What Cathy Eats! – Page 25

Speedy Falafel (El Cajon)

August 22, 2019 Cathy Lebanese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Speedy Falafel has closed. It will be missed.

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

We noticed this rather large building after visiting City Bistro earlier this year (it's one block West). There were notes made and finally, The Mister and I returned to the neighborhood. Order, pay, grab a beverage, find a seat; your food will be brought to the table. There is plenty of seating. Speedy Falafel has been in this El Cajon location for about ten months.
The menu is on the wall, where you order and pay, also HERE. (EDIT: there is a new chef and some menu items may be added or not available at all times; I'm pretty confident that the choices we made on these visits are 'standard') Falafel sandwich ($3.99). There is a choice of falafel types; this is Lebanese (made with garbanzo and fava beans, cilantro and spices).

Other falafel styles are Iraqi (garbanzos, onion, garlic and spices) and Syrian (garbanzos, cilantro and spices). You can get sandwiches made with either flatbread or samoon bread.

Here is a beef kabob sandwich ($5.99) on a samoon. Each sandwich came with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle. There was a small side of hummus, a small serving of fresh made fried potatoes and we each got a bowl of soup (I think because we were eating in). A very good vegetable soup this day; celery, mushrooms, carrot and onion. Hearty. The sandwiches were each fresh, flavorful, definite return-for items.

On another visit, we tried a Bureg (beef and vegetable stuffed in a baked, thicker egg roll wrap ($2). This was good, but one was enough.
We also shared a Za'tar topped flatbread ($4.99) Gosh, this was great. The fresh za'tar spices (oregano, sumac, sesame seed, salt, pepper) mixed with olive oil on this wonderful, fresh, slightly crisp flat bread was just a perfect treat.

We decided to share the Pompano Zubidi (fried fish) ($10.99). This came with two bowls of wonderful lentil soup. The perfectly fried fish had yellow basmati rice and tomatoes, onions, cucumber and pickles on the side. It was wonderful; tender, fresh, flavorful.
On the far end of the eating area is a small bakery with a few individually priced items and mostly different 'by the pound' baklava pieces. This mixed nut roll was $1.50 and really good- there were small hazelnuts, pistachios and walnut pieces. These baklava creations, one with shredded filo filled with nuts and fig and one triangle piece, a more nutty traditional baklava cost $2.86 (pricing of $10.99/lb). These are sugar syrup, not honey based, sweets. very fresh, crispy, nutty, deep flavored bits of just enough dessert.

Speedy Falafel 1142 E Main St. El Cajon, CA 92021 (619) 938-4455 Open daily 8-10 (yes, there is a breakfast menu; basturma, foul medammas and other traditional Armenian items are available)(again, there is a new chef and the menu may be changing) website

TNT (Tortilla N Taco Factory) (El Cajon)

August 6, 2019 Cathy Taco Shops, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, a blog about food. On this hot day, Kirk is staying late at work…because of the air conditioning, or is he overwhelmed with work? I suspect it's the latter. Cathy is writing this post.

The Mister and I were headed to no particular destination, driving on Main Street in El Cajon, got stopped at the signal light at Mollison. The Southwest corner had a sign "TNT". I turned.
We parked in a semi-large parking lot, which has a liquor store, Middle Eastern bakery and a few other businesses. It wasn't busy at the time, filled up considerably by the time we left.
This is the menu. It is current.
Three tacos, $2.60 each. The corn tortillas were pressed from fresh masa and toasted on the grill while we ordered. Words to describe: toasty corn sweet/fresh. The best I've ever had. Magical.

Why is there so much fresh masa?
Carne asada taco. Tender, well marinated, flavorful steak. There are beans on this-and it goes together. The guacamole is fresh, not overly seasoned-it tastes like avocado, not lime, not garlic, not heat. I like it that way. Cilantro and onion round out all the flavors.
Pork adobada./al pastor. Cut from the rotisserie and grilled so each side of the seasoned pork was a bit crisp, this was a very good version. Again, the guacamole, onion and cilantro were complimentary to the meaty/mildly spicy flavors.
The chile relleno was a wonderful version. The young guero chili pepper, still sweet (gueros get hotter as they mature) with a light yellow color, with a perfect taco size (about 4 inches by 2.5 inches in size) was just wonderful; crisp, flavorful and filled with Oaxaca which was mild and gooey, the batter was crisp, light, not oily. The toppings of a mild salsa roja, tomatoes, onion, cilantro and sprinkle of Cotija were just right.

Again, each taco was $2.60. What a nice little taco shop. Such quality. Why does the menu look familiar? The prices aren't; they are more than reasonable.
We could have stopped after threee tacos-it was a nice, light meal. But the menu…a quesadilla is $1.50. Had to. Fresh flour tortilla (could have had it on a corn tortilla, but, you know, for blogging purposes). Oaxaca cheese. Melty, crisped on the edges. Perfect.
Elote asado ($3.25) We figured it would come in a cup. We had to wait. It was boiled first, then grilled then topped with Cotija and Tajin. Such attention to detail. Fresh, sweet, crisp corn.
What the heck. Churros are on the menu.($2,75), fried to order, rolled in cinnamon sugar and topped with either name brand chocolate or name brand caramel or both or on the side. The toppings/dip weren't necessary; the churros are great with just the cinnamon sugar. Probably because, you know, fresh made.

We will return; the shrimp and fish tacos, another chile relleno…more of everything. Keep reading.

Tortilla N' Taco Factory 130 S Mollison Ave El Cajon, CA 92020 (619) 938-2211 Open daily 11 a.m.-4 p.m. website

Open daily 11-4. Five hours. One side of the building is blacked out; behind the open kitchen area. What happens after the restaurant closes? If you can enlarge and look at the t-shirt in the photo below…City Tacos. What?

Yes, this obscure location in El Cajon is the main kitchen for all the locations of City Tacos (which, I know has a love/hate relationship for a lot of people). Once the restaurant here closes, supplies are made and sent out or readied for pick up by the three (soon to be six) locations in the County.

2020 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float road test #2 and multiple food adventures: Porto’s, Iron & Kin Coffee, Cafe 86 and Kra-Z Kai’s Lao BBQ

August 4, 2019 Cathy Bakery, Breakfast/Brunch, Caffeine Fix, Festivals & Events, Lao Restaurants, Los Angeles County, Road Trip, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a blog about food and there is always a reason we find the food. Over the weekend, Cathy and cc woke early to drive to Irwindale, photograph participate in the second float road test and then took many side roads to enjoy some great foods and beverages while heading home.

Link to Road Test #1

Link to Road Test #3

Link to Road Test #4

Link to Road Tests #5 and #6

First, the road testing for 2020 Rose Parade floats. This early morning, multiple floats were being tested at Phoenix Decorating Company for mechanics and maneuverability, some with 'weight' on board. The weight was humans, who will be riding on the floats during the Parade on January 1, 2020. cc and I were asked if we would like to help by sitting on a float while it was driven a short way down the street, backed up, turned around and then participated in a fire drill, making sure that all the people (including the Driver and Spotter of the float) could disembark in 45 seconds.

The 2020 Kiwanis International float, "Soaring with Hope" passed its road test (the open doors are from where the Spotter and Driver exited for the fire drill).

The Rotary International 2020 Rose Parade entry, "Hope Connects the World" was painted in and road tested. (It wasn't yet painted in for the first Road Test).

This is the off camera side view of the Lutheran Hour Ministries float, "Anchored in Jesus". It will appear as if underwater.

"Hope for 2020", the Lions Clubs International float entry was also tested that morning.

"First Responders Bring Hope", the 2020 entry by Oddfellows and Rebekahs was fully color coded for easy placement of natural materials during Decoration Days and also tested. Behind it was the Mrs. Meyers Clean Day float, taking its first road test. If you zoom in, you'll see a wheelbarrow with what looks like squash covered by an umbrella. No artist rendering yet.

It was fun and informative to be able to help with a road test. Use this link to the Rose Examiner to keep up to date with Tournament happenings.

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It was the start of a day of food and adventure! cc was without Bert and I was without The Mister.

Back to Portos! Only six miles and a few minutes away. My second visit ever. Again, not very crowded (before 9 a.m.)

Sandwiches are available all Day. We decided to share a Pan con Lechon ($6.65) Slow roasted pork, mojo garlic sauce and pickled onion on Cuban bread (with plantain chips on the side). Wow. This was pretty much the best sandwich ever.
I was curious about the Tamal a Caballo ($4.75) as a breakfast item and it was another wow moment. The masa, so very soft, had whole pieces of corn, the savory pork filling, a salsa verde and plantain strips.

We purchased more than several items to take home. I had a handwritten list from The Mister. We also enjoyed beverages at the table. The prices here are great, the freshness and quality are consistent. More menu items will be tried next month.

Portos, many Los Angeles County locations. website

Soon it was off to our next planned stop for coffee. cc had researched and found a coffee shop with an unusual caffeinated offerings in Pomona, sort of 'on the way home'. Iron and Kin opened in May 2018 inside a restored downtown Hotel. Half of the shop is a Craft Cocktail Bar, O'Donovan's Pub, open in evenings. The other side is an efficient coffee bar. cc had asked Josh, one of the owners of Iron and Kin, about the special "Affirmation Drinks" menu (she saw photos on Instagram). We wanted to try each of the drinks, but knew we couldn't drink that much caffeine (or liquid).
Josh was kind enough to prepare sample sizes of each of these unique beverages. First, I must say the espresso, on its own, is of very high quality. A smooth, strong, sweet yet not bitter/sour base to each beverage. The unique Affirmation flavors were distinct, fresh and really wonderful: varying from chillies and cinnamon with cloves to turmeric with ginger, cardamom and honey with black pepper to figs with vanilla, brown sugar and black pepper to smoked salt with cream, brown sugar and Old Forester Bourbon as well as the iced matcha/gingerbeer/limeade/yuzu. Beverages not found in San Diego. Quality.

Iron and Kin 101 E. Third Street, Pomona, CA (951)808-7584 Website
We also made a quick stop at Cravings by 99 Ranch, but didn't snack there. One block away is a Filipino Coffee and Tea Shop. Cafe 86 has been on Edison Avenue since 2014 and serves matcha, coconut, mango, hibiscus, ube and calamansi iced and hot beverages, ice cream and pastries in addition to coffees.
I think ube is the 'new' flavor of the year- even Trader Joe's is carrying an ube ice cream. We only purchased the ube/coconut mini bundt cakes and iced Madelines. These were delicious with a cup of hot tea the next morning.

Cafe 86 4110 Edison Ave Chino, CA 91710 Website

cc had one last planned stop- the only Lao BBQ restaurant in Southern California- Kra Z Kai's. It's located in a large mall area anchored by a Sonic. We each ended up purchasing food to go as well as some to eat in-all of the BBQ meats. The distinct Southeast Asian flavors of garlic and lemongrass with the char grilled meats is just so perfect. The house made sausage is coarse ground and has onion and leeks. Of course, sticky rice is the only proper rice to have with these items, even though steamed and fried rice are also offered.

Kra-z Kais 1218 Magnolia Ave #G110 Corona, CA 92881 (Southwest Corner of I-15 and Magnolia) Website

The end of an epic road trip. There were other stops, because we avoided traffic. These were the highlights…plus my view while on the road test…

Little Sakana (Mira Mesa)(lunch)

July 22, 2019 Cathy Japanese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a blog about food. Cathy is writing today while Kirk is at work on some important projects.

We've been in this Mira Mesa neighborhood a lot lately, either meeting someone at the Starbucks or dropping into Hong Kong BBQ or R&B Filipino Cuisine. I had noticed Little Sakana while meeting clients at the 'new' Crab Hut (post to come) and finally had a few chances to drop in for lunch.
We have tried to arrive near opening (11:30) to avoid crowds.
One visit, we shared a cucumber salad appetizer ($6). Lightly dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil and interspersed with krab, this is quite large and refreshing.
The seven piece Assorted Tempura ($8) was a great way to 'test' the frying technique here. Two shrimp and five different vegetable pieces (onion, squash, carrot, sweet potato and broccoli) were each crispy, not oily and went perfectly with the tempura dipping sauce. The 12 piece fried calamari appetizer ($7) was filling and also properly fried. The breading was crunchy, squid pieces fat and juicy and the Sriracha based dipping sauce was not overpowering.
The Shrimp Yakisoba lunch ($12) came with a choice of soup or salad and three beef potstickers. Plump shrimp, plenty of fresh vegetables (red and green bell pepper, onion, broccoli and cabbage) and not much in the way of yakisoba noodles (which were so very good). The Chicken Katsu Curry such special ($13) was also very fresh. This time, with miso soup and the same pot stickers (nice thin dumpling skin and quite a lot of filling). The katsu fry was, again, proper-light, crispy, non-oily, leaving the chicken moist. The curry sauce with the beef, potatoes, carrots and onions had a bit of sweetness and rich flavor that I crave on chilly days.
The Assorted Sashimi Salad ($15) could easily be shared. This photo doesn't do it justice. The lettuces are mixed and lightly coated with the sesame based dressing. The fish includes raw tuna, seared tuna, hamachi, salmon and shrimp. The salad is topped with a seaweed salad. The large quantity of fish is interspersed throughout the lettuce. Will order again.

All in all, a very nice, large restaurant serving really good lunch specials and appetizers. There are all sorts of weekday specials noted at the front door and apparently the sushi rolls and alcoholic beverages are a draw for most people (I really don't research places until writing a post; we drop in). There is also an 'All You Can Eat' option for both lunch and dinner. A more or less 'traditional' menu which we will try again.

Little Sakana 8270 Mira Mesa Blvd, Ste E. San Diego 92126 (858) 860-5000 Open Sun-Th 11:30-10, Fri 11:30-11. Sat 11:30-10:30 Website

Fresh Brothers (Carmel Valley)

July 8, 2019 Cathy Pizza, Salads, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a food-centric blog. Today's short post is written by Cathy.

There was a need to stop at Trader Joe's and The Mister and I knew about this location for several reasons, having seen the signage on the corner multiple times over the years. We had to get to the parking lot and saw a few other interesting businesses, including Fresh Brothers, so we stopped for a quick lunch.

This small chain, with 20 stores in Southern California (this is the only one in San Diego) started in 2008 (San Diego store opened in October 2016). Modern design with indoor and outdoor seating. A fairly basic menu- pizzas, salad, wings, knots and sliders. Bread in different forms.
We ordered 'basics' for this first time meal. The antipasto salad ($11) sounded good. This is very large. The bowl is deep, the toppings are layered within. Critterio brand salami, smoked ham, mozzarella bits, green and black olives, grape tomatoes, pepperoni, red onion, Romaine lettuce. The fresh made House Italian dressing was a great surprise- it was not too vinegary and was really fresh tasting.
An order of three knots ($4) seemed like it would be complimentary to the salad. Oh my, they were. A handmade dough twisted into knot shapes, fresh baked and tossed with butter, Parmesan and chunks of garlic. The dough was crisp on the exterior with softly layered interior. Slightly sweet, these are addictive. The side of pizza sauce wasn't needed, but tasting it after eating half of a knot was a pleasant change. Fresh tomatoes with a light addition of herbs (oregano was predominant; not really garlic at all).
We decided to share a personal size cheese pizza ($7). This was just right, sauce and cheese to the edge, a light, crispy but not too thin crust and a lot of melted, gooey mozzarella.

A nice little lunch. Now that we've studied the menu, we will return. (You can get any salad with a one topping personal pizza for $12. That and some baked wings sounds like a nice meal.) Faye has been here.

Fresh Brothers 5950 Village Way Ste 103 San Diego, CA 92130 website

Brodard (Fountain Valley)-a Saturday morning road trip

July 7, 2019 Cathy Orange County, Road Trip, Vietnamese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of this food blog. Cathy is writing. Kirk (and His Missus) are enjoying the holiday weekend.

The Mister said he would be responsible for breakfast on Saturday. At 7 a.m., I saw him on the computer, reading a menu.

We took a 'short' (83 miles one way) trip North. The craving for nem nuong (pork sausage) was overwhelming in the middle of this four day weekend. Both Kirk and His missus as well as The Mister and I have been to the 'original' Brodard; it moved South on the same main road (Brookhurst) in late 2017, from Garden Grove to Fountain Valley-so it is much closer to the 405. We arrived at the "new" Brodard location in about 75 minutes. The side parking lot was empty,

as was the beautiful, spacious interior. (Business picks up later in the day; you can get on a waiting list online and the wait was 75 minutes at 2 p.m. yesterday).
We asked for hot tea; jasmine and strong!
One order of nem nuong cuon (grilled pork rolls) ($6) Heritage Berkshire grilled pork (fresh grilled- warm) wrapped in rice paper with lettuce, cucumber, carrots, cilantro, chives, daikon, mint and a strip of crispy fried egg roll wrapper. Served with the 'house special sauce'-warm: savory, spicy and sweet. The pork- I could just eat a plate of that.
Roasted duck spring rolls (goi cuon vit) ($9.95) Warm, roasted duck wrapped in rice paper with asparagus, scallions, cucumber and cilantro. Served with a plum sauce. This was quite wonderful and special.

It was breakfast. We ordered sole porridge (Chao Ca) ($7.95) It came garnished with roasted shallots, fresh ginger, cilantro and scallions and a nice plate of add-ins (lime, jalapeño, bean sprouts and cilantro). Fancy, tasty, filled with a lot of firm, tasty sole.

Instead of a Vietnamese crepe (banh xeo), we ordered the plate of several small crepes-the Luna rice cakes with shrimp (Banh Khot Tom) ($8.95) Small, light, crispy rice-flour crepes made with coconut milk and turmeric. Filled with mung beans, scallions and a large, plump shrimp and served with mint, sesame leaf, lettuce and pickled daikon and carrots. Great little bites.

If you look back at the first photo, that's the doorway to the left of the main doorway. You can walk in there to pick up an order, stare at the bakery offerings or just go ahead and order something.

cc has visited the new Brodard

Brodard Fountain Valley 16105 Brookhurst Street Fountain Valley, CA 92708 (657) 247-4401 website

One pistachio and one raspberry macaron. The almond topped, crispy pastry is filled with hazelnut cream (not sweetened) ($7.88).

San Diego Chicken Pie Shop (revisit)

July 5, 2019 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! welcomes you back for a quick look at a place to enjoy a meal. Cathy is writing and Kirk is enjoying this Independence Day long weekend.

I've written a few posts about the San Diego Chicken Pie Shop since 2006. The menu has expanded over the years. Comfort food, quick service, nice people both dining and working.

There are tabletop 'specials' which include soup and Cole slaw. (Of note, the pea soup here is vegetarian; no ham).
On this day, corned beef and cabbage was the Special ($11) This was very well made and had large portion of tender beef. It came with the carrots, green beans and potatoes as well as the cabbage.
The Pie Dinner (still $10) which also arrives with the finely chopped slaw and fresh, chewy, wonderful dinner rolls is the same as always; a sturdy yet light crust surrounding chicken and turkey and gravy-no vegetables as filler. It's served with mashed potatoes and a Vegetable of the Day.
Full meals are served with a choice of pie for dessert. This day, chocolate pie and peach pie were chosen. Again, the hose made crusts make this so wonderful…light and flaky and so very fresh.

Yes, three different daily fresh baked items- the dinner rolls, the chicken pie crust and the dessert pie crusts. It's why we are here on carb craving days.

A San Diego tradition for more than 80 years.

San Diego Chicken Pie Shop 2633 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego 92104 (619) 295-0156 website Open Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat-Sun 9-8

Creamistry- Ice Cream made in front of you, using liquid Nitrogen

July 4, 2019 Cathy Desserts, Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping by to read this food blog named mmm-yoso!!! Today's short post is written by Cathy.

Ice cream. A frozen dessert or snack. Countries around the world have some version, using various add ins (I did particularly like the Qwality Brand ice creams along with the falooda ice cream based beverage at Cash and Carry on Miramar Road and the Filipino ice creams and Halo-Halo at Snoice in Spring Valley. San Diego has a few modern ice cream shops as well as some older, established businesses, like Mariposa, Niederfranks and (thank you, cc, for this epic post: Oasis).

In August 2016, Bing Haus opened, featuring rolled ice cream- cream and other ingredients placed on a 'reverse griddle' (ice pan) and in about two minutes, fresh ice cream is made to your order.

A month before Bing Haus, Creamistry opened on Clairmont Mesa Boulevard. Made to order ice cream using liquid nitrogen in a mixer. We finally made a stop.

The menu is fairly uncomplicated, with suggested combinations costing less than ordering each ingredient separately.
Then again, there are quite a few possibilities, based on your particular cravings. Notice the stacked stainless steel mixing bowls in the back, far left.
The chosen ingredients are added to the mixing bowl,
liquid Nitrogen is pumped in, the resulting ice cream is scooped out and, toppings of the same mix-ins are added. This was our first visit, we were hungry. We ordered an "Elvis Presley" ($7) – banana ice cream, bananas, candied bacon and peanut butter sauce. (A plain ice cream is $6 and add ins are 50¢ each, so choosing a pre-designed flavor saves). The ice cream is filled with the ingredients and the toppings were just a delightful, fresh fanciness. The ice cream itself is smooth and rich and so very creamy. This was enough to share.

Another concept of this summertime treat. We will be going back to try more.

Creamistry 7420 Clairmont Mesa Blvd San Diego, CA 92111 (858) 874-6407 {there are two other San Diego locations} Website Open daily at noon.

2020 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float road test #1. Breakfast and snacks at Porto’s.

July 1, 2019 Cathy Bakery, Breakfast/Brunch, Festivals & Events, Los Angeles County, Road Trip, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, a blog about food. So many reasons to get to the food. Cathy is writing today because the reason to drive North is again happening.

Link to Road test #2

Link to Road Test #3

Link to Road Test #4

Link to Road Tests #5 and #6

A few weeks after the 2019 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade Showcase of Floats, on Sierra Madre Boulevard at the end of the Parade route, the President of the 2020 Parade (Laura Farber) was announced and the Theme of the 2020 Parade- "The Power of Hope" was introduced. “With hope – anything, in fact, everything is possible. Hope is more than simply the possibility of fulfillment. Hope is dignity and respect, joy and happiness, aspiration and achievement. Hope never, ever quits. Through hope, we can aspire to be our best and in turn inspire those around us to reach higher.”. The float designs for the 130th Rose Parade use this as their design inspiration.

Float designs were submitted to the Tournament and, once approved, construction began. The first of a series of "Road Tests" (of manipulation, maneuverability and safety of the floats) of some of the 22 floats to be constructed by Phoenix Decorating Company, occurred on Saturday in Irwindale. There will be about 44 floats total in the parade; Phoenix is one of three float building businesses, (six floats which are 'self constructed' also participate). This online newsletter will keep you up to date with Tournament happenings. Oddfellows Rebekahs float for 2020 is "First Responders Bring Hope". This float will be applauded throughout the 5.5 mile parade route.
The little detail which might be missed in the Lions Clubs International "Hope for 20/20" float is that each character on board is wearing glasses- a nod to one of the Lion signature projects: vision.
The 2020 Lutheran Hour Ministries float, "Anchored in Jesus"- a submerged anchor with three fish surrounding it, is the 70th entry for the only Christian themed Rose Parade float sponsored by the Lutheran Layman's League.
Kiwanis International hasn't released an Artist rendition or title of their 2020 float; I'll add it. So cute!

The above floats are marked with the colors to help with decoration (which begins the first Saturday in December). The following two floats aren't quite as far along in construction.
The 2020 Rose Parade float entered by Rotary International, "Hope Connects the World" is going to appear as if it is a balloon (like the San Diego Holiday Bowl parade) in the parade, with out walkers 'holding it down'. It is in the 'cocoon' stage of construction.
The City of Alhambra will enter this "Hope Keeps Us Going" float, still in the 'skeleton' phase of design.

It looks like the morning of January 1, 2020 will be a great start to the year!

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I know, you are here for the food portion of the blog. There was a small newspaper article in 2017 about a new location of Porto's, a Cuban Bakery Cafe, in the Los Angeles County area since 1976, opening a fifth location. Finally, the West Covina location opened two months ago. I was interested in Porto's because of postings by other blogs: cc has made multiple visits, as have Soo and Maggie, Faye, Kirbie and Mary. In fact, we've been to Azucar and Los Pollos specifically to try Cuban delicacies without having to drive a few hours to a Porto's location..
This store, six miles South of Phoenix Decorating, on the same road (which changes names, but is a straight drive) is so close!
There's an open baking area,
the ordering lines are organized.
There is a Coffee bar just to the right as you walk in. We didn't know the 'system' (you can order beverages when you are ordering Bakery and/or Cafe items in any line) and I sent The Mister off to order beverages here. A mojito ($3.39) and a Double Cortadito ($2.59).

The display cases are just that-displays. They are always full. You order and the Porto's guy (or gal) turns and goes to the kitchen to box your items…which (at least around 8 a.m.) are freshly warm.
A potato ball ($1.05), ham croquette (95¢) and, as I must always order, ham and cheese baked in a croissant ($2.35).
Cross sections- the mashed potato ball is filled with picadillo (I could taste the olives!) before being rolled in breadcrumbs and fried. I could see eating a few of these as a meal. The ham croquette is very rich- just ham chunks and a seasoned Bechamel (flour, butter and milk) sauce. It looks small but is just enough.
Cross section of the Ham and Cheese baked in a bread. A wonderful rendition.
Rellenitos-$1.05 each. Made to order. Listed in the 'Savory' section of the menu.
Mashed plantain filled with black beans, fried then rolled in sugar. This is wonderful.

Since it was breakfast and we were here…Torrejas was ordered ($5.98).
Cuban style French toast, made with croissant dough, served with a more or less tropical fruit salad (that is guava sauce and it's not sweetened) and whipped cream cheese. Decadent and kind of addictive.

We will return-many times- to try out the whole menu.

Porto's West Covina 584 S. Sunset, West Covina, CA 91790 (626)214-3490 Open Mon-Th 6:30-8:30, Fri-Sat 6:30-9, Sun 7-8 Website

2019 San Diego County Fair- OzSome! (Part 2)

June 27, 2019 Cathy Festivals & Events, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Kirk and (sometimes) Cathy write about food and sometimes add in little tidbits about how and where the food was attained. This is one of those posts, written by Cathy.

The 2019 San Diego County Fair, the largest attended County Fair in the USA (and fifth largest Fair of any kind), has been open since May 31 and will have its final day on July 4. I wrote a short post before the Fair opened and hope that many of you have already had a chance to attend. The Mister and I have visited the Fairgrounds a few times and this short post is just a small taste of some of the Fair foods we have had, and some of what we have seen. There will be a 'Part Three' wrap up post, after the closing. Soo and Maggie have attended.

The theme of the 2019 Fair, "OzSome" focuses on the L. Frank Baum original book series, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" (and not the movie-musical which most of us have seen on television). There are far more details in the 13 volume book series.

From 1947-1984, Spanish actor Tommy Hernandez portrayed Don Diego as the Official Ambassador to the Fair. After the death of Hernandez, instead of having another actor portray Don Diego Alvarado, whose family had a large land grant in the Del Mar area during the late 1800s, a 16 foot tall bronze statue stands at the entrance to the Fairgrounds, appropriately dressed for the Theme.
Once you walk inside, there are characters greeting and walking around, ready to pose with families for photos. Each of the various Exhibit areas is decorate in the Fair theme.
As are many of the entries and displays.

The tornado ravaged home, crushing the Wicked Witch (look to the bottom left in this photo), is quite an original display in Home and Hobby. As are the entries in so many divisions.

I know, you are here for the food. Here's a bit of what is available.
Inside Bing Crosby Hall, the old Dixie's Mini Donuts stand has been sold, name changed to Lillie B's Donuts and reversed (you pay first then walk along and watch your order prepared). Still hot and fresh and a traditional treat.
As always, a sandwich from the Roxy's fair booth is a given for us. This year it was the artichoke sandwich ($13, because we added avocado). This sandwich is just wonderful, yet we never order a sandwich at the restaurant.

Another regular 'Fair food' for us comes from the Fresh Cream Puff booth. This year there was an offering of a 'Neapolitan' puff- with chocolate, vanilla and strawberry cream…but the strawberry wasn't ready yet, so we asked if we could just have a chocolate and vanilla combo…($4) the shell was fresh made as were the real whipped creams. An indulgence we can't find 'on the outside'.

The Mister always must order 'something pesto' from Pignotti's. This year is was the tortellini. Cheese filled and slathered in the wonderful basil-garlic-olive oil sauce…a comfort food.
There's a 'new' booth on the Midway this year (it had been closer to the animal barns in previous years) selling cheese curds ($7). These were served on a bed of garlic-parsley-coarse salted fries, which were also quite good, although the squeaky cheese was just a perfect bite. There are a few 'themed' items, like this "Wicked Witch" Sriracha ceviche. As well as a duo of "Good Witch" and "Wicked Witch" toasts…and everything else on the menu at the Emerald Eatery inside the Paul Ecke Garden Show area (This restaurant/booth changes annually with Fair Themed, 'healthier' choices).

There will be plenty more activities to show in the third post of this series. There's a week to go: the Junior Livestock Auction is tomorrow, fireworks the evening of the 4th of July, and so much more to enjoy until then (Woodworking, Gems and Minerals, Concerts, Flower Show, Photography and Art, Creative Youth, the Farm in Family Funville, the Theme Exhibit, rides, carnival games, Petting Zoo, Camels, Pig Races and a few daily contests (watermelon spitting, pie eating and more) and events. Since the admission is $20 per person, you could still buy a "Best Pass Ever" for $32-it's a season pass, and gets you in every day of the Fair (so you feel no pressure to do everything at once)) at Vons or Albertsons.

San Diego County Fair Website Open daily at 11 (10 a.m. on July 4). Free parking this year only at Torrey Pines High School and Miracosta College (with a free shuttle) $5 parking at Horse Park and $17 parking at the Fairgrounds

It's OzSome!