What Cathy Eats! – Page 22

El Huevo Estrellado (Chula Vista)

January 20, 2020 Cathy Breakfast/Brunch, Mexican Restaurants, Taco Shops, What Cathy Eats!

Here's another mmm-yoso!!! post about food, written by Cathy while Kirk and His Missus are enjoying a little vacation elsewhere.

As The Mister and I tend to do, driving and stopping and not researching ahead of time lead us to this lovely Taco Shop down the street from the bakery where we ordered our Rosca de Reyes for 2020 (photo of the Rosca at the bottom of this post). We were at the corner of Broadway and Naples and stopped at the signal light, saw the signage and turned into the parking lot.
Stepping inside the storefront at the far end, we noticed a second room of tables was available (the 'addition' is new and can accommodate about 30 people) and were told to 'sit anywhere'. A two sided menu was brought over.
Fresh chips and a good, house made, medium heat salsa was also brought out.
The Mister immediately honed in on #23, Chile Relleño with shrimp on top ($14.50). (We asked and the menu is served all day). A wonderful Oaxaca cheese filled mild poblano, dipped in egg white then fried is under the plump, large shrimp and topped with a wonderful garlic-y green salsa. Every bite of this plate was wonderful.
Since the name of this Taco Shop has 'huevos' in it, I felt the need to try an egg/breakfast dish. Chilaquiles ($10.99) just sounded right. There was an option of red, green or mole sauce with the chips and I opted for the red because The Mister had ordered green sauce.

This was a "proper" plate of chilaquiles- tortillas fried then placed in the sauce (not tortilla chips, which are thin and already fried) with the eggs on the side. So very good. The beans and rice were just so much better here than elsewhere.

We are already planning what we want to order on our next visit. Mary and Jake were here in 2017!

El Huevo Estrellado 1096 Broadway (at Naples) Chula Vista 91911 (619)498-1286 Open Daily 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Our Rosca for 2020 was purchased at Sweet bakery Mexico Lindo
The Rosca was filled with a wonderful custard/cream and much more interesting to eat this while taking down the Christmas decor on the 12th Night following the holiday.

Sweet Bakery Mexico Lindo 212 Broadway (at E Street) Chula Vista 91911 Open Sun-Thurs 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Fri-Sat 8-8

Hungry Lu’s- Italian Deli & Goodies (Ocean Beach)

January 19, 2020 Cathy Bakery, Desserts, Italian Restaurants, Pizza, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy today; Kirk and His Missus are enjoying a few days off.

Hungry Lu's is located in the midst of homes and a few businesses on Voltaire Street, three blocks East of the Pacific Ocean. The Ocean Beach community has been able to enjoy this Bakery and Deli since 1973. Walk in, order and pay. There are some tables out front and your order is brought out to you.
Of course, you can just order some meats, cheeses and (wonderful fresh baked) rolls to make your own sandwiches at home.

We were here in early January and Christmas Cookies were still being baked; a nice way to continue the holiday treats a bit longer (and to ignore a silly resolution)
There is a menu on the front window as well as on the wall and taped to the counter inside. It's simple and has just enough choices, especially if you are walking to or from the beach. The "personal size" pizza is quite large, cut into six slices and has a wonderful crust! All pizzas are priced the same, $6.49. This, the 'Meat Lovers', includes pepperoni, sausage, salami and mozzarella. The sauce is a good tomato flavored unadorned deliciousness.
The Baked eggplant sandwich, listed under 'Favorite Subs' ($8.99) is simple with eggplant baked in olive oil, mozzarella and the simple yet flavorful tomato marinara. The sandwich/bread baked here is quite large and half of a sandwich (on the wonderfully tasty toasted bread) is filling. There appeared to be some ricotta on the sandwich also…which made it even better.
There is one item not even listed on the menu, but everyone orders it. The cannoli shells ( a delicious fried pasty) are near where you place your order at the counter and are filled when you order. The filling is a smooth ricotta with citrus (lemon) and the ends are topped with tiny chocolate chips (optional; as if I'd say no). The cost was around $3.

A nice, long time, local sandwich place.

Hungry Lu's 4920 Voltaire Street, San Diego, 92016 (619)223-4722 Open Mon-Fri 10:30-4:30, Sat 10:30-5:30 Closed Sunday.

Mikami Revolving Sushi and Bar-a first look (Clairmont Mesa)

January 17, 2020 Cathy Japanese Restaurants, Sushi and Sashimi, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Cathy is writing today while Kirk stays busy at work.

Another revolving sushi bar has opened in San Diego. Located at the South West corner of Clairmont Mesa at Ruffner, in the same mall as PT Eatery, Katsu Cafe, one of the original Lolita locations, the Tea Station location I write about. The corner across Ruffner Street has the Original Tommy's. The other corner, across Clairmont Mesa Boulevard, has Ajisen Ramen. The parking area is plentiful and free (compared to the parking area by the other San Diego revolving sushi restaurant, Kura).

The Mister and I were here on a weekday (and Mikami is still in the 'Soft Opening' stage) and only one Conveyor was open. The second photo is looking into the Bar area, which has no conveyors, but where appetizers, entrees and 'buckets' can be ordered.
The rolling conveyor (kaiten) had a good variety of choices, although a good 1/3 were salmon based (The Mister doesn't really like salmon), each group of plates proceeded by a plate with a description on one side and number on the other. All conveyor plates are $2.80. Beverages are $2.85 (and the hot tea is really good).
As always, we like to try the salad offerings. This was plentiful and filling. Fresh vegetables as well as good quality krab along with avocado.
We got all wild and crazy and chose a 'Las Vegas Roll' from the rolling belt. The breaded fried roll had a filling including real crab and cream cheese. It was fresh and tasty. We also shared this half and half (tuna and salmon with cucumber filling) roll, which was also fresh and well made.

Then we set our eyes on the touch pad ordering system. Pretty simple to navigate; we did order one item at a time. First we decided to try the fried calamari rings ($7).

The smooth running wood railed trolly delivery system was pretty much silent. Once you take your order off the rocket ship, you can send it back by pushing the button on the table or it will eventually automatically go back to the kitchen.
The sea salt topped (where else does salt come from?) fried calamari rings were quite nice, well fried, not greasy, and served with a slightly spicy dipping sauce.
We also ordered a Blue Crab hand roll ($2.80) which was quite large and fresh made (the rice was still warm). Really nice quality.
The soy wrapped spicy scallop hand roll (also $2.80) was wonderful and also much larger than expected. I would much rather have this than three smaller spicy scallop rolls from the conveyor for the same price.
We didn't see any soft shell crab on the conveyor nor on the menu, however when we asked, found out it's the 'Spider Roll' (again, $2.80) and wow, we will order two of these next time! Perfectly fried half of a soft shell crab.

A nice alternative in a good location.

Mikami Revolving Sushi and Bar 7319 Clairmont Mesa Boulevard San Diego 92111 Sun-Thurs 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

2020 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade Showcase of floats, Lunch at Costa’s (Covina)

January 6, 2020 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Festivals & Events, Los Angeles County, Road Trip, What Cathy Eats!

Welcome back to reading mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog, on this beautiful January day. Cathy is writing and the first part of this post is about the 2020 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade Showcase of Floats, and at the end is the part about the food we ate that day.

When the Rose Parade ends, the floats line up end to end on Sierra Madre Boulevard and they can be viewed from about 1 p.m. on January 1 and from 7 a.m.- 4 p.m. on January 2. There are three entrances, each one easily found with a colored balloon (you can see the red balloon here).

The Theme of the 2020 Parade, "The Power of Hope" logo was on the Opening float, parked in the Pasadena High School parking lot.
The Burbank Tournament of Roses Association presented "Rise Up", depicting a mythical Phoenix rising from the ashes (of the 2018 California wildfires) to create hope, rebirth and renewal.
"Hope Knows No Limits", presented by Shriners Hospital for Children celebrated the carefree spirit of childhood that is born of Hope. Notice the 'child' on the swing has a prosthetic leg."First Responders Bring Hope, Presented by the Oddfellows and Rebekahs and had multiple First Responders, in uniform, riding the float and being applauded along the Parade route.
"Hope Keeps Us Going" by the City of Alhambra was a cute contribution to the variety of 46 floats along the route.
"The Voyage of Hope-1620" presented by General Society of Mayflower Descendents embodied the parade theme in that the 12 passengers who embarked on the journey in a cargo ship 400 years ago were motivated by the hope for freedom religion and a better way of life.
Details of so many of the floats are missed when viewing on television. the Welcome Credit Union float, "Hope Creates Community" showed the story of a community coming together to help a young (squirrel) family fix up their new 'tree home'. Such detail.

Speaking of details, here are some close ups of signage on some of the floats:
So many of the float designs also had details you might have missed if you were watching the Parade on television.

46 floats, thousands of volunteers, tens of thousands of man hours. Impossible to document it all; I have over 300 photos. This post has links to all of the float road tests we attended. This is a link to Phoenix Decorating Company, one of three float builders (in addition to the six self-built float builders). This link to The Rose Examiner has so many articles about the Tournament as well as float winners and better photographs.

The theme and President of the 2021 Tournament will be introduced in just about two weeks.

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In 2018, Phoenix Decorating Company moved the construction barn from Pasadena to Irwindale and that gave The Mister and I plenty of new restaurants to explore following our observing the float road tests. One restaurant we really liked was Costa's Family Restaurant in West Covina, where we enjoyed dinner after decorating floats in 2018. We hadn't been to Costa's for more than a year! It was January 2 and the lobby was still decorated for Christmas. Being a weekday, there were several 'lunch specials' on the menu. Time for comfort food to start the year, and follow the miles of walking to view the floats.
Liver and onions (calves liver; tender, thin and with a wonderful flavor). $8.29. It came with the salad or soup, dinner roll and either a beverage or dessert.
The hot turkey sandwich ($9.99) on a slice of white bread, served with vegetables, mashed potatoes and lots of gravy (along with -yes- canned cranberry sauce) was really wonderful, filling, flavorful and satisfying. The (baked here) dinner roll; wonderful. The mixed sherbet dessert was just a perfect ending to this meal and just enough to make the drive back home to East County without needing to stop for a snack.

Costa's Family Restaurant 851 E. San Bernadino Road Covina, CA 91723 Open Daily 5:30a.m. – 9 p.m.

Happy New Year!

Silvia Pupuseria (National City)

December 18, 2019 Cathy Salvadoran Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Here we are, less than a week before Christmas (and maybe a short week for those who are using up vacation time before the end of the year), at mmm-yoso!!! Cathy is writing today's post.

Long story short, The Mister and I were driving around looking for businesses giving away 2020 calendars as advertising, (as we do every year) and there were crowds, so we started driving in another area, looking for a quick meal before continuing on our trek.

I had to stop at a signal light and saw the signage for businesses in the mall…and, well, we had been talking about pupusas for the past few weeks. We had to.

You can walk in and order to go, or have a seat and a menu (without prices) as well as chips and salsa are brought out to you. Yes, the menus are written only in Spanish, but I understood it all. The waitresses understood my ordering in English. The house made salsas, red and green, are both hot, in a good way. No dumbing down here.
The two storefronts are joined and open to accommodate about 50 seats with tables and booths and a beautiful mural on the 'kitchen' side. Since this is a Pupuseria, I ordered two ($2.25 each). There are ten flavors on the menu. You can hear the dough being slapped in the kitchen when preparing the order. The one in front is chicharron with cheese, the other one is bean and cheese- black beans with cheese. What wonderful, fresh, filling and large/heavy pupusas! Such fresh flavors! A wonderful meal by themselves. The accompanying fresh made curtido and tomato sauce were very complimentary to all the flavors. The curtido was so fresh, with the cabbage, carrots, Mexican oregano and just enough jalapeño with a light fermentation that we did finish the bowl brought out, some of it with food and some of it just plain. There were several 'Breakfasts' on the for here menu and the choice of plantains with creama and beans or plantains with eggs looked interesting. Plantains with beans, crema, a piece of cheese and eggs scrambled with a fresh house made salsa turned out to be the order ($9.99) (we were not asked how to have the eggs prepared). The fried plantains with just a bit of the crema were sweet and hearty. The refried beans (not black beans like in the pupusa) were wonderful. The scrambled eggs with the tomatoes, onion and cilantro, were really good, with flavor in every bite.

We noticed other tables that asked for coffee were given a cup of hot water and a jar of instant Nescafe (the table behind us got decaf). Nescafe is one of few instant coffees that I like; this is a great alternative to possibly getting stale, bitter coffee from a pot. Next time. Also next time, a bowl of soup, definitely, along with maybe a mushroom pupusa.

Kirk was here in 2016!

Silvia's Pupuseria 916 East Eighth Street, Suit 106 National City, CA 91950 (619)534-2037 Open Daily 9:30 a.m.- 9 p.m.

2019 San Diego County Fair- OzSome (Part 3; the wrap-up)

December 16, 2019 Cathy Festivals & Events, What Cathy Eats!

Today's mmm-yoso!!! post is written by Cathy with photos from July and some tidbits about the 2020 County Fair at the bottom of this post.

Usually, the Theme of the upcoming San Diego County Fair is announced in early October, but for some reason it was delayed until mid-November this year, so this final round up post seems late, but it really isn't.

There is so much to see and do, around every corner. The floral competition is ongoing; you never see wilted entries.

The Professional Woodworking display and competition, with some entries within the Fair theme, is always filled with beauty and craftsmanship.

The Infield Garden area also participates within the Theme of the Fair.

Of Course, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,the original book and its 13 sequels, were the inspiration for the Theme (the book series was the inspiration for the 1939 film). The Theme information area (to the right when you walk in the main gate) was so interesting this year and helped me decide on my summer reading.

In the Gem and Minerals area, there are always beautiful displays of crystals as well as the always changing, ever interesting display of 'food' made up of rocks, polished and plain, as well as crystals and minerals.

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Which leads us to the food portion of this post…

We did try the deep fried bacon wrapped cheese bites one day. They were wonderful.
I had slightly mentioned in prior years that one day a week food booths offered 'samples' for $2. Well, time marches on and this year, there were '$3 sample' signs at most booths on Thursdays. Lucky us. We tried this bean and cheese pupusa, which came with a nice curtido and tomato sauce salsa for $3 and planned our day.
Gingerbread cake; had never tried, will get again. Wonderful flavor. One piece of fish was $3, so we made a 'meal' of the fried fish here.
Had always seen the 'BBQ pork sundae", but never tried. The pork is very good, as is the sauce…served on top of mashed potatoes, technically a 'balanced' meal. Interesting concept and just enough.
The 'Chocolate Tower' was a great deal-chocolate cake, vanilla ice cream, sauce, whipped cream, sprinkles…a perfect size for sharing. Even the $3 piece of fresh made fudge was just right without having to eat a lot and take home. One way we save some money is to purchase a 'souvenir cup' of beverage (I like the iced tea at the booth which has the giant ear of corn on top, on the midway; it's unsweetened and strong) on the first visit to the Fair, the refills are half price that day and on the subsequent days when we bring the souvenir cup. Eddie's Asian Inspired Cuisine offered iced tea, lemonade and an aguas fresca-pineapple with spinach juice. The flavored lemonade choices at the booth in the bottom photo were all interesting and, in particular, the cherry brought back fond childhood memories.
Inside the Paul Ecke garden Show, near the back is always an Eatery, which changes names with the Theme of the Fair. This is one of the booths run by the 22nd Agricultural District, so it will be there again. The menu is also within the theme and we tried two items:The "Good Witch/Wicked Witch Toasts" ($8). The Wicked: edamame hummus, roasted tomatoes, greens, smoked pepitas. The Good: ricotta with black pepper, black Mission Figs, lavender honey and Black Sea salt. Each of these were tasty, filling, and inspirational for some of our light summer meals.

The "There's No Place Like Home" Nicoise salad ($14)had flavorful, good size pieces of seared tuna on top mixed greens and topped with fingerling potatoes, fresh (flavorful) tomato, hard boiled egg, olives and served with a mustard vinaigrette. This was wonderful and large enough for sharing. Can't wait to see how the menu will change for the 2020 Fair!
We had never purchased a funnel cake at the Fair until this year. The fried dough topped with powdered sugar was a wonderful indulgence. You can see the souvenir cup on the table in this photo.

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Plans for 2020: The Theme

There are a few changes: parking charges have increased to $20 (and $10 at the Horsepark), HOWEVER if you purchase a parking pass before 12/31, you can save $2. There is also a deal to purchase $25 of food coupons for $20, again before 12/31. Plenty of other ways to save are also listed on the Website.

Point Loma Seafoods (yes, more visits)

December 12, 2019 Cathy Seafood, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog with posts of places to eat in and around San Diego as well as the world. Today, it's a San Diego post. Cathy is writing while Kirk is adjusting back to this time zone.

There have been plenty of posts about this (since 1963) San Diego institution. My latest post was in 2018. So, here's another one. We stop here whenever we are at the airport, picking up or dropping off.
There is a fresh fish counter for convenient purchases, with a restaurant menu above. THIS is a link to a current priced menu.
When you walk in, there is a white board (which is back) with some current specials, which are not on the regular menu (seasonal items). You step up to the counter, order and pay and your number will be called.
You grab your own beverages and find a seat, indoors or upstairs or outside.
The 'Combo"-Bay Shrimp and Crab salad is market Price ($17 this day). A very large portion (the photo doesn't show the depth of the container), Mixed greens, great portions of fresh Dungeness crab and plenty of (quite large) Bay shrimp. The house made dressing is perfectly complimentary.
A bowl of New England clam chowder ($4.92/$5.30 with tax) is made using a wonderful recipe with whole chopped clams and potatoes, celery and onion (and of course, real cream). Again, my photo doesn't show the size of the bowl properly, but this and the salad were easily shared as a nice lunch. When you order the fried clam plate (it's listed on the black colored white board at the door, this day for $26), a container of Ipswich Belly Clams is pulled from the glass counter and given to the kitchen so they can begin the frying process, which is perfect. A nice cornmeal and flour based breading, fresh clams; nothing more needed. The Mister craves these, a childhood treat when growing up on the east coast, when he could grab a bag of fresh fried clams to munch on while riding his bike to and through Rhode Island. The fries are thin and perfectly crisp, the slaw here is unique-bell peppers along with the fresh, crispy cabbage and light sauce- flavors so fresh and unadorned, letting the ingredients shine.
The Combo Seafood Plate ($17.50) Two pieces of cod, Two shrimp, one crab cake. A little bit of everything, perfect fried. Just so satisfying and perfectly fresh and flavorful. The tartar sauce is (also) made here and complimentary to the fried items. The cocktail sauce has a nice bite of horseradish and we only use it for the smoked fish.

A San Diego Institution still around for a reason.

Point Loma Seafoods 2805 Emerson Street San Diego, CA 92106 (at Scott Street) (619) 223-1109 Website Open Mon-Sat 9-7, Sun 10-7 (these are winter hours)

Golden City (yes, more visits)

December 11, 2019 Cathy Chinese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is still blogging about food. Today, Cathy is back at Golden City, a favorite (and underrated) Chinese restaurant located at the SouthEast Corner of the 163 and Clairmont Mesa Boulevard. Kirk is adjusting to the time zone.

Kirk's latest post about this wonderful restaurant was in January, where he linked back to his first post in 2005. My latest post was in May of 2018, so it's about time for an update. Here are two lunch visits. {The Lunch menu is available from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and again after 9 p.m.} {The Late Night menu does not include soup or rice with the meal; rice is $1 per bowl at that time}

Same location, some of the interior has been updated since 2005. Consistency. Always fresh tablecloths. Always friendly service.
Seafood Noodle Soup ($9.50)
Filled with shrimp, squid and fish as well as bok choy, carrots and plenty of eggy noodles, this chicken-broth-based soup is satisfying on many levels. Of course the flavors as well as textures and freshness make this a very satisfying meal on its own.
Fish Filet with Black Bean Sauce ($9.95). Plenty of fish, fresh and moist. Large pieces of sweet onion and a variety of bell peppers along with the saltiness of black bean sauce make this one of my cravings. The lunch meals (not the soup bowls) include egg rolls and a choice of egg drop or hot and sour soup as well as those magical 'crunchies' and plum sauce. Rice is included and hot tea is still free here; I like that it is made with loose tea leaves.
The egg rolls are cooked fresh and vegetable filled.
Fish with Lemongrass ($9.95) Breaded and properly fried, this is an indulgence. The lemony sauce, mixed with basil and spicy peppers make a great flavor combination.
Kung Pao Three ingredients ($10.95) is not too spicy. There are chilis and onion stir fried with the beef, chicken and shrimp. The peanuts mixed in help 'neutralize' any real spiciness you might encounter. Again, a mix of flavors (you can taste each ingredient) and textures and just a satisfying meal.

Golden City Chinese Cuisine 5375 Kearny Villa Road San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 565-6682 open Mon-Th 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Fri-Sat-Sun 11 a.m.-midnight

Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant (El Cajon)

December 10, 2019 Cathy Mexican Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Cathy is writing today.

Heading East on Fletcher Parkway, just across the street from Barbecue Pit (two blocks same side of the street from Beef 'n Bun,

We always see this signage and continue on our way. We finally stopped the other day. Pancho's has been here since 2004. It is family owned and operated.
Driving by, we never noticed the front door or facade.

Step inside and the decor is amazing. There is a Bar area and various seating areas.
Chips, fresh and tasty salsa, the Lunch as well as a Regular Menu are brought to the table.

Tostada Compuesta- with carnitas- was my choice ($6.99). A very large, fresh made fried flour tortilla on the bottom, topped with excellent refried beans, a lot of really flavorful, moist and well made pork, lettuce, tomato, two cheeses and avocado slices. Really a filling meal.
The Mister tried the flauta lunch ($6.99) which was also made with a fresh flour tortilla wrapped around flavorful shredded chicken (stewed chicken with onion and bell peppers, drained so it wasn't 'soupy') which was properly fried and cut in half. The side of rice was well made-flavorful on its own and the salad came with ranch dressing. Again, a nice, filling meal.

Really good food. We should've stopped in sooner. Will be back and become one of the 'regulars'; there were many.

There is brunch, which includes either three glasses of champagne or one margarita.

Pancho's Mexican Restaurant 2257 Fletcher Parkway El Cajon, CA 92020 (619) 460-4202 Open Mon-Sat 11:30-9, Sun 9-8 Website

Hong Kong BBQ Kitchen (inside Vinh Hung Supermarket) (Mira Mesa)(again)

December 9, 2019 Cathy Chinese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

This is a food blog named mmm-yoso!!! Kirk usually writes about meals and various food he enjoys from nearby and afar. Cathy is writing a short post about a nearby place while Kirk is 'on vacation'.

A central location to meet clients, colleagues and friends is at the former movie theater converted to grocery store and restaurant (as well as a few other businesses in the former hallways). Kirk posted about a dinner here in April. I last wrote a post (with links to prior posts of both mine and Kirk) back in 2017.

Hong Kong BBQ and Dim-sum, near the front of the store, at the former concession stand and stairway to the (former) upper level seating was quiet enough to carry on conversations.
Fish XO sauce ($9.95) is always a favorite order here. The salty, dry scallop and dry ham base, which is cooked with chilis, onion and garlic is always mouth watering. Onions and bell peppers as well as some black beans round out the lightly battered and expertly fried fish in this dish. Always good.
Beef string bean ($9.95), stir fried simply with onion and garlic is also a good choice. The meat is thin and tender and flavorful. The green beans are fresh and flavorful. Dessert! Never a fortune cookie…steamed rice cake!

Hong Kong BBQ and Dim Sum 10550 Camino Ruiz San Diego 92126 (858) 408-4888 Open Sun-Thurs 9-9, Fri-Sat 9-9:30 Website