffle with bacon and eggs ($11.95) is a more 'traditional' breakfast and quite wonderful- the waffle had a slight taste of vanilla and was quite large, crisp edges and a fluffy interior. It was good with and without syrup. Stuffed French toast with bacon and eggs ($12.95). A bit 'fancier' than just French Toast-stuffed with cream cheese and strawberries then dipped in egg and fried and topped with fresh berries. The bacon here is always crisp and not too salty. Eggs are properly cooked 'over easy'.

Behind the cash register are some 'Specials' and this is the "One, Two, Three" ($8) It includes coffee and is one pancake, two eggs and three slices of bacon or sausage patties. Perfect for a quick, seated breakfast.

Of course there are lunch items on the menu.
A clubhouse sandwich (1/2 sandwich with soup)($10). Turkey, ham, bacon, Swiss on white bread with from scratch clam chowder. An absolutely wonderful New England style chowder, flavorful and filled with clam pieces and skin on potato, creamy and great. All three soups (also chicken tortilla and vegetable) here are made from scratch and very good.
The albacore tuna salad ($11.95) served with a Green Goddess dressing, on top of lettuce, shredded carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, walnuts and fresh strawberries. Grilled bread is on the side and this (quite large) salad is perfect for lunch.

Don't be afraid of the menu or menu boards, basically it's a listing of combinations of basic ingredients. If you are craving something, just ask.

La Mesa Bistro and Bakery 8697 La Mesa Boulevard La Mesa 91941 (619)589-0806 Open seven days 7:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Website

Yakyudori (again)

February 3, 2022 Cathy Japanese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! welcomes you back. Today, Cathy is writing while Kirk is relaxing.

Kirk wrote about Yakyudori in 2010, two times then again in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, and in 2020. Each of his posts concentrated on the yakitori portion of the menu (only served after 5:00 p.m. now). I wrote a short post in 2014, about appetizer meals. We've done those here regularly, I just have not posted. Since COVID-19, a few things have changed. There are beautiful wood dividers for the socially distanced tables.

When you are seated, the "menu pad" is programmed for your table, so you can order when you are ready.

You can choose your menu with photos (descriptions and options/customizations available upon a tap). or switch the menu to just words. Either way, it is efficient. You can request additional items as well as your check without having to flag down anyone and follow your order:

The last two times we were here, we noticed only one waitress and the system worked very efficiently.
Miso (lunch) ($10). Wonderful, rich deep flavored broth, chewy noodles, fresh fillings/toppings. Spicy Miso ($10.50), customized with no onion (for The Mister). A good, spicy broth with ground pork, bean sprouts, corn and the wonderful ramen noodles.
Fried Chicken Bowl ($11.50) with optional mini salad ($1.50) (can choose sesame or wasabi dressing). Instead of ordering the chicken karaage appetizer (as it seemed every table was doing), the bowl with rice and lettuce, mayonnaise and chopped green onion is a full meal and enough to share.

Of course we have also (still) made meals out of appetizers.
Gyoza ($5.50) (steamed; can also opt for fried) is almost always an automatic order for us. A good amount of pork and cabbage filling inside tender skins and served with hot mustard and black soy, the six pieces along with a side salad could be a meal.
Fried Oyster ($8) was just wonderful, perfectly fried and crisp, not oily. Quite large.
Takoyaki ($6.50) arrives hot with the dancing bonito flakes jiggling everywhere. The small round pancakes are filled with octopus and have crisp edges and are always delightful.
Mini salad ($1.50) and hot tea ($2) are pretty much always ordered here.

So glad it has survived COVID-19. The food quality and people who work here are great.

There is online ordering but no delivery service.

Yakyudori 4898 Convoy Street San Diego 92111 Hours: Mon-Fri: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., 5 p.m.-midnight, Sat-Sun 11:30 a.m.-midnight website

Gate of Damascus (El Cajon)

February 2, 2022 Cathy Middle Eastern Restaurants/Cuisine, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog, is being written by Cathy today. Kirk and His Missus are on a little vacation.

We were sad when Speedy Falafel closed in the midst of the pandemic. There had been a few signs on the building indicating a new restaurant was soon to be opened in early 2021, but that never happened. In September, Gate of Damascus opened. We stopped by in early January.

It was pretty busy with people at the entrance waiting for their "To Go" orders.

The interior looks about the same and you can have a seat at one of the many tables and a menu will be brought out. (Hot tea is self serve along the back wall). Breakfast is served until at least noon.
Foul with olive oil ($9.99) is always a favorite. Warm mashed fava beans cupping a wonderful amount of chickpeas, tomatoes and olive oil was certainly a filling savory breakfast. (There is also a tahini Foul served with yogurt, which will be ordered next time).
We ordered a Manikesh (cheese pie) ($3.99) because we saw it on other tables. Fresh, tasty, a bit salty (in a good way). Perfect crunch. Two fresh made pitas were also brought out. Because we ordered this:
The small appetizer plate ($11.99) Tabboule, Baba Ghannouj, Hummus and Motabbal (another eggplant based appetizer). ( Motabbal is made with eggplant, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and tahini (ground sesame sauce). Baba Ghanouj is made with eggplant, onion, tomato, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, and no tahini!). We took home plenty of leftovers. This is also a meal. {Other appetizers to choose from include Mohammarah (red pepper hummus), Yalanjee (stuffed grape leaves), fried or grille Kebbeh (ground meat, onions, spices and bulgur wheat), Arabic salad, Fattoush, Tzazaiki and coleslaw}. Very refreshing, fresh, bright flavors.
Also we decided to try a single skewer of beef kabob ($2.50) which is also a great choice and filled with subtle spices mixed in the ground beef.