Arely (one more time, eating outdoors)

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog.  Usually Kirk writes here, but he is taking a short vacation with His Missus.  Cathy is writing today.

In this time of COVID-19, everything has changed.  Although I haven't written about Arely since 2017, The Mister and I have dropped in pretty regularly.  84567496-9C73-41A2-B494-72E6ADA0F925_1_201_a
84567496-9C73-41A2-B494-72E6ADA0F925There is seating out front as well as indoors.  When you order and pay, the table where you will be seated is noted and food will be brought to you.F4F5C616-F4E5-4155-8B0F-4CFF6D68B8D6The strawberry cream cheese stuffed French Toast (a white board special, $8.95) is wonderful.  The cream cheese melted inside the middle of the thick sliced egg and cinnamon battered bread; the fresh strawberries on top added enough sweetness (it did not need the accompanying 'breakfast syrup').FB1E3354-4FBC-465F-9873-C6D797576115 BCC01D7D-3B21-4BFA-9223-3A1B39A3A690
BCC01D7D-3B21-4BFA-9223-3A1B39A3A690The Arely Scramble ($12.95) is served on top of a toasted English muffin.  The eggs are scrambled with a lot of bacon. There is sliced avocado and the freshly made hollandaise, which  was almost-but not quite- breaking (either the egg yolks were too hot or there was too much butter, darn it!). The bites of this were kind of perfect.

84567496-9C73-41A2-B494-72E6ADA0F925 We usually always order the French onion soup when here for lunch.  It is flavorful and the broth is not salty.  The melted cheese and crunch of French bread/'crouton' make it perfect, even though eating out of a reusable bowl is different. D2BE4B32-671A-4AD0-AF63-D515EFD6AF21A slice of quiche is accompanied by a small salad and some slices of baguette. This is ham and cheese and there are many chunks of ham, a great custard (with a slight nutmeg flavor) and plenty of cheese.  
D2BE4B32-671A-4AD0-AF63-D515EFD6AF21 F1C37DC3-ED39-44E5-94D0-D120EA43B80A The chicken Florentine (mushroom-spinach) crepe ($10.25) was covered in a delightful cream sauce which went well with the 
CC9C6F7B-C8BD-4F90-97CC-06FFD42E6394 accompanying side of home potatoes.  Bell pepper and onion and crispy browned potato chunks made for a good leftover portion.D2BE4B32-671A-4AD0-AF63-D515EFD6AF21 We can't resist ordering some sort of sweet from the bakery counter.  The fresh made (still warm) almond croissant is always a good choice. 

Still going strong after all these years and during COVID-19 times. A great neighborhood bakery cafe.

Arely French Bakery 4961 Clairmont Drive San Diego 92117 (619) 270-1910 Currently Open Monday 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Tues-Sat 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

A49B2B87-ECBA-499A-BE38-15585C286A70

Tofu House (Mira Mesa)

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog, is being written by Cathy today.  Kirk and His Missus are really enjoying a well deserved vacation.

I hadn't realized how long ago Ed(from Yuma) and I had met for lunch at Tofu House.  I will miss his wit, wisdom and sense of adventure. When restaurants were allowed to reopen and we started being less afraid of COVID-19, The Mister and I decided we wanted to get food we could not replicate at home: Korean, in particular.  Cravings, you know.

As usual, we drive without a plan and look for open restaurants.  We also now look for tents outside of businesses and noticed the other location of Tofu House was open. As part of our "COVID-19 Caution", we think getting somewhere right when it opens means the tables are freshly sanitized.
 DB702BEF-77F6-4D27-9F4F-DAEE19E23231 1B93884A-BF90-4847-80B3-10F66EF26A37 When we left, it was getting busy.

There are giant menus on the exterior of the building, 
DB702BEF-77F6-4D27-9F4F-DAEE19E23231 
DB702BEF-77F6-4D27-9F4F-DAEE19E23231As well as a QR code on each table, so you can read the menu on your phone. Once you order, your condiments and utensils are brought out.
DB702BEF-77F6-4D27-9F4F-DAEE19E23231 An appetizer (or possibly complete small meal), the crispy fried dumplings ($8)F92E47EF-F7D7-46C6-A02E-10A3540A96FBF92E47EF-F7D7-46C6-A02E-10A3540A96FB are good to share. The Korean 'pot stickers'/mandu have a thicker skin and are primarily meat filled.  These are very good.67287F77-D46A-4711-BA52-7695ED7A2CCF Crispy fried tofu with mushrooms and seasonal vegetables ($12) is a very satisfying meal.  The fresh fried tofu as well as the stir fried melange of vegetables have a variety of textures and bright flavors.  After eating about half, I added some kimchee/spicy condiments to the plate.  It was a whole new set of flavors. 
 EC6894CB-2917-4737-9504-D99CE91CE395 The Hot Stone crispy rice  Meat Party ($12) was the choice of The Mister on one visit.  Marinated rib eye, beef short ribs and chicken served on top of the rice, sizzling in the stone pot (creating such a lovely crust of rice to enjoy at the end of the meal), this was a fragrant, nicely spiced good sized serving of all the ingredients.  I could still taste/discern the various flavors of meats and enjoyed each of them.   
350E07E9-B902-45CA-A55A-4ED9506479A7 The Boiled Tofu Seafood Special Combo ($11) is my personal favorite item to order.  Shrimp, clam, scallop, fish ball, calamari, beef and pork as well as the soft soon tofu all served as a bubbling, flavorful stew.  
350E07E9-B902-45CA-A55A-4ED9506479A7 The bulgogi with glass noodle (no tofu) ($12) is another good selection on a cool day.  Another stew, the marinated rib eye, shiitake and white mushrooms along with seasonal vegetables is another flavorful choice. 

77788659-05DD-4D03-95D6-4227AF1377DB The stews come with either white or multigrain rice (which is sort of purple in color and has a wonderful nutty flavor).

Tofu House 9089 Mira Mesa Boulevard San Diego CA 92126 (858)860-5296 Open noon-8 daily website 

PLEASE NOTE: This location is currently (November 2020) only doing Take-Out. The 4646 Convoy Street location has Outdoor Seating

Tealightful Cafe -delightful Vietnamese beverages and snacks (Clairmont Mesa)

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Kirk and His Missus are taking some time off and Cathy is writing this post.

There is so much to tell you about my version of 2020, but for right now a recently opened snack/meal/beverage place deserves a share.

Back in 2007, the discovery of shops serving boba drinks and snacks  was fascinating for The Mister and myself.  We found some tea centric businesses which had  meal/snacks available, like  Tea Station and Tapioca Express as well as (now defunct) Tea Garden and E & Drink.  Over time we have stopped in a few other places, trying interesting beverages and snacks.  

In the same parking lot as Little Sheep, we noticed the new signage and outdoor tented seating.  {During this pandemic, The Mister and I will eat "in" if we get to a place right when it opens, because the seating has just been set up and cleaned.}7E29E951-A6C3-4636-8D12-24F99956236D
1CECA43A-C467-4E1A-BD11-81D2E9C723CD 37A31F3D-C034-473D-920B-2AFEB951963E
The spacing to get to the order area is clear.  There is a paper menu taped to the front window as well as next to and behind the register. Here is a link to the website menu; it has changed over the past few weeks.

Being creatures of habit, the Chicken Pop Pop ($6) was an automatic order. A good size portion of moist chicken,  perfectly fried with a light, crispy crust (with a bit of spice) and fried basil accompanied by a spicy mayo sauce and garlic chunks with chiles.9A65B8C1-1E0F-4DFE-BD3F-0F5519B55A7EThe papaya salad with beef jerky ($6.50) was delightfully refreshing! Fresh green papaya, shredded basil, a moist beef jerky and fried garlic.  The dressing, garlic hot sauce and crisp peanuts were just right when mixed in. 
3DE3652C-057D-42F1-9B8C-C3BBF3ABBB8AThe 'vermicelli noodle bowl with pork' ($8), a great version of Vietnamese "bun" was fresh made (still warm noodles, good marinade on the sliced char cooked pork) and had excellent flavors before and after the condiments were added. 
3DE3652C-057D-42F1-9B8C-C3BBF3ABBB8AWe tried ordering the char grilled squid ($10) but it wasn't available the first two times we were here.  Finally it was available and worth the wait.  Rings, tentacles and a spicy, citrusy dipping sauce made this a perfect little meal. 3FCDE5C4-09DC-4A27-8E26-A5ED06D49D52Seeing nem neuong on the menu ($6, three pieces), we had to try, but didn't expect Brodard quality.  I must say the thick pork roll slices, freshness, warm sauce and crisp egg roll wrapper inside makes the version here a close second.   8B912571-2BBE-4681-A8DB-3F3224A3509E 7A709E6F-CFA4-4FE6-865B-26C276DE269E
A short interlude to mention beverages.  Only one size.  The price varies from $4-$5.50.  Every one we have tried is good. 04A73BF1-4862-4753-A6E3-79EF929A6C1F The elderberry milk tea ($4) with house made elderberry syrup is refreshing and not too sweet. 13C96854-1F58-483D-BABE-7311C414C054 46FA0C5A-8602-4021-B607-8C1764B2090B The colorful strawberry matcha latte doesn't look as pretty when shaken, but the flavors are wonderful.  

There is a fried banana on the menu ($2.50). It's a whole manzano banana, so you'll either get two or three pieces.
1FC95AE4-FA7A-49FE-9BD3-E813642963A1
1081B825-4E6B-40C9-99F2-BCBBAE9FD224 Dipped in a sesame seeded batter and fried to a proper crispness, the batter is thicker than on the chicken and the result is a delightful crispy banana filled snack.  

FF4CD637-7A1C-4526-AA1C-064CE35F4C8D We were going to order a regular (hot coffee) to go with the banana on one visit but the lure of cream cheese topped Vietnamese coffee (no condensed milk/sweetener)($4.50) was an indulgent end to the meal that day. 

Everything on this post will be ordered again, the freshness and quality is noteworthy. 

Tealightful Cafe 4726 Clairmont Mesa Blvd San Diego, CA 92117 (858)352-6584 Open Daily 11 a.m. Currently, closes at 9 p.m. on Thurs, Fri, Sat. Otherwise closes at 8 p.m. Website 

10144D16-D547-4E3D-A36A-B3DBF49AD73D

The French Oven-revisits

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog since May 26, 2005. Cathy is writing today's post; Kirk has a job with assignments which have deadlines.

I did write a post in August of 2018 about The French Oven, an obscurely located (it's in the middle of a neighborhood, across from a public park) locally owned Bakery and Cafe.  With the onset of Covid-19, whenever we do go out to eat, we've made a conscious effort to remain 'local'- both in terms of the businesses where The Mister and I make purchases and distance from home if no outdoor seating is available. The French Oven has become a 'regular' stop. 

351610C4-F937-46E6-B43D-CBFFA6F0396C Only two people at a time are allowed inside and there is sometimes a bit of a line outdoors, but it does move fast. EAFB420C-9834-4A10-9468-3AE560C9CC68 There is a table at the door where pre-paid orders are placed to be picked up. B2785214-DAF2-4905-A098-E88B61420B66 There are paper menus available just inside the door, if you want to 'plan' your purchase while waiting.69431716-3CCA-4DE0-AD46-023A6762CE2469431716-3CCA-4DE0-AD46-023A6762CE24 Let's start with the 'Breakfast' part of the menu.  Egg bites ($3) are available in three flavors: Ham, Veggie and Sun-dried tomato.  This is the non-vegetarian choice-ham, bacon, Swiss, tomato, parsley and caramelized onions.  It is quite large and the flavors are each distinct, melding well together.  It can (and should) be warmed.

912EA337-BD76-421B-8F2B-28DED3567F1F F19855A9-AE86-4552-AC5B-4B43C35910FB The Ham and Cheese croissant ($4.75) is topped with cheese and filled with Black Forest Ham, Swiss and Béchamel. Creamy interior with a bit of a crunch from the croissant, distinct flavors and even better when warmed.
912EA337-BD76-421B-8F2B-28DED3567F1F 3D763E0B-1BE9-4851-BDA7-545740A5014FThe lox for the Salmon lox croissant ($9) is cured here (not smoked).  A very plentiful amount of salmon, served on a fresh croissant with sliced cucumbers, sliced onion, capers and a dill creme fraiche. Large enough to share, but sometimes I want it all.  
EAFB420C-9834-4A10-9468-3AE560C9CC68In the refrigerator section (below the pastry display case) are beverages, salads and quarts of soups ($10).  This one is French onion and (of course) it was wonderful.  The complimentary cheesy croutons make the reheated soup bowls just perfect.  736BA3B9-F318-458C-8DC1-1C27D0F4F47D  18CA550F-0E40-41E1-91C0-3DA697B17DB5The soup selections vary each week and last week it was chilled sweet pea (meant to be served cold) with croutons.  We had the first two bowls with some home made egg salad on a Batard purchased that day.  I could taste sugar snap peas, lemon and mint in this 'French gazpacho'-which was a refreshing break on those hot days we had last week.
EAFB420C-9834-4A10-9468-3AE560C9CC68 The Caprese Sandwich ($8) is served on a fresh baguette with fresh mozzarella, tomato, pesto, basil, olive oil and balsamic.  Always a good choice.5BE22F72-5727-4D23-8C94-605876CFDDA4 The Turkey avocado BLT ($8.50) is also a quite perfect sandwich.  It has all of those ingredients plus a herb aioli.  So many flavors, but none overwhelms. The way a sandwich should be.   

2CC59165-F0B9-44E8-A20F-0F5A675168EF A2FDA6BC-8E34-4C39-B8AA-F6E610AF7EE8 3884CBC3-915F-4AD1-B149-4C527DA260E2 The chicken curry sandwich ($8) has a layer of mango chutney which is not overwhelmed by the mild curry, pickled onions, mixed greens or tomato.  An interesting blend of unique flavors.
EAFB420C-9834-4A10-9468-3AE560C9CC68 C918A8D2-620C-4929-9D86-4A6494A79BF0 We have been using the excuse of 'needing bread' as our reason to drive here and the purchase has always been the Batard ($3.50).  It is a simple, fresh made, chewy, flavorful bread.  Shorter but wider than a baguette, so over three days, we have different size sandwiches or toast.

FFE9CBDF-65B6-41D5-81B7-087872371C7CFFE9CBDF-65B6-41D5-81B7-087872371C7C 92D9042C-1ED5-4A94-BD9D-B7E1210765A6 There is usually something 'special' on the counter or in the refrigerator each week-jams, sauces or, at this visit, house made pate ($8). Oh my, the paste containing liver, fat, herbs, spices, cognac had an abundance of flavors.  We 'rationed' it out (needed to- very rich) serving it on slices of baguette along with some burrata on a batard (and some wine). 
EAFB420C-9834-4A10-9468-3AE560C9CC68R.A.C-Raspberry, almond and chocolate croissant ($4.50) is far more complex than an almond croissant.  Almost overwhelming in flavors except that the croissant is not overfilled, keeping a good balance.39779804-7E99-4480-BA3C-7DB9636D93CD The pear tart ($4.95) is made with a sugar dough crust, lined with almond cream and topped with sliced pears.  Always a good choice. 
39779804-7E99-4480-BA3C-7DB9636D93CD The apricot tart ($4.95) is made with some flavorful apricots and also has an almond cream filling.  F11DD97F-063E-46EB-B4F0-128F428CEB73 The fruit tart ($4.95) also has an almond cream topped with a jam and seasonal fruit.  Every piece of fruit is amazing.
F11DD97F-063E-46EB-B4F0-128F428CEB73 The raisin brioche ($3.25) satisfies my craving for raisin, custard and buttery brioche.  It needs coffee to make it perfect, though.

The French Oven is a great local place. Kirk has been here, here is cc's visit, Lynn from Oh So Yummy has a recent post.

The French Oven 10299 Scripps Trail San Diego 92131 (858) 766-8706 Closed Mon-Tue Open Wed-Sat 7-3, Sun 7-2 Website

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Mikami- revolving sushi (no conveyor to revolve (covid-19))

mmm-yoso!!! is usually written by Kirk and sometimes Cathy helps.  Todays post is from Cathy, because Kirk is busy with work.  

Long story short, it is 2020 and there are many reasons I haven't posted about meals since mid-February.  Now that the world, as well as eating out, has changed, here is an update from my January 2020 post about Mikami, a revolving sushi bar.  The Mister and I had been here twice more, but everything was about the same as that first post.  Now, with Covid-19, there is no revolving sushi or indoor bar area.E43F61F6-37C8-4FC1-AB15-234C35235337 The "Dine In" signage is leftover from when there was a six week or so variation in Covid-19 'rules'; why take it down when things could change tomorrow?.  As of now, all California restaurant dining is "to go" or outdoor tables.  I understand not wanting to expose yourself to possible Covid-19 and The Mister and I will eat outside at the opening time of restaurants- assuming the unused tables were just brought out and are freshly cleaned. 
E43F61F6-37C8-4FC1-AB15-234C35235337 On this day, only three tables were set up when we got to Mikami.  One was for handicapped. We were given paper menus and a pencil.  Most of one menu was rolls and typical two piece sushi and sashimi selections. 0BDD6219-2FFD-4ED1-9C59-C777921335D8 Hot green tea ($2.85) came in a paper cup, water in a plastic cup (with a straw!) and condiments in disposable containers. 
E43F61F6-37C8-4FC1-AB15-234C35235337We decided to order the chicken karaage appetizer($6).  This seemed to be a larger portion than we had here previously.  Hot, fresh, tender, juicy, crispy/properly fried.  It came with a mayonnaise and spicy (not Sriracha, which is sweet and not sambal, which has garlic) sauce for dipping.  Delightful.
E43F61F6-37C8-4FC1-AB15-234C35235337 We chose two hand rolls: soy paper yellowtail and the spider roll ($3.75 each). The yellowtail was not the spicy version and had great flavors of fish, cucumber and a better (sushi) rice.  The soy paper is embedded with sesame seeds, which adds a toasted sesame flavor and crunch. The 'spider' is a half of a soft shell clam along with crab, avocado and cucumber wrapped in seaweed. These were larger than we remember and were made to order. 
E43F61F6-37C8-4FC1-AB15-234C35235337 9F1AE36B-66AC-4695-A662-12B941332B41 We decided to order a "Mikami Seafood Bucket Shrimp" (one pound, $15, add $2 for headless).  The Cajun style buckets have been available only in the bar area and we have been curious.  

A variety of flavors as well as (cajun spice) heat levels are available and we were simple and ordered garlic butter, which lined the heavy plastic bag filled with hot, freshly steamed shrimp.  The photo of the plate is about half of the bag and the 'dip' is the sauce poured out into an emptied ginger condiment cup.  You can see there was some spice used in the cooking process and it was just the right amount.   

Trying to patronize locally owned places, the food is good here. 

Mikami Revolving Sushi and Bar 7319 Clairmont Mesa Boulevard, San Diego 91911 Open Tues-Sun 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Closed Monday {Covid hours; check website -things might change Website 

676985A8-902E-4043-AC2C-2E6E8BCE728F The parking lot is empty if you get there at opening.

Ka Prao Thai Cuisine (Mission Valley)

mmm-yoso!!!, a blog 'o food, is being written by Cathy today; Kirk is enjoying the three day weekend with His Missus.

There are many malls in the Mission Valley area, the one which now is anchored by Living Spaces (used to be a K-Mart) has a series of restaurants opposite their frontage, sharing the same parking lot.  Ka Prao Thai Cuisine has been here since June 2015.  

F4968BE1-A70F-4F75-A3C6-692F8B1C2E25
E3771E3E-B53C-4B20-8AF7-F8D5ADE11C40The menu behind the cash register, as well as a few wall posters and a chalkboard out front have menu items.  Most are pretty standard.
F4968BE1-A70F-4F75-A3C6-692F8B1C2E25 The wok Stir fry ($11) of pork with mixed vegetables was wonderful! Cabbage, mushrooms, carrot, green beans, Chinese and American broccoli, garlic and house made soy sauce was a wonderful combination. The four piece chicken wing appetizer ($6.50) was tasty (they're marinated in fresh garlic, fish sauce, lemongrass and cilantro) but this photographed serving was a few seconds over-fried.  Still moist and meaty, flavorful.B632205F-5170-4A9F-89E9-00EB4F67A7D9Fried tofu ($6.50 six pieces), served with a sweet and sour sauce.  It's always good.
F4968BE1-A70F-4F75-A3C6-692F8B1C2E25 The papaya salad ($10) is great.  Green papaya, tomato, carrot shreds, green beans, large cooked shrimp and peanuts mixed with a spicy lime dressing-great, great flavors; so fresh. 
F4968BE1-A70F-4F75-A3C6-692F8B1C2E25 The Ka Prao Kai Dao (namesake) ($11.50) was another great meal.  Minced pork, sautéed with basil and garlic chili sauce, topped with a fried egg and served with jasmine rice. Wonderful!  78683A59-87FE-48FB-8E98-6409704C3394 This is a photo of one of the wall menus.  (I was here with cc and we shared).
F4968BE1-A70F-4F75-A3C6-692F8B1C2E25 Grilled Lemongrass Chicken ($14).  It's marinated overnight in lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, turmeric, curry powder, coconut milk, soy sauce.  Grilled then served with sticky rice and a side salad (with a ginger soy dressing).  This is a meal so enjoyable-the multitude of flavors are not overwhelming but complimentary; distinct. Plus, sticky rice. 9F56100D-2FCF-4E34-A2C0-6BFDABD2B191 Can't talk about Thai food without curry.  This one is a peanut curry…pretty much a yellow curry with peanuts added.  Carrot, potato and onion with chicken ($11)-nicely flavored.  
9F56100D-2FCF-4E34-A2C0-6BFDABD2B191Also must try Larb ($11) when seen on a menu.  This version is made with minced pork, mint, lemongrass, onion, chili, roasted rice, cilantro and lime juice.  A great version.  

Heat level choices here are 1-10. Two is almost 'too safe', but allows enjoyment of all of the flavors.   

Ka Prao Thai Cuisine 8590 Rio San Diego Drive, Suite 105 San Diego 92108 Open: Mon-Fri:10:30-3, 4:30-9  Sat-Sun 11-9 Website

Spicy House

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy while Kirk is busy with a short vacation.

Kirk's most recent post about Spicy House was in 2016.  The Mister and I have gone here, but I never posted.  The Mister has been craving spicy foods for the past few months ever since several of his medications were changed and we've had a couple of recent visits. CC7C684F-D09E-4E55-BC5D-AF8B15C65E6C_1_201_a The nondescript storefront (in the same parking lot as Nijiya Market, Koon Thai, Cafe Hue, Wa Dining Okan, Sage French Cake and Pho Mignon). Belies the glory 
CC7C684F-D09E-4E55-BC5D-AF8B15C65E6C_1_201_a which is the interior of Spicy House.
 863048A6-B181-4239-BDDC-2A751EA637C6 At the far end of the dining area, closer to the kitchen, is the refrigerated appetizer selection (three for $7).
188D0042-809C-4515-BC29-3D3DF2F19E4B We choose items which might 'cool down' some of the spicier meal selections: Smoked chicken, (sesame oil) mustard greens and smacked (garlic-y) cucumbers.
188D0042-809C-4515-BC29-3D3DF2F19E4BOn one visit, we tried the onion pancake ($3.99) and really enjoyed the layered dough as well as mild green onion flavor.  
  24333D17-74C5-467C-9026-C31300524E77 4FB36338-412D-4B4E-976B-C719CE7F5D3C The Chungking Style Wonton ($6.99) appetizer has been ordered at every visit.  The sauce is unique, tart, hot and addictive in flavor.  If you don't want the sauce, the wontons alone are well filled and two-bite sized; a good serving.
58BB9A1D-5632-4861-909A-056A93FEE5F1 Szechuan Fish Filet ($10.99) offers a completely different spice and flavor point.  Not quite 'numbing' but great flavored sauce which goes well with rice ($1).  The bit of eggplant, fungus, onion and pepper which is stir fried with the (large quantity) of fish is nicely balanced.444A4653-B294-4D8B-A8AE-0758670432ED The walnut shrimp ($14.99) order is substantial, fresh made, with large shrimp having a crispy coating, mayonnaise based sauce and sweet, crispy walnuts throughout.  Not spicy; very tasty.
444A4653-B294-4D8B-A8AE-0758670432ED The cumin lamb ($13.99) is a new favorite.  Just enough cumin which doesn't overwhelm the gaminess of the lamb and enough greenery to even out the heat.  

Spicy House 3860 Convoy Street #105 San Diego 92111 (858) 278-5883 open daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

1B4BAAEC-EBE0-41D7-9909-8F485A6A326B_1_201_a"The spiciness is adjustable, please choose a suitable spicy scale" (we have never been asked what level of spiciness we would like and take what we get; it has always been great).
00D692BA-3890-4294-9935-4A8610BFFE29

Pupuseria Salvadoreña & Mexican Food (El Cajon)(revisit)

mmm-yoso!!! is written by Cathy today; Kirk (and His Missus) are enjoying a three day weekend.  

Ever since The Mister and I stopped at Silvia Pupuseria in December, He has been on the prowl for Salvadorean foods (especially pupusas).  Revisits to our 'local' Pupuseria, which I wrote about in 2009 and again in 2010 have occurred.54B97D2F-3569-440F-B02C-E1758EAFAB4A
 3BEA88CA-C373-427E-95FB-1A23F884E029 Not much has changed, other than the prices.
54B97D2F-3569-440F-B02C-E1758EAFAB4AFreshly prepared curtido is brought to the table when you order pupusas. Also, a plain tomato sauce is an accompaniment.  There is a house made a chili based hot sauce (usually used with the Mexican side of the menu) which I requested.
54B97D2F-3569-440F-B02C-E1758EAFAB4A You can hear the corn based dough being prepared for stuffing as your order is prepared. The plate of freshly grilled and stuffed flatbread is beautiful.
54B97D2F-3569-440F-B02C-E1758EAFAB4A A cross section photo of the stuffed dough doesn't quite do it justice.  The calabaza (zucchini squash) with cheese was light and refreshing.  The revuleta (beans, cheese and chicharron) was almost too 'bacon-y' in flavor. 46C07BC9-19D7-42E7-A54D-C58B02D0A32EThe spinach and cheese filled pupusa is wonderful.  
54B97D2F-3569-440F-B02C-E1758EAFAB4A Of course there is Mexican food on the menu.  We tried the carne guisado con arroz y salad (beef stew with rice and salad) ($9.99) and it was wonderful!- large pieces of beef, potato and carrot (along with the required olive)in a thick yet smooth gravy.  The rice along with the cucumbers and tomato on top of some lettuce are perfect accompaniments.  (Those are not pupusas, but fresh hand made thick corn tortillas on the side). B576CD62-DCBD-4996-A1DD-34E13791FA4B There are photographs of meals on the walls.  The Mister and I pointed to one and ordered it.  Chicken soup ($8.99) which arrived with this wonderfully fried quarter of a chicken on the side, a bowl of rich chicken broth filled with vegetables and the sides of rice and salad (and tortillas) as well as onion, jalapeño and lime wedges.  After eating the chicken skin and trying some of the vegetable filled broth, shredded chicken was added to the soup and gave the meal another great flavor combination.  We will order this again. 

D32C7DC7-B068-40EB-B261-E5225B2A528EThere are tamales on the menu; this one is pork ($2.50) and it was particularly good; the masa has lard in it. The banana leaf wrap seems to add a different dimension from the corn husk/traditional wrap.  We plan to order some for the holidays later this year.

Pupuseria Salvadoreña 1207 East Main Street El Cajon 92021 (619) 447-2501 Mon-Sat 9-9, Sun 10-9

ED3F1D24-DB84-4378-88FE-4A2308120657In winter, we enjoy the atole de elote, a hot corn and masa based beverage ($2.50) made fresh here. 
 

Little Sheep-revisit

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy today; Kirk is busy.

Kirk introduced us all to Little Sheep in 2007.  I visited and posted in 2015, 2016, and 2017.  Kirk mentioned LS opening a second San Diego Location in 2017, also.  It's been about time for a revisit, especially in this chilly weather!  This time, dinner.

DA9AC9DF-50A5-421D-ACF9-B14123FE3727We selected the Yin-Yang (House Original and House Spicy) soup base ($3.75 each) which was brought to the table and the induction heater was turned on, bringing the soup to a rolling boil. 
DA9AC9DF-50A5-421D-ACF9-B14123FE3727The actual menu only has photos of each item.  When you order, the prices are on the sheet.  (This meal was $46.39 with tax; hot tea is free)
DA9AC9DF-50A5-421D-ACF9-B14123FE3727The 12 ounce beef and lamb combo ($10.95) is probably enough meat for a light meal for two. 
DA9AC9DF-50A5-421D-ACF9-B14123FE3727 However, I wanted the fish filet ($6.95) (full order)
DA9AC9DF-50A5-421D-ACF9-B14123FE3727The Veggie Combo Platter ($8.95) is pretty much always ordered; a good variety of vegetables which cook quickly in the hot soup. 
DA9AC9DF-50A5-421D-ACF9-B14123FE3727However, mushrooms are not included with the vegetables, so a small order of Shiitake ($2.75) was chosen.
DA9AC9DF-50A5-421D-ACF9-B14123FE3727 The lamb wonton ($5.95) gave us some carbohydrates without needing to also choose noodles.  

Always fresh, a tasty and filling meal here. I hope your week is going well!

Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot and Grill 4718 Clairmont Mesa Blvd, San Diego 92117 (858)274-2040 Opens 11:30 a.m. daily.  Closed between 3 and 5:00 p.m. M-F.  Closes at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 9 p.m. other days. Website 
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Bonny’s Cafe (El Cajon) revisits (Breakfast and Lunch)

Kirk is busy at work and mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy today.

I wrote about Bonny's Cafe in 2018. This Mom and Pop East County Diner which serves breakfast and lunch has been around now for more than 25 years.  818A4786-AB5E-4A51-9A07-057291A99207 The interior is quite large with tables, booths and a sizable counter/bar stool area.E93FE2C6-AFD2-49A3-9FBB-833F8AB14687There are white boards with Specials listed at both doors (there is a large parking lot next door (opposite the Veterinary Hospital side) with a back entrance next to the Tatoo Parlor).  This was the order of banana walnut pancakes ($6.95) add bacon and eggs ($3.25). The fluffy with crisp-edged, buttermilk cakes were wonderfully flavored-and even better topped with the fresh bananas and walnuts.  The eggs were perfectly poached and the bacon added a good salty bite.  Yes, that's some 'would you also like some whipped cream?' in the soup cup.
E93FE2C6-AFD2-49A3-9FBB-833F8AB14687 0ECF1859-F31F-420A-AC40-BE0F367656A8The Breakfast sausage croissant with a side of cottage cheese ($10.95) is large, hearty and very tasty. There were leftovers to take home. 
 26583164-C4C8-48B7-B019-94F209E4DC07 D8D755C4-9FFB-4EFA-A837-0BDC3DA21B68 Dropping in for lunch, I couldn't decide and ordered that way- Soup, salad and a half sandwich ($10.50). That's really the charge for a half sandwich and a choice of two sides.  Side choices are (in addition to the soup and salad): slaw, steak fries, waffle fries, Cajun fries, onion rings, cottage cheese and potato salad. There were several soups available and I chose Navy Bean; a wonderful version is made here. The Mister and I each had a house salad, His with Blue Cheese and mine with Thousand Island.  
26583164-C4C8-48B7-B019-94F209E4DC07 527DD63D-DB22-45F1-9760-25316475A868The tuna salad sandwich is made on grilled sourdough bread with American Cheese and a tomato.  The tuna salad itself is simple and made with sweet relish.  The dill pickle along with the sour, crispy, buttery grilled bread added the right amount of salty to the meal. 
26583164-C4C8-48B7-B019-94F209E4DC07This is why we are here for lunch.  A proper Monte Cristo.  ($11.95) F49FE34E-0E8D-4F98-B758-493A89BAA5DC The three slices of bread, with the center slice separating Ham and Swiss from the Turkey with Swiss, quartered, battered and flash fried then sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with strawberry preserves is the way a Monte Cristo should be prepared; not half battered and fried then cut-less area to soak up the custard, leaving the bread a bit dry.  This is an absolutely wonderful, memory inducing sandwich.

Always a great stop with friendly servers and great food, Diner Style.

Bonny's Cafe 596 Broadway El Cajon 92021 CLOSED TUESDAYS, otherwise Open Wed-Mon 7 a.m.-2 p.m. (619)579-3464

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