What Cathy Eats! – Page 16

Siam Nara (Mira Mesa)

February 1, 2022 Cathy Thai Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

This food blog, mmm-yoso!!!, is being written by Cathy today; Kirk is enjoying some free time with His Missus.

In late December, The Mister and I were in Mira Mesa and looking for a nice lunch. We decided to stop in at Seafood City and explored the parking lot. Thai sounded good. Siam Nara opened in 2010. Kirk wrote a post in 2011. Walking inside, the decor is amazing, glittery and appearing 'loud', yet the interior is quite quiet. Even the tableware is beautiful. Executive chef Suree has created a delightful menu with Northern Thai specialties. She has recently joined Supannee in the kitchen at her Point Loma restaurant in addition to two other restaurants she owns.
We started our meal with an E-san sausage appetizer ($9.99). The mild, northeastern style sausage is made with fermented pork, rice, garlic, lemongrass, kaffir leaves and a small amount of chillies then grilled, served with cabbage, raw onion and peanuts, along with a slice of lime. The sour/slight vinegar flavor of the fermentation is pleasant along with the multiple other flavors.
The Boat Noodles (with pork) ($13.99) and its general description sounded like a good choice. It was. A deep flavored broth (I tasted lemongrass and cinnamon, garlic, maybe white pepper mixed in with the pork flavor and pork blood) and fresh ingredients of all textures (bean sprouts, fried garlic, basil, cilantro and crunchy fried pork rind (with (not mushy) noodles) made us realize how this dish is a Thai staple meal; common ingredients, always available.
We also decided to try a fried rice dish- Kao Pad Boran with chicken ($13.99) sounded good. Jasmine rice, stir fried with chicken, egg, garlic, Chinese broccoli and cherry tomatoes. Again, great flavors and something 'new' to us.

We really enjoyed it here and will return. Siam Nara is another survivor of our pandemic times.

Mary has been here So has Kirbie Also, cc.

Siam Nara 8993 Mira Mesa Blvd San Diego 92126 (858) 566-1300 Open daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Website

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

Golden Egg Omelet House (Escondido) (again)(no omelet)

January 30, 2022 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, an old fashioned food blog. Kirk is not writing today because He and His Missus are enjoying some free time, while Cathy has some free time to write.

It has been more than six years since the last post about this mainstay (more than 35 years) restaurant in Escondido. Golden Egg survived the the shutdowns and is still going strong. The whiteboard of specials is still at the front door.

The menus of omelets (and other breakfast choices), lunch choices and baked potato casserole choices remain the same (other than, of course, prices).
It was lunch time and I was pretty sure what I would order- avocado stuffed with tuna salad ($13.69). (The menu choices are a tomato or an avocado stuffed with tuna or shrimp salad). This very large meal is a mini smorgasbord! Large scoops of a tasty (mostly) tuna salad inside avocado halves atop mixed greens with artichoke hearts, tomato, pickles, cucumber and cheese. A large slice of grilled bread and salad dressing are served on the side. Yes, there were leftovers- enough for another meal.

The Reuben ($13.79) is served on a great seeded rye (grilled) and is quite overfilled with a quality corned beef, plenty of sauerkraut and Swiss. It comes with side choices of fries or salad or soup. The soups are made here. The choice for that day was a creamy broccoli chicken. It was decadent-the old fashioned flavor of Vegeta, a condiment (primarily salt with dehydrated vegetables (carrot, parsley, onions, celery and parsnip)) I grew up enjoying in my Polish home.

Golden Omelet is crowded early on weekends, which is good to see. Always quality, fresh made food and friendly service.

Golden Egg Omelet House 316 West Mission Ave, Suite 102, Escondido, CA 92025 (760) 489-6420 Website Open daily: 7-2:30

Teeny tiny oyster crackers!

Niban (indoor eating!)

January 28, 2022 Cathy Japanese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, an old fashioned food blog. Kirk is too busy to write a post today, so this one is being written by the -slightly less busy- Cathy.

My most recent post about Niban is from 2019, when I linked to all of my previous posts, going back to 2006. It's time for an update. While standing in line to order, the "Daily Lunch Specials" sign remains. Of course, the prices have changed.
The Bento lunch($8.75). Inari along with six pieces of California roll, rice and three pieces of fried seafood (fish, squid and shrimp) as well as the seafood side salad. This with a cup of hot tea ($1) is always satisfying.
The regular menu has remained almost the same (sunomono salad has been removed).
The sushi bar is still there, but nobody can be seated. Darn Covid!

We always get some sort of appetizer to share. The tempura vegetables ($6.50) are perfectly fried. The potato croquette ($2) is made with bits of carrot and the panko crust surrounding the mashed potato has such great texture as well as flavor contrast. I could make a meal of three croquettes and a side salad. (and I have)
The chicken katsu salad ($7.50) makes a nice meal. The chicken piece is quite large and moist, again with a perfectly crisp crust. The ginger based salad dressing is refreshing.
On the "Combination" portion of the menu, there are several choices. This is the chicken teriyaki with fried shrimp($11.50). Mushrooms and zucchini are mixed in with the chicken and sauce (which is not thick and not too sweet). The pork teriyaki with fried (or steamed) gyoza ($10.50) is also a good meal. The gyoza are filled with pork and vegetables and, again, perfectly fried.
Vegetarian Delight ($10.50) is a very satisfying Bento and could even be considered an 'appetizer platter'. Eight pieces of Garden Roll, eight pieces of vegetable tempura, edamame, a salad and some marinated bean sprouts.
Katsu curry udon (with pork) ($10) was a craving one chilly day. Quite perfect- curry flavored udon soup with a good size piece of fried pork on top. The udon was something I hadn't realized I had missed.

Another survivor of the pandemic!

Niban 7081 Clairmont Mesa Blvd San Diego 92111 (858)268-0465 Open Mon-Sat 11-2:30, 5-9:00 (until 9:30 on Fri and Sat) Sun 4:30-9:00

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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Cuscatlan Salvadorean Cuisine (San Diego)

December 16, 2021 Cathy Salvadoran Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is the food blog you are reading. Kirk is having technical difficulties, Cathy is writing today.

In 2015, I wrote about Custcatlan Salvadorian in Escondido and had revisited several times when in the area. We were happy to see a 'San Diego' Custcatlan open in the storefront area where Homestyle Hawaiian is located and next to where Up 2 You had its location (now Milk Tea Lab).
The menu is same as the Escondido location in that there is pizza offered. I still don't know the story behind that.
We arrived just before the lunchtime crowd and ordered an ensalada/fruit salad drink ($3.95). Always refreshing and delightful. Since we were at a Salvadorean establishment, a pupusa had to be ordered. This chicharron con queso pupusa ($3.50) was so fresh tasting and perfectly cooked and filled with a good amount of pork and cheese. The tomato sauce and curtido were just right condiments to accompany the tasty crisped dough.
A fried corn tamale (tamalitos elote frito)($3.50) was accompanied by plantanos fritos (fried plantain) and would make a nice, light lunch. Perfect fry, lightly crisp exterior (of both items) and creamy with a nice/definite corn flavor in the tamal along with a bite of the starchy banana was a comfort snack. From the appetizer menu, we decided to share the stuffed portobello mushrooms ($7.95). Three large portobello caps filled with a cheese blend, feta and garlic then baked until that melted cheese browned a bit. This wonderful treat could also be a great little meal or snack.
We ordered all of the above, because the menu noted that the mojarra frita (fried whole fish) ($15.95) would take extra time. What a wonderful flavor this pan fried, quite large whole tilapia had! Accompanied by hand made (thick) tortillas, rice and salad along with fresh lime for additional seasoning this shared fish was another highlight of the meal. Crisped skin, flaky light meat, memorable.

Very happy this local spot expanded to be closer to home for us.

Cuscatlan Salvadorean Cuisine & More 7516 Mesa College Drive San Diego 92111 (858) 707-7003 Open seven days 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Website

mmm…cakes (Chula Vista)

December 15, 2021 Cathy Bakery, Desserts, What Cathy Eats!

mmm…cakes has closed after three years. It will be missed.

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy today; Kirk has no internet access.

The Mister and I were driving the other day and a bakery on the SouthWest corner of Third at F Street in Chula Vista caught our eye. We parked in the Parking Garage behind this central location (it's still free) and walked over.
Decorated for the Christmas holidays right now, this space is a good size for being able to sit and have a dessert and coffee. There are several tables outside also.

After we left, I went to the website and found out the whole story. Chula Vista native Jose Barajas had participated in several television baking competitions following his 2013 start as a home based cake and dessert business and this shop is the natural progression where he can meet his full creative potential.
The pastry display caught our eye first.
The basic cheese danish ($4.50) was exquisite,with a delightful filling (not the standard cream cheese chunk as from other places; lighter) with a multi-layered (but not laminated) Danish pastry that was crisp-fresh, buttery and sweet. It was brought out warmed. Yes, this is how it was served for eat in. Special.
The almond danish (a bear claw) ($5) was equally wonderful and, as you can see, presented beautifully after warming. The filling is light and very almond flavored and that dough…wow.
The separate cake display case. The choices. The reason for the name. Of course we ordered cake.
A slice of Hummingbird cake, ($8.50) which is what I consider a 'standard' for upscale cakes was our choice. The spice cake base, pineapple, banana and finely chopped pecans each had discernible flavor in this multi-layered, buttercream frosted seasonally decorated slice. (It is *not* fondant which is designed for cakes that do not need refrigeration; you can see the cakes are all refrigerated). Can't wait to try other flavors.

Beverages offered here are hot and cold-a good variety of coffees and teas and smoothies. Weekend pastry offerings include a rotating selection of seasonal flavors! Happy to have found this family owned, friendly, quality shop.

mmm…cakes 310 Third Avenue Chula Vista 91910 (619) 500-5162 website Open Mon 7-10 a.m. Tues-Wed-Th 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-5p.m. CLOSED SUNDAY

Valerio’s Bakery (Mira Mesa)

December 9, 2021 Cathy Bakery, Filipino Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Since 2005, mmm-yoso!!! has been a blog about food. Today, Cathy is writing while Kirk and His Missus are gathering good memories together.

Tucked in the corner anchored by Lucky Seafood (no, Lucky Pho has not reopened) and next to Tim Ky Noodle is one of four locations of Valerios City Bakery (two in the LA area). The original location, "Home of the Finest Oriental Bread and Pastries", family owned and operated bakery opened in 1979 in National City.
When you walk in, you'll be greeted by one of the nice ladies who works here. You'll see a wall of some ready to grab pastries: some sweet, some savory. To the left, there are steam trays with a menu just behind. This is our excuse to stop here; for a meal.
Valerio's opens at 6 a.m. There's breakfast, XXX si-log. Some sort of meat and eggs and garlic rice for $7.99 (meats to choose from are Longanisa (a Filipino sausage), Spam, Tocino (thick cut bacon), Daing Na Bangus (fish) or Hot Dog) (for $8.95, you can get Tap si-log, beef jerky). This is Long si-log, with a *great* garlic rice, perfect over easy eggs and a wonderful sweet longanisa (there are several varieties of longanisa, savory as well as sweet, depending on the region of the Philippines.). Breakfast is served all day, or until ingredients run out. A two item entree with rice is $9.99. Chicken adobo was placed in the box with the (plain) rice and pork menudo was in its own container. Each had excellent flavors.

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Filipino adobo is a cooking process. The meat (or vegetable) is browned in oil then simmered in a mix of five items: vinegar, garlic, soy sauce (or fish sauce or salt), whole black pepper and bay leaves.

Filipino menudo is a tomato based stew. In this case, pork was marinated in lemon and soy then stewed in the tomato sauce with potato and carrots (tediously cut) and bell pepper.

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Also available on the steam tables, depending on the time of day, are empanadas($1.99) (this is chicken) and Turon (85¢) (banana in a fried wrapper). Always fresh.

On the other side of the cash register is a bakery display case. The merengues (five for $2) are crisp, light and are vanilla flavored-delicious.
There are ube (purple yam) Bibingka ($3.99) sold here. The dots of white are cream cheese. The rice cake treat is made fresh daily and a great mid-afternoon snack.

One day, The Mister and I were having breakfast and in walked cc and Bert, (who are friends) and they ordered some treats and offered some bites. This sweet, soft bun had ube jam filling. This sweet cheese roll is also soft and a great snack. A great place to drop in for a meal and a snack.

Valerio's City Bakery 9396 Mira Mesa Blvd San Diego 92126 (858)527-1834 Open daily 6 a.m.-5 p.m. Website

Filipino shops have an image of Santo Niño somewhere in their establishment.

2022 Rose Parade Float decorating, dinner at Costa’s

December 8, 2021 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Festivals & Events, Los Angeles County, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog with some reasons as to how the meal occurred. Cathy is posting today.

I've posted about Rose Parade float decorating for the parades of 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. Last year, there was no parade to celebrate 2021, but things are a bit more 'normal' and this past Saturday, the first 'Dry Decorating' day happened at Phoenix Decorating Company, where The Mister and I volunteer with hundreds of others as Petal Pushers. The Kiwanis also coordinate volunteers for decorating at Phoenix). They need volunteers, so if you aren't doing anything this Saturday or next, sign up now-it's fun and an easy way to cross something off of your 'Bucket List'.

Since you've seen some 2022 float road tests (all linked on this post), I'll try to be a little different this year with photos. Some floats are not ready to be decorated. At all.
But by the end of the day on Saturday, quite a bit was accomplished on the Rotary float. Many materials were used for this owl!
Lentils had been tediously applied on this 'urn'.
Cotton for the polar bear fur.
The Mutual of Omaha/RFD-TV float "Wild Kingdom" had every other feature being decorated, even the Burmese python.
Shriners had a few volunteers. Tedious work!
The dark purple statice petals were carefully applied.
More beans!

The Lutheran Laymans League (and organizer of Petal Pushers volunteers) has their 71st float in the Rose Parade. It's the only Christian themed float in the Parade, this year themed "Jesus Teaches".
You Are Invited! by Trader Joe's has so many features to be decorated.

So many floats, so many details, so much more work to be done!

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After we finished for the day, we were cold and exhausted and drove to a close, familiar place for a meal, Costa's Family Restaurant. The last time we were here was after our visit to the Showcase of Floats, following the 2020 Rose Parade, unaware of what the year had in store for us. We were seated when the sun was still out, but it was dark when we left.
Starting the meals with a bowl of house made vegetable soup and beet covered salad had us reminiscing the familiarity of this home style restaurant and we are happy it has survived.
Just a simple side of dinner rolls with butter.

Beef and Gravy ($12). Served with wonderful, lumpy, mashed potatoes and the vegetable of the day. Tender meat, thick brown gravy, comfort food. As was the Liver and Onions plate ($12). Tender calves liver, thin, light crusted, pan fried, caramelized onions and the same mashed potato and vegetable sides. We really enjoyed this.Each meal includes dessert. I chose tapioca pudding, The Mister chose chocolate pudding. Both were made here…and were wonderful.

Costa's Family Restaurant 851 E. San Bernadino Road Covina, CA 91723 Open Daily 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Website

Pho Time PB

December 7, 2021 Cathy Vietnamese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of this food blog. Kirk usually writes here, but today, it's Cathy's turn.

I have written a bit about why The Mister and I venture into Pacific Beach on a fairly regular basis (we pick up par-baked rolls at Charlie's Best Breads) and usually grab a quick meal while in the area. In the corner a few doors down from our destination, since 2009, the family owned and run Pho Time has been able to thrive, even during Covid.
Some tables have been moved for distancing.
There are menus on an outside window as well as at the front door. The menu is 'Americanized' in descriptions. There were many people picking up 'To Go' orders while we were eating. A very tasty hot tea is served here.
I ordered the "crispy crepe" (Banh Xeo) ($11.25) as soon as we sat down, because I know it takes time to prepare. The version here is great! Crisp pancake filled with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts and mung beans; flavor and freshness and when eaten with the accompanying lettuce, mint and pickled vegetables dipped in fish sauce, quite a perfect bite.
From the Appetizer part of the menu, the "Vietnamese Chicken Salad" (Goi Ga)($10.95) is a great choice. Poached white meat chicken, on top of a bed of cabbage mixed with pickled carrots and topped with mint, basil and peanuts in a vinegar/fish sauce dressing is a perfect blend of traditional Vietnamese flavors. This is particularly refreshing on a hot day.
The Pho here is remarkable. A wonderful beefy broth, great (non-clumped) noodles and bright flavors overall makes this "eye round steak" (Tai) ($10.25) bowl a satisfying meal with bright flavor in each slurp.

Another family owned restaurant that has continued quality.

Pho Time PB 1820 Garnet Ave San Diego 92109 (858) 203-2109 Website Open daily 11-9