Thai Thai (Santee)

Well, you're back reading mmm-yoso!!! and looking for another food post.  Today, it will be Thai.  Cathy is writing while Kirk is busy at work.

For 16 years, this location was a Japanese-Thai restaurant named Oiishi, which I only posted a total of three times  despite it being a regular stop (since it is very close to home).  The Japanese owners decided to retire and the Thai owners of the popular Fallbrook and Vista based Thai Thai restaurants purchased this Santee location, which opened in May.  

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IMG_6138The interior has been 'upgraded'.  The area pictured here -to the right- had been the 12 seat sushi bar for Oiishi and now there is a bit more seating.

There is a Monday-Friday Lunch Menu featuring 14 choices with prices based on the protein ordered ($8.95 vegetarian/tofu, $9.95 mock chicken or mock duck, $10.95 chicken, pork or beef, $11.95 shrimp, calamari or duck, $12.95 for combo of shrimp, chicken, pork and beef and $13.95 for seafood combo of shrimp, calamari, scallop, mussel and fish). IMG_6297 IMG_6293 #L13. Lunch Special of yellow curry with tofu ($8.95). Wow.  This was great.  The lunch specials come with a vegetable soup, vegetable egg roll, fried wonton, rice and cucumber salad. The curry- smooth, coconut based, potato, onion and carrot with the tofu. Very nice, mild curry. We asked for a lower heat level (2/10) to be able to taste the ingredients.  Wonderful, fresh- everything. The cucumber salad is available as an appetizer for $5.95 and is quite large. IMG_6290 We shared this with a dinner meal one evening. 
IMG_6138 #15. Pork Larb ($10.95) A trio of condiments are brought out, with the chili powder pointed out as what works best with the larb…so you can make each bite as spicy as you wish.  The rice powder, mint, cilantro, red and green onion, lime juice and a touch of dried chili made this good enough to eat on its own with a sliced pieces of cabbage before I ventured further with the tabletop condiments.  
IMG_6138 #13. Nam Khao Tod ($10.95) Crispy Rice Salad, as it's described on the menu, is something we look for at every Thai restaurant, since each version is a bit differently prepared despite the use of the same ingredients (the same way we look for egg foo young at Chinese places).  The sour pork sausage was chopped into small chunks and plentiful, mixed in with the crispy rice. It had a good flavor with a touch of sour.  The red onion slices, Thai chili, cilantro, mint, fresh ginger, cashews and lime juice were a wonderful, bright blend of freshness.  
IMG_6138 #56. Pad Prik-Khing with chicken ($10.95) is made with sautéed green beans, red and green bell peppers, kaffir lime leaves and curry paste, served with rice.  This was really good and each ingredient was distinct with fresh flavor.  

IMG_6300 IMG_6305There are 12 choices on the soup menu at Thai Thai and we are slowly exploring. #82, Yen Ta Fo ($11.95) was a Friday choice.  Clear broth with a vinegar base (it's pleasant, not strong) fish balls, squid, fungus, fried tofu and, as your vegetable, morning glory.  Served with the wide Thai noodle, which stays firm throughout the meal, this is a new favorite.  

There will be many more postings.  Thai Thai is the third (there are two other Thai restaurants) Thai restaurant in Santee.  

Thai Thai 10251 Mast Blvd Santee, CA 92071 (619)596-5852 Open Tues-Sun 11a.m.-9 p.m. Closed Monday 

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Little Italy Bar & Grill (Scripps Ranch)

Here you are, reading mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Kirk had been on vacation for two weeks, got home, posted a few things and the time zone change hit.  Cathy is writing today's post. 

The Mister and I were driving around, aimlessly, looking for someplace 'new' to us, as we tend to do.  This storefront, in a strip mall next to the Vons in Scripps Ranch, had been a French Restaurant, open only in evenings.  In 2016, it became an Italian Restaurant- open for breakfast on weekends as well as lunch and dinner daily. We decided to stop.    IMG_6043We were asked if we wanted the Breakfast or the Lunch menu- and took one of each.  (Thumbnails at bottom of the post).  
IMG_6043 There are various tables and seating areas, including an outdoor patio.
IMG_6043 The signage out front indicated "All Starters 1/2 off Sat-Sun open-5".  The Burrata starter (regular $15.95, so $7.97) was ordered.  Wow.  What a quality cheese, creamy and so very fresh.  Topped with some crushed black pepper, it was served on top of sliced Roma tomato, a good slice of prosciutto de parma and large pieces of basil.  Olive oil and balsamic decorated the side of the plate.  If I were alone, I'd order this (and at 1/2 price, two) as my meal.  
IMG_6043We decided to share one entree and had a choice of soup or salad.  The soup of the day wasn't one we liked, so we asked for the side salad (dressing already mixed in; house Italian was what we chose), a refreshing choice.
IMG_6043 IMG_6033 Chicken Parmesan ($14.95) was ordered (lunch menu) and, as with proper Italian entrees, the plate came with sides of steamed vegetables and pasta topped with the house made marinara.  Fresh, flavorful sides.  The chicken, pounded thin, breaded and (properly) fried was moist and juicy, crispy and light, parmesan flavors and topped with more fresh marinara and Mozzarella.  Great.
IMG_6043 At the top of the Lunch menu is a "Bambino" (10 inch) pizza with one item ($10.95).  We thought we should try it, choosing artichoke.  IMG_6037 IMG_6037 Not too thin of a crust, wood fired and lightly charred.  A light amount of marinara, plenty of cheese as well as artichoke.  We took home leftovers and had a light dinner.

Another quality neighborhood restaurant.  A great find.  

Little Italy Bar & Grill 10006 Scripps Ranch Blvd (between Red Rock Drive and Aviary Drive) San Diego 92131 (858) 368-4688 Open Mon-Wed 11-9, Th-Fri-11-10, Sat 9-10. Sun 9-9 Website

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Créme & Sugar (Del Mar)

You are reading mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Kirk is vacationing and Cathy is writing, again.

After The Mister and I finished lunch at Seasurf Fish Co, we passed this storefront two doors down.IMG_5704We thought we should have dessert here. 
IMG_5704Peeking inside we noted familiar decor, consistent with other dessert/coffee places.
IMG_5704The hot and iced drinks menu is on the wall behind the Ordering area.
IMG_5704But, far more interesting choices are on the wall to the right, behind the ice  cream freezers.IMG_5706IMG_5706(If you can't enlarge to read the handwritten wall menus, here is the two-sided menu you can grab at the counter).  The offerings are "Epic" and pretty much 'County Fair Worthy' (there are some photos on the menu). IMG_5704 We decided to go basic, ordering a single scoop ($3.75) of Butter Pecan ice cream.  The serving is HUGE.  The ice cream was good, but the flavor not as 'buttery'/salty as other versions.  The pecans were chopped small.  It is a quality ice cream, but a different flavor will be chosen next time.  
IMG_5704We decided an Affogato ($5.50) over Sweet Créme  ice cream would be nice. Servings elsewhere are not this large. The espresso here is excellent.  The ice cream was rich and had a ribbon of condensed milk running through.  Quite nice. This will be ordered again.

IMG_5715 There are also cookies and slices of cake available.  Next time.

All in all, a lot of dessert, fresh and tasty.  We were stuck in traffic and got home late; neither of us was hungry at dinner time.

Kirbie has been here.

Créme & Sugar 3646 Del Mar Heights Road Del Mar 92014 Website Open Sunday-Thursday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri-Sat 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
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2019 San Diego County Fair-OZSome (Part One-before it opens)

mmm-yoso!!!, the blog about food has no food photos today…so you can skip if that's why you are here.  There are a few suggestions contained within and in a couple of weeks a 'Part Two' will reveal some tasty treats enjoyed.  Cathy is writing; Kirk is (still) on vacation.

Here is a link to Part Two

The San Diego County Fair officially opens at 4 p.m. today.  The Theme this year is "OZsome"…IMG_5845 Reflected in the Front Gate design which includes a Yellow Brick Road and the Emerald City, along with poppy and corn fields.  The inspiration for the Fair is L. Frank Baum's classic children's novel,  The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, which The Library of Congress declared "America's greatest and best-loved homegrown fairytale." Its groundbreaking success and the success of the Broadway musical adapted from the novel led Baum to write thirteen additional Oz books that serve as official sequels to the first story.  (The 1939 musical film adaptation starring Judy Garland, which we see on TV every year is not at all as detailed as the original Children's novels).

IMG_5854The view down the Midway (with the Ferris wheel at the West end) is amazing without the crowds. IMG_5970 The corncob inflatable is a bit more realistic this year, with roasted corn kernels and three dimensional husk.  Next to that booth is the Mediterranean gyros booth, which I mentioned in my (only) 2018 County Fair post, where we purchased a wonderful food offering of bacon baklava. IMG_5526

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Home and Hobby, the 'Heart' of the Fair has had entries already judged.
IMG_5277Table Settings will be displayed together on one of the outdoor patios. 
IMG_5277 Collections have so many unique entries this year.
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IMG_5277 Crafts.  There are many hand made crafting Divisions.
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 IMG_5933Quilting has a Fair Theme display.
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Preserved foods, 
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baked goods, candies,
IMG_5937and decorated cakes were judged yesterday.
IMG_5933The various Guilds will be represented, giving daily demonstrations. 

IMG_5866 IMG_5867The Gingerbread Shop is advertising two Oz-centric treats. IMG_5951 Here's a link to the various food offerings at the 2019 Fair.

Map of food stands.
IMG_5972 The 2019 San Diego County Fair is going to be Awesome OZsome!

2019 San Diego County Fair Website Open May 31-July 4.  Closed Mondays and Tuesdays in June. Free Parking at Torrey Pines High School at noon on weekdays and weekends, MiraCosta College on weekends.  (Horse Park parking is now $5) Discount admission tickets sold at Vons and AlbertsonsIMG_5606

 

Seasurf Fish Co (Del Mar)

Thanks for stopping by to read today's issue of mmm-yoso!!!, a blog about food.  Kirk and His Missus are continuing their vacation and Cathy is writing this post.

In early October 2017, when The Mister and I were leaving Bushfire Kitchen after a lovely lunch, we saw signage across the parking lot about some sort of seafood restaurant 'opening soon!'.  There it ended.  Until a few weeks ago when I was driving and heard a special ring tone from my mobile phone and needed to pull off the freeway to respond immediately.  So here we were in the same parking lot…IMG_5702 Seasurf opened in late October 2017 and was the fourth partner of a group of Los Angeles/Culver City/Santa Monica based restaurants named Sea Salt Grill.
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IMG_5702It's a walk up, order, pay type place with your food brought to your table.  There is indoor and covered outdoor seating.  The menu is varied with Salads, Sandwiches and Poke.  There are Grilled, Steamed and Fried choices as well as Bowls, Tacos, Burritos with interesting 'sides' and 'extras'.  We sat down with the menu to plan this meal. 
IMG_5702 Seaweed salad ($3.99) was a reasonable choice to serve as a palate refresher during the meal we planned.  Fresh, tender (I somehow have had a few unfortunate encounters with seaweed texture which I can only describe as 'shredded plastic') with a subtle sesame flavor.   A large, flavorful serving. 
IMG_5702There are two home made soups available ($3.99/cup) and we ordered one of each.  The Baja Seafood Chowder 'cup' (I wonder how large the bowl is) filled with fish, shrimp and sea clams along with tomato, carrots, celery, onion, hominy and potato was really good.  The Fisherman's Wharf Clam Chowder had sea clams and baby clams along with onion, celery and potato.  Also excellent.  Even side by side it was difficult to pick a favorite.  
IMG_5702Of course we chose the Crispy Calamari ($6.99) to share.  The light cornmeal breading and perfectly fried, tender squid was also great.  The tartar and cocktail sauces were fresh made and really tasty.  Kind of sad it was the only fried item we ordered, but in reality it was just enough.
IMG_5702At the bottom of the "Off The Grill" part of the menu was Seafood Cioppino ($13.99).  This was a perfect item to share.  Scallops, clams mussels, shrimp, calamari and fish in a garlic tomato sauce: traditional Italian stew on top of a small serving of rice.  The two pieces of  grilled toast were just enough to sop up the rest of the juices. Such wonderful flavors!

Condiments were not needed for any of this meal. 

So glad we stopped and were able to try a bit of everything. There will be return visits.  

Faye has been here.

Seasurf Fish Co 2650 Del Mar Heights Road Del Mar, CA 92014 Website (858) 280-7100 Open: Mon-Fri 11a.m.-9 p.m., Sat-Sun 12-9

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The UPAC Neighborhood Cafe (City Heights)

mmm-yoso!!! is a blog primarily about food.  There are many ways we (all) encounter places to share a meal. Cathy is writing today, while Kirk and His Missus continue to enjoy their vacation.

As is our usual method, The Mister and I began driving with hunger but no destination in mind.  We saw this eye-catching signage "Now open at 8 a.m., Breakfast Specials".  Of course we had to stop.

I knew the location.  Kirk had written about it in 2010, then The Mister and I went to Pho Tay Do a year later. The 4600 square foot restaurant now has become a Social Enterprise Center run by the non-profit organization Union of Pan Asian Communities.

Fullsizeoutput_9c3 A spacious area is now the Cafe, but that's only part of this Neighborhood Enterprise Center: Kitchen Creations, a Technology Hub, Product Design and Print Shop (hence, the signage) and The Community Gathering Place are each part of this building providing much needed resources and opportunities for both UPAC clients and the ethnically diverse residents and small business owners of City Heights. 

It was breakfast time when The Mister and I walked in and we didn't know what to expect. 
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IMG_5367The Breakfast menu is next to the cash register. The Lunch and Global Menu as well as the Beverage menu are on the wall to the left. 
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IMG_5367 The yogurt parfait ($2.50) was one choice.  Looks simple and basic.  Nope.  The fruit mixture (various fresh berries) is prepared in the kitchen, as are the granola toppings.  The yogurt is wonderful and thick.
IMG_5367 Overnight oats ($2.50) was another choice, made with oats, chia and almond milk with cinnamon, this was also served with the granola topping.  Wonderful mix of flavors and so good.   Will get again. 
IMG_5367 One menu item was 'Three Injera and large Tea" ($4). The Somali thin and spongy pancakes were made to order, topped with sesame oil and sugar.  We used our hands to tear and enjoy these warm and flavorful flatbreads.  

The tea choices were Chai or Somali tea (or assorted bags).  We were told that one had sugar and the other didn't.  This tea -a mix of spices- was also made with the individual ingredients here. Oh my, what a difference in being able to taste the cardamom, cinnamon, fresh ginger, cloves, black pepper!  This was a wonderful, refreshing accompaniment to our breakfast.

Of course we returned.   IMG_5623 The turkey cranberry sandwich ($5.50) was served on a croissant (croissants and bagels are not made here) and was filled with fresh ingredients.  The house-made cranberry sauce was spread on both sides of the bread, the greens are spinach, the meat was of high quality. An excellent sandwich.  
IMG_5623 We also ordered a side salad ($3.50) which you can see, arrived with walnuts on top…a fancy touch.  Fresh ingredients.  Quality.  Of course the dressing is made here.
IMG_5623 We decided to order from the Global Menu and chose this month's Filipino offering-adobo chicken ($5.85). Wow.  An excellent version of this basic Filipino cooking and marinade method.  Vinegar, garlic, salt (or soy), black pepper and bay leaf are the flavors of adobo-prepared anything (I've had mushroom adobo and it's great). Even the rice was high quality.IMG_5615IMG_5619 Let's go back to when we walked in and pay attention. All of the products sold on the shelves to the left are printed here.  The Product Design and Print Shop is equipped with all professional machinery.  The Youth who work here design and print the items (and are available to print items people order).  

Now, check out the glass case to the right of the cash register.  Fresh baked items daily.
IMG_5373 IMG_5612 On top of the glass case there is a basket with bits of day old items to sample…so you'll know what to order next time. This was a berry turnover, which was still warm.  Again, the berry mixture made in house. So good.

A great addition to the neighborhood for many reasons. Wonderful food and worth the stop. 

The UPAC Neighborhood Cafe 5296 University Avenue #A  92105 619-255-7644 Mon-Fri 8-5 {Kitchen closes at 3, but sandwiches, beverages and the baked fresh daily items available from 3-5}

Union of Pan Asian Communities website

IMG_5377IMG_5377IMG_5377IMG_5377This is the current menu; the Global menu changes monthly.

Brick Bowl-Sourdough, Vinegar, Korean-Kearny Mesa

CLOSED- Brick Bowl and its wonderful food is now gone.  It will be missed.

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of this food blog.  Welcome (back).  Today, Kirk is vacationing and Cathy is writing.

I saw the signage across the street from my parking spot after shopping at Niban and picking up a 2019 calendar.  Another new place to try. Turns out that Brick Bowl is known as 'the restaurant next to Yu Spa', a Day Spa with a Korean style sauna and many other services.  Since the parking lot also houses several auto repair shops as well as a busy car wash, Brick Bowl has a variety of customers (and potential customers) looking in at the menu choices. IMG_5422
IMG_5422There are some menus to the right of the cash register where you order and pay. Photos of menu are at the bottom this post.  The chalkboard special is good Monday to Friday and is the best way to try a smaller portion of the menu basics.
IMG_5767IMG_5397 The fresh made sourdough bread is the basis of the Brick Bowls. 
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You can 'Build your own Brick' (starting at $9.99) Choose a sauce, a meat, veggies, cheese and add-ons. There are also six choices of 'Chef Specials'-ingredient mixes decided.  The Mister wanted to try the "Bocelli's Italian Meatball Brick" ($10): marinara sauce, 100% beef meatballs (seven were in our Brick), cooked spinach, grilled onions, grilled bell peppers, olives, tomatoes and Mozzarella cheese. The grilled, buttery, herbed garlic bread on the side is what was pulled out from the thick cut slice of fresh sourdough.   
IMG_5422 IMG_5389 The photo doesn't do it justice, but this bowl is about two inches thick.  Everything tasted so good- very fresh ingredients.  
IMG_5741The secondary item available here are the (hot or cold) sparkling vinegar drinks ($3.99).  The "Elixir of Acid" graphics, as well as the tabletop tent information is interesting.  
IMG_5422 58050905837__DB663083-24A4-422D-BFE6-933F8FDDE3F7 We have tried the mango and the pineapple flavors, but there are more: passion fruit, lychee, pomegranate and watermelon.  The Mister and I used to purchase 'drinking vinegars' at Korean markets, but now add sparkling water to apple cider vinegar, at home.  The same is done here-along with the various fruit flavorings. IMG_5759IMG_5761 There is an A La Carte Menu and we decided to try the pan fried dumplings ($7).  The filling chocies are either vegan or pork.  We went with pork.  The filling was meaty and flavorful and the dumpling skins were thin and crispy and also wonderful.  This was a nice little snack.

IMG_5752IMG_5762 There is also Bibimbap ($11) which we got with beef and egg.  We received a second bowl and you can see the divided up ingredients.  This was so fresh and so tasty and had just enough (not too much) rice…despite the fact that it wasn't served in a hot stone bowl so the rice didn't crisp up, every ingredient was so fresh and it all went very well together.  Small containers of kimchee, pickled radish and cucumber were also given and there are house made condiments, water and cutlery on a table near the door.   IMG_5754 A cup of seaweed soup (beef broth or vegan) comes with the bibimbap. A lot of seaweed and so much flavor.

There are only a few other A La Carte menu items to try and some other drinks along with planning out some Brick Bowl combinations…I do like limited menus and the Korean choices make this small restaurant even more intriguing.  

Brick Bowl 3927 Convoy Street San Diego 92111 (between Ostrow and Othello) Open Mon-Thurs 11:30-3, 5:30-9. Sat 11:30-9, Sun 11:30-8 Website  

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Black Bear Diner (El Cajon)

mmm-yoso!!!, the food blog, has yet another post for you to peruse this day.  Kirk and His Missus are at the third of six stops on their Spring Vacation.  Cathy is holding down the fort.

Black Bear Diner opened in El Cajon in mid-April; it's a former Coco's location, familiar to locals.  The chain, founded in 1995 has 124 locations in 13 states.IMG_5645
IMG_5645The exterior and interior design is sort of 'rustic, appearing to be a local 'diner'.  There are wood carvings of bears, local-themed artwork, a large bar seating area.  
IMG_5645 The front page of the "Black Bear Gazette" menu is locally themed.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner menus each have choices of "Fit and Focused" meals as well as "Little Less" meals.  No need for a 'Senior' menu.  (Breakfast and Lunch are served all day, the Dinner menu starts at 4 p.m.).  How I wish calorie counts were not displayed…IMG_5645 The Mister ordered a "Bear's Choice Combo" ($10.69) and chose a sweet cream waffle (that's a bear claw design in the center), eggs over easy and two (or one of each) – thick cut bacon and a sausage link. (A smoked ham slice is the other breakfast meat available).  The eggs were perfectly prepared, the sausage was quite large, juicy and had a nice skin, a slight black pepper flavor could be discerned.  The bacon was indeed thick cut and quite wonderful.  The cream waffle had a vanilla flavor and was a bit dry- needed butter and syrup.   
IMG_5645 IMG_5673 I chose a "Classic Two Egg Combo" with chicken fried steak ($12.99), poached eggs (wonderfully prepared soft as requested), country red potatoes (red and green bell pepper as well as onions) were crispy on some edges (I wish each piece was crisped, but then I would have finished the quite large portion instead of taking home leftovers). The chicken fried steak- excellent.  The crust was so light and crispy, the meat portion large and juicy.  The gravy- a wonderful flavor and even though there is black pepper in it, the pepper was not overwhelming.  An excellent meal.   IMG_5675I asked for a biscuit as my bread and was disappointed.  It definitely was baked here and fresh, but quite dry.  I took more than half of it home and it was hard as a rock in a few hours.  Toast next time!

Java City Coffee, sustainable and hand roasted, is served here ($2.89) and it is very high quality.  I'm usually disappointed by most breakfast coffees and was pleasantly surprised. 

Service was excellent; we were checked on and asked about our likes as well as dislikes and enjoyed this meal.  We will return to try the lunch and dinner menu.  

 Black Bear Diner 1025 Fletcher Parkway El Cajon, CA 92020 Website Open daily 6 a.m.-10 p.m.

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City Bistro (American and Mediterranean) (El Cajon)

Thanks for coming back to read mmm-yoso!!!, a blog about food.   Kirk and His Missus are at their second spring vacation destination and Cathy is still blogging.

I couldn't figure it out.  Three clients called to make appointments and none of them would be available on a Monday morning, but all of them would be available on any other morning.  I later found out that they knew each other and met for breakfast every Monday, at this location (which had been Country Waffles for about 15 years) which was remodeled and turned into City Bistro in 2016.Fullsizeoutput_932 Across the street from Valley Foods Mediterranean Market  and about 1/2 mile from El Cajon Bistro, this location on East Main Street is another nice, neighborhood restaurant. 
Fullsizeoutput_932There's a bar seating area along with plenty of tables.  A television is visible from every seat, each set to a different channel (and all on closed captioning). There is a white board with a daily special at the front door. 
Fullsizeoutput_932 We ordered from the regular menu- the "Crepe Plate" ($11.99) (choice of fruit flavors; you can see this is strawberry) served with two eggs and either two bacon, two sausage or one of each. Each item was quite good, tasty, fresh.  Quality. 
Fullsizeoutput_932 I ordered the "Pan Handle Scramble" ($10.99) with country potatoes.  The potatoes were nicely fried, randomly chopped and quite tasty.  The scramble-I asked for the meat to be a sausage patty (they make the sausage patties here). It wasn't served on the side.
Fullsizeoutput_932 On the bottom of the panhandle serving plate was a large, fresh made biscuit, topped with the large Housemade sausage patty, topped with country gravy, topped with a scramble of eggs mixed with red and green bell peppers, onions and cheese and also topped with cheese.  Wow!  This was great, tasty and filling.  
 IMG_5498   IMG_5499 We returned for a lunch and tried the gyros plate ($11.99) (with a double order of salad instead of rice).  The house made tzatziki was really great as was the house made salad dressing.  The side of pita helped -there was a lot of gyros meat and I made a few little sandwiches in addition to making a gyros salad. 
IMG_5498 The Monte Cristo sandwich ($10.99) was a good choice.  Cheese on both slices of the French bread, plenty of turkey for the sandwich, all cooked in an egg batter: French Toast style.  The choice of sides (fries, fruit or onion rings) was easy.  Th rings were whole onions in a thin beer batter.  Crunchy, light and flavorful.  

A lot of good, fresh, 'from scratch' items here, friendly people working and regular, neighborhood clientele. There are plenty of Mediterranean items on the menu, including basturma at breakfast; we will be trying more in the future.

City Bistro 1248 East Main Street El Cajon, CA 92019 (619)442-4444 Open daily 7 a.m.-2 p.m.IMG_5492

 

Dunkin (donuts and sandwiches)

Here we are, reading mmm-yoso!!! on this rainy, chilly morning.  Cathy is trying to keep this food blog interesting, while Kirk and His Missus are vacationing.

There have been situations when I want to re-gift some gift cards received.  The thought that one of my friends or clients has gone to the trouble of purchasing a 'little something extra' stops me.  One client in particular, gave me a Dunkin' Donuts Gift card which I used in 2017, at both the Ramona And National City locations.  I had thanked him profusely and so, this year…another gift card.  IMG_8852
IMG_8852Now, there is a location closer to home in East County.  So, The Mister and I have had a few breakfasts. 
  IMG_5594 Of course there are donuts, but there is much more offered (note that the name is merely "Dunkin" on the exterior of this new building.)
IMG_8852 Breakfast sandwiches are available all day. The egg, cheese, bacon (or sausage) on a croissant ($4.39) is substantial and tasty. IMG_5184 IMG_5188IMG_5188 Black forest ham with egg and cheese on a toasted English muffin ($4.39) is also a good choice (less calories). Also on the menu is a bagel with the same fillings; but I haven't ordered it. 
IMG_5184 There are two "bowls" available, one with egg whites/spinach/roasted potatoes, cheddar and carmelized onions or this one, a 'sausage scramble' ($5.49)- eggs, sausage, Cheddar-Jack cheese, pepper and onions.  This was interesting once we figured out the difference between this and other 'scramble' (no potatoes). It is quite good. You could order a side of 'toasted hash browns'($1.09) and add those in if you really want some carbs.  It's nice to know there is this menu item available.   IMG_5597 IMG_5596 There is also a 'Wake Up Wrap' (egg and cheese only is $1.29, with meat (bacon, sausage, ham, turkey sausage) is $1.79).  Essentially the carbohydrate is a small flour tortilla.  There is a half egg, one slice of cheese and one slice of Black Forest ham and makes for a warm, tasty light meal. 

Now, a word about the donuts and coffee.  
IMG_5190First, the dark roast coffee is the only one I like here.  Hot or iced, it does not matter.  The other flavors are just not satisfying. Second, the cake donuts (and cake donut holes) taste good; the 'fried' items don't.  They just don't.  I've read that the donuts are delivered to the store frozen.  If true, it makes sense regarding the flavors.

Not terrible if you know what to order.  Helpful, friendly workers, amazingly fast service (they keep the drive thru moving!).  

Dunkin'  (over 8,500 locations in 41 states and 3,200 international restaurants in 36 countries) Website In San Diego, there are seven locations on military bases and five locations in other areas of the county. All of the franchises are owned by local military veterans. 

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